Hi Everyone!
Award season is in full swing and Brits in LA are caught up in the Oscar fever with the long-awaited 7th Annual Toscars! This is our short film parody competition of the current Oscar nominees for Best Picture. Ten teams of ten people were randomly selected last week, and now it’s time for the games to begin! Rules are pretty strict – original screenplay and musical score, budget of $250, and a little over 3 weeks to produce a five-minute film. It is truly amazing what people can do when under pressure – submissions over the years have ranged from “No Country For Gay Old Men’ to the very clever “The Con-Artist”.
Last year’s Toscar winner “Miserable Lesbians” went on to become a stage show that was performed in London, New York and even at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Oscar winner Eric Roberts was a judge last year, and Oscar show writer Bruce Vilanch headed up the judges the year before – Bruce says The Toscars are more fun than the actual Oscars! My favorite comment was from the BBC, who said “where else in Hollywood would you see former Bond actor George Lazenby and Sid Owen (Eastenders) at the same event”.
It all ends with a glamorous black tie affair, (we held it at the historic Egyptian Theatre last year) and the presentation of the coveted Golden Fist! Visit our website TheToscars.com for all the details on this years event and to view the films from previous years. Geek Eyewear, UpakWeShip and Beltran Brito have all come on board as sponsors – there are still a few opportunities available. Email me at eileen@Britsin.LA if you want to be part of The Toscars!
Our ‘Meet a Member’ this week is the multi talented Ewan Chung, not a Brit, but a very active Brits in LA member – he is not only a Toscar winner several times over, but is a fabulous singer too – Catch him live at Sterlings (5303 N Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood) on January 27th in a show called Miscasts – proceeds from the night go to Project Angel Food.
Brits in LA are hosting their first ever Burns Night celebration this weekend – fortunately we have roped in the Scottish guys from Glenfiddich and The Balvenie to make sure it has that authentic feel. You will be delighted to hear that they are also providing complimentary whisky! Lorne Cousin (who toured with Madonna!) will be piping in the haggis, and we have entertainment from Scottish comedian Wendy Wason. You don’t have to be Scottish to attend, in fact we welcome you , there is even a prize for the best fake Scottish accent , so get practicing! See you at Bedford & Burns (369 N. Bedford, Beverly Hills) Saturday January 25th.
We have lots of other events coming up over the next few weeks , our weekly Pub Quiz and Breakfast Club are on every Tuesday rain or shine. Sunday Roast at the Pikey in Hollywood will be on February 2nd. Visit our website Britsin.LA for full details.
Have a great week and see you all soon!
Cheers
Eileen
[adrotate group=”8″]
