The Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Dan Millman took the world by storm with his autobiography, “Way of the Peaceful Warrior.” The story takes place during Millman’s junior year at the University of California, while Millman is training to become a world champion gymnast. Millman encounters a 94-year old man named Socrates, who soon becomes his mentor. By blending Eastern philosophy and Western fitness, Socrates takes Millman on a journey that tests the limits of his mind, body and spirit. This riveting portrayal of one man’s quest for happiness became a national bestseller.
Now, the spiritual saga that inspired millions is moving to the big screen.
Scott Mechlowicz and Amy Smart, co-stars in last year’s “Eurotrip,” will star in the film, and Victor Salva will direct. Production began in March in Los Angeles. The film is in pre-production for release sometime in the next six months, so keep an eye out for this mindful film.
Side Effects
After ten years as a sales representative for the pharmaceutical industry, Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau has seen more than her share of corruption. Now she is fighting back, in a chilling exposé entitled “Side Effects.” The film, set for release in select theaters on September 9, stars Katherine Heigl of “Grey’s Anatomy.”
After leaving her job, writer-director Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau began to peruse the many post-its notes that she scribbled during her time as a sales rep. When she did so, the script practically wrote itself. She showed her script to various people in Hollywood, but was disappointed when Hollywood requested a more generic version of the film – something easier to swallow. At that point, Slattery-Moschkau knew that making the film herself was the only way to stay true to her vision. In one month, she raised the $190,000 it took to film the project and got to work. She shot in her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, using a cast and crew comprised almost completely of locals.
On September 9, viewers across America will discover the truth about the industry that they count on most to support their health. According to Slattery-Moschkau, “Right now, it is an absolute crapshoot as to whether any given individual will benefit from the industry or be harmed by it.” She goes on to explain that ignorance regarding the potential dangers of pharmaceutical drugs is not restricted to the American public. Physicians, too, are relatively uninformed about the pill-pushing reality of the pharmaceutical business. If successful, the film will serve as an eye-opener for doctors and patients alike.
Slattery-Moschkau also invites consumers to voice their own grievances by creating 30-second drug commercials. Possible prizes include $1000 cash and the chance to have the commercial included on the “Side Effects” DVD. Applicants can go to sideeffectsthemovie.com/bonus/ to submit their commercial. Contest ends October 1, 2005.
So, what ethical disaster will Slattery-Moschkau reveal next? When asked if she had any more projects in the works, she answered, “I’m writing a script on marriage . . . as honestly as I can write it.” Let’s just hope that one isn’t quite as disturbing as “Side Effects” promises to be.
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The Future Of Entertainment?
Gaiam, Inc., the lifestyle media company founded by Jirka Rysavy, recently announced a multi-faceted strategic relationship with Revolution Living LLC, a company founded by former AOL Chairman, Steve Case, to invest in businesses that encourage healthy and balanced living. Also partnering in this relationship is LIME media (previously Wisdom Media), the multi-platform television and radio media network.
Revolution Living will invest $20 million in Gaiam, and Gaiam will commit $7 million to purchase a minority interest in LIME Media, in which Revolution Living holds a controlling interest. This multi-faceted strategic relationship will yield a number of cross marketing, distribution and promotional agreements.
Gaiam will become LIME’s exclusive retail distributor of DVD programming, and LIME will become the exclusive broadcast distributor of new Gaiam ‘how to’ programming. Gaiam will promote LIME services in its catalogue publications, and LIME will air advertising spots for Gaiam on its television and radio networks. Jirka Rysavy and Lynn Powers, president of Gaiam, will join LIME’s Board of Directors.
This newly formed partnership is designed to accelerate mainstream acceptance of the LOHAS (lifestyles of health and sustainability) market.
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