New York Post: Page Six: Happy landings

Page Six in The New York Post ran the following article today;
June 6, 2010

Blue Star Jets isn't just a name in the "Wall Street" sequel but a real company. Founders Todd Rome and Ricky Sitomer were inspired by the 1987 original -- in which Charlie Sheen's character becomes an exec of Blue Star Airlines.

Then Blue Star was written into "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" after a chance meeting at the Waverly Inn between director Oliver Stone and publicist Norah Lawlor, who told him it was now a real company.

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Blue Star Jets - Returning to the Silver Screen in Cannes

Blue Star Jets - Returning to the Silver Screen in Cannes
May 20, 2010

Blue Star Jets—more than just a name in a film, but a real life private jet brokerage company. No coincidence, after all the company’s founders Todd Rome and Ricky Sitomer did title the company based on the business central to the cult classic movie, Wall Street. In the 1987 film, Michael Douglas stars as corporate raider Gordon Gekko who is seeking control of airline, Blue Star. Rome says the name Blue Star was chosen because, "In an era where private jet travel became accessible to the world's business and jetset elite, Blue Star Jets was the obvious name to choose in homage to Wall Street.

Now, twenty-three years later, Oliver Stone premiered the star-studded sequel Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps at the Cannes Film Festival, where Blue Star made its big screen comeback during a scene where Charlie Sheen’s character (Bud Fox), returns to tell Gekko (Douglas) that his private aircraft business is booming. The film’s other hefty cameos? Look out for big names 'The Sage of Omaha' Warren Buffett, Economist Nouriel Roubini and Vanity Fair's Graydon Carter. Widely anticipated to be a blockbuster the movie hits theatres September 24, 2010. (www.wallstreetmoneyneversleeps.com)

About Blue Star Jets: As one of the world’s largest private aircraft charter broker, Blue Star Jets offers an unparalleled level of personalized service. As their motto states, ANY JET, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE™, Blue Star Jets grants clients freedom from the financial constraints of fractional jet ownership; the savings of paying only for trips taken; and the flexibility to choose the best aircraft according to a trip’s specific budget requirement. Most recently, Blue Star Jets has introduced the world’s first online social networking site for travelers seeking to fly privately, while minimizing costs— the ShareAJet Exchange. As the first site of its kind, the ShareAJet Exchange introduces travelers to flying privately together, helping clients connect with other flyers planning trips to similar destinations and arrange to share flights aboard a specific private aircraft. As Blue Star Jets grants travelers unmatched access to the private aviation industry through its centralization of the charter business, eliminating the need for fractional jet ownership, the ShareAJet Exchange will once again lower the barrier of entry for travelers into the marketplace as it brings down the costs of private aviation for travelers by up-to-fifty percent.

As an idea which arose from business executives, Mr. Todd Rome and Mr. Ricky Sitomer, frustrated with the lack of service and high costs of flying privately, Blue Star Jets has revolutionized the private aviation charter business through centralization of a fractured marketplace. By creating a network of charter companies, Blue Star Jets has access to over 4,000 aircraft worldwide, ranging from helicopters to Boeing business jets. Its staff of aviation specialists solicits competitive bids on each flight request, passing the savings to their clients. Blue Star Jets’ aviation specialists are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Since 2005, the New York-based Luxury Institute has named Blue Star Jets the “Most Prestigious Private Jet Services Brands.” For more information, please visit www.bluestarjets.com.

N.C. Heikin's Kimjongilia builds on acclaim from Sundance & New York, winning One World Best Human Rights Documentary Film Award

N.C. Heikin's Kimjongilia builds on acclaim from Sundance & New York, winning One World Best Human Rights Documentary Film Award

April 29, 2010
Recently, the 2010 One World Festival Brussels, in partnership with The Human Rights and Democracy Network (HRDN) , unanimously awarded Best Film of 2010 to Kimjongilia by filmmaker N.C. Heikin. Following its screening at the European Parliament, Kimjongilia was awarded the prestigious honor, crediting its artistic quality and compelling, powerful message about the human rights abuses in North Korea. The prize was presented by HRDN jurors during the closing ceremony of the festival at the Czech Permanent Representation.

Juror Catherine Absalom, of The International Federation of Human Rights said, “This elegantly beautiful film is an anguished cry for help which cannot be ignored. Emotion overwhelms the viewer in the face of trying testimonies from the rare exiles of the world's most isolated and hermetic state, and the most devoid of human rights. ‘Listen to us’, demands a survivor of these terrible, secretive camps. I have only one response ‘YES’.”

HRDN brought together a jury of specialists to choose the prize winner among this year’s entries in Brussels. HRDN since 2009, has been involved in the Brussels film screenings and ensuing debates of the One World Festival. Founded by former Czech president Václav Havel, The One World Festival in Prague, is where Kimjongilia was screened to packed houses. This fourth Belgian festival, under the prestigious patronage of European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek, has given the public an opportunity to discover a selection of eighteen documentaries from the Prague festival treating the subjects of human rights violations, denial of political rights and impunity that prevail in different parts of the world.

ABOUT KIMJONGILIA: Kimjongilia The Flower of Kim Jong Il (Lorber Films) is the first film to fully expose the humanitarian crisis of North Korea. The film reveals the extraordinary stories told by survivors of North Korea’s vast prison camps, devastating famine, and every kind of oppression. Filmmaker N.C. Heikin provides a historical backdrop to North Korea’s situation and examines why defectors fled, gives accounts of their harrowing escapes, and reveals the dangers they face in China, hunted by both Chinese and North Korean police. The refugees come from every walk of life, from child concentration camp inmates to an elite concert pianist. Their stories, however, all speak to repression and the breaking of body-and-soul. These humble heroes are inspiring, for despite their unimaginable suffering, they continue to hold out hope for a better future. For further information, please visit www.kimjongiliathemovie.com, or the Facebook fan page.

ABOUT N.C. HEIKIN: A student of dance and theatre at Sarah Lawrence College, N.C. Heikin began working at La Mama Experimental Theatre Club upon graduation. There, Heikin created the title role in La Mama’s renowned production, Carmilla as well as a series of interdisciplinary performance pieces, shown in New York City and at theatre festivals around the world. Her performance background is exhibited in the manner in which she has crafted this innovative documentary. Heikin made her film directing debut in 2004 with her prizewinning narrative short, mañana, which debuted on Indiepix in May 2008. Kimjongilia, her first documentary, received a grant from the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program and was invited to the Sundance Story & Edit Lab in June 2008. It premiered at Sundance 2009 and has since played in festivals around the world, including the Sarasota Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Docuwest, Hamburg Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and South Korea’s Pusan International Film Festival.

Filmaker N.C. Heikin's Critically Acclaimed Kimjongilia Opens in New York City

FILMMAKER N.C. HEIKIN’S CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED KIMJONGILIA OPENS IN NEW YORK CITY

Kimjongilia is a haunting look at the reality inside the most secretive country in the world. Told from the perspectives of North Korean refugees who shine light on the atrocities taking place in their homeland, and juxtaposed with clips from North Korea's mass propaganda machine that has indoctrinated citizens to worship the North Korean leadership, Kimjongilia is a film that shocks, enlightens and stays with you. –Laura Ling, journalist, held captive in North Korea over five months in 2009.

KIMJONGILIA, The Flower of Kim Jong Il (Lorber Films), is the first film to fully expose the humanitarian crisis of North Korea, examining the mass illusion possible under totalitarianism and the human rights abuses required to maintain that illusion.

North Korea is governed by a totalitarian regime that has controlled all information entering and leaving the country for the sixty years since the conflict with South Korea. A cult of personality surrounds its two leaders: Kim Il-Sung (“Great Leader”), and his son, Kim Jong-Il (“Dear Leader”). For Kim Jong Il’s 46th birthday, a hybrid red begonia named kimjongilia was created, symbolizing wisdom, love, justice, and peace. The film draws its title from the rarefied flower and reveals the extraordinary stories told by survivors of North Korea’s vast prison camps, devastating famine, and every kind of oppression. Filmmaker N.C. Heikin provides a historical backdrop to North Korea’s situation in her deeply moving documentary that examines why defectors fled, gives accounts of their harrowing escapes, and reveals the dangers they face in China, hunted by both Chinese and North Korean police. The refugees, who were interviewed in South Korea, where they now live, come from every walk of life, from child concentration camp inmates to an elite concert pianist. Their stories, however, all speak to repression and the breaking of body-and-soul. In essence, these humble heroes are inspiring, for despite their unimaginable suffering, they continue to hold out hope for a better future. For further information on Kimjongilia, please visit here, or the Facebook Fan page here. For film times and tickets, please visit www.cinemavillage.com.


ABOUT N.C. HEIKIN: A student of dance and theatre at Sarah Lawrence College, N.C. Heikin began working at La Mama Experimental Theatre Club upon graduation, with Wilford Leach and Andrei Serban, among others. There, Heikin created the title role in La Mama’s renowned production, Carmilla as well as a series of interdisciplinary performance pieces, shown in New York City and at theatre festivals around the world. Her performance background is exhibited in the manner in which she has crafted this innovative documentary. In 1986, Heikin began screenwriting with commissions from Paramount and Disney and has since done movies for television and episodic work. Heikin made her film directing debut in 2004, with her prizewinning narrative short, mañana, which debuted on Indiepix in May 2008. Kimjongilia is her first documentary. It received a grant from the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program and was invited to the Sundance Story & Edit Lab in June 2008. It premiered at Sundance 2009 and has since played in festivals around the world, including the Sarasota Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Docuwest, Hamburg Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and South Korea’s Pusan International Film Festival.

The Hurt Locker Celebrates at London's Chic Automat's Almada

THE HURT LOCKER CELEBRATES AT LONDON’S CHIC AUTOMAT’S ALMADA

Automat's Almada, London's hottest haunt under the chic, celeb-favorite eatery Automat, was host to the official after-party for The Hurt Locker following the film's six-award-sweep at the BAFTA Awards. Director Kathryn Bigelow, starring lead actor Jeremy Renner, producers Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro, and screenwriter Mark Boal were all seen celebrating the night’s honors. Also spotted was movie producer Harvey Weinstein, who kept the party going after his own fête with A Single Man's Colin Firth, Carey Mulligan and the Olsen twins, celebrating until 6:00AM.

The Hurt Locker, which stars Jeremy Renner, Ralph Fiennes, Evangeline Lilly, Guy Pierce and Anthony Mackie, continues to earn impressive critical acclaim. At the BAFTA Awards, the film garnered awards for Best Film, Best Director (Kathryn Bigelow), Best Original Screenplay (Mark Boal), Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Sound. Looking ahead, The Hurt Locker is nominated for nine Academy Awards.

Automat fuses London's pleasure-seeking social appetite with New York's inimitable style, as an American Brasserie, Automat draws on New York's cultural and social energy beloved by Londoners, presented as a refined yet relaxed, stylish dining experience. This cultural exchange between the world’s two greatest cities is now home to Almada— tucked away below the chic dining locale, Almada has quickly become one a globally exclusive spots and a must-visit venue for London-bound celebrities. For further information, please visit www.automat-london.com.

The Weinstein Company & Insignia Productions Celebrates Quentin Tarantino at Star-Studded Lunch

THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY & INSIGNIA PRODUCTIONS CELEBRATES QUENTIN TARANTINO AT STAR-STUDDED LUNCH

The Weinstein Company and hot, new event-planning company, Insignia Productions – owned by Ranee Bartolacci-Meir – held an afternoon fête for legendary Director Quentin Tarantino, toasting the Academy Award-nominated film, Inglourious Basterds at legendary L.A. eatery, Musso & Frank’s. The day’s A-list guest-list – including Eli Roth, Ron Howard, Jacqueline Bisset, Jon Voight, Harvey Weinstein, Norman Lloyd, Martin Landau, Cloris Leachman, Bruce Davison, Sam Jean, Irwin Winkler and Lawrence Bender – enjoyed a gourmet lunch and brief speech by the honored filmmaker himself.

The critically-acclaimed film has made a splash this 2010 Awards Season, taking home the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz), and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Cast and Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz). Inglorious Basterds has been nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best picture, Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz), Best Director (Quentin Tarantino) and Best Original Screenplay. Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds stars Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz and Mélanie Laurent and tells the story of two plots to assassinate Nazi Germany's political leadership.

Insignia Productions is a luxury full-service event production company specializing in intricate inspired design, customized planning and the logistical production of private and corporate functions, based in New York City. Client specific, Insignia Productions works to fulfill the individualized needs of its clientele, personalizing each event through distinguishing imaginative design. Owner, Ranee Bartolacci-Meir enjoys working one-on-one with clients, helping to celebrate milestones and create memories. For further information, please visit www.insigniaproductions.com.

Award-winning Educational Documentary Released in Theatres September 2009

Award-winning Educational Documentary Released in Theatres September 2009

Just in time for the back-to-school season, The Providence Effect (Dinosaurs of the Future), an inspirational feature documentary, hit select theaters in New York City, Chicago, New Jersey, Los Angeles (October 2, 2009), and Washington D.C. on Friday, September 25, 2009.

Chronicling the extraordinary journey of Paul J. Adams III, an educator who has challenged the Chicago school system for thirty years with his revolutionary approach to teaching, The Providence Effect is an emotional, hopeful and awe-inspiring story of student achievement in the face of hardship. Having received praise from a number of film festivals earlier this year – Best Documentary, Omaha Film Festival 2009; Most Inspirational Documentary, Seattle True Independent Film Festival 2009; and Audience Choice Best Documentary, Lake County Film Festival 2009 – The Providence Effect was directed by Rollin Binzer (Director of Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones), also a Producer with Tom Hurvis, Co-Producer Joey Dedio and Executive Producer Julie Esch Hurvis.

The Providence Effect showcases Adams’ vision and his school’s successes. Providence St. Mel is a Chicago K-12 private school located on the city’s crime and drug-ridden West Side that has for thirty years placed 100% of its graduates in colleges and universities. On the heels of that success, Adams subsequently established Providence Englewood, a K-8 charter school, which has increased its students test scores by 400% since opening in 2006.

Featuring engaging interviews with students, parents, alumni, teachers and administrators, the film takes the audience from science fairs and concert performances to in-class instruction and graduation, providing an intimate look into the people and teaching methods that have made Providence St. Mel and Providence Englewood national educational success stories. The Providence Effect traces the school’s development from a struggling dream into an institution that produces not only inspired students, but parents, teachers and administrators dedicated to settling for nothing less than the highest expectations.

As national high school dropout rates continue to rise, and slashed state budgets devastate school systems, The Providence Effect presents the story of a compassionate educator who has defied all the odds, to the great benefit of all his students, their parents and teachers.

For more information please visit www.theprovidenceeffect.com.