Actor Martin Papazian - and the producers of the feature "Least Among Saints" - wisely threw caution to the wind and splurged on a splashy premiere for their timely drama at the ultra-chic screening room at ICM (International Creative Management) in Century City last evening.
The gamble paid off.
Excited guests streamed into the tony environs of the super agent's West Coast headquarters (on a week night, yet!) to chat each other up in the lobby before plunking down into the comfy plush seats in the well-appointed theatre.
When I first moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career years ago, slipping through the "sacred doors" to rub shoulders with the power-elite at ICM was tantamount to winning the lottery.
I mused over the fact I was now an invited guest (albeit, years later) courtesy of top PR "dogs" at PMK-BNC.
Meanwhile, all around me, filmgoers - sipped on cocktails and nibbled on imported cheese, tasty crackers, delectable desserts, and fresh fruit of the season - as they raved about the compelling feature about a veteran who returns home shell-shocked from overseas and finds it difficult to transition back into society or even connect with loved ones, family and friends.
The general consensus?
"Least Among Saints" has the potential to be a hit at the box office if the word gets out.
Personally, I was quite taken by surprise by this little "gem".
It is not often that I encounter a project that unfolds on screen without stumbling in the first few minutes, for starters.
Moreover, I found the material to be fresh and original, the dialogue crisp, and the acting - well - remarkably natural.
Martin Papazian was excellent in the lead role as the troubled soldier, for example.
And, newcomer - Tristan Lake Leabu - was simply astounding playing a little boy lost and in need of some guidance from a father figure after his mother dies of a drug overdose.
In the opening introduction, one of the producers joked that there are 3 or 4 rules to follow whenever embarking on a filmmaking project.
"Don't ever produce your son's script. Don't work with animals and kids. And, most of all, don't distribute your own film."
"We broke all the rules," he cackled.
The audience roared.
When I quizzed Martin Papazian about the budgets costs of their project, he quipped:
"A bit more than The Blair kWitch Project. And, a little less than the Titanic."
"Saints" had a 19-day shooting schedule.
For the time and money spent, the filmmakers have turned out a well-crafted vastly entertaining film - that not only touches - but resonates deeply.
A review will follow.
The head of "Volunteers of America" - who attended the screening last night to lend support to the filmmakers - was in for a surprise, too.
The production team presented the VOA with a Crystal Plaque to honor their service to American Veterans and a check for $5,000 to fund programs.
The rep noted that they have just recently hired-on six veterans to focus on soldiers returning home from the conflicts overseas in coming months (so the money will be used wisely).
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the organization, the VOA helps veterans overcome the barriers that stand between them and a stable secure life after they are discharged and return home to these shores.
To accomplish that end, VOA's housing units provide case management services for the vets and their families.
VOA outreach centers also provide treatment for PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and addictions.
"We make sure veterans connect to the benefits they are entitled to and we make use of the strong bonds forged between veterans by incorporating mentoring and peer-to-peer support."
Kudos!
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