Woody Allen Move Over, an 800 Pound, Bright Blue Gorilla is Here!

Michael Glover, Robyn Rosenkrantz, Paul Huebl and Gregor Marvel

Berlin, Germany—I had the absolute pleasure to sit down with two expatriate Americans living in this great city.  Musicians and filmmakers Michael Glover and Robyn Rosenkrantz sold everything they owned but their musical instruments and the clothes on their backs taking the very bold step of moving to Europe. 

They’ve been making films with their own production company Bright Blue Gorilla.  I first met them through their European friends after getting invited to a Hollywood Screening of their farce film, Go With Le Flo.  It was a real Blue Carpet Event where I was handed a banana as I walked in the door.

The Film was terrific and the reception after was filled with cast members that flew in for the event.  It made for a delightful evening. 

I knew it was just a matter of time and I’d be visiting with them and another Berlin pal, Gregor Marvel that was in that film.

Imagine making a film in another country with several actors and crew members that have limited English skills.  A great director knows how to get the most out of actors and doing that with the accompanied communications challenges can be daunting. The Bright Blue Gorilla team has delivered in spades.

Thankfully far less expensive but sophisticated filmmaking equipment has become obtainable to these talented kids enabling their filmmaking visions.  In return they take the audience away from their own difficulties and entertain, delight and thrill them with their movies.

Internet Crowd-Funding has been a necessary part of their films and it’s been paying off for everyone.  Right now they are involved in yet another project,  Mr. Rudolpho’s Jubilee. I just know it will be another fun film to watch.

I have to ask what’s next for the Bright Blue Gorilla?  Will he come to the USA and make films here too?  If the monster talent agencies (like CAA) spies ever get wind of the Gorilla they will quickly sign him up and he may just bring his parents back to L.A.

I heard there maybe a surprise announcement regarding, Go With Le Flo next month!  I wonder just what that may be? 

Here is a trailer for GO WITH LE FLO!

Go With Le Flow, a Film Review

Mariba Senckl (Jenny) and Lusia Wietzorek(Gabi)

Denis Aubert (Florian) and Roberta Bianchini (Tina)

Denis Aubert (Florian) and his Vespa

Los Angeles, CA—Many of my European friends are involved in filmmaking, acting and music.  Musician and film producer, Robyn Rosenkranz, recently contacted me.   She advised me that one of my Facebook friends; Gregor Marvel had a part in a film she produced in my favorite city, Berlin with her film director, screenwriter and musician husband, Michael Glover.

Rosenkranz invited me to a three-day "Blue Carpet" event in Los Angeles and that was enough for me!  I wanted to check out the film if for no other reason, I just like the excitement associated with film premiers.

Glover and Rosenkranz are themselves a study in grand adventure and risk-taking.  These two creative geniuses began in L.A. by selling all but their guitars and the clothes on their backs.   They booked one-way tickets to Europe.  Ever since, they’ve been giving concerts, selling CDs and now have five feature films under the name of Bright Blue Gorilla, behind them. 

The premier event began with a mixer and I was able to chat with some great kids that flew in from Berlin for this event and to take a tour while they were in the USA. 

The actual program began with a musical concert by this creative pair behind the entire event.  This was a really fun opening for their film, Go With Le Flow.

The film is set in beautiful Berlin with a somewhat heavy French influence.  It’s set in the Le Flo specialty store that peddles salami to its customers.  

The hero and shop owner is a character named Florian,  (Denis Aubert) who is both French and German.  Florian is a somewhat love-struck and confused soul who gets around Berlin’s landmarks via his Vespa motor scooter.  Aubert has a fun style that somehow reminds me of the late and great actor, Peter Sellers.

He thinks he is in love with one woman but poor Florian is in for some zany adventures as he clumsily pursues the object of his affection.  Of course there is another very delightful gal, Jenny (Marina Senckel) who loves Florian and also just happens to be his best friend but Florian is much too blind to notice.  I don’t want to put too many spoilers out there because you need to see this unfold yourself.

Glover’s writing is both very clever and hilarious.  The film is well shot with hand held cameras, which can be risky, however in this film it actually brought life to this movie putting the audience right there with the characters!

The film is subtitled in English.  That can be very tricky especially for a comedy.  Don’t ask me how Glover made it work so well considering he does not speak German!  None of the great gags were lost. 

The only thing I can say about this film is that it’s delightful fun!  The actors are well cast and they are all having fun and so will the audience.  The use of Berlin’s landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate made me homesick for this great city and it’s people.

The film will be premiering through April 24, at the Downtown Independent located 251 S Main Street in downtown Los Angeles.  The special opening events will continue Saturday night and Sunday afternoon ((April 12 & 13)  The website with further information is at:  www.gowithleflow.com

Watch the trailer!