Members enjoyed a private screening of FORGIVEN at the Kodak screening room, written and directed by NU alum Paul Fitzgerald (C '93). A nominee for the Sundance Dramatic Film Grand Jury Prize, the film tells the story of a small-town District Attorney who, on the eve of his campaign launch for a seat in the U.S. Senate, receives word that the governor has exonerated a death row inmate whom he'd prosecuted and indicted five years earlier. An insightful and interesting question & answer session with Fitzgerald followed the screening.

On a sunny Sunday in March, a crowd of Northwestern alumni gathered to eat, drink, and mingle while watching the 2006 Academy Awards at Busby's Bar in Santa Monica. Several big-screen TVs provided a great view of the ceremony from any spot in the two private rooms, while the delicious buffet kept attendees stuffed. Comedy Central's Jon Stewart hosted the event (the Oscars, not the NUEA party - although it's nice to dream), and he was well-received by the audience at Busby's. Many in attendance were surprised by the revelation that Crash beat out Brokeback Mountain for Best Picture, but no one was happier about it than Matt Kane, who won our annual Oscar Pool with his astute predictions. Look for details on the February 25, 2007 NUEA Oscar Party - coming soon!

Writing Workshop with Lorraine Despres
3/9/06

Writer and Northwestern alumna Lorraine Despres began her NUEA workshop on "How to Create Great Moments in Film & Fiction" with the decree "Thou shalt not bore thy audience!" Despres, who wrote for numerous TV shows as well as authored several novels, made good on her words with insightful stories and tips on powerful writing, illustrated by clips from Jerry Maguire, Titanic, As Good as it Gets, and a reading from her bestseller The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc.  For more info about Lorraine, visit her website.

LA-NU Showcase
5/23/06

The El Portal Theater in North Hollywood was abuzz with talent, energy, and a few glasses of wine on Tuesday, May 23rd as Northwestern held its annual LA-NU Showcase, co-sponsored by the NUEA West. Eighteen actors and actresses performed scenes written and directed by fellow NU alumni in front of an audience that included friends, family, Northwestern seniors, and Hollywood entertainment executives, casting directors, and agents.

The process began with writers workshopping and developing a series of scenes under the guidance of Heath Corson. "We spent three weeks writing and rewriting our scenes," said David Holstein (C '05). "Heath gave great constructive feedback." The scenes were clever and often touching, and the performers showcased a wide range of their talents. After the performance, the cast, crew, and audience mingled at the post-show reception, which was sponsored by the NU School of Communication's Internship Program.

"Over The Hedge" Screening
6/1/06

DreamWorks Animation studio played host to a free screening of the animated family film "Over The Hedge", featuring a Q&A with director and NU alum Tim Johnson. The film was great fun, and the event was extremely well-attended! Thanks to everyone who came out for this great event.

NUEA members explored the roots of our industry in a journey through time to downtown LA's Broadway Historic Theatre District. The walking tour introduced participants to the largest concentration of pre-World War II movie houses in America. We got an exclusive look at the unique architecture and history of this neighborhood and found out how the entertainment industry evolved from the heyday of these majestic movie palaces.

Panel: The Psychology of Success in Hollywood
7/17/06

Everyone wants to succeed in this business, but what defines success? An agent, a spec sale, or a leading role? A big payday, critical accolades, awards, or longevity? And what does it all mean on a happiness scale? These burning questions were addressed at the NUEA's annual panel on "The Psychology of Success in Hollywood". Unique and diverse perspectives on success were provided by a writer, an actor, and an agent (all Northwestern alumni). The event was followed by an evening of cocktails at La Dolce Vita.

"Pope Dreams" screening and Q&A
8/10/06

On August 10, NUEA hosted a private screening of NU alumnus Patrick Hogan's independent feature POPE DREAMS. The film was screened at the Speilberg Room at the Egyptian Theater, which is run by NU grad Barbara Smith. POPE DREAMS is a mature, well-made coming of age story about a young musician dating a girl out of his league and dealing with his mother's losing battle with cancer. Wirter/director Hogan and Executive Producer Steve Loh were on hand for an informative Q&A along with the film's star, newcomer Phillip Vaden. Hogan and Loh discussed the importance of music in the film, as well as some of the challenges of staying on schedule and the ins and outs of the festival circuit.

Dillo Day LA
9/24/06

The west coast incarnation of everyone's favorite NU tradition highlighted the NUEA's musically talented alumni. Three bands, each featuring at least one Northwestern grad, rocked the stage at Hotel Cafe for a full afternoon. In addition to free food & drinks and raffle prizes, everyone who attended picked up a free CD compilation of Northwestern bands and artists. The bands featured at Dillo Day LA were:

• The Middle Class (with Matt Doherty)

• Hazelden (with Mary Jane Snow)

• Louden Swain (with Rob Benedict)

NUEA Writers Group Meeting
With guest speaker, TV writer/producer Eric Gilliland (RTVF '84)
10/9/06

Eric discussed his influences, his early experiences in LA from his first writing job to show runner and Executive Producer for "Roseanne", to his current job on the TBS series "My Boys" and his recently completed feature-length screenplay.  He discussed a wide range of topics for new writers and answered questions from the group on topics such as writing samples, working with other writers and stars on a show, pitching and story meetings, changing trends in half-hour comedy, and the differences between working on a single-camera show and a three-camera show. 

The NUEA Writers Group meets monthly.  Group members read two feature or television screenplays before each meeting.  Meetings also include guests from time to time (writers, producers, agents) who help provide insight into the business and creative process.  If you're interested in joining the Writers Group, send a request to info@nueawest.org

Panel: Surviving LA

• Eric Bernt (writer, Romeo Must Die, The Hitcher)
• Eric Emery (talent agent)
• Seth Hoffman (writer, "Prison Break")
• Roger Kumble (director, The Sweetest Thing, Cruel Intentions)
• Linda Lowy (casting director, Grey's Anatomy)
• Lindsay Sloane (VP of Development, USA Network)
• Steve Stark (Grammnet Productions, exec producer, "Medium")
• Dana Wilson (post-production supervisor, "Desperate Housewives")
• James DuMont (actor, "CSI", Catch Me If You Can)
• Damona Resnick (NBC Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives)

Over 50 people attended the NUEA's first short film night on November 20, 2006 at the M Bar in Hollywood. Seven different films were screened, featuring Northwestern alumni in a variety of roles including writer, director, producer, and actor. The films ranged from humorous takes on the world of speed dating to serious character driven film noir dramas. After the screening, the cast and crew held a question and answer session from aspiring Northwestern alumni, explaining how they made their films and giving advice to wannabe filmmakers.

The next NUEA Short Film Night is scheduled for March 12. We'd love to give all you talented alumni a chance to showcase your work. If you have a short film that you would like to submit for our next event, send an e-mail to info@nueawest.org with the subject line "Short Film Night." Please include a short description of the film and list any and all NU alumni involved. And be sure to include your contact info, so that we can get back to you. We look forward to seeing your movie at our next Short Film Night!

"Deck The Hulls" Holiday Party
12/5/06

The swanky brand-new club Sunset Beach played host to a sold-out crowd of young entertainment professionals on December 5th. Northwestern alumni mingled with graduates from Michigan, Yale, Wisconsin, and the University of Texas while enjoying an evening of special school-themed drinks and a menu of fine finger food. The event also featured a book drive, the proceeds of which will go to Los Angeles public schools to help supplement their libraries.

Megan Mullally Show Taping
12/8/06

The NUEA partnered with the NU Club of LA and attended a taping of the Megan Mullally Show. Those in attendance got to watcth three shows being taped - one live show and two "best-of" shows.  They also snagged an armful of promotional gifts from the show's sponsors! Northwestern alumni were provided with great seats and received a VIP treatment from the show. After the taping, our Northwestern crew was invited to the stage to take a photo with the star herself. Mullally, a Northwestern alumnus who started out studying theater but ended up with an English Literature degree, is best-known for her role as Karen Walker on "Will and Grace".