The independent filmmaking industry is robust in Central Ohio, as demonstrated by the quality of the films submitted to the 48 Hour Film Project Columbus these two years.  So you may ask how we can help these talented filmmakers get more exposure in the industry. 

There are a few organizations in Ohio dedicated for this purpose.  Mid Ohio Filmmakers Association (MOFA) is one of them.  It promotes and develops filmmaking in mid Ohio by providing a platform for local filmmakers to socialize and network. We (Skye Public Relations) are glad to partner with MOFA to help raise funds for their organization as well as to promote "Night Before the Wedding," a film that was made by a team of talented crew and cast, including two crew members who called Ohio home - Gregor Collins and A.J. Rickert-Epstein.  Both of them have amazing credits in the filmmaking and TV industry.  Their bios are at the bottom of this page.

Night Before the Wedding* is written and directed by David Branin, the winner of the Audience Choice Award at Hollyshorts Film Festival with the film "Honey, I'm Home" in 2007.  This award-winning film was shown in over 25 international film festivals.  Night Before the Wedding is Branin's first attempt at a feature film, which turned out to become quite a record-breaking endeavor.  This became the first full-length feature to ever premiere at the prestigious Hollyshorts Film Festival in August this year, a festival that, as its name suggests, is traditionally where the biggest shorts films in the world are shown.  In addition, the premiere at Laemmle Sunset 5 in Los Angeles was sold out. There were many people in Los Angeles who did not get a chance to see this film, but we are privileged to be able to screen it in Ohio, which is the first time it has ever been shown outside Los Angeles.

*This movie is not recommended for children under the age of 17.  It has adult language, adult themes and nudity.


    


The organizers and sponsors

This fundraiser is organized by MOFA and Skye Public Relations.   Arena Grand Movie Theatre is one of our sponsors who has graciously provided their beautiful theater for this event.  Dimensional Entertainment is providing four prizes for the drawing at the end of the movie. Everyone who attends this fundraiser will get a chance to win 2 full memberships to Dimensional Entertainment (6-month memberships valued at $125 each) as well as 2 tickets to the Haunted Hotel Halloween Party at the Hyatt Regency (largest Halloween party in Columbus) valued at $30 each.  Diablo Productions is another sponsor for our prize drawing.  "The Unwanted"  - A solid horror and adventure graphic novel will be available for drawing as well.  There are more details about how you can increase your chances to win these prizes in the next section!

     


Details of the event

When: October 28, 2009 (Wed), from 7:00pm

Why: Fundraising for MOFA and premiere of "Night Before the Wedding" in Ohio

What: Come and enjoy a feature film that was made by a team of Ohio and Los Angeles filmmakers while get a chance to win some really cool prizes...in the very nice Arena Grand theater in Columbus.

Price: $5.00 per movie ticket at the door with one drawing ticket for a chance to win some cool prizes. Get an additional drawing ticket per movie ticket when you buy it online via PayPal.  There will be an additional $1.00 per ticket to cover the PayPal commission (but your double your chance to win the prizes!).  Buy tickets here:


How to get your tickets bought online: Your name (as shown on PayPal) will be on a list at the registration table. You will also get additional drawing tickets there. If you attend any MOFA events prior to October 28, you can also buy tickets directly from Angie Palmer.

Schedule: 7:00pm  Networking (enjoy beer, wine & cocktail from the concession/bistro)
               7:30pm  Start of movie
               9:00pm  Q&A with the crew in Los Angeles (via web conferencing)
               9:15pm  Prize drawing (you have to be present to claim the prize)
               9:30pm  End of event

Where: Arena Grand Movie Theatre, 175 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215

Parking: Garage parking for $1 (get your parking ticket validated before you leave).  The Marconi Cinema Garage is on 245 Marconi Blvd.




The Story of Night Before the Wedding

Coming as a surprise to no one, straight-laced William Shay is tying the knot. In fact, he's getting married in less than 24 hours. Yet unbeknownst to him, his closest, inscrutable friend, Bronco, has planned a surprise bachelor party for the soon-to-be-husband and all their mutual friends.

The rowdy guys know Bronco has something special brewing, but quickly become unsavory when he refuses to show his cards, banning all alcohol consumption until Will arrives. After best man Bobby DeMayo lures Will to the party, William expects to give his greetings, and return home to his parents to have a quiet evening before the ceremony.

But before he realizes it, he has given everyone an impromptu speech, had a few drinks, and is slowly seduced into partying. In the midst of all the fun, Will realizes how happy he is to be with his best friends.

But the gamechanger comes in the form of two real-life porn stars and their eccentric boss, who show up ready to put on a show. With seduction in the air, Will somehow finds himself alone in a bedroom with porn star, Melissa Mercury.

What happens next, no one would have ever fathomed, including Will.


Reviews of Night Before the Wedding

"I felt David's ability to direct a group in a totally real and naturalist way was daunting. It reminded me a great deal of Robert Altman."
Jamin Winans - Director, INK, 11:59, Spin

"Branin's well-observed drama gets at what makes men tick, honestly and sometimes painfully."
Mark Stolaroff – Founder, No Budget Film School; Producer, Pig

"The acting was on the money."
Johnny "Roastbeef" Williams, Actor, Goodfellas, Honeymoon in Vegas

"Gregor Collins gives a commanding performance as Bronco, in Night Before the Wedding."
Kevin Mann – Producer, Fanboys, More Than a Game, Prodigy

“Night Before the Wedding is a funny film with a great cast and a storyline that is FULL of surprises."
Kip Brown – Radio Host, LA Talk Radio’s ‘In the Can’

"Night Before the Wedding is a film you will definitely tell your friends about!"
Paul J. Alessi - Actor/Producer, Knuckle Draggers

"The truth is that, ultra-indie or not, Branin's Night Before the Wedding is a complex and deep work that easily transcends any initial impressions its subject matter might give."
J.C. Macek III, World's Greatest Critic

“An insightful study in male relationships. Night Before the Wedding is a great debut for David Branin, and a sign of things to come for this budding indie filmmaker.”
Marty Lang – Producer, Being Michael Madsen

"A charming and well-written indie flick. Michael Shaun Sandy is hilarious and Gregor Collins is definitely someone to watch."
Jeremy Lubin – Director, Derailroaded

"Night Before the Wedding is a funny and emotional rollercoaster ride."
Johnny Pace, Film Reviewer

"It's Very Bad Things meets Bachelor Party! An amazing debut from writer/director David Branin."
Alex Ferrari - Director, Broken, Red Princess Blues

"Branin's NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING is a solid film debut with some crazy characters and a very surprising ending that I didn't see coming."
Gary King - Director, New York Lately, What's Up Lovely

"Night Before The Wedding is a rare and significant Indy achievement! Delivering compelling performances from an ensemble cast, who delve deep into the inner workings of the male psyche...unlike any other bachelor party before!"
Laura Russo - Producer/Actress, Road Reps

"I was without a doubt impressed with Night Before the Wedding! Although it had its awkward and raunchy moments, the film had all the elements of a great comedy and romantic drama. It was truly an entertaining piece of cinema, and I applaud David Branin
and his talented crew for piecing together such a great production."
Steve Nguyen - Producer, The Making of a Memoir, Disturbance

"The bachelor party shennanigans with an indie twist...men behaving badly and the real consequences that arise as seen through a unique human eye of keen observation from newcomer David Branin."
David Spaltro - Writer/Director, Around the Film


Trailer of Night Before the Wedding