When I Find the Ocean

The Myrtle Beach International Film Festival

2006-04-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

Would you believe that we are screening at the upcoming Myrtle Beach International Film Festival?! This is exciting, especially after our award at the Reel Women International Film Festival. "When I Find The Ocean" is on the move.

Keep your eyes and ears open for our next major announcements. Yes, we are going into development on.... We'll let you know very soon.

Many exciting things coming your way in the near future. Stay tuned.

Update

2006-04-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

CYPRESS MOON PRODUCTIONS "WHEN I FIND THE OCEAN"

WINS HONORABLE MENTION DURING

THE REEL WOMEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Debut Feature Film From Acclaimed Filmmaker Tonya S. Holly SelectedAmong Top Two Feature Films In The Dramatic Competition

March 29, 2006, Los Angeles, Sheffield, AL - Feature film productioncompany Cypress Moon Productions (www.cypressmoonproduction.com) has received an Honorable Mention for its debutfeature film "When I Find the Ocean" during the 2006 Reel WomenInternational Film Festival.

The highly-anticipated screening, which was held on Friday March 24,2006 in Hollywood, was recognized as the second most notable film in thedramatic feature film category following the festival winner MyBollywood Bride.

"Told through the incredible vision of first time feature film directorTonya S. Holly, "When I Find the Ocean" is an explosive mixture ofadventure and excitement that raises the bar of all future featuresubmissions to Reel Women International Film Festival," said Diana Meansfounder and director of the two year old festival. "The film furtherreflects the festivals commitment to securing quality feature films,shorts and documentaries."

Shot primarily in Alabama, "When I Find the Ocean" is a full lengthfeature set in 1965. The film follows the dream of a little girl (LilyMatland Holly) and her adventure to find the ocean. The film also starsLee Majors, Diane Ladd, Graham Greene, Bernie Casey, Richard Tyson, AmyRedford, David "Shark" Fralick, George Lindsey, Steve Viall and PaceStoddard.

With more than 17 years experience working within various facets of thefilm industry, Holly also presently serves as President of the AlabamaFilmmakers Association. Committed to bringing more production toAlabama as a viable alternative to Hollywood and to nurturingAlabama-based talent, Holly has recently purchased the historic MuscleShoals Recording Studio which will be refurbished into a full servicefilm, television and music production company including post production facilities.

"I am thrilled that people enjoyed the film and that we garnered theHonorable Mention during the Reel Women International Film Festival,"said Tonya S. Holly writer, producer and director of When I Find theOcean who also serves as President of Cypress Moon Productions. "As awoman filmmaker, I am particularly pleased to be recognized by thisimportant festival and among such other talented women in the industry."The film marks the first feature film by Holly and follows on the heelsof her award winning short film "The Mirror."

The Reel Women International Film Festival was established to honor andadvance the careers of accomplished and emerging female filmmakers byproviding a forum for them to showcase their work to industry decisionmakers, as well as Southern California's film going audience.

For further information or to schedule a time to speak with Tonya S.Holly please contact Lauren Lewis or Theo Dumont at LevineCommunications Office.

Press Contacts:
LEVINE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Lauren LewisVice President
llewis@lcoonline.com
310.300.0950 x238

Theo Dumonttdumont@LCOonline.com
310.300.0950 x236

The State

2006-03-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

We have had such an overwhelming and amazing response to the film. The community support has been incredible. Our screenings at the Shoals Theater this past weekend became a look of what is in store for the future of "When I Find the Ocean."

Tonya S. Holly has great plans in store for this film and for this state. It is time for us to ban together to support a film initiative that will make our great state of Alabama competitive with the likes of Louisiana, North Carolina and very soon Tennessee. Alabama is one of the most diverse states in the union and it would be such a waste if the billions of dollars spent every year on movies wasn't spent partially here.

If Tonya's dream comes true, we will be looking at a new state. How great would it be to have millions of dollars poured into your communities just from one project? How great would it be to have good paying jobs in an industry that doesn't pollute our environment?

Please contact your legislators to tell them how important a strong film incentive is to you. Tell them you want better for yourself and for your children. Tell them you want better for Alabama.

The Morning After....

2006-03-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I don't know about all of you but I am still trying to recover from this past weekend.

THE PREMIERE ROCKED MY WORLD!

Now, I know that if I had a good time and I was working my buns off, then you definitely had a good time as a guest. I mean, the stars, the press, the food, the film, LITTLE RICHARD!!!!! It was such an unbelievable night.

I think we out-did ourselves on this one.

And yet, it is still not over. We have screenings this weekend at the Shoals Theater. You can buy tickets online, here at the studio or at the box office before the show.

So I am loving the comments you guys are sending me. Keep them coming! Nothing makes me smile more than someone having something to say about this little blog.

Anywho, I hope ya'll are recovering and gearing up for our next one....

Bow Chica Bow Wow

2006-02-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, a little bit of inspiring music to get you ready for this week's blog.

To finish up old business, Ray Sergeant is the only one who has said he knows what a yankee dime is. Hopefully, the rest of my sweet readers know and are just too busy to tell me (hint hint, post some comments).

Anywho, before we get down to new business, I have a hilarious story to share. My cousin and I were at the mall yesterday shopping around when the most peculiar thing happened. Apparently, there was a bridal show going on at the mall over the weekend. And they have a little area where they have set up for the bridal fashion show. It's so quaint with its seating and flowers and candles and aisle...the whole nine yards. Kind of reminded of me of a sweet little church or a backyard wedding. So you can imagine my surprise when I walk by and realize they are blaring none other than "Baby Got Back" over the loud speaker before this fashion show. Me and my cousin stop to take in this very awkward scenario only to be delighted further by the people walking by paying no attention to what is going on. Needless to say, I have had a good laugh over this one.

So on to new business, the story about the premiere was on the front page of the paper on Sunday (www.timesdaily.com) and we are so excited! (Thanks Bernie!) We are less than a week out and everything is coming together beautifully. For those of you who already have tickets, you are going to be blown away by this event. For those of you who don't have tickets, I don't know what you are waiting on but you are going to be sad when this sells out and you can't come. (I am actually sticking my tongue out like a 5 year old would do after they make a smart remark.)

For those of you procrastinators who don't have tickets, you can buy them online at www.cypressmoonproduction.com or call us at the studio 256-381-5745.

Trust me, you want to be there.

and I can't find my way home.....

2006-02-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

Ok so we made it home from Sundance.

FINALLY!!

We got stranded for like 6 hours at the Memphis airport. So during our hours of estrangement from our original schedule, we made new friends.

Now, although my parents told me not to talk to strangers, that little lesson never seemed to stick. I listened to the ones about not doing drugs, not getting arrested, you know, the obvious ones. And had it not been for my complete dismissal of this rule, I probably would still be at the Memphis airport contemplating my lot in life.

So we (myself, Tonya and Kenny) met some really great people. There is Tracy, who works locally in Florence as a sales manager and also owns her own animal boarding service. There is Tricia, who lives in L.A. but is from Sheffield and is a crude oil trader for Exxon Mobile (yes, I asked a ton of questions about the oil crisis). There was Brett that works for FEMA. He is an environmental specialist who after doing consulting work is helping clean up New Orleans. (Good Luck to you Brett!)

See, I would never have met these people had I listened to my parents.

And Tracy, the genius, rented a mini-van, and we (Tracy, Tricia, Tonya, Kenny and myself) all rode to the Shoals together. Possibly the most random thing any of us has ever done. It was fun! I like strangers. Except for the really creepy ones that kidnap you and stuff. They are no good.

So that was part of our adventure home. Sundance went great. We met tons of people and learned a lot about this machine called film festival. Now we are focusing on the premiere, which if you have been living under a rock is March 4, 2006. Hopefully I will be seeing all of your bright, smiling, beautiful faces there. It is going to be a great night. I promise. I'll even bet you. A yankee dime. Does anyone know what a yankee dime is? My parents use to try to trick me with that when I was younger. They also told me that Santa was real and that there was an invisible babysitter named Pat in the middle seat of the car that would beat me and my brother if we didn't quit fighting....I am starting to see a pattern here......

Let Jag

2006-01-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

Well, we have arrived to Park City, Utah. And we are tired.

Let me explain.

None of us finished packing for our trip before 2:00 A.M. the night before we are suppose to leave. We arrive in L.A., work all day, and get up to fly at 3:45 a.m. the next morning. Yes, well, we have been through three time zones and three totally different climates.

So, we are sitting at lunch yesterday and the delirium set in. I began to describe the snow except I kept calling it ski. Then I started to talk about flying by the pant of my seat instead of flying by the seat of my pants. Then Tonya tried to tell me turn around and put my glasses on but instead said turn your glasses on. Then, to top all of it off, all of our noses keep bleeding.

See, now you are let jagged too!

But as exhausted as we are, we are excited to be here. We have meetings set up to discuss and promote "When I Find the Ocean" over the next two weeks here at Sundance Film Festival. It's snowing like it's nobody's business outside so that makes us happy. I'll update this frequently and let you guys know what all kinds of mischief we get into!

The Golden Rule

2006-01-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking.

And although that sounds like a scary thought to many of you, I want you to reminisce back to the days of honor. When a man's word was sometimes the only asset he had to offer. What has happened to the days of verbal agreements, between friends no less, being enough?

As I look around my environment, I realize that the days of honor are dwindling. Now, I'm not saying that people should enter into any and all contracts on verbal agreements. Yes, it is important to have things in writing. Yes, it is important to have lawyers confirm contracts and file them away for safe keeping. But what happened to the day that verbal promises were as iron clad as a pre-nuptial agreement with Donald Trump?

I guess what I am trying to say is that I am getting sick and tired of unethical business practices. Why is it so hard for people to not honor what they said they would do? Simply put in the most southern way I can think of: Why won't people just act right?

Has the idea of the golden rule become such a foreign concept to us that we are not willing to look at its wisdom as one of the most simplistic schools of thought on doing business? Are we so jaded in the richest empire in the world that we have to continue down paths of greed, jealousy and betrayal to accomplish our end result?

I think it's pathetic that the mark of a good business person is the end result, not how they got there. I watch good, decent people lose their business everyday because they are not willing to cut corners and forgo the rules.

As I stand high on my soap box, I would like to finish my rant with a quote:

"A man's character is his fate."

-Heraclitus (540 BC-480 BC)

Another cold morning....

2006-01-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

So, I am sitting here with our Executive Director of Security, Ray Sergeant, as he attempts to change my office from the arctic tundra to a more suitable climate. Yes, once again the P.R. office has come under attack from the vent gods. For some reason, my office refuses to let heat in. I don't understand or condone the frigid temperatures in my little corner of the universe, but I guess until I offer a sacrifice of a work order, I will continue to suffer under the unjustified assault against my office.

For those of you not in attendance for the Jerry Lee Lewis concert, you missed a great time! Let me tell you, the stories of conga lines and hilarious gyrations from the enthused audience will stick around for a long time.

Also, like I promised, our website is back! Our covert operations succeeded and we now have a new address: www.cypressmoonproduction.com

Our corporate email has changed so if any of you need anything, check out the Contact page for any updated information.

Sam Phillips. Need I say more?

2005-12-29T07:54:00.000-08:00

Sam Phillips. A name synonymous with music, legend and forerunner.

He was an amazing man who changed the musical landscape for the world. Still to this day, the music industry bows their head in amazement at his achievement.

Now you can too.

Sam Phillips week is January 3-7, 2005.

Cypress Moon Productions is a sponsor of the event and I can personally say that this event is going to be a week of fun, education and great music. From live music every night to Q and A's from those who knew him to a concert headlined by "The Killer" Jerry Lee Lewis, this week offers a glimpse into the genius that was Sam Phillips.

Check out www.wqlt.com for anything and everything related to Sam Phillips week.

After party....

2005-12-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

Cypress Moon Studios. Home of the holidays. The epicenter for all things festive.

Yes, our Christmas party rocked.

Who knew that a combined team effort between Big River Broadcasting and ourselves could produce such a bad A double s party?

Apparently we did.

Although the final count is not known, our turnout was overwhelming. The characters were abundant and the food and beverage flowed like milk and honey. It was so great to share a great evening with friends and colleagues. Every room/corner/nook/crany looked like Santa had thrown up there. (Yes, this has become one of my favorite new ways to describe extravagant Christmas decorations.) The food was excellent (thank you Local Color Catering!).

So, you may have noticed that our website is somewhat missing. Well, I wish I could tell you why. And hopefully after our super secret CIA covert operation is complete, I will be allowed to release that information to you (but most of it will be blacked out citing our need to protect national security). Stay tuned and check in frequently. We will be back up and running in no time. Fear not, we would not leave you with no entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, I know something you should all do on March 4, 2006. There is this little party at the Shoals Marriott Convention Center that should be worth looking in to.

HELLO! ARE YOU AWAKE?! IT'S ONLY THE PARTY OF THE YEAR!!!!!

Buy your ticket soon or there will be none for you (imagine me saying that in a very authoritative voice; yeah, it scared me too).

Bah Humbug

2005-12-16T08:29:00.000-08:00

Ok ok. I'll admit it: I'm not a huge fan of Christmas. For those of you who could not possibly imagine how or why I could not like the holiday, let me go through a short laundry list.

1. Because most homes/stores/restaurants/parks look like Santa threw up there.

We are trying to get the studio ready for a Christmas party and there are decorations everywhere. I have garland in my hair, glitter on my face and annoying Beach Boy Christmas music in my head. Festive? No. Masochistic? Yes.

2. Logistics

I have a large family (my mom's side, my dad's side, my step-family's side). This creates a logistical nightmare for any woman to schedule family get togethers.

3. Did I mention that I had garland in my hair????!!!!!

But on to things not holiday related. There is a lot of buzz about the regional premiere. I hope you, my loyal blog fans, have already or plan to purchase your ticket soon. Sooner than later. Don't they say something like procrastination is the devil's playground? Or is that idle hands? At any rate, it's a bad thing not to go ahead and purchase your ticket(s). They make great Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa gifts!

AND GET READY.......

We are launching a super cool new aspect to our website in the next few weeks that you are all going to want to be a part of. I can't tell you what it is right now. (B/c then I would have to kill you and come on, it's the holidays. Do we really want to add homicide to the list of things we've done wrong this year? I didn't think so.) So keep reading and if you don't shout, pout, cry or do any of that other stuff that ticks Santa off, I'll let you guys in on the secret.

Get Excited

2005-12-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

Why should you be excited?

Because, well, number one I said so.

BUT

More Importantly

Because

I have an announcement to make.

Cypress Moon Productions will hold the Regional Premiere of the full length feature film, "When I Find the Ocean," on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at the Shoals Marriott Convention Center.

The premiere is being held in conjunction with the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival and will be the closing gala for the event.

The night begins with the red carpet opening at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and the announcement of the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival award winners. The film presentation of "When I Find the Ocean" will begin at 8:30 followed by entertainment from the architect of rock 'n' roll, Little Richard. A VIP party will be held immediately following the conclusion of the concert for the star cast members, VIP ticket holders and corporate sponsors.

Premiere event tickets are $150. Only 100 VIP passes are available for an additional fee. Limited corporate tables and corporate sponsorships are also available.

"When I Find the Ocean" is a full length feature film shot entirely in the state of Alabama. Set in 1965, the film follows the dream of a little girl (Lily Matland Holly) and her adventure to find the ocean. The film also stars Lee Majors, Diane Ladd, Graham Greene, Bernie Casey, Richard Tyson, Amy Redford, David "Shark" Fralick, George Lindsey, Steve Viall and Pace Stoddard .

Tonya S. Holly is the writer/director/producer of the film. She cannot imagine her first feature film premiering anywhere else besides her home state of Alabama.

"With so many people contributing to the success of my life long dream, I want it to be a night that everyone will remember," said Holly.

"It has been a true journey of the heart.

"When I Find the Ocean" is Holly's first feature film. After 17 years in the film industry, she made the award winning short film , "The Mirror," which premiered at the Shoals Theatre in 2003.

Please call Cypress Moon Studios at 256-381-5745 for additional information or to purchase a ticket.

(Yeah, I'm lazy and copied it directly from the news release. It will probably run in the Times Daily later this week.)

Buy a ticket. Buy a table. Buy a lot of tickets or a lot of tables. Either way, this is going to be an event that you definitley want to be a part of.

My Apologies

2005-11-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

Well, it turns out that some of you are actually reading my words of wisdom. My words of humor, my words of adventure. Or something like that.

Word has gotten back to me that some readers have had difficulty accessing the comments page. (Thank you Rex Holiday!)

So, after some investigatory journalism, I think I have figured out how to enable the ability for you guys to post your own words of wisdom, humor and adventure. Now, a computer genius I do not claim to be. If it still doesn't work, drop me an email at ashleymorrow@cypressmoonproductions.com. (Yes, it is the longest email address known to man but it is really easy to remember so put that in your pipe and smoke it.)

This is the portion of today's entry that I will create anticipation so intense, you will need a nerve pill to calm down. We are planning. Planning something huge. Something that will make little kids pee their pants and adults long for the days that it was socially acceptable to pee theirs. Check your local paper or back here next week to find out what it is.

Drum roll please.......................

There's no place like home....

2005-11-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

Dorothy had it all figured out.

Sorry I have been slacking on the blog. After fighting an ear infection and jet lag, I think I am almost back to my blog writing self. (Well, until I hurt myself hanging Christmas decorations and am now currently walking with a limp. But that's a different story for a different blog.)

AFM went great! We have several offers for different levels of distribution on the table. We are currently weighing our options and deciding what is going to be the best route to take for the film.

Interesting story...we get back to town and find out from one of our employees that an ad that we had taken out in a national trade magazine is on sale on ebay!!! Apparently, there are companies who when they think a film is going to do really well, will attempt to sell anything about the film in it's beginning/middle stages because it can be a collector's item. The publisher of one of the national trade magazines called me and informed me that they are thinking of making a new tag line for their magazine that says, "Buy us, we have the "When I Find the Ocean" ad." He was laughing so hard because his magazine is $5 at newsstands and the ad is going for about $7 on ebay.

I must say a very Happy Birthday to our executive producer Tom Rogers. We love you dearly and wish you the best on your special day!

Clutz in California

2005-11-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

What a day, what a day!

Ok, last night, I lost my wallet. That's my lively-hood. My driver's license, my credit cards, my debit card, etc, etc, etc. After alerting two hotel security teams, front desks, and two different sets of housekeeping teams, I found my wallet in my bag. You know, the one I emptied 2 or 3 times to find the dang thing.

Terry Pace, who is here volunteering for the Alabama Filmmakers Association, lost his cell phone the first day, BUT we think this was a "deliberate" subconscious attempt to rid himself of contact with mainstream society. His wife is really thrilled.

I then tripped over the mat on my way into the market today. Not to mention that I fell the first day and bent my badge and I am the butt of endless jokes about being a clutz. Sad day for me. The security guard I tripped in front of seemed very concerned about my well being. What a nice guy.

Everything is going great. Our team is working together seamlessly to make this happen. Buyers who view this film comment on how beautiful it is...some even cry!! Kenny made the suggestion that we sell the film in exchange for the Santa Monica ferris wheel. Kenny's a funny man.

Last night, we had our first AFM disaster. Our first screening of the film. We were all so excited, so pumped about what a great film we have, how great it's going to be in the marketplace, blah blah blah. We sit down to watch this beautiful film, only to have the sound MESS UP! When I say mess up, I mean sound like the speakers blew up. But we had a great audience who seemed to be understanding. The AFM Staff has been so great helping to correct the damage done.

Well fellow supporters of Cypress Moon and When I Find the Ocean, we appreciate your love, support and prayers. Tune in next time for the next entry entitled: Distribution...Has the journey taken a new path?

Are you kidding me???

2005-11-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

(I promised to name this entry as are you kidding me but the only problem is, I can't think of anything to say b/c I have two angry men behind me fist fighting for this computer. Ok, maybe not fist fighting but definitely. breathing heavily and some stomping of feet. I mean, come on, are you kidding me??? Let a girl type!)

We have arrived. After a wonderful flight, (thanks to our fun-loving flight attendants-Thanks guys!), we arrived safely in beautiful California. Our office is set up and today the market officially opened. Everyone is so impressed with our marketing campaign and we have garnered a lot of interest in this film.

I am currently standing in the buyer's lounge typing this and there is a line of about 15 people waiting for this computer. So, as to not cause an international riot, I will end make this a short session.

We're Leaving on a Jet Plane!

2005-10-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Don't know when I'll be back again...Just kidding! We'll be back in two weeks. That's 14 days. 336 Hours. That's, um, a lot of minutes. We are packing our bags and heading out.

American Film Market. The Wall Street of markets.

Yes, in a few short days, we will be flying to the state of California to sell "When I Find the Ocean" to the world. The excitement is electric at the studio as final arrangements are being made for the trip. Our staff is elated at the prospect that this endeavor could change all our lives forever.

Stay tuned for next week's edition: "Are you kidding me???"

The Countdown

2005-10-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

The countdown has begun.

In less than two weeks, employees from Cypress Moon Productions will board a plane to Santa Monica, CA, and embark on a journey. The journey: American Film Market. The mission: Sell "When I Find the Ocean."

American Film Market is the largest film market in the world. It boasts over 7,000 attendees and is expected to exceed that by almost 15% this year.

Phase 1: Marketing

"When I Find the Ocean" will be everywhere. Shuttle buses, water bottles, elevators, 20 ft banners, welcome bags. You name it, we are there. Our trailer will also be running constantly all over the market. (And for those of you at home, we will have it up on our website very soon!)

We plan on being THE movie at film market. It will be very hard for a buyer to not notice "When I Find the Ocean" and all the hard work of Tonya S. Holly.

Stay tuned for continued updates of our quest for glory, our quest for fame, our quest for distribution!!