Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Fireside Books - Presentation & Book Signing

I was a little delayed in posting this one, but Saturday was a great event and proved to be an emotional talk once again. It never ceases to amaze me how many people have or are touched by bipolar disorder, either in their family or someone close to them. The audience was again wonderful and the question and answer session was one of the best yet. I appreciated so many people coming down to listen, especially on such a nice, sunny, Saturday morning. Dennis Uhlig of Fireside Books did a really nice opening introduction on the book and I am very grateful for all he did to set up the book signing. Sometimes it is just surprising how you can have a rough week and then turn around and give a positive, motivational speech to a group of people. Just showing me once again that when you forget about what is troubling and focus on others, it puts you in a better place. The talk went so well, that Fireside and I worked out an arrangement to come back for another talk on Saturday, November 11th, this fall. I am really excited and we're hoping to have many more people to join us this next time. Thank you again to everyone who came out to listen and to Fireside Books for being such a great host.

"Matthew's visit to Fireside Books was a wonderful and very educational experience. Matthew is a great example of what can be done if one keeps a positive attitude and decides to never give up! His presentation was emotional and informative. Many of those who attended asked to have Matthew return so they could invite others to hear him speak. We really appreciated having him!"

Dennis Uhlig - Fireside Books

Friday, July 21, 2006

Updates - July 21, 2006

New Title - Great Progression

Friday night, July 14 was a great night of developments and progression for our upcoming film. It was determined with unanimous approval that the new title will be "Bipolar". It's telling, direct, edgy, and essentially is the basis of the film. The synopsis found at www.polaritymediaproductions.com is based upon Matthew Nichols' life with bipolar disorder and will take a never-before-seen, look at a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder and it's effects on the individual and the relationships that surround them.

Friday also saw the photo shoot with Producers Drew Maxwell and Dan Kattman for the film's new and preliminary concept poster, which will be released in the next few weeks. Maxwell will do the final development of the poster and follow up the quality posters he has already designed. "I was really happy with the work Drew Foerster, www.kaboomfilms.com had done for the original Silent Lucidity poster. "Drew is a great guy and absolutely has his heart and soul in the film industry - as one's should be, just as it is with Dan and Drew (Maxwell). I know Drew (Maxwell) will do an unbelievable job with this poster as he has with all his other posters". Nichols said it would be a short while until the name change is complete as the original working title "Silent Lucidity" is changed. The rock band Queensryche, which owns the rights to the title and song, initially cleared us for use of the song for the soundtrack, but were reluctant and decided not to release the title for use as the film's title. "I loved the words and its fit for the film's subject, but it didn't feel right not to have the title of the film the same as the title track. Queensryche did incredible things for the song and it has brought them tremendous success. I'm grateful they were at least open to discussion for its possibilities. I appreciated that. I am extremely excited about the new title, which was suggested by Drew and it felt perfect right away".

Producers Katmann and Maxwell just completed post-production of their latest project Guardians. Information and details on the film can be found at their website, www.lightningrodstudios.com.

Final fundraising for the film is currently taking place and will come from a number of sources including, but not limited to private investors, mental health associations, and hospitals. Investment opportunities are available for Bipolar the Movie and serious inquiries can contact Matthew Nichols at Polarity Media Productions at the above mentioned website, for questions and information. Interest in the project continues to be very strong and individual investors, in addition to private groups, are also showing a significant interest in the film.

More exciting things to come. Stay tuned!

Monday, July 03, 2006

Updates - July 2, 2006

New Soundtrack Artist & Next Steps

We are very excited to announce another addition to the Silent Lucidity soundtrack. She is Brianna Lane, an incredibly talented musician who currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is described as the chick who puts the word "singer" in singer/songwriter. Brianna grew up in Minnesota so you can blame her sweetness on her roots, but this girl has been on the road non-stop for two years so you can hear her experiences in every note she sings. She has a voice and a presence beyond her years. She strums an acoustic guitar with the same sweetness and power in which she sings. Brianna is currently touring nationally in support of her newest release "Radiator". Others say Brianna's songs are beautiful and cathartic, almost telling us that it's OK to feel down, but not to let it get us down at the same time. Her acoustic guitar gently weeps through almost a dozen indie-rock tunes, wandering through an introspective depression while maintaining a brave face all the same (Mish Mash). The soundtrack will feature Brianna's single "When I Get There". An introspective and dramatic song that has the heart and feel to fit well in a specifically chosen scene by producer Matthew Nichols. Brianna is the seventh artist to be added to the soundtrack and adds a unique sound to the great variety and style of the other artists. You can find her songs, touring schedule, and biography at: www.myspace.com/briannalane or briannalanemusic.com. We are very excited to have Brianna with us and think she is a wonderful addition to the Silent Lucidity project (Matthew Nichols).

July will mark the beginning of a very crucial step of the pre-production process. Anytime you have an independent film, obviously one of the main and key factors is attaining the remaining funds to complete the production. Producers Matthew Nichols, Dan Kattman, and Drew Maxwell will be focusing on specific groups in the mental health and medical community. Initial interest in the project is very strong and individual investors are also showing a significant interest in the project. Kattman and Maxwell's previous experience in the independent film industry has indicated consistently that investors in smaller projects are more likely to invest for the creative and unique development of a project. Founding and original investors Mike and Joanne Roberson said they believed the film has great potential and wanted to be part of a project that started from the ground - up, and could be brought to fruition through Nichols' passion and vision for sharing his story of having bipolar disorder. July will also mark the next stages of completing the casting for the lead, female role of Leah Brooks. Several actresses have shown interest and casting will continue following the Fourth of July holiday week. Stay tuned!