Lights, camera, action

Most Southern Californians are proud to have Hollywood in their backyard, but did you know that some of the film industry's finest producers, directors and even actors live locally in Calabasas?

Not surprisingly, "Little Hollywood" became a logical choice when the upstart Method Fest independent film festival went looking for a new home last year. The Motion Picture and Television Fund is here, and so are The Commons, Viewpoint School and many other excellent venues that are able to service the deep lineup of Method Fest events. Starting tomorrow, there will be a week's worth of film screenings, awards, workshops and gala celebrations that help give Method Fest its unique star quality. It is indeed the most eagerly anticipated entertainment event of the year in our community and the eyes of the film industry will be upon us.

A record 700 films from American and international filmmakers were submitted for this year's eighth annual festival. Of those, only 22 feature length movies and 40 shorts were chosen for screening: films about angst, conflict, love and betrayal. Strong new scripts that promise to breathe fresh life into the old Hollywood ways.

Named after the famous school of acting, The Method Fest is the only major film festival in the U.S. that focuses on the actors. Breakout roles from the past have been delivered by such stars as Naomi Watts, Portia De Rossi, Cameron Richardson and others. Famous actors who've appeared in Method Fest films are too numerous to list.

Last year's attendance was almost 15,000. This year, 16,000 visitors are expected to see the shows.

Visit www.methodfest.com for a complete lineup of films and locations. Let the lights go down, the curtains go up and the fun begin.