David Hewlett's A DOG'S BREAKFAST: news items

[watcher652]

According to a comment by SalsGal on David's blog, by popular demand, an additional screening has been added for March 10.

[prion]

http://www.eclipsemagazine.com/chann..._david_hewlett

excerpt:

Making Breakfast - An interview with film-maker David Hewlett

Submitted by Carole Gordon on March 12, 2007 - 12:29am
The world of independent movies is notoriously difficult.?*?* Getting a distribution deal from one of the major players is the holy grail - so when MGM recently took on the Canadian comedy, A Dog's Breakfast, the film's triple-threat writer-actor-director David Hewlett was understandably thrilled.?*?* Now he is taking his movie on the road, with a series of preview screenings in the US and Europe, having already generated substantial internet interest.?*?* Here, during an appearance at Wolf Events Pegasus 2 convention where he met fans of hit show Stargate: Atlantis, in which he plays scientist, Rodney McKay, he talks to Carole Gordon about his early influences and the movie's development.

*READ REST OF ARTICLE AT LINK ABOVE*

[prion]

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117...goryid=31&cs=1


A Dog's Breakfast
(Canada-U.S.)
By DENNIS HARVEY

With: David Hewlett, Kate Hewlett, Paul McGillion, Rachel Luttrell, Michael
Lenic, Christopher Judge, Amanda Byram.

Actor David Hewlett makes a promising feature directorial debut with "A Dog’s
Breakfast," a black comedy whose jauntiness lifts the somewhat familiar,
slight premise. A modest but satisfying diversion, HD-shot effort will be most at
home in small-screen formats.Fortysomething Patrick (Hewlett) is a peculiar
fellow, still living in his late parents' rural Washington home (pic was
actually shot in Vancouver), too antisocial to hold a job or enjoy any company
besides his dog Mars. An exception is made for sister Marilyn (Kate Hewlett), toward
whom Patrick is rather creepily possessive — particularly once she shows up
with fiancee Ryan (Paul McGillion), an affable actor who stars on the sci-fi
skein for which Marilyn is a makeup artist. (Excerpts from fake show
"StarCrossed" spoof the "Stargate" series' the pic's writer-director is best known for
acting in.)

rest of article (and spoilers for movie) at link above

[prion]

http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index...ory=0&id=42110

Hewlett's Breakfast Sells Best
Stargate Atlantis star David Hewlett's black comedy film A Dog's Breakfast, which marks his directorial debut, broke into the top 20 DVD sales on Amazon.com, where it went on sale last week. The site is now taking preorders for the straight-to-DVD film, which will be released on Sept. 18.

A Dog's Breakfast also ranked in the top 10 on the retail site's Movers and Shakers list.

Hewlett, who plays Atlantis' prickly genius Rodney McKay, wrote and directed A Dog's Breakfast, which centers on squabbling siblings Patrick and Marilyn, who are driven over the edge when Marilyn brings home her new TV-star fiance from the space soap opera Starcrossed.

In addition to Hewlett, the movie features Atlantis co-stars Rachel Luttrell (Teyla) and Paul McGillion (Dr. Beckett), as well as Stargate SG-1 star Christopher Judge (Teal'c). The film's crew includes Stargate producer John G. Lenic, cinematographer Jim Menard and an amalgamation of the Atlantis and SG-1 shooting crews. The cast also includes Amanda Byram. Hewlett is also working with his real-life partner, producer Jane Loughman, and his sister, actress Kate Hewlett.


http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index...ory=2&id=34403

Atlantis' Hewlett Directs His Pals

Stargate Atlantis star David Hewlett, who plays the irascible genius Rodney McKay, told SCI FI Wire that he has enlisted fellow Atlantis stars and crew members to work on his independent feature film, A Dog's Breakfast, in which he makes his feature writing and directing debut. The movie centers on squabbling siblings Patrick and Marilyn, who are driven over the edge when Marilyn brings home her new TV-star fiance from the space soap opera Starcrossed. Patrick tries to drive a wedge between the happy couple ... then he reaches for sharper instruments.

In addition to Hewlett, the movie features Atlantis co-stars Rachel Luttrell (Teyla) and Paul McGillion (Dr. Beckett), as well as Stargate SG-1 star Christopher Judge (Teal'c). The film's crew includes Stargate producer John G. Lenic, cinematographer Jim Menard and an amalgamation of the Atlantis and SG-1 shooting crews. The cast also includes Amanda Byram. Hewlett is also working with his real-life partner, producer Jane Loughman, and his sister, actress Kate Hewlett.

Is the film's storyline a thinly disguised version of Hewlett's own life? "Let's just say that it's based on a true story," he said in an e-mail interview. "Starcrossed is just an excuse to see Rachel (Luttrell) dressed as a sexy alien again, as it's been far too long."

A Dog's Breakfast is wrapping production, which took place in and around Vancouver, Canada, where the two Stargate series also film. The movie does not have distribution yet. "At the end of February, we should have a cut of the movie together and will start sending it out to festivals and for distribution," producer Lenic said.

Does A Dog's Breakfast mean Hewlett really wants to direct? "All I really want right now is a holiday," he said. Stargate Atlantis airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, immediately after Stargate SG-1.

[watcher652]

Some misc. links for past events

The Stratford-on-Avon festival has its Awards Page up.

ADB is on the list of film sites at filmmaker magazine.

A post Cinequest article. ADB was screened at the San Jose, CA film festival in March 2007.

Spoiler:

Amerindies are the bread-and-butter of Cinequest's program, particularly amongst its premieres-and here is where the programming quality control can most often seem to be on hiatus. Introducing his first feature "A Dog's Breakfast" (actually one of the better U.S. features here), "Stargate" actor turned writer-director-star David Hewlett urged everyone to go out and make a movie, saying that with today's evolving distribution channels and cheaper digital formats it's easier than ever.

"The thing that holds you back is thinking it has to be brilliant," he said, shrugging "You do your best, but..."

"But" indeed. There are many legitimate reasons to make a movie -- among them personal fulfillment, career-launching, and hopes for monetary gain -- yet why actually watch it, let alone program it in a film festival, if it's not at least trying to be "brilliant"? If it's just trying to be a low-end cable or direct-to-DVD genre movie, or a misguided personal vanity project? Every year a certain number of Cinequest premieres strike one as the tree-that-fell-in-a-forest: No one would hear them if they weren't shown here, and it wouldn't be much of a loss.
.
.
.
Other Amerindies seen were just mediocre, but fortunately a couple exceptions brightened things up, both modest but lively black comedies. There was the previously mentioned "Dog's Breakfast," about a peculiar man (Hewlett) who has a possessively negative, murderous response when introduced to his sister's fiancee.

Another Cinequest report, this one from SG1 Solutions.

[watcher652]

David's audio interview with Digital Production Buzz. The show is archived on its site and available for download.

[watcher652]

According to David Hewlett's latest Twitters

"A Dog's Breakfast on the front page of the itunes movie section...we're available for download on itunes!!! How cool is that!?" about 3 hours ago from web

"Must sleep now, but can't wait to start letting people know about the film! Slumber well little PowerBook tomorrow's going to be a big day!" about 3 hours ago from web

I checked Amazon and it looks like it's back on Unbox.

[prion]

According to David Hewlett's latest Twitters


I checked Amazon and it looks like it's back on Unbox.

Some folks have had problems with Unbox. Nope, waiting for the DVD!

[watcher652]

Some folks have had problems with Unbox. Nope, waiting for the DVD!

I think I'm going to wait, too. I don't subscribe to either system. But at least David can download his own movie now. Unbox is only for PCs and David has a Mac.

Now, to work on the international market. Does iTunes work for Canadians? Amazon's Unbox is only for the US.

[morjana]

SG1/SGA - "A Dog's Breakfast" Launces on iTunes, Amazon Unbox:

From World Screen:

http://www.worldscreen.com/newscurre...=mgm070307.htm

2007-07-03

Feature from Stargate Crew Launches on iTunes, Amazon Unbox

LOS ANGELES, July 3: A Dog’s Breakfast, a dark comedy shot by the cast and crew of the Stargate television series, premieres today on the iTunes Store and on Amazon Unbox.


The film, represented worldwide for TV, home video and new media by MGM, was shot by the cast and crew of Stargate Atlantis and Stargate SG-1 while on a production hiatus last year. The film marks the directorial debut for actor David Hewlett, who stars as Dr. Rodney McKay on Stargate Atlantis. It tells the story of Patrick (David Hewlett), who resolves to cause a rift between his sister Marilyn (Kate Hewlett) and her new TV-star fiancé, Ryan (Paul McGillion).

The film has generated considerable buzz online, with the trailer viewed more than 250,000 times on YouTube. Charles Cohen, the senior executive VP of MGM, noted: “David Hewlett’s film has generated a tremendous amount of interest amongst the Stargate fan online community and we are thrilled to give them what they want with this initiative.”

MGM Home Entertainment will release A Dog’s Breakfast on DVD September 18.

[NowIWillDestroyAbydos]

I would buy but I only have $12 on my account (it costs $14.99, with a file size of under 700MB).

[watcher652]

David posts about iTunes, Unbox, a pending international release and the ADB Film Club.

[Darren]

Here is this week's complete press release on A Dog's Breakfast, including details on the disc's bonus features!

--

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2007

WHEN IT COMES TO MURDER, MAN’S BEST FRIEND MAKES THE WORST ACCOMPLICE

A DOG’S BREAKFAST

From “Stargate Atlantis” Star David Hewlett, In His Feature Film Directorial Debut, Comes A Head Smacking, Bone Breaking, Fiancé Bashing Romp About A Family That Just Loves Each Other To Pieces

Arriving on DVD September 18 from MGM Home Entertainment

LOS ANGELES, CA – When a peculiar brother fails to drive a wedge between his little sister and her new TV star fiancé, he’ll reach for sharper instruments in A Dog’s Breakfast, arriving on DVD September 18, 2007 from MGM Home Entertainment. Writer, director and star David Hewlett’s (“Stargate: Atlantis,” “Stargate SG-1”) feature film debut is a nightmarishly funny, dark-comedy about the ties that bind, and the secrets that try to stay hidden. Featuring fellow “Stargate” cast members Kate Hewlett (“Stargate: Atlantis”, Loose Change), Paul McGillion (“Stargate: Atlantis”), Christopher Judge (“Stargate SG-1”, Snow Dogs) and Rachell Luttrell (“Stargate: Atlantis”), and the feature film debut of David’s rescued mutt Mars, A Dog’s Breakfast proves that if you've never been good at anything in your life, murder won’t be any different.

Nominated for four Bloggers Choice Awards including “Best Celebrity Blogger,” “Best Blog of All Time,” “Best Entertainment Blog” and “Best Geek Blog,” ADogsBreakfastMovie.com has created wildly popular internet buzz for the film with more than 250,000 YouTube views for the trailer and is a treat for “Stargate” fans and dog lovers alike. Featuring audio commentary from David Hewlett, A Dog’s Breakfast DVD is available for the suggested retail price of $22.98/U.S. and $26.98/Canada. Prebook is August 22, 2007.

Synopsis

Writer-director David Hewlett unleashes his hilarious dark side with this imaginative comedy about a family that loves itself to pieces. When Marilyn (Kate Hewlett), a successful make-up artist for a hit TV series, brings home the show’s star, Ryan (Paul McGillion), to announce their engagement, it catapults her already obsessive brother Patrick (Hewlett) over the edge. And when Patrick learns that Ryan is out to murder his sister, he plots to give the actor the axe – or something sharper. But Patrick bungles the perfect crime, things spin out of control, and soon, the family’s sanity has gone to the dogs.

A Dog’s Breakfast Bonus Features

* Disc One: Film Maker’s Audio Commentary
* Cooking Up “A Dog’s Breakfast” featurette
..... o The Cast
..... o The Shoot
..... o The Film and The Fans
* Deleted Scenes

[morjana]

SG1/SGA - Cinema Blend: MGM To Release Breakfast On The Net:

From Cinema Blend:

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/MGM-T...-Net-5664.html

(Please follow the link to read the complete article and to view a trailer for the film.)

MGM To Release Breakfast On The Net

By Josh Tyler: 2007-07-04 00:58:43

MGM has just signed a death warrant for their new film A Dog’s Breakfast by debuting it online instead of in movie theaters. Though it’s chic to release movies through alternative outlets like DVD or Cable television, or in this case on the internet, so far it hasn’t done a damn bit of good for anyone....**snippage**

...they’re only using this on a movie nobody cares about anyway. In fact, this is probably the only publicity the movie will get in the mainstream movie media. It’s entirely likely you’ll never hear its name again. So, while I’ve got you here’s the score: It’s a movie from David Hewlett, one of the stars of the crap TV show ‘Stargate Atlantis’. Crap TV show it may be, but the show’s fans are blissfully unaware of how much it sucks and eat that **** up like a dog who uh, likes to eat his own ****. They’ll probably eat this up too.

It makes sense for MGM to release the movie online then, since most of the film’s audience is rather nerdy and thus online savvy. Since it didn’t cost much to make it, a few thousand iTunes buys from the shows most obsessively devoted fans should be enough to nab them a profit.

For more information on A Dog’s Breakfast, which may well be absolutely wonderful even though no one outside of a few obsessive internet geeks will ever know about it, check out their website here, or watch the trailer via the embed below: (at the link above)

<><><><><>

Isn't kind of a case of the dog biting the hand that feeds him?

Geez.

Morjana

[Gate Geek]

SG1/SGA - Cinema Blend: MGM To Release Breakfast On The Net:

From Cinema Blend:

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/MGM-T...-Net-5664.html

(Please follow the link to read the complete article and to view a trailer for the film.)

MGM To Release Breakfast On The Net

By Josh Tyler: 2007-07-04 00:58:43

MGM has just signed a death warrant for their new film A Dog’s Breakfast by debuting it online instead of in movie theaters. Though it’s chic to release movies through alternative outlets like DVD or Cable television, or in this case on the internet, so far it hasn’t done a damn bit of good for anyone....**snippage**

...they’re only using this on a movie nobody cares about anyway. In fact, this is probably the only publicity the movie will get in the mainstream movie media. It’s entirely likely you’ll never hear its name again. So, while I’ve got you here’s the score: It’s a movie from David Hewlett, one of the stars of the crap TV show ‘Stargate Atlantis’. Crap TV show it may be, but the show’s fans are blissfully unaware of how much it sucks and eat that **** up like a dog who uh, likes to eat his own ****. They’ll probably eat this up too.

It makes sense for MGM to release the movie online then, since most of the film’s audience is rather nerdy and thus online savvy. Since it didn’t cost much to make it, a few thousand iTunes buys from the shows most obsessively devoted fans should be enough to nab them a profit.

For more information on A Dog’s Breakfast, which may well be absolutely wonderful even though no one outside of a few obsessive internet geeks will ever know about it, check out their website here, or watch the trailer via the embed below: (at the link above)

<><><><><>

Isn't kind of a case of the dog biting the hand that feeds him?

Geez.

Morjana

Is this for real???

*shakes head in disbelief and then enjoys the good chuckle it provided*