Manic Schematic PR Firm
Mike Phelan O’Toole
Mikeovideo@gmail.com
###-###-#### / ###-###-####
http://www.MikeOToole.net
http://www.DLPolonsky.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boston Indie Filmmaker, Video Artists Hit The Road To Host
Retrospective, Surreal Film Showcase at The Cable Car Cinema

(Boston, MA, 8/20/09) – Indie filmmaker D.L. Polonsky and video artist
Mike Phelan O’Toole, after a series of acclaimed screenings at
Brookline, MA’s famous Coolidge Corner Theatre, announce the arrival
of "D.L. Polonsky’s Non-Violent Anarchy Film Festival" to Rhode
Island. This Polonsky “career retrospective” showcase will be a two
hour movie screening of eclectic low budget films, animation,
nontraditional music videos and esoteric video art, taking place at
Providence's historic Cable Car Cinema on September 3rd at 9:30PM. The
show will be emceed by O'Toole, noted for his caustic wit in spoken
word performance, and the colorful pun-spouting Polonsky himself. A
lively question and answer session will follow the films. The event is
sponsored in part by prolific Boston video artist and cable access
show producer Lawrence Hollie.

Polonsky’s innovative work dates back to when he was a young boy,
crafting strange and provocative films with his brother, Gabriel. The
event will exhibit a selection of modern work, such as “To Mock a
Killing Bird,” a slapstick anti-war comedy about a
draft-dodger, set from 1972-74, and Midlife Cowboy, wherein, a cowboy,
fed up with our ubiquitous computer culture, indulges in a little of
his own “computer hacking” by smashing a computer with an axe, as well
as older, rare gems, such as “Ersatz;” made in 1974, when D.L. was 13.
This is a short film about a pulp novel writer who carries around her
dead father’s head. A Disease Called Man, a far-out crime drama, stars
O’Toole and Hollie. The film Urban Fairy, about an extraterrestrial
wanting to fly back to his planet, was co-edited by O’Toole and
Polonsky. For more information on the film lineup, “D.L. Polonsky’s
Non-Violent Anarchy Film Festival,” and to arrange interviews, please
contact Mike Phelan O’Toole.

As an Editor’s Pick, Shaula Clark, of The Boston Phoenix, proclaims
Polonsky’s “Nonviolent Anarchy” fest to include "The kind of films
that could revolutionize cinema, nonviolently or otherwise."
Additionally, for those wanting to pin down D.L.’s style, The
Brookline Tab’s Alex Stevens winkingly suggests to "Think David Lynch,
without all the mainstream storytelling."

The showcase comes out of a desire from the trio to expand their live
audience, and reward quality creative efforts that may be overlooked
by more pretentious "festival" outlets, "It's a very D.I.Y, punk
approach. We want to show people that these different works can be
innovative and entertaining, and that the personalities behind them
are just as interesting," says O'Toole. "We saw it was important to
expand outside the Boston area, and we’re really excited to meet a new
audience. D.L.’s flicks are so wild. He deserves to see his work up on
the big screen, live, and so do underground film fans everywhere. The
Q&A afterwards is the best!"

In addition to his video work, Polonsky has made a name for himself in
the Allston area as the anti-Shepard Fairy, plastering his artwork up
wherever it will stick, while simultaneously having had political
portraits published in several major newspapers and magazines.
Additionally, he has had a children's book published that he
wrote/illustrated titled "The Letter Bandits."

Hollie and O'Toole have been advocates of collaborative media, and
purveyors of unique video art, as producers/ hosts of the cable access
show "Random Acts," for seven years, in addition to having co-founded
the multi-artist alternative film showcase series “Experimentally
ILL,” which has been warmly received by Boston press and audiences.
They are recipients of separate "Most Innovative" awards from The
Alliance For Community Media for their creative productions.

The next “Non-Violent Anarchy Film Fest” event, with a fresh lineup,
tours to The Provincetown Art House, in Provincetown, MA, October
24th, 2009.

###

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Mike-Phelan-OToole/20...

Radio MIKE-O

Shared via AddThis

http://boston.going.com/event-594605;DL_Polonskys_...

What's up?! I have been seriously lacks in popping on to really blog-it-out lately. With that, I am checking in on here. How are you Myspace pals? This is really me - not some promo campaign. This reps me the most, so peep out all the links and stuff. I do need to update a lot of information though. This is still my main page, though I've setup another... I am bummed that the "film" profile does not let me do the same things a regular profile does, like mess with the new myspace features such as playlists and easier profile customization, as well as generally blocking me from adding folks I'm into, or maybe keeping me out of searches. Anyway this internet stuff is great when stripped down - I see it as a way for you and I to stay in touch and chat back and forth, sharing stories and cool creations. We're reaching out and sitting down to a nice slice of life,with whatever tech toy as the medium. Let's get a dialouge started here and on http://twitter.com/mikeotoole and oh so many other spots. I will be trying my best to keep updating and populating a lot more. I am going to strive for honesty, in addition to having a blast creating new things for you and I, like my new access show I'm calling "Solipsist's Dispatch," which has debuted on BATV - Brookline Access Television. In addition to playing on the cable airwaves, it's available online. We said screw it, let's create and document some stream of conciousness nonsense, and slab some artistic flair on it. View it at http://batv.org/streaming-video/ondemand/mike-o-ep-2

I've also put up a new video of our boys in the band Midatlantic, whom myself and videography pal Lawrence do video for. Words can't capture the rush I get from shooting and editing something with energy. Peep the vids at http://youtube.com/midatlantictheband
This desire to contribute more may come from the us all feeling a part of something greater in putting on the "Experimentally ILL" alternative film showcase at the mighty Coolidge Corner Theatre. We are a couple weeks removed from the third show, and again were just shy of sold out. Also, at the eleventh hour I struck success in the PR department once again, as Boston's Weekly Dig got in touch, and did a really nice piece on us and the philosophy behind the show. (A screen cap is available in my PRESS photo album on myspace and facebook, as well as http://flickr.com/photos/mikephelanotoole ) A tease for our article was on the cover, right next to a tease about Dan akroyd. On the website, there was my face as part of the tease in the arts and entertainment section, right above a review of Time and Eric of Adult Swim's show. Thanks to Harry Vaughn at the Dig. Regarding the audience, It means so much to me that folks would be so cool and stay to peep out different stuff from so many wacky artists, and then come up to me after, as emcee, and shake hands. I feel like it is a waste of a grand privilage, to not lay myself bare a bit and spill my guts in the way of sharing artistry or just personal thoughts and thank yous with you in the e-world on something of a regular basis. I am proud and awestruck.

Many of my friends whom I care deeply for, I would love to get in their head a bit, as far as what they're into and feeling via e- contribute in the way of video, audio, expressive writing and other works. Nothing against those who keep it simple, but I wanna snap up all this social-networking stuff to make myself more available if I can - I mean if we're gonna spend time on Myspace, Facebook, etc, we might as well open up the floodgates and have more of a virtual representation of who we are and what we do and feel than simply a couple words and a photo. Anyway, I'll be playing with toys to share, and more importantly, get creative conversations going between us, for those who're into that sort of thing.
For now http://MikePhelanOToole.com (getting a makeover soon), Twitter.com/MikeOToole , http://MikeOCast.blogspot.com , and Youtube (more vids soon) at either mikeotoole or midatlantictheband to see my behind the scenes work. Also keep tuned to BATV.ORG for more episodes of the show. More cell-splitting prose and poetry on the way as well (thesoulenigma.livejournal.com) You can also give a go at adding me on Facebook as well, for a whole heaping helping of internet interaction in one place. I have been at the tv station a lot, so I will be churning out more stuff. Possibilities are endless.
Love til later (soon, as I wanted to include more in this update.)
M.

P.S. I just watched myself walk by in My Best Friend's Girl - accross after Dane Cook and Kate Hudson run by in the Running A Marathon chapter on the DVD (in the Boston public gardens area). I am wearing a sweatshirt and backpack. I wrestled with the concept that I put the movie, after I rented it, in the same bag I wear in the flick. That was really nice day. Good times. I've gotta write about that soon. The journal is your friend.

Manic Schematic PR Firm
Mike Phelan O'Toole
mikeovideo@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Video Artists Unveil Own Alternative Film Showcase at Coolidge Corner Theatre

(Boston, MA, 1/9/08) – Cable access show producers and local video
artists Mike Phelan O'Toole and Lawrence Hollie announce the third
installment of their "Experimentally Ill" showcase; a two hour movie
screening of eclectic low budget films, animation, music videos and
esoteric video art, taking place at Brookline's historic Coolidge
Corner Theatre on February 26th at 7:00PM. Emceed by O'Toole and
Quincy Brisco of WBCN Boston's "Toucher and Rich" radio program, the
event will exhibit works by O'Toole and Hollie, and other innovative
indie video-makers.

The showcase comes out of a desire from the duo to reward quality
creative efforts that may be overlooked by more pretentious "festival"
outlets, "It's a very D.I.Y, punk approach. We want to show people
that these different works can be innovative and entertaining, and
that the personalities behind them are just as interesting," says
O'Toole. "We saw we needed a bigger stage than simply a TV screen.
This is a love letter to small artists with big visions. The live
energy raises the stakes."

Past screenings have included the Emmy-winning "It's Jerry Time" web
cartoons, films of artist D.L. Polonsky, music videos of rock bands
Uncle Monsterface and Midatlantic and other works. For more on
Experimentally Ill, please contact Mike Phelan O'Toole.

Hollie and O'Toole have been advocates of collaborative media, and
purveyors of unique video art, as producers/ hosts of the cable access
show "Random Acts," for seven years. They are recipients of separate
"Most Innovative" awards from The Alliance For Community Media for
their creative productions.

###



Visit the following links for some previous coverage on past
shows and events.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/needham/news/x1001331782/Needham-resident-promotes-creativity-through-cable-access-show

http://www.metrobostonnews.com/us/article/2008/07/10/02/3327-66/index.xml?print=1

A brief wrieup was also in the Boston Phoenix September 11th, 2008
issue - Arts + Music + Events, pg. 3 titled "Rough Cutz" under "8 Days
A Week : Crystal Balling the Best Upcoming Events"

LOOK FOR A NEW PIECE TO APPEAR IN BOSTON'S WEEKLY DIG - "WEEK OF 26-" EDITION."

NEW Experimentally ILL press : "Juno lovers beware" http://www. weeklydig. com/%5Bcatpath%5D/200902/experimentally-ill-3

Join cable access show producers and local video artists Mike Phelan O'Toole and Lawrence Hollie for the third installment of their EXPERIMENTALLY ILL, a two-hour showcase of eclectic low budget films, animation, music videos and esoteric video art. Emceed by O'Toole and Quincy Brisco of WBCN Boston's "Toucher and Rich" radio program, the event will exhibit works by O'Toole and Hollie, and other innovative indie video-makers. Past screenings have included the Emmy-winning "It's Jerry Time" web cartoons, the films of artist D.L. Polonsky, music videos of rock bands Uncle Monsterface and Midatlantic, among other works.


TICKETS :
$5.00 ALL SEATS.


Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early.
Advance tickets now available online
https://www. readyticket. net/webticket/webticket2. asp?WCI=BuyTicket&WCE=EXPERIMENTALLY+ILL,022620091900,3,130,

http://coolidge. org/node/2291

ADDRESS / INFO :

Coolidge Corner Theatre | 290 Harvard St | Brookline MA 02446 | Recording: 617.734.2500 | Office: 617.734.
2501

Experimentally Ill 3 - Experiment(ally) Iller : An Indie Showcase of Alternative Film.

Look for UPDATES on this as things come together. As has been the case, this will be a screening running from approx. 7-9 or 9:30PM at The Coolidge Corner Theatre, at 290 Harvard Street in Brookline, MA. It will be a "one night only" ruckus affair on Feb. 26, 2009, which is a Thursday. We will be taking over the Video Screening Room.
Our prior shows here have totally kicked ass.
We're going big for this one, pushing for more press coverage on our Coolidge series and our TV project Random Acts expanding to other Boston area towns. I want YOU to be a part of it all!

Contact for MEDIA RELATIONS and for artists who want to be included in this screening : MikeOVideo@gmail.com

(Previously we received coverage for the first "Experimentally Ill" -
featured (interview/event preview) in Metro Boston's entertainment
section, pg. 13 of the 7/10/08 edition - "License to ILL" by Sarah Shanfield. http://www.metrobostonnews.com/us/article/2008/07/10/02/3327-66/index.xml?print=1
)

A bigger, two page article, with Mike Phelan O'Toole on the front page of The Needham Times paper in their "Week of 9/3 " edition is out now, available online at
http://www.wickedlocal.com/needham/news/x1001331782/Needham-resident-promotes-creativity-through-cable-access-show

We were also mentioned on the front of The Boston Globe's Sidekick, and in the Phoenix. I will get to those links later ..ing Lawrence set up, working on vids, doing all the Public Relations, doing interviews, and talking with contributing video artists, getting their DVDs and tapes, not to mention hosting the thing is exhausting, albeit in a good way. I put my heart and soul into it, despite sweat and tears, and feel that for our this collaborative hard work, and the kick-ass show experience we turn out, it deserves a spotlight. Thanks for showing up, writing about us, and treating us well. In addition, I would love to get trashed. The point is, we are out there, in the battle arena, getting our faces strained with dirt, sweat and blood. It is a fight to the finish.
Excelsior,
M.

Thanks for indulging me,
blog this. Share it. Spread it.
-M.

Watch myself, Lawrence, and the one and only Quincy Brisco on Random Acts: A Needham Reunion debut @ 10:30PM on Needham Channel's Comm Channel - http://needhamchannel.org (replay Mon @ 12:00AM/ Fri 3PM). I have been hosting solo with "Not The End of The World" for a little over a month, but this episode is our official Needham Channel re-debut.

Check out our "New Views" blurb on the Needham Channel site:
http://greisnet.com/tnc.nsf/Page%202!OpenPage&TableRow=1.1.2.1.21.1.2.1.

"Random Acts –
You may recall an article which ran in the Needham Times last month about this program. This episode was shot as that article was written, and it has a pretty meta-take on publicity. It is definitely an episode to watch if you are willing to scratch your head a little!"

And here is a link to the article in question :

http://www.wickedlocal.com/needham/news/x1001331782/Needham-resident-promotes-creativity-through-cable-access-show

Stay tuned to http://www.MIKEOCAST.blogspot.com for audio commentary from me!


OTHER TOWNS / TIMES to watch Random Acts on TV :


Random Acts is now on
Newton's NewTV Blue Channel
(Channel 10 on Comcast; Channel 15 on RCN;
Channel 34 on Verizon)
Saturday 10:30pm

Random Acts is now on CCTV Cambridge
Public Access Television. (Channel 10).

(Schedules subject to change without notice.
)
Monday 11:30pm
Wednesday 11:00pm

Random Acts is now on The Needham Community
Channel (Comcast Ch. 9; RCN Ch. 15; Verizon Ch. 29).

Monday 12:00am
Friday 3:00PM
Saturday 10:30pm

Random Acts is now on The Waltham Channel
(Channel 8 on Comcast; Channel 3 on RCN)
Thursday 11:00pm
and various times over the weekend.


Enjoy!!!

Since the MikeSpace blog has been laying dormant for a litte bit, as it does, here is a short piece from my LiveJournal, complete with spelling errors. Comment something - anything! :

Rock and roll with video. Orchestrating another shoot tonight. Hitting the stage hard. A storm of prose to cover their nose with verbal cloroform. Big talking with valley and urban accents. Small walking through the valley of the shadow of intellect. Alive and making history for someone innept to erase it - tracing the lines and faking chemistry - snorting time and sucking energy. These folks derserve the chains of ignorance that have tied them in this moment - one pulls the other through pyseudo-intellectualism. I want to slice this nonsense in eigth different ways. The other sounds like a greeting cardf ull of "Everything happens for a reason." They know not that I swivel here in this box, transribing their translucent thought, to lay dead on the line. This too shall pass and be bent into a circle. These are the ones who look at me with their mouth agape - freshly picked from the tree of knowledge, I fill it with a grape.

-MPO in exile.

Visit http://www.MikePhelanOToole.com for my stuff.
Visit http://www.thesoulenigma.livejournal.com for more, updated entries. Sometimes it's hard for me to remember to cross-post all this crap.