FILM

Two Vaughan filmmakers are at it again.

Mark Pagliaroli and Antonio Ienco plan to host the second annual Grand Social, Red Carpet gala Apr. 13 at Bellvue Manor in Woodbridge.

The duo started the event to showcase art and film by Vaughan artists to help "put Vaughan on the map".

The directors hope to attract more than the 300 people who attended last year's event. While last year's event focussed on the duo's work through their company, Reel Film Pictures, part of the April festivities includes a short-film competition.

"That was always the intent to showcase local talent. Now that we have a lot more connections, it's easier to get people involved," Mr. Pagliaroli said.

Those interested can get application forms at the Reel Film Pictures website.

Submissions cost $25 and will be accepted until Feb. 28.
Films will only be accepted if they are 20 minutes or less in length.

The top five submissions will be shown at the gala.

Mr. Ienco and Mr. Pagliaroli are looking for artists who want to showcase their work during the event. During the cocktail hour, artists' work will be displayed for guests. Artists can apply to have their work exhibited through a form on the Reel Film Pictures website, as well.

Categories include sculpture, digital art, painting, fashion, photographer and illustration and applicants can submit one piece of art in one category only.

Local talent will not only be on display in typical art forms.
The DJ for the night also grew up in Vaughan. Michael Cutrara, known as DJ M Kutz, will keep guests on the dance floor all night, organizers promise.

When the filmmakers aren't planning big art galas, they don't sit idle for too long. Each has numerous projects on the go.

Their film, The Invaders Genesis, was made available on United States websites such as Barnes and Noble, Blockbuster, Walmart and Target in early November.
The 2010, 88-minute action drama about the world after a nuclear world war, earned Mr. Ienco and Mr. Pagliaroli an award from the 2010 New York Film Fest for best international action feature.

The duo have also forayed into music videos over the past year and a half.

"We interacted with some of the local talent, local musicians and we asked if they had a video. A lot of them hadn't, so we helped them get started," Mr. Pagliaroli said.

The switch to music videos was a good one for them.

"It's a lot of fun. It's quicker paced and you don't have to worry about sound, and it's fun to do something quick and short."

For more information on Reel Film Pictures and the Grand Social gala, visit their website.

A gala is being staged in April to help budding filmmakers get their start.