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January 2008 update

Hey everyone. I still don’t have all the kinks worked out with our newsletter, so I’m going to post it up here rather than risk sending some of you dozens of multiple copies. Lots of news as you can see. Happy New Year!

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In this edition…

1. The Directors Guild of America promotes “Akira” among winners.
2. “Akira” to screen at the L.A. Pan African Film Festival in February.
3. “Akira” to screen in New York City on February 9th.
4. Joe gets some ink (Part I).
5. Joe gets some ink (Part II).
6. Progress report: “Akira” feature film.

1. THE DGA MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES THEIR MINORITY WINNERS

The Directors Guild honored their “Best Directors” in November and I was lucky enough to nab a trophy and some much needed funds. It meant a lot winning such a prestigious award and I invited 10 crew members to attend the ceremony and reception. See me cheesing smack dab in the top center of the photo at:

http://directors-guild.org/news/dgamonthly-0108/evnt_sfaw-0108.php3

2. AKIRA AT THE PAFF NEXT MONTH

I’m happy to announce that “Akira’s Hip Hop Shop” has been accepted in the 2008 Pan African Film Festival being held February 7-18th in Los Angeles. This is a very happening festival I’ve attended many times in the past and seen rare gems like the British sci-fi flick “Welcome to the Terrordome.” When our screening time(s) are announced I will likely post it on the site or send out a quick E-blast. Screenings will be held at the DGA and the Magic Johnson Theaters. For more info check out www.paff.org

Some of the films go on to screen in Atlanta so stay tuned ATL!

3. AKIRA IN THE BIG APPLE

My esteemed producing partner Joseph Shim hooked me up with a guy out of New York named Dave Kim who’s bringing “Akira” to NYC in a big way as part of the Korean American Film Festival on February 9th at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts NYU. They will also be showing one feature, Juwan Chung’s “Baby”, which is sort of an Asian-American “Boyz N the Hood”. I saw it in San Diego when Juwan and I were both part of the SDAFF and I can tell you it’s damn good. The short program, where “Akira” will air, starts at 4pm while “Baby” rolls at 7pm. Unfortunately, yours truly won’t be in attendance but hopefully some of my NYC Peeps will show up for a chance to see the flick. For more info see www.kaffny.com

4. INTERVIEW WITH IFQ MAGAZINE

Photo credit: Elisa Haber/DGA

Independent Film Quarterly did a nice write up on me where I talk about my filmmaking experiences. It makes for an interesting read (but then I’m biased). Go to: http://www.independentfilmquarterly.com/ifq/interviews/joseph-doughrity.htm

5. INTERVIEW WITH HOLLYWOOD SCRIPTWRITER MAGAZINE

Hollywood Scriptwriter wrote me up in their new issue. The picture they used was of me winning Best Documentary down in San Diego at the Comic-con for “Seven Days in Japan” (which you can order at www.popcultureshock.com/sevendays). The issue is available for download at the URL below. My piece is on page 26 if you wanna get right to it.

http://www.hollywoodscriptwriter.com/subscription_downloads06/Dec07.pdf

6. PROGRESS REPORT: WHAT’S NEXT FOR “AKIRA”?

As I’ve mentioned in the blog, the Writers Guild strike is slowing us down a bit. Still, we’ve had inquiries from production companies, financiers, and even an agent at one of the big talent agencies to be a part of this thing. There are many scenarios at play and I’m looking to take my time and make the right deal with the right people for the feature film. It’s gonna be bigger and better than the short. Expanding on the characters, situations and themes of the world we merely touched on in the 37 minute short. I’m excited and grateful for the support.

Thanks for reading.

Joe

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Joe D. (Doughrity)
Writer / Producer / Director
Scripts + Docs + Motion Pictures
Gre8t Lakes Entertainment

http://www.akirashiphopshop.com

http://www.myspace.com/akirashiphopshop

http://www.youtube.com/jdtube2006

Contact: joed@akirashiphopshop.com