CUT! 2009 We found out about Milo's, um... "costume" in Game, and better yet, we found out about Terry's. We found out that Nick is really shy sometimes. We found out that Ariel's shoot for Jewel of the Sahara was even colder than Iceland. We found out that the Neveldine & Taylor method of film-making includes rollerblades, round-robin script writing and actors who will join their cast just because they ask. We found out that Johnathon has the ability to speak even before his lips move, and that the story is so engrossing, it didn't matter. We found out that Zoe is tall, gorgeous and deadly, (and not just to her fellow humans - Scotty McCool required surgery to reattach his hand.) We found out that Milo has a heart of gold. and a young lady now owns two signed Crank posters to show for it. We found out that Johnathon's hat is magic - it miraculously filled full of money for DSALA when passed around the theatre. We found out that Lolita now owns her very own battle gear complete with grenade. We found out that if you have good food and drink, Mark and Brian will literally stay all day. We found out that if you have a raffle ticket that's one number off, you can still win a Crank soundtrack CD. We found out that Efren plays his own twin brother even though he actually has a twin brother. Who is an actor. We found out that Clifton can tap-dance. We found out that Mike can sketch a fully-realized image on the back of a badge in mere seconds. We found out that Steve prefers the intimate groups. We found out that TJ knew and had worked with practically everyone in the room and that's only a slight exaggeration. We found out what CN:Z is and that it has a remarkably talented and fun team. We found out that our attendees were the most friendly, happy and generous folks in the world (but of course we already knew that.) We found out that Jason can create his own trailer to his new film in time for a film festival. We found out that Zack has an action figure and still bullies little kids in the snow. (... we think he was kidding on that last one.) We found out that although Mark can act, sing, do Broadway, write, direct and is a master swordsman among many other talents, everyone was more excited to get his photo with Bumblebee. We found out so many interesting things, that I certainly can't remember a fraction of them so please by all means, add your comments to share your experiences of the weekend. Most importantly, for me personally, is that I pulled a "Hilary" and neglected to publicly thank my staff from the stage. Without my team, there would have been no wonderful CUT! weekend and I apologize profusely. After my beloved business partner Teresa Spreckelmeyer notified us that she was unable to participate this year, Dayna Linton stepped in immediately and became my left arm (Teresa, you are forever my right.) Dayna runs her own businesses and takes on more than a mere human should be able to do, yet she remains loyal, dependable and keeps an obsessive, obstinate personality like mine grounded. Well, at least she tries really hard. We're still working on that one. She also brought in the GALS Charitable Foundation to manage our charitable contributions and donations. Missy Blum, my long-time friend ... I honestly don't know what I would do without you. Even through your own hardships, you always stayed on-track with us and registration ran smooth as silk. Your guys, Jon, Jason and Colin were literally the icing on the cake. These three young men were our chauffeurs, bodyguards, and go-fers and hopefully will agree to remain a part of the CUT! staff for years to come. Stefanie Hendricks ... we're happy as clams that you got your dream job, but bummed that you were unable to be with us. Stefanie was responsible for bringing Paul Winston and Ted Collins to us, along with their independent films as well as sharing her wonderful contacts with us. Marge Ferguson and Harmony Jay were our den-mothers, peace-keepers, and nurse. They fed us, blanketed and toweled us (who ever heard of a house rental with few linens and no soap?) They also managed the autograph and photo opportunities with our guests for our attendees keeping things running comfortably for everyone. Cheri Pierce and Tamara Gray's assistance with our raffle and auctions was invaluable. They ran around selling last-minute tickets and delivering prizes. They also assisted with the Meet 'n Greet sessions and were always around for moral support when we needed a moment to re-group. I could go on forever about these wonderful friends, but could still never say how thankful I am to know them as friends and partners-in-crime. CUT! has the best staff and volunteers hands down and I love you all more than you know. Graykin Entertainment came in and saved our life when our sponsorships didn't materialize as we had wanted. They are responsible for unwriting the theatre, the photo backdrop and some goodies for our attendees. Much thanks to Sheila, Daniel, Cameron, TJ, Brian and Steve. Additional thanks go to Gwen and Grant from the Aero Theatre along with their incredible staff who were at our beck-and-call. We are excited to return to the Aero next year. If we could, we would hold every VIP party from now until eternity at Shin BBQ. Simon, his co-owners and staff went out of their way to make our party a spectacular success. The drinks flowed and the food was never-ending. The ambience was sublime and the DJ rockin'. When in the LA area, you too can thank Simon by visiting his wonderful restaurant at 1600 Wilcox and enjoying a delicious dinner in a great atmosphere. Our photographers Tina Gill from PR Photos and Marcy Gaston have hundreds of incredible photos to share with us in the next few days. Cliff Stephenson and his gang videotaped the proceeds on Sunday and Michelle Ressler managed to get the entire weekend. You can see Michelle's videos on our website at www.cutfilmfestival.org and on our MySpace and Facebook pages. Thank you to Abbie Bernstein for loaning her copies of Robin of Sherwood DVD's since someone (ummmm) left our copies at home. Thank you to Sony Pictures for The Poker Club and Devils Tomb, and Acorn Distributing for Robin of Sherwood. Thank you to Lionsgate for Crank, Crank 2 and all of the astounding items volunteered for our auction and raffles. Thank you to Jason and Amy for being with us in spirit and congratulations on your new projects. I know I'm going to forget someone, so please forgive me ahead of time. CUT! 2009 was Paul, Marques, Eric, Daniel, Cameron, TJ, Chris, Brian, Steve, Mark, Mike, Nick, Ted, Andy, Ariel, Gus, Jason, Zack, Johnathon, Lori, Judy, Jana, Lenny, Michael, Mark, Brian, Zoe, Terry, Milo, Clifton, Efren and all the rest and we can't thank them enough. A special call out to Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor who contacted us shortly after CUT! 2008. Mark and Brian have worked this entire year to help make Sunday the special day it was. May their success know no bounds and may they join us again. We didn't have much swag or posters or tees (except thanks to Mark, Lionsgate, Graykin Entertainment and Heather Suttie). What we did have was laughter, some tears and a weekend of a lifetime for some folks. There is nothing else to say, except Thank You from the bottom of my heart for a weekend to remember. ~LJ