Irene Duma - Writer Director » Comedy Writing/Directing

I’m Interviewed about PEI Screenwriters’ Bootcamp in the Telegram

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:45:44 +0000

Heidi Wicks asked me some questions about PEI Screenwriters’ Bootcamp.

Can you tell I liked it?

Read the whole interview:Wanna buff up? Screenwriter’s Bootcamp should do it.

Comedy is more popular than news on the web

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:36:40 +0000

Just read this report on Digital Media Wire that says “Comedy Overtakes News As Most Popular Web Video.”

Comedy videos rose in viewership from 31% of the audience in 2007 to 50% today, leading all categories.

That’s what comedy writers like myself like to hear.

The SJIWFF Closing Night Party is a dull affair.

admin — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:24:31 +0000

How can you not be depressed upon returning?

St. John’s Intl Women’s Film Festival Cod Tongue Dinner

admin — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:22:09 +0000

Cod tongues are a regional specialty and I make it my habit to try local food.

Videos From The Festival – Post Festival Depression Hits Hard

admin — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:17:48 +0000

Post Festival Depression Hits Hard After the St. John’s Intl Film Fest.I was the Official blogger of the St. John’s Intl Film Festival. Rachel Peters and I shot this mockumentary 2 weeks after the festival, about our struggle coping being back in the “centre of the universe.” That’s what St. John’sers affectionately call Toronto.

Yes, this video is full of inside jokes. So here’s a little glossary that may help.

Kelly Davis – is the unsinkable festival director

NIFCO – the Newfoundland Independent Film Coop

Snowball – the amazing dancing cockatiel that became our mascot at the fest

Noreen Golfman – is the festival CEO/founder

Panfried cod tongues – are a delicacy – and are very yummy. You missed out Megan!

“The Song” – is the theme song of the festival’s 2007 animated trailer, which was animated by Rachel Peters, and opened every screening.

Rosemary House – is a producer/director in St. John’s. She hosted a lovely luncheon at her home for all the delegates of the fest, which until we got there, we thought was the name of the Organization ( like Ronald McDonald House”. )

Barbara Doran – “Random Passage” producer whose latest film opened up the film fest.

Rachel did really eat fire.

And we hula-hooped at the closing party.
Sorry for the bad sound. We shot fast and dirty.

This Hour Has Seven Decades

admin — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 22:18:57 +0000

Click To Play

Based on the memoir by Patrick Watson, “This Hour Has Seven Decades” packs 50 years of Patrick’s broadcasting tips and 70 years of an extraordinary life into 5 funny minutes.The film premiered at the World Wide Short Film Festival, which, by the way, is a great festival, and had its Atlantic Premiere at the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival, another great festival.

Dir / Writer: Irene Duma
Animation: Darryl Gold
Producer: Judith Keenan / BookShorts
Starring: Patrick Watson and Dave Healy
Music: Whitney Smith
Based on the book “This Hour Has Seven Decades” by Patrick Watson
Published by: McArthur & Company
Genre: Comedy/ Mockumentary

Release: June 2005 Worldwide Short Film Festival

Archetype #41: The Expectant Mother – Freaked Out Edition.

admin — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 03:35:19 +0000

Click To Play

Archetype #41: The Expectant Mother: Freaked Out Edition.
Average age: 38. Natural habitat: State of high anxiety.
Overheard: “Kevin, you CAN NOT wear anti-perspirant — the metal in it can seep out of your armpit and into our baby’s brain!”

This film in the Archetypes trilogy, premiered at the “One Minute Film And Video Festival” in Toronto.

Narrated and scripted in the style of school propaganda films of the 1950s, Archetypes animated films, produced by BookShorts.com present minutely observed, caustic commentary with brilliant artwork, so the Archetypes happily but lovingly eviscerate the denizens of the contemporary urban world.

Dir / Writer / Animator: Irene Duma
Based on the Book Archetypes by Mireille Silcoff with illustrations by Kagan McLeod
Pub: McClelland and Stewart
Genre: Humour / Animated Comedy

[tags] funny video, animation, literacy [/tags]

Archetype Number 17: The Moodie

admin — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 03:34:50 +0000

Click To Play

Average age: 40.
Natural habitat: on a trip to Bhutan to sample yak butter tea.
Overheard: “You won’t find me in the sort of joint (the Moodie will often use words like “joint”) where it’s two bites of pastel-coloured s— (the Moodie is also fond of profanity) on a plate where some kitchen ponce has made a Jackson Pollock out of coulis!”

Dir / Writer / Animator: Irene Duma
Based on the Book Archetypes by Mireille Silcoff with illustrations by Kagan McLeod
Pub: McClelland and Stewart
Genre: Humour / Animated Comedy
Release: October 2006

Archetype Number 17: Beastie Dad

admin — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 03:26:02 +0000

Click To Play

Average age: 38.
Natural habitat: Back office, skateboard/snowboard shop.
Overheard: NOBODY thinks you’re too old, honey. If it makes you feel better, you can say its research for the store.You can buy the book from Chapters Indigo.ca or visit BookShorts.com for more information about adapting books to screen.

I animated these 1 minute films in Macromedia Flash.