Santa Cruz native filmmakers bring home a hit of Hollywood laughter - "Night of the Alien" at Santa Cruz Film Festival 5/13

April 12, 2011
Top Quote "I went from Santa Cruz to Hollywood, and now I'm thrilled to be bringing Hollywood back to Santa Cruz..." says Pia Helm, producer and Santa Cruz native. Santa Cruz native Pia Helm (Producer), and San Jose native Vaughn Verdi (Director) are bringing their offbeat underground comedy "Night of the Alien" home to the Santa Cruz Film Festival May 13th. End Quote
  • Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) April 12, 2011 - Pia Helm, producer and Santa Cruz native and San Jose native and director Vaughn Verdi is bringing home a hit of Hollywood laughter with their offbeat underground comedy "Night of the Alien." A special screening will take place at the 2011 Santa Cruz Film Festival Friday May 13th at the Rio Theater, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. The cast and filmmakers will be attending the festival and are available for interviews.

    Already scoring blazing reviews, the film is scoring 99% funny on FunnyorDie.com and won a People's Choice Award for Best Road Movie. (International Movie Trailer Festival)

    "I went from Santa Cruz to Hollywood, and now I'm thrilled to be bringing Hollywood back to Santa Cruz. It means so much to me to be included in this awesome festival in my hometown. I'm lucky to be from such an exciting and diverse place," says Pia Helm, producer and Santa Cruz native.

    "Night of the Alien" is a clever mash up of comedy, science fiction, coming of age, psychedelics, conspiracy theories, witchcraft, white trash, and pop culture.

    "Full of deadpan wit and smart-mouthed one-liners delivered by newcomer Shannon Lintner, Fran is disarmingly fresh and funny as she draws you in on her wacky journey in a Juno-esque way." - Hollywood Today

    Stoner TV recently said, "[It's a] funny flick! The film's creator Vaughn Verdi has made a movie so scattered, stony, and stupid that it's actually good."

    Hailing from San Jose, Verdi studied international business law, then became deeply immersed in the LA underground music scene. He soon directed his first feature "Smack," which premiered at film festivals all over the country. Other projects include the short "Tranny McGuyver" with Kirsten Vangsness (Criminal Minds) and "A Couple of Days and Nights."

    "Time Magazine reports wacky stoner comedies all the rage these days. Night of the Alien was Vaughn's new, cool, out-of-the-box script and I couldn't wait to be a part of it," says producer Rob Howeth.

    Howeth has been working on major features such as Jennifer Aniston's "Management" and national commercials, as a production designer and has stepped to the role of producer.

    Thanks to Tony Barlo, there is killer soundtrack, he says, "it is an eclectic mix of indie bands perfectly matching the movie's unique tone". Neil Lisk (I Spit on Your Grave) shot the film and sadly it was his last, he passed away in September.

    The film stars a budding new cast of Shannon Lintner, Scott C. Leeds, Tabetha Wallace, Cole Fisher, Christopher Karbo and Chris Sheets. Produced by Mighty Mite Productions in association with Smart Art LA.

    Media Contact:
    Jolson Creative
    310 614 3214 Nadine Jolson
    jolsoncreativePR ( @ ) mac dot com

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