Empty Streets

Empty Streets: A short film telling the story of a soldier's return from war

2020-12-31T23:01:00.000-08:00

"Empty Streets" is a film about a soldier who returns from war and loses himself more and more each night that passes.

Johnny, consumed by drugs and alcohol, insomnia, nightmares, and homelessness, wanders the streets at night. He is out at night because that's when he's safe.

The film is based on events in the life of a Marine veteran who served in six years in the military. When he returned home, he had to come to terms with the transition back into society after war.

On location in Modesto, California: (from left) Anthony Haviland, Desiree Duclayan Parsonson, Ely Kalilikane.

Message goes Global

2012-01-27T15:23:00.000-08:00

Thank you very much for making this blog (and message) go world-wide. We have readers in 20 countries. We're honored, humble and grateful.

Bhatt Interview/Library Releases

2012-01-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

Interview with our friend (Grammy-Winner) Vishwa-Mohan-Bhatt.

http://itslokayat.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html

We're proud to announce Empty Streets is available this February:

Hawaii Public Libraries System (21 braches, covering 5 islands)
Sacramento Public Library System

Empty Streets Gracefully Accepts Award

2011-12-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

Empty Streets wins W.A.V.E. award. Out of submissions from Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California; we were named best film in the professional entertainment category. We thank all supporters.

Congrats to all nominees, here's a list.

http://www.acmwest.org/pdfs/wave_finalists_winners_2011_corrected093011.pdf

Media coverage

2011-12-01T23:45:00.000-08:00

Without the mass media, "Empty Streets" would never reach the people who can work together with us to make a difference. Here's a list of media outlets that have helped spread the message about our film and our message.
"Empty Streets" has been talked about in some media outlets, including the Modesto Bee, the Modesto View, the Lodi News-Sentinel and the Grass Valley Union newspapers in California, and in Hawaii in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Honolulu Advertiser, Kauai People News and The Garden Island.

Empty Streets was also covered by television news the week of October 1–5, with segments on
Honolulu's CBS, ABC and Fox affiliates.

November 2011--Kauai Times (two part review of film)

November 2007
• Honolulu Star-Bulletin. "Surviving life’s battlefield: An Oahu Marine's rocky return to civilian life inspires a short film the director hopes will help veterans." By Katherine Nichols. 11/23/2007

October 2007
• Radio interview on "Good Vibrations," a local talk program on Kauai Community Radio (KKCR 90.9 FM. kkcr.org). Hosted by Tracey Schavone. 10/10/2007

September 2007
• Impromptu radio interview with Marc Valentin of Kong Radio (KQNG 93.5 FM). 9/17/2007
• Radio interview with Ely and Paul on "Insight," a public affairs talk program on Capital Public Radio (KXJZ – 90.9 FM. capradio.org/insight). Hosted by Jeffrey Callison. 9/27/2007
• "‘Empty Streets’ hits home." — The Garden Island (Kauai, Hawaii. kauaiworld.com). By Amanda Gregg. 9/27/2007

August 2007
Paul interviewed for Fireside Chats in the "Modesto View," a weekly arts and entertainment newspaper. Paul discussed the experience of shooting Empty Streets in and around Modesto, California.

July 2007
• "The characters in Empty Streets have No Exit." — Review by Jay of the Willie Nelson Peace Research Institute. willienelsonpri.com From the review: "Empty Streets strongly evokes the psychological costs We The People pay for the military aggression commanded by our leaders." 7/15/2007

June 2007
• The OC16 television show "Hawaii Reel Stories" has a segment in the episode airing July 26–Aug. 2. Also, the Hawaii Film and Video Magazine blog, Tim Ryan's Reel Hawaii, has mentioned "Empty Streets."
• "Congrats to Kauai-raised producer Paul Booth …" — Tim Ryan's Reel Hawaii. 6/19/2007

April 2007
• In Hawaii, "Empty Streets" has been covered by KGMB-9 news. They used two clips and on-set interviews with Desiree, Ely, Tony and Paul.
• "Indie short film examines the stresses a returning soldier experiences." — The (Grass Valley, Calif.) Union. 4/12/2007
• "'Empty Streets' Depicts PTSD of Hawaii War Veteran." — Hawaii Film Blog. 4/6/2007

March 2007
• "Kauai filmmaker tackles war and the effects on veterans." — The Garden Island (Kauai, Hawaii. kauaiworld.com). By Keya Keita. 3/30/2007

• "Filmmaker tells a friend's story of life after military service." — Lodi News-Sentinel. By Lauren Nelson. 3/10/2007

February 2007
• Paul did a TV interview with Modesto's "Central Valley Report." He was interviewed on set in Modesto.
• "Moanalua grad to tell war vet's tale." — Honolulu Star-Bulletin. By Katherine Nichols. 2/1/2007

Film Review of Empty Streets

2011-12-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

http://thegardenisland.com/entertainment/movies/article_e9ac45a0-084d-11e1-b05b-001cc4c03286.html This review appeared about 3 weeks ago. Thanks to Tammy Apana-Dianda.

Screenings

2011-11-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

Read a list of screenings around the country

SCREENINGS

Saint Louis, Missouri--Friday, August 17, 2007
Veterans for Peace National Convention

Galaxy Theaters. Riverbank California--Monday, October 1, 2007
Northern California Film Festival

UH Manoa Spalding Auditorium Honolulu, Hawaii--Friday, October 5, 2007
University of Hawaii Cinema Series.

Kauai Community College. Puhi, Kauai-- October 11, 2007
Movie Night Under the Stars

Red Elephant Cafe's Garage Cinema Honolulu, Hi--Tuesday, November 27, 2007
• Opened up dialogue with a State Senator

"Empty Streets" presentations on Sacramento's 'Media Edge':
Access Sacramento cable channel 17 (Comcast, SureWest)
-- Sunday, April 20 at 8:00PM
-- Tuesday, April 22 at 4:00AM
-- (live webcast at above dates/times at http://www.accesssacramento.org)

Davis Community Television channel 15 (Comcast)
-- Sunday, April 20 at 8:00PM

West Sacramento Community Access channel 21 (Charter)
-- Monday, April 21 at 9:00PM

Nevada County Television channel 11 (Comcast)
-- Monday, April 21 at 10:30PM

Access Sacramento cable channel 17 (Comcast, SureWest)
-- Sunday, June 29, 9:15 PM;
-- Monday, June 30, 1:15 PM
-- Tuesday, July 1, 5:15 AM

Davis Community Television channel 15 (Comcast)
-- Sunday, June 29, 9:15 PM

West Sacramento Community Access channel 21 (Charter)
-- Monday, June 30, 10:15 PM

Nevada County Television channel 11 (Comcast)
-- Monday, June 30, 11:45 PM

Webcasts (details at http://www.WeTheMedia.tv):
-- Sunday, June 29, 9:15 PM;
-- Monday, June 30, 1:15 PM
-- Tuesday, July 1, 5:15 AM

Skyfest Film Festival in North Carolina (online competition)--April 14th, 2009

Sacramento (City and County), California-- June, 2009
Access Sacramento cable channel 17 (Comcast, SureWest)
-- Sundays, 8:00 - 10:00 PM;
-- Mondays, noon - 2:00 PM;
-- Tuesdays, 4:00 - 6:00 AM

Davis, California
Davis Community Television cable channel 15 (Comcast)
-- Sundays, 8:00 - 10:00 PM

Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge Community Television cable channel 10 (Comcast)
-- Sundays, 8:00 - 10:00 PM

Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester Community Access Media cable channel 23 (Comcast)
-- Sundays, 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM
-- Thursdays, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
-- Fridays, 7:00 - 9:00 AM

Eureka, Arcata and Humboldt County, California
Access Humboldt cable channel 12 (Suddenlink)
-- Mondays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, and
Stanford, California
Media Center cable channel 27 (Comcast)
-- Mondays, 9:00 - 11:00 PM
-- Tuesdays, 12:30 - 2:30am; 4:00 - 6:00am

West Sacramento, California
West Sacramento Community Access cable channel 21
(WAVE Broadband)
-- Mondays, 9:00 - 11:00 PM

Columbia, Missouri
Columbia Access Television cable channel 3 (Mediacom)
-- Mondays, 10:00 PM - midnight
-- Sundays, 8:00 - 10:00 PM

Grass Valley, Nevada City and Nevada County, California
Nevada County Television cable channel 11 (Comcast)
-- Mondays, 10:30 PM - 12:30 AM

Moanalua High School/Nankuli High School 2009

Lihue Public Library May 2010

Honolulu Homeless Shelter Fall 2010

Veteran's mind

2010-05-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

This a journal entry from the Marine veteran we based Empty Streets on. He created the story for the screenplay, was an invaluable technical consultant on set and co-produced the film. This blog entry is his inner thoughts. I did not want to edit them for grammatical or technical reasons. — Paul Booth.

Journal Entry from Ely K. Kalilikane
Life these past few years has been confusing, a period of harsh growth brought on by myself and my environment which I live.

From my transition from childhood to adulthood, Ely, as a person became two different people, the one that was and the one that I was becoming. Maybe other people feel that way. Possibly neither of them is truly who I am rather the border that runs between both, is.

I am no longer a depressed person nor am I a person overjoyed with life. I feel at times I am a leftover in between both, living but not quite knowing why.

Not to say this is neither good nor bad but it does raise personal curiosity. I feel my time in the military has numbed my sense of emotion and individuality, whereas, my return to civilian has helped me curtail any remainder by either due to the overly self-centeredness of nearly everyone I have encountered. Does anyone blame me for the confusion on this matter?

I have learned what true family is during my time in the military. Sharing the cries of grown men in a time of loss, watching a person loose their mind in a matter of seconds and somehow we found the words to say it is okay. Reading about a newborn child, seeing a loved one's picture, smelling a perfume laced letter, these are secrets shared amongst family in a land far away.

One of the hardest lessons of being family is letting go. There is no growing up and leaving our home in this family. When we let go, we bury our own or we wave to them as a medivac separates us. Sometimes we see them in the paper or on the news. These are memories that stain our brain. Some of us can't let go, myself included.

I have had to let many family members go in the physical sense but they are always with me. I waved to a few read about some, and continue to talk with them all. In the hospital waiting room a couple of days ago I spoke with men much like myself. One continuing talking with his family who occupied the ether space in front of him and the other had his head down as if listening to his. Both began to take shape of family I remember. Before we knew it we were speaking to each other, crying and laughing then yelling — now silence. I think that was real. I don't want to be alone like this. I know them, we were family once. Now I sit and write, share and read aloud because I am not sure of reality and my reality.

The Legacy

2010-05-30T00:39:00.000-07:00

During the making of this film from initial concept 5 years ago through the time we moved to the next project, myself the director of the film lost my favorite Aunt and am about to lose my 4th Grandparent this year. I take the time to honor these ancestors.

The film was meant to bring people together and it did. So I thank my ancestors for the positive things they gave me. I hope people who saw this film were touched or thought about the subject matter. We thank everyone for their support of our message. My Grandmother Anna who is about to pass on, was our biggest supporter throughout this project and we all thank her for the support.

We knew we had done something worthy when a group of my Grandmother's Republican friends supported our very liberal message. I knew we'd achieved the meaning of this planet. To bring people together and to discuss important topics that effect humanity.

So peace to you Grandma and thanks for teaching me everything you did and I know the lessons have only just begun.

Semper Fi

2007-11-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

To my absent friends, Semper Fi.....
This drink is for you. In this our time of reflection I put my hands to my face and shake my head. I want to say welcome home, thank you for everything, however this time I just want to have a drink with you.
No words, just look at you. How are you doing? Are you going to be okay? This is our day, yet, a drink is called as the order. It's okay if you can't say anything, I understand. Here is to you and them.... May they only haunt in times of convenience. You are not alone.
Happy Veterans Day.....
author- ely

Dissent

2007-10-12T01:21:00.000-07:00

Army Colonel Ann Wright, who retired in protest of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, will be speaking in Sacramento on October 17.

Wright, formerly with the State Department, U.S. Army and Army Reserves, and now an anti-war activist, will visit Time Tested Books in Sacramento to talk about her new book, "Dissent: Voices of Conscience, Government insiders Speak out Against the War in Iraq."

Wright attended the screening of Empty Streets at the annual Veterans for Peace national conference in St. Louis this spring.

Because Wright is as an ex-government employee and her book is about government affairs, her book needed State Department clearance in order to be published, Time Tested Books announced on its Web site. Wright is scheduled to be a guest on Capital Public Radio's Insight, a locally focused public affairs program.

Details:
• Dissent: Voices of Conscience, Government insiders Speak out Against the War in Iraq — published by Koa Books.
• Time Tested Books, 1114 21st Street, Sacramento, California
• Wednesday, October 17, 7 p.m.

Girls get cold

2007-09-12T01:39:00.000-07:00

So, I was looking through photos from the night we did the convenience store scene in Lodi.

Goodness was it cold! Though, I've been told that night didn't compare to the late nights in Modesto. I'm usually reluctant to go along with gender stereotypes but I remember the girls were cold, and the boys were pretending it wasn't.

For instance, our two supporting characters, Alexandra and Mercedes, were real troupers. Desiree, although she did get to layer her clothes and wear a leather jacket, was outside most of the time, waiting for Paul to give her the cue. I think it was just a teeny bit windy. They never complained about how cold it was in their costumes; that the convenience store guy was supposed to make bottomless pots of coffee and hot chocolate but didn't; that we were awake way too long; or that they weren't making millions. Well, none of us has made millions. Yet.

I think what it really comes down to is this: We were genuinely happy to finally be making the film that had been in the planning stages for months.

STL Dispatches

2007-08-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

Paul and Ely are in St. Louis for the 22nd annual Veterans for Peace national convention. Paul was worried about not being military. Ely I think was nervous about being part of a panel discussion about homeless veterans. Meanwhile, I am in Sacramento living vicariously through them and their random phone conversations and text messages.

First impressions
Paul told me about the number of artists who were set up around the hotel's main ballroom. He looked at paintings, poetry and sculpture, and bought a postcard featuring Dr. Martin Luther King. Veterans of all ages were meeting. People from all over the country, perhaps other countries, were talking about the day's upcoming speakers and workshops. By 11 a.m., hundreds of people were milling around in advance of the opening ceremony.

I asked them if the convention was what they expected. Ely said: "It's a lot larger. It's so much larger." I'm sure he didn't just mean the physical size.

The convention kicked off on Wednesday afternoon at the Holiday Inn and goes until Sunday. Sunday is the "March through the Arch," a rally that will go through Downtown St. Louis to the Gateway Arch.

Debut
The film was shown on Friday afternoon to an audience of a few dozen people. Paul said, simply, he was "appreciative and humbled."

Ely's thoughts

"We had a bunch of people come and watch it. Afterward, some (Vietnam veterans) came up to talk to me and Paul. The older veterans spanned from Vietnam to World War II, and I remember one man in particular said thank you for telling this story.

"I was nervous about getting feedback but people really liked it.

"Right after we showed the film, they turned on the lights, we sat in front of the TV and started the talk. I was nervous at first but then the questions and answers started flowing. After a while most of the questions were directed to me, with Garrett (Garrett Reppenhagen, Iraq Veterans Against the War board chairman) facilitating the discussion.

"The third guy (Abe Cho, IVAW Boston chapter vice president) gave some statistics and gave some of his opinions. I could tell he was pretty nervous. It was all good though.

"I know they appreciated that a third party, someone outside of the fold, was willing to make a film about a veteran. They welcomed him in, and gave him some feedback. Paul was talking with veterans, answering questions.

"Some people were trying to soak it all in; some people said it was 'interesting;' some people maybe it went over their heads. But those were mostly the younger guys. Of the older veterans, they liked the fact that it didn't show him leaving the military, that it showed the night of a veteran and what could happen in the span of one night. They were just very thankful that from a humanistic point of view it was coming out."

Production Update

2007-08-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

We're one week away from our first public screening. Check in with the blog next week for updates from St. Louis, Mississippi and Memphis. Ely and I will be finalizing some tracks for the score with Jimbo Mathus in his studio in Mississippi and we'll be taking a trip to the Delta Blues Museum and while in Memphis we'll visit the motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot.

Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has come on board this week and will be blessing us with some music. Look him up on the Internet. We will be keeping the blog posted with more great information about Vishwa Bhatt. He is a wonderful world musician and an incredibly humble artist and man. We are very honored to have the musicians we have on the score.

We'll be doing the final edit on Empty Streets on August 27. Once we get the final music from Jimbo Mathus and Vishwa Bhatt the movie will be ready for full completion. Stay tuned to the blog, we might give away a few DVD copies to lucky readers that we see visit our blog a lot. We also got word about a few very special announcements in the near future!

Lil Wish/Hurricane Eye

2007-07-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

We're happy to announce that Empty Streets will feature the musical talents of two more awesome musicians. The Chicago-based rapper Lil Wish and Hurricane Eye from the East Coast.

Lil Wish
stage presence, lyrical style, energy and crowd control. Imagine creating a performer with a mixure of Jay Z, Twista, P-Diddy, and Busta Rhymes. Now rap all that up in one package then you will have Lil Wish. Coming from the West side of Chicago. Lil Wish has a dazzling live performance that is guaranteed to make any crowd rock. Concert promoters call Lil Wish the best kept secret in the music industry. But to the ladies he is simply Wish. Wish has a style that mixes hip hop and Juke Music (a Chicago style of music) that will send any club up. At a young age Lil Wish took on family responsibilities after his mom suffered a mild stroke. Lil Wish started entering and winning local talent shows. Since then Wish has became the the Midwest most talked about artist/entertainer.

HurricaneEye
HurricaneEye formed in 1992 as a four piece Rap-Metal band based out of Beverly, Mass., pioneering a truly fierce sound. In 1994, HurricaneEye forged a relationship with the sport of kick-boxing and eventually composed the anthem to the sport titled: "Rage Zone". During the early 90s, HurricaneEye performed live at kick-boxing shows throughout Canada until they disbanded in 1996. Tim Long, the founder of HurricaneEye, forged ahead with the name and began to compose electronic music for the next several years, and in 2000, inked a deal with MTV's "Making The Video." At that time, HurricaneEye transformed into a publishing company and produced music for MTV, Comcast, and Spike.

— Sources: HurricaneEye, Lil Wish, cdbaby.com

Righteous Movement

2007-07-31T00:02:00.000-07:00

Sacramento's own Righteous Movement consist of five Hip-Hop musicians that gradually crossed paths, forming together as a group to collectively pursue their mission to make great music. They have a kick-ass track titled "what's a man" that we use in one of the pivotal scenes.

Musically and personally, the group defines chemistry, with each member possessing not only his own style, but swagger as well, each tactfully able of defying any predetermined image of what hip-hop is perceived to be these days, visually or sonically. In pursuit of celebrating life's trials and tribulations through music, these four emcees and one DJ paint their stories in poetic Technicolor. Righteous Movement satisfies more than just fans of good Hip-Hop, but connoisseurs of great music, with their balance of party jams, introspective verses and addictive beats.

Righteous Movement has shared the stage with many nationally and locally acclaimed artists including, but not limited to: The Pharcyde, KRS-ONE, Tajai from Hieroglyphics, Zion I, DJ Craze, Crown City Rockers, JuJu, DJ Hive and more.

St. Louis

2007-07-17T23:25:00.000-07:00

author: Paul Booth
Empty Streets will be screening in St. Louis next month at the Veterans for Peace National Convention. Our film was invited by the Iraq Veterans Against the War.

This is quite an honor. The organizers have asked Ely to take part in a panel discussion about homeless veterans. He and I will also be traveling to Memphis that weekend to finalize a few tracks for the score.

I'm looking forward to the convention. On the last day, Sunday, Aug. 19, there will be a peace march to the Gateway Arch, with veterans from all over the country from all wars. Ely and I have dreamed about being part of a peace event. It's why all of us made Empty Streets. Thanks to everyone!

I Want You!

2007-07-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

UPDATE — July 16, 2007, 10:45 p.m.
Third time's the charm?
For the second time in as many weeks I've discovered someone has removed the "check out the blog" flier I put up in the apartment building's laundry room. They left the thumbtack, though. I'm going to put up another little sign. Maybe this time I'll cut it into the shape of the United States (the 48 contiguous states, anyway). Again, I have to wonder: Who is taking down the flier, and why?

June 29, 2007, 6:25 p.m.
We recently put up posters advertising our blog in the laundry room of my apartment complex. "Check out our blog," the signs said. "True story of a Marine's return home."

All kinds of fliers are tacked up on the laundry rooms' walls — people selling furniture, people looking for business clients, upcoming events around town, memos from management. Anyone can put one up, as long as they're not hateful or discriminatory in nature.

Soon after putting up the signs, they disappeared. Incidentally, they were replaced with business cards. Not just any business cards. These were the business cards of a U.S. Army recruiter. I presume he lives on property.

Raise your right hand if you think an Army recruiter took down our posters and put up his cards.

Why would he do such a thing? Is it because he doesn't want people to know that America's sons and daughters come back with just a bit more than that advertised sense of pride and responsibility? Did he really need that prime wall space?

Is it unfair to assume a recruiter took down a flier promoting a not-so-happy veterans tale?

For argument's sake, let's say it was someone uninvolved with the military who disposed of our fliers. Why would a civilian do that? Is it because they agree with war? Do they agree with the way the United States treats combat veterans and their families? Do they wish they were a soldier but, for whatever reason, didn't sign up? (Well, it's not too late to enlist. Last I heard, all branches of the armed services are in need of warm bodies.)

This film and blog are moving people to action. This is a special moment.

Correction: At the present time in the world, the USAF does not have a recruiting quota.

First Review

2007-07-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, we sent advance screeners to several media outlets including newspapers and blogs, and film industry professionals. We wanted to get input on our (nearing) final version. It's basically complete, though in need of some minor tweaking here and there. On Sunday, July 15, Empty Streets was reviewed by Jay from the Willie Nelson Peace Research Institute's blog.

From the review: "Empty Streets strongly evokes the psychological costs We The People pay for the military aggression commanded by our leaders."

We're very grateful for this review!

Read the full piece here:
• Willie Nelson Peace Research Institute

Hawaii Reel Stories July 26-August 2

2007-07-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hawaii Reel Stories is airing a segment on Empty Streets. Check out the schedule. The show is on OC16!

Tuesday, July 31st — 10 p.m.
Wednesday, August 1 — 4 a.m., 4 p.m.
Thursday, August 2 — 9:30 a.m.

The Soundtrack

2007-07-09T03:35:00.000-07:00

author: Paul Booth
I'm very happy to announce the involvement of the Sacramento based rap group Righteous Movement. Myself and a fellow producer of Empty Streets saw these guys play a few weeks back and they really brought a special voice to what they do. Their music will be featured in one of the key scenes.

The scene takes place in a liquor store and gives the audience a sense of where our veteran is mentally. We use Righteous Movement as source music, meaning it's supposed to be playing on a radio in the liquor store. The music then leads us into the score part of the scene.

We found them very last minute. It was like a sign. I'd practically given up on finding some great hip-hop and was convinced to attend the local music even they were competing in. I heard one song and knew I wanted their sound, their spirit and the vibes they put out.

As a filmmaker, I always dreamed about making a movie with a cool soundtrack, with music that matched my emotions, vision and images. In this case it we're all on the same page and in sync. Thanks to the music. It always gives back to those who love it. This band has enhanced Empty Streets.

Journo casualties

2007-06-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Last week I was fortunate to be able to catch a preview screening of the film "A Mighty Heart." It's important to remember and honor all the men and women in uniform who have sacrificed their lives, but there have been many journalists killed "over there," too.

Daniel Pearl was the Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped and killed in Pakistan in early 2002.
There are conflicting reports of how many journalists have been kidnapped, killed and injured in the world since 9/11.
As a journalist who once dreamed of covering the world it's awful scary to think of my colleagues in danger.

Here's a link to the Daniel Pearl Foundation, which runs education programs for young journalists, fellowships, reporting workshops and writing projects in the Middle East and United States.

• Daniel Pearl Foundation

In the media this week

2007-06-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Empty Streets was mentioned on the Hawaii Film and Video Magazine Blog.

http://www.hawaiifilmandvideo.com/blog

Thanks for the support everyone!

Production Timeline

2007-06-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Author: Paul Booth (co-writer, co-producer, director)

Empty Streets was written in July of 2006 as a project to explore the loneliness and pain a friend of mine experienced after his time in the military. This film was made because of friendship, not politics.

The actual plot of the story reveals other social issues and presents human issues we all face. I'm not politicizing any aspect of Empty Streets and nor is the cast or crew. I wanted to tell a story about something I observed about my friend after not seeing him for 2 years. He'd changed for the worse and I didn't know why and he wasn't allowed to tell me why. It was painful.

The film was prepared from August 2006 to February 2007 and we shot the film for two weeks in February. After we shot the film, the treatment of veterans became a hot topic. The Walter Reed story broke and suddenly artists across the country began talking about it more and more.

It breaks our heart the amount of death that goes on each day in any war. This is about every veteran who ever felt lonely, from the Revolutionary War until now.

We dedicate this film to the spirits of those lost. And as humanitarians we tell our story with peace and love in our hearts. We see the human race as one.

At the end of the day we want our veterans treated better when they come home. We hope this film gets people thinking about an ignored issue. We put politics aside to make this movie and create this blog, and hope viewers can do the same. Thanks for your time.

Oliver Stone PSA

2007-06-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

Author: Paul Booth.
Please take the time to visit the VideoVets project operated by MoveOn. Check out the PSA that Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone recently directed. It's about time that Stone gets into the arena of film and the war in Iraq. He's a big hero of mine and his films were a beacon of light and inspiration for myself and Ely as we developed the story and wrote the first 10 drafts of the script. Born on the 4th of July, JFK and Natural Born Killers were films that constantly helped us. I'm glad Oliver Stone is back into message films.

I respect all of his work and love that he didn't politicize World Trade Center … but to any Stone fan we all know that U-Turn, Talk Radio and Alexander were not what his real talent is. If you haven't seen Stone's films, check them out asap.

Hawaii's Reel Stories, June 15–21

2007-06-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

Updated June 21. Thanks to those who watched "Hawaii's Reel Stories" on Oceanic Time Warner Cable! The show featured EMPTY STREETS, with on-set interviews and two clips.

Friday, June 15 — 2:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 16 — Noon, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 17 — 12:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 11:30 p.m.
Monday, June 18 — 5:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 19 — 10 p.m.
Wednesday, June 20 — 4 a.m. / 4 p.m.
Thursday, June 21 — 9:30 a.m.

Music of Empty Streets

2007-06-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

We're very honored to announce the involvement of two Blues musicians who have generously given us music. Both are rooted in the soul, fire, spirit and passion that is the Blues. First off we have Jimbo Mathus, who has arranged and produced albums, and toured with the likes of Buddy Guy and Elvis Costello, not to mention the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Jimbo is a generous man, humble with his time and always willing to share with us as an artist. We're very excited to have him on board.

Image courtesy JimboMathus.net

Next is a Bluesman from the old school named Charlie Musselwhite. He played in clubs with Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, Michael Bloomfield and has shared the stage with Etta James, BB King, James Cotton and Elvin Bishop. He's a kind, gentle soul that flat-out wails on the harp. The special treat is that Mr. Musselwhite gave us use of a song titled "Blues for John Lee." On this track Musselwhite plays acoustic guitar and it was a song he composed for his late friend John Lee Hooker.

Check out these two Web sites so you can experience these guys' music and see them live.

• Charlie Musselwhite
• Jimbo Mathus

Thoughts from a Mom

2007-06-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Note: This entry is written by Desiree Duclayan Parsonson. She stars in EMPTY STREETS, but more importantly, she's a MOM.

I am patiently awaiting the completion of an important film I was happy to be a part of... "Empty Streets." I'm excited and looking forward to seeing and hearing the many reactions about the movie from people.

As a parent, the war in Iraq has been heavy on my mind and the thought of drafting young men and women who may or may not want to go. Having 2 boys at an age eligible for war is a scary thing for me.

I have seen and heard many heroic stories and also seen and heard many tragic and sad stories at the same time. I don't know if I could live with myself knowing my child had been killed in this crazy war with Iraq. I would like to see my genes carried on, I would like to be a grandmother someday and I would like to see my boys live a full life meant to be.

I don't believe war should be the way to settle things, I believe there is a more peaceful way of doing things but that it would mean being unselfish and willing to give and share. I really feel that people need to realize that we all live on the earth and although we may have different hair color, eye color or skin color; the same color of blood runs through our veins, therefore we should be more focused on taking care of each other rather than trying to take from each other.

documentary about veterans

2007-06-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Veterans tell real stories of their lives in the military, starting with recruitment, and following through training combat and what happens when they return home. The 2006 documentary "The Ground Truth" is by no means a watered-down evening news version of "what's going on over there." Ideas and images presented in this film will shake anyone up emotionally.

Patricia Foulkrod, a television and industrial film producer, directed and produced. She's recorded the stories of a dozen veterans and some of their spouses from all branches of the military.

These men and women have amazing courage and conviction to speak out against the war and the treatment of veterans, in their hopes to help change the future. We salute you, admire you and hope someday we can meet you.

• The Ground Truth

Thinking about kids whose parents are in war

2007-05-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, my dad was a Weekend Warrior. Meaning, he was a member of the Hawaii Air National Guard. Two weekends a month, two weeks a year. He was in from 1985 to 1988.

For National Guard training he'd go to Pohakuloa Training Area and Hickam Air Force Base. He recently told me they did anti-terrorism simulations. He was in communications with "top secret security clearance."

My parents tried to explain about "war games." They'd say there were guns. The men wore uniforms and color their faces with camouflage paint.

My parents had a routine to prepare for Dad leaving for "war games." At some point he might come home with shirts and pants and patches. Mom would sew the patches onto his uniforms, and iron and fold everything before arranging them in his duffel bag.

Mom would tell my brothers and I that two weeks was a long time and Dad would miss us. He couldn't call to tell us goodnight or ask how we did in school. So, we would draw pictures on construction paper and stash them in his bag, down deep so they wouldn’t get lost.

The night before leaving, Dad would shine his boots. He’d get the tin of thick black shoe polish, a damp cotton rag, a stiff brush, and set everything out on sheets of newspaper at the kitchen table. Sometimes he would let me help.

He'd leave early in the morning, when it was still dark. I can't recall what time of year it would be, but it would seem very long, especially at nights.

School teachers didn't talk about any of this, even though the Guard was probably the island's top "employer" and many students were home without a parent for two weeks each year.

Every regular night, we'd all say goodnight to each other, like a choir repeating the phrase: "I love you, see you in the morning." When dad was on the training we would say good-night to him anyway. When he came back he wouldn't tell me much about it, only that it was kind of like a hunting trip. He actually told me more about his days in Vietnam than the Guard training.

To a kid, two weeks is a really long time. Of course, it doesn't compare to the months and months for kids whose parents who are in a real war.

Thinking about how many people are in Iraq and other foreign countries we don't know about really makes me wonder about the traditions and routines like my family had. If my dad was sent off to an actual war and never came back? For example, would we have continued saying goodnight to him every night even if he wasn't there?

The link between public schooling and military service.

2007-05-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

Is there a link between America's public school system and military recruitment?

I recently started a new job and was assigned to read materials for training. One particular item, written by an eighth-grader, discussed what's going on at their school.

"We can't go more than 3 minutes without hearing the word 'test' or 'assessment,'" the student wrote. "I am starting to believe the theory that we are being prepared to be drafted into the military."
The federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires U.S. public school students to take standardized tests annually from grades 3 to 8, and at least once in high school. Just days after his inauguration, George W. Bush introduced NCLB, calling it a "framework for bipartisan education reform."

NCLB has many mandates. Here are a few: Teachers must be "highly qualified," with at least a bachelor's degree and teaching credential. Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch also qualify for free tutoring and after school programs. Students in grades 3–8 take annual standardized tests in reading and math. Schools and school districts are rewarded or sanctioned based on whether students have made "adequate yearly progress." Schools are required to the furnish name, address and telephone number of every student to military recruiters.

Many high schools administer "career inventory" or "skills" standardized tests to juniors and seniors thinking about life after high school.

Some guidance counselors, under the direction of military recruiters, direct students to take another type of standardized test. The ASVAB (pronounced az-vab) determines whether a person is eligible to enlist in the military. The department says its test is the world's most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery.
ASVAB stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, but a few college counselors I know call it a "career exploration program."

I've met guidance counselors who set up school events like "military day" where they bring in vehicles and allow students to try on uniforms. On "career day" the Army and Marines recruiters are the first to get called. I've been on high school and middle school campuses during lunch when Marine recruiters have set up areas for students to demonstrate their ability to do a certain number of push-ups.

Many public schools operate JROTC programs, kind of like military for kids. I think of one in particular, which says its mission is to "motivate young people to be better citizens." When I see those junior ROTC kids march in a parade, or practice drills in the schoolyard, I think it's an incredible show of discipline and teamwork. I also feel it's a performance to show teens the greatest way to success is to become a robot-like soldier.

More and more parents, students and educators have blogged against the ASVAB, the militarism of youth, and the military's involvement in schools.

In high school, my friend Mary and I both took the ASVAB. I believe we were considering signing up for either the Navy or the Air Force. I can't remember what traits we possessed or which branch we were best suited for, but I do recall recruiters calling my house, basically until I graduated. In my case, they said they liked how my dad was in the Navy during Vietnam.

We both needed the money for college. Whereas Mary got straight As I nearly flunked out. The military people promised us we'd learn new technology and be able to travel the world. They said people who joined military service meet people from every state. We'd receive hands-on training and lessons in respect, leadership, dignity, discipline, etc. It sounded great.

What kid without money to pay for college wouldn't want their entire education paid for, and after four years in active service, the ability to get a home loan, advanced job training, not to mention the knowledge we'd gain from experiencing other countries and cultures. (That reminds me, I would like to talk with my friend again about this.) If I decided to stay in for 10 years I'd still be young enough to start a civilian career in just about whatever I chose. We'd get all kinds of benefits, monetary and otherwise. Remember, at the time, there was no large-scale Iraq War.

I'm not quite sure why I didn't enlist. If I did, I would have been out in 2000. I did go on to earn a bachelor's degree at a state university but no one paid for it and I'm $15,000 in debt. Anything regarding computers, I taught myself. I haven't traveled the world so I've learned little from meeting people in other countries. I haven't learned to discpline myself according to a rigid, standard schedule. I am starting a new career, 10 years after graduating high school. I don't own a home. It's strange to think I have met more than a few veterans my age who say they regret nothing more than signing up.

Cast & crew

2007-04-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

At the convenience store, Feb. 20, 2007. Left to right : Alexandra Aileen, Kevin Hardiman, Anthony Haviland (kneeling), Mercedes Danekas, Ryan Litton, Desiree Duclayan-Parsonson, Ely Kalilikane.

Read the following bios of our cast and crew! Without the hard work and dedication of this team, EMPTY STREETS would still exist in notebooks.

George Baker (Co-Producer) helped set up the casting and locations. George is the founder of the Shockerfest International Film Festival, now in its ninth year.

Karma Outlet (Editors and Sound Editors) is a small-scale video production company located in Grass Valley, Calif. The company is run by Ryan Litton and Chris Keefer. Karma Outlet provides a variety of video-graphical services to suit the customer's needs, from documentaries and independent films to special events and weddings.

A native of London, England, Eve Hands (Executive Producer) is a producer, writer, songwriter, singer and (unambitious!) actress. Eve founded her Kaua'i-based company, Paradise Production Studios, of which “Big in Small Places,” a made-for-TV show, was the first completed project. Her most recent production credit is co-producer of the motion picture “Immortally Yours” (soon to be re-titled “Kiss of the Vampire” for general release in Europe).

Alexandra Aileen (liquor store girl #1) is an 18-year-old starting to make her way into film acting. She feels extremely honored to have Empty Streets be one of her first bigger film projects, considering that it has such meaning and impact. She will be leaving for college in Southern California next fall, and hopes to continue acting throughout her life. She would like to thank Paul for taking such risks to bring an often overlooked problem to the surface of his audience's hearts and minds.

Mercedes Danekas (liquor store girl #2) is an aspiring actress from Elk Grove, Calif. Mercedes is a professional Angus rancher and works on her family farm in Wilton.

Paul Bruton (police officer) works as a copy editor in the town of Lodi, Calif. When he's not red-penning reporters' words he is likely doing something outdoorsy or playing sports.

Kris Price (liquor store clerk) is an actor and filmmaker living in Modesto, Calif. He is the owner of thinkboxfilm productions and a student at Modesto Junior College. Kris worked as a production assistant and had a small acting part. Kris says, "What I learned from it is that it's great to know what happens to the military person who comes home from war, and that we need to take care of them and find them jobs instead of lose them in the shuffle. I think this will be an eye opener …"

Cody Leroy Bartlett (parking lot punk #1)
He provided a few tapes we shot the film on. Additionally, Cody is a student of funeral directing, father of two with his wife Charito, and avid bird-watcher in Sacramento, California.

About Kevin

2007-04-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

Kevin (Director of Photography) was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. He currently works in Whistler, B.C., conceptualizing, shooting, editing, and producing content for Whistler Resort Television. He has worked on projects as a camera operator in Canada, The United States, Thailand and Costa Rica.

About Ely

2007-04-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

I am a 28-year-old Hawaii native who joined the military soon after graduating from Moanalua High School. I am also a father, writer and friend.

During my time in The United States Marine Corps, I had experienced life changing moments both good and bad. These events have an effect on who I am as a person today. Although those days in the Marines have past they are not gone.

When Paul originally told me about the idea which formed into Empty Streets, my thought was "who cares." It sounded great, but the idea that someone else wanted to share one of the hardest times of my life with the rest of the world scared me because I didn't think my life could be used to help others. As this idea became a reality, I found myself humbled.

Dredging up memories and feelings I wanted to forget helped pave the way for the desire to see this film completed which would in essence help me move on in life. After being given the honor of co-writing, my closure is nearing completion.

Everyone that contributed to this film has had made many personal sacrifices. These sacrifices have made this a part of us all. During the time we helped to build this film as friends, we became family. Paul, Kendyce, Kevin, Tony, Des, I love you all and thank you.

— Ely Kalilikane (Co-Writer, Producer)

San Francisco — Ely and Paul heading back from the pizza place.

Production Stills

2007-04-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some various photos from behind the scenes of EMPTY STREETS.

Top: Paul talks on the phone with co-producer George Baker, at a bus stop off Crows Landing in Modesto.

Center: Convenience store rehearsal. Alexandra Nystrom, Ryan Litton and the mom of our other actress Mercedes Danekas.

Bottom (left to right): Director of Photography Kevin Hardiman, actor Anthony Haviland, Ely Kalilikane, and Paul Booth at the convenience store in Lodi.

About Anthony

2007-04-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Anthony Haviland (Stars as Johnny) is 33 years old and has worked in various areas behind the scenes in TV and film.

About Dez

2007-04-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

Being a part of Empty Streets for me was an honor. I wasn't crazy about my character but the message in the movie was important to me and that was why I decided to be a part of it all. Being a Mom and having sons turning 20 and 18 gave me good reason to want to be a part of the message.

I am thankful for the opportunity and am glad to have met a group of fine people in the process, I felt Kevin is an awesome camera man with a great eye for film, Tony is an exceptional talent, Kendyce was a huge help in the process, Ely is a man with a heart of gold and Paul …

I am an aspiring actress with little experience but huge ambition. Because Paul knows me so well, he had an amazing ability to help me use my own experiences to bring out certain feelings and emotions in me for my parts. Paul is an excellent writer, director and producer and I know he will only continue to succeed in this journey and path.
— Desiree Duclayan-Parsonson (Stars as Carol)

About Kendyce

2007-04-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

Kendyce Manguchei, Co-Writer/Co-Producer

Kendyce is a writer, editor, designer and artist based in Sacramento, California. Her role in this film was instrumental from the treatment stages of production through the final cut. Kendyce contributed the title, edited the script and rewrote scenes, made invaulable casting decisions, co-produced the soundtrack, helped fundraise the production budget and completion funds for the film. She is a graduate of New Mexico State University and Sacramento City College. Her current work involves mixed media and digital design.

About Paul

2007-04-07T01:02:00.000-07:00

Paul (Co-Writer, Producer, Director) is a graduate of Kauai Comunity College, the Vancouver Film School, a multi-award nominated, multi-award winning feature film producer (including a Telly and a Davey) and multi-award winning director. Paul's work has been produced with a company on the Universal Studios lot, shown in film festivals around the world, screened in multiple art house cinema venues and broadcast worldwide on web-casts.

On television, it has been produced for Time Warner Cable (5-episode mini-series and multiple segments for a weekly series) and screened on Comcast cable in Sacramento, West Sacramento, Davis and Grass Valley, Nevada City and Nevada County in Northern California. Other California screenings include Eureka, Arcata, Humboldt, Palo Alto, E. Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton and Stanford. It has also aired on cable and public access channels in Columbia Missouri, Cambridge Massachusetts, Manchester New Hampshire.

DVD distribution includes Blockbuster Hawaii, Hollywood Video (U.S. nationwide), Netflix.com, Amazon.com and internationally to Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Paul was the founder of the Hawaii Student Film Festival in 1999 and directed the event until 2003 when it closed, after showing 230 films from 30 schools on 5 Hawaiian Islands. In 2003 the festival was recognized on the floor of the Hawaii State Senate with a proclamation honoring it as the First ever Student Film Festival in the State's 45 year history. The festival also received a proclomation from te Kauai County Council in 2003 (the island the festival started on). Festival Judges included Oscar-Nominated Producer Margarette South (For the Boys, Beaches), Emmy-Nominated Producer Frank South (Melrose Place, Baywatch) and Actor Cary Tagawa (Planet of the Apes, Last Emperor, Rising Sun).

Paul currated Film History night(s) at the Hawaii State Library (2 years) and writes Classic DVD reviews for the Garden Island newspaper's Sunday edition in Kauai, Hawaii ('09-present).

Paul's work has been covered in Asian Cult Cinema magazine, Filmmaker Magazine and mentioned multiple times in The Honolulu Star Bulletin, The Honolulu Advertiser, The Modesto Bee, The Grass Valley Union, The Garden Island News and in TV interviews on the Central Valley Report (Comcast Cable, Modesto), KGMB (CBS Hawaii Affiliate), KITV (ABC Hawaii Affiliate) and KHON (Fox Hawaii Affiliate). On the radio he has done interviews for Sacramento's Capitol Public Radio (NPR), Kauai Hawaii's Kong Radio and KKCR.

Films/Directors that inspired EMPTY STREETS

2007-03-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

author: Paul Booth

1) The 400 Blows, directed by Francois Truffaut
2) Midnight Cowboy, starring Dustin Hoffman
3) The Graduate, directed by Mike Nichols
4) Taxi Driver, directed by Martin Scorsese
5) Raging Bull, directed by Martin Scorsese

6) Dazed and Confused, directed by Richard Linklater
7) Before Sunrise, directed by Richard Linklater
8) Paths of Glory, directed by Stanley Kubrick
9) The Last Picture Show, directed by Peter Bogdanovich
10) Noises Off, directed by Peter Bogdanovich
11) Born on the Fourth of July, directed by Oliver Stone
12) Natural Born Killers, directed by Oliver Stone
13) JFK directed by Oliver Stone
14) Coming Home directed by Hal Ashby
15) Bound for Glory direted by Hal Ashby
16) Brokeback Mountain, directed by Ang Lee
17) Magnolia, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
18) Annie Hall directed by Woody Allen
19) Say Anything, directed by Cameron Crowe
20) Fast times at Ridgemont High, written by Cameron Crowe
21) Easy Rider starring/Produced by Peter Fonda
22) Collateral directed by Michael Mann
23) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington directed by Frank Capra
24) About Schmidt directed by Alexander Payne
25) City Lights directed by Charlie Chaplin

Directors: Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, Hal Ashby, Peter Bogdanovich, Akira Kurosawa, Alexander Payne, Paul Thomas Anderson, Sidney Lumet, Billy Wilder, John Ford, Cameron Crowe, Michael Mann, Richard Linklater, Mike Nichols, Stanley Kubrick, Frank Capra, Elia Kazan, The Coen Brothers, Francois Truffaut, John Huston, Robert Altman, Oliver Stone, Spike Lee, Ang Lee, Sean Penn, Alfred Hitchcock, Wes Andersen, Ken Burns, Fellini, Bergman, Godard and Charlie Chaplin.