Comments on: Engaging your children – there has to be a better way than just watching movies.

By: Rebecca Green

Rebecca Green — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:20:43 +0000

A universal remote???? I don’t understand this article whatsoever. I’m not a kid person, but could come up with about 50 better ideas than what they published in that article. Being a part of the film/television community myself, I’d like to apologize on behalf of whatever silly person decided this would be a good spot for the Today Show.

That being said, how exciting to hear from Amy!!! Many parents aren’t aware of the films out there that are great for children and not one of the big cartoon blockbusters like Wall-E, in is not a kid’s movie at all (at least in my opinion).

Amy, Mad Hot Ballroom was such a beautiful film and I applaud you for breaking through the the film distribution barriers and not only making a movie that matters, but one that many, many people saw. It is the kind of movie that reminds me why I work in the film business.

And thank you for posting on my sister’s site! She works very hard atbringing alternative education to kids and I’m glad her students have benefitted from seeing your movie.

By: Elizabeth Redmond

Elizabeth Redmond — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:44:53 +0000

A brief follow-up to Saturday’s post…..

I was at my mom’s house this weekend, and took a look in the Goodhousekeeping issue (January 2009) to read the full feature titled “Beat Cabin Fever. Our stuck-inside guide to having fun at home.” The article actually had 6 recommendations…….and when I read through them, I remembered the 5th recommendation that was on the Today Show – get a universal remote. I must have been so flustered about what I was listening to on the television that I forgot this “solution.”

I was hoping to read some better text about using these new gadgets, but again, I was dismayed.

Basically, it was just an advertisement for the products.

And that is unfortunate. Both the Today Show and Goodhousekeeping magazine speak to a lot of people. They should have put a little more thought into what they were promoting and think about the opportunities that were available (as I wrote of) in using the products in meaningful activities as a family.

Oh, the 6th recommendation was to purchase a carpet stain remover and clean your house. Which can be a good thing…..and you can either listen to music on your new iPod docking station or watch a movie while cleaning!

By: Elizabeth Redmond

Elizabeth Redmond — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:09:49 +0000

Everyone in my family loves the movie! My sister, Rebecca Green (who works in the film industry) told us about all 3 movies that I mentioned in my post!

I’m looking forward to your next film! Thanks for inspiring our children!

-Elizabeth

By: Amy Sewell

Amy Sewell — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:08:26 +0000

Hi! Thanks for recommending Mad Hot Ballroom! I’m the filmmaker. I’m always touched that the movie still resonates with so many (and is all-age appropriate) now four years after making it!

I have 11-year-old twin girls and I find your tips for keeping kids engaged very helpful The trash movies that are out make me crazy! We all read together a lot.

I also want to mention that I have a new age-appropriate documentary that is out — being release now over Amazon.com VOD. It’s called WHAT’S YOUR POINT, HONEY? and it is an entertaining, yet subtly educating movie about seven young women who want to run for president in the year 2024.

You can view the trailer on our website (www.whatsyourpointhoney.com) or on YouTube or on Amazon.com/VOD. All ages love it — once again and we are very proud to have made it. There is a Viewers Guide too (you will be able to download it for free soon off the website) to start a discussion.

Boys like the movie too.

Anyway, thanks for your tips on kid engagement and thanks for telling everyone about Mad Hot Ballroom.

And yes, AZ is a beautiful state as I sit freezing at the keyboard in NYC!

Amy