Forest Rose Productions' ArtSafaris Pilot Show Moondance Film Festival Finalist

Hollywood, CA (Billboard Publicity Wire) August 17, 2007 -- Forest Rose Productions' pilot episode of ArtSafaris: EVERGLADES has been selected as a finalist in the 2007 Moondance Film Festival held the first week in September at Universal Studios' City Walk Theaters, Hollywood, CA. Deemed a wholly unique concept, ArtSafaris is a travel-adventure reality series that follows rugged adventurer and renowned wildlife artist, Ray Shaw, as he ventures into rarely seen, out-of-the-way locations to discover the various raw components that inspire his finished paintings. Driving the program is the piecing together of Shaw's painting, like a jigsaw puzzle, to eventually reveal the completed masterpiece. "This isn't a show where a guy wrestles wildlife. It's about following Ray Shaw, a knowledgeable artist-adventurer who respects animals and their environment, who preserves the experience by creating an original wildlife painting," said co-executive producer, Jan C. J. Jones who also researches and writes for the show. "Viewers get to observe the entire creative journey, and it's enthralling."

Popularly known as the "American Cannes," and taking place September 7, 8 and 9, at Universal Studios City Walk, Hollywood, CA. The Moondance International Film Festival promotes, the Moondance Film Festival promotes, encourages, educates and rewards non-violent conflict resolution in writing, the theatre, arts and film. With true global, international participation, Moondance also promises to raise awareness of the invaluable contributions of women to the entertainment community. Its primary goal is to present films and scripts which have the power to raise awareness about vital social issues, educating writers, filmmakers and their film festival audiences, while inspiring them to take positive action. Moondance believes in the unique power of the world entertainment media to create great social and environmental change. Information about the festival can be found at www.MoondanceFilmFestival.com.

ArtSafaris: EVERGLADES will be screened during the Moondance Film Festival this September. The reality show follows Shaw as he derives inspiration for a wildlife painting, while exploring nature's varied environments. Broad appeal is apparent from screenings before mixed audiences ranging in age and gender. Although the show targets the baby-boomer demographic, nature, art & culture, travel and international markets, the animals, art and adventure intrigue children. Moving between Shaw's adventure and his art studio, viewers watch as Shaw's final painting comes together, step-by-step. Action-wear clothiers, Ex Officio provided the cast and crew with environment appropriate clothing as the pilot show was shot in the wilds of Florida's Everglades in high definition (HDTV) video. "Viewers get to see details they'd probably miss even if they were there in person. It's beautiful," said the show's co-producer/director, Bob Garner. "We captured an intimate glimpse of the creative process that an artist experiences. Ray's incredible artwork and on-camera personality make for a complete edu-tainment [educational-entertainment package that engages a broad audience."

Described as "the Indiana Jones of wildlife art," Shaw shares his vision of the environment from a fine artist's point-of-view. The intended ArtSafaris series suits domestic and international markets that are hungry for programming involving culture, art, wildlife, nature, environment and/or travel. "This series has tremendous branding potential way beyond the series, making it an even more exciting project," Jones admits. "It has the potential to remain meaningful and relevant for generations to come."

Delivery of the "story" isn't overladen with music scoring, but allows nature's sounds to come through to provide a "whole environment" experience for the viewer. "When we used music, we chose music that aligns with the innate spiritual tone and rhythm of nature. It doesn't distract or lead the viewer," explained Jones. "The music of composers Clair Marlo, John Doryk, and composer-percussionist, Brent Lewis, provide the audio texture that aligns with the strong connection between Ray's creative journey and the environment depicted in his artwork. Each person involved in the creation of the show is an artist in his or her own field of expertise. And that comes through." Artists, photographers, adventurers, travelers, environmentalists and naturalists, along with art, animal and nature lovers all find something to enjoy when watching "ArtSafaris."

Several of Ray Shaw's paintings can be seen at ArtSafaris.net, but a more elaborate website is under development at ArtSafaris.com. More information about ArtSafaris can be obtained through Forest Rose Productions at 719.487.0435 or email at ForestRose1 @ aol.com. Forest Rose Productions specializes in quality film and videotape production. www.ForestRosePrds.com

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