James C. Ferguson

James C. Ferguson
FULL BIO
james@scalepluspoints.com www.scalepluspoints.com
1.23.10

PLAYWRIGHT/DIRECTOR/CREW


THEATER

• 2010: James’ full-length play Snowbound will receive its world premiere as part of The Red Brick Road Theatre’s 2010 season in Los Angeles.

• Spring, 2010: James full-length play Page One Romance will receive a staged reading at The Improv Boston Theater as part of a Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser.

• August, 2009: James’ 10 minute play 33 A.D. was included in the Turtle Theatre’s “Summer Shorties” new works series in N.Y.C. (This show extended.)


“Of all the moments in the Turtle Shell Productions' "Summer Shorties" series, this was the one that gripped me the most, even if it put me in the actors' heads rather than the characters'. (Ironically, the actors probably would have been more comfortable if they were attached to actual crosses.) Miranda and Eisenstein make their way cheerfully through a quite sparkling dialogue from their perch atop Calvary. The idea of eavesdropping on Jesus' last conversation with a chatty crucifixion neighbor almost can't miss, and in James Ferguson's A.D. 33 it doesn't.”
— Joshua Tanzer, Offoffoff.com


• May, 2009: James’ ten minute play Ori & Addison was part of The 8th Annual 10 By 10 Festival In The Triangle at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, N.C.

(Ori & Addison was also performed as part of SLAMBoston in November 2009, produced by Holland Productions at The Factory Theatre. And as part of The Words & Wine Reading Series produced by F.A.C.T. Friends Always Creating Theatre in NYC.)

• December, 2008: James’ full-length play Snowbound received a staged reading at The Moving Arts Theater Co. in Los Angeles.

• 2008: Snowbound won 5th place at the Atwater Playhouse’s new works festival.

• Nov. 2008: A scene from James’ full-length play The Re-Assassination of Abraham Lincoln was included in The Sacred Fools Theater Co’s renowned Serial Killers series.

• May, 2008: a scene from James’ play Bobby & Beatrix was included in The Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights’ In Your Own Voices new works reading series. (James will also be contributing a new piece to the 2009 series.)

• September, 2007: James C. Ferguson and Thomas J. Misuraca’s play White’s Tavern received a staged reading at FirstStage LA.

• July, 2007: James’ play Page One Romance was read by the Sum of Us Theater Co. in New York City as part of their new works reading series.

• July, 2006: Snowbound also received a reading at The Abingdon Theater Co. in NYC.)

• From 1989 – 1998 James co-wrote, co-produced and performed in over twenty sketch comedy shows in Boston and Los Angeles, staged and performed in numerous clubs and theatres (including The Comedy Store, The Improv, The Ice House, The McCadden Theater, The Two Roads Theater, The Ventura Court Theater, The Upfront Comedy Theater and The ACME Comedy Theater, among others).

FILM

“HAPPY HOLIDAYS” (written, produced and directed by James C. Ferguson) article in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2008/11/23/filmmaker_goes_home_with_holidays/

FERGUSON INTERVIEW
http://www.altfg.com/blog/directors/james-c-ferguson-happy-holidays-interview/


REVIEWS for “HAPPY HOLIDAYS”:

“Move over, Woody Allen—there’s a new guy in town! “Happy Holidays” is a fantastic human comedy-drama. … The film is perfectly balanced with liberal doses of humor, some of it subtle while some is laugh-out-loud funny. … The writing is just great. This is a very talky film, with many long scenes of dialogue. This can be a very slippery slope on which to walk. We’ve all seen films where long dialogue scenes become clunky and boring, but in the nimble hands of Mr. Ferguson, a perfect balancing act is created. … The cast is outstanding. … [“Happy Holidays”] is an absolute treat and will take its place along with “A Christmas Story” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” as one of my absolute favorite Christmas-themed films.”
— Cary Conley, Rogue Cinema

“4 stars … [Happy Holidays] is, simply, a well-told story about interesting characters, the indie cinema version of a comfortable, clever novel. … There’s enough sharp humor and witty dialogue to bring up memories of, say, Woody Allen … Ferguson and Misuraca's screenplay lives and breathes in the little moments, the corners of the action. Throwaway comments are gold, tiny bits of business that give the story an extra layer of rich detail. … Hungerford is fabulous in [his] role, if only for showing enough restraint to avoid turning Patrick into an unlovable, wishy-washy loser … Rhoads and Crye are unafraid to make their characters unlikable, knowing that we’ll come around to their sides eventually.”
— David Cornelius, www.hollywoodbitchslap.com (a.k.a. www.emoviecritic.com)

“A - … A surprising and entertaining holiday entry from co-writer/director James C. Ferguson. In a more opportune time and less competitive movie climate, it might even have an outside shot at an Oscar … while it certainly has it’s moments of sentiment, “Happy Holidays” earns each one while maintaining an irreverent yet respectful tone to each character, the backgrounds that have shaped them, and the situations that have each one unsure of what they want this holiday season … By the end of it, I was thinking that Christmas had come early for me.”
— Brian Shutle, www.sonic-cinema.com

“Happy Holidays is one of those rare films where the viewer comes away a deep appreciation of the story, the writing, the acting, and the production qualities. … The dialogue from Ferguson and co-author Thomas J. Misuraca is superb and the actors’ delivery is perfect. … Happy Holidays is not a perfect film, but it comes so close to it that we are not about to quibble.”
— Thomas P. Caldwell for Living Free

"With its stark black and white visuals, jazzy score and often funny dialogues ... this might at first appear to be a distant cousin of Woody Allen, though in reality it hews closer to the work of Sideways director Alexander Payne."
— Winq Magazine, winter 2010

“ … [Happy Holidays] is a gorgeously photographed "walk and talk" indie lensed by cinematographer Josh Blakeslee with beautiful black and white photography that gives it both a nostalgic feel a la Judy Berlin and classic Woody Allen … The film compels with its tireless determination to generate laughs from relatable situations and genuine characters whom we're both invested in and empathize with -- flaws and all … Heartfelt and sharply written-- the film believably launches into the complexities of human relationships … [Happy Holidays] fills a definite need in independent cinema to move away from the plots of twenty-somethings along with the endless parade of films about addicts, dysfunctional families, and characters who hate each other and don't resemble anything remotely real and into the dynamics of older characters and situations that are true, funny, optimistic, and entertaining. While [Happy Holidays] does have the feel of a really great stage play at times -- the versatility of the actors thankfully manage to break down those walls fairly quickly with impeccable comic timing as they work from Ferguson and Misuraca's genuinely hilarious script.”
— Jen Johans, Film Intuition

"Happy Holidays was nothing but an absolute delight to sit through ... Ferguson crafts a very sensitive tale through a very deft hand of crafty wit in its screenplay, and excellent dialogue amongst characters that feel genuine and as real as you can get with your own get-together with friends. It’s a comedy about friendship, family and faith, with some really touching themes about coming to terms, acceptance and reconciliation ... Razor sharp dialogue [that] comes across as music to the ears, aided by the excellent delivery by its cast ... A quality production."
— Stefan S., A Nutshell Review

“Happy Holidays is not your standard Christmas film, primarily in that it isn’t constantly reminding you it is a Christmas film. … Happy Holidays brings its fare share of bitterness and resentfulness to the screen, but rather then rely on ridiculous sight gags and pratfalls to heal the divides, writer/director James C. Ferguson instead laces the dialogue with acerbic wit and real pathos. … This is a darkly comic film that skillfully mines these potentially off-putting subjects with relative grace and surprising wit. … [Happy Holidays] pleases without pandering and it never overstays its welcome. And with its low-key approach it is a Christmas film that can be watched and enjoyed any time of the year.”
— Matt Gamble's, "Where the Long Tail Ends:"

“[Happy Holidays] is sweet and the story substantial. Like a modern telling of story from the bible, the three wise men bear gifts that pale in comparison with the one they receive. … The humor is tart … The dialog is tight … The small movie that asks for laughs and tears is at times overwhelmed by the endeavor, but the story is carefully spun out like garlands around a Christmas tree, with only a few pine needles left on the carpeting.
— Sari Gordon, "The Rake"

" ... don’t let the simple style of this movie influence your opinion of its substance. [Happy Holidays] packs a lot of story into an hour and forty-three minutes of two-toned cinema. ... The script in this movie is quite good, and the dialogue definitely feels realistic. ... The movie certainly flowed well from scene to scene as we followed the characters on their journey as they rediscovered their friendship, and worked on getting over their hang-ups with each other, as well as themselves. It’s very much a feel-good holiday movie that, even in the heat of July I found myself enjoying."
— Nic Baisley, Filmsnobbery.com

“I laughed, I cried! Well, okay, I laughed. A lot. This charming and witty Holidays provides plenty o’ chuckles and even warms the cockles. And really, how many holidays can you say that about?”
— Matt Stevens, co-author of Script Partners, film reviewer for E! Online

WEB

* May, 2008: Hired to write, direct and produce a pilot for a new web series entitled Conventioneers. The producers gave James the following recommendation:

“I was fortunate enough to work with James on a pilot project for a web series where he was not only the Director, but one of the writers. I can't recommend James highly enough. I would gladly work with him on future projects. He doesn't waste time or money-- big pluses all around. He's creative, genuine, funny and a real talent. Can't wait to see where the future takes him.”

— Patricia Steffy
Producer, Circe's World Films LLC July 29, 2008

FILM

* Fall, 2008: Untitled Creature Feature Comedy screenplay optioned by Journeyman Films.

* Wrote, directed and produced the independent feature film Happy Holidays shot for $ 150,000 in 14 days (10 in L.A., 4 in R.I.). (Info. on the film can be found at myspace.com/happyholidaysthemovie , Facebook and at www.happyholidaysthemovie.com). Distributed in Dec. of 2008, Happy Holidays can currently be purchased on iTunes, Indiepix, CinemaNow, Caachi and Eyesoda (Soon, the film will also be available on WebMovieNow, Amazon On Demand and Jaman, among others. There is also talk of a possible limited theatrical run.).

A sample review:

“I laughed, I cried! Well, okay, I laughed. A lot. This charming and witty Holidays provides plenty o’ chuckles and even warms the cockles. And really, how many holidays can you say that about?”

— Matt Stevens, co-author of Script Partners, film reviewer for E! Online

(See attachment with additional press/reviews)

• Hired to adapt the Richard Yates short story Builders into a screenplay. Here’s what International Creative Management said about James’ screenplay in their coverage:

“BUILDERS has the wonderful pedigree of being based on a short story by the tremendously talented writer RICHARD YATES. Yet, adapting to the screen is tricky business and the author here has done a top-notch job. The story moves and is fully engaging throughout. It presents dynamic characters that are appealing and interesting to follow.”

• Yesterday’s Heroes (a screenplay written w/ Thomas J. Misuraca) was a semifinalist in both the 2004 International Screenwriting Awards as well as the 11th Annual Screenplay and Fiction Competition sponsored by the Writer’s network and Fade In Magazine (Yesterday’s Heroes was in the top 10 %.)

• Hired to write the screenplay Cat Scratch Fever for producer/director Chuck Comisky.

• Hired to write the comedic screenplay Second Coming for producer Jason McGatlin.

• Hired to write the screenplay Brainwashed for writer/producer Dean Lorey.

• Acting strictly as a producer, James worked on the award-winning low-budget horror/comedy motion picture Lucky (distributor: MTI/Redrum). Some review excerpts:

• “... an impressive mix of chills and pitch-black comedy ..." - Fangoria.com
• “A prize for sheer audacity should actually go to 'Lucky,' a morbid comedy that suggests what Michael Moore could do with the horror genre." - Steve Boone, Time Out New York Magazine
• “...fiendishly witty dialogue and situations inform this healthily antisocial spoof, destined to become a video cult classic." - Joe Kane, VideoScope Magazine"
• “...it’s obviously a labor of love. Very, very sick love, but love nonetheless." - Moriarty, aint-it-cool-news.com "As grim and horrific as things get, you can't help chuckling your ass off." - Eric Campos, FilmThreat.com
• “...deliciously wicked comedy." - Michael Edwards, Entertainment Showcase

• In 1999, James was the Associate Producer on (and also appeared in) the award-winning short film Hate* a comedy (2nd place, Aspen Comedy Festival, 1999), written and directed by Drew Daywalt and David Schneider (“Stark Raving Mad”, “Arnold Schwarzenegger: A VH1 Popumentary” and “Karroll’s Christmas”). The Aspen Comedy Festival included Hate* a comedy in their 10-Year Anniversary “best of” shorts presentation.

• Finally, working as a performer, James provided the voice of “Chocolate” in the award-winning animated short Nougat (best midnight short, South by Southwest Film festival, 2003). “Nougat” spent the better part of a year touring the continental United States as part of “Spike and Mike’s Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation.”

• James has worked as a producer’s assistant, coordinator, assistant coordinator, VFX coordinator and production assistant numerous feature film projects, both behemoth (“T2-3D: Battle Across Time”, “Dante’s Peak”, “Scary Movie 2”, “Shallow Hal”, and “Adaptation”) and miniscule (“Trancers 4 & 5,” “Leapin’ Leprechauns,” “Josh Kirby: Time Warrior,” “Castle Freak” and “Oblivion”, among others). (For a more complete crew resume, go to James’ page on the IMDB here.)

NOVELS/SHORT STORIES/BLOGS

• James’ novel Context Clues was recently named as one of the finalists in ForeWord Magazine’s 2003 Book of the Year Awards (humor category). The book has garnered numerous positive reviews from various sources. Some excerpts:

• “Run, don’t walk, to acquire James Ferguson’s Context Clues. It is an exceptional novel. Ferguson’s style is original and full of zest. Basil Coventry is a bumbling oaf who you can’t help but root for.” – Lisa Murray @ radio station 89.5 WHRO in Norfolk, Virginia

• “Ferguson writes with skillful comedic flair, and his dialog is sharply hilarious, yet at the same time, subtle... 4 our of 5 stars” – Curled Up With A Good Book

• “Context Clues was a thoroughly enjoyable read... 4 our of 5 stars” – Portalmania

• “All-in-all a promising debut novel.” - www.booklore.co.uk

• “...the author shows a great deal of promise and I look forward to reading him in the future.” - www.bookpleasures.com

• James’ short story The Santinis has been published in Stepping Stones Magazine (v. 2, issue 2).

• In 2009 James began contributing BLOGS about raising his daughter to the web site OurMilkMoney.com. (You can read the BLOGS here and here.)

• His short story The Doctor’s Office was published in the spring ’09 issue (volume 2, issue 3) of Hot Valley Writers.


Additional information on James and his work can be found on his web site: www.scalepluspoints.com.





References/Recommendations


THEATRE

“James C. Ferguson has a knack for writing the way that people talk, only true-er, more compelling and funnier. Funnier when funnier is what's called for. True-er and more compelling is his default. His writing captures the way couples talk, the way friends talk with friends, the way we communicate when we're in love, when we're frustrated, when we're awe-struck. As the former Artistic Director of Second City Los Angeles I have had plenty of exposure with writers writing dialogue. James has the gift of character expression.

And more.

I can't wait to read more of his work. Please facilitate that!”

-- David Razowsky
213.842.8642
former Artistic Director of Second City Los Angeles


“James was easy to work with, always interested in what was best for the production, but never wanting to hurt the integrity of the play itself.”

-- Leslie (Hoban) Blake, Director, 33 A.D., Turtle Shell
Productions’ “Summer Shorties” series, 2009


“Ori & Addison is a quick, hard-hitting, smart script that went over very well with 10 By 10 audiences.”

-- Emily Ranii, Artistic Director, ArtsCenter Stage
10 X 10 Festival of New Works, 2009


“James is a gifted writer who possesses a style that is smart, intelligent, clever, invitingly conversational, and very funny. His talent and ability is matched by his passion, commitment and tenacity, which are the traits that separate hobbies from careers in this industry. Furthermore, James sees theater and performance as the collaborative art that it is, and he is the epitome of a “team player”.

-- From a letter of recommendation for the Huntington Playwriting Fellows by Deborah Martin, Administrative Director and Coordinator for The Steinberg Playwright Awards


For James’ play White’s Tavern:

“Whites Tavern is set in a Chicago area, blue-collar bar. The dialog is tough and profane. The characters are multi-layered and exceptionally well drawn. The play - dark and entertaining - is yet somehow extremely funny. The various characters, each in their own way, search for a meaning to their life. Their stories stick with you long after the play is over."

-- Dan Roth, Writer, Producer and Coordinator of the Writer's
Workshop at FirstStage L.A.




FILM / TV PRODUCTION

“I was fortunate enough to work with James on a pilot project for a web series where he was not only the Director, but one of the writers. I can't recommend James highly enough. I would gladly work with him on future projects. He doesn't waste time or money-- big pluses all around. He's creative, genuine, funny and a real talent. Can't wait to see where the future takes him.” -- July 29, 2008

Patricia Steffy, Producer, Circe's World Films LLC


“James was a pleasure to work with. We had many challenges on our project and I knew I could count on him to be relentless in his pursuits for solutions.” -- April 16, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity

Gerard DiNardi, Producer, Southerly Films


“I have known James Ferguson for sixteen years. He is organized, reliable and loyal. As a producer for several independent films he has proven to be a tireless worker and indispensable to the production. James has a keen sense of the business side of entertainment in addition to an active creative mind. He is constantly writing and putting it out there in the form of screenplays, novels and plays. I am thankful to have him as a friend and colleague.” -- November 11, 2007

Tim Stepich, Film Editor, Various productions


“I scored James' film "Happy Holidays". He's a pleasure to work with, and a great talent. He fostered a creative and positive collaborative environment, and I look forward to working with him again.” -- October 27, 2007

Zachary Hexum, Artist, Xaque Hecksome Music


“James hired me to be his Script Supervisor on his first feature back over the 2005/2006 holiday. I read the script an hour after he handed it to me, and after laughing out-loud and garnering quite a few strange looks from other Starbucks patrons, I let him know I would be honored to work with him in any capacity. James has a fresh sense of humor and puts it into unique and touching stories. He also has a great sensibility when it comes to dealing with actors and managing his crew, and I look forward to working with him again in the future!” -- October 24, 2007

Danielle Turchiano, Script Supervisor, Scale Plus Points LLC

Happy Holidays (the movie)