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IN REEL LIFE

A Blog by Reel Nation Media

News, behind the scenes, insights, stories, reviews, and other fun stuff.

  • Sep 22, 2017
  • 3 min read

Updated: Oct 8, 2018


In 2016 Reel Nation Media released Stand Up, a wrestling documentary that shared the story of high school wrestlers who defied defeat to find their winning spirits. So what new films are coming next?

REEL NATION MEDIA SEASON 1

A series of short adventures about a certain theme or subject which will take you on a digital and physical journey. This is the biggest project in the works, and release looks like late 2018. It's going to be on the DL, for now...

"Years in the 48 Hours"


Director Doug Henderson is the main subject of "Years in the 48 Hours"

Director Doug Henderson is the main subject of "Years in the 48 Hours"

"A filmmaker finds the fruits of his labor from many years of struggling in the Baltimore 48 Hour FIlm Competition." This is a short documentary tackling a theme we love, which is perseverance. This title is a must see for artists and independent small business owners. "Years in the 48 Hours" is coming to festivals in summer 2018.

"UNWHOLLY HEARTS"


Early Concept Art

“A Muslim couple’s desperate attempts at pregnancy are only met with failure and mysterious prophetic nightmares. When the possibly infertile, in-denial husband takes their fate in his own hands and trusts his faith in black-magic, the depressed wife is flung into a battle to stay sincere to her own faith- or to save her marriage, the only light in her life.” This psychological thriller is the next short film in Reel Nation Media's lineup.


Computer design of the robot, ED.

If you don't know the story behind Dead ED, here is the short version of it. In 2012 the founding members sought to create Sci-Fi epic and funded the project through Kickstarter. The project was never completed because it got stuck in "visual effects hell". The founders of the company have taken it upon themselves to fulfill their promises to the Kickstarter supporters by completing the movie no matter what. A man and his robot ally are not going away anytime soon. Dead ED is set to release publicly in early 2018.


In 2015, director Abdullah Abu-Mahfouz, director of Stand Up, set out to capture the journey of a Syrian Refugee family striving to live a happy American life. This heart felt film will uncover the struggles and strife of starting a life from zero, but still showing unlimited love for your family. Pursuit of Refuge will be screening in festivals early 2018.

STAND UP SPECIAL EDITION EXTRAS


Though the Stand Up full feature documentary is finished, there is more content to come for wrestlers, athletes, and all determined folk a like. Extras will include future interviews with the subjects of the film and with other wrestling figures, short documentaries on unique wrestling stories, and helpful wrestling content. It's going to be a long time before we stop serving our favorite wrestling family!

Reel Nation Media looks ahead to it's bright new future and to deliver to you the best quality and entertainment that we hope will inspire you to success and true peace. If you are looking forward to what's coming next, let us know in the comments! If you aren't already subscribed to our website, make sure you do so that you don't miss out on the awesome adventures we want you to be apart of. And don't forget about your friends!

This was a Reel Nation Media insight. KEEP IT REEL!

  • Sep 6, 2017
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 8, 2018



Stand Up is a feature length documentary film that follows the story of two high school wrestlers who are trying to live up to the expectations of their team to make it to the Pennsylvania State Tournament, one of the toughest tournaments in the USA.

Stand Up's Special Edition DVD will be available for preorder in September on Amazon and the Reel Nation Media online store. Seed And Spark backers will be sent exclusive versions of the DVD in the middle of August.

The DVD will be shipped out on September 20th!

To see the packaging and art of the DVD, visit this neat video - http://www.discmakers.com/AVLFlashViewer/?p=dluWgjAOZ6HKIZQ/BwB0YA==#.Wa7Aq9N95E4

What's in the DVD?


The Stand Up Special Edition DVD has several hours of bonuses included. Some of which are:

  • Director's Commentary

  • Interview with the filmmaker

  • A workout training series by Lamont Stanley (included online)

  • "After Stand Up" - a video showing where the participants of the film are at now

  • A special insight into coaching

  • A special insight into wrestling

  • The "Can't Keep Me Down" music video

  • Redeemable code for digital HD copy

Each DVD will also include digital downloads of wrestling music, and a lifetime access of future content from Stand Up to come.


A Word From the Filmmaker

"I wanted this DVD to be something I would have geeked out about when I was a kid, and also something I would have explored in and out- explored the menus a few hundred times." says the director/producer Abdullah Abu-Mahfouz. "I set out with that standard when making the DVD. I was there authoring it through every step."

We asked him how it felt to move on from Stand Up...

"Absolutely terrific! Three years on one movie is long enough. It's time for the film to make a life on its own."

Stand Up is also set to release on iTunes and Amazon in Winter 2017, and quite possibly Netflix and Hulu in February 2018.

Initial supplies are limited, so If you would like to make sure you get your copy, visit the Reel Nation Media store at https://www.reelnationmedia.com/product-page/preorder-stand-up-special-edition-dvd.

This has been a Reel Nation Media special insight.

Keep it Reel!

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Updated: Oct 8, 2018


The moment when you see yourself in the reflection of your black laptop screen during a fade out of a Netflix binge session leads most to wonder, “what am I doing with my life?”


I used to go through this all the time when Breaking Bad, a popular HBO show, was fresh. At the time, I was in film school and used the excuse that I was “studying the material”. However, a guilty feeling would still hover over and it forced me to face the question: WHY? Why am I watching? What does art mean to me?

The guilt for indulging in entertainment while I could have been improving my health at the gym or reading up on my actual studies, went away when I found my answer. I no longer felt bad about watching Breaking Bad, and I also appreciated it in a different light and ultimately found more meaning. I came to enjoy art more...

Do you care about the content you absorb and how it affects you? Do you wish artists would put more effort into making a difference for YOU and the WORLD? Well look no further! Reel Nation Media’s newest show is here for you. - Click to Tweet

THE GET REEL SHOW

So I ask you, what does art mean to you? Why do you consume art/media? And what do you want it to do for your life? Asking these questions is why we created the “Get Reel” show. A show where we talk about art and search for deeper understanding of how to utilize it FOR our lives, instead of utilizing ourselves for art/entertainment/media/etc.

The full 50 minute discussion is below on YouTube and also in a Podcast Format (Coming Soon to iTunes)


Here is a bullet point list on what is discussed in this first episode:

  • What does art mean to us at Reel Nation Media?

  • What got us into art?

  • How can art be “good” and accessible?

  • What is mainstream media doing with art?

  • How does being self aware increases the value you get out of art?

  • What can people and industries do to be more aware about their art?

How can YOU get involved?

So tell us in the comments! What does art mean to you? And what do you look from it? Also let us know whether or not this show has been helpful to you, and what we can do to make it easier for you to observe.

Check out what awesome art we have coming your way at www.reelnationmedia.com and always, always, always...

Keep it Reel!


Meet The Hosts!

Lauren Houdek: Lauren is a musician, poet, aspiring filmmaker, art enthusiast, you name it! He’s been apart of Reel Nation Media from the start, and now he’s here to pioneer with us through the modern art landscape. Visit his website here: http://www.h-blok.com/#home

Abdullah Abu-Mahfouz: Abdullah is film director/producer who’s always striving to do right with his craft, and bringing others along for the journey. You can visit his page on the Reel Nation Media Website.

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