Pasadena is just outside Hollywood, but movie star power is really beginning to add up…

The Pasadena International Film Festival celebrated its 5th Annual Independent Film Block Party inside Pasadena’s Laemmle’s Playhouse 7. The festival began March 7 and ran through March 15 this year. The final event, The Great Gatsby Gala & Award Ceremony, was held downstairs in Old Pasadena’s very own, The Speakeasy Bar and Lounge.

Alongside the candle lit vampire dungeonlike vibes of the venue itself, the atmosphere was dimly glowed up by the amount of film and theatre talent packed in such a “small” room. Among many young nominated stars is the beautifully charismatic actor, Heather O’ Scanlon, whom I had the pleasure and opportunity to speak with about tricks of the trade for beginners. She emphasizes the fact that,

“Actors and crew [new and old alike] need to embrace the connections and networking opportunities available to them, especially maintaining contact with those good relationships.”

Among better known names, Tom Arnold was present at quite a few screenings, Shia LaBeouf made an appearance on the screenwriters list, and David Hayter held a screening of his film Buckout Road. It is clear to see that the ball has really begun to roll in the Pasadena film scene.