An East Village resident on the scene said to Gothamist that at first the officers were “not aggressive” toward the man or the dog. “The dog was barking very loudly, as though it were protecting its turf,” the resident said. The officers sprayed mace at the dog, according to the resident, then shot it when it advanced toward them.

Police Issue Warning Over Subway Thefts
The number of cellphone thefts around the city is increasing, and the NYPD is issuing a warning to all with those and other electronic devices. Over 70 percent of larcenies occur on trains and just under 15 percent occur on platforms. Police urge New Yorkers to refrain from using their devices onboard trains and on the platforms. They also advise riders to secure their bags with the electronic devices in them. Stay away from train doors if using a device and remain alert. Thieves usually target those with headphones on since this is a sign of distraction. The NYPD also suggest registering your iPhone using the “find my iPhone” application and keeping a record of the device’s serial number to help recover the stolen property.
Tribeca Film Festival
Announces New Program
The Tribeca Film Festival announced that next year’s fest will take place April 17 to 28. They also unveiled a new transmedia program and award to celebrate new trends of digital media, as well as recognize these transmedia creators who employ an innovative, interactive, web-based or multi-platform approach to story creation.

Filmmakers are encouraged to send in narrative features, documentaries and short-film entries. Bombay Sapphire gin supports this new program. Sept. 17 is the first day for submission and Nov. 30 is the official deadline. Check out other deadlines and the submission form (available Sept. 17) at tribecafilm.com/festival.

High Summer Demand for NYC Apartments
The city’s rental market hit an all-time high in May, according to a FiDi report created by downtown real estate firm Platinum Properties. The report also confirmed that in June, the rent on studios increased again by 1.7 percent, one-bedroom apartments increased by 0.98 percent and two-bedroom apartments increased by .07 percent.

Two new developments, Metro Loft’s 166 John St. and Magnum’s 254 Front St., are adding to the needed supply of apartments as rental inventory is decreasing due to the high demand. New York renters report on the Apartment Ratings website that average rents are increasing by about $112 this year.

By Meghan Gearino

I know we say it all the time, but this weekend we mean it with yell-it-from-our-walk-ups fervor. IT IS GREAT TO LIVE IN NEW YORK! Need evidence? The list below—which sports an eclectic batch of family festivals celebrating cherry blossoms, kindie music (that’s kid plus indie) and the Tribeca Film Festival—should keep you busy.

FRIDAY

Witness history as the space shuttle Enterprise swoops over NYC for the very last time. Look for it tomorrow morning around the Statue of Liberty and The Intrepid, where the craft will temporarily reside come summertime.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

Help Princess Dodgeballstop a band of bullies from terrorizing her school when The New York Children’s Theater Festival presents Scheme of the Super Bullies, best for ages six and up.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

A special 35-minute show just for your toddler—the New Victory Theater’s interactive Plop!is based on Ursula Dubosarsky’s popular picture book about two problem-solving rabbits.

Discovery Times Square opens their doors for Terracotta Warriors this weekend. Kids of all ages can peruse life-size ancient artifacts and Chinese warriors at this new exhibit.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Shining a spotlight on bulliesin the midst of a student election, TADA! Youth Theater’s new musical, Up To You, has an important message for ages five and up (but is also a lot of fun!). Friday sold out quickly, so be sure to get your tickets in advance.

To see the full listings at New York Family click here.

Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan/patrickmcmullan.com

The Tribeca Film Festival "Drive In" Movie Experience (Photo: Tribeca Film Festival)

In what has become an annual rite of passage for aspiring indie filmmakers, the Tribeca Film Festival – founded by Robert Di Nero, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in an effort to re-vitalize a Tribeca community that had been shaken by the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001 returns for its 11th incarnation. Playing host to Hollywood A-Listers and philanthropists and celebrities from across the globe, this year’s festival will feature 90 feature film selections (documentaries and narrative) as well as 60 shorts from 45 countries. Additionally, the festival will play host to a plethora of public programs aimed at engaging the New York and International community in a celebration of art and culture.

With so much to do and see, it’s worth considering how the festival is seen by the average Downtown New Yorker. There will be plenty of fodder for the pretentious crowd, but for the “average” New Yorker, there’s still plenty to do and see that’ll keep you both interested and involved in the festival’s happenings without things seeming foreign.

Thurs. 4/19 – FREE Tribeca Drive-In Outdoor Screening: JAWS

Tribeca Drive-In, World Financial Center, 200 Vesey St. #11 (off North End Ave.), tribecafilm.com; 8 p.m.

One of the best parts of the Tribeca Film Festival has to be the “drive in” shows. They’re a throwback to a time when movies and people weren’t so stuck on special effects and HD. More then that, though, they’re a reminder that people used to actually like being entertained together. Jaws is a classic by any standard, and the perfect ice-breaker for a date or spot to unwind with your friends on a cool April night.

Fri. 4/20 – FREE Tribeca Drive-In Outdoor Screening: The Goonies

World Financial Center Upper & Lower Plaza, 200 Vesey St. #11 (off North End Ave.), 6 p.m.

“Heyyyy you guys!” come and celebrate one of the most beloved 80’s movies of all time under the stars. The Goonies chronicles the child-gang of Data, Chunk, Mikey and Mouth seek to reclaim their home, “The Goon Docks” from Real Estate tycoons by following an ancient map to “One Eyed Willie” and his treasure. With early performances by afro-jazz pioneers NOMO, and a “truffle shuffle” contest, you won’t want to be left behind!

Sat. 4/21 – ESPN Films: Beyond the Playing Field 

SVA Theatre 2 Beatrice, 333 W. 23rd St (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), tribecafilm.com; 2:30 p.m.,  $16.

ESPN has been an industry leader in sports television, and has helped to re-define the genre of sports film. It should be no surprise, therefore, that on the heels of their highly successful 30 for 30 series, ESPN continues to venture “outside the lines” bringing into focus the trials and triumphs of some of the world’s greatest female athletes.

FREE “KICK IT”: 2nd Annual NYFest Soccer Day

Pier 40, Hudson River Park, 353 West St. (off Houston St.), tribecafilm.com; 9 a.m.)

It doesn’t matter what your age is. Whether you call it futbal, soccer, or ‘the most popular sport on Earth’ – all that matters is that you love the game. This day long event, sponsored by NYFEST and the Tribeca Film Festival, will feature celebrities, film and media professionals, and pro. athletes as they celebrate soccer with skills clinics, games and competitions, and street team soccer demonstrations.

Sun. 4/22 FREE Pen to Paper

Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St. (betw. Broadway & Park Ave. S.), tribecafilms.com; 1 p.m.

This discussion carries an enormous amount of relevance today: with the tremendous success of book-to-film adaptations like Harry Potter and Hunger Games, this expert panel will discuss the art of turning a successful book into a blockbuster film. You’ll learn what translates successfully, what won’t carry over, and where the industry as a whole is headed in the future.

Mon. 4/23 Jackpot

We’ve all wondered what would happen if we won it big. But what about winning it just big enough? In this film, it’s a wakeup call as Oscar Svendsen comes to over a dead body and a room full of corpses in what used to be a respectable strip club. Naturally, he’s taken in, and when questioned, reveals how a winning soccer lottery prize that was supposed to be shared wound up destroying everything.

Tues. 4/24 Deadfall

Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 5, 260 W. 23rd St. (at 8th Ave.), tribecafilm.com; 6:30 p.m., $16.

What happens when casino-robbing siblings on the run forCanadacross paths with a troubled boxer just released from prison? It’s a classic tale of morality and redemption, and Deadfall promises to provide all of the action and suspense without any of theHollywoodclichés we’re all so used to.

Wed. 4/25 FREE Short Films, Big Ideas

Tribeca Cinemas Theatre 2, 54 Varick St. (at Laight St.), tribecafilms.com; 3 p.m.

Three short films might change your perspective on the capabilities of people. It may not seem miraculous to discover a facility that harvests garbage for energy. But what about a man who lives without a beating hart, or a paraplegic who sailed the English Channel alone? Leave your pessimism at the door and let these films inspire you.

Thurs. 4/26 FREE Tribeca Talks Industry: Does the Cloud have a Silver (Screen) Lining?

Listen in on the panel discussion as experts weigh in on the impact and evolution of “the Cloud” – the almost imaginary space that was created as a response to consumer demand and usage pattern shifts. Coupled with the emergence of the tablet as a serious “screen”, filmmakers and distributors are hoping to take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with audiences in new ways.

Fri. 4/27 2 Days in New York

Apple Store, 401 W. 14th St. (at 9th Ave.), tribecafilm.com; 7 p.m., $16.

2 Days in New York, the sequal to the critically-acclaimed 2 Days inParis, to the screen. The film’s writer, director, and lead actress, Julie Delpy will discuss the film, and the inspiration behind the movie’s plot: cultural differences between her new American boyfriend (Chris Rock) and her family as she attempts to deal with the stresses of her career.

Sat. 4/28 FREE Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day

N. Moore Street (from Greenwich St to West St), tribecafilm.com; 10 a.m.

It’s a hands-on afternoon when some of the most iconic mascots and athletes in the city turn up for an afternoon of sports. You can learn how to throw a perfect pitch, pick up a sword and take your first fencing lesson, shoot hoops with some of the borough’s best ballers, or just come for the outdoor atmosphere in a celebration of the spring!

Sun. 4/29 Death of a Superhero

AMC Loews Village VII-2,66 Third Ave. (betw. E. 11th & 12th Sts.), tribecafilm.com; 1 p.m., $16.

While the rest of the avant-garde New Yorkpopulous gear up for “Awards Day” – you might better spend the final day of the Tribeca film festival catching one last foreign film. After all, you won’t see one for the next twelve months. Death of a Superhero, which is a German film, follows Donald, a typical teenager with an exceptional talent with art and imagination. But he’s put to the test when he’s diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and must learn to live in reality if he’s going to have a chance at living.

Meet Michael McGlone

By Andrea Barbuti

If you hear a distinctive voice in Central Park reciting, “Could switching to Geico really save you 15 percent or more on car insurance?” it’s probably the real thing. “The Geico guy,” as many people around the country know him, makes his home on the Upper West Side.
Besides appearing in 20 of those commercials, Michael McGlone has shared the screen with Jennifer Aniston in She’s the One, Denzel Washington in The Bone Collector and Keanu Reeves in Hardball. He also had a reoccurring character in the television show Person of Interest.  Doggy Bags, his newest short film, premieres April 25 at the Tribeca Film Festival.

How did you become an actor?
When I was young, I always had a penchant for being the center of attention. As an adult, I realized that I wanted to pursue acting as a career, so I attended NYU Tisch School of the Arts. After one year, I was self-graduated, as I put it. I moved on to make my first film within the next year, The Brothers McMullen, which was taped here on the Upper West Side.

Did you choose to act because of your distinct voice?
It wasn’t a primary motivation, though it has helped me a great deal. I’ve made a living through my voice from the time I entered the entertainment industry, through voice overs, commercials and documentaries.

Where do you live on the Upper West Side?
I finally bought a home on 72nd Street, between Central Park West and Columbus. I love the Upper West Side. It’s my favorite neighborhood in New York. You get the flavor of the city with a residential feel.

You work in film, theater and commercials. You are also a novelist and a musician. Which medium are you happiest in?
I am equally happy in them all for different reasons. All of these ways of expressing myself provide me with unique rewards. I discovered an ability in all of them relatively early on and it gave me a release and a source of peace that I dearly needed.

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it?
It’s acoustic-centric rock ‘n’ roll. I was given a guitar when I was young and taught myself how to play it. I started a recording career in 1997 and have been recording albums ever since.

Which musicians or actors inspire you?
Essentially everything that I ever found that was good—Elvis Presley was one of my first favorites; Dylan; Sinatra; Leonard Cohen.

Tell me about Person of Interest.
It stars James Caviezel and Michael Emerson from Lost and is executive produced by J.J. Abrams. I’ve recurred in the role of Detective Szymanski. They’ve had a wonderful first season. It looks very likely that they’ll make a second.

Do people stop you and ask to hear the commercial’s rhetorical question?
Sometimes they’ll have a request to hear the voice and I’ll deliver it at that moment. [He pauses.] Could switching to Geico really save you 15 percent or more on car insurance?

You credit Edward Burns as not only a colleague but a friend. How did you two meet?
I auditioned for him for The Brothers McMullen. By sheer chance, we sat next to each other on the subway the next day. He said, “Looks like we’re going to call you.” The film went on to win the Grand Jury prize at the 1995 Sundance Film Festival.

For more information on McGlone’s work, visit www.michaelmcglone.com.

By Kat Harrison for New York Family Magazine

Born in the tragic wake of 9/11, the Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) shows its true colors with consistently fresh programming. Now in its 11th year, the festival—which takes place April 18-29—received its highest number of submissions yet (almost 6,000!). And after combing through the finalists, we’ve hand-picked five choice films (and perhaps you’ll find a few other gems yourself)—showcasing especially strong in fields like sports and high school dramatics. So the question remains: why should you expose your tween to a primarily adult-focused film festival? Because going to the movies should not only be about escape, but also about growth. Here’s what we think you can learn from this year’s line-up.

KNUCKLEBALL! – Documentary
Two men, Red Sox veteran Tim Wakefield and the Mets’ own R.A. Dickey, made the unpredictable knuckleball their own. Find your seats for this inspiring sports story of two MLB players and their struggles and triumphs with the rare pitch.
FOR FANS OF: Major League Baseball

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING – Narrative
Let the “Please, can we go?” beg-a-thon begin for this coming-of-age indie written by Glee‘s ever-endearing Chris Colfer. From blackmail to high school cliques, the superstar smarts of Allison Janney, Christina Hendricks and Modern Family‘s Sarah Hyland bring a series of flashbacks to comedic glory.
FOR FANS OF: Glee; Mean Girls; Saved!

To read the full article at New York Family click here.

Since its inception in 2002 the Tribeca Film Festival has hosted hundreds of films made hundreds film makers from around the world, and one of its longest traditions is the Artists Awards Program.

The program, sponsored by Chanel, announced that Peter Dayton, Walton Ford, Stephen Hannock, JR, Kim Keever, Clifford Ross, Nathan Sawaya, Cindy Sherman, Hugo Tillman, Kara Walker, and Stanley Whitney will be donating their artwork in the spirit of supporting other artists across disciplines. The 11 artists, whose work encompasses paintings, photographs, etchings, prints and sculptures, will each have their works given to a like number of film makers who win their respective categories.

The artists awards program has been a great tradition since we founded Tribeca,” said Jane Rosenthal, who created the Artist Awards Program and cofounded the film festival. “We are so pleased to have these respected and innovative  artists involved with the Festival by honoring our filmmakers with their art.”

The artwork will be on public exhibition April 5 to the 25, between the hours of 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. (closed on April 8 for Easter), at the New York Academy of Art located at 111 Franklin Street. This free showing will allow the public to see the art before its presented at the awards show on April 26.

Last week, the Downtown Alliance launched its fourth annual Holiday Shopping campaign. Alongside print and outdoor advertising, direct mailings and promotions, the Alliance has released the 2012 Lower Manhattan Shopping & Dining Guide, designed to showcase the district’s 1,300 options for purchasing holiday gifts or gathering with family and friends for an amazing meal. Download or pre-order a free copy of the guide at www.downtownny.com/holiday or download the Downtown Alliance’s mobile app on iTunes.

The Alliance is also spreading holiday cheer by decorating the streets of Lower Manhattan with 167 shooting stars and 41 star clusters. This marks the 16th year the Alliance has put up holiday fixtures, which are custom-designed for the nonprofit Business Improvement District. The decorative lights will stay up through January.

“The Downtown Alliance is proud to add a bit more sparkle to the holiday season for our 309,000 workers, 56,000 residents and 9 million annual visitors,” said Elizabeth H. Berger, president of the Downtown Alliance.

Downtown Connection, the Alliance’s free bus service that makes 37 stops and connects the South Street Seaport to Battery Park City, welcomed a new fleet of state-of-the-art buses. While the older models could accommodate up to 19 passengers, the newer editions have room for up to 25 people. The bus runs seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and boasts 900,000 rides per year.

Photo caption: Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jonathan Mintz, J & R Chief Executive Officer Rachelle Friedman and Alliance for Downtown New York President Elizabeth H. Berger kickoff the Downtown Alliance’s Holiday Shopping Campaign. (Photo courtesy of the Downtown Alliance)

Tribeca
FILM FEST WELCOMES NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) announced this week that Frederic Boyer, who recently ran the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival, has been named the artistic director of TFF.

Boyer, 52, has served as artistic director and head of programming for the Directors’ Fortnight since 2009. From 2004 to 2008, he was the head of Cannes’ Film Selection Committee. He is the artistic director of the Les Arcs European Film Festival at the Les Arcs ski resort in the Alps. Before joining the Directors’ Fortnight, he created and managed Videosphere, a renowned video store in Paris with a library of some 60,000 titles, including a wide range of arthouse films.

“The Tribeca Film Festival has always been a platform for a wide spectrum of filmmaking, and Frederic shares our passion and curiosity for film and storytelling,” said Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal. “We know he will make our festival team even stronger and enhance the Tribeca experience as we enter our second decade.”

“I could not be more honored and excited to begin this new chapter at Tribeca. This Festival has matured and developed so impressively from its origins, but there are many more frontiers to explore while keeping the core focus on discovering new voices in filmmaking,” Boyer added.

Other changes to the TFF executive structure include the promotion of Genna Terranova, former senior programmer, to director of programming.

The 11th annual TFF will be held April 18-29 in New York City in 2012.

Battery Park City
ASPHALT GREEN’S NEW WEBSITE

Asphalt Green, a not-for-profit health and fitness center, recently launched its new website, www.asphaltgreenbpc.org, to provide details on their new Battery Park City facility that will open in February. The Asphalt Green Battery Park City location will include two pools, a gymnasium, state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a culinary center, a performing arts space, and six multi-use studios and classrooms. Babysitting services will be available for members.

Programs for children will include training in swimming, soccer, basketball, baseball/softball, volleyball, martial arts, culinary and cultural arts programs and a summer camp. Adult programs will include sports leagues and specialized training for marathons and triathlons, as well as a wide variety of exercise classes including yoga, Pilates, Zumba, cardio kickboxing, spinning, swimming and water exercises and extensive culinary and cultural arts programs.

Asphalt Green Battery Park City will be located at 212 North End Ave., between Murray and Warren streets. A temporary membership office has been opened across the street, at 211 North End Ave. Membership information is available on the website and by calling (212) 298-2980.

Correction

Issue of Nov. 24, 2011
In the article, “A Citywide Guide to Eating Out on Thanksgiving” it was incorrectly stated that Griffou chef Mark Strausman was the former executive chef at Fred’s at Barney. Strausman is still the executive chef at Fred’s, in addition to his role as executive chef for Griffou.

Boyer, 52, has served as artistic director and head of programming for the Directors’ Fortnight since 2009. From 2004 to 2008, he was the head of Cannes’ Film Selection Committee. He is the artistic director of the Les Arcs European Film Festival at the Les Arcs ski resort in the Alps. Before joining the Directors’ Fortnight, he created and managed Videosphere, a renowned video store in Paris with a library of some 60,000 titles, including a wide range of arthouse films.

“The Tribeca Film Festival has always been a platform for a wide spectrum of filmmaking, and Frederic shares our passion and curiosity for film and storytelling,” said Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal. “We know he will make our festival team even stronger and enhance the Tribeca experience as we enter our second decade.”

“I could not be more honored and excited to begin this new chapter at Tribeca. This Festival has matured and developed so impressively from its origins, but there are many more frontiers to explore while keeping the core focus on discovering new voices in filmmaking,” Boyer added.

Other changes to the TFF executive structure include the promotion of Genna Terranova, former senior programmer, to director of programming.

The 11th annual TFF will be held April 18 through 29, 2012, in New York City.

Photo by Xavier Lambours. Photo courtesy of Tribeca Film Festival.

Kwok notified friends and colleagues by email, “As many of you know, I have stepped down as Director of Programming of Tribeca after almost ten fantastic years,” he wrote, ” It has been a pleasure working with you over the years.”

Kwok has been a part of the Festival since its beginning.  He helped get it off the ground int he wake of 9/11 in an attempt to boost spirits in Lower Manhattan when he was brought in to program the first event in 2002.

The Tribeca Film Festival was founded by Robert DeNiro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff and has been responsible for the screenings of thousands of films.  Kwok viewed the Festival as both an opportunity for filmmakers and New Yorkers alike to benefit, “”For me, that’s what makes putting together the program together exciting—the chance to view all these films from around the world—and bring them together in one place. Now, more than ever, we can say that our film program really has something for everyone.”

While Kwok is leaving his position as program director, he will consult for the organization. One thing is for certain though, his replacement will have large shoes to fill.