Reelwriter.net showcases thought provoking stories and conversations with, and about, filmmakers. In bypassing tabloid journalism techniques and the Hollywood gossip column format this site focuses solely on the "reel" meat of the story and that's the work itself.

With this issue of Reelwriter.net I am thrilled to bring you a stellar line-up of respected filmmakers in the industry, as well as budding talent.

Reelwriter.net was fortunate to speak with Ismail Merchant about his latest film. Best known as the producing half of Merchant Ivory Productions, Merchant directed The Mystic Masseur a rags to riches tale of passion and self-invention. Merchant is a consummate storyteller. He weaves his magic into most every conversation. Be sure to check out "The Other Half" and read, in his own words, how he wooed Paul Newman to star in Mr. and Mrs. Bridge.

Next up: Sean Hepburn Ferrer . . . the stuff that industry legends are made of. The son of Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer has a talent all his own directing. In "All in the Family" you will discover the social issue that makes Ferrer tick, and how his mother responded to his choices as a filmmaker.

Which brings us to Eva Gardos. Her choices as a director are nothing less than astonishing. In September Gardos' award-winning, Paramount release An American Rhapsody premiered on The Sundance Channel. The film stars Tony Goldwyn, Nastassja Kinski and Scarlett Johansson. Gardos' eye is uncanny as she captures the fragile elements of a family in the throws of escaping a country under a communist dictatorship. That the story is based on her real life gives her a unique eye for the details.

Another female director in the spotlight is Melanie Mayron who directs Slap Her She's French. Perhaps best known from her role on TVs Thirtysomething, Mayron has made a name for herself as a director ever since. In "Thirtysomething" Reelwriter.net was fortunate to speak with Mayron about the wild ride she had in taking over the film that was already in production when she arrived on the set.

This issue would not be complete without an up-and-comer who is slated to make a big name for himself in the near future -- and that's Tom Coyne. The author of A Gentleman's Game, first the book and then the screenplay, Coyne is a master at telling stories by structuring clean sentences. You can read about him in the feature "On the Leader Board."

And as this year's Fort Lauderdale International Festival launches, be sure to check out the roundup of last year's event. In "Cinema Paradiso" read about how festival organizer Gregory Von Hausch orchestrated a masterpiece showing of eclectic films such as No Man's Land.

So, grab some popcorn, pull up a chair and enjoy the show.

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