A Spotlight on Filmmaking –
“Why Some Films Fail”

Presented by: Jay Ignaszewski

Saturday, June 21, 2025

3 – 5 PM

Five Points Arts Center

How is it that some feature films can fail?
Bad premise, inept direction, studio interference or lack of promotion?

Take a look at some projects that range from unknown, independently financed features to mega studios’ potential blockbusters – all of which got in trouble, and most became forgotten.

Starting with a George Lucas executive produced counter-culture hero film, this presentation will also explore an independent home movie starring some notable cinema stars, and even a Mel Brooks project. All the films covered were worked on by the presenter, Jay Ignaszewski, and he will share some behind-the-scenes insights to the ultimate reasons for the history of these five projects:

“Howard the Duck” with Lea Thompson
“The Mean Season” with Kurt Russell
“Roar” with Tippi Hedren
“Throw Momma From the Train” with Danny DeVito
“The Vagrant” with Bill Paxton