EL TAXISTA: Official selection of INDIE FEST USA 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL ACTOR TURNS SONG INSPIRATION INTO SHORT FILM ACCEPTED AT INDIE FEST 2008

In an attempt to create more work for himself, Luis Robledo creates El Taxista and surprises many.

Los Angeles, CA –July 17, 2008—Not long ago, actor-turned-entertainment entrepreneur, Luis Robledo came to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming a working actor. After years of work on shows such as; CSI: Miami, X-Files, American Family, The Shield, and Six Feet Under, Luis found himself searching for roles that ventured outside the norm for Latino actors. His choices were slim; but his talent and drive allowed him to create opportunities for himself.

With laptop in hand, Luis ventured into an area unknown to most actors: screenwriting, and discovered the multiple opportunities at his disposal. His first short; The Whistler presented a challenge: would he be able to serve the film effectively as both lead actor and director? In attempt to answer this question he created El Taxista, a short film inspired by the song “Historia de Taxi” by Ricardo Arjona, and took on both directorial duties and the lead role.

There were multiple objectives for the novice filmmaker; write the screenplay, design the movie, communicate a clear vision through storyboards, assemble a cast and crew, develop the character, direct the film, and figure out all post production details—all within a budget consisting of the money he had saved to pay for last year’s tax bill. Within weeks, pre-production details included Barbie dolls and a green screen storyboard sequence as well as friends to serve as cast and crew members. By the end of January, and through the producing genius of Bryan Ross, Luis and his cast & crew completed production of El Taxista. By May, all post-production was finished and he was ready to present it to the world.

Within months of completion, El Taxista has gained a cult following among those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse before its official screening.

“Great work, great cast, great accomplishment. Bravo, bravo, bravo, bravo, bravo! The black & white, the use of light and darkness. The camera motion, angles, close ups, all the elements are never still, nor boring, but always mysterious and supportive of the dialogue. Constantly plotting…what comes next,” -Nicolas Villamizar, CEO, Sounds Good Productions, Boston, MA.

Luis’ acceptance into Indie Fest USA 2008 marks his 2nd recognition, as El Taxista was chosen to screen at the NewFilmmakers LA series at the Architecture & Design Museum in the fall. These festival accolades are the first of many for the budding filmmaker as more witness the massive talent he brings to the industry. We can only hope to catch a glimpse of the trail this visionary leaves behind and enjoy the ride he leads us on from project to project.