Stepping Out, Under Cover|February 10, 2012 12:55 pm|By: Edie Crabtree

An Oscar-Season Look Behind the Scenes

Awards season is upon us. The Golden Globes have already had their say, and now that the “Big Game” is over, Oscar buzz will kick into high gear. Will the Golden Globes serve as predictors for how the Academy will vote? Can a modern-day silent film take the top honors?

If you are a film buff that finds yourself contemplating these and similar questions, you may want to check out what’s coming up next in the NBPL “Library Live” series.

On Wednesday, Feb. 22, attendees will be privileged to hear from producer, director, and former studio head Robert Kline, as he returns for the annual program, “A Night at the Oscars,” with this year’s theme being “The New Hollywood.”

Kline will take the audience through a discussion of the top movies and screen roles, as well as share behind-the-scenes stories of Hollywood and film. In keeping with the theme of the evening, he will also highlight “The New Hollywood,” as he takes a look at the new generation of power brokers and film stars.

Kline himself has an impressive Hollywood résumé. He is a former member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and was Executive Vice President of 20th Century Fox as well as a co-founder of Lifetime Television. He produced Oliver Stone’s highly acclaimed film, “Heaven and Earth,” and “That’s Hollywood” for ABC. He also produced “Ronald Reagan: An American Journey”, and “The Kennedys: America’s Emerald Kings.”

He is currently producing two films: Betty White’s “Wonderful World of Animals”,, to be released in March, and “Bill Clinton, An American Odyssey,” set for release this summer.

Having filled so many behind-the cameras roles in the film industry, he is uniquely qualified to guide us “armchair directors” through the world that is Hollywood, and having been a member of the Academy, can offer an insider’s perspective on how they vote, and with what criteria.

Kline will also take questions and attendees will have the opportunity to win classic movie DVDs, generously provided as prizes by Warner Bros.

The need-to-know stats for the evening are:

1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach.
Wine reception 6 p.m., Program 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20 general admission; $15 Library Foundation members.
To purchase tickets: Visit www.nbplfoundation.org or call 949-548-2411.

I know that in my day-to-day life, I don’t have many chances to interact with a Hollywood producer, which makes the event all the more enticing. I can’t imagine a film enthusiast missing this opportunity for any reason.

This is just one more example of how the Library Foundation serves the community by bringing exciting authors, speakers, and demonstrations to our doorstep, keeping us up to date on what’s going on outside our cozy community. Whether you could ace the film edition of Jeopardy, or simply enjoy stimulating conversation among adults, this evening promises not to disappoint!

For more information about the Newport Beach Library Foundation, and for a list of events, please visit: www.nbplfoundation.org.

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