October 4, 2001

More Information

Contact: Charla Jenkins, University Theatre, (785) 864-2684.

KU alumna's film, 'Lisa Picard Is Famous' to be screened in Lawrence

Editors note: Laura Kirk will be in Lawrence Oct. 24 - 27. She is available for interviews Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 24-25. Contact Charla Jenkins.

LAWRENCE---The University of Kansas Department of Theatre and Film is presenting a special screening of the new film, "Lisa Picard Is Famous," written by and starring 1989 KU graduate Laura Kirk, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at Liberty Hall, 7th and Massachusetts.

"Lisa Picard Is Famous," which features Kirk and her co-writer, Nat DeWolf, was directed by the Academy Award-nominated Griffin Dunne and produced by Academy Award-winner Mira Sorvino and Dolly Hall. The film features cameo appearances by such actors as Carrie Fisher, Buck Henry, Spike Lee, Charlie Sheen, Dunne, and Sorvino.

Kirk holds a bachelor of arts degree in theatre and film from KU, where she appeared in numerous University Theatre productions. A Lawrence native, Kirk is an active supporter of the KU theatre program and serves on the Department of Theatre and Film's Professional Advisory Board, which will meet Oct. 26 and 27 at KU . She will be in Lawrence for several days prior to the meeting and screening, speaking to KU theatre classes and meeting with students.

"Lisa Picard Is Famous" is described as a "mock-umentary" in the style of "Waiting for Guffman" or "Best of Show." Lisa Picard is a struggling New York actress who gets a fleeting taste of fame when a racy cereal commercial brings her unexpected notoriety. Filmmaker Dunne finds her crusade to stardom intriguing and contagious and begins filming her every move. The resulting quest for the truth gives a hilarious look at Lisa and her friends desperately trying to get in from the outside.

The idea for the film grew out of Kirk and DeWolf's four-year friendship and long conversations about how funny and silly an actor's pursuit of fame can be. The original idea grew into a planned 20-minute video that could be used as a plea for agents to "take a look" at Kirk and DeWolf. When Kirk showed the outline to her friend, Sorvino, the project took on a new dimension. Kirk and DeWolf kept writing and began holding readings of the script in Sorvino's apartment.

The project took off with the addition of Hall and then Dunne to the production team. The film was first screened at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival and at subsequent festivals in Europe. It premiered in the United States in August, receiving positive reviews in "The New York Times" and "People" magazine. The film has since opened in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Following the screening at Liberty Hall, Kirk will be available to meet fans and will be the guest at an informal reception.

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