What Goes Up Ends Initial Theatrical Run

What Goes Up, a film about a morally challenged New York reporter (Steve Coogan) who learns life lessons from a group of dysfunctional students (Hilary Duff, Josh Peck, Olivia Thirlby), has completed its initial theatrical run in theaters, which was capped off at the Breckenridge Festival of Film last Friday. The film played to a very receptive full house.

"We're not ready to close out the possibilities of a second theatrical run or pursuing more film festivals in the United States even with the DVD being released on June 16," said James Hoke, executive producer. "We're also weighing our options to show the film outside of the United States, where fans have been extremely supportive. Some of these decisions will depend on the initial DVD sales, but we really want to expand the release and we still have another contest promise to fulfill."

Fans of many primary cast members have played an important role since the movie was first shown at 3rd Annual Buffalo Niagara Film Festival. At the theatrical premiere on May 28, fan art from two film promotions greeted guests at the event.

The VIP Premiere Loop from the Pacific Design Center

In addition to fan support, Olivia Thirlby has taken some media interviews to help the film. The most recent was published at Alloy.com. In the interview, which includes photos, Thirlby also speaks very highly of Hilary Duff.

"Working with Hilary was wonderful. I can't speak highly enough of her," Thirlby told Alloy.com "She's a very cool, very kind and incredibly genuine person in every respect."

On June 16, What Goes Up will be available on DVDs everywhere. Check back for updates and links on Tuesday.

What Goes Up Heads To Breckenridge

What Goes Up makes a last minute invitation to the Breckenridge Festival of Film. Originally established in 1981, the Breckenridge Festival of Film is one of the oldest in the country.

This year’s event features 62 independent dramas, short dramas, comedies, short comedies and documentaries films. In the spirit of filmmaking, the Breckenridge Festival of Film is a showcase for young student talent for four days, June 11-14.

"What Goes Up was invited by WNBC-TV Film Critic and “Reel Talk” co-host Jeffrey Lyons, along with his son Ben Lyons, the E! Network Daily Top 10’s film critic," said James Hoke."Lyons has been an outspoken and appreciated supporter of the film."

What Goes Up will be shown at 9 p.m. in the Skyline Theatre, Dillon on Friday, June 12. Breckenridge is located about 80 miles west of Denver, Colorado. For more information about the town and lodging, visit the Breckenridge site.

"There is no Festival like Breckenridge. A large indie presence, Colorado Premiers of Feature Films, up-close and personal with the stars but with a warmth and intimacy all its own... even if it snows in June!!!" says Jeffry Lyons. "We've been doing this for 27 years. We're Good At It."

What Goes Up ends its initial theatrical run in the United States on June 11, with the last day of screenings in Brooklyn, Buffalo, Boston, Las Vegas, and Moorpark, Calif. However, the theatrical run is far from over as the producers have setting their sights on several more options.

What Goes Up will also be available on DVD everywhere next Tuesday, June 16 in the United States and Canada. You can find it in stores and on shopping sites like Amazon and iTunes.

Anthony Miranda Talks What Goes Up

Probably the most common question I've been asked since our first public showing at The Buffalo Niagara Film Festival was "if you could do anything over again, what would you do?" I never have an answer, because I do not believe in doing anything over.

We learn from every event in our life and everything happens for a reason. To do over any one thing would change the series of events that have occurred and would affect this wonderful journey we are traveling.

I mean, why would I want to miss out on the amazing experience at The Buffalo Niagara Film Festival? It far exceeded my expectations to say the least. I never expected a proclamation from Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown that declared May 8 as Anthony Miranda Day. But he did. And it was overwhelming.

The best way I can describe it is to say “you really had to be there." Yeah, I know it's cliche, but because of all the support from Buffalo we not only sold out one screen — but two screens!!! When that happened, all of the local news channels covered the event. We had a VIP list that ran up well into the hundreds. The positive energy in the lobby was evident to everyone. And what was really hours, felt like mere minutes. I will remember it for the rest of my life and that's not easily said.

I've been a professional musician my entire life and taught percussion on the college level since 1980. I was 22 years old when I first taught college, and taught privately before that. I've had many unforgettable moments in my life, performing with Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, Robert Goulet, Milton Berle, Natalie Cole, and Madonna. Add to that several hundreds of recordings for television and film over the past 25 years.

The difference between being an executive producer and a musician or composer is tremendous. When in the recording studio working on music for film, you are one component in the entire movie.

The music in any film is clearly very important but is just one piece in this complex movie structure. As executive producer, you have to deal with every component from beginning to end. We’re lucky to have had James Hoke on board. He made it easy!

Of course, I had the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds. The music selection was mainly chosen by Jonathan Glatzer. However, when composing, for example, the rooftop cue, I had some ideas in mind. So I recorded them in the studio and sent the wav files over to Jonathan.

We fine tuned the tracks based on what he was looking for and then repeated this process with the marching drum cadences as well. Of course, composer Roddy Bottum did the underscore for the film. Working with him was amazing. He is such a great talent and a wonderful person. Things just flowed and happened.

One of my other favorite moments, working on the film, was the feeling of the final wrap of the production. It happened on a Saturday morning, after a very long, cold night of shooting.

I was able to enjoy the moment with my partners James Hoke and Joe Nahas; my daughter Lindsay Maureen was there too. For the soundtrack, there was another one.

It was when “I heard the news” (pun intended) that Hilary Duff made the commitment to record “Any Other Day” for the film and soundtrack. David Parker and Lenny Silver of Amherst Records worked so hard in making the entire soundtrack a successful reality. I am very grateful for them believing so strongly in What Goes Up.

I am also grateful for those talks I enjoyed with Molly Shannon on set and that warm smile Hilary always seems to carry around with her. And, I’m also grateful that I had an opportunity to use my Fingerstix invention for the soundtrack. They really create a whole new dimension in sound and creative expression, which was important for a film like this. I included a link to an old clip in this post to give you an idea of what can be done with them. Enjoy it!

All in all, the entire event has been like riding one of the highest, fastest roller coasters around. There are some amazingly fast ups and downs, thrusts left and right. You really cannot predict any of it, but you always want to get back in line and do it again!

We’re lucky, I suppose, because even though it felt like a down a couple days ago, we’re racing back up again. For that, I credit the genius of James Hoke. He keeps the challenges to the minimum and solutions to the maximum. On any independent film, you really need that to keep it together. He keeps it together. Him, and the fans.

I’m grateful to be able be able to share a little slice of my experience with the film and soundtrack with all the people who visit the production. Thank you all for jumping on the roller coaster with us. To me, you are the best!

What Goes Up — Theater Listings For First Four

At 7:15 p.m. on Friday, May 8, What Goes Up will have its festival premiere at the Market Arcade Film & Arts Centre at the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival. It will be shown on Screen 2.

Kicking off the day early, Executive Producer Anthony Miranda (also co-producer and artist on the soundtrack) will be interviewed at 8 a.m. by Janet & Nick with Kiss 98.5. There will be several cast members to look out for throughout the day.

The festival premiere is 20 days before the theatrical premiere in Los Angeles and 21 days before opening in select cities around the country. Today, the producers of What Goes Up released specific theater locations for four of those cities.


Buffalo, New York — Opening May 29

North Park Theatre
1428 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14216
716-836-7411

Amherst Theatre
3500 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14226
716-834-7655

Eastern Hills Cinema
4525 Transit Road
Williamsville, NY 14221
716-632-1080

McKinley 6 Theatres
3701 McKinley Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14219
716-824-3479

Market Arcade Film & Arts Center
639 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
716-855-3022

Dipson Theaters

New York, New York — Opening May 29

The Quad Cinema
34 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-255-880

The Quad Cinema

Las Vegas, Nevada — Opening May 29

Regal Colonnade 14 Theater
8880 S Eastern Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89123
702-948-2900

Boulder Station Stadium 11
4111 Boulder Highway
Las Vegas NV 89121
702-641-7505

Texas Station Stadium 18
2101 N Texas Star Lane
Las Vegas NV 89030
702-631-2206

Village Square Stadium 18
9400 W Sahara Ave
Las Vegas NV 89117
702-838-0490

Regal Entertainment

Los Angeles, California — Opening May 29

Laemmle Sunset 5
8000 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
213-548-3500

Laemmle Pasadena Playhouse Cinemas
673 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-644-6444

Laemmle Town Center 5 Cinemas
17200 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
818-981-9811

Laemmle Theaters

Culver Plaza Theaters
9919 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232, USA
310-836-5511

Culver Plaza Theaters
All theaters are subject to change without notice. A full listing with complete dates and all cities will be made available in the days ahead. T-minus 21.

Fans Drive Interest In What Goes Up

In less than 24 hours, even before the What Goes Up Movie Soundtrack by Amherst Records appears on the homepage of iTunes (May 5), the soundtrack has already gained traction. And, "Any Other Day" by Hilary Duff has moved up 41 places on her iTunes top song list (four places in the last hour).

The song isn't the only amazing feature to focus on. The growing fan support that is providing a foundation for the film and the soundtrack is nothing short of amazing too.

"Hilary's new music is awesome! I'm so happy her film is being released, even though it's only a limited release. I love the song too!" — Emily Cluttrell, fan, iTunes review.

All across the Internet, dozens of fan sites and music reviewers representing various countries are talking about What Goes Up. Many of them are even creating their own renditions of promotional art. One of the very first seen last week was from Hilary Duff Online.


Hilary Duff Online is not alone. In addition to hundreds of blogs supporting various stars and promotional efforts, fans are connecting on Facebook and Twitter. Most feedback confirms what 1,200 views per day of the First Look: Olivia Thirlby video and 2,200 views per day of the "Any Other Day" by Hilary Duff teaser might suggest. There is growing interest in the film and the first showing at the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival will likely sell out.

Of course, numbers alone don't tell the whole the story. Every day, the producers are pleasantly surprised by fans. For example, Zach M, who is a frequent visitor to the Hilary Fan Forum, recently sent in his vision for the cover of an "Any Other Day" single (pictured right).

These efforts are also being supported several hardworking teams. Cast schedules are being reviewed, screening invitations are going out, media interest is growing, databases are being updated, promotions are being finalized, and the soundtrack label is considering various options while tracking the success of the new single. And right here, tomorrow, we'll post a "First Look: Steve Coogan in What Goes Up" video.

"This is all a countdown, to a higher place, countdown into some outer space." — Hilary Duff, from "Any Other Day" on the What Goes Up Soundtrack. Full lyrics, as presented by a fan, here and we'll be publishing the song as originally written next week.

T-Minus 29

A Message From James Hoke, What Goes Up

When I first started working on What Goes Up, I had no idea the amount of time and dedication it would take. Like so many people with hundreds of movies making up my home collection, I assumed making a 2-hour film wouldn't take too much time.

Well, it did. And it has been the most incredible experience of my life, and I've gained a new appreciation for this business.


Something else happened that I didn't expect. As a hands-on executive producer, I quietly sat on the set during the first few weeks of shooting. But after awhile, given the long hours together, I become someone else. I wasn't just the executive producer, but a member of the team. I started having a lot of fun with the cast and crew. We had to have fun because things change all the time on the set.

They change all the time after the wrap too. So I hope all the fans of Steve Coogan, Hilary Duff, Josh Peck, Oliva Thirlby, and Molly Shannon appreciate that. As we invite you to join us and hopefully work with some of you to make this film the success it deserves to be, some things we share might change at the last minute from time to time. So just know that we're going to be working hard to do our best, and we'll be listening to you every step of the way.

We have high hopes for this film, especially given the performance by Hilary Duff, who I enjoyed getting to know because she is such an amazing person. (She's also generous with her time off camera for people like me, who are big fans too.) I also had a great time with Josh Peck and really enjoyed working with Max Hoffman. (They are really crazy guys!) Well, let's be real. I enjoyed everybody and could fill a whole page with appreciation, but that's not why many of you came by.

What Goes Up's first public appearance will be at the 3rd Annual Buffalo Niagara Film Festival. If visit the site, you'll see that they already have us up as a Special Festival Premiere at 7:15 p.m. on Fri., May 8.

To give you an idea of how fast things change, I had a different date last night. And you never know. It might change again!

We're not going to stop there. Shortly after the festival, we'll start rolling out the film in several major markets in the United States. Right now, we're planning a theatrical premiere in Los Angeles and then have plans to be up in theaters in cities like New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas. There's several more cities in the works; and we'll be releasing the schedules just as soon as we can. We'll also be releasing promotions that will be very exciting for everyone.

With enough support behind this film, it is possible that we could be in every major market in North America by the end of June. Sure, I know what fans are saying. What about the June 16 DVD release?

The way I see it, we have two options. SPE Worldwide and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment are fantastic people! I know in my heart that if What Goes Up takes off, then they will work with us to either hold off the DVD release or allow us to play the film in theaters past the DVD release date. But those are details that we just can't guess about right now, and anything is possible.

Our Insider Team also tells me that there are dozens of people sending in e-mails asking about releases in specific countries. With so many distributors, it's impossible to know their exact plans.

Most often, distributors in other countries follow right after a U.S. release. We've been told that's what some intend to do. If there is any way we can help you encourage those distributors to put it in theaters, we'll let you know. (For fans in Brazil, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom specifically ... hang in there! As we learn details, you'll learn details too!)

For all Hilary Duff fans, I know there is something else on your mind. As I confirmed yesterday with our lead "Insider," there is a new original song by Hilary Duff. It was written on the set and recorded in November.

You'll have more details from our friends at Amherst Records about the song and the soundtrack release as soon as we do. Right now, they are working on those details as I write this post. The song is called, and I hope I'm not sharing this too soon, "Any Other Day." You'll love it.

There are some other things ahead you might like to know about. Every week, we'll be featuring interviews and guest posts from the cast and crew. This includes Steve Coogan, Hilary Duff, Josh Peck. among others. We'll also be adding more pictures to the Flickr account, which you can feel free to share. You're welcome to repost any of the stories, articles, and posts from this blog. All we ask is that you link back to the source to help us along and help people find it.

Two days ago, we also made a decision to share a few scenes from the movie on YouTube. And, we'll be announcing a new What Goes Up fan group on Facebook in the days ahead. Anyone who has already written to the What Goes Up Insider will be receiving an invitation this weekend. Members will also be allowed to post links related to What Goes Up to their fan sites and blogs.

I hope you do. Because from time to time right here, we'll be giving shot outs to fan sites and blogs covering our film right here. We may be able to arrange interviews (probably via e-mail, but you never know) for some supporters.

As for shout outs, I have a couple for early supporters: Arieanna Schweber at Hilary News, Hilary Duff Digital, and everybody at the Hilary Fan Forum. I also understand there is a fan group for OMG ... Josh Peck on LiveJournal. Thank you!

Also, always feel free to ask questions or share ideas in the comment section of this or upcoming posts. You have my promise, along with Joe Nahas and Anthony Miranda [Three Kings Productions], that we'll do our best to keep answering them. Everyone — from the crew to the cast — is on board! I hope you are too.