Tag: director

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3-Star Review for Skateboard Bandits

On behalf of the very talented cast and crew of my short film, Skateboard Bandits, we’re excited to receive a 3-Star Review from the industry’s leading review platform, Short Films Matter. Here’s what they say:

* * * A laid-back thriller that delves into a father and daughter’s pursuit of revenge.

SYNOPSIS: A character-driven thriller about a band of skateboarders who conspire to take revenge into their own hands – the second time around – and risk life and limb to rob a bank.

REVIEW: Vengeance, grief, and the unbreakable bond between a daughter and her charismatic widower father take center stage in Rich Tola’s low-budget thriller. With Rich Tola himself leading the cast alongside Anna Christensen and an ensemble of supporting actors, this film takes viewers on a thrilling ride through the gritty streets of Los Angeles. The narrative centers around the preparation for a bank heist. One of the standout elements of this narrative is the inclusion of skateboarding, which adds a cool and edgy vibe to the story. The skateboarding sequences are well-executed and bring an exciting energy to the film. It’s a refreshing addition that sets this movie apart from others in the genre.

While the acting prowess of Rich Tola and Anna Christensen shines through, the supporting cast falls slightly short in comparison. However, their performances don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the film. Technically, the film is crafted to a respectable standard, considering the limited budget. Although it lacks a cinematic quality, this can be forgiven, as the engaging storyline and well-choreographed sequences make up for it. The short film manages to entertain and keep viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.

However, it must be noted that the ending leaves us wanting more, as the narrative build-up to the bank robbery delivers an anti-climax. Nevertheless, Rich Tola’s low-budget thriller delivers an entertaining experience. With its engaging storyline, impressive skateboarding sequences, and solid performances, it is a film that showcases the director’s creativity and resourcefulness. While it may lack the polish of big-budget productions, it more than makes up for it with its raw energy and bohemia.

FILM: 12-minute drama (completed from start-to-finish in 90 days for $1000) starring Rich Tola, Anna Christensen, Jonny Haug, Jasmine Sim, Anthony Lazcano, Ben Thomas and Anthony Rajanayagam.

Thanks for watching everyone..and get your workout in ! Peace – R

Skateboard Bandits
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Be Like …The Postman

Remember Kevin Costner’s award-winning film about a nameless drifter who dons a postman’s uniform and bag of mail in a post-apocalyptic America. If not, then I suggest you grab a bag of your favorite low sodium chips and watch it immediately. To get inspired to do whatever it is you need to do that may require a little – or a boatload – of courage.

And just like the real life United States Postal Service creed, “Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postman from their appointed rounds“, simply apply this to your daily fitness program and get your workout in…every single day. Like I’ve been doing since the 1970’s.

Now check this out: we’re 2 days shy of halfway through 2023, which means you could have benefited from 180 workouts by now, like me and all the other post-people out there.

Are you in? Do you WANT to be in? Because ANYONE can…just Be Like The Postman. Enjoy the movie everyone, and I’ll see you at the Fountain!

Peace – R

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A Decade to Remember

Rich Tola – Filmmaker | Author | Creator, Tola Yoga

Since my childhood summers playing baseball at Nottingham Little League, I’ve been taught that the best hitters always perform in the late innings. So finish strong everyone, and have a happy and safe holiday season!

I also hope this decade has been as good to you as it has me, as this marks my most amazing one yet beginning with my film, Boulevard Zen. Exactly 10 years ago this week we premiered at the Silent Movie Theater in Hollywood. Thanks to everyone who supported me, i.e., watched or read or listened to any of my creations since the film. And a special thanks for taking my Tola Yoga classes.

No doubt I’ve built an awesome foundation in developing and producing original content as well as successfully crossing the finish line – on time and on budget – more than 15 times. Not to mention teaching my modern-day fitness style of yoga to more than 20,000 students throughout the US.

Looking forward to the next 10. Peace – R

Rich Tola productions this decade:

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Boulevard Zen – 10 Years Later

Hey everyone, hope you’re thinking, speaking and feeling positive, and most importantly, hope you’re getting your daily workouts in!

I certainly am. Not to mention I’m especially positive and grateful because today marks the 10-year anniversary of my feature film, Boulevard Zen, where “Life’s a boulevard and sometimes you get stuck.” What a day it was back in 2009, my first Hollywood premiere. Flash forward 10 years and our protagonist, the no-bullshit, east-coast attorney turned yoga master, Bobby D’Angelo, is at it again in my award winning short film, Zen Diaries: The Lockdown.

Watch the Boulevard Zen movie trailer and the 21-minute short below, plus check-out our theme song, Life’s Boulevard, performed by LA’s Best Male Vocalist of the Year, Erick Macek. Stay focused on your goals everyone, and keep rockin’ your dreams. Peace – R

Boulevard Zen is also available on Amazon click here

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Holidays are Made for Workouts…Really!

Happy Holidays everyone!

That means more time spent running around as well as more time spent lounging around the house, mostly before and after meals, right?

Wrong…because the holidays are a great time NOT to lounge around doing nothing but to instead, get your workout in. Whether it be the extra cardio – yes, zipping around the mall counts – or making use of that “lounging” time by hitting your gym or local community center for a quick 20 minute workout, just do it. That’s right, it’s easier to get your workout in during the holidays because who really wants you standing around the kitchen or taking up space in the living room hours before the meal. That’s how I look at it, squeeze every workout or group class or Tola Yoga class into your schedule, no matter where you are, and make that time all about maintaining your strong body – clear mind. No doubt good health always triumphs over bad. So make it good.

And if you need a little inspiration for some additional get up and go…or if you really need to Get Your Sh#! Together then watch my two films, Skateboard Bandits and Zen Diaries: The Lockdown. Sometimes we all could use a swift kick in the butt from badass attorney turned yoga master, Bobby D’Angelo.

Have an awesome Thanksgiving everyone, and get your workout in! Peace – R

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Be a Rockstar in Everything You Do!

Simply put, do the very best you can in everything you do and let the Universe decide what happens next. And if your heart and your mind are really not into it, then reconsider the task at hand and make another choice. Because making good choices is easier than you think!

And always remember to break all the rules except this one:  Another day, Another workout

RichtolaRockstarPose_Oct16

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Hotter Than a July BBQ at More Than 60 Locations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/04/16

YogaStyles Braves 108-Degree Heat and Wraps Chicago Pilot

Chicago, IL: Long considered a sacred number in Yoga, 108 should bring good luck to creator and Yogatainer Rich Tola’s new Reality TV series that aims to inspire audiences with his one simple motto: Yoga…Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere.

Inspired is exactly how Rich and his crew felt as they endured the heat and filmed the Pilot episode of YogaStyles of RICH and the Almost Famous in more than 60 locations throughout the streets of Chicago.

“We knew it was going to be a scorcher, but we never anticipated it would be hotter than a July BBQ,” shares Tola. “The great news is everyone we interviewed, including the homeless woman (Rebecca) living in a tent on North Broadway, was super friendly and excited to give Yoga a try.”

In addition to the dozen or so “Almost Famous” people Rich interviewed, Tola also demonstrated challenging Yoga poses at many historic landmark and tourist attractions including Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park, Water Tower, the University of Chicago, Navy Pier, Soldier Field and the Chess Pavilion by Oak Street Beach.

“Our last day of filming was the hottest, with heat index temperatures reaching 108 degrees,” Tola said. “And what’s cool about it was that we filmed a 2-hour class at the abandoned Damen Silos with our band of beautiful Yoga babes (The Namaste Five) and not once did anyone complain or even request a break. Talk about hot Yoga, it really felt like we were practicing in an oven.”

Yoga guru and lifelong fitness virtuoso, Rich Tola aims to teach everyone on the planet the fundamentals of the 6,000 year-old practice with his unique, workout style of Tola Yoga. “It doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing, anybody can benefit from five minutes of Yoga. After watching our show you’ll definitely be inspired to try Yoga, or at the very least, be excited to visit Chicago and enjoy all the amazing attributes this great city has to offer,” proclaims Tola.

Today also marks Rich’s 10-year anniversary teaching Yoga to more than 25,000 students in over 2,000 classes throughout the United States. Since 2006, Tola has produced 30 hours of instructional DVDs including his film, Boulevard Zen, and his video encyclopedia of 100 Yoga poses, Rich Tola’s Yoga Survival Guide, including Bus Stop Yoga, Traffic Yoga, Office Yoga, Shower Yoga and Watching the Ellen Show Yoga.