Greer's OC

Film enthusiasts can watch Oscar-worthy productions before their release dates at the 16th annual “Sneak Previews with Michael Berlin” series offered through UC Irvine Extension. The program screens exclusive, advance previews of upcoming Hollywood movies on six consecutive Mondays at 6:45 to 9:45 p.m., starting Nov. 1 through Dec. 6 at The Lido Regency Theatre in Newport Beach. Following each film there will be interviews and open Q&A sessions with producers, directors, screenwriters and other entertainment industry leaders.

The screening is always a secret until each evening. The series offers a wide range of movies in all genres and budgets: independent, documentaries, foreign and big-budget films.

Berlin, who has a long list of screenwriting and producing credits in his three decade career in Hollywood. He has written feature films including “Anguish,” “Breaking Point” and “Robo-Warriors” and for TV series including “Miami Vice,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “Murder She Wrote,” “Diagnosis: Murder,” “Sisters,”  “Hunter,” “Missing Persons,” “The Exile,” “UNSUB,” “Earth: Final Conflict” and “The Outer Limits.”

General admission costs $150 for the series, $75 for UC Irvine students or individual tickets for $30 each movie. To learn more about UC Irvine Extension’s “Sneak Previews with Michael Berlin” film series or to register here.

The Lido Regency Theatre, at 3459 Via Lido in Newport Beach.

Susie and Her Cakes!

SusieCakes Bakery is celebrating Halloween Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and its giving the first 10 customers wearing costumes a half-dozen cupcakes on the house—no purchase necessary. Or, come in dressed as “Susie” or a SusieCakes team member (t-shirt, bandana and apron) and you’ll receive a dozen cupcakes!

SusieCakes will be offering limited-edition Halloween treats for purchase, including cupcakes festively decorated in orange and black; in sumptuous flavors like chocolate with chocolate buttercream, vanilla with orange vanilla buttercream, and pumpkin spice with cream cheese frosting. There are also classic sugar cookies shaped like candy corns, ghosts, spider webs and pumpkins; and whoopie pies covered in orange and black sprinkles

SusieCakes at 2043 Westcliff Dr. #104 in Newport Beach. 949.646.6881