Friday, May 30, 2008

Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club #41

Rural Route Tour - Encore Presentation
7:30 pm Wednesday, June 11 @ Power House Memphis
Admission is free, donations are recommended.

The Rural Route Film Festival was created to highlight works that deal with rural people and places. This year's "Rural Route Tour" program leans towards the artistic and documentary films, with both fun and serious pieces from all around the world. Arctic owls in Montana, Canadian lawnmower races, films about light pollution, a Ukrainian poetic peasant masterpiece, dancers in the snowy Norwegian tundra, plastic lawn deer lost in Brooklyn, a man's captivating search for his ancestors in Lithuania, and some good, 'ol banjo playin' at a Kentucky old folks home. Total running time is 97 minutes.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Remember My Blueberry Nights? Oh yeah! Here it is...

From John Beifuss in the CA:


Did you participate as an extra or crew member during the shooting of "My Blueberry Nights" in August of 2006 in downtown Memphis ?

If so, you’ll at last have a chance to see your work or yourself (if you made the cut) on the big screen on May 30, when the latest film from acclaimed Hong Kong auteur Wong Kar-wai opens in Memphis for a run of at least a week, exclusively at Malco’s Studio on the Square.

Wong’s first English-language film and his first to be shot in America, “My Blueberry Nights” is a romantic road movie set in Memphis, Las Vegas and New York that stars Norah Jones, Rachel Weisz, Jude Law, David Strathairn, Natalie Portman and Tony Award-winning Memphian Adriane Lenox. The movie debuted in May of 2007 at the Cannes Film Festival, to mixed reviews; with distribution in the U.S. by The Weinstein Company, it opened April 4 in New York and Los Angeles, and has been slowly expanding into other cities since. (As of this weekend, it has played in a total of only 69 U.S. theaters.)

Reposting: Deadline extended for free workshop

Announcement from The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission on a tuition-free film/TV workshop June 7 and 8:

James Spies, nationally known film and television producer ("Nothing But the Truth," "The Contender," "Commander-in-Chief"), returns to Memphis to lead the first of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission's long-awaited crew training workshops.

Spies will lead the first workshop at the University of Memphis, June 7 and 8.

"Breaking into Film and Getting Your First Job," is a two-day, 10-hour intensive workshop covering everything from using a walkie-talkie to set procedures and protocol to learning about gripping and gaffing.

Applicants must possess proof of residency in Memphis and Shelby County (driver's license preferred), be at least 18 years of age or 18 on the next birthday, and be chosen by The Workshop #1 Selection Committee. The workshop application process is competitive; space is limited to thirty (30) students.

Applications can be downloaded from The Commission’s website: www.memphisfilmcomm.org and faxed along with proof of residency and a letter of reference from professor, teacher or work supervisor to: (901)-527-8326. All questions should be emailed to info@memphisfilmcomm.org.
Applications must be received by the end of the business day on Monday, June 2. Successful applicants will be notified.

To graduate, workshop attendees must complete with a passing grade a final on-line test, covering topics discussed during the two days of class. Workshop graduates will be eligible for priority consideration for jobs through The Commission’s wage refund film trainee program on future qualified productions based in Memphis and Shelby County. Additionally, graduates will qualify for listing as “Production Assistants” in the next edition of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission Production Directory.

This workshop is part of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Incentive Program and as such encourages the active recruitment and training of women and Memphis & Shelby County citizens of diverse ethnicities.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Casting call

Casting Call ...... Female lead role for a FUN film

We are looking for a talented, hardworking and VERY dependable actress to play lead in an upcoming feature film. We would like someone in her 20's or 30's, attractive, athletic, medium to small build. Must be willing to train or must know some martial arts. Must be willing to be topless briefly in a couple of scenes. Contact me for more info.

This is a fun vampire/comedy film being shot by a local production company in Memphis that has produced 3 feature films, 8 short films 4 documentary films (a couple have been aired on national television.)

If interested, please send a headshot and resume to:
brad@rustedsunfilms.com

Tricks World Premiere June in LA



DeAara Lewis' "Tricks" has its World Premiere at the Hollywood Black Film Festival on June 5 at 8:30 p.m. in Laemmle Music Hall in Beverly Hills.

From the HBFF site:
"She thought she played her cards right, she quietly left the city, and she quietly re-emerged, years later. Opening up a massage parlor and with the business tact she inherited from Doug Sullivan, she knew how to increase her revenue quickly - offer massages with 'happy endings.' It was a clever idea that quickly took off, yet still remained secretive enough to only reach the ears of those who understood the language. The parlor also brought in the women, each with her own reasons for wanting to work, each fiercely devoted to Donna in one way or another. Yes, Doug Sullivan taught her well.But then there was still Sebastian Crump, who believed Donna was responsible for the death of Doug Sullivan and the theft of over two hundred thousand dollars of Sullivan's money. Sebastian wanted her to repay the money that was stolen. Donna had to figure out a way to raise that kind of money in a short amount of time without bankrupting her business. She concocted an idea - host an after party for a famous artist who had a concert coming through town. Crump reluctantly agreed, but warned her if anything went wrong, he was shutting her down. As the event approaches, each woman has to make a tough decision. But the decision is not at all about leaving the business, but in her own way, learning how to be loved and accepted with no apologies in the world's oldest profession."

omg/HaHaHa World Premiere June in NY


From Morgan Jon Fox:

Sawed-Off Collaboratory Productions' feature film,
omg/HaHaHa, written/directed by Morgan Jon Fox, is having its WORLD PREMIERE Saturday June 14th 8:30pm at the AMC LOEWS 34TH ST Cineplex in NewYork City.

I don't know if any of you were at the sneak preview of the film in late '07, but this will be the first screening of the final version, which is almost 20 minutes shorter, with many changes to the edit.

The film was selected to be apart of NEWFEST, the 20th Annual NewYork GLBT Film Fest. We are very delighted to have such a prime time slot in a well respected film fest.

As a result, just in the last week we've received invitations from 12 other festivals to screen the film, and 3 different US distributers and an Israel-based international distributer have expressed interest in obtaining the film. HURRAH!


From the NEWFEST website:
"Cleverly reflective of today’s YouTube/MySpace generation, and shot in an improvisational, documentary style, OMG/HaHaHa opens a window to the lives of several young people in Memphis, TN. A teenager’s video blog frames the various stories, as he introduces his circle of friends and their troubles – from unexpected pregnancy to homophobia, break-ups to dying parents. From its attractive and talented actors’ naturalistic performances to its perfectly chosen soundtrack, OMG/HaHaHa impresses with a unique and inviting charm."

Link to our new ads for the film: Front and Back.

Many of the actors will be making the trip to represent.
Just spreadin the word...we are excited. Keep updated on all sawed-off's projects by checking our website: www.sawedoffproductions.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Saturday, May 24, 2008

HBO's "Recount" -- the Memphis connection

Michael Hausman, who did four films in Memphis ("The People vs. Larry Flynt," "A Family Thing," "American Saint," "The Firm") is producer of "Recount" that's on HBO Sunday. The film is a look at the events in Florida following the 2000 election -- you remember the lawsuits, the hanging chads, Katherine Harris, yes?

In addition, Gerry Byrne was production supervisor and post-production supervisor (he did three of the four films in Memphis with Professor Hausman) and Scott Ferguson who is unit production manager on "Recount" did all four films in Memphis with Hausman.

And we'd love to have you guys back, anytime...

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Free 2-day crew workshop: A must if you want to work in productions

Announcement from The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission on a tuition-free film/TV workshop June 7 and 8:

James Spies, nationally known film and television producer ("Nothing But the Truth," "The Contender," "Commander-in-Chief"), returns to Memphis to lead the first of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission's long-awaited crew training workshops. Spies will lead the first workshop at the University of Memphis, June 7 and 8.
"Breaking into Film and Getting Your First Job," is a two-day, 10-hour intensive workshop covering everything from using a "walkie-talkie" to set procedures and protocol to learning about "gripping" and "gaffing."
Applicants must possess proof of residency in Memphis and Shelby County (driver's license preferred), be at least 18 years of age or 18 on the next birthday, and be chosen by The Workshop #1 Selection Committee. The workshop application process is competitive; space is limited to thirty (30) students. Applications can be downloaded from The Commission’s website: www.memphisfilmcomm.org and faxed along with proof of residency and a letter of reference from professor, teacher or work supervisor to: (901)-527-8326. All questions should be emailed to info@memphisfilmcomm.org.
Applications must be received by the end of the business day on Thursday, May 29. Successful applicants will be notified Monday, June 2 if chosen by The Workshop #1 Selection Committee.
To graduate, workshop attendees must complete with a passing grade a final on-line test, covering topics discussed during the two days of class. Workshop graduates will be eligible for priority consideration for jobs through The Commission’s wage refund film trainee program on future qualified productions based in Memphis and Shelby County. Additionally, graduates will qualify for listing as “Production Assistants” in the next edition of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission Production Directory.
This workshop is part of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Incentive Program and as such encourages the active recruitment and training of women and Memphis & Shelby County citizens of diverse ethnicities.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Indie Memphis deadlines

Entry Deadlines: May 20 / June 16 / July 1 / July 15

The 11th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival is now accepting submissions from independent filmmakers across the country, in any style or genre. The festival utilizes Memphis' rich cultural history to serve as a connecting point for regional filmmakers from all corners of the country -- and provides a showcase for films celebrating Southern stories and storytelling. Indie Memphis builds bridges that inspire filmmakers and film lovers to collaborate and connect amongst the unique creative landscape that is the home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll.

Indie Memphis doc presentation

Indie Memphis is presenting a special screening of the Big Muddy Film Festival award-winner CONSIDERING DEMOCRACY: 8 THINGS TO ASK YOUR REPRESENTATIVE at Malco’s Studio on the Square (2105 Court Avenue) on Monday, May 19 at 7 pm. Filmmaker Keya Lea Horiuchi will be in attendance to answer questions and lead the discussion. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Have you ever wondered about what the rest of the world thinks about the United States? More importantly, what is true about the things people say? CONSIDERING
DEMOCRACY seeks to stimulate discussion and move the American debate toward
finding solutions. Based on interviews and scenes from outside of the United States, each section of the film playfully explores the views with statistical comparisons. It looks at seemingly different topics while creating a tapestry of tantalizing information that becomes interwoven and interconnected, while providing concise information and a question to further the debate.

CONSIDERING DEMOCRACY brings refreshing points of view to the political
discussion, while bringing a new meaning to the term of independent filmmaking, the
filmmaker having traveled across 10 countries by herself, and produced, directed, shot,
and edited the film. The rest of the world is a source of intelligence that acts as a
beautiful, yet pragmatic reflection of political power in the United States.

For more information, please visit indiememphis.com or consideringdemocracy.com.

Live From Memphis

The Flyer has a story on Christopher Reyes and LiveFromMemphis.com. Check it out here.

Excerpts:

"We didn't want to just go out there and do things by ourselves. That's the whole idea of community — working together. But people don't want to work together; they want their own little corner, their own piece of the pie."
--Christopher Reyes

"With a minimal staff and totally self-funded, Live From Memphis is an exhaustive central location to listen to bands, find out about bands, buy music, and find out about events around town."
--Goner Records' Eric Friedl.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Highly recommended

May 14, 2008 @ 7:30 pm


Power House Memphis in association with Indie Memphis present:

The Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club #40

A Selection of Turkish Short Films

in Honor of this years Memphis in May selected Country

A selection of the award-winning Turkish films representing the best in Turkish cinema will connect you with the progressive movie scene in Turkey.
These cutting-edge shorts are selected winners from the Ankara Film Festival featuring animation, drama, humor and thought-provoking subjects.

Films will begin promptly at 7:30 pm @ The Power House

45 G.E. Patterson
(between Front St. & Main)

Admission is FREE!

Refreshments will also be available

including Beer, Wine, Sodas, and Popcorn
donations are recommended!

Mississippi incentives

LEGISLATION CREATES NEW INCENTIVES FOR MISSISSIPPI’S FILM INDUSTRY

Jackson, Miss. (May 13, 2008) – Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour has signed HB 1351, creating new incentives for the motion picture and television industry. The rebate program applies to feature, television, documentary and commercial production, and is effective immediately.

“The film industry is important to Mississippi, as it is an industry in constant growth,” Governor Barbour said. “We consider ours a long term commitment to community and economic development and to the creation of jobs in all sectors in every corner of our state.”

The new program creates a 20% rebate on a production’s local spend in Mississippi. There is already a sales tax exemption of 7% on most production items and a sales tax exemption of 5½% on most production equipment.

It also creates a 25% rebate on the salaries of Mississippi residents and a 20% rebate on the salary of non-resident cast and crew. The rebate applies to the first $1 million of any individual salary.

There is a $20,000 minimum spend, an $8 million per project cap and a $20 million annual cap. The rebate is issued within 45 days of completion of production in Mississippi.

“The changes this year clarify and streamline our rebate program, said Gray Swoope, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA). “We worked very closely with the Film Office and with the State Tax Commission to assure that it works smoothly.”

Presently, Mississippi is building workforce training programs at both the private and community college levels and enhancing the long-standing film program at the University of Southern Mississippi with a new campus on the Gulf Coast. There is sound stage and support service development in the works in several areas of the state.

“Through this incentive program, combined with the variety of our locations, the support of our communities and the commitment of the Barbour administration and our Legislature, we are looking forward to a long history of filmmaking,” adds Ward Emling, Director of MDA’s Mississippi Film Office.

Over the last several years, Mississippi locations have been seen in O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?, BIG BAD LOVE, WALK THE LINE, BLACK SNAKE MOAN, and the Sundance winning, BALLAST.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Association for the Future of Film and Television in Tenn.

Just received this press release:

The Association for the Future of Film and Television (AFFT) recently announced their formation and plans to begin a membership drive across the state for individual members and corporate partners.


“An organization of this kind is vital to the growth and well-being of the film and television industry in Tennessee,” said Jan Austin, former Deputy Director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission as well as founder and Executive Director of AFFT. “The industry has never had an organization like this to represent them and to work on their behalf at the legislative level. In this climate of relentless competition nationwide for film and television projects, it is imperative that we make every effort to keep our state and it’s entertainment industry attractive to potential projects.”

The Association for the Future of Film and Television will focus on three goals:

1. To affect legislation in the State of Tennessee that benefits the film, television and video production industries and those associated with it.

2: To inform and educate those in the film, television and video production industries about proposed, active or unsuccessful legislation affecting the industry.

3. To promote the common interests of the industries at the legislative level.

“We expect to use funds raised through memberships and corporate underwriting to drive the Association and to hire a lobbyist to help with our efforts within Tennessee’s General Assembly,” says Roger Hodges, Executive Producer of Firefly Film & Video of Nashville and President of AFFT. “AFFT is also forming a political action committee (PAC) to support state and local candidacies of those who are supportive of our industry in general and of our individual efforts.”

The Association requires that two Directors from each of four areas – East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, West Tennessee and Chattanooga – serve on the Board. The Board of Directors for 2008 – 2010 are as follows:

East Tennessee: Michael Samstag (Knoxville Films); Juanell Walker (Talent Trek Agency)

Middle Tennessee: Gael Armstrong (Ground Zero Post); Scott Hallgren (Scootman Music Productions)

West Tennessee: Pam Branham (Younger Associates); Rod Starns/Jonathan Epstein (Running Pony Productions)

Chattanooga: Bob Hotchkiss (Cornerstone of America): Dave Porfiri (Mindflow Media, LLC)

A one-year membership in AFFT is $25. Membership is open to everyone in the film and television industry as well as anyone who is interested in the future of the industry. For more information about or to join the Association for the Future of Film and Television, please visit the website at www.affttennessee.org or call (615) 797-4333.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Monday, May 5, 2008

Hannah Montana extras

EXTRAS needed for a Major Motion Picture based on a hit television
series starring a well known Pop Teen Sensation. We are filming in the
Goodlettsville area in June. We are Seeking adults age 18 - 99 years
to portray extras in the film. No experience necessary. Types needed –
Adults who can portray Townspeople, Upscale Shoppers, Wait Staff,
Farmer Types, Beverly Hills Types, Blue Collar Types & Civic Types.
Men - All ethnicities age 18 years to 99 years. Women – All
ethnicities age 18 years to 99 years. No additional children or teens
are requested at this time. We are especially interested in minorities
& age 50 plus. Saturday, May 10, 10 am - 2 pm, Rivergate Mall - Center
Court (in front of JC Penney), 1000 Rivergate Parkway, Goodlettsville,
TN 37072. Note: Please do not call the mall for information. For
directions, please go to: www.rivergate- mall.com. Everyone MUST bring
a recent snapshot no larger than 4" x 6" & a pen. (photo is not
returnable). If you do not bring a photo, you will not be considered.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Acting and dance classes

Graham Cooper's Teen/Senior Acting Class is moving from Sunday at 2:00Pm
to Saturday at 2:00PM. He is helping with the Poplar Pike Playhouse's
current musical.

We have added an Adult Hip Hop Class with Maxx Reed on Tuesday evening
6:30 - 7:30 PM!!!!!

* The above classes are effective immediately.

Deanna
H.O.T.
714 Germantown suite 1
Phone: 755-6878
http://www.houseoftalentmemphis.com/Contact.php