Memphis Cool Movies

Hollywood screenwriter tells how it's done this weekend

2010-10-21T12:57:00.000-05:00

You may not know it, but you know Larry Karaszewski.

This is the guy, who with his longtime writing/directing/producing partner Scott Alexander, has written the screenplays for "Ed Wood," "The People vs. Larry Flynt" and "Man in the Moon" among others.

The two won the Best Screenplay Golden Globe and the Writers Guild of America's Paul Selvin Award for "Larry Flynt." The film, produced by Michael Hausman and directed by Milos Forman, was shot in the Memphis area and was recruited and assisted by the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission with special assistance provided by then-Tennessee state Senator Marsha Blackburn.

"Larry Flynt" left the largest direct spend of any film ever shot in Memphis: $7.642 million during the shoot that lasted from January to April, 1996 according to Film Commission records. Stars such as Woody Harrelson and Courtney Love called Memphis home for months, and the Hon. D'Army Bailey — then of Shelby County Circuit Court — received co-star billing.

The Karaszewski/Alexander writing team also received a Best Screenplay nomination from the WGA for "Ed Wood." Other credits include the Milos Forman/Michael Hausman film "Man On The Moon," a biopic about performance artist Andy Kaufman — particularly the Memphis-flavored wrestling phase of his career when he butted heads with Jerry Lawler.

Karaszewski is in town this weekend for the Indie Memphis Film Festival. He'll be introducing the screening of "Ed Wood" Saturday at 10:30 p.m. He will also be part of the "Script to Screen" panel at 3 p.m. Saturday with another top screenwriter, Matt Lopez ("The Sorcerer's Apprentice"), and they will discuss the realities of the scriptwriting process and how things change from original concept to finished film.

Karaszewski's appearance was made possible by Adam Hohenberg and is sponsored by Alarum Pictures.

In an interview this week, Karaszewski talked about screenwriting, passion and the Memphis connection.

Q — Between "Larry Flynt" and "Man on the Moon," Memphis keeps showing up in your life. How did that happen?

A — It's just a coincidence. We shot "Larry Flynt" there because Memphis was a fantastic location for us. We needed someplace that could pass for the 1970s and the downtown Memphis area had kept its dignity I would say. It hadn't been knocked down for a bunch of Banana Republics or had Gap stores put in. So we wound up shooting in Memphis for that film because it had a beautiful look. Films are shot in Memphis because Memphis is a great place to shoot. The people were really cooperative and we had a great time filming in Memphis.

The Andy Kaufman movie, Memphis wound up being such a big part of Andy's life. At that time the wrestling circuit had many different regions and when Andy decided to become a wrestler he hooked up with Jerry Lawler and was focused on that area, so that was a complete coincidence.

But Memphis is a very lively community and that's why there's always so many fascinating things going on there and that's why I'd keep on coming back.

Q — How was the dynamic between Jim Carrey who played Kaufman, and Jerry Lawler who played himself?

A — Jim Carrey was a very method actor and really wanted to be Andy Kaufman or Andy's various characters. So he would treat Jerry Lawler as if he were actually having a feud with him. He would act like there was a giant wrestling war between the two of them, so that made the set very interesting. On days when Andy was a wrestler, Jim would come in and totally be the same character the entire day. That was a crazy movie.

Q — What led you to make "Ed Wood"?

A — That film was really exhilarating because we had been stereotyped by Hollywood as writing crappy little-kid movies. For us, "Ed Wood" was a coming out as filmmakers where we really tried to embrace the passion of Ed Wood as a filmmaker. Until that time, people had used Ed Wood as a punching bag, calling him the worst filmmaker of all time and always making fun of him. We decided to embrace him and show how he was an early American independent filmmaker who made films that were quite personal. You can make fun of "Glen or Glenda," but this is a guy putting his story up on the screen, embarrassing as it is. He's trying to be as honest about it as he possibly can.

We got harsh critical reviews for our early movies and we came to the realization that nobody starts out trying to make a bad movie, everyone's trying to make a good movie. Obviously there's a lot of humor in "Ed Wood" but we don't go out of our way to make fun of the guy who is a true innocent spirit and just loves, loves, loves movies and gets his band of little kooky people together to help him create a dream.

And that wound up changing our lives because as we were writing, it showed up on Tim Burton's desk and he loved it and loved our approach. So it turned out to be this thing we were very good at, taking real life, odd true stories and turning them into films and that became what we did. It gave us the cachet to make a movie like "Larry Flynt" and a movie like "Auto Focus" (about actor Bob Crane). We were making very indie style movies but through the traditional Hollywood system.

Q — What's the most important thing for a screenwriter to know?

A — It's a cliche, but you've really got to write from your heart. You've got to write something you want to see. If you're trying to second-guess the marketplace or write what you think is going to sell, that always winds up biting you in the butt. We wrote Ed Wood because we really wanted to see Ed Wood. We really wanted to see Larry Flynt. These are the movies that if we had nothiing to do with them and we opened the paper on Friday and saw they were coming up, we'd be first in line.

It comes to having passion about your subject matter. If you're writing it just to sell it or just as a sample, it's going to read like that. Write something that you just can't wait to see as a motion picture. That kind of passion comes through on the page. Maybe it won't be something that sells for a lot of money but they'll read it and say this guy or girl really has feeling in their writing. That gets noticed out here, those kinds of scripts get passed around.

---

Other Karaszewski credits include adapting the Stephen King story "1408," and producing Paul Schrader's "Auto Focus." Upcoming projects include writing "The Addams Family" for Tim Burton and directing "Big Eyes," a biopic about the 1960s artists Walter and Margaret Keane. Larry's humorous commentaries on cult films can be seen on Joe Dante's website TrailersFromHell.com.

--Karaszewski and Lopez will participate in Indie Memphis' first-ever "Pitch Session" (noon Saturday at the Brooks) and "Mentor Sessions" throughout the weekend.

--The "Script to Screen" panel is Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Festival Cafe @ Playhouse on the Square. Free.

—"Ed Wood" screens from a 35mm print Saturday at 10:30 p.m. at Studio on the Square. Sponsored by Adam Hohenberg's Alarum Pictures. Arrive early for a live in-theatre performance by Warble.

For tickets, go to http://www.indiememphis.com/festival-tix.php. And for all the info you need about the panels and conversations at the 13th Indie Memphis Film Festival, go to http://www.indiememphis.com/festival-discussions.php.

Extras needed for “Losers Take All”

2010-09-08T18:07:00.000-05:00

“Losers Take All” is seeking extras for the film’s final day of shooting here in Memphis Saturday September 11th.

They are seeking men and women, all ethnicities, ages 18-35 to fill the roles of followers of an 80’s punk band. Extras will receive free live music and comedians, free beer, and raffle prizes through out the day. Some of the raffles include BB Kings and Sweet Grass gift certificates, a chance to pitch your movie idea to the Producers, and Grizzlies tickets.

In addition, “Losers Take All” is looking for unmodified cars from the 70s-80s (pre-’88). Please send photos and contact information to LTAcastingmemphis@gmail.com.

“Losers Take All” is directed by Alex Steyermark, director of "Prey For Rock & Roll" and "One Last Thing". Steyermark will direct Kyle Gallner of recent "A Nightmare On Elm Street" fame as well as “Warehouse 13” star, Allison Scagliotti and Tania Raymonde of “LOST” in the upcoming film “Losers Take All”. The cast also includes Alexia Rasmussen, Aaron Himelstein, Billy Kay, Peter Brensinger, and Adam Herschman.

“Losers Take All”, set in the world of mid-1980’s American independent rock music, follows a fictional punk/pop band "The Fingers" as they stumble, stagger and strum their way in what everyone thinks is the opposite direction of success--commercial or otherwise. But they are in the right place at the right time and the mainstream is eager to embrace the D.I.Y. sounds of the underground. It’s a raucous love letter to an era when for most bands, life meant touring around the country in a cramped van, sleeping on stranger’s floors, selling your records after each show, and where fans were earned through powerful live shows at small clubs, reviews in ‘zines, and do-it-yourself promotions.

“Losers Take All” was written by Andrew Pope and Winn Coslick from a story by Roger Rawlings and Ed Bradin.

Talent for reality show

2010-07-22T09:23:00.002-05:00

Auditions today and tomorrow. For details, go here.

On Location: MEMPHIS lineup

2010-03-24T07:08:00.000-05:00

John Beifuss announces the program for the On Location: MEMPHIS International Film Festival here. Included are "One Came Home" by Willy Bearden and David Tankersley, and the documentary "Hometown Glory." The festival runs from April 22-25. For more info, go here.

Independent film call for headshots

2010-03-24T06:59:00.000-05:00

The producers of the Memphis indie film, THE ROMANCE OF LONELINESS, invite you to send your headshot and resume if you are interested in auditioning.

We are looking for actors of all ethnicities, ages 20 - 75. There are especially a large number of female roles.

Please email info@romanceofloneliness.com ASAP if you would like the opportunity to audition between this Thursday through Saturday (March 25 - 27).

INCLUDE: Headshot and availability Thursday through Saturday.

Scriptwriting workshop

2010-03-16T09:52:00.000-05:00

Before the actor was cast, the director was hired, the sound was mixed or the wardrobe created, there was the script. Fuel Film, a not-for-profit cooperative that promotes the growth of the Memphis film industry through education and investment, is hosting the workshop, It Starts with the Script, Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 1 p.m. in the new University Center at the University of Memphis. The cost to attend the event is $10.

Those interested in attending may register at http://script.eventbrite.com.

The action-oriented workshop will feature guest speakers and facilitators including entertainment attorneys, screenwriting professors and professional screenwriters.

“Our goal is to focus on the best practices for writing for film,” says Fuel Film Founder Matt Beickert. “Aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters need to learn the proper anatomy of a professional script so that they can increase their chances of selling their screenplay or securing funding if they plan to produce it themselves.”

Many aspiring screenwriters have few problems coming up with ideas, the challenge usually arises with structure, character development and ultimately how to move from the stage of creation to the stage of producing or selling. Fuel Film’s It Starts with the Script, hopes to resolve the common as well as complex issues when it comes to writing, selling and producing a screenplay.

About Fuel Film: Fuel Film was founded in 2009 in an effort to help get more local films made. For more information and our 2010 Schedule of Events, go to: www.fuelfilm.org.

Extras needed

2010-03-03T07:32:00.000-06:00

Passing this info along:

We are in need of extras for a drunk driving PSA (MADD). Would you, or someone you know, or both, like to do some extra work? You would be donating your time for a wonderful cause. Please call me or email me asap if you are interested.
All my best,
Daryl
Colors Agency
901.726.9300
daryl@colorsagency. com

EXTRAS NEEDED:
Tuesday, March 9
Memphis Funeral Home
9am-1pm
At least 30 adults and some teens too!
Funeral attire
Any gender or race
sitting in the pews as the casket comes in.
Note: If anyone needs to bring children they can sit with the parents as long as they are age appropriate to attend a funeral and can sit quietly

Tuesday, March 9
Memphis Funeral Home
2pm - 6pm
15-20 people - all adults
BG for visitation. Attire can be more casual - coats and ties not required but OK. If anyone from the morning group wants to stay over and be in the afternoon scene that is fine.
Any race or gender - although I do need more African Americans from 2pm-3:30pm (for Kathy's scene). This is probably my most critical need.

Wednesday, March 10
FedEx World headquarters
4pm - 8pm
20 adults - they will be sitting in a nightclub, drinking and listening to a comic tell drunk jokes. This will be intercut with the wreck scene. need people who can project well - we will shoot lots of reaction shots and closeups of people laughing. Casual attire but appropriate for going out.

Actress needed for Hattiloo play

2010-02-23T03:49:00.002-06:00

"Shakespeare's Women" opening in March at the Hatiloo Theatre, is looking for a young woman, 20-30's, to play the role of Beatrice, as soon as possible.

Contact DeAara Lewis: lewisgroup1212@gmail.com

Leslie Reddick is directing. Rehearsal schedule is 7-10 p.m. Monday Friday, Saturday & Sunday 2-5 p.m. The show opens March 11th and runs through March 28th.

Acting workshop

2010-02-23T03:35:00.002-06:00

REGINA MOORE OF MOORE CASTING
This class is for all levels of actors and is a must for anyone that wants to
audition more in the Southern region.

DATE: Sunday February 28th
TIME: Kids/Teens ages 10-16 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Adults ages 17+ 2:00PM to 7:00PM
LOCATION: House of Talent Memphis
PRICE: cost per actor $125.00

Contact ETA to sign up: 901-324-3424

Regina Moore is without a doubt the busiest casting director in this
region. She casts feature films, TV pilots, commercials, music videos and all
other areas of on-camera performance. This is a rare opportunity to be one of
a
small group to study and audition for this very in-demand talent specialist in
an
intimate and informal atmosphere.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
Advanced audition techniques
Scene work
Improvisation
How casting directors and talent agents communicate
Important relationships for performers
Learning who you are professionally
Promotional materials and marketing yourself
First impressions
Evaluations

Audition workshops

2010-02-19T00:13:00.000-06:00

Broadway Boot Camp and Film and Video Audition Workshops with Award Winning Casting Director, Jen Rudin.

House of Talent is proud to sponsor 4 workshops with Jen Rudin, former Director of Casting and Talent Development for Disney Theatrical Productions and Director of Casting for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Jen, whose numerous feature film credits include The Princess and the Frog, the Incredibles, Brother Bear, and Chicken Little, has worked extensively with children and teens in films, theater and television. Jen brings her award winning expertise to Memphis in two distinct workshops for two different age groups.

Four Master Workshops with Jen Rudin
Monday, March 1 at 3:30pm-6:00pm and 7:00pm-9:30pm
Tuesday, March 2 at 3:30pm-6:00pm and 7:00pm-9:30pm
Where: House of Talent
Fee: $125 per session
Students can sign up for one or both workshops by emailing Barbgelb@gmail.com.

Each workshop is $125 and there is a free parent and child session for all workshop participants
on Wednesday, March 3 from 4-6 p.m.

Workshops will be held in East Memphis and Cordova, private sessions are also available for a fee.
For more information contact Barb Gelb at (901)496-2959 or email barbgelb@gmail.com.

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below: http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=323030241096&mid=1e3d17bG4697e7b5G1899c00G7
Monday March 1

BROADWAY BOOT CAMP AGES 9-12 – max 20

3:30 PM TO 6:00 PM(Last 15 minutes parents can come in for brief Q and A)

This fun Broadway boot camp nurtures the passion your child has for performing
with hands-on tips and tricks to improve the song and the overall performance.
Students must bring a song with sheet music for the piano player.

BROADWAY BOOT CAMP AGES 13-18 – max 20

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM(last 15 minutes parents can come in for brief Q and A)

This fun Broadway boot camp nurtures the passion your child has for performing with hands-on tips and tricks to improve the song and the overall performance.
Students must bring a song with sheet music for the piano player.

Tuesday, March 2

3:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Film/TV Audition Boot Camp ages 9-12 - max 20

This hands-on workshop offers a practical model for how to audition for film and television.
Students will work with real scripts and result in a “mock” audition in front of the camera.

7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Film/TV Audition Boot Camp ages 13-18 max 20

This hands-on workshop offers a practical model for how to audition for film and television.
Students will work with real scripts and result in a “mock” audition in front of the camera.

FuelFilm 'Pitch In' workshop this weekend

2010-02-09T14:51:00.000-06:00

The FuelFilm 'Pitch In' is a workshop to inspire, motivate and challenge screenwriters and filmmakers to focus their film idea into the perfect pitch.

The Fuel Film/ Write Club 'Pitch-In' will challenge your skills, shake you up, wake you up and get your creative juices flowing.

Come meet industry professionals and other screenwriters in a fun, creative session designed get those ideas out of the ether and on the page.

Featuring a 20 min intro and motivational discussion with screenwriter/author David Gerrold via video conference, followed by round-table feedback workshops to hone your story idea and elements, treatment or screenplay into a coherent and compelling one minute
pitch in a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Gerrold has a long career of writing for films and television, publishing several books, garnering Hugo and Nebula awards, all beginning with the original Star Trek series. Mr. Gerrold has also penned episodes for: Land of the Lost, Babylon 5, Sliders, and The Twilight Zone.

Gerrold will graciously share his experiences and expertise in writing for the medium and advice on the art of successful screenplay pitching.

Date and Time - Saturday, February 13th at 1PM
Location - Emerge Memphis (Downtown) in the Tennessee Rom 
FEE: $10 (Light Snacks and Deli Lunch Included)

Please RSVP here:

http://fuelfilmmemphispitchin2010.eventbrite.com

http://www.facebook.com/fuelfilm
http://fuelfilm.net/

FuelFIlm 'Pitch In' - effective ways to pitch your film

2010-02-04T04:14:00.000-06:00

The FuelFilm "Pitch In" is a workshop to inspire, motivate and challenge screenwriters and filmmakers to focus their film idea into the perfect pitch.

It features a 20-minute intro and motivational discussion with screenwriter/author David Gerrold via video conference, followed by round-table feedback workshops to hone the story idea and elements, treatment or screenplay into a coherent and compelling one-minute pitch in a positive and supportive atmosphere.

The event is Saturday, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. at Emerge Memphis, 516 Tennessee St. (downtown) in the Tennessee Room

Cost is $10 and includes light snacks and deli lunch.

Here's more info.

Li'l Film Fest 13 seeks entries

2010-02-04T04:12:00.003-06:00

Entries are being accepted for Li'l Film Fest 13: BEWARE! The Sivads of March

Li'l Film Fest pays homage to Memphis' legendary Monster of Ceremonies, Sivad, host of WHBQ-TV's "Fantastic Features" from 1962 to 1972.

Films must be under five minutes and will have eight instances of ambitious alliteration - verbal, visual, anywhere, anyhow, (2) make use of the secret ingredient: smoke or fog, and (3) include a minimum of one likeness of Sivad in your film. Notations of these elements must be submitted.

Entry Deadline: Postmarked Friday March 5, 2010 (in hand by Monday, March 8th)
Entry Fee: $10.00
Festival will be at 2 p.m. March 27, 2010 at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Prizes: Grand Jury Award ($500) is presented by The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission.; Audience Choice Award is the take from admission to the screening.

Besides The Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commission, other sponsors include the Brooks Museum, Indie Memphis and AudioGraphics Masterworks.

Go here for additional info.

Audition workshop

2010-02-01T09:56:00.000-06:00

Regina Moore of Moore Casting is offering a master audition workshop.

This class is for all levels of actors and is a must for anyone that wants to audition more in the Southern region.

DATE: Sunday February 28th

TIME:
Kids/Teens ages 10-16 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Adults ages 17+ 2:00PM to 7:00PM

LOCATION: House of Talent Memphis

PRICE: cost per actor $125.00

Contact ETA to sign up: info@elzemeyertalentagency.com, 901-324-3424

Regina Moore casts feature films, TV pilots, commercials, music videos and all other areas of on-camera performance. This is a rare opportunity to be one of a small group to study and audition for this very in-demand talent specialist in an intimate and informal atmosphere.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE: Advanced audition techniques, scene work, improvisation, how casting directors and talent agents communicate, important relationships for performers, learning who you are professionally, promotional materials and marketing yourself, first impressions, evaluations.

Borgnine, Assante in film being shot in Memphis

2010-01-29T18:57:00.000-06:00

Check out John Beifuss' story on the film formerly known as "Fandango" that will start shooting in Memphis shortly. Looks like Oscar winner Ernest Borgnine is in it as well as Armand Assante.

Performance workshops

2010-01-25T14:26:00.000-06:00

Is there a story inside you burning to be told?
A subject that deserves to be explored and shared with an audience?

Voices of the South hosts a six-week adult workshop series dedicated to the art of solo-performance. This workshop series is for storytellers, writers, or performers who have a story, that's been performed, written or only imagined.

The series is designed to give individuals the essential tools needed to develop and craft personal narrative for the stage. This seven session series, taught by nationally recognized theatre professionals, is an extraordinary opportunity to grow as a writer, performer and connect with a community of fellow artists.

The classes culminate in a public performance of your own "work in progress," a 5-7 minute informal showing at THEATRESOUTH with an audience talk back and reception to follow.

Beginning the Process:
EXPLORING SOLO-PERFORMANCE with Rebecca Fisher,
writer/performer/teaching artist and star of the Ostrander award winning,
"The Magnificence of the Disaster." The workshop is designed to deepen the performer's relationship to their story, through improvisation, movement, storyboarding and character work.
(TWO PART session)
Saturday January 30 from 10:00 am -12:30 pm AND 1:30 pm - 3 pm

SOLO-PERFORMANCE IN ACTION with Playback Memphis
Participants will continue their exploration by incorporating innovative group improvisation techniques into the creative process. Taught by Playback technique instructor, Virginia Reed, these ensemble based exploratory exercises will enable the solo performer to deepen relationship with themes and harness raw story potential. (www.playbackmemphis.com)
(ONE afternoon session)
Sunday, February 7 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

DEEPENING the Process:
The WRITING INTENSIVE
with David Prete,
published author, performer and director. (www.davidprete.com) The writing intensive allows participants to explore subjects and flex their writing muscles through unique in-class exercises. Then, workshop participants will be given opportunity to share work and get creative feedback in a nurturing group environment.
(TWO sessions)
Saturday, February 20 from 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm AND Sunday, February 28 from 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

THE SHOWINGS with Jerre Dye
Voices of the South artistic director Jerre Dye will facilitate two group showing/feedback sessions as the solo-performance workshop series draws to a close. These sessions will employ a formal critical response process to enable workshop participants to finesse 5 to 7 minute cutting for public performance.
(THREE sessions)
Saturday, February 13 from 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm; Sunday, February 28 from 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm; AND Sunday, March 7, 2010 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

The Public Performance and Celebration - Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 8pm
The series comes to a close in mid-March when Voices of the South opens the doors of THEATRESOUTH to friends, family and community members to witness an evening of these extraordinary "works in progress." Afterwards audience members and participants enjoy food, fellowship and a structured post-show feedback session. This "pay what you can" event is the perfect ending to this intensive art-making process.

All workshops and showings are @ THEATRESOUTH, 1000 South Cooper
Price: $30/session OR $175 for entire series
Call 726-0800 to reserve your space.

Open casting call - rescheduled

2010-01-25T10:44:00.002-06:00

The upcoming independent feature film to be shot in the Mid-South, formerly titled "Fandango" is holding an open casting call. It's a SAG low budget-modified indie film about Paso Fino horses.

The casting call is Saturday, Jan. 30 Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crossway Church, 2633 Altruria Rd. in Bartlett.

Bring a headshot/photo plus resume.

Fandango auditions

2010-01-19T13:04:00.000-06:00

If you haven't sent this info in yet, submit your headshot and resume to Lax Casting for the movie Fandango at fandangocast@gmail.com

Fandango is an independent feature to be filmed in the Memphis area. It's a SAG low budget-modified indie film about Paso Fino horses.

Where to find out about auditions

2009-12-23T11:54:00.001-06:00

Rod Azner from Live From Memphis has started an Auditions page where actors and performers can find a list of performances auditions.

He says: The goal is to help performers find out as much information on all performances going on in Memphis from dance to theatre to film to anything. I think it'll broaden each performer's repertoire and let them try new areas of performance.

I also think that this'll give those who hold auditions a broader scope of talent. And also it'll hopefully tap into those performers who haven't tried another genre.

Ultimately it'll no longer give people an excuse not to try out. In no way shape or form are we trying to "take over" auditions but more like to give everyone the chance to find good talent, from our largest company to the unknown filmmaker to street performers.

My favor I ask is that when you're having an audition shoot me an email and let me know. We'll handle it from there. Whether that be a full detailed email or just a heads up to check out your auditions page. There are a LOT of people and organizations that hold auditions in Memphis and we'd like for everyone's voice to be heard.

Rock On,

Rod Azner
Co-Creator
Live From Memphis
==================
URL: www.livefrommemphis.com
EMAIL: auditions@livefrommemphis.com

Running Pony Wins 2 CINE Golden Eagle Awards

2009-12-23T11:22:00.000-06:00

Video production company Running Pony Productions has won two CINE Golden Eagle Awards, recognized as a mark of excellence in the film and TV industry for more than 50 years.

“I Am a Man,” a documentary produced in conjunction with Old Bridge Media for the Memphis Tourism Foundation, was a winner in the History category. “Gotta Get to Memphis,” a video produced for the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, was a winner in the Sales & Promotions category. A complete list of winners is here.

The CINE Golden Eagle Awards, conducted by a multi-stage jury process, functions much like academic or scientific peer reviews. More than 400 jurors nationwide screen hundreds of productions entered into each competition cycle. The competition’s criteria state that “a production worthy of a CINE Golden Eagle will be clear, concise and innovative in its structure and writing, with strong visuals, sound elements, and editing. The production must also prove that it has communicated appropriately to its intended audience. Finally, a Golden Eagle Award-winning production must demonstrate an overall excellence that separates it from productions similar in content, genre or style.”

Running Pony Productions offers communication services including corporate image videos, sales and marketing presentations, video news releases, media training, commercials and public service announcements.

Sunday audition times

2009-12-12T10:42:00.002-06:00

Regarding the previous posting -- the Sunday casting session will take place 1:00 - 5:00 pm at:

BancorpSouth Sports Center

3335 Pine Tar Alley

Southaven, MS 38672

(662) 890-7275

Auditions this weekend

2009-12-07T10:27:00.000-06:00

Miles To Go Productions will be holding auditions for their latest project, Lost Lyric.

Lost Lyric is the story of a young girl who, after witnessing the murder of her younger sister during a holdup at he father's business, begins to be able to see and talk with "the other side".

Her parents are concerned that there is something seriously wrong with her and take her to see a therapist. The therapist discovers that Lyric has indeed acquired a very special talent and that it is very real. Even though others think she is suffering from emotional trauma, Lyric sees that there are possibilities to do good things with her newly found gift..

We have several roles available. Here is the cast list.

Lyric Joslyn
Age Range : 14-17
Personality: Emotionally detached, sweet, caring, needs to cry on cue
Bio: Protagonist

Dr. Nichols
Gender: male
Age Range : 40+
Personality: Philosophical,
Bio: A psychiatrist

Maggie Joslyn
Age Range : 7-10
Personality: Sweet
Bio: Lyric’s younger sister

Gunman
Age Range : 25+
Personality: desperate, cold blooded
Bio: Robber

Don Joslyn
Age Range : 37+
Personality: Emotionally detached, short fits of anger caused from depression,
Bio: Lyric’s father.

Joan Joslyn
Age Range : 35+
Personality: Protective, peacemaker
Bio: Lyric’s mother.

Mrs. Thompson
Age Range : 35+
Personality: Excited, Bubbly
Bio: Mother of Lyric’s friends

Clare Thompson
Age Range : 14-17
Personality: concerned, caring
Bio: Lyric’s friend

Rachel
Age Range : 14-17
Personality: Spoiled, Cynical
Bio: Lyrics friend

Dr. Rossi
Gender: female
Age Range : 30+
Personality: Understanding,
Bio: Lyric’s second psychiatrist

Mrs. Williams
Age Range : 70+
Personality: Easily confused,
Bio: Elderly customer of the Joslyn business

Steven Williams
Age Range : 40+
Personality: outgoing
Bio: Mrs. William’s son

David Williams
Age Range : 40+
Personality: reserved
Bio: Mrs. William’s son

Robbie Andrews
Age Range : 7-10
Personality: void of emotion, frightened, needs to act with limited dialogue,
Bio: Missing child

Sheriff Ellis
Age Range : 40+
Personality: gruff but caring
Bio: Sheriff of the small town Lyric lives in

Randy
Age Range : early 20’s
Personality: upbeat
Bio: Sheriff Ellis’ deputy

Lakeside Murderer
Age Range : 25-50
Personality: cold blooded
Bio: Murderer

Some scenes will require background extras, and should this project go further than four episodes we will need to fill roles not yet written. Should you read the above information and not see a role that is right for you, but would like to introduce yourself to Miles to Go Productions, we strongly encourage you to participate in the casting call.

Due to our limited budget, these are non-paying roles.

We will begin shooting in late December and plan to shoot through January,2010.

Please bring a headshot and resume, sides will be provided. The auditions will be held on Saturday December 12 and Sunday, December 13

The Saturday auditions will be held at Germantown Community Theatre from 4-7pm.

The Sunday auditions will be held in Southaven, Ms at a time and location to be decided later.

We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Thanks,
Ray Noland and Michael Crohan

Casting call for 12-16 year old girls Saturday: Coen Brothers film

2009-12-01T22:47:00.000-06:00

From John Beifuss's story in GoMemphis:

The Coen Brothers — the Academy Award-winning filmmakers responsible for such modern classics as “No Country for Old Men,” “Fargo” and “The Big Lebowski” — are looking for a Memphis girl with “steely nerves,” a “straightforward manner” and, yes, true grit.

An open casting call will be held from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the East Memphis Hilton at 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. for the potentially star-making role of spunky young Mattie Ross, a lead character in the Coens’ upcoming remake of the famous 1969 Western, “True Grit.”

AFFT letter to the editor on incentives

2009-11-24T14:12:00.001-06:00

The following letter from Jan Austin was printed today in The Tennessean.

State is losing out on film projects

There has been considerable local and national publicity about the feature film "The Blind Side" starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and even UT’s Phil Fulmer.

Sadly for Tennessee, however, the production of this touching true story from Memphis never spent a minute shooting in Tennessee. Why? The answer is simple. The state of Georgia offers film and television incentives that render Tennessee’s recruitment efforts useless.

"The Blind Side" was shot in Georgia while Tennessee’s crew base sat idly by or made efforts to land work elsewhere in the country. This isn’t the first loss of this kind for the state. The list is growing longer by the month.  

Yes, Tennessee has film and television incentives. Unfortunately, they are temporary and uncompetitive. Nearly every state bordering Tennessee (not to mention the rest of the country) has now embraced robust incentive packages in an effort to recruit film and television projects to their states.   

What do they know that we haven’t learned yet? The answer to that is simple, as well. Film and television projects bring a huge infusion of capital into the communities they select and people are put to work.  

It was painful knowing that a red carpet screening of "The Blind Side" was held in Nashville even though the tremendous pool of talent in our state had no part in the making of it.

Jan Austin,
Executive Director, Association for the Future of Film and Television in Tennessee

Auditions Saturday for local indie short

2009-11-20T15:55:00.002-06:00

+++KEEP IN MIND... IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A MONOLOGUE / RESUME / HEADSHOT IT'S OKAY. TAG ALONG RECENT PHOTO AND YOUR PERSONALITY+++

FILMING STARTS IN MID JANUARY

NON-PAYING

AUDITION
DATE / LOCATION / TIME:
November 21, 2009

Java Co (Cafe')'
3133 Forest Hill Irene
Germantown, TN
3:00pm - 6:00pm
----------------------------------------------------

This short film portrays a southern man from Louisiana that struggles through life with a wonderful heart that just didn't want to work. Aaron Childers played the piano most of his life, till his health wouldn't allow him to do so anymore.

“In his long life Aaron Childers suffered from diabetes, six heart attacks, numerous bypass surgeries, three strokes, and one in which he had during a house fire. He was also a prostate cancer survivor. I didn’t write this to remember how sick he was, yet to recap moments with my favorite musician of all time, my Daddy.”- Nora Childers

AVAILABLE ROLES / ACTING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
AARON CHILDERS: Caucasian / Mature Male (50+)
-southern / laid back / rough neck looking

YOUNG NORA: Caucasian / Girl (age 9)
-Blonde hair blue eyed Daddy's girl. / Not at all shy

Hotel Worker / Male (18+)
-Serious look to the face / Shy / Clumsy

Paramedic / Male (30+)
-Stern / Gets the job done attitude / Athletic

Nurse / Woman (30+)
-Stern / Gets the job done attitude

If none of the above roles fit your persona, that is okay. WE NEED EXTRAS!

NOTE: Be prepared to speak a monologue (memorization isn't needed) You may perform your own.

NOTE: If you are auditioning for a specific role. The monologue that you bring must be similar to the description of the character.

***BRING A RECENT PHOTO / HEAD SHOT AND RESUME TO THE AUDITION***

***BACK-UP CREW / BACK-UP EQUIPMENT NEEDED. KEEP IN MIND FILMING STARTS IN MID JANUARY.***

New Initiative Launches to Help Finance Memphis Independent Films

2009-11-18T09:38:00.000-06:00

“Do what you love and you'll never
work a day in your life.” That phrase represents one of the
influences for filmmakers and a new non-profit organization whose goal
is to promote the Memphis independent film industry by connecting
filmmakers with investors. Fuel Film Memphis, powered by Launch
Memphis, recognized a void when it came to Memphis filmmakers doing
what they loved but also having to pay the bills. As a result, they
are holding an open conversation about entrepreneurship and
filmmaking, Thursday, November 19, 2009 at Otherlands Café at 7:30
p.m. http://filmstorm.eventbrite.com

The event, called "Film Storm: Creative Conversations about
Entrepreneurship and Independent Film," which is being sponsored by
the Memphis Film Commission, will consist of a brainstorming session
on the development, funding and marketing of independent films in
today's marketplace. Fuel Film recognized that although the digital
revolution greatly decreased the cost of producing a film, to have a
successful and sustainable career in filmmaking, cash is still king.

“The problem is not the lack of ideas or creativity,” says Matt
Beickert, one of the founders of Fuel Film, “the problem is a lack of
funding options to not only produce a film, but to actually promote
it.”

An independent film movement has definitely been brewing for many
years. The days that film producers wait to be picked up by a
distributor and give away all of their rights with minuscule profits,
if any, are slowly fading away. They are looking outside of Hollywood
for solutions, reaching their core audiences in unconventional ways
via the Internet and word of mouth. They are also looking for
financing outside of the very closed Hollywood system.

Fuel Film, powered by Launch Memphis, is a new initiative engaged in
promoting growth of the Memphis film industry through education of
Filmmakers, Producers, and Investors.

Crucible auditions (for theater)

2009-11-11T15:58:00.000-06:00

November 28th at 10:00am. AND November 29th at 2pm, Harrell Theatre 440 W. Powell Rd., Collierville, TN 38017 Callbacks TBA (Please note that if you are unable to make these dates and times please contact Amy atahanford@harrelltheatre.org to schedule another audition time).  

Please prepare a 2 min contemporary monologue (either from The Crucible or a piece of your own choosing). It is highly recommended that you read or re-read The Crucible to familiarize yourself with the play before your audition. You may be asked to do a small excerpt from the play.

This is a cold reading chosen by the director; however, I do suggest familiarizing yourself with some of the most significant speeches.

Please bring a headshot and/or snapshot along with a performance resume to your audition.   Below is a list of characters (all roles are open):  

Elizabeth Proctor - Supremely virtuous, god-fearing wife of John Proctor, can be cold and unaffectionate but loyal. 

Mrs Ann Putnam - Wife of Thomas Putnam, a very superstitious woman who believes that the deaths of her babies in childbirth was caused by supernatural means 

Rebecca Nurse - Wife to Francis Nurse. She is a pious old woman who has often acted as a midwife for women of the town, including Ann Putnam.  

Sarah Good - One of the accused. She admits to witchcraft to save herself from death. 

Tituba - Servant to the Parris household. She is a native of Barbados. She is enlisted by the girls to cast spells and create charms. Tituba confesses to save herself. 

Abigail Williams - Orphaned niece of Reverend Parris. She was once the lover of John Proctor but was turned out when his wife discovered the affair. She is extremely jealous of Elizabeth Proctor. She is the leader of the girls, manipulative and vengeful, and convincing. 

Betty Parris - Parris's daughter, a weak girl who goes along with Abigail under threat and is easily manipulated. 

Mary Warren - Servant to the Proctor household. She is persuaded by Proctor to expose the girls, but is not strong enough to fight Abigail and as soon as Abigail leads the other girls against her, Mary caves in. 

Mercy Lewis - Servant to the Putnam household. She is a merciless girl who delights in the girls' activities.

 Susanna Walcott - One of the girls, easily guided by Abigail. 

Ezekiel Cheever - He is the clerk of the court during the witchcraft trials. He delivers arrest warrants for the accused. 

Francis Nurse - Husband to Rebecca Nurse. He is a respected man in the community but is ignored when he attempts to speak for his wife.

 Giles Corey - Elderly, feisty farmer, husband to Martha, he is arrested for contempt of court. He is eventually pressed to death when he refuses to enter a plea 

Governor Danforth - Deputy Governor of Massachusetts. He is sensitive to the presence of the devil and reacts explosively to whatever evidence is presented.

 John Proctor - Honest, upright, and blunt-spoken; a good man with a secret, fatal flaw. He had an affair with Abigail when she was employed in his household. He refuses to admit to witchcraft and is hanged. 

Judge Hathorne - Judge in the Salem court, a man who is not easily persuaded, he needs absolute proof of innocence.

 Reverend Parris - Pastor of the church in Salem. He is the father of Betty and the uncle of Abigail Williams. He believes that he is being persecuted and that the townspeople and believes if he cannot control his own household, he may not be trusted with an entire village.  

Reverend Hale - An expert on witchcraft, summoned to determine whether the devil is in Salem and enthusiastically participates in the court proceedings. He finally realizes that the girls are lying and attempts to convince the condemned to admit to witchcraft and save themselves from death.

Thomas Putnam - Husband of Ann Putnam, father to Ruth. He is a powerful and wealthy man in the village with a long family line. He is accused of coercing his daughter to accuse people, to gain their land.  

Director: Amy Hanford;  Stage Manager: Lindsay Mitchell  

Performance dates: Feb. 19-28 (School matinee performances will possibly be added)-TBA 

 Please contact ahanford@harrelltheatre.org for more information or if you are unable to make the scheduled auditions.

Stage audition notice

2009-11-09T14:58:00.000-06:00

Bartlett Theatre Company is pleased to announce AUDITIONS for the comedy, DEARLY BELOVED, directed by Ruth Johnson.

AUDITIONS:
2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14
6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15

CALLBACKS, IF NEEDED:
7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16

CASTING:
- One female 20s
- Three females 40s
- Three females 30-70
- One male 20s
- Three males 40-50s

WHERE:
Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center (BPACC)
3663 Appling Rd., 38133, one block south of Summer Ave.

PERFORMANCES AT BPACC:
8 p.m., Jan. 28, 29, 30; and 3 p.m., Jan. 31, 2010

ABOUT BARTLETT THEATRE COMPANY:
Bartlett Theatre Company is a cooperative effort between members of Bartlett Community Theatre and the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center. Past successes include Greater Tuna, The Odd Couple, Dearly Departed, and Catch Me If You Can. Performances are presented with the audience seated on stage in an intimate arena configuration.

MORE INFO:
Visit our web site for show info: bartlettcommunitytheatre.org (or) contact Greg Broy, producer, at bct@... or via Facebook.

NEXT UP FROM BARTLETT THEATRE:
A Tuna Christmas, directed by Ann Marie Hall, Dec. 17-20 at BPACC. Tickets $16 advance, $18 door, on sale Nov. 17. Reserved auditorium (off-stage) seating.

Extras needed

2009-10-13T13:36:00.000-05:00

"The Grace Card," a faith-based film with Oscar-winner Louis Gossett Jr. that begins production in the Memphis area next week, is seeking African-American extras for a pair of big church scenes to be shot Oct. 17 and 24.

Interested parties should e-mail contact information to thegracecard@ memphiscalvary.org or call 386-8988. Extras should be willing to be on set for six to eight hours.

"The Grace Card" is being directed by David Evans, writer-director of "Passion Play" productions at Cordova's Calvary Church of the Nazarene, the congregation that helped form Graceworks Pictures. The movie stars actor/comedian Michael Joiner as a bitter Memphis police officer forced to confront his racism when he's brought together with an African-American pastor-cop.

omg/hahaha on DVD

2009-10-13T13:35:00.000-05:00

From John Beifuss in the CA:

Jokingly dubbed the "Titanic" of the 2008 Indie Memphis Film Festival after it captured most of the event's major awards, Memphis moviemaker Morgan Jon Fox's feature "OMG/HaHaHa" arrives on DVD on Tuesday from Water Bearer Films.

The movie's title is Internet slang for the phrase "Oh my God," followed by laughter.

A tender and impressionistic film structured as a series of video blog entries and stream-of-consciousness vignettes about families, friends, lovers and loners in Midtown Memphis, "OMG/HaHaHa" was named best "Hometowner" feature (devoted to films produced by residents of Memphis and Shelby County), and also earned four other competitive and special awards at the 2008 festival.

The 2009 Indie Memphis Film Festival is underway, and ends on Thursday at Malco's Studio on the Square.

Water Bearer is a company that specializes in art and foreign films, with an emphasis on films with gay themes. Significant directors in the Water Bearer catalogue include Britain's Mike Leigh and Italy's Pier Paolo Pasolini.

A pioneer in local digital filmmaking who has served as a mentor to many younger artists, Fox in July was named one of "25 New Faces in Independent Film" by Filmmaker Magazine, which called Fox "the voice of the YouTube generation."

IM09: Tuesday's Flyer picks

2009-10-13T12:20:00.001-05:00

The Memphis Flyer makes its choices for Tuesday here. Pick of the Day is Hometowner winner The Conversion. Doc pick is The Garden, features choices are Cory McAbee's amazing American Astronaut and Stingray Sam, local pick is Mark Jones' On the Edge of Happiness, shorts pick is A City to Yourself. Wild cards: Robyn Hitchcock and Shooting Robert King.

Casting: America's Most Wanted

2009-10-12T16:49:00.000-05:00

Notice from LAX CASTING:

Please submit photo or headshot/resume to Angela Frederiksson at arayfredriksson@cs.com
if you fit any of the descriptions. INCLUDE A phone number so we can get in touch with you.

Barreto Character Breakdown:

Main characters:

Janet Barreto: 38 yrs, 350-500lbs, white female. Janet is very lazy, manipulative, and violent with the children. She is a diabetic who doesn’t seem to care where she leaves her insulin needles, and doesn’t make cleanliness a priority. She runs a puppy mill and is a slum lord for a living, and adopts small children from Guatemala like some people collect records. She has very little patience with children, and makes her daughter Marainna care for the small adopted children on her own.

Ramon Barreto: 30s, 165lbs, Hispanic male. Like the song, Ramon apparently likes his women on the trashy side. He is skinny and mean, and instrumental in running the puppy mill business. He is accused of disciplining the children by putting hot peppers in their mouths to make them stop crying and dunking them in barrels of water until they pass out. Despite this harsh behavior, neighbors say he put on a good front.

Marainna Torres: 17, white and Hispanic female, apprx. 200 lbs. Marainna is Janet’s daughter from a previous relationship, and bears a strong resemblance to her mother. She has been beaten by Janet since her father moved out when she was young and Ramon moved in. Janet basically uses Marainna as a servant and babysitter. She forced Marainna to quit school at age 16 to stay home permanently and take care of all the adopted children by herself. She lives in fear of her mother, and is forced to carry out her duties as the pressure and unhappiness in her builds to a breaking point.

Young Marainna: age 8, resemblance to older Marainna. Young Marainna is afraid of her mother, who beats her often.

Enna Barreto: 2, Hispanic female. Enna was adopted by the Barretos and brought to their home in New Albany, MS. The Barretos abused the poor little girl, and she was subsequently killed when Janet ordered Marainna to discipline the crying child and the teenager snapped. It was Enna’s death that started the investigation into the Barretos.

Edwin Barreto: 3, Hispanic male. Edwin was also adopted from Guatemala by the Barretos and abused the same way as Enna. When he was recovered by DHS and police from the Barreto household, he immediately formed a special bond with the Chief Deputy Jimmy Edwards. Edwards says that Edwin “picked him” right away. Edwards and his wife began visiting Edwin in foster care, and fell in love with the little boy. Now, they have adopted Edwin into their happy family.

Other adopted children :

Celeste Barreto: 3, Hispanic female

Byron Barreto: 8, Hispanic male

Juan Barreto: 3, Hispanic male

Lucrecia: 2, Hispanic female

Luisa: 2, Hispanic female

IM09: The winners!

2009-10-12T10:44:00.000-05:00

Edward Valibus Phillips accepts the award for Hometowner Feature for "The Conversion." Other members of the Corduroy Wednesday team are Ben Rednour (right) and Erik Morrison. At far left is Jimmie Tashie, filmlover, Malco exec and chair of the Memphis and Shelby County Film and TV Commission.

At a modestly rowdy awards ceremony (Elvis Mitchell chided the crowd for not being sufficiently inebriated), awards were handed out for Indie Memphis.

Read John Beifuss' story/blog in the CA here and here.

And Chris Herrington's story in the Memphis Flyer here.

Herrington also provides the Flyer's picks for Monday here.

IM09: Photos from Saturday

2009-10-11T12:01:00.000-05:00

Three cheers each to Nicki Newburger, Robin Salant and Tommy Kha for their continuing devotion to making a photo record of Indie Memphis. See their work on the Indie Memphis homepage, but here are a few Nicki took on Saturday:

Christopher Reyes and Sarah Fleming of Live From Memphis explain how it all works.

Filmmaker Dan Baker at the Filmmaking for the Web workshop.

Misti Rae Warren performs beautifully at the Festival Cafe.

Ben Rednour of Corduroy Wednesday and Christopher Reyes of Live From Memphis try to locate the power button.

Web filmmakers Edward Valibus Phillips, Joe Swanberg, Cory McAbee and Craig Brewer help the rest of us figure it out.

Corduroy Wednesday's Erik Morrison and Edward Valibus Phillips annoy some unidentified blogger.

IM09: Flyer picks today's best

2009-10-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

Memphis Flyer film critic Chris Herrington and former New York Times

critic Elvis Mitchell at Saturday's workshop on the state of film criticism.

The Flyer serves up its Indie Memphis Sunday choices here, with The Hand of Fatima as pick of the day. Also: Easier with Practice is feature pick, Ghost Bird is documentary pick, Li'l Film Fest 11 (Musical Horror) is local pick and Nowhere Kids is shorts pick. Wildcard picks include Joe Swanberg's workshop on working with nonprofessional actors, plus the films St. Nick, Hair High and the documentary The Way We Get By.

Thanks to Chris Herrington for this plug of Li'l Film Fest:
Local Pick: Li'l Film Fest 11: Musical Horror (5:30 p.m., Brooks Museum of Art)
Live From Memphis' Li'l Film Fest series is a very good thing. By giving local filmmakers a manageable task — creating a short film (roughly 5 minutes) on a set topic — the fest has helped to inspire and hone talent in the local scene, while also creating a setting to build the local filmmaking community. The latest Li'l Film Fest — with the promising theme "musical horror" — is being held alongside Indie Memphis. As always, a jury award will be matched by an audience award voted on by those in attendance. Among the notable names in local filmmaking presenting films: Geoffrey Brent Shrewsbury, Jon W. Sparks, HG Ray, and Adam Remsen.

And here's my summary of "The Way We Get By" that I wrote for the Indie Memphis program:

This documentary takes a sympathetic yet unwavering look at three senior citizens determined to maintain purposeful lives even in the face of personal adversity. The trio have assumed the demanding volunteer task of greeting troops coming through the airport at Bangor, Maine. This is no small chore as the airfield has been the departure and return point for hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops going to and coming from Iraq and Afghanistan. For Bill Knight, Joan Gaudet, and Jerry Mundy, this is something they simply must do at any hour of the day or night. Yet they have their own personal issues, such as health, financial problems and for Gaudet, the anxiety of having a granddaughter who will fly helicopters in Iraq. In examining the personal lives of these "troop greeters," documentarian Aaron Gaudet (the son of Joan Gaudet) shows that theaging population of America is tirelessly finding ways to sustain their own humanity, and to teach the rest of us by example.

IM09: Alternate distribution

2009-10-10T18:59:00.000-05:00

Craig Brewer at Indie Memphis 09

Craig Brewer moderated Saturday afternoon's Cafe Conversation on Filmmaking for the Web with Cory McAbee (Stingray Sam, The American Astronaut), Edward Valibus Phillips (The Conversion) and Joe Swanberg Alexander the Last, Amateur Hour with Joe Swanberg).

The short take: If you thought you had to be creative to make a film, just wait'll you have to think about distribution.

Films are being made for screens of all sizes. "Stingray Sam," for example, was purposely designed to show on all formats -- theater screen to phone screen, full-length or episodic.

"Young American Bodies" has shown that it's possible to be successful making films for the Web (more later about how "success" is defined).

And locally, "The Conversion" joins "$5 Cover" and "On the Edge of Happiness" as Webisode productions.

McAbee on merchandising: We've always made music films and now there are different ways for people to hear music. We have these widgets and people can hear some songs from the soundtrack to listed to for free. We also have a making-of series, a kind of Webisode where every week there's a new three-minute documentary of the process of making the film. We have little packages of things you can get for Stingray Sam although someone had a idea for a package where you could get everything at once -- soundtrack, DVD, T-shirt, photo book and downloads. That's what most people are buying.

Swanberg on censorship:

I've been lucky. I first did a show for nerve.com, an adult place. They had no restrictions. We sent the show and they put it on line. IFC, however, is owned by Rainbow Media Network and there is more concern. (Swanberg sent one show to them that included a scene that got their attention). … I got a call from IFC. "We can't put a shot of a woman spreading her legs like that," the guy said. I said, what do you want me to do, take it out? He said, yeah and I said OK, I'd like to put a censor bar over it. He said I couldn't, they were IFC and the slogan is "Always, Uncut." I said, if I remove this, I'm going to be vocal about it in interviews. They came back later and said I could keep it in. I had to fight the fight sometimes and be stubborn. I'm sure it will happen again as we push beyond their comfort level. It's more important to me to make the show I want to than to be on IFC.

McAbee on technology:

In 1976, everything happened musically. Elvis died, there were the Sex Pistols, rap was beginning. Since then there have been no new genres. It used to be every generation's duty to not represent the one before, but the past two decades it's been reworking of these genres. What young people are doing new is embracing technology and consuming things in new and different ways. They're starting to dictate how they consume and create how they consume.

Swanberg on presentation:

I'll keep creating for the Web. Anybody in world can go watch it. The other option is what someone like Crispin Glover is doing, no DVD, no bootleg and giving live presentations and charging cash. It makes it really difficult to see but it's an experience to see it. Every feature I've shot I've know will end as a DVD. But for small format, I emphasize closeups and bold solid colors and thinking about compression since they'll go on a two-inch screen.

McAbee on success:

Longevity -- if people want to watch for a long time, if, after five years, people are still interested.

Brewer on success:

When you open up the trade press or newspapers, they tell you who won the race over numbers, usually in the arts. Ask yourself if that is your meter. … You can't compete with a kitten getting a million views -- that's not good business. It's a longevity question. You establish your brand on your own terms.

Phillips on success:

If you play on YouTube the thing is if you go viral. If you do, YouTube sends you an invitation for revenue sharing. And you get a banner and three cents a view.

IM09: Critics convene

2009-10-10T16:32:00.001-05:00

John Beifuss sees his name spelled correctly

The panel "When Critics Converse," part of the Cafe Conversation series at Indie Memphis, brought together three film reviewers to discuss the state of film -- and critical -- arts.

Elvis Mitchell (former critic for The New York Times), John Beifuss (The Commercial Appeal) and Chris Herrington (The Memphis Flyer) participated. Here are some excerpts:

Beifuss: The economy is so bad that everybody is pulling back. Studios don't want to spend the money to ship the prints to Memphis to have them viewed in advance and pay local rep to coordinate screenings. We used to have three or four a week and now it's more like one every two weeks. But you still get a chance to see art and indie films. That's one area where we have influence locally -- people may not have heard of a film until they read it in the local newspaper.

Mitchell: We're in an era of big budget films that studios don't show to anybody ahead of release. It's fascinating -- during a recession, more people want to be distracted and entertained than before and you'd think studios would spend some money, but they're retrenching.

Herrington: Studios want to control the message. More and more, marketing is taking over from criticism.

Mitchell: Fifteen years ago, critics drove that. In towns not in the top markets, people develop relationships with critics and want to know what they think.

Beifuss: I like the idea of having a local critic writing for your audience. But I don't know if younger people don't really care because everything's online.

Herrington: The problem is not just with distributors and PR agencies. Sometimes good movies are left to die by exhibitors.

Mitchell: The dirty little secret of newspapers is that the sports section is taken more seriously but entertainment offers most revenue. But a lot of ads went to TV around 2001 where they got a better bang for the buck.

Beifuss: If the Memphis movie scene hadn't blossomed I don't think I'd be writing movie reviews. If this film festival hadn't grown the way it has, if Craig Brewer hadn't emerged and other movies hadn't decided to shoot here, I wouldn't have the specialty of writing about movies.

Herrington: We're locally owned, so I have a lot of autonomy. I don't use wire reviews ever. I always assign them or write them myself, but I have limited space to only run one to three reviews. I don't worry about reviewing big commercial releases. We try to focus more on what we perceive as interesting movies. I lean in favor of what seems be good or can be helped by the review.

Mitchell: There are more movie screens than 10 years ago, but the paucity of movies in theaters is insane to me. There is money to be made. People want to see them.

Herrington: This theater (Malco Studio on the Square) is the only one in the core of the city. But there's so much residential construction that something has to be built. A 6- to 10-screen theater where there is residential growth should happen in the next 5 to 10 years, and free up more screens for indie/art films.

IM09 workshops/panels today

2009-10-10T09:29:00.002-05:00

Very cool stuff:

Saturday, noon, Festival Cafe:

Get the ins and outs of The Film Festival Circuit with Chris Holland (Film Festival Secrets) and Heidi Van Lier (The Indie Film Rule Book), who will share years of accumulated knowledge and insight. Learn where and how to submit your film, and get advice on developing your own festival submission strategy.

Saturday, 1 p.m., Festival Cafe:

Join John Beifuss (The Commercial Appeal and The Bloodshot Eye), Chris Herrington (Memphis Flyer) and former New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell (host of KCRW's The Treatment) to see what happens When Critics Converse. Learn about the changes that the advent of the Internet has brought to the profession and hear about their personal experiences, perspectives and observations -- and find out why they connect with the films they love best (maybe).

Saturday, 2 p.m., Festival Cafe:

Craig Brewer ($5 Cover) moderates this Cafe Conversation on Filmmaking for the Web with Cory McAbee (Stingray Sam, The American Astronaut), Edward Valibus Phillips (The Conversion) and Joe Swanberg Alexander the Last, Amateur Hour with Joe Swanberg) to discuss the latest trend in independent filmmaking.

Saturday, 3 p.m., Festival Cafe:

Got a question about indie filmmaking? Need to find out what's wrong with your film -- and what's right? Ask Heidi Van Lier, author of The Indie Film Rule Book and the "Indie Film Q & A with Heidi Van Lier" blog for Film Independent. Heidi advises 10-20 filmmakers a year, speaks at colleges and on film festival panels (like this one!), and programs the Slamdance Film Festival. Her first feature, Chi Girl won the Slamdance's Grand Jury Prize in 1999 and sold to IFC Films. Her second feature Monday, will be released soon digitally through Cinetic Rights Management. She is just finishing her third feature, American Decaf, which will hit the festival circuit in 2010.

Breakfast with Memphis Cool Movies

2009-10-10T09:22:00.000-05:00

This morning, 10 to noon. Bagels, coffee and filmmakers, sponsored by this blog. Come to the tent at Indie Memphis and enjoy. Guaranteed no rain!

The Flyer's daily picks and guide is here. Chris Herrington likes Pontypool and Zombie Girl as well as The American Astronaut and Strongman. Also noteworthy: The Music Video Showcase at 7:30 p.m.

IM09: Friday and some updates

2009-10-09T08:45:00.002-05:00

Indie Memphis is underway with a couple of changes already:

-- The outdoor screenings scheduled for today have been put off due to rain. Look for a resked.

-- Saturday’s free Savage County Sneak has been canceled. Hope springs eternal for a rescheduled event after the festival.

IM09 media wrapup:

The Memphis Flyer's daily picks are here. (Alexander the Last, Stingray Sam, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Kentucker Audley screening, Jennifer -- wildcard picks are Flipside Memphis and Paranormal Activity)

The Flyer has a general story here and an interview with director Scott Teems of the featured "That Evening Sun" here. The Flyer's print edition also has a pullout section on the festival.

The CA's GoMemphis section has Indie Memphis info. John Beifuss writes about sci-fi westerns here and Bob Mehr writes about Robyn Hitchcock here. Beifuss also has a video report here (go to Featured Videos).

Tonight's Craig Brewer special Paranormal Activity is sold out or nearly so. The last minute addition (reviewed here in the New York Times) might or might not get another screening at some point. If you didn't get tix for tonight's show, keep your antenna up.

Also, follow IM09 on Twitter here: #im09 and be looking for Rachel "@RachelandtheCity" Hurley's posts along with @Indiememphis, @mybrewtube, @jonwsparks, @skeletonkey, @ilovememphis, @valibus, @artsmemphis.

IM09: Opening Night

2009-10-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

Erik Jambor and Les Edwards TCB @ IM09

Indie Memphis director Erik Jambor was prostrate on the floor in the lobby of Studio on the Square. Nothing was wrong, it was just a long haul to this moment when the opening night's screenings had finally gotten underway. In fact, he was pretty pleased with the way things were going.

"We're thrilled with the great turnout," he said. "It's a great crowd in the hospitality tent and the rain held off."

At about 8 p.m., Erik and Les Edwards, a producer and long-time fixture of Indie Memphis, were on their phones and huddled over a laptop, smoothing wrinkles and keeping things moving ahead, toward the post-screening Q&As, the after party and then six more days of glorious film.

The festival volunteers were deftly taking care of business with good humor and making sure filmmakers got wrangled, members were tended to, tickets were distributed and merch sold.

All in the name of bringing a singular cinematic experience to town.

"It's important for us to highlight Robert King and do the tie-in with the exhibition last night and the film tonight," Erik said. King is a Memphis photographer who has spent his life taking pictures in war zones such as Iraq and Bosnia. The documentary of King by British filmmakers Richard Parry and Vaughan Smith was featured Thursday night and an exhibit of King's photos opened Wednesday at Marshall Arts.

Among those there to see "Shooting Robert King" or the feature "That Evening Sun" were Jimmie and Nancy Tashie, Linn Sitler, Hunter Deusing, Haley Giles, Elvis Mitchell, Sarah Fleming, J. Lazarus Hawk, Craig Brewer, Erin Hagee, Mark Jones, Don Meyers, Matt Beickert, Tommy Kha and Robin Salant.

And so was the terrific character actor Barry Corbin who stars in "That Evening Sun." "He hasn't seen the film yet," said Erik, "so that's why he's here, as are some of Dixie Carter's friends. So it's a special evening."

I'll buy your breakfast

2009-10-08T16:07:00.009-05:00

Yes, I'll buy your breakfast and maybe I'll drink your milkshake, too.

This weekend's discussions/networking/panels/workshops at IM09 offer hours of info, experience and maybe an epiphany or two for film makers and the people who love them.

And yes, Memphis Cool Movies, this very blog that you're reading as you're driving down Poplar is sponsoring Saturday's Filmmaker Networking Breakfast starring tasty bagels and piping hot coffee from Bogie's Deli. Filmmakers will be there talking about Friday night's amazing films/parties/frolics and pitching future projects. Come and butter a bagel with us Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Festival Cafe out front of Malco Studio on the Square.

Then stick around for the rest of the weekend's tent revivals -- all of which are free, making it ideal for the poor and hungry:

Saturday, noon, Festival Cafe:

Get the ins and outs of The Film Festival Circuit with Chris Holland (Film Festival Secrets) and Heidi Van Lier (The Indie Film Rule Book), who will share years of accumulated knowledge and insight. Learn where and how to submit your film, and get advice on developing your own festival submission strategy.

Saturday, 1 p.m., Festival Cafe:

Join John Beifuss (The Commercial Appeal and The Bloodshot Eye), Chris Herrington (Memphis Flyer) and former New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell (host of KCRW's The Treatment) to see what happens When Critics Converse. Learn about the changes that the advent of the Internet has brought to the profession and hear about their personal experiences, perspectives and observations -- and find out why they connect with the films they love best (maybe).

Saturday, 2 p.m., Festival Cafe:

Craig Brewer ($5 Cover) moderates this Cafe Conversation on Filmmaking for the Web with Cory McAbee (Stingray Sam, The American Astronaut), Edward Valibus Phillips (The Conversion) and Joe Swanberg Alexander the Last, Amateur Hour with Joe Swanberg) to discuss the latest trend in independent filmmaking.

Saturday, 3 p.m., Festival Cafe:

Got a question about indie filmmaking? Need to find out what's wrong with your film -- and what's right? Ask Heidi Van Lier, author of The Indie Film Rule Book and the "Indie Film Q & A with Heidi Van Lier" blog for Film Independent. Heidi advises 10-20 filmmakers a year, speaks at colleges and on film festival panels (like this one!), and programs the Slamdance Film Festival. Her first feature, Chi Girl won the Slamdance's Grand Jury Prize in 1999 and sold to IFC Films. Her second feature Monday, will be released soon digitally through Cinetic Rights Management. She is just finishing her third feature, American Decaf, which will hit the festival circuit in 2010.

Sunday, 10 a.m., Festival Cafe:

Join Fuel Film Memphis for Sunday's Filmmaker Networking Breakfast and hear about plans for Filmmaker and Investor Forums, our survey and the January Kick-Off Event, as you enjoy tasty bagels and coffee from Bogie's Deli.

Sunday, noon, Festival Cafe:

Join Steven Beckman (Cinetic Media, Chris Holland and others for Distribute Me: A Conversation on Getting Your Film Out to the World. Hear about how filmmakers are getting their films out there, and learn what options might be right for your next project.

Sunday, 1 p.m., Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

Independent filmmaker Joe Swanberg is acclaimed both for his films (Kissing on the Mouth, LOL, Hannah Takes the Stairs, Nights and Weekends, Alexander the Last) and for his episodic work for the web (Young American Bodies, The Stagg Party, Butterknife). In addition to its unadorned style, naturalistic dialog, and loosely scripted narratives, Joe's work is notable for its use of non-professional actors.

In this workshop, Joe will share his personal experiences and opinions on the appeal of Working with Nonprofessional Actors, as well as challenges and potential problems. He'll also discuss the different ways that nonprofessionals can be used most effectively, such as building characters around the actor and putting them in comfortable situations. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to share experiences and ask questions about their own projects, as well.

Acting class with Darius Wallace

2009-10-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

ACTING FOR FILM WITH DARIUS WALLACE

Come join the Actors Community, Tuesday, October 6th, at Caritas Village from 6:30p to 8:30p to begin work on acting for film. We will be preparing to work with writer, director, and actor; Darius Wallace.

Darius Wallace attended Interlochen Arts Academy where he studied theatrical arts. He then attended SUNY Purchase Theatre Arts School in New York, a school of professional theatre. He wrote and produced a one-manshow on the life of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Fredrick Douglas. Darius has toured his one-man shows around the country through mobile productions which has been seen in forty-eight states. The show Malcolm X received rave reviews by the LA Times and LA Weekly. He recently finished shooting the movie Nothing But the Truth with Kate Beckinsdale and Matt Dillion. He is currently in post production on his own movie, 100 Lives, which he wrote, directed and produced.

Directions to Caritas Village are below.

For more information send e-mails to jenneanfarmer@gmail.com.

Directions to Caritas Village
Take Poplar Avenue westbound
Turn right on Merton Street
Turn left on Harvard Avenue
Caritas Village will be to the left
2509 Harvard Avenue

Theater auditions

2009-09-29T17:07:00.000-05:00

Auditon Dates and info for upcoming Theatre Memphis performances. All auditions will take place at Theatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Extended @ Southern. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Salerno Hale at ashale@theatrememphis.org or 901-682-0518

Those wishing to audition for both Fallen Angels & Buffalo Gal are asked to audition on separate days.

Buffalo Gal
Written by A. R. Gurney
Directed by Jerry Chipman
performed on the Next Stage February 26 – March 14, 2010

Amanda is a glamorous Hollywood actress returning to her hometown of Buffalo, NY, to guest star in a production of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. Memories and relationships are rekindled, new hope beckons – just as Hollywood calls with an offer will she or won’t she be able to refuse? A Mid-South Premiere.

Auditions:
Saturday, Oct 3 @ 1:45 PM
Sunday, Oct 4 @ 5:45 PM
Monday, Oct 5 @ 6:45 PM Callbacks by invitation only

o Auditions will be cold readings from the script.
Familiarity with the script is strongly advised for all auditionees.
o Scripts are available at the box office and may be rented for 3 days
with a refundable $5 deposit. Rental deposit is forfeited if materials
are returned after the due date.
o Current resume and headshot strongly advised.
o Roles Available: 3 Men, age 30-60 2 Women, age 18-60
o Rehearsals begin January 11, 2010.
o The role of Amanda will be played by Christina Wellford Scott;
all other roles are open. Character descriptions follow.

Available Roles:
Jackie – 30-50; a successful and respected director in the world of regional theatre; she is a personable, honest and confident woman - or as confident as anyone would be about to direct a Hollywood star in The Cherry Orchard.

Roy – 30-50; production stage manager for The Cherry Orchard; strong, reliable, professional and a friend and confidant to Jackie; he is dazzled by Amanda.

Debbie – late teens to 30; the theatre’s intern & assistant production stage manager; energetic, loves her job and is a walking encyclopedia of theatre knowledge.

James Johnson – 45-55; African-American; strong, assured actor, beautifully spoken; had a success the previous season playing Othello.

Dan Robbins – 50s; the “boy she left behind” - he’s now a successful, socially prominent dentist; he’s back on the scene and would like to be back in Amanda’s life.

All auditionees should fill out an audition form in advance and bring it with you to auditions, stapled to resume and headshot. An audition form may be downloaded from our website (www.theatrememphis.org).

Fallen Angels
Written by Noël Coward
Directed by John Rone
performed on the Lohrey Stage February 5 – 21, 2010

Noël Coward's Fallen Angels is a comedy about two married Englishwomen, Julia and Jane. Their husbands, Fred and Willy, take them for granted. Before getting married, each of the women had a romance with the same dashing Frenchman, Maurice. While the husbands are away on a golf trip, Julia and Jane find out that Maurice is about to pay them a visit. What will happen when they meet again?

Auditions:
Saturday, Oct 3 @ 1:45 PM
Sunday, Oct 4 @ 5:45 PM
Monday, Oct 5 @ 6:45 PM Callbacks by invitation only

o Auditions will be cold readings from the script.
Familiarity with the script is strongly advised for all auditionees.
o Scripts are available at the box office and may be rented for 3 days
with a refundable $5 deposit. Rental deposit is forfeited if materials
are returned after the due date.
o Current resume and headshot strongly advised.
o Roles Available: 3 Men, age 30-50 3 Women, age 30-50
o Rehearsals begin Monday, November 30, 2009.
o No roles have been precast.

All auditionees should fill out an audition form in advance and bring it with you to auditions, stapled to resume and headshot. An audition form may be downloaded from our website (www.theatrememphis.org).

Live From Memphis @ Indie Memphis

2009-09-29T16:38:00.000-05:00

62 films and 4 Days of Live From Memphis at the 12th Annual Indie Memphis Film Festival!!

Live From Memphis has been partnering with Indie Memphis since 2004, and this year that relationship has truly blossomed. Indie Memphis has reached out to us and we're hanging on for the ride. Please join us in a celebration of this long-lasting relationship at the following showcases all happening at Indie Memphis!! Flipside Memphis (part 2), 5th Annual Music Video Showcase, Li'l Film Fest 11: Musical Horror, and the Best of Li'l Film Fest 2009. We're also throwing the official Indie Memphis opening weekend (aka The Music Video Showcase After-party). There's just so much to celebrate :)

Flipside Memphis (part 2)
Friday, October 9th, 5:30pm at Studio on the Square
Runtime approx. 50 minutes

Flipside Memphis is a project produced by Live From Memphis in partnership with the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau. Initially developed as accompanying material for Craig Brewer's "$5 Cover," Flipside explores and exposes the real-life Memphis, by showcasing cool local talent, unique hang-outs, and all the stuff that is the heart of our city. These fifteen all-new episodes are being presented on the big screen for the first time.

River Arts Fest
Metal Museum
Central BBQ
New Daisy Theatre
Memphis Pops Festival
Zombies Attack!
Folk Alliance
Neosoulville
Five in One
Rock For Love
Xanadu
Revolutions
Memphis Zoo
Paul Taylor
Live From Memphis

5th Annual Music Video Showcase
Saturday, October 10th, 7:30pm at Studio on the Square
Runtime approx. 80 minutes

First launched in 2005, the goal of MVS is to give both local filmmakers and musicians a chance to "rock the big screen!" All the entries in the Music Video Showcase are either by local directors or local musicians. Come support local music & local film all at once!

"One Good Reason" | Sore Eyes | dir. Sarah Fleming
"Frozen Fun" | The Clears | dir. Live From Memphis
"Monster" | Skillet | dir. Andy & John Irwin
"Todo Vuelve A Empezar" | Alfepado | dir. Angel Ortez
"Sun Never Goes" | The Perfect Vessels | dir. Graham Burks
"Hitler Lives" | Mudboy and Sons | dir. True Story Pictures
"16 Hours" | Ohio Briars | dir. Laura Jean Hocking
"America" | 8 Ball | dir. 8 Ball & Joe Gotti
"Tequila Salt" | Taco and Da Mofos | dir. Waheed AlQawasmi
"North Memphis Like Me" | Juicy J featuring Project pat and V Slash | dir. Nathan Black
"Sittin' On Blades" | Bigg Baby | dir. Jonathan Thomason
"Feels So Good" | Muck Sticky | dir. Nathan Black
"Somebody Better Tell 'Em" | Art of Raw | dir. Catina Johnson
"Begin" | Overjoid | dir. Eric Swartz
"Beauty Hunter" | Burning Star Core | dir. Tom Strodtbeck
"Good Luck" | Good Luck Dark Star | dir. Chad Schaffler
"Whatever You Like" | Taco and Da Mofos | dir. Waheed AlQawasmi
"Hero" | Skillet | dir. Andy & John Irwin
"Love" | Snowglobe | dir. Christopher Reyes
"Eighteen With A Bullet" | Fingers Like Saturn | dir. Mike McCarthy
"No Mistake" | Total Savage | dir. Brad Phelan

Li'l Film Fest 11: Musical Horror
Sunday, October 11th, 5:30pm at the Brooks Museum of Art
Runtime approx. 60 minutes

Live from Memphis' Li'l Film Fest is a quarterly, theme-based film festival, designed to encourage and inspire Memphis filmmakers while engaging the local audience in order to strengthen Memphis' artistic community. The theme of Lil'l Film Fest 11 is "Musical Horror," with each filmmaker required to include the secret ingredient: "orange." Each film in the program is 5 minutes or less.

The Tell-Tale Shitty Music directed by Kristopher Steward & Hunter Duesing
Fool Hearty directed by R. Jason Rawlings & Dave Godbout
You Better Behave directed by Geoffrey Brent Shrewsbury
Threnody directed by Jon W. Sparks
Thriller directed by Anupam 'Al' Lahiri
Spacecrane 2010 directed by HG Ray
Orange Delight directed by Donald Meyers
Unstable directed by Wesley Catlett & Justin Houston
Dark Fountain directed by Harmony Stewart
OCD directed by Joe Fragale
Frankenstein vs. Dracula: the Opera! directed by Adam Remsen

Best of Li'l Film Fest 2009
Wednesday, October 14th, 9pm at Studio on the Square
Runtime approx. 85 minutes

Li'l Film Fest is a quaterly film festival designed to encourage and inspire Memphis filmmakers while engaging a local audience. Currently in it's 3rd year, to date Li'l Film Fest has helped to inspire the creation of 131 films and in the process supported hundreds of aspiring filmmakers, crew members, and actors.

From Li'l Film Fest 9: Memphis - Fact or Fiction?
Journeyman directed by Arnold Edwards
An Exemplary Look at Memphis, Tennessee - Free of Charge! directed by G.B. Shrewsbury
El Regalo (The Gift) directed by Angel Ortez
Milhouse & The King directed by Alex & Clay
Weird Tales of Shelby Forst Vol. 1 - Thrill Hill directed by H. G. Ray
Snipe Huntin' directed by Eric Swartz
Chuck, From Craigslist directed by Morgan Jon Fox
CottonBallLand directed by Corduroy Wednesday

From Li'l Film Fest 10: Family
Sunday directed by Val Overstreet
Dinner at the Olson's directed by Don Meyers
Family Heat! directed by Andy Strong
Meet the Grotz directed by Rich Kimball
Son of… directed by J. Lazarus Hawk
Downer directed by Jason Rawlings and Jason Davenport
Monday directed by Eric Swartz

From Li'l Film Fest 11: Musical Horror
Lil Film Fest 11 Jury Winner (TBD)
Lil Film Fest 11 Audience Winner (TBD)

Seeking a cast

2009-09-24T15:16:00.000-05:00

From Arnold Edwards II:

I have the pleasure of co-producing and being 1st AD on an upcoming
project titled A Disjointed Proposal. I'm contacting you in hopes you
may be interested....

The talented Derek Steiner, Unwatchable Films, is casting for his
short comedy A Disjointed Proposal:

Hilarity ensues when an unfortunate accident leads a commitment phobic
waiter through a sequence of events in search of his severed finger
while dodging his girlfriend's persistent requests to bond with her
parents who happen to be dining at the same restaurant.

We’re looking for all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds.

The shoot dates will be Friday Oct 23rd and Saturday 24th from 10pm till 5am.

This is a no-budget student project. This means it’s not a paying gig,
but a wonderful opportunity to exercise your amazing talent, meet new
people/network, work on something fresh and have your work showcased
in festivals around the country!

If interested, send your contact info, a picture and any related
materials you’re interested in sharing that showcases your abilities
to Derek at:

DisjointedProposal@gmail.com

Indie Memphis Films in Focus, etc.

2009-09-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

Indie Memphis 'Secret Screening'
Get a free sneak peak at one of the 2009 Indie Memphis
features -- one so cool that we can't tell you which one it is!
Your only hint: Musical. Space. Western. (No, not that one.)
7:30 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 23 @ Malco's Studio on the Square
Admission: Free and open to the public.

Other Special Screenings:

Jim Esposito's THE OUTSKIRTS OF HEAVEN
7 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 23
@ Memphis Mary's Stop 345 (345 Madison Ave.)
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Food and drink will be available at the cash bar.

2 MILLION MINUTES: THE 21st CENTURY SOLUTON
7 pm, Thursday, Sept 24 @ Malco's Paradiso
Admission: $7 / RSVP at orders@2mminutes.com or call 888-705-5324

MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FEST
presented by On Location: Memphis
7 pm, Thursday, Sept. 24 @ Malco's Studio on the Square
Tickets on sale at the door, beginning at 5 pm the day of the show.

Mike McCarthy's CIGARETTE GIRL - Gonerfest Matinees
1 pm on Thurs. 9/24, Fri. 9/25 and Sat. 9/26
@ Brooks Museum of Art
Admission: $7 at the door / $5 with Gonerfest ticket or Brooks membership.

In Theatres:

WORLD'S GREATEST DAD @ Malco's Ridgeway Four

IN THE LOOP @ Malco's Ridgeway Four

ADAM @ Malco's Ridgeway Four

THE HURT LOCKER @ Malco's Ridgeway Four

You judge the short films

2009-09-21T07:52:00.000-05:00

On Location:Memphis is hosting "Manhattan Short" on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at Studio on the Square.

Filmgoers here are joining audiences in 172 additional cities across five continents to view and judge the next generation of filmmakers when the 12th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival screens at Malco’s Studio On The Square Theatre on Thursday 9/24 at 7 pm. “We are excited to be the only organization in the state of Tennessee to be given the privilege of participating in the Manhattan Short Film Fest for the 2nd year,” said Lisa Bobal, President On Location: MEMPHIS.

This year the festival received 428 entries from 36 countries around the world from which 10 short films – all 14 minutes and under in length – were selected. Countries represented this year include the USA, Australia, Mozambique, UK, Israel, Spain, France, Sweden and Italy in what festival organizers describe as a “Cinematic Olympiad.”

Filmgoers will be handed a voting card upon entry and asked to vote for the one film they feel should win. Votes are tallied at each cinema and forwarded to the festival’s headquarters in NYC where the winner will be announced Sept. 27.

With some of our past finalists achieving the highest recognition the industry has to offer by going on to be nominated for and even winning an Oscar in the short film category, including two finalists in the past two festivals, the Manhattan Short has come to be known as one of the best launching pads for filmmakers in the world today.

Tickets to the event in Memphis, on Thursday, 9/24/09, will go on sale at 5 pm that day at Malco’s Studio On The Square. Contact Lisab@onlocationmemphis.org for more details or questions.

Elvis at The Shell. Really!

2009-09-10T22:28:00.000-05:00

"Historic return of Elvis Presley to the Levitt Shell for 12th annual Indie " on Friday, October 9 at 7:00pm.

Erik says, "Mark your calendar & spread the word! Elvis and outdoor movies are returning to the Levitt Shell with a free screening of the "Elvis: '68 Special" on Friday, Oct. 9 as part of the 12th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival. Hooray! http://www.facebook.com/l/89be3;www.indiememphis.com".

Event: Historic return of Elvis Presley to the Levitt Shell for 12th annual Indie
"Free screening of "Elvis: '68 Special" on Friday, Oct. 9th"
What: Performance
Host: Indie Memphis
Start Time: Friday, October 9 at 7:00pm
End Time: Friday, October 9 at 9:00pm
Where: Levitt Shell

Filmmakers: The clock's ticking...

2009-09-10T17:21:00.000-05:00

The National Film Challenge, the 48 Hour Film Project's sister competition, is coming on October 23rd through 26th!

http://www.filmchallenge.org

Regardless of where you live, this is your opportunity to write, shoot, and edit a short film in three days. Just like in the 48 Hour Film Project, you'll receive a character, prop, line of dialogue, and a genre at 7pm local time, October 23rd. Then you'll have to mail the film in on October 26th. In the following weeks the top films (determined by a national panel of judges) will be available for viewing (and voting!) on the NFC website. The winning films will screen with the 48 Hour Film Project City Winners at the next FIlmapalooza at the NAB Show, the 48 Hour Film Project's end of year event. In addition there are cash prizes for the winning films!

SO WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE NATIONAL FILM CHALLENGE?

--48HFP Filmmakers who have a need for speed and want to make another film before the 48HFP returns to your city in 2010.
--Filmmakers who either missed your city's 48HFP or who did not register in time to make your city's team limit.
--Filmmakers who live in cities that do not have a 48HFP yet. (Please forward this to your friends and relatives who might be in this dire
situation!)

HOW DO I SIGN UP MY TEAM?

Registration is now open on our website. The number of teams is limited to 300 and registration is on a first come first served basis.
The Early Bird Entry Fee is $115 if you register on or before September 23, 2009 and $135 if you register between September 24, 2009 and October 22, 2009. Teams can be anywhere from 1 person to 30 or more people. Read all of the rules of the contest here:

http://www.filmchallenge.org/For-Filmmakers/

Do you have any questions about the National Film Challenge? Please check our FAQ page and then use our web form to submit questions you still need answered.

http://www.filmchallenge.org/For-Filmmakers/general-faq.html

Wondering what your competition will be like? View the winning films from the last four Film Challenges in our on-line screening room:

http://www.filmchallenge.org/Films/

The National Film Challenge is a non-profit event brought to you by KDHX Community Media and the 48 Hour Film Project.

http://www.kdhx.org/mediaarts
http://www.48hourfilm.com

Every second counts! (Even when you have a whopping 72 hours to make your film.)

Understanding Shakespeare

2009-09-07T08:04:00.000-05:00

UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE - THE ACTORS COMMUNITY

One of the difficulties faced when learning Shakespeare is language accessibility. We simply have difficulty understanding the words, and so we miss the meaning of his plays and sonnets. LaVita Brooks will be taking on the responsibility of helping The Actors Community understand Shakespeare's language in order to appreciate what the plays mean.

Lavita trained with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA and has been teaching Shakespeare for two years. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and has been acting professionally for four years. During her first scene study, Lavita will go over Self Awareness which allows the actor to block out the things around them with voice and body exercises. This will be a lesson in acknowledgement of self.

The Actors Community helps adult actors who want training the chance to train without wondering about a lot of fees. It also helps in keeping the acting muscles warm so that when an opportunity for an audition approaches; the actor has been working on their craft that can be applied to the audition and possibly get them the job.

For more information, send inquiries to jenneanfarmer@gmail.com.

Scene study group will meet Tuesday, September 8th at Caritas Village from 6:30p-8:30p. Directions are below.

Caritas Village

Take Poplar Avenue westbound

Turn right on Merton Street

Turn left on Harvard Avenue

Caritas Village will be to the left

2509 Harvard Avenue

Lou Gossett! ... Outflix! ... Live Animals!

2009-09-05T11:49:00.000-05:00

Lou Gossett is starring in a local feature ... Outflix begins Friday ... Live Animals is out on DVD Tuesday.

Fiddler on the Roof: Tough guys needed

2009-09-01T23:46:00.000-05:00

Amy Hanford needs a couple more guys for Fiddler at Harrell Theatre. Small part, limited rehearsal. I need guys to play Russians to come kick some butt. Any interest? Omggal123@aol.com

AFFT mixer Wednesday

2009-08-25T10:25:00.000-05:00

The Association for the Future of Film and Television Memphis Chapter Membership Event

If you are interested in increasing work opportunities in our area, come and find out what you as an individual and we as a group can do for the future of the entertainment industry.
Refreshments provided by Just Catering, Blue Moon, and MGD! Music provided by Brian Sharpe.
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009, 5:30-7:30pm
Opera Memphis 6745 Wolf River Pkwy Memphis, TN 38120

Members and non-members welcome. Members (existing and new) will be entered into the raffle for some great prizes.
Join at the door for only $25 or become a member online at:
http://www.affttennessee.org/joinafft.htm

Some raffles include: Malco Movie Tickets, Playhouse on the Square tickets, Itta Bena Restaurant gift certificate, BB Kings Blues Club gift certificate, Indie Memphis subscription, Indie Memphis Movie passes, Be a pyrotechnician for a day from High-Tech Special Effects, Inc.

We look forward to seeing everyone there! Bring a friend!

Thanks to our sponsors: Running Pony Productions, Elzemeyer Talent Agency, Eliza Tate Event Design, River City Sound, Chad Mellon Photography, Memphis Cool Movies and High Tech Special Events.

Wednesday: Help boost filmmaking in Memphis

2009-08-23T12:18:00.000-05:00

AFFT Memphis Chapter Membership Event

If you are interested in increasing work opportunities in our area, come and find out what you as an individual and we as a group can do for the future of this industry.

Wednesday August 26th, 2009
5:30-7:30

Opera Memphis
6745 Wolf River Pkwy
Memphis, TN 38120

Members and non-members welcome. Members will be automatically entered into the raffle for some great prizes. Refreshments will be served. To become a member click the link below.

http://www.affttennessee.org/joinafft.htm

More event details to come.

On Location: Memphis call for entries

2009-08-23T12:15:00.000-05:00

The Call For Entries for the 11th Annual On Location: MEMPHIS int'l film fest is underway! The festival will be held April 22-25, 2010 at Malco's Ridgeway Four.

Screen your film in the birthplace of Rock N Roll, the home of the blues and land of great BBQ!

In addition to all the great things Memphis has to offer, the one thing that filmmakers have told us that sets our festival apart is our rich southern hospitality.

From the moment your film is accepted into our festival we will work to make it easy for you to come to Memphis to share your experiences with us and our audiences.

We host a filmmaker's reception where you will have the opportunity to meet OLM staff, sponsors, jurors, vendors, and even an occasional celebrity. Opening night ceremonies are held at Morgan Freeman's own blues club, Ground Zero, just a block from historical Beale Street. One of our traditions is to take attending filmmakers out to a Memphis-style BBQ lunch (vegetarian dishes available too!). Then there is the Saturday Night Bash to live Blues and Rock&Roll. There will be plenty of opportunity to network with other filmmakers and industry professionals throughout the festival. We do the best that we can to help you arrange for accommodations (cheap to beau coup) transportation and tours of famous Memphis landmarks.

Past festival attendees include: Richard Gladstein, Morgan Freeman, Holly Hunter, Isaac Hayes, Caldecott "Cotty" Chubb, Cybill Shepherd, Alan Bloomquist, Leo Fitzpatrick, Robert Mugge, Don Hertzfeldt, Marilyn Atlas, Craig Brewer, Ira Sachs, Andrew Deane, Jon Glascoe, Joseph Pierson, Del Shores, and Leslie Jordan.

You've worked hard on your film (Music Video, Documentary, Shot Film, Feature Film, etc). Now come and have some fun with us and other filmmakers in one of the most continuously growing and musical of cities. You may even spot a certain elusive fellow last seen in a white rhinestone-studded jumpsuit.

Visit our website at www.onlocationmemphis.org or Click here for our Call For Entries submission form

Local film 'Glass' premieres online

2009-08-23T11:52:00.000-05:00

"Glass," a 20-minute film in competition in The Doorpost Project is on view today at thedoorpost.com.

The film, produced by Paul Skidmore and directed by Dan Baker and Christopher Pollock, is the team's second effort for Doorpost. Earlier this year, the short "John Gray" was selected as one of 10 finalists among 600 entries. With that selection came an award of $30,000 to create "Glass." The 10 finalist films are being screened one-a-day on the Doorpost site. Anyone can vote but you must register and you must see all 10 films for your vote to count. The winner, to be announced in Nashville next month, will be determined partly by the online vote and partly by a panel of judges.

For more infomation, go to thedoorpost.com and parabolos.com

Bearden's 'One Came Home' wraps shooting

2009-08-23T11:45:00.000-05:00

John Beifuss writes in The Commercial Appeal about the Willie Bearden-directed film "One Came Home" that just finished shooting in the Mid-South. Here's an excerpt:

Scripted by Bearden and Memphis writer David Tankersley, “One Came Home” is the story of a con artist who takes advantage of a proper Mississippi family by pretending to be the wartime buddy of the family’s son, who was killed in combat in Europe.

“One Came Home” was produced with what Bearden called a “core” crew of about 25 people. Some scenes — including a church service and a traditional Southern outdoor party — required 30 to 40 extras.
A longtime filmmaker and event producer, Bearden makes a living creating commercials, corporate and educational films (for the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum in Tupelo and the Cotton Museum in Downtown Memphis, among other clients), and by staging such productions as the annual Blues Music Awards.

“I’ve always said my job is to make sure I have a balance between art and technology. The craft of filmmaking is leading your viewers to exactly what you want them to see, and, hopefully, to what you want them to feel.”

Actors Scene Study Tuesday

2009-08-17T00:53:00.000-05:00

FREE ACTORS SCENE STUDY

The Actors Community

Join the Actors Community where producer/director, Jay Jackson ("Lucky", "Empty") will be critiquing each actors work. Come out to participate this Tuesday, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Caritas Village. Directions to Caritas are listed below.

For more information, send inquiries to jenneanfarmer@gmail.com.

Directions to Caritas Village
Take Poplar Avenue westbound
Turn right on Merton Street
Turn left on Harvard Avenue
Caritas Village is to the left
2509 Harvard Avenue, 38112

Indie Memphis meets the challenge

2009-08-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

Indie Memphis, the force behind an event one national magazine recently named one of the world’s “25 Coolest Film Festivals,” has successfully met a $20,000 challenge from ArtsMemphis – an accomplishment that has allowed the non-profit organization to reach more than half its goal of raising $80,000 by December.

The challenge grant from ArtsMemphis, made in May through an anonymous donor, stipulated that Indie Memphis raise $20,000 in new funding by the end of June to receive the $20,000 grant. Indie Memphis not only met the challenge, it exceeded it. Thanks in part to the launch of its individual membership program, the non-profit organization surpassed its June 30th goal by $16,000 and, with that amount plus the $20,000 challenge grant from ArtsMemphis and $10,000 in additional funds raised in July, is now only $14,000 short of its December goal.

“The generosity of ArtsMemphis and its anonymous donor served as an inspiration to the community at large, who stepped up to support Indie Memphis with donations as small as one dollar,” said Erik Jambor, executive director of Indie Memphis, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. “Meeting our December goal will leave our organization well-positioned for the future and help ensure its long-term financial stability.”

Jambor said the accomplishment is even more gratifying because it comes during today’s difficult economic period and goes against the recent trend that has negatively impacted established film festivals and area arts organizations.

“We are extremely happy to have a part in strengthening one of the most powerful artistic forces in our city: the Memphis independent film industry,” said Susan Schadt, president and CEO of ArtsMemphis. “Indie Memphis masters the art of film by capturing the Memphis vibe in a very unique way.”

Indie Memphis, which connects and inspires though year-round programs of independent feature films, documentaries, short films, animation and student work, will hold its 12th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival this year from October 8 to 15.

The current issue of MovieMaker, a bimonthly magazine that covers “the art and business of making movies,” named the Indie Memphis Film Festival as one of the world’s “25 Coolest Film Festivals.” The New York-based publication, which has a circulation of 165,000, cites Indie Memphis’ “unique creative landscape that is the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n roll.”

Earlier this year, film director Craig Brewer kicked off the fundraising campaign with the World Premiere of his made-for-MTV film “$5 Cover” at the Malco Paradiso. This benefit screening raised over $12,000 for Indie Memphis.

Jambor points out that Memphians can support the organization and help it reach its December fundraising goal by becoming an Indie Memphis member for $50 per year ($30 for full-time students; $40 for filmmakers with at least two production credits). Memberships provide year-round benefits including special discounts at the annual Indie Memphis Film Festival. Corporate sponsorship opportunities for the October film festival are still available as well.

Those wanting more information about Indie Memphis can visit its Web site at www.indiememphis.com.

Promote film in Memphis

2009-08-07T07:31:00.000-05:00

AFFT Memphis Chapter Membership Event

If you are interested in increasing work opportunities in our area, come and find out what you as an individual and we as a group can do for the future of this industry.

Wednesday August 26th, 2009

5:30-7:30

Opera Memphis

6745 Wolf River Pkwy

Memphis, TN 38120

Members and non-members welcome. Members will be automatically entered into the raffle for some great prizes. Refreshments will be served. To become a member click the link below.

http://www.affttennessee.org/joinafft.htm

More event details to come.

Local film blogsite

2009-08-06T09:22:00.000-05:00

Memphis Film Works -- a nice blog about local film with a useful listing of crew resources.

On Location: entries being taken

2009-08-02T18:56:00.000-05:00

The Call For Entries for the 11th Annual On Location: MEMPHIS international film fest is underway! - Monday, July 27, 2009

The Call For Entries for the 11th Annual On Location: MEMPHIS international film fest is underway! Screen your film in the birthplace of Rock N Roll, the home of the blues and land of great BBQ!

In addition to all the great things Memphis has to offer, the one thing that filmmakers have told us that sets our festival apart is our rich southern hospitality. From the moment your film is accepted into our festival we will work to make it easy for you to come to Memphis to share your experiences with us and our audiences.

We host a filmmaker's reception where you will have the opportunity to meet OLM staff, sponsors, jurors, vendors, and even an occasional celebrity. Opening night ceremonies are held at Morgan Freeman's own blues club, Ground Zero, just a block from historical Beale Street. One of our traditions is to take attending filmmakers out to a Memphis-style BBQ lunch (vegetarian dishes available too!). Then there is the Saturday Night Bash to live Blues and Rock&Roll. There will be plenty of opportunity to network with other filmmakers throughout the festival.
We do the best that we can to help you arrange for accommodations (cheap to beau coup) transportation and tours of famous Memphis landmarks.

You've worked hard on your film. Now come and have some fun with us and other filmmakers in one of the most magical and musical of cities. You may even spot a certain elusive fellow last seen in a white rhinestone-studded jumpsuit.

Click here for our Call For Entries submission form

Scene study

2009-08-01T13:23:00.000-05:00

Looking to do scene study work amongst other actors once a week?

Come join The Actors Community where you will have the opportunity to work on your craft with a partner for free for two weeks and be critiqued by a professional for two weeks.

This is an adult actors group work that you can participate in every Tuesday. The first class will be Tuesday, August 4th from 6:30p-8:30p at Caritas Village located at 2509 Harvard Avenue.

The group helps those who want training the chance to train without wondering about a lot of fees. It also helps in keeping the acting muscles warm so that when an opportunity for an audition approaches; the actor has been working on their craft that can be applied to the audition and possibly get them the job.

Feel free to pass this evite along to other actors who might be interested.

For more information, contact Jennean Farmer at jenneanfarmer@gmail.com.

Performance art in Memphis -- discussion

2009-07-28T15:10:00.000-05:00

A Panel Discussion on "Articulating Race and Power through Public Spaces" is being held this Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Power House Memphis (45 East G.E. Patterson Ave.)

Inspired by Richard Lou's recent performance art event in Nathan Bedford Forrest Park, ReCovering Memphis: Listening to Untold Stories, the discussion will focus on the often controversial realm of public art and how art, space, and place can reinforce or break down the racial (cultural) divide in Memphis and beyond.

The panelists include D'Army Bailey, Ernestine Jenkins, Richard Alexander Lou, Lee Millar, Wanda Rushing, and John Weeden.

A boost for Open Five and a party for Memphis indie films

2009-07-28T14:40:00.000-05:00

This Thursday's "Love Letter to Memphis" is a fundraising party and concert for Kentucker Audley's film OPEN FIVE, and it's a celebration of independent film in Memphis.

The event is at 7 p.m. at Minglewood Hall (1555 Madison) and tickets are $12.

Music is by Star & Micey and there's a Silent Auction of Memphis items.

Come support Kentucker's project and local indie films all in one excellent party.

Here's more info on OPEN FIVE.

And here's info on Audley's critically praised 2007 film TEAM PICTURE.

Reminder: Book signing and film fundraiser

2009-07-23T12:38:00.000-05:00

Ronald Baldridge was a gang member in Memphis in 1985 when he was shot twice while participating in a robbery at a Frayser skating rink, leaving him wheelchair bound. He would be shot three more times in 1986, 1987 and 1988. With the help of Memphis police officer Steve Grisham, Baldridge found God and renounced the gang life. He has since been a community activist, youth counselor and written "From Gangs to God." A book signing will be held at Java Cabana, 2170 Young Ave., on Saturday July 25th at 7 p.m. Baldridge has been trying for years to get funding for his movie, "5 Shots", so he and a few other people can get this story off the ground. The proceeds from the book sale will go to his organization called P.I.A.N.O. which stands for "people in alliance needing others," and toward funding production of the movie. For more info, contact Marguerite at daisyscreations57@yahoo.com

Paper Moon Films: Ready to create

2009-07-21T04:34:00.000-05:00

John Beifuss reports in the CA that Paper Moon Films is launching three projects:

Two filmmakers have teamed to form Paper Moon Films, a Memphis production company preparing to launch three low-budget features, including one from buzz-generating local director Kentucker Audley and one co-starring Memphis songstress Amy LaVere and New York-based singer/actress Ann Magnuson.

"A lot of people talk about making movies, but we're not interested in talking about making movies, we're interested in getting these movies made," said Nick Case, partner in Paper Moon with Ryan Watt.

Read the full story here.

Extras needed Wednesday

2009-07-19T20:07:00.000-05:00

Extras Needed: Wednesday Night, July 22, at Davies Manor

Time 6:30 p.m. to Midnight (at the very latest)

One Came Home, a feature film by Willy Bearden and David Tankersley, needs extras for this Wednesday night at Davies Manor. Since this is a period piece - Mississippi 1946 - men can not have facial hair and should be dressed in simple white, splayed collar (no button down collars) shirts and khaki or dark dress pants. Hair should be short or slicked back. Shoes should be simple work brogans or solid dark. Women should have hair pulled back or long. If you have appropriate period costume, that is great. If not, there will be limited period dresses at the set. The scene is a country yard party. Those who love to do a little country two-step dancing are encouraged. All ages welcome, but children and young people, only with parents please.

Have no doubt, come on out.

You may contact southernvoice@hotmail.com for questions or for more information.

Disney Train to Memphis Aug. 4

2009-07-16T09:47:00.000-05:00

Disney is coming to Memphis on Aug. 4 as part of a 40-city interactive train tour including a 3D sneak peek of film footage from the upcoming movie “Disney’s A Christmas Carol." This family event is for guests of all ages and is free to the public. Opening ceremonies are 8:15 a.m.; the exhibit opens to the public at 9 a.m.

Starring Jim Carrey and directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” opens in theatres November 6 in Disney Digital 3D™ and in IMAX 3D®.

“‘Disney’s A Christmas Carol’ Train Tour will introduce families across the country to the holiday film. Among the highlights of the tour are authentic artifacts on loan from the Charles Dickens Museum of London; artwork, costumes and props from the film; demonstrations of performance capture technology; and a chance to morph your face into one of the film’s characters. At each stop, a state-of-the-art Disney Digital 3D Theatre will be erected, where guests can get a sneak peek of “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and see other exclusive behind-the-scenes materials from the movie. The latest details about tour stops and scheduled events are available at www.christmascaroltraintour.com.

Featuring four custom-designed vintage rail cars full of behind-the-scenes attractions, entertaining demonstrations, and fun activities, the tour started in LA in May and ends at New York’s Grand Central Terminal over the weekend of October 30th through November 1st.
At every tour stop, Radio Disney will invite kids to enter for a chance to become a Movie Surfer representing their hometown. Each Hometown Movie Surfer will get a chance to appear on Disney Channel by filming their very own Movie Surfer’s segment! They’ll also receive a prize package of exclusive Movie Surfer and "Disney’s A Christmas Carol” gear.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
“Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking, performance-capture 3D motion picture event. Ebeneezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) begins the holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (Gary Oldman) and his cheery nephew (Colin Firth). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey, revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late. Through the magic of performance-capture technology, Jim Carrey tackles seven roles, including Scrooge and all of the Christmas spirits.

'Murderous hillbillies descend on Memphis'

2009-07-11T11:44:00.000-05:00

One of the best headlines ever takes us into John Beifuss' story on the MTV project "Savage County" to be filmed in Memphis next month. Craig Brewer is executive producer:

Created by David Harris, a producer with MTV New Media, the 15-webisode program will employ many of the local crew members who worked on Memphis filmmaker Craig Brewer's similarly Web-based "$5 Cover," which made its debut online and on MTV in April after being shot here last summer.

For the full story, go here.

Memphis film goes international

2009-07-08T16:46:00.000-05:00

What happens when a German intern comes to work for a summer with the Memphis and Shelby County Film and TV Commission? It could be the seed of something big.

Read John Beifuss' story here.

Local films at Black Film Festival this weekend

2009-07-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

The Black Film Festival 09 at the Hattiloo Theatre is this Friday and Saturday.

Friday's Schedule:
6pm: Kickoff reception
7:30pm: "Tricks" by DeAara Lewis
10:30pm: Afterparty

Saturday's Schedule:
10am: Workshop: Acting for the Camera
12:30pm: Workshop: How to promote your film
1:30pm: Workshop: How to finance an indie film
3pm: Workshop: Nuts and bolts of indie filmmaking
5pm: Shorts by William Westbrook
5:30pm: "Just the Two of Us" by Keenon Nikita
7pm: documentaries by Marcellous Lovelace
8pm: Film by Rod Pitts

$8 Admission per film or $35 for a 2-day pass
Workshops: $15/each
To buy tickets online: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/71678

Hattiloo Theatre, 656 Marshall. Call 525-0009; hattilootheatre.org

Reminder: Book signing and film fundraiser

2009-07-07T06:59:00.000-05:00

Casting for 'The Glass'

2009-07-06T16:43:00.000-05:00

Memphis-based production company Parabolos will hold a casting session for the short film "The Glass" Tuesday, July 7 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in room 201 of the Community Life Center on the campus of the Church of Christ White Station, 1106 Colonial Rd.

Those wishing to audition are asked to contact directors dan baker and chris pollock (901.361.9189 or e-mail: dan@danwrotethis.com, cpollock@parabolos.com). scripts will be provided for cold readings. headshots and resumes are appreciated, but not necessary.

production dates are july 13th - july 21st, 2009. roles are unpaid, but actors will receive a copy for their reel. this film is part of an international film contest and will be seen by thousands of online viewers, including many top-tier film and television industry producers, directors, actors, agents, etc.

characters
Tim Stendal (male, 11) - adventurous son of missionaries Elliot and Olive Stendal.
Elliot Stendal (male, late 30’s) - American missionary in Chile.
Olive Stendal (female, mid-30’s) - Elliot’s wife, Tim’s mother; nurse.
General Seve (male, late 40’s/early 50’s) - Chilean guerrilla leader.
Lt. Chimo (male, 19-25) - Chilean guerrilla.
Carlos (male, 40-50) - native Chilean; informant to Gen. Seve.
Pepe (male, 16) - Chilean guerrilla; new recruit.
New Recruit (male, 16) - shaky Chilean guerrilla kid.
Worship Leader (male, 35-45) - Elliot’s devoted partner; native Chilean.
Little Boy (8-12) - story-loving friend for Tim to play with; native Chilean.
Little Girl (8-10) - native Chilean; separated from her family.
Chilean Military (men, 20’s) - young men; pawns in the military’s efforts
guerrilla fighters (men, 16-25) - young men who fight with General Seve.
townspeople (mixed, all ages) - people of Morado village; native Chileans.

'Cigarette Girl' goes Down Under

2009-07-05T10:55:00.000-05:00

Cori Dials and the boisterous JMM

John Michael McCarthy -- the Godfather of Memphis indie film -- leaves town Tuesday for an almost three-week tour of Australia that includes the premiere Friday of "Cigarette Girl," at the prestigious Revelation Perth International Film Festival.

John Beifuss reports in the CA that:

"Cigarette Girl" tentatively is set to have its Memphis premiere on Sept. 10 at the Malco Paradiso, in what would be the first collaboration between the Indie Memphis Film Festival and the On Location: Memphis International Film Fest.

After Perth, McCarthy said, he will screen "Cigarette Girl" in Sydney, and will show some of his past films, including "Teenage Tupelo" and "Elvis Meets the Beatles," at various cinemas, clubs and taverns in Australia. He said he plans to use his off time in the Antipodes to write a Western.

Indie Heaven for screenwriters - sign up now

2009-06-30T20:56:00.000-05:00

From John Beifuss' story in the CA:

A pair of lauded movie makers will be in Memphis this month to host free screenings and workshops for aspiring local screenwriters.

The filmmakers -- producer Mike S. Ryan and writer-director Barry Jenkins -- will review and discuss script "treatments" in afternoon workshops on July 18-19. Attendance will be limited, to keep the groups manageable, and is restricted to residents of Shelby County. Treatments for review must be submitted in advance, and will be selected by the filmmakers.
Organized by the Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission, the effort is an attempt to help the city's many hopeful writers, said film commissioner Linn Sitler, who has labeled the weekend "Indie Heaven."
Treatments must be submitted to the film commission at info@memphisfilmcomm.org. Examples of the requested treatment format can be found on the commission's Web site.

In addition to the film commission, sponsors of the "Indie Heaven" weekend include Malco Theatres Inc. and MemphisED, an economic development organization.

The event is a sequel of sorts to last year's film commission more job-oriented workshops, which focused on film crew positions.

Read the full story here and check out the info at the Film/TV commission's web site here.

Casting Call for a short film

2009-06-29T12:38:00.000-05:00

Writer/Director: Rob Winfrey
The story calls for a female who can play an age range of 22-32, no specific ethnicity, to play two parts. One is a vulnerable, scared woman and the other is an in-control lawyer-prosecutor type. It will be a full day of shooting.
There is no pay but the actress will receive movie credit, a copy of the finished film, and will be taken care of and fed on set.
Auditions will be held July 6, 2009 at 6:30PM-8:30PM at Carita's Villiage located at 2509 Harvard Ave, Memphis, TN. 38112
Contact Monica c/o monicasummerfield@comcast.net with any questions

"Taylor Made"

2009-06-17T06:33:00.000-05:00

The CA's John Beifuss on a film exhibition at the Center for Southern Folklore:

The most significant filmmaker in this city's history might be a man who never worked with movie studios or stars.

He was inspired by the Bible and the black neighborhoods of Memphis, not by fictional screenplays or the glitter of Hollywood.

"He was a one-man CNN of the community," said Dr. Beverly Bond of the University of Memphis, speaking about the subject of "Taylor Made: The Life and Work of the Rev. L.O. Taylor," a new "online exhibit" that can be found on the recently launched Web site of the Center for Southern Folklore at southernfolklore.com.

"The Conversion"

2009-06-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

It's not what you thought it was going to be: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM7-zIIyfow

"Night" trailer

2009-06-11T23:10:00.000-05:00

Slick trailer for a scary film, coming soon.

Wanna be a Millionaire?

2009-06-11T15:29:00.000-05:00

Saturday June 13
Nashville, Tennessee
(NOTE NO MOVIE TEST WILL BE GIVEN IN NASHVILLE)

HILTON NASHVILLE DOWNTOWN
7AM TO 11AM
(call back interviews from 12:30PM to 4:00PM)

The lights…heart-pounding music…the chance to win 1 Million Dollars...It can only mean one thing: America’s favorite game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, is back!

We’re on the lookout and we’re going on the road to cities across America!

Go to http://www.millionairetv.com/special/roadauditions/nashville.html for more information.

Li'l Film Fest: Family

2009-06-09T13:05:00.000-05:00

Live From Memphis™ Presents LI’L FILM FEST 10: Family

Live From Memphis proudly announces its 10th LI'L FILM FEST, June 13, 2009 working with a theme we all have something to shout about: Family. The screening for this showcase of independent, local film will be held at The Brooks Museum of Art inside Overton Park at 2pm.

LI'L FILM FEST remains true to its goal of supporting local filmmakers and promoting film as art. Thanks to our partnership with the Memphis Tourism Foundation and collaboration with Indie Memphis, the festival has strengthened the film community of Memphis, giving aspiring local film artists small, manageable projects to work on and complete. Please join us in honoring our dedicated filmmakers.

On Saturday, June 13, the screening will include the following works:

“Dinner at the Olson's” directed by Don Meyers

“Downer” directed by Jason Rawlings and Jason Davenport

“Family Heat!” directed by Andy Strong

“Meet the Grotz” directed by Rich Kimball

“Reunion” directed by Pandora

“Some People's Families” directed by Jessica Sprenkle

“Son of . . . “ directed by J. Lazarus Hawk

“Sunday” directed by Val Overstreet

“Until Death Do Us Part” directed by Carl E Walters

“Wes' Hypothesis” directed by Daniel Felts

"Monday" directed by Eric Swartz

Our “Grand Jury Award” will be accompanied by a customized, thematic trophy and $500 in cash prizes presented by The Memphis & Shelby Co. Film & Television Commission and Indie Memphis. The “Audience Choice Award” will come with a trophy and the prize money is cash from the door, so the more people that come to the festival the bigger the pot!

Indie Memphis has put together an out-of-town jury of industry professionals for the “Grand Jury Award:” Joanne Feinberg, Director of Programming for the Ashland Independent Film Festival in Ashland, Oregon; Ted Speaker, Associate Producer of HUMPDAY (opening in theaters this July) and juror for the 2008 LFM Music Video Showcase; and Gabe Wardell, Executive Director of the Atlanta Film Festival.

All films submitted to the Li’l Film Fest will automatically be placed into consideration for the Annual Indie Memphis Film Festival, and any and all submission fees will be waived. (Li’l Film Fest winners will still have an automatic slot in the festival as part of their prize package).

Tickets for screening are $5 at the door. For more information about the festival, please visit www.livefrommemphiscom

The Short and Sweet:

Theme: Family

Secret Ingredient: Heat

Duration: 5 minutes or less

Festival Date: Saturday, June 13th, 2009 2pm

Festival Location: Brooks Museum of Art

Awards: Grand Jury Award ($500) | Audience Choice (door $$)
Li’l Film Fest is a quarterly, theme-based film festival, focusing on highlighting our local talent while showcasing interesting happenings around town. Our goal is to encourage and inspire Memphis filmmakers while engaging a local audience in order to strengthen our artistic community.
“How does Li’l Film Fest work?” It’s pretty easy. Basically, we here at LFM will pick a theme, then we’ll announce that theme to you, and then you get to go out and make a short video (or film if you want to be fancy) using that theme – the rest of the content is up to you.
“Why is it a ‘li’l’ fest?” Two reasons: One, we have one every quarter – that’s FOUR festivals a year. How fun is that? And two, when we say “li'l” we mean it - your film must be 5 minutes or less.
“Is there anything else I should know?” Geez, you ask a lot of questions, but the answer is “Yes.” There are 2 awards given at each festival, the “Audience Choice Award” and the “Jury Award” both of which receive a trophy and a CASH prize!! And if that’s not enough incentive for you each winner has a guaranteed spot in the next Indie Memphis Film Festival! So keep that in mind when you’re rolling those cameras.

About Our Sponsors

The Memphis Tourism Foundation
The Memphis Tourism Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau. The pursue a mission targeting workforce development, positive self-image, and advocacy for our city.

Indie Memphis

Now in its 12th year, Indie Memphis utilizes Memphis’ rich cultureal 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.

The Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commission
The Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commission is committed to making every facet of your film project go smoothly. They posses a solid track record in the industry and have been widely recognized and honored for their efforts.

AudioGraphics Masterworks
AudioGraphics Masterworks is the source in Memphis for all of your CD and DVD manufacturing, mastering, design, and printing needs.

The Brooks Museum of Art

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is the oldest fine arts museum in the state of Tennessee, located at the heart of Memphis in historic Overton Park. In association with Emerging Pictures, a New York-based film company, the Brooks screens award-winning independent films every month in the Dorothy K. Hohenberg Auditorium.

Indie Memphis fundraising

2009-06-07T12:07:00.000-05:00

Indie Memphis gets a challenge grant -- from a story in the CA by John Beifuss.

Donate to Indie Memphis or become a member of the organization by June 30 and your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to a challenge grant from ArtsMemphis.

The $20,000 grant, from an anonymous donor, is at the forefront of what Indie Memphis executive director Erik Jambor describes as the organization's most ambitious fundraising campaign ever.

Jambor said Indie Memphis hopes to raise $80,000 by December to ensure the group's "financial stability and long-term sustainability."

Dedicated to the promotion of independent cinema and local moviemaking, Indie Memphis is probably best known for hosting the annual Indie Memphis Film Festival in October and the monthly Micro Cinema Club short-film series at The Power House near South Main. Indie Memphis also hosts various events in support of local filmmakers and is co-sponsoring a series of screenings at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

This year's Indie Memphis Film Festival is set for Oct. 8-15 at Malco's Studio on the Square.

Susan Schadt, ArtsMemphis president, said the challenge grant offers "an outstanding opportunity for the community to get behind one of the most powerful artistic voices in our city -- the Memphis independent film industry."

She said "the spirt of Indie Memphis" is "young" and "energetic" and "gives our emerging leaders ... a reason to call Memphis home."

The grant follows the most successful single fundraising event in the 12-year history of Indie Memphis: the April 30 premiere of Craig Brewer's "$5 Cover" project at the Malco Paradiso, which raised $12,000.

Starting at $30 a year (for students), Indie Memphis memberships allow free and discounted admission to various screenings, among other benefits. For more information or to become a member, visit indiememphis.com.

Red West in the acclaimed 'Goodbye Solo'

2009-05-14T09:16:00.000-05:00

Red West -- actor, teacher and influence for many local film people -- stars in the critically acclaimed indie "Goodbye Solo" premiering in Memphis Friday at the Ridgeway. I saw the film and Red at the Toronto Film Festival last September and he and the film by Ramin Bahrani are terrific. Here's John Beifuss' story in the CA with a link to my video interview.

After a half-century in movies and television programs, Red West probably is better known as a longtime friend of Elvis and key member of the so-called "Memphis Mafia" than as an actor.

That perception is changing, however, thanks to West's new movie, "Goodbye Solo," which opens Friday at Malco's Ridgeway Four.

West will introduce the film before its first evening screening (7:25 p.m.) and will answer questions afterward.

An independent production that has earned rave reviews (The Washington Post this month dubbed it one of the "Top 5 Most Anticipated" movies of the season), "Goodbye Solo" gives the former Memphian top billing and the first lead role of his career, at an age when other actors are considering -- or being forced into -- retirement.

For the full story, go here.

Kudos for local documentary

2009-05-08T06:52:00.000-05:00

Memphis Documentary Wins Film Festival Grand Prize

“I Am a Man: From Memphis, A Lesson in Life” received the Best Documentary award and Grand Prize at the Cape Fear Independent Film Festival held in Wilmington, North Carolina, last weekend. The modern-day look at the legacy of the Memphis sanitation workers who went on strike in 1968 is a Memphis Tourism Foundation project produced in partnership with Running Pony Productions and Old Bridge Media. The documentary has aired locally on WKNO-TV, and can be downloaded or ordered on DVD at www.iamamanthemovie.com. The website also contains additional material, and will soon include a companion curriculum guide for educators who wish to use the film as a teaching tool.

The 9th annual Cape Fear Independent Film Festival was the largest to date. The festival received more than 100 entries, and screened 54 films. “’I Am a Man’ is a powerful and moving film,” says Festival Director Jenn Goodman. “Before I saw it, I was completely unaware of the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike. So it’s a film I’m definitely glad I got to see.”

Since its completion in March, "I Am a Man" has begun appearing at film festivals nationwide. Besides its screening in Wilmington, the film was also an official selection at last weekend's Marfa Film Festival, in Marfa, Texas. Its next scheduled screening will be on Saturday, June 13 at the Breckenridge Festival of Film in Breckenridge, Colo.

Seeing the Truth

2009-05-07T07:34:00.000-05:00

Here's John Beifuss at the CA on the DVD release of Memphis-filmed "Nothing But the Truth."

Rod Lurie, writer and director of "Nothing But the Truth," rejects the increasingly prevalent notion that watching a movie is an activity that's somehow more enjoyable after one has "turned off" one's brain.

"You definitely have to turn your brain on when you see my film," Lurie said from his Hollywood office. "I don't think that's such a bad thing."

Read the whole story here.

Weekly acting classes

2009-05-06T10:38:00.000-05:00

Weekly Adult Acting Classes

Rooted in the Meisner technique and Michael Shurtleff’s Guidepost this class will use both scene study as well as industry sides to strengthen the actor’s skills. Through working on scenes and sides of different genres actors will be able to discover their strengths and weaknesses. The class will also focus on the process of the entertainment industry from picking a headshot to auditioning.

A few key skills you will learn:
‐creating real emotion (laughter, crying, etc.)
‐relating to your scene partner
‐character
‐script

Classes will be held at House of Talent, 714 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38018
Phone 901-527-9263
Tuesdays 7:00-8:30

Actors must sign up for classes the Friday before
$35 per class or $120 for 4 classes
Minimum class size 4
Ages 16+

Instructor:
Abby Elzemeyer: Attended Interlochen Arts Academy, NYU Tisch, and University of Alabama as a theater and film production major.
Worked in the education department at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.
-Has taught in the Theater Department of the University of Memphis as well as the Extended Education Program.
-Works locally as a talent agent & casting director for ETA.

For more information and to reserve your spot in the class call ETA at 9015279263

Extras for music video

2009-05-06T10:24:00.000-05:00

Johnny Lee will be shooting his first music video and needs extras.

When: Sunday, May 10
Time: 10pm - until
Where: TGI Fridays
7733 Winchester Rd and Hacks Crossing
Attire: Nightclub Chic

For more information, please contact Johnny at
901-336-8206 (Cell)
901-752-1369 (Fridays)

Filmmaker workshop

2009-05-05T11:42:00.000-05:00

Attention Filmmakers!!

LFM's Filmmaker Workshop #1 - Saturday, May 9th, 2009

Basic File Preparation and Exporting your Film for Festival Submission.

This workshop will be led by Jacob Abart, a video production and multi-media specialist, and will focus on the following subjects/issues:

aspect ratio

converting from HD (or HDV) to DV/NTSC

frame rates

letter-boxing

title-safe

If you've ever had a hard time exporting your film, or even if you just want to learn more about the process this workshop is for you! Subjects will be addressed on both Mac and PC platforms.

The workshop will be held Saturday, May 9th from 2 to 4pm at Powerhouse Memphis. The fee is $20 per person, but ONLY $10 if you've submitted a film to Li'l Film Fest before.

For questions please contact me!

Sarah Fleming

Co-Creator

Live From Memphis

==================

URL: www.livefrommemphis.com

EMAIL: sarah@livefrommemphis.com

PHONE: 901.523.9763

Memphis Music, Film and the Arts.

We support and promote local

Memphis musicians, filmmakers,

artists, and industry professionals

who are the lifeblood of our city.

Lovely By Surprise

2009-05-04T19:07:00.000-05:00

A trailer for Lovely By Surprise: filmed in and around Memphis. Coming soon on DVD!

MIM salutes Chile

2009-05-04T12:12:00.000-05:00

Indie Memphis and Memphis in May Salute Chile with “Cinema of Chile”

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – Indie Memphis and Memphis in May present “Cinema of Chile” as part of Memphis in May’s Salute to Chile.

At 7:30 pm on Thursday, May 7th at the Brooks Museum of Art, Indie Memphis and Memphis in May present “Short Films from Chile,” an evening of award-winning Chilean short films representing the best in Chilean cinema as selected by the Santiago International Film Festival. In Spanish with English subtitles.

What: Short Films from Chile
When: 7:30 pm, Thursday, May 7th
Where: Brooks Museum of Art
Admission: $5 / Free for Indie Memphis members

At 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 14th and Thursday, May 21st at Malco’s Studio on the Square, Indie Memphis and Memphis in May present the acclaimed Chilean feature “Machuca” on 35mm film. Recognized as one of the best Chilean films in history, “Machuca” tells the story of a young boy thrust from his poverty-stricken home to an elite private school and a privileged life-style. The complicated contrasts between the two worlds unfold as the boy befriends his well-to-do classmates – all in the background of a politically turbulent 1973 Chile. In Spanish with English subtitles.

What: Machuca
When: 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 14th and Thursday, May 21st
Where: Malco’s Studio on the Square
Admission: $5 / Free for Indie Memphis members

For more about Memphis in May’s Salute to Chile, please visit www.memphisinmay.org.

For more about Indie Memphis and to learn about Indie Memphis’ new membership program, please visit www.indiememphis.com or call (901) 251-5171.

Getting Hollywood to Memphis

2009-05-03T11:40:00.000-05:00

Interesting story here on filmmaking in Memphis - ranked high as a good city to film in - from businesstn.com.

For those who toil within Memphis' economic development sector, the impressive ranking can be summarized in two words: local incentives. For example, Memphis officials offered an incentive package valued at $500,000 (in real estate and storage space), which helped entice the production company involved with the 2004 Walk the Line filming effort to choose the Bluff City over Shreveport.

"Although our incentives on the state level can be competitive, [the state] cannot offer all of the benefits of some of the other states' incentives," says Sharon Fox O'Guin, deputy commissioner of the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission (MSCFTC). O'Guinn and MSCFTC Commissioner Linn Sitler, who oversees Memphis/Shelby County incentives efforts, have a combined 45 years of film industry experience. "That is where our local government has really stepped up and offered the wage refund program that not only allows a monetary incentive to outside productions, but trains the local crew to help them move up the ladder in the production world."
With the wage refund program, filmmakers can receive a state filming incentive consisting of a 32% cash refund of qualified in-state spending, as well as a city/county filming incentive of a 50% cash refund of wages of qualified local crew trainees.

NBBT out on Tuesday

2009-04-26T19:00:00.000-05:00

'Nothing But the Truth' comes out this week on DVD. Here's something from a recent rare screening.

Chatterbox auditions

2009-04-26T13:47:00.000-05:00

Chatterbox Audio Theater
announces open auditions for

Dead and Gone
A Southern retelling of James Joyce's "The Dead"

Open auditions: Monday, May 11, 7 pm
Callbacks: Tuesday, May 12, 7 pm
Rehearsal and recording dates: June 7 - 27, 2009

Audition location:
The Next Stage at Theatre Memphis
630 Perkins Ext.
Memphis, TN 38117

Dead and Gone is a Southern retelling of James Joyceâ€™s classic story The Dead, transplanted f rom Dublin to Memphis. Set in 1905, the story follows Gabriel Conroy, an insecure intellectual, as he attempts to navigate the various social currents at his auntsâ€™ annual holiday party. Eventually his victories and concerns are put into harsh perspective by a surprising confession from his wife, Margaret.

The cast of ten requires four men and six women. The roles are:

GABRIEL: A schoolteacher
MARGARET: His wife
AUNT KATE: His aunt
AUNT JULIE: Her sister; Gabrielâ€™s aunt
MARY JANE: Julie and Kateâ€™s niece; Gabrielâ€™s cousin
FREDDY: A drunk
BROWN: A businessman
MISS IVORS: A teacher; Gabrielâ€™s colleague
CRANDALL: A tenor
LILY: A servant girl

The roles of Aunt Kate and Aunt Julie require â€œseasonedâ€ (i.e., older) voices. Aunt Julie must be able to sing. The role of Lily requires an African American actress. The only role that will be pre-cast is that of Crandall. Sound effects will be performed by the cast, so those who arenâ€™t on mic as often will still have plenty to do.

The play is a drama, and will be performed as naturalistically as possibleâ€"in other words, you shouldnâ€™t sound like youâ€™re acting. All of the characters except Gabriel will be performed with Southern accents. Please note that these are light, naturalistic accents; they arenâ€™t caricatures, and they a re never played for comic effect. They should sound like a lot of the people you encounter in Memphis every day.

The recorded show will debut on WKNO-FM before being posted to the Chatterbox website.

For auditions, please prepare a two- to five-minute audio monologue that you can deliver in the appropriate style (dramatic, naturalistic, and in a Southern accent). These do not need to be memorized. Bring a script with you and be prepared to deliver the monologue as you would perform it into a microphone.

Send an email to scriptrequest@chatterboxtheater.org and weâ€™ll be happy to send you a PDF of the full script.

We hope to see you at auditions!

bob

http://www.chatterboxtheater.org/node/38

On Location Memphis

2009-04-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

On Location: Memphis International Film Festival -- here's the scoop, and you should absolutely be there. Especially check out Live Animals by Memphis director/writer Jeremy Benson Saturday night. Scary as hell.

Chatterbox auditions

2009-04-24T11:03:00.000-05:00

Chatterbox Audio Theater
announces open auditions for

Dead and Gone
A Southern retelling of James Joyce's "The Dead"

Open auditions: Monday, May 11, 7 pm
Callbacks: Tuesday, May 12, 7 pm
Rehearsal and recording dates: June 7 - 27, 2009

Audition location:
The Next Stage at Theatre Memphis
630 Perkins Ext.
Memphis, TN 38117

Dead and Gone is a Southern retelling of James Joyceâ€™s classic story The Dead,
transplanted from Dublin to Memphis. Set in 1905, the story follows Gabriel
Conroy, an insecure intellectual, as he attempts to navigate the various social
currents at his auntsâ€™ annual holiday party. Eventually his victories and
concerns are put into harsh perspective by a surprising confession from his
wife, Margaret.

The cast of ten requires four men and six women. The roles are:

GABRIEL: A schoolteacher
MARGARET: His wife
AUNT KATE: His aunt
AUNT JULIE: Her sister; Gabrielâ€™s aunt
MARY JANE: Julie and Kateâ€™s niece; Gabrielâ€™s cousin
FREDDY: A drunk
BROWN: A businessman
MISS IVORS: A teacher; Gabrielâ€™s colleague
CRANDALL: A tenor
LILY: A servant girl

The roles of Aunt Kate and Aunt Julie require â€œseasonedâ€ (i.e., older)
voices. Aunt Julie must be able to sing. The role of Lily requires an African
American actress. The only role that will be pre-cast is that of Crandall. Sound
effects will be performed by the cast, so those who arenâ€™t on mic as often
will still have plenty to do.

The play is a drama, and will be performed as naturalistically as possibleâ€"in
other words, you shouldnâ€™t sound like youâ€™re acting. All of the characters
except Gabriel will be performed with Southern accents. Please note that these
are light, naturalistic accents; they arenâ€™t caricatures, and they are never
played for comic effect. They should sound like a lot of the people you
encounter in Memphis every day.

The recorded show will debut on WKNO-FM before being posted to the Chatterbox
website.

For auditions, please prepare a two- to five-minute audio monologue that you can
deliver in the appropriate style (dramatic, naturalistic, and in a Southern
accent). These do not need to be memorized. Bring a script with you and be
prepared to deliver the monologue as you would perform it into a microphone.

Send an email to scriptrequest@... and weâ€™ll be happy to
send you a PDF of the full script.

We hope to see you at auditions!

bob

http://www.chatterboxtheater.org/node/38

Contest for Memphis Musicians

2009-03-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

On Location: Memphis International Film Festival invites you to Enter our Song Writing Contest
Apply online at www.OnLocationMemphis.org

On Location: MEMPHIS believes that music is an instrumental part of every film.

To help celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are seeking Memphis area musicians and artists to submit a 3-5 minute song which will be an integral part of our celebration. Our goal is to encourage networking between filmmakers and musicians.

Three finalists will be chosen to perform their songs at our Opening Night party at Ground Zero Blues Club Memphis where more than 100 filmmakers and industry professionals will be inattendance. The winner will be announced that evening along with the OL:M fest’s film awards for 2009.

The winning song will also be played before the screening of each film during the
festival, April 24-26, 2009, be placed on www.onlocationmemphis.org website, be used at On Location: MEMPHIS events throughout 2009/2010 leading up to next year’s festival and will receive 2 VIP passes to the 2009 festival.

All songs entered will be available on listening stations at Malco’s Ridgeway Four during the 2009 festival.

Competition Rules

* All entrants must reside in the Memphis area

* Song should be 3-5 minutes radio playable length

* Submission must be 128 kbps or better

* Must be mastered recording

* Must be MP3 only

* All songs submitted must be the entrants original work

* Files are to be uploaded via www.onlocationmemphis.org

Competition Timeline

March 16 – Competition Open – application form available at www.onlocationmemphis.org

April 10th – 5 pm - Deadline for all entries – no exceptions

April 24th – Top 3 finalists perform at Opening Night party at Ground Zero Blues Club Memphis Winner announced

QUESTIONS?

Email songwriters@onlocationmemphis.org

visit www.OnLocationMemphis.org

On Location: Memphis
International Film Fest
April 23-26, 2009
www.OnLocationMemphis.org

Advanced scene study class

2009-03-20T16:40:00.000-05:00

Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON, March 28th through April 25th
Instructor: Josie Helming
Tuition: $120

Taught by one of Memphis' best, most experienced acting teachers, this advanced course is for seasoned actors and will require an audition. The focus will be on technique.

Auditions: Tuesday, March 24 @ 5:30 PM in Theatre Memphis library
Auditionees for the class should prepare a 2 minute contemporary monologue

Please contact Davanna Dared for more information or to register for an
audition: djared@theatrememphis.org
682-5261

Li'l Film Fest Saturday

2009-03-20T09:51:00.000-05:00

It's baaaack and better than ever. Find out more in John Beifuss' blog The Bloodshot Eye, and also in Chris Herrington's story in The Flyer. It's all thanks to LiveFromMemphis.com, which is also bigger and better than ever. It at 2pm Saturday at the Brooks. Five bucks for fresh entertainment. Go.