MeDiA Co-op info

May is a busy time around the MeDiA Co-op, as pretty much everyone who volunteers their time to make things happen around in the basement headquarters is either involved in pre-production/production, or post-production on feature length projects. THAT SAID, there's not alot of events, although there's a lot of activity and we hope to see you all around!


TUESDAY MAY 2ND 7:30pm-OPEN HOUSE/WORKSHOP....
The lovely Amber O'Daniels will be on hand to give a free Meisner workshop, as she has three new Meisner classes opening up in the coming weeks...What's Meisner you may ask....well, show up, and find out! For more info: CLICK HERE.

Andrew Nenninger, MeDiA Co-op's Membership Co-ordinator will also be on hand to sign-up members for May, so please don't forget to renew your memberships, or become a new member this month. You don't need equipment? You can be an honorary Co-op member and donate to help us exist! Your donations are tax-deductible.

We hope to see you there!


***The MeDiA Co-op, now in it's 4th year of existing in Memphis, would like to graciously thank First Congregational Church for their amazing, continued support for the community...Without their love, the MeDiA Co-op, 4 years later, would most likely still be, merely and idea. THANKS!!!!!!

--
MeDiA Co-op
1000 S. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104
901.278.9077
www.mediaco-op.org
www.mediaco-op.blogspot.com

Extras next week

Indy Film, "The Garden", will be shooting Monday and Tuesday nite from 4pm-10pm at the Orpheum. It's a fun-dress up scene. I need extra's,it is a freebie, but it will be entered into the film festivals. Pls let me know if you're available.

Tks,

Lisa Lax: actlink@aol.com

Voiceover

From Leah at Colors:
A local independent film maker is looking for a voiceover talent for a film project. Looking for a male with a 1940's neutral / non - ethnic voice for a 15 minute comedy film. If interested please contact Lou at 647-0717 or loodini99@aol.com

Lisa Lax workshop

Class will be at 174 Leif Cv. Tonight only from 7-9pm. Please mapquest it. They haven't give me a new space yet at Southwest. Easy-Walnut Grove Lakes-Walnut Grove to Ericson-Ericson to Leif Cv. Cordova, TN 38018. Home on right-

Pls let me know if you're attending: actlink@aol.com

Cool event

You are cordially invited to attend the "Scavengers' Ball", a benefit for Hope House at the Butler Street Bazaar, this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

There will be live music, juggling/comedy, film screenings, a silent auction, and of course SCAVENGING!!!
We have filled this warehouse for over 40 years with:
- furniture (dining room, living room, office, outdoor, bedroom)
- lamp shades
- books
- clothing
- building supplies/raw materials
(metal,wood,glass,plastic)
- shelving
- old machinery
- kitchenware
- pottery
- computer parts
- and plenty more......

You see something you like......TAKE IT!!!
You're sitting in a chair you like....TAKE IT!!!
You put your drink down on a table;....you like the table....or the lamp on it,.....TAKE IT!!!
You think to yourself, "I wonder if that juicer and food processor on the shelf over there are included?"..........YOU BET!!!.....TAKE IT!!!
Anything and everything .....TAKE
IT!!!

We've got an incredible music lineup, a world-renowned street performer, great films, and plenty more to do.

Here's the line up:
MUSIC
The Gamble Brothers
The Dempseys
Hope Clayburn's Soul Scrimage
Breaking the Cage
Red

FILM SCREENINGS
Automusik Can Do No Wrong (directed by Chris 'Eat' McCoy and winner of 2004 Indie Memphis Hometowner Award)
A Live From Memphis film and video showcase
There will also be a SILENT AUCTION, plus JUGGLING AND COMEDY by the Amazing Beaumanz!!

It only costs $10 to get in to the event and enjoy the music and festivities.
If you want to drink for free, as much as you like, it is only another $10.
If you want to scavenge, and take as much as you like out of the building, it is only another $10.
And to boot, it all goes to a great cause: Hope House.

The Butler Street Bazaar is located at 11 W. Butler In Downtown Memphis (just off South Front St., across from the old TN Brewery and the Lofts Apartments. It's directly on the trolley line and right near the interstate.)

For more information, please email: fairandhonest@yahoo.com

Home for shoot needed -- in a hurry

I am looking for a home to use for a film location on May 3 and 4.
Homeowner will receive $1000 per day for the use of their kitchen,
breakfast area and Dining room. In addition, homeowner will be
provided with a certificate of insurance. Ideally, the kitchen would
have white cabinets. Windows are a plus to provide us with a bright
and airy look. This is for a commercial campaign that will show a
young family preparing for a dinner and having a family meal. It will
be intercut with scenes to be shot in Marsh Supermarkets in
Indianapolis.

If you are interested in submitting your home for consideration,
please send digital photos of the kitchen and dining room to
tstop@mac.com. If you do not have a digital camera and would like to
be considered, send me an e-mail and I will drop by to see it in person.

All submissions need to be made by Saturday, since I will be leaving
town early next week to shoot the scenes in Indianapolis.

Sorry for this late request, but we have had location scouts
scattered throughout the city and have yet to come up with something
that meets my needs.

Thanks.

Robert McCrary
tstop@midsouth.rr.com
McCrary Productions, Inc.
4005 Loch Meade
Lakeland, TN 38002
901-388-3209
Cell 901-484-0118
Fax 901-377-7994

Claimer/disclaimer

Thanks to Rachel for her acid wit and general excellence on the set of "Eat." Enjoy her account of the punk concert shoot starring the outrageous and amazing Amber O'Daniels, but just remember that that pic of me is actually of my character. While it's true that I'm naturally "uber-hip," I rarely pose with my finger in my ear.

Shirley Crumley

Casting director Shirley F. Crumley passed away April 4, 2006 of an apparent heart attack in Birmingham, Ala. Shirley cast extras and locals for roles in big films. She used her eye to provide local color in many notable films.

Some of her credits include "Walk the Line", "Ray", "Gator", "Roots", "Kent State", "The River", "Dead Poets Society", "The Last of the Mohicans", "A Time to Kill", "The Chamber", "The Insiders", "Ali", "The Patriot" and her soon to be released film, Talledega Nights, aka "The Legend of Ricky Bobby" starring Will Ferrell.

She will be missed.

(Thanks to Geoff & Jan Falk for the notice).

Acting workshop

Lisa Lax's scene study has moved from Sunday to Monday nights starting this Monday (24th) from 7-9 pm at Southwest Tennessee Community College. Email Lisa at actlink@aol.com if you're attending.

Casting call Monday (update)

John 'Mail Call' Fuess is having a casting call on April 24.

Auditions for "Blue Tail Fly" will be at the Immaculate Conception high school gym at Central and Belvedere on April 24 from 5-8 pm.

This will be a drama film about a group of teens growing up in inner city Memphis. There are openings for all ages, male and female. There are some intense scenes as well as chase scenes. There is a small amount of fighting and some profanity. But it will not be an R rated film. It is, however. a no budget film.

Scripts will be available to those that make the casting call roster.

There will be a rehearsal phase and then a filming phase. I am hoping to start filming in June, depending on the rehearsal time required to bring everyone up to speed.

Parts open for the following positions:

5 Teenage boys 15/ 16
2 Teenage girls 15 /16
4 Adult male 30-up (Children’s parents or dates)
3 Adult female 30-up (Children’s parents or dates)

Jump rope Team Must Double Dutch
Several Hoodlums (scary) will have three lines
Some teachers non-scripted
Bar owner Female 30-40ish

2 is Q

Live From Memphis™ is announcing a “Call For
Entries” for Lil’ Film Fest 2.

It’s the second go around for the Lil’ Film Fest and the time has come
to announce the theme. Since there have been no broadcasts regarding
upcoming demolitions we’ve decided to offer a more traditional Memphis
theme – BBQ. That's right, barbeque, in all of its succulent, sloppy,
slaw-covered glory. So put on your thinking caps, clean off those
lenses, and go make a li'l film! Oh, and don't forget the wet-naps.

Here’s how the festival works: LFM staff members will come up with a
theme once every 3 months, announce that theme to the filmmaking
community, and then allow filmmakers to put their own unique spin on
producing a short film. The theme for Li’l Film Fest 2 is Barbeque,
meaning that each film submission must contain a barbeque theme. The
winner(s) will be awarded a $200 cash prize and will also be guaranteed
a spot in the next Indie Memphis Film Festival. Additionally, the li’l
films must not exceed 5 minutes in length. Deadline for submissions is
May 31, 2006. The Festival will be held at the MeDia Co-op (1000 S.
Cooper Memphis, TN 38104) mid-June.

For More information about LI’L FILM FEST 2, or to download the entry
form, please visit the site: www.livefrommemphis.com/filmfest, or give
us a call: (901) 523-9763.

Audition time change

The audition times for Tricks on 4/29 and 4/30 have been changed, the new audition times are from 12PM-4PM. The location is still Southwest Tennessee Community College, located on Manassas between Linden and Union Avenue.

Babies R Needed

From Leah at Colors:

I am in need of some babies for an upcoming shoot. They need to be Caucasian babies between 6-12 months old. They do not need to be walking yet. If you have a baby or know someone with a baby that fits this description please pass on this message. They will need to email me a picture of the baby sitting and crawling. The deadline is tomorrow. Feel free to call if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Leah


Leah Bruce
Colors Agency, Inc.
http://www.colorsagency.com
Phone 901-726-9300
Fax 901-726-9313

Focus Fest @ U of M

Focus Fest, the University of Memphis film festival, celebrates its sixth year. Focus Fest is currently accepting entries from students and alumni, as well as teasers and trailers and independent shorts from other local filmmakers. Deadline for submissions is April 20th. For more information contact Prof. Barbara Cook-Overton at 901.678.2070 or email bcookoverton@aol.com.

Nashville Film Festival

Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) has unveiled its full lineup, with over 240 features, documentaries and shorts slated for this year’s event taking place April 20-26 at the Regal Green Hills Cinemas.

The Festival opens with AN AMERICAN HAUNTING, starring Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek and closes with AURORA BOREALIS, directed by James Burke, starring Joshua Jackson, Donald Sutherland (again) and Juliette Lewis.

The Festival also will host the World Premiere of I TRUST YOU TO KILL ME, a documentary following rocker Rocco DeLuca on his first international tour with Kiefer Sutherland on hand as a band booster and roadie. DeLuca and Kiefer Sutherland will attend the screening. Continuing its emphasis on music documentaries, the Festival also will host the North American preimere of TO TULSA AND BACK: ON TOUR WITH JJ CALE.

NaFF will once again be the host to many groundbreaking films, celebrities, numerous industry-related panels/workshops, filmmaker awards, Opening and Closing Galas, live entertainment and many more festivities throughout the week.

Former Vice President Al Gore has awarded this year’s Reel Current Award, given to the documentary that provides extraordinary insight into a contemporary global issue, to director Julie Gustafson for DESIRE.

In addition to its Feature, Documentary and Music Films in Music City sections, NaFF will include the special section "Our Secret History,” a selection of recent films employing archival footage in a variety of uses.

For ticket information and a complete schedule of films, panels and special events, visit our website at www.nashvillefilmfestival.org.

Memphis College of Art Alumni Association Film Screening

Featuring a recent collection of work by local filmmaker John Michael McCarthy, including sneak previews of JMM's unreleased documentary on saving Libertyland, and selected shorts by new media artists from Memphis College of Art.

Studio on the Square
April 19th 2006, 7-10 PM
Tickets $8, $5 with MCA student ID or Alumni Card.
Sign up for Alumni card at the event and get discount.
All proceeds go to fund MCA's Alumni Traveling Fellowship

(Thanks, livefrommemphis.com)

Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club

April 12th 2006 @ 7:30 p.m.

1. Know What I Mean by Lyn Elliot 6 min
2. To A Man With A Big Nose by Cecilia Aranovich 3 min
3. The Waiting Time by Sasha Waters 17 min
4. Dell Hell by Neil Ira Needleman 17 min
5. Shadow of Liberty by Geoff Adams 14 min
6. Emelia by Derek Flood 9 min

It's at the Power House, 45 GE Patterson Ave off South Main in Downtown Memphis.
Admission is free w/ complimentary popcorn and drinks.

(Thanks, Rachel)

Local films on Library Channel

From Craigslist:

Last Train to Memphis Entertainment and The Library Channel have teamed up to bring a monthly televised film festival to promote Memphis filmmakers short films. We are looking for narrative shorts, documentaries, music videos, experimentals, and feature film trailers for broadcasting on channel 18 (The Library Channel). For more information, go to: www.LastTrainToMemphis.com and click on the film festival link. This will be a monthly film festival designed to expose local filmmakers to a wider viewing audience. Broadcasting to begin in the Summer of 2006.

Auditions for 'Tricks'

Audtions for a locally produced film by DeAara Lewis of Drama Queen Productions are coming up April 29 and 30, from 2-4 p.m. each day at Southwest Community College Theatre on Manassas between Linden & Union Avenue

Looking for talented, reliable actors and actresses to fill roles for "Tricks" an independent feature film to be shot in Memphis, TN. Must be available for rehearsal and shoot. Pay is deferred. Please submit resume and photo to Lewisgroup1212@gmail.com.

In addition to key roles, there are also roles available for extras, if not cast for principal roles, please indicate if you would be interested in a role as an extra.

Production Dates: TBA (Spring/Summer of 2006)

Synopsis: Tricks is an urban tale of five prostitutes, their enterprising madam and the personal struggles of each to not only survive, but thrive in a business that is deemed immoral and taboo.

Character Breakdown:
1. Natalie – late twenties, early thirties. An attractive, but vindictive woman. She knows how to pull a man. Other “girls” are intimidated by her and she uses this to her advantage (open).

2. Rita – late twenties, early thirties. An attractive and shapley woman, but is somewhat rundown. She’s naïve when it comes to men and as a result, constantly falls in and out love with her clients (open).

3. Devin (Michelle’s boyfriend) – tall man in his late twenties, early thirties; very attractive; charming. He is educated and very forward, but also has a soft side (open).

4. Mr. Davis – an older man in his late forties, early fifties. No particular height or look. Comical character who loves women (open)

5. Tito – a young man in his mid twenties, with an offbeat look. He is helplessly in love with Jean.

6. Tyson – a young and upcoming singer. Very attractive, mid twenties (open).

7. Tommy – timid man in his mid thirties; is struggling with wanting to have an affair (open).

8. Allen (Rita's boyfriend) – an attractive man, late twenties, early thirties. He is a borderline asshole (open).

9. Paul – an attractive, gay man (open).

10. Darnell (Devin’s friend) – a “fraternity” type. Cute, loves to party and loves women, can be a real asshole if permitted (open).

11. Keith – (Devin’s friend) – a “nerd,” but still has some “coolness” to him. No particular look (open).

12. James (Donna’s ex-husband) – attractive man. He was hurt deeply and has worked hard to move on even though there are questions he still longs the answers to (open).

13. Freddie (Tina estranged husband) – an attractive man in his late twenties, early thirties; very abusive, controlling and angry (open).

14. Sebastian Crump – Older man, stocky, average height. Chief of Police; a real asshole; has hated Donna for years and is out to seek revenge on Donna (open).

Book it: Screening of "Across the River"

The premiere of "Across the River" by U of M graduate student John Harvey is coming up on
April 17th at Studio on the Square. There will be two showings, one at 7 p.m. and another at 8 p.m.

Go to the Web site and see the trailer: it's a tight thriller that's been done with great skill by this young, talented filmmaker.

In the cast are Dennis 'Poor & Hungry' Phillippi and Ric Chetter, the on-air talent of Rock 103's Dennis&Ric in the afternoons and the terrific Sunday show "The Great Unsigned." They're great as radio partners and as living-dead antagonists in "Across the River."

And yeah, Memphis Cool is in it too.

Email Harvey at acrosstherivermovie@hotmail.com to reserve seats.

Hey! Hey! You two!

Paramount Pictures is seeking one pair of identical twin boys aged 9-11 to play the lead roles in “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” a new fantasy film based on the best-selling series of books. No acting experience is necessary. Interested twins and their families can log on to www.SpiderwickCasting.com to learn more details about how to submit an audition tape. The film will begin production in summer 2006.

When the three Grace children – troubled Jared; his bookish twin, Simon; and their sister, Mallory, a fencing jock – move to the ancient Spiderwick mansion, they are at first none-too-enchanted by the rundown Victorian… until they discover a Brownie, an enchanted creature, living in the walls. They soon find a book – Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You – that will open their eyes to the invisible, odd, and sometimes dangerous world of dragons and boggarts, phookas and fairies, sprites and goblins that is all around them.

When they cross paths with Mulgarath, an ogre, they realize quickly that he will stop at nothing to get his hands on the Field Guide. Based on the bestselling series of books, “The Spiderwick Chronicles” is directed by Mark Waters (“Mean Girls,” “Freaky Friday”).

Waters said, “We’re opening up the ‘Spiderwick’ casting experience. We really are looking for an unknown pair of kids. The website has all the information you need to make your tape and mail it to us. You never know – you might be just what we’re looking for.”

From Paramount Pictures, “The Spiderwick Chronicles” is directed by Mark Waters from a screenplay by John Sayles, based on the books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. The producers are Mark Canton, Julia Pistor, Ellen Goldsmith Vein, and Gregory Goodman. The executive producers are Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. Credits are not yet final.
Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc., one of the leading global entertainment content companies, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics across virtually all media.

Joe Larkins: astute observer

Joe Larkins, former newsman at WREG-TV Channel 3, has a very fine blog in which he usually discourses on things journalistic, but also has some nice observations about the world in general. In his latest entry, he has some kind and perceptive words about "Divine Manipulation of the Threads."

He says, for example: "Don't pass up the opportunity to see this."

Like we've been telling you!

DMofT plays four times a day through Thursday at Malco's Studio on the Square.

(And Joe once saved my daughter's life. I'll never let him forget it.)

A great week for indies

Lots of good indie work is showing this week -- a nice follow-up to last month's terrific achievements in Memphis film, from Oscar recognition to the International Film Festival to premieres of local productions to the Li'l Film Festival.

Keep it revved up this week by attending any or all of the following:

TONIGHT: "Just the Two of Us" at Malco Studio on the Square. Keenon Nikita's labor of love about the importance of finding yourself through your family.

TONIGHT through THURSDAY: "Divine Manipulation of the Threads" at Malco Studio on the Square. Anthony Howald directed and Bevan Bell wrote and stars in this hilarious heist caper, complete with Debbie Allen-worthy choreography.

WEDNESDAY: 1st Wednesday at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art offers a great mix of art and entertainment. There are gallery tours at 6:30 and 7 of the exhibition "Maxfield Parrish: Master of Make-Believe" at 6:30 & 7 p.m. ... And throughout the evening you'll hear live music by singer/songwriter Candice Ivory. ... And film lovers can see "Act One," which recently ended a two week run at Malco Studio, so if you fiddled around and missed it, here's your chance again. The film, you remember won the Hometown Award at the 2005 Indie Memphis Film Fest, and there will be an introduction by director Brad Ellis. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. ... And you can dine at the Brushmark from 6 - 8:30 p.m. (Reservations: Ed Tatum, 544.6225).

THURSDAY: The premiere screening of "What Goes Around…" at 9 p.m. at the Malco Studio on the Square. It's a romantic comedy that centers on Talal, a young man with commitment problems. After growing tired of his girlfriend’s worrisome ways, he gets the itch to see what else is out there. But after spending time with an attractive classmate (Angela), he soon realizes that everything that glitters isn’t gold. The movie was filmed entirely in Memphis and was directed by local filmmaker Rod Pitts (www.pittstopproductions.com) and written by Nazeeh Majeed. A large cast of local talent appears in this feature-length film.

Lisa Lax acting workshop Sunday, April 2

We're back today in the Fulton Auditorium! Southwest Tennessee Community College-Sycamore View. 4-6pm.

Plan it: MeDiA Co-op April events

Info from the Co-op:

* Tuesday April 4th 7:30pm Filmmaking Workshop Donations requested.

We will open the night with an open-house Membership sign-up drive, and discussion of what's going on in the exciting explosiveness that is the local film community, and then, a special guest, David Pickett from ProMedia will be on hand to demonstrate the new Panasonic AG-HVX200 HD camcorder. He'll show off the highlights including the ability to shoot 24P in DV, DVCPRO, DVCPRO 50 and DVCPRO HD all on tapeless P2 memory cards.

* Thursday April 13th 7:00pm The Tranny Roadshow $5-$15 sliding scale ALL AGES.

The Tranny Roadshow will be returning to the MeDiA Co-op again this year. For all those who failed to see the once in a lifetime performance, you have another chance. And for all those who came last year, well, this year is totally different. the Tranny Roadshow is a group of transgendered artists, musicians, storytellers, poets, and more that are touring the country.

* Saturday April 15th 7:30pm 48hr Meisner Challenge Donations encouraged

Amber O'Daniels' ultra-talented Meisner class will be taking on the slightly over 48 Hours Challenge. The students will have about 48 hours to write, plan and then perform their creations. These amazing performances will come from the participants of the 8-week Meisner for the Creative workshop. All proceeds will benefit the MeDiA Co-op.


OTHER EVENTS AROUND THE CITY TO SUPPORT:

1. Rusted Sun Films' new project "Divine Manipulation of the Threads" got a hold-over at Studio on the Square. It will continue its run until Thursday, April 6th.
2. If you missed last month's premiere screening of Keenon Nikita's new film "Just the Two of Us," mark you calendars for Monday April 3, 7 p.m. at the Malco Studio on the Square. Be there!
3. The premiere screening of "What Goes Around…", directed by Rod Pitts, will be Thursday, April 6 at 9 p.m. at the Malco Studio on the Square. Tickets will be $5.

PLEASE VISIT FREQUENTLY THE FOLLOWING AMAZING SIGHTS TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH NEWS, AND EVENTS AROUND THE CITY concerning FILM WHATNOT:

Live From Memphis' Memphis Film Families
Jon W. Sparks' Memphis.Cool.Movies (thank you)


***The MeDiA Co-op, now in it's 4th year of existing in Memphis, would like to graciously thank First Congregational Church for their amazing, continued support for the community...Without their love, the MeDiA Co-op, 4 years later, would most likely still be, merely an idea. THANKS!!!!!!