"Across the River" at Indie Memphis

John Harvey's "Across the River" has been accepted to the Indie Memphis Film Festival and is on the schedule to show at 8:45 pm Monday, October 16th. The plot revolves around a young man who has just died and bargains with the Grim Reaper to allow him to stick around to tie up some loose ends. Rock 103's Dennis and Ric -- Dennis Phillippi and Ric Chetter -- are the Grim Reaper and the Soul Eater.

Meet the Angry Filmmaker at Indie Memphis

On Sunday, Oct. 15, there's a 1 p.m. workshop with The Angry Filmmaker at Indie Memphis. Find out about this director/screenwriter/producer at his MySpace site and at his Web site AngryFilmmaker.com.

Shelby County taxpayers asked to help film company

The proposed Village Roadshow Pictures regional facility in Memphis wants public money. Here's an excerpt of the story by reporter David Williams in today's CA:

Rey Flemings, leading the movie company recruitment as a Memphis Music Foundation board member, wouldn't discuss the amount but said Friday it was small "in the world of corporate incentives."

The funds would supplement recent state film-incentive legislation that provides a rebate of 15 percent of in-state company production spending, if certain qualifications on the company and its spending are met.

The foundation is working with the city, county and other entities on the project, although there's not yet an agreement that could be presented to the City Council and County Commission as part of a funding request.

The proposed deal calls for Village Roadshow -- an Australian-based company behind "The Matrix" and other hits -- to spend $250 million on productions here over five years.

"We continue to build a case that film and music are real industries that are having and will continue to have great impact on the economic well-being of this community," said Flemings, who recently resigned his paid position as foundation president to work for hometown pop star Justin Timberlake's organization.

Timberlake plans to relaunch Stax Records in a partnership with California-based Concord Music Group, whose owners -- Norman Lear and Hal Gaba -- own part of Village Roadshow.

"These deals mean a lot in terms of job creation and tax benefits for local and state government," Flemings said, "and that's in addition to the real obvious soft benefits in marketing and civic pride."

Village Roadshow Pictures has made:
The Matrix
The Matrix Reloaded
The Matrix Revolutions
Ocean's Eleven
Ocean's Twelve
Miss Congeniality
Cats & Dogs
Two Weeks Notice
Mystic River
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Eight Legged Freaks
Zoolander

"What Goes Around" at Indie Memphis

"What Goes Around..." has been accepted into the Indie Memphis Film Festival. It's a comedy-drama that follows Talal (Patrick Henry), a young man with cold feet, who after growing increasingly frustrated with the worrisome ways of his girlfriend Marie (Chris Brown), decides to see what else is out there. He thinks he's struck gold when he draws the attention of Angela (Lisa Miller) an attractive classmate who seems to have everything he’s looking for in a relationship: beautiful, smart, funny and sexy. But little does he realize; everything that glitters isn't gold.

The film is by Rod Pitts of Pittstop Productions.

"Memphis Muck" at Indie Memphis

"Life is too important to take too seriously."

What's it like to make music in Memphis? The 30-minute documentary "Memphis Muck" will be shown Oct. 16 at 8:30 pm at the Muvico in Peabody Place. Most of the doc was taped during a March 31 concert by Muck Sticky and includes music performed on the stage of the New Daisy as well as interviews with the Thoreau-quoting, feel-good, herbal-centric, R-rated musician/entertainer/actor as well as his other guests that night: El Dorado and the Ruckus, Taco & da Mofos and Mr. Safety discussing Memphis music, the creative urge and how it all comes together.

Kudos to Last Train From Memphis Entertainment

Last Train to Memphis Entertainment is proud to announce that two of their films have been selected to be shown at the Script-2-Screen Independent Film Festival and Movie Biz Conference, October 5th-8th. Ken Axmaker, Jr's film, Man-tute, has been selected to represent Memphis independent filmmaking. It will be shown opening night, Thursday, October 5th, with an introduction by the director. Man-tute will also be shown at it's regularly scheduled time, Saturday October 7th at 8:40 p.m. Axmaker's feature film, Service With a Smile, will also be showing Friday, October 6th at 7 p.m. Service is the film John Beifuss of the Commercial Appeal has called, " the Charles Bukowski meets Shemp Howard dipsomaniacal comedy..."

Axmaker says: "This is a great honor to have one of my films chosen to represent Memphis filmmaking. I think that this will help bring more attention and support to the Memphis independent film scene."

For more info on the films:

www.LastTraintoMemphis.com

to watch:

www.MySpace.com/lasttraintomemphis

For more info on the festival and movie biz conference:

http://www.script2screenfilmfestival.com/

Last Train to Memphis lineup

Last Train to Memphis Entertainment is proud to announce the October line up for the monthly shorts festival airing on WYPL-18. This is our fifth episode, and we have an excellent line up.

The Players:

Blown - Directed by Michael Cruickshank
Will O'Loughlen
Kaleo Quenzer
Rick Venable

Prom Queen - Directed by Ben Siler

Block - (a BR2 film) Directed by Melissa Crouch

Music for ending credits: Cat Head Biscuits and Gravy a duet by Nancy Apple and Rob McNurlin from the River Road or Rail album.

Be sure to watch the bonus film at the end of the credits-

South Dakota Trilogy in Three Minutes - Directed by Will O'Loughlen

The Times:

Sunday night/Monday morning 12 am
Thursday morning 2:00 am
Thursday night 10:30 pm
Saturday morning 1:30 am
Saturday night 11:00 pm

Congratulations to all the filmmakers. If you would like to submit a film or song to the festival, go to www.LastTraintoMemphis.com and click on the festival link.

or, http://www.MySpace.com/lasttraintomemphis

Please email us at: LTTM1@aol.com with any questions or comments.

FABA Film Festival

Did Indie Memphis reject your film, because they just had too many entries? Well have no fear, FABA! is here. On October 11th and the 12th we will be holding the first ever FABA! Film Fest at MO's (Memphis originals).

ENTRY IS FREE!!!!!

FABA! wants you to show us what you've got!

Shorts, Features, Documentaries... Bring it on!!!

Prizes include cash and DISTRIBUTION!!! Through Knight entertainment.

For entries, call 901 859 4979

Send all entries via US mail to :

For Artists By Artists
2121 Poplar ave # 74
Memphis TN 38104

All entries must be postmarked by October 7th

Li'l Film Fest 3 -- Watch out!

Now you can watch the little movies that made up last Saturday's "Li'l Film Fest 3: Kung Who?...No, Kung Fu!" Go to the LiveFromMemphis.com site here and sit back for unlimited minutes of chop socky hilarity.

Congratulations to John Pickle whose "Electric Ninja Acid Test" won the audience fave award. And thanks to everyone -- all 92 of you -- who participated in my production and to all who came to the screening and supported local indie filmmakers. I hereby christen all of you Associate Producers.

Indie Memphis lineup

Here are dates, times and titles for the Indie Memphis Film Festival. More details are to come, but now you can start filling in your calendar. Screenings are in two theaters at Muvico in Peabody Place, so there are two listings for each day.

More more details, see John Beifuss' blog about the upcoming festival.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 8:00
Come Early Morning, directed by Joey Lauren Adams (attending). Starring Ashley Judd with Nancy Ellen Mills and Ann Marie Hall.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
1:00 This is Keith Rolyat
Stomp! Shout! Scream!
3:00 Youth Showcase
5:15 Films by Phil Chambliss
Shadow of the Hatchet Man
The Mr. Visit Show
The Devil’s Helper
7:00 Awards Ceremony

===

11:00 Workshop: SAG Indie
12:45 Last Thoughts
2:30 Documentary Shorts Program
A Cheaper Way to Go
The Cole Nobody Knows
Driving for Freedom
Bowl Digger
Confederate Pennsylvania
Crunch!
Soul of the Delta
4:45 The Proper Care and Feeding of an American Messiah
7:45 Shorts Program #1
Kubuku Rides (This Is It)
Electric Ninja Acid Test
Hyperthrust Overdrive
Peace
Love is Deaf
The Color of Motion
Attache
Testify
8:00 The Phantom of the Opera, (1925; Silent; B&W and hand colorized) with live accompaniment by The Alloy Orchestra

9:00 Live From Memphis Music Video Showcase

9:45 Rex Fears Dogs
The Other Side



SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15
12:45 Art From the Street
2:30 Dear Mr. President
August in the Empire State
5:00 American Cannibal: The Road to Reality
7:00 The Bottle Tree
Old Joy
8:45 Eat

===

1:00 Workshop: The Angry Filmmaker
2:45 Shorts Program #2
Ad Man
Anti-Arktikos
The Rabbit League Must Prevail
The Shovel
Imagine
Drinking Man
At Rope’s End
Katrina’s Wake
4:45 Jumping Off Bridges
6:45 Shorts Program #3
Made in Taiwan
Fence Dogs
Leave Me a Message
Mateo’s Tattoo
Give Me Ducky
A Riot in the Dark
Night Comes Down
Plenty 4 Days
The Bread Squeezer
8:30 When I Find the Ocean

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16
6:30 Cocaine Cowboys
8:45 Across the River
The Bridge

===

6:45 Fraternity Massacre at Hell Island
8:30 Delusions
Memphis Muck

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17
6:15 Just the Two of Us
8:45 What Goes Around

===

6:30 Dia de los Muertos
The Garage
8:30 Grim Sweeper


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
6:15 Severance
8:30 Found
A Reel Man

===

6:30 Bodies and Souls
Of Good Courage
8:15 Send in the Clown

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19
6:45 The Importance of Being Russell
9:00 Mike McCarthy presents…

===

6:30 Playing With Rage
8:45 Nobody

"Grim Sweeper" in Indie Memphis

The world premiere of "Grim Sweeper" will take place Tuesday October 17th at Muvico in Peabody Place in Downtown Memphis as an official selection of the Indie Memphis Film Festival. For more info, go to Corduroy Wednesday.

"Katrina's Wake" at Indie Memphis

"Katrina's Wake" is screening in the Indie Memphis Film Festival Sunday Oct. 15 at 2:45 as part of a shorts program. Memphian LaVita Brooks is in this 30-minute fictional story of family who seeks refuge in their attic from the rising flood waters of Hurricane Katrina. "No food. No water. No escape. And, unfortunately, no one knows they’re there."

For more info, go to Kat Scratch Films.

"Eat" at Indie Memphis

"EAT" will premiere Sunday October 15th at 8:45 PM at the Muvico Peabody Place, presented as part of the Indie Memphis Film Festival (and you should check out more movies than just this one). Mark your calendars.

Indie Memphis rocks with an in-de-Muck doc

The notifications are going out now and we'll soon know which projects will be screened at the Indie Memphis Film Festival. I'll post 'em here when the full lineup is released, but if you're a filmmaker and you've been notified that you're in, let me know and I'll post the news with a link.


And in the shameless but robust spirit of being self- serving, I'll start with me: My 30-minute documen- tary "Memphis Muck" will be shown Oct. 16 at 8:30 pm at the Muvico in Peabody Place. Most of the doc was taped during a March 31 concert by Muck Sticky and has music and interviews with the philosophical, feel-good, R-rated musician/entertainer/actor as well as his other guests that night: El Dorado and the Ruckus, Taco & da Mofos and Mr. Safety.



From the Indie Memphis Web site:

Now in its ninth year, the Indie Memphis Soul of Southern Film Festival is a week-long event featuring films of a Southern persuasion. This is the nation’s only independent film festival focused on films relating to the American South. Works screened include films made in the South or by Southern filmmakers as well as films that deal with the Southern experience and themes that are particularly relevant to the South and Southerners.

The festival features screenings of more than 70 films, a juried competition with cash awards in several categories and a variety of panel discussions and lectures conducted by respected filmmakers, academics, authors and others from the industry.

All movies and events will take place at Muvico Peabody Place 22 Theaters, 150 Peabody Place in Downtown Memphis, unless noted otherwise.

Individual Tickets: $6; The Six-Pack: (six program passes) $25; Festival Pass: (unlimited entry plus Indie Memphis T-shirt or baseball cap) $60

Film @ the Brooks

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 | 7 pm
Film: Sketches of Frank Gehry
Brooks and AIA members: $5 per person
Non-members: $7 per person
Dorothy K. Hohenber Auditorium
For more information call 544.6208

The film will be introduced by Jim Lutz, associate professor of architecture at University of Memphis.

Director Sidney Pollack’s first feature length documentary about the acclaimed architect Frank Gehry. The two men have been friends for many years, which is reflected by the intimate dialogue between them. Spending countless hours in his studio, on job sites, and in his home, Pollack captures the essence of Gehry’s unique architectural process.

Co-sponsored by the Memphis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Memphis) and Memphis Heritage, Inc. This film is a sanctioned event of Architecture Month and an opportunity to make connections between art and architecture.




NEXT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 | 7pm
Film: Room
Part of the Undiscovered Gems Film Series
Brooks members: $5 per person
Non-members: $7 per person
Dorothy K. Hohenber Auditorium
For more information call 544.6208

"One of the more intriguingly unusual, thought-provokingly original and intellectually stimulating American independent movies of the year." -Camera Oscura

Room is a psychological drama about an over-worked woman from Texas who is haunted by psychic visions, driving her to extreme acts, which land her on the streets of New York City during the Christmas season. Cyndi Williams was nominated for a Best Female Lead Independent Spirit Award for her riveting performance.

Beifuss on Li'l Film Fest

From today's Playbook:

Everybody was kung-fu filmmaking...

...as you will see if you attend this year's third "Li'l Film Fest," to be held at 2 p.m. at the MeDia Co-op theater at First Congregational Church, 1000 S. Cooper. Presented by the local arts supporters responsible for the Live from Memphis website, the event is titled "Li'l Film Fest 3: Kung Who? ...No, Kung Fu," and it will showcase 10 short comic films with martial arts themes, including the self-explanatory "Kung Fu Baby"; "Electric Ninja Acid Test" by the dependably juvenile John Pickle; and "Kung Fu Fighting: A Literary Improvisation by 92 Terrific Memphians and Visiting Luminaries," a jigsaw-edited reading of the lyrics of Carl Douglas' 1974 No. 1 dance hit.

Admission is free. Visit livefrommemphis.com or call 523-9763.

Thank you John.

Extras for tomorrow

From Lindsey Roberts for the [Title removed 10-2-06 at request of producers] production:

Does your mother/father, grandmother/grandfather want to be in a movie? Give them a call. And then contact Lindsey at 725-0776 or lindsey@playhouseonthesquare.org.

Needed: 2 elderly women and 2 elderly men (any ethnicity), one of the men will make $300 a day as a featured extra and will be needed in the morning. The others will make $100 a day, and from what I know, they will be needed in the afternoon.

I will have more details later with regards to location, etc. So, I will give all who are interested the details at a later time.

Li'l Film Fest 3 -- Attendance mandatory, and cheap, too

Li'l Film Fest 3 is Saturday!

The third in the ongoing series of five-minutes-max projects by Memphis filmmakers is this Saturday, 2 p.m. at the MeDiA Co-op (First Congo Church, 1000 S. Cooper). The event, sponsored by Live From Memphis, is free, although donations on your part would be thoughtful and gracious. Go here for more on Li'l Film Fest 3, but you may already know it's a showcase for local filmmakers to keep the creative juices flowing.

Above are images from my entry, "Kung Fu Fighting: A Literary Improvisation," featuring the famous, the semifamous, the infamous and some merely notorious -- a cast of 92, one of which is a genuine Hollywood star!

But wait, there's more! There will be films by:

John Pickle, of PickleTV
Razor Teeth, of Funny Farm Films
Nick Ross
Galen Gower
Donald Meyers, of Don Meyers Digital Design
Will O’Loughlen
Natsuko Kobayashi
Edward Valibus Phillips, of Corduroy Wednesday
plus a bonus entry by Sarah Fleming (Piranha Empire) and Christopher Reyes (NinjaCat Media)

Mayor's theme thong

A lesson for filmmakers and location scouts here.

Li'l Film Fest: Sept. 23

Live From Memphis™ Presents LI’L FILM FEST 3: Kung Who?…No, Kung Fu!
A theme-based, mini-festival – the third one ever.

Live From Memphis™ is announcing round 3 of its quarterly film fest “Li’l Film Fest” to take place on September 23, 2006 at 2pm. The festival will be held at the Memphis Digital Arts Co-operative (1000 S. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104).

The following is a list of accepted films and filmmakers:

"Electric Ninja Acid Test" John Pickle
"Ninja in a Box" Razor Teeth
"Kung Fu Fighting: A Literary Improvisation" Jon W. Sparks
"Kung Fu Baby" Nick Ross
"Ragtime Kung Chew" Galen Gower
"The Ancient One" Donald Meyers
"Kung Fu Fightin’: scenes from Blown 2" Will O’Loughlen
"Death Match Arena" Natsuko Kobayashi
"Johnny Cage, You Are a Fool" Edward Valibus Phillips
*Look for a bonus entry by Sarah Fleming and Christopher Reyes!!

The event is free and open to the public; Live From Memphis and the MeDiA Co-op will be accepting donations. Support Local Filmmakers! For More information about the LI’L FILM FEST please visit: http://www.livefrommemphis.com/filmfest or call 523-9763.

Lil Film Fest is a new kind of festival, highlighting local talent while showcasing interesting happenings around town. Heres how the festival works: Every 3 months LFM staff members announce a new theme to the filmmaking community. Filmmakers then put their own unique spin on producing a short film. The theme for the second Li'l Film Fest was barbecue, and in the first Fest, the films had to have footage of the implosion of Baptist Hospital.

The winner(s) of the audience favorite balloting get a $200 cash prize and a spot in the next Indie Memphis Film Festival. Additionally, the li'l films must not exceed 5 minutes in length.

Live From Memphis™ is a grassroots organization representing Memphis music, film and the arts. We support and promote local musicians, filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals who are the lifeblood of the Memphis creative scene. It is our goal to connect creatives, grow opportunities, and gain exposure for our creative culture.

Cooper Young Festival

Saturday is the Cooper Young Festival and here are a few things to note:

Bevan Bell will hanging around (keyword: Jeff Woods) and feel free to ask him where the hell the "Divine Manipulation" DVDs are. Watch his reaction for 10-15 seconds and then say, "Aw, just kidding."

And stop in at Casa Blanca where my daughter is waiting tables. Tip generously. (Paid adv.)

Also, this is a must see event:



And there's the LiveFromMemphis.com booth in the parking lot of First Congo. For more info, see next post.

Potpourri of film stuff

The Mississippi Film Office has a bunch of info here -- some of it very cool. Thanks to Johnny McPhail for passing it along:



FILMMAKER GRANTS AVAILABLE

The Mississippi Film and Video Alliance announces that it is again offering Emerging Mississippi Filmmaker Grants up to $2500 each to support the production of new work by Mississippi film and video artists.

The Mississippi Film and Video Alliance, a 501(C) (3), not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering indigenous Mississippi filmmaking began the Emerging Mississippi Filmmaker Program in 2002 with the generous support of the Mississippi Film Office. The purpose of the program is to help develop the next generation in Mississippi’s film/video artists and continue Mississippi’s legacy of great storytelling.

Since 2002, the Emerging Mississippi Filmmaker Program has provided $30,000 to fund 14 separate projects by Mississippi filmmakers. Funded films include experimental, narrative and documentary projects in both film and video. The 14 films completed under the Emerging Mississippi Filmmaker Program have been screened by the MFVA at public events, which include a reception honoring the filmmakers, and at numerous festivals in Mississippi and elsewhere across the United States.

Filmmakers receiving funding are required to match, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of the grant funds in either cash or in-kind contributions, such as equipment or production services. They must also complete their projects within one year of the grant and provide a copy to MFVA for their archives. MFVA encourages the filmmakers to fill cast and crew positions with Mississippi residents and to produce their project in Mississippi.

Individuals interested in applying may download pdf versions of Application Forms and Grant Instructions from the MFVA web site at: http://msfilmvideoalliance.com or send a stamped self addressed envelope to Mississippi Film and Video Alliance, P.O. Box 17093, Hattiesburg, MS 39404. The applications must be received by November 1, 2006 with the awards to be announced not later than January 1, 2007
For more information contact:


dixon.mcdowell@mac.com

**********************************


Millsaps College Southern Circuit Film Series begins on Monday, September 18!
http://www.millsaps.edu/classics/scfs.shtml

Millsaps College hosts the only Mississippi site for the Southern Circuit Film Series.
Join us as six innovative independent filmmakers screen and discuss their films this season.
All films show on Mondays at 7:30 pm in
Gertrude C. Ford Academic Complex, room 215 on the Millsaps College campus
with a Q & A session to follow.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Sept. 18 -- Learning to Swallow
Filmmaker Danielle Beverly (in person)
Everyone knows an "It Girl" -- the one who starts the party, doesn't want it to stop, wants it all. This riveting documentary follows Patsy, a charismatic artist with bipolar disorder, as she struggles to rebuild her life after a suicide attempt destroys her digestive system. The film documents her rocky quest for redemption as she tries to come to terms with her family, her condition, herself -- only to rediscover her creative voice along the way.
Film Web Site


**********************************


DEADLINE EXTENDED!

CALL TO ARTISTS!!!! 2007 RUMA AWARD ARTWORK for Crossroads Film Festival

The Crossroads Film Festival is going into its 8th year and celebrates filmmaking in all its forms and diversity.

Crossroads Film Festival is seeking submissions from Mississippi artists for the 2007 Ruma Award artwork. The Ruma Award is given to the most promising Mississippi filmmaker each year, in memory of past vice-president, Ruma Haque.

The artwork will be used in the production of tshirts, posters, and other print materials. The winning Mississippi filmmaker will receive the original artwork.

Artists interested in submitting work should send a simple color sketch on 8x11 paper with a brief description of medium to be used and other elements that might not be easily recognized in a sketch. Please use the following idea as a guideline/theme :

Think retro-educational film (**about Crossroads**) meets classic movie poster.

The chosen artist's work will gain wide exposure throughout the south and through the Crossroads website, and the artist will receive $500. To find out more about Crossroads Film Festival, please visit www.crossroadsfilmfest.com

Please send all submissions to: Crossroads Film Festival P.O. Box 22604 Jackson, MS 39225

The deadline for submissions is September 20, 2006.

If you need additional information, please contact Jason Marlow at jason@atlihs.com.



**********************************

Save the date for the first REEL SOUTH FILM FESTIVAL in Hattiesburg, MS!

September 28, 29, and 30th!

Visit the website for details: http://www.reelsouthfilmfest.com/index.html



******************************

Also, save the date for the official screening of the Mississippi Film and Video Alliance Emerging Filmmakers 2006 grant films.

The screening will take place in Jackson at New Stage Theatre the evening of Saturday, September 30, 2006.

Details to follow.

If you have immediate questions, please email Eric Glatzer: EGlatzerL@aol.com


******************************

The new Malco Grandview Theatre in Madison will be showing the best of independent and arthouse films this fall. Every Friday, they will open a new film for at least a week-long run. Here's the upcoming schedule:
Sept. 15 STRANGERS WITH CANDY
Sept. 22 WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR?
Sept. 29 QUINCEANA
Oct. 6 WORDPLAY
Oct. 13 THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP

For additional information, please email comment@malco.com


**********************************

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL FILM CHALLENGE?

It's your chance to stop talking and start filming! The premise? Filmmaking
teams have just one weekend to make a short film. All creativity - writing,
shooting, editing and adding a musical soundtrack - must occur beginning
Friday evening at 7 p.m. on October 20, 2006 and ending Monday October 23,
2006. On Friday, to make things interesting, each team is emailed a genre
for its film, and a character, prop and line of dialogue that must appear in
each team's movie. Then the film must be sent to National Film Challenge
Headquarters with a postmark no later than Monday, October 23. In the
following weeks the top films (determined by a panel of judges) will be
available for viewing (and voting!) on our website (www.filmchallenge.org).
There will be two big winners this year - The Judges Winner and The Audience
Award Winner (determined by the online voting.) Both films will screen with
the 48 Hour Film Project City Winners at this year's 48 Hour Film Project
end of year event (TBD.) In addition there will be cash prizes for the
winning films!

HOW DO I SIGN UP MY TEAM?

Starting SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 you will be able to register your team at
www.filmchallenge.org. This is going to be the largest Film Challenge ever -
250 teams will be selected to compete this year! Registration is on a first
come first served basis. The Early Bird Entry Fee is $110 if you register on
or before September 20, 2006 and $125 if you register between September 21,
2006 and October 29, 2006. Teams can be anywhere from 1 person to 30 or more
people. Read all of the rules of the contest here:
www.filmchallenge.org/rules.htm

The first 50 teams to register will receive a free Best of the 2005 National
Film Challenge DVD!

Do you have any questions about the National Film Challenge? Please check
our FAQ and then use our Bulletin Board to post questions you need answered:
www.filmchallenge.org/faq.htm

The National Film Challenge is produced by KDHX, Community Media for Saint
Louis, MO. www.kdhxtv.org and www.kdhx.org


Jackson, Miss.-based company, Commarts, is looking for someone with Final Cut Pro editing and AfterEffects graphics experience to fill a full-time position. All-around experience in videography is also a plus.

Over the course of 29 years, the Commarts team of designers, writers, producers, researchers, and technical specialists has designed and produced projects for every communications format.

For more information, please contact Jeanne Luckett: 601.982.9820; jluck@commarts.net

Excerpts from "Rent"

Without You: A Tribute to Jonathan Larson and the music of RENT

Presented by Dewayne Hambrick’s Graffitti Playground

Jonathan Larson’s dream was to change the face of American Musical Theatre, to bring the MTV crowd and Broadway together. He worked very hard for 15 years to became an “overnight success.” He truly lived the starving artist life that he wrote about. He worked at a diner on weekends to pay the bills, then dedicated eight hours a day five days a week to work on his music that we know today as RENT. Jonathan wanted to immortalize his friends in his work, friends affected by the times, the late eighties, when the AIDS epidemic, homelessness and poverty raged out of control. Jonathan was able to address these social issues in a way that made others want to listen. His work embraced the universal themes of love, courage, commitment, acceptance, tolerance, community, aids awareness, and overcoming adversity in a musical style which incorporated ballads, rock and roll, gospel and R&B. This musical touched a nerve in all who saw and heard it. While Jonathan never lived to see the show open (he died alone in his apartment after the shows off Broadway dress rehearsal of undetected Marfan’s Syndrome), RENT went on to win the Tony for best musical, the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical and Jonathan later received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. RENT has played all around the world and continues to be relevant and touch others in a deep and meaningful way, reminding us NO DAY BUT TODAY.

Jonathan , each year had a peasants feast with friends and artists to celebrate all that had been accomplished that year in their lives.

In Mr. Larson’s honor, Dewayne Hambrick proudly presents this musical review with some of Memphis’ most talented young artists performing 20 of RENT’s popular and well-loved selections in an unforgettable musical interactive theater experience. Set in a Bohemian coffee shop venue, much like the Life Café in the East Village of New York where Mr. Larson composed much of RENT, this gives the Memphis theater lover a new and unique theater experience. In addition, local chefs and culinary artists will serve their own version of the Peasants Feast at each performance. All proceeds benefiting the Graffitti Playground Performing Arts Center. (For more information see Graffittiplayground.com).

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson. Directed by Dewayne Hambrick. Musical Direction by Vernon Harris

SHOWTIMES: 7PM Sept.22 (PREVIEW- sold out), 23, 30(SOLD OUT) Oct. 7, 14

TICKETS: $50 (includes the Peasants Feast) , Students $35 (with id)

$5 off tickets purchased before Sept. 20. THE COFFEE HOUSE (gmc) 1015 S. Cooper, corner of Cooper and Walker in Cooper/Young District. TICKET OFFICE: 289-0160.

Brett Hanover's 'The Bridge' gets notice

Entry removed at request of filmmaker.

An online casting call

The director of the Blair Witch Project is doing this to find talent.

50s-era kitchen needed for location

I am looking for locations for a small Memphis based film project --
there would be a location fee paid to the homeowner and production
insurance.

I am looking for an older home with a kitchen area that has not been
renovated any time recently -- it should look 50ish with old cabinets
counters etc and old appliances. It should have a little size to it
and if there is a "breakfast area" that would be great, it should also
have a doorway that could represent a "basement door" (it could be a
closet or hallway door - but if it is a basement even better).

David Merrill
(901) 496-0313
film.ronin@gmail.com

Memphis Theatre Project

Memphis Theatre Project is proud to announce that Threshold Theater's premier production will be Jason Robert Brown's musical, "SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD," which will be performed upstairs at the AMRO Music Auditorium at 2918 Poplar Avenue on September 22-23 and 29-30 at 8 p.m., and September 24 and October 1 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and can be purchased at the door on the day of the show.

Starring in the production are Alvaro Barned, Corey Chism, Annie Freres and Claire Hayner.
"SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD" is about new discoveries and new journeys, or, as described by Brown, as being "about one moment—It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back." Brown transports his audience from the North Pole for a Brechtian ode where the "latest in a long line of Mrs. Clauses" determines that Santa is more naughty than nice, to a prison cell where a captured prince laments his former status as a leader of millions. These are the stories and characters of today, the songs for a new world.
With a four-person powerhouse cast and a driving score that runs the gamut of today's popular music, "SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD" is a great way to bring a new generation of fans into the theater.

Brown is the Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist of "PARADE," which premiered at Lincoln Center Theatre in 1998 and won the Drama Desk and New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Best New Musical. He has been hailed as "one of Broadway's smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Stephen Sondheim" (Philadelphia Inquirer) and his "extraordinary, jubilant theater music" (Chicago Tribune) has been heard all over the world in one of the hundreds of productions of his musicals every year or in his own incendiary live performances.

He has worked as a composer, a lyricist, an orchestrator, an arranger, a pianist, and a music director. The New York musicals for which he wrote songs include "SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD" (1995), "THE LAST FIVE YEARS" (2002) and "URBAN COWBOY" (2003).
In 2002, he won Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Lyrics and Music for "THE LAST FIVE YEARS." In 1996, he was the recipient of the Gilman and Gonzalez-Falla Foundation Award for Musical Theater. He also received the 2002 Kleban Award for Distinguished Lyrics.
He has conducted and created arrangements for Liza Minnelli, Tovah Feldshuh and Laurie Beechman. In June 2005, Brown released a solo album, "Wearing Someone Else's Clothes." Brown is currently working on several projects, including "THE MONEYMAN," a dance-musical based on the life of financier Michael Milken; a musical tentatively titled "13," about a boy's bar mitzvah; and a musical version of the hit film, "Honeymoon in Vegas." He currently performs live shows around the United States to promote his new album and served as guest artist and conducted a master class at the University of Memphis in February 2006 in conjunction with the U of M Theatre Department's production of "PARADE."

The Memphis Theatre Project produces theatrical shows in the Memphis, MidSouth area using collaboration among multiple groups interested in the arts. MTP’s current productions include the Threshold Theater and the Running Gag Improvisational Group.

Memphis Theatre Project produces theatrical shows in the Memphis/Mid-South area using collaboration among multiple groups interested in the arts. MTP's current productions include Threshold Theatre and Memphis Running Gag Improv Troupe. Threshold Theatre is a new theatrical production company and is a Memphis Theatre Project.

Actors, workers needed for this Saturday

Males needed for "Roofing Scene" in "NIGHTMARE ON FENG SHUI STREET"....Must be safety conscious. Experienced roofers and carpenters preferred, but not required. Participants will be used in two or three scenes. Modest pay for actual roofing work; meals and credit only for one or two "congregational church scenes", along with any additional scenes required. Shoot is scheduled for all day Saturday, September 16th. Minimum day is two hours and maximum day is 10 hours for pay purposes. This will be filmed in modular shifts of two hour timed increments to allow maximum participation from qualified individuals. Send resume, photos,and contact information for consideration to memphisproducer@yahoo.com

Theater audition

"Disney's High School Musical"

Disney Channel's smash hit movie musical comes to life on the Harrell Theatre stage for the first time in this area. Performances run December 1-17, 2006

KID/TEEN AUDITIONS: (All roles open) ages 10-20

Auditions will be held for kids on Saturday, September 23rd at 2 PM and Sunday, September 24 at 2 PM. All kids will be asked to sing 16 measures of a song from the show. We will also teach a dance at the time of auditions. (*please let us know if you are only auditioning for dance at the time of auditions). Also, you may be asked to do any special tricks (ex. front flips, back flips, roundoffs, etc). We will have a copy of the Karaoke CD or you can bring your own. No accompanist provided.

ADULT AUDITIONS: (All roles open)

Adults auditions will be on Sunday at 6 PM. (there are some singing roles for adults and some non-singing roles. *please let us know when you arrive which one you are auditioning for)

Please feel free to call or e-mail the director with any questions that you might have. This is a large cast so we encourage those with or without experience to audition.

Amy Hanford
ahanford@harrelltheatre.org
Harrell Theatre, 440 W. Powell Rd., Collierville, TN 853-3228

You may already be a star

LI'L FILM FEST 3: KUNG WHO?... NO, KUNG FU!

If you were among the 92 select people who I asked to be in my movie, now you know when and where to go to see yourself on the big screen.

Bringing you quality short films since early 2006, the Li'l Film Festival is having its third edition screening Saturday, September 23rd at 2 pm at the MeDiA Co-op (1000 S. Cooper St.).

There will be about a dozen five-minute-or-less films done by local filmmakers and as in previous festivals, they will be diverse, challenging and entertaining. As always, it is free and open to the public. Live From Memphis, the creator of the event, and the MeDiA Co-op will be accepting donations.

Thanks to all 92 of you who participated in my project -- including that major Hollywood star who agreed to be part of it. But you have to come to the screening to find out who it is. What else is there? Great music, guaranteed. Great acting, guaranteed. Cheesy dubbing, guaranteed.

See you there...

Indie film in Alabama

Honeydripper: Preparation gets underway for pre-production on the
independent film.

18 speaking parts we'll be cast in Alabama and a lot of extras will
be needed.

Location casting directors Kathleen Broyles and Galia Hardy will be
looking primarily for African-Americans to act and to serve as
extras in the film. "The film is set in a black-owned 'juke joint' in the early 1950s,
so this is a particularly wonderful opportunity for African-
Americans. However, everyone is stressed to apply."

Some 500 extras will be needed for the film, more adults than
children, and more men than women, as this film includes soldiers
preparing to serve in Korea."

There is also a role in the film for a 14-year-old male drummer.

Anyone who is interested in appearing in the film in either a
speaking role or as an extra, should submit a snapshot they do not
need returned, along with name, age, address and telephone number/e-
mail to the following address:

Honeydripper Films, Inc.
100 West Commerce St.
Greenville, AL 36037

Those interested should send or bring their information in as soon
as possible.

Beginning September 16, CD's will begin getting in touch with those
planning to read for parts.

And if you want to make your car a star, the producer said there is
still a need for vehicles from the '40s, particularly farm trucks
and cars, for use in the film.

October 16 is the projected date to start filming the movie, with
camera work on "Honeydripper" slated for completion before
Thanksgiving.

The film will shoot on location in Georgiana, Forest Home and
Greenville.

"Honeydripper" will star veteran actor Danny Glover in its lead
role. Other featured performers include award-winning blues
guitarist Keb'Mo and singer-actress Ruth Brown.

Beifuss on Last Train to Memphis programming

From John Beifuss at the CA:

The Library Channel (WYPL-TV Channel 18) will continue to air locally produced independent films this month on the "Last Train to Memphis" program. It's coordinated by (who else?) the local production company Last Train to Memphis (creators of the Charles Bukowski-meets-Shemp Howard dipsomaniacal comedy "Service with a Smile").

The program's September lineup includes two especially noteworthy screenings: "Project 366," an experimental "photojournal" of Memphis coordinated by Willy Bearden and David Tankersly; and "Morning Ritual," a brilliant black-and-white horror short directed by J. Lazarus Hawk and produced by Craig Brewer. The film won the Best Narrative Short award at the 2001 Indie Memphis Film Festival.

Also included will be two shorts by Danny Stanford and Corey Smithmier ("Battle of the Gods" and the promisingly titled "Beat Down in Clowntown"), as well as some music videos.

The "Last Train" program airs five times weekly: Midnight Sunday; 2 a.m. Thursday, 10:30 p.m. Thursday, 1:30 a.m. Saturday and 11 p.m. Saturday.

To submit films for airing on the Library Channel, visit lasttraintomemphis.com.

Micro Cinema Club on Wednesday

Indie Memphis, a project of Delta Axis, presents Micro Cinema Club #22 on Wednesday, September 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Power House. Free screening, free parking

This month Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club presents Cold Hearts, seventeen films by Icelandic filmmakers.

Cold Hearts, is now screening at venues around the US and Europe through 2006, organized by Package Deals in Brooklyn, NY. Featuring macabre stop animation, the secret life of moss, mouse suits, exploding dictaphones, women who live on clouds, Outkast ballads, and some very creative uses for whipped cream, Cold Hearts represents the whimsical Icelandic imagination. 17 artist films and music videos cover expansive aesthetic ground. Working in locales as diverse as art school in Los Angeles to the craggy vistas of Skagafjördur in northern Iceland, these young artists explore their native and adopted worlds in inventive ways. Intrinsically dark and aloof, yet also refreshingly honest, Cold Hearts is a glimpse into the curious cultural landscape of Iceland now. From the fantastical, sometimes disturbing artist films of Unnar Andrea Einarsdottir to the otherworldly output created by bands such as Mum and Apparat Organ Quartet, the Icelandic aesthetic is as strange and beautiful as it is overlooked.

Power House, 45 E. GE Patterson, Memphis, TN 38103

Casting notice

Indie film company seeks: four European men ages 35-45 (or close); one Caucasian middle-aged woman with Southern accent; one African-American woman age 25-35. Several other smaller parts for all types and shapes. Call Raindog Productions at (901) 292-9643

Audition tips

Thanks to Leslie K. Nelson for passing this along:

1. Don’t get cute with the slate.

This is not about you getting up and doing five at The Comedy Store. This is about you saying your name so we can match it to the coffee-stained callsheet. To put it another way, you know that obnoxious dude you auditioned with last week who made a horse’s ass of himself with some lame, Jokey McJoke in his slate? That guy you were embarrassed to be put on tape with? Don’t be that guy.

2. Don’t be a jerk to your fellow auditioners.

This includes showboating, scene-stealing, line-stepping-on and other forms of loud, selfish behavior. Remember, it is not just your acting talent that is being considered; it is your appeal in the fifteenth hour of a sixteen-hour day. Think you’re so slick? Think we can’t see it on tape?

Think again, chumley…

3. Don’t be needy.

I know—you need the job. We all need the job. Whatever. Don’t look or act like you do. If you need help with this, talk it over with your teacher or coach. Get a day job that pays enough you don’t need to rely on commercial income. But for the love of all that is holy, do NOT show us desperation. It has the loser taint we can smell a mile off, and no one wants a loser in the commercial they spent a year (yes, sometimes it takes A YEAR) getting to air.

4. Don’t improve on the copy unless you’re specifically asked to.

Remember: we are the jokesters, not you. Just because the copy is crappy by the time it’s reached your hands doesn’t mean it started out that way. Copywriters and art directors are usually pretty smart and funny people, even if we are sometimes dismissed as artsy-fartsy by suits and the client who consider themselves our mental superiors. (Does that chain of command sound familiar, actors?) So be on my side. Don’t mock the copy, even subtly. Yes, we know it (sometimes) blows. No, we don’t want to hear it from you.

And we’ll know. Oh, we’ll know.

5. Don’t look radically different from your headshot.

Not because we won't recognize you (you're on tape, right in front of me and my sandwich), but to avoid the endless scorn you will receive at our frustrated-screenwriter hands when we hold up a picture of you looking like Jessica Alba on a Maxim cover to the pudgy, middle-aged, Casual Mom-looking you on tape. Also, casting directors hate it. Frankly, this should be reason enough.

And finally…

6. Don’t sweat it.

Now that I’m on the other side of the camera, I routinely hear actors flipping out because their agent said business attire and they’ve shown up in casual business attire. Really—I SWEAR—it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are good and kick ass and have fun. We can buy you a lab coat/housecoat/fur coat; we can’t conjure up mad acting skills. If we could, we’d be actors.

Open Auditions/Casting Call Notice

... for "Trick or Treat?", a short film

Saturday, September 16, 2006 from 9 a. m.-3 p. m.
at The Complex, 704 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38109

Sunday, September 17, 2006 from 9 a. m.-3 p. m.
at The University of Memphis, Theater and Communication Building, Rooms 207 and 209
Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38152-3150

Synopsis: Gene’s life as a lower-class preteen with an aloof mother and a menacing slum outside their apartment, does not leave him with much hope for his future. He tried to find beauty in his world but starts to retreat into his books and imagination. Then, one day, he comes across a new neighbor, Mary, and his life will never be the same.

Produced by: Funny Farm Films, Rachael Moeller
(901) 378-3455
rachael_moeller@hotmail.com
www.beautifullyflawed.com

characters

principals:
-EUGENE “GENE” FIG=male, preteen (on the cusp of puberty), smart and curious, unique features a plus
-MARY=neighbor, female, late 20s-early 40s, angelic and welcoming, like Virginia Madsen in A Prairie Home
Companion
-DEANNA FIG=Gene’s mother, female, late teens-early 20s, harsh and angry at the world, like Brittany
Murphy in 8 Mile
supporting cast:
-STANLEY=Deanna’s “boyfriend”, male, late 30s-early 50s, unique features a plus
-OFFICER=open
-CAMILLE=bag lady, female, late 40s-early 60s
-THREE GANGSTERS=male, late teens-late 20s
-TWO PROSTITUES=female
-PIMP=male

highly encouraged to come with an one minute monologue, resume, and headshot, but not necessary
Sides and improvisation exercises will be part of the auditions.
Minors must be accompanied by adults.

This is deferred payment.

Call backs will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2006 from 6:00 p. m. – 9:00 p. m. at The University of Memphis, Theater and Communication Building, Rooms 207 and 209, Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38152-3150.

Rehearsals start Friday, September 22, 2006, and shooting takes place the last three weekends in October.

Acting class

Lisa Lax is having class September 5th from 7-9:30pm. Email her at laxcast@bellsouth.net if you're coming. She's pulling some stuff for an audition. 174 Leif Cv., Cordova, TN 38018

LTTM Monthly Festival -- with J Lazarus Hawk and others

From Last Train to Memphis

LTTM's September Line Up

We are proud to announce the line-up for our September Shorts Festival. Thanks to all entrants. Remember, just because your film was not selected for this month, it does not mean it won’t be shown in a future episode. This is a monthly festival.

--The Morning Ritual directed by award winning director J Lazarus Hawk. Hawk says: "This episode will also include an interview with me, and SV-2's PROJECT 366 documentary video, of which i was a contributer. In the interview I mention that I am currently casting for two shorts, and we have also included a few short clips from a short that I have in post production entitled, US."

--Project 366 a film by Willy Bearden and David Tankersly

--Music for ending credits - Arms Open Wide by Ferdos Laraya

Be sure to look for bonus films at the end of the credits! Includes:

--Battle of the Gods directed by Danny Stanford and Corey Smithmier

--Beat Down in Clowntown directed by Danny Stanford and Corey Smithmier

--Music video - Decleyre by B Siler, song - It's Not Me, You're Just Being Difficult by Cale Lefevre

Weekly are on the Public Library's Channel 18 WYPL beginning September 4th.

*Sunday Night/Monday Morning 12 Midnight

*Thursday Morning 2am

*Thursday night 10:30pm

*Saturday Morning 1:30am

*Saturday Night 11pm

For more information or to enter a film in the festival: www.LastTraintoMemphis.com

Casting notice

I'm passing on this note from Lindsey Roberts:


I have been lucky enough to
help out with the casting for the project described
below. It's going to be tons of fun and the pay is
really great. Below you will find the following
information: a breakdown of characters,
director/producer info, pay amount, shoot dates, and
all the necessary info you will need regarding the
filming of this pilot.

The talent pool in Memphis is so amazing, I just know
we can cast most of these characters using the
extraordinary actors in this city. The only character
that has been pre-cast is Nester. An actor in New
York will be coming in to play that part. The others
are wide open, so come on down.

This is happening very fast, so I will need all of
your submissions ASAP. We will be casting on
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH BEGINNING AT 9 AM. The
auditions will be held at 1460 Madison Avenue in
Midtown, Memphis. This means I have to receive your
headshot and resume no later than TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER
5TH.

Preferred way is to email to lindsey@playhouseonthesquare.org

Or you can drop them off first thing Tuesday at Playhouse on the Square,
51 South Cooper. We are open from 8 am to 5 pm. Playhouse phone
is 725-0776.

Once I have received your submission, I will call you
to set up your individual audition time. We are going
to schedule appointments in 10 minute increments. If
there are better times during the day for you, please
specify and give me all the availability options that
you have (of course there is no guarantee, but I will
do what I can). I also have sides for all of the
characters we are casting, so I will get those to
individuals as I set up your audition time. You can let me
know if you have a character preference. I would
prefer to send them via email. If this is a problem,
please let me know.

All the info you need is below, but please do not
hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. If
the characters say 3x's or 6x's beside it, that's how
many actors they are looking for with regards to that
role. Break a leg everyone - it's gonna be a blast.
I can't wait to see all of you on Wednesday.


[Title of project removed on 10-2-06 at request of producers]

CASTING BREAKDOWN SHEET
9/1/06
Memphis Local Casting

Independent Internet Video Pilot
Director: Kirt Gunn
Producer: Greg Schultz
Production Coordinator: Sharon Bicks
Casting Coordinator: Lindsey Roberts

AFTRA and Local Actor Pay Rate
$425/12 hours
Session fee includes one year internet buyout.
No agent fee.
Shoot Location: Memphis
Shoot Dates: 9/14-16 & 9/18-22

6 x Documentary Interviewees
Academics, Pundits, Researchers, Historians - in their
60s and up, all ethnicities, 75% men, 25% women. Can
be conventional or very eccentric looking.

Think of the experts from the Ken Burns documentary on
The Civil War.

All Sexes and Ethnicities.

September events

Amber sez:

So you might be thinking to yourself... "What is there to do in Memphis for the month of September???" Well…

September 2: You can find your way to the Young Ave Deli for some Derby Fundraiser fun. The time is 9 pm. Go to MemphisRollerDerby.com for a full update on everything derby. When you get to the door tell them the W.M.D's sent you, or you can always where something green or military to let them know who you are with.

September 5: There is a free Meisner workshop at the Co-Op. The time to be there is 7:30. We will be taking donations for the Co-Op so please bring some cash. This will be the last Meisner workshop I do in Memphis, so please come and find out what all the fun is about.

September 14- Nov 9: If you are a creative person and you have always wanted to find a way to get those creative juices flowing sign up for my LAST Meisner class. I will no longer be teaching Meisner in Memphis so sign up now. There is limited space so the sooner you sign up the better. All you need to do is contact me. For more information, go here.

www.livefrommemphis.com or www.sawedoffnet.com or john sparks thing (shhh I always forget the name of it…shhhhh)

[Hmph! -jws]

The Indie Film Festival in October, make sure you go. Check out "EAT" when you go, it is for sure going to be a winner. Also "Heart * String" although I am not sure if it will premiere there or not…but when it does YOU better go…please.