Tell a filmmaker what to do...

A message from Duane:

Hey horror / film fans, your vote can decide what I film next!

I'm serious. Until January 23, 2009, I am running several polls worldwide - most notably via my myspace page www. myspace. com/gnomeguy3 - and of the four concepts available to choose from, the winning concept absolutely gets filmed beginning as early as March. I will cast from the Memphis, TN / Mid-South area most definitely. I can't wait to hear from you.

much appreciation,

Duane P. Craig

Films in Focus -- local movie alert service

Erik at Indie Memphis has kicked off "Films in Focus," which gives us a heads-up on independent and limited release films coming to town. His introductory note is below. Check out the first alert here where you can also subscribe.




Happy Holidays from Indie Memphis!

We often seem to miss films playing in town either because we don't know enough about them, or we just don't notice that they opened here. We're guessing that has happened to you too, so -- with lots of great films opening this weekend -- we're launching a new email newsletter called "Films in Focus" which will highlight independent and limited release films playing in Memphis. The format of the email will evolve over time, so if you have any suggestions please let us know by sending an email to festival@indiememphis.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Aside from this inaugural issue, "Films in Focus" will be separate from our general Indie Memphis newsletter, so that we don't clutter your mailbox with info you may not want it.

NBTT - coming to Memphis, we hope...

It looks like "Nothing But the Truth" will have a screening in Memphis in late January, maybe. But other than opening this weekend in NY and LA, it may not get national distribution in theaters. Here's an excerpt from John Beifuss' story in the CA:

"Nothing But the Truth" -- the Washington-set political drama with an all-star cast that was shot in Memphis -- begins with an assassination attempt.

Now, the movie itself is fighting for its life -- at least as a theatrical release.

"Nothing But the Truth" was supposed to demonstrate Memphis' potential as a viable location for all types of movies.

But the film -- which opened this week in three theaters in New York and Los Angeles to qualify for the Oscars -- is being pulled from distribution, thanks to the bankruptcy of its production company, writer-director Rod Lurie said Friday.

However, Lurie and Linn Sitler, Memphis and Shelby County film & television commissioner, are planning a special screening of "Nothing But the Truth" in Memphis, probably in late January.

Read the full story here.

Actress needed

J. Lazarus Hawk ("The Morning Ritual") has a project scheduled to shoot in January and he needs an actress. The role is non-speaking and requires some nudity. It would be a one evening shoot (tentatively Jan. 23 or 24). What's needed is a 21-26 year old white female with long brunette hair and a slender to athletic build. Tattoos and piercings are not a problem. He would also need a photograph of the same girl at the age of 16-17 that appears more "wholesome" or "innocent."

Contact Lazarus at myspace.com/jlazarushawk

Power House film Wednesday

presented in collaboration with the Sierra Club Chickasaw Group

PLAGUES & PLEASURES ON THE SALTON SEA
7:30pm Wednesday, December 17th
@ Power House Memphis
Admission is free!
Refreshments will be available, including Beer, Wine, Sodas, and Popcorn.
Your donations are appreciated.

While PLAGUES & PLEASURES ON THE SALTON SEA covers the historical, economic, political, and environmental issues that face the sea, it more importantly offers up an offbeat portrait of the eccentric and individualistic people who populate its shores. It is an epic western tale of fantastic real estate ventures and failed boomtowns, inner-city gangs fleeing to white small town America, and the subjective notion of success and failure amidst the ruins of the past. Hair-raising and hilarious, part history lesson, part cautionary tale and part portrait of one of the strangest communities you've ever seen, this is the American Dream gone as stinky as a dead carp.

Apparently the hotties preferred to move away from me.

When you're about town, grab a copy of the latest VIP magazine in which Linn Sitler gives an account of the "Nothing But the Truth" world premiere in Toronto in September. We were both there and what she reports is true. My version would have included the afterparty's "Brigitte" with an accent dripping with French dressing, and my chat with Alan Alda during which he had no idea what I was talking about, Vera Farmiga's husband mock-berating me (I'm pretty sure) and Kate Beckinsale giving me a good review. And some random guy who thought I was funny (or that I looked funny) and wanted to get a picture with me. Here's the excerpt from Linn's article:

... Shot in Memphis in the Fall of 2007 and starring Kate Beckinsale, Alan Alda, Matt Dillon and Vera Farmiga, the festival audience rewarded the film's world premiere with a standing ovation!
Attending the premiere with Memphis's Jon Sparks -- veteran journalist and, lately, filmmaker and actor of note -- I snagged a couple of invitations to the 'Cast Dinner' and cabbed it to a hip Toronto club where Rod Lurie, Kate Beckinsale and a very pregnant Vera Farmiga awaited us. (Not really, but they at least let us in.) There, Jon happily basked in the attention of the five female American Movie Channel executives at our dinner table. Not only was Sparks looking glamorous as the only man who'd obeyed the invitation's instructions to wear a tux -- he also quickly let slip that he had an important cameo in the movie! At the after-party, I protected the very-married Sparks from the overtures of a dirty-dancing Nashville party girl. (!) Having an extra invitation, I'd also called Dr. Robert Bernasconi, himself in Toronto that weekend, but for much more cerebral affairs: an international philosophy conference. However, Bernasconi, holder of the Chair of Excellence in the U of M's Philosophy Department, is also known as the bon vivante of academics. He quickly joined the party, and then I had to protect two men from the party girl from the Music City. (She also wanted to dirty dance with me!)

Me and random guy

Linn and Dr. Robert

Micro Cinema - Wednesday

Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club #46
Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 7:30pm
@ Power House Memphis

NO PLACE (2008)

A compilation of international video, documentary, and animation about utopia and other places that may or may not exist.

This screening is a joint venture between Greg Pond of Nashville's Fugitive Projects and the Irish group Human Resources, headed by Emma Houlihan, an artist and curator from Dublin.


Admission is free!

Refreshments will be available, including Beer, Wine, Sodas, and Popcorn.
Your donations are appreciated

Kudos for films with regional connections

John Beifuss has a story on films with local influences that are getting attention. The full story is here. Here's the short version:

Memphis-born filmmaker Courtney Hunt and her debut feature, "Frozen River," won much recognition this week as the movie industry's "awards season" -- which ends with the 81st annual Academy Awards on Feb. 22 -- kicked off in earnest.

On Thursday, Hunt was honored in the "Directorial Debut" category of the annual film awards of the National Board of Review.

Hunt, 44, also received recognition Tuesday when nominees for the 24th annual Independent Spirit Awards were announced in Los Angeles.

Hunt was nominated for Best Director and her film was nominated for Best Feature. "Frozen River" received another four nominations: Female Lead (Melissa Leo), Supporting Female (Misty Upham), Supporting Male (Charlie McDermott) and First Screenplay (Hunt).

Also earning six nominations were Jonathan Demme's "Rachel Getting Married" and a movie with regional connections, "Ballast."

Written and directed by a Californian, Lance Hammer, and cast mainly with amateur actors from the Mississippi Delta, "Ballast" was shot in and around such locations as Greenwood, Canton, Camden, Midnight, Tchula and Yazoo City, Miss. (Also Tuesday, Hammer received the Gotham award for "Breakthrough Director.")

Nothing But the Truth: poster and story

Here's the poster for Nothing But the Truth, which opens in NY/LA on Dec. 19 but probably won't come to Memphis until January or February.

The New Y0rk Times has a story on the issues raised by the film here.

Open call

Talent Agency Open Call
Actors Models Singers Dancers

Upcoming opportunities for:
‐Local and regional commercials and films (all ages)
‐Promotional talent (18+)
‐Local and national print jobs (5yrs +)
‐Vocalist for working local bands (21+)
‐Male and female background and go‐go dancers (21+)

Saturday December 6, 2008
10am‐2pm
Callbacks‐Sunday December 7, 2008.
Times will be assigned

House of Talent
714 N Germantown Pkwy #101
Cordova, TN 38018

For the audition please prepare:

Actors‐one monologue no more than 1 min., headshot, and resume

Models‐runway walk, modeling portfolio, and resume

Singers‐16 bars, headshot, and resume

Dancers‐ free style dance for multiple music genres, headshot, and resume (dance attire)

For more information please contact info@elzemeyertalentagency.com or 901‐527‐9263

'Nothing But the Truth' trailer

Story on True South Studios

Here's an excerpt from John Beifuss' story on a local production company:

"We put our funding toward production instead of bricks and mortar," said Bob Compton, 52, the Germantown millionaire who is the guiding force behind True South Studios, a new multimedia company that is poised to be one of Memphis' most active filmmaking houses.

Incorporated earlier this year, True South Studios recently opened an office Downtown in the EmergeMemphis facility at 516 Tennessee.

The partners in this production and distribution company are chief executive officer Compton, who made his fortune as a venture capitalist specializing in startup technology companies; vice president of operations Les Edwards, 52, a financial consultant and accountant (he handled the payroll for Craig Brewer's recent "$5 Cover" production) and longtime organizer of the Indie Memphis Film Festival; and creative director Dan Treharne, a young Memphis moviemaker who this year wraps up his graduate film studies at the University of Southern California.

Read the entire story here.

Variety reports on Tennessee incentives

From Variety.com: a look at Tennessee's pursuit of Hollywood....

In the increasingly competitive market of film-hungry states maneuvering to host Hollywood productions, the fertile region of Tennessee is making a pronounced bid for the showbiz green.

The Volunteer State has long been the filming locale for John Grisham epics, and Memphis native Craig Brewer's "Hustle & Flow" and "Black Snake Moan" were local productions, as was Johnny Cash biopic "Walk the Line."

But, thanks to dual incentive programs courtesy of the Tennessee Film Commission and the Dept. of Revenue that were enacted a year and a half ago, 2008 has seen efforts such as Disney's upcoming "Hannah Montana: The Movie," director Rod Lurie's "Nothing but the Truth" and indie Billy Graham biopic "Billy: The Early Years" hunkered down in Tennessee.

The incentive package was fostered by competition, says film commission project manager Bob Raines. "Tennessee was falling behind other states that were rolling out incentive programs, some of which are not as conservative as ours, but we're trying to build something that is long term and sustainable."

The dual program offers up to 17% refund from the Film Commission with an additional 15% distributed by the Dept. of Revenue. Productions coming to Tennessee get an immediate 13% rebate with 2% added for Tennessee music acquisition, and another 2% can be had if at least 25% of the production's crew is hired locally.

"It's important to know that these are cash rebates," Raines stresses. "Louisiana offers tax credits, where you lose money up front. With us, productions get a check straight from the government."

From the state side, 15% "is for film companies that establish a permanent headquarters in Tennessee and incur a minimum of $1 million in qualified Tennessee expenses," explains Dept. of Revenue spokesperson Sara Jo Houghland. "If a production company doesn't have a headquarters in state but spends $1 million, then a company's investor can receive the refund, as long as they're headquartered here. Also, other states require you to submit all of your receipts, where we'll look at a spreadsheet and take a statistical sample, which gets the rebate check into the producers' hands quicker."

And, while the Film Commission currently has $20 million to spend, the Dept. of Revenue's incentive budget is unlimited due to a law pushed through by Gov. Phil Bredesen. The state's low cost of living and lack of state income tax are also major pluses for visiting productions.

Terra firma attractions are "the three distinct topographies," Raines explains. "We're mountainous in the east with the Appalachians, middle Tennessee has urban Nashville and the rolling-hills look, and then there's Memphis, which is delta."

Knoxville is a savvy, multibillion-dollar cable hub, home to Scripps, River Media and Jupiter Entertainment, an area well versed in low-budget, high-quality HD, reality and musicvideo creation.

Tennessee projects slated for '09 include a music-based Paramount effort, an unnamed Screen Gems feature and a Nashville-based Craig Brewer film.

"Our goal is not to be a Michigan or a Louisiana with 80 productions happening," clarifies Raines of his state, which currently can crew two and a half deep. "We want to have five or six productions, and we want them to be perfect. And having a studio here in the state will make us more competitive. It's a great thing that we look forward to."

The wait may not be long, thanks to the proposed Browns Creek Media Village: a multiuse studio complex, retail space, hotel, 5,000-seat entertainment venue and film school potentially located at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, a 117-acre site in Nashville.

For the rest of the Variety story, go here.

Indie Memphis screening Wednesday

“Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea,” plays Wednesday night in a one-time-only free screening at Malco’s Studio on the Square. Read John Beifuss' take on it here.

Talent sought for Web project (adroit and cocksure)

Actors, thespians, and starlets, leading ladies and lads, even the hams for the cams...

Corduroy Wednesday Films is seeking talent of the acting variety for an uber top-secret web series.

Okay, it's not so secret, it's called "The Conversion" and follows the downfall and post-apocalyptic world after the digital TV conversion on February 17th, 2009 goes horribly awry.

These "webisodes" will hit the internets from December 08 to February 09. We pay in fun, good times and tasty snack foods. Most roles will take a day. We need all makes and models but here's a few lead roles we need:

White Male 30's: Best described as Ryan Seacrest(ish)...

African-American Male 50's, 60's with a deep, soulful, radio DJ voice.

Female, any race, late teens to early 20's. A lonelygirl15 type gal.

Contact us at corduroywednesday@gmail.com with resumes, pics, availability, likes, dislikes, and just to let us know how you're doing today.

We'll also get a few things posted up on our website: www.cwfilms.net & www.myspace.com/corduroywednesday

For those who we've yet to meet in the fine Memphis community, Corduroy Wednesday Films is a band of adroit and cocksure individuals who enjoy the fine art of independent filmmaking.

Recent works on our resume:

L'Hippopotame Vert FTW! (Winner Li'l Film Fest 8, screened @ Indie Memphis 2008)

Grim Sweeper (Premiered at Indie Memphis 2006)

And a few other cinematic samples are swimming about in cyberspace...

See ya on the www,

CW Films

'Nothing But the Truth' clip

With Kate Beckinsale and Vera Farmiga, candidates for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress in my objective opinion.

Filmmakers Showcase Nov. 17

House needed for shoot

Tim Rappel is shooting a short film November 14th, 15th, and maybe 16th and the house the production was going to use has become unavailable.

If you have one like this and can spare it for the shoot, please contact him at 859-4622.

It should look "lived in". It's about an older couple, the wife having Alzheimer disease. James Buchanan is the cinematographer and the actors are Don Meyers, Helen Bowman and Larry Bonds plays the son.

Acting Classes

Acting Classes

Performance Fundamentals
Instructor: Slade Kyle
*This week's class Audition Prep.
Performance Fundamentals incorporates the basics of Acting, Movement and Voice.
Aspects of each topic will be studied, with the main focus being how each of these areas work together to create a well rounded performer. The class will contain a lot of exploration activities that teach young actors to test their limitations and grow more comfortable with their talents. In addition, the class will cover audition preparation, professional conduct and other topics geared toward helping children become the best performers they can and ultimately land more of the work they audition for.

Ages 6-10 Sunday 2:30-3:30
Ages 11-16 Sunday 3:45-4:45
$30/class *4 class pre payment $100

After work Adult Scene Study: Ages 16+
Instructor: Abby Elzemeyer
Join ETA Tuesdays after work for an adult scene study class. Join other actors to strengthen acting skills and network with others in your field.
Scene Study is your best opportunity to flex your acting muscles and refine your craft on a consistent basis. It is a weekly workout where actors test performance abilities in a safe and playful environment. Through working on scenes of various genres, actors discover their strengths and weaknesses with the help of a trained eye.

Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm
$35/class *4 class pre payment $120

Classes at the ETA studio
149 Monroe Ave
Memphis TN, 38103
Phone 901-527-9263

*If interested in attending please notify ETA at least a day before.

Instructors:
Slade Kyle
-Received BFA Theatre from UM
-Has taught at POTS and UM
-Specializes in Vocals, Movement (clowning, Mask, and Mime), and musical theater

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 worked as a talent agent for 2.5 years

Old pickup truck for photo shoot

Need a 60s or 70s Truck:

For a photo shoot next week, Thursday or Friday during the day for a
couple of hours, will pay $ for usage.

Needs to be in good shape. Please send me snapshots of the front, side and rear.

film.ronin@gmail.com or film_ronin@yahoo.com

'Cruel' next Thursday

Actor/actress needed this weekend

Matthew Bowling is shooting a graduate film this weekend and needs an emergency actor replacement. The character is a vagrant who is paid to break into someone's house and steal some important computer files. Looking for a male that can play between the ages of 25 and 35, but willing to use a female. Shooting is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday in Lakeland area with possibly some pick up shots after 2 p.m. Sunday. No pay but you will be fed and get credit and a copy of the film.

His phone number is 615-944-4876.

Reminder: AFFT meeting Thursday

The Association for the Future of Film & Television (AFFT) will visit Memphis on Thursday, October 16 to hold a membership drive for the association. The event will be held at the Playhouse on the Square from 5-7 PM. The event is hosted by Linn Sitler, Commissioner of the Memphis & Shelby County Film & Television Commission and Dean Deyo, President of the Memphis Music Foundation.

AFFT was founded by Jan Austin, former Deputy Director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission, to provide the film and television industry with a statewide trade association. AFFT will focus on issues that will benefit the industry and will act as the industry’s lobbying arm at the legislative level. The association will also give birth to the AFFT Political Action Committee, a non-partisan PAC which will contribute to the campaigns of legislative and gubernatorial candidates who support the industry. Memphis native, Sherman Greer, has been appointed as the PAC’s Treasurer. Since becoming active in May of this year, AFFT has recruited nearly 150 members along with various industry and corporate partners.

“We are hoping that Memphis which is the state’s stronghold in filmmaking will also become one of the leading supporters of AFFT,” said Austin. “It should be relatively simple to explain AFFT’s purpose to cast and crew and vendors who understand the value of film and television production in Memphis/Shelby County.”

Although Thursday’s event is by invitation, the meeting is open to anyone interested in film and television. For more information about the Association for the Future of Film & Television, visit the website at www.affttennessee.org.

Indie Memphis TBAs announced

Here are screenings of festival films that are encore presentations and/or award winner showings:

Monday, Oct. 13

4:15 pm - NESHOBA, winner of the jury award for Best Documentary

7:00 pm - THE WAY I SEE THINGS, (previously announced encore screening)

9:30 pm - SHORTS PROGRAM #3, which includes ADDRESS TO SILAS… (winner of the jury award for Best Short Film), DONE IN ONE (winner of the special jury award for Special Achievement in Storytelling) and COOL AUNT (winner of the special jury award for Special Jury Award for Audacity of Concept).

Tuesday, Oct. 14

4:15 pm - THIS IS NOT A ROBBERY

6:00 pm - THE NEW YEAR PARADE, winner of the jury award for Best Feature

7:00 pm - OMG/HAHAHA, winner of the jury award for Best Hometowner Feature (previously announced encore screening)

9:30 pm - BUNNYLAND, winner of the jury award for Best Hometowner Documentary

Wednesday, Oct. 15

4:15 pm - FULL MOON LIGHTNIN’

6:30 pm - GOSPEL HILL, winner of the Southern Soul of Independent Film Award

9:00 pm - SONG SUNG BLUE, winner of the No One Can Hate Neil Diamond Award

Thursday, Oct. 16

4:15 pm - HI MY NAME IS RYAN

9:15 pm - BY THE WAY

9:30 pm - MAKE-OUT WITH VIOLENCE, winner of the Ron Tibbett Excellence in Filmmaking Award

Indie Memphis Jury Award Winners

These were announced last night at Ground Zero:

SPECIAL AWARDS

Southern Soul of Independent Film Award
GOSPEL HILL, directed by Giancarlo Esposito

Ron Tibbett Excellence in Filmmaking Award
MAKE-OUT WITH VIOLENCE, directed by The Deagol Brothers

NARRATIVE FEATURE JURY AWARDS (Jury: Alison Dickey, Amy Dotson, Elvis Mitchell)

Best Feature Film
THE NEW YEAR PARADE, directed by Tom Quinn

Special Recognition
OMG/HAHAHA, directed by Morgan Jon Fox

DOCUMENTARY JURY AWARDS (Jury: donnie betts, Peter Gilbert)

Best Documentary
NESHOBA, directed by Micki Dickoff and Tony Pagano

Southern Exposure Award
‘BAMA GIRL, directed by Rachel Goslins

BFF Award
PIP & ZASTROW: AN AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP, directed by Karin Hayes and Victoria Bruce

No One Can Hate Neil Diamond Award
SONG SUNG BLUE, directed by Greg Kohs

Special Jury Award for Cross-Cultural Filmmaking
THROW DOWN YOUR HEART, directed by Sascha Paladino

SHORT FILM JURY AWARDS (Jury: Skizz Cyzyk, Dan Krovich)

Best Short Film
ADDRESS TO SILAS ON THE OCCASION OF THE RETREAT AT LOS ANGELES COUNTY, directed by David Harris

Best Animated or Experimental Film
THE CAVE, directed by Michael Ramsey

Best Documentary Short
I KNOW YOU, directed by Bruce Parsons

Special Achievement in Storytelling
DONE IN ONE, directed by Jay Zimmerman and Pat Clark

Special Achievement in Cinematography
THE KEY, directed by Paul Street

HOMETOWNER JURY AWARDS (Jury: Alison Bagnall, Matt Parker)

Best Hometowner Feature
OMG/HAHAHA, directed by Morgan Jon Fox

Best Hometowner Documentary
BUNNYLAND, directed by Brett Hanover

Best Hometowner Short
GINGER SAND, directed by Kentucker Audley

Special Achievement in Editing by a Memphis Filmmaker
OMG/HAHAHA, directed by Morgan Jon Fox

Special Jury Prize for Acting
Jake Casey – OMG/HAHAHA
Ed Porter – OMG/HAHAHA

Special Jury Prize For Directing
OMG/HAHAHA, directed by Morgan Jon Fox

Special Jury Award for Audacity of Concept
COOL AUNT, directed by Ryan Parker

Special Jury Award for Sound and Music
THE ORPHAN, directed by Dan Treharne

MUSIC VIDEO JURY AWARD (Jury: Benjamin Kasulke, Lynn Shelton, Ted Speaker)

Best Music Video
Valencia Robinson GOOD THINGS ARE REAL, directed by Christopher Reyes

Click here for details on the 11th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival jury.

Casting call

Found this on the eCallboard site and am passing it along. I don't know any more about the project that what's here:

I am in need of 3-4 actors for a project I am working on. You will be
featured on a website giving product demonstrations.

Each actor should have be able to talk with a country (cowboy/girl)
twang, however not be too over the top.

2 Males (Mid 20s-Late 30s)
2 Females (Mid 20s-late 30s)

Filming will take approximately 2 days in early November. Each actor
will have 10-20 product demonstrations that will last 10-30 seconds
each.

You will be paid for your time and talent.

If you would like to set up a time to meet and audition, please contact
Stephen Tate at 901-652-0191 or email stmako@aol.com (please use
subject AUDITION).

Indie Memphis begins

From the CA and The Memphis Flyer:

10/10/08 - GO MEMPHIS
" Indie Memphis Film Festival branches out, yet stays true to Southern roots."

"Johnny Cash, the national debt and Bigfoot star at Indie Memphis Film Fest"

10/9/08 - THE BLOODSHOT EYE
" Indie Memphis 2008: Zombies and Martians at Midnight, Oh My."

"The Way They See Things - ‘Hometowner’ Fiction Films from Morgan Jon Fox and Brian Pera"

10/9/08 - THE MEMPHIS FLYER
" In the Spotlight: Indie Memphis enters its second decade with a week-long run at Studio on the Square."

Elvis Mitchell at Indie Memphis

Renowned film critic and interviewer Elvis Mitchell will host intimate conversations with Memphis filmmaker Craig Brewer (Saturday, Oct. 11 at 3:15 pm) and actor / director Giancarlo Esposito (Sunday, Oct. 12 at 4:30 pm) at this year’s Indie Memphis Film Festival.

The conversations are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and admission can only be permitted while seating is available — please arrive early.

At Indie Memphis, Elvis is serving on Features Jury and is also screening his recent documentary "The Black List," which presents twenty prominent African Americans of various professions, disciplines and backgrounds, including Toni Morrison, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Vernon Jordan, Chris Rock, Richard D. Parsons, Zane and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

For more information on the “Conversation with Craig Brewer,” please click here.

For more information on the “Conversation with Giancarlo Esposito,” please click here.

Indie Memphis -- book it now

Indie Memphis is almost upon us and now would be a good time to nail down your plans if you haven't already.

The web site is excellent with not only schedules and descriptions but other nice features, such as an RSS feed to get timely announcements, and a feature to put the films/activities you've booked onto your iCal.

And you can buy your tickets online, which will save you $2 a ticket (courtesy of ArtsMemphis) over buying them at the door.

Chasing the White Dragon at Indie Memphis

From the filmmakers:

Chasing the White Dragon actresses Jan Falk and Learyn Wilde, along with director Kathilyn Phillips will be promoting their film during an interview on News Channel 3's Live at 9 this Friday at 9 a.m.

The movie will show at this year's Indie Memphis Film Festival Saturday at 9:45 p.m. at The Studio on the Square.

Shot in Tupelo, Chasing the White Dragon is a high-powered drama that portrays a group of six young crystal methamphetamine addicts in small-town America. Trapped in a torrent of violence, deceit, paranoia, and passion, each must decide whether to leap from the careening roller coaster or ride it to its nightmarish end. The film is rich with compelling drama, fast-paced action, and with state-of-the-art visual effects. CTWD just recently (Aug) won “First Place, Best Screenplay” at the worldwide premiere of the prestigious Rhode Island International Film Festival.

The full length motion picture was written, produced and directed by Memphis native Kathilyn Phillips in association with Little Bo Productions of Tupelo.

Tickets are on sale now online at a reduced price of $7, while tickets at the door will be $9. You may purchase your tickets here.

The future of film and TV in Tennessee

If you have an interest in pushing for increased film/TV activity here, please attend the first reception and informational meeting about the Association for the Future of Film & Television, Thursday, October 16, 2008, 5-7 p.m. at Playhouse on the Square.

It'll be out in time to attend the LiveFromMemphis Music Video Showcase at Indie Memphis.

For information on AFFT, go here.

The reception is hosted by the Memphis & Shelby County Film & Television Commission, and the Memphis Music Foundation.

Video contest by Memphis Realtors

The Memphis Area Association of Realtors is posting info on a video contest. Post a three-minute video about Memphis and you could win $10,000. Info is here. These are some of the particulars:

Everyone has a story – a special mix of experiences, places and faces that make Memphis home to them. Home is more than just your house – it’s the neighborhood restaurant where they know your order before you even sit down. It’s the familiar block where you walk your dog each night. And home is how all of these pieces fit together to make Memphis your town.

Now through November 24, we invite you to share your piece of Memphis in a YouTube™ video contest. So, go ahead. Make your three-minute video, upload it to YouTube™ and show us why your Memphis is home to you. And in the process, you just might win $10,000.

Contest Highlights

* Entries accepted now through November 24.
* Anyone 18 years of age or older residing in one of the Eligible Counties can enter.
* Videos cannot exceed 3 minutes in length, inclusive of any credits.
* Winners will be announced on or before December 19.

Call for entries for OL:M 2009

From Lisa Bobal, President of On Location: Memphis

The Call for Entries is underway for the 10th Annual ON LOCATION: MEMPHIS International Film Festival, March 26-29, 2009.

Screen your film in the home of the Blues, the birth place of Rock 'n Roll, and America's most energizing and soulful place to film! Memphis' rich musical heritage and cultural diversity has parlayed into a city of vibrant filmmakers and for 20 years has attracted high profile filmmakers such as Jim Jarmusch, Robert Altman, Francis Ford Coppola, Milos Forman and Sydney Pollack – not to mention the city’s own Craig Brewer ("Hustle & Flow") and Ira Sachs ("Forty Shades of Blue") who represented Memphis at Sundance in 2005, winning the Audience and Narrative Jury Awards respectively.

Join us for our opening night party at Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero Blues Club just off Beale Street.

Previous filmmakers and artists who have attended and participated in On Location: Memphis events include: David Lynch, Morgan Freeman, Holly Hunter, Ed Solomon, Richard Gladstein, Isaac Hayes, Alan Bloomquist, James Spies, Richard Kraft, Leo Fitzpatrick, Cybill Shepherd, Del Shores, Don Hertzfeld, Craig Brewer, and Ira Sachs.

We program a broad range of subject matter, perspectives, and styles. Submit your film in any of these categories:

Narrative Feature
Live Action Short
Animation (Shorts and Features)
Documentary (Shorts and Features)
Music videos

ENTRY DEADLINES and fees are:

**Early bird Deadline - October 15; Fees - Feature, Feature length Doc or Animated
$45, Live Action Short, Short Doc or Animated (under 30 minutes) and Music Video $35

**Regular Deadline - November 15; Fees - Feature, Feature length Doc or Animated
$50, Live Action Short, Short Doc or Animated (under 30 minutes) and Music Video $40


**Late Deadline - December 15; Fees - Feature, Feature length Doc or Animated $55,
Live Action Short, Short Doc or Animated (under 30 minutes) and Music Video $45

Exhibition formats will be on Blu-Ray and 35 mm for all categories.

Once you have been accepted, if you need help converting your film to Blu-Ray, let us know and we can help you.

Awards are given in all five categories: Best Feature, Best Live Action Short, Best Documentary, Best Animated Short, Best Music Video and an Audience Choice Award.

OL:M has partnered with Without a Box (WAB) to handle our film submission process. To begin the entry process proceed to the WAB link at www.onlocationmemphis.org

Extras Thursday and Saturday -- paying

NSecure is needing extras tomorrow. New faces especially, for all day Thursday or Saturday. Rate 5.75/hr. Ages 25+.

Contact Abby Elzemeyer at 527-9263 or abby@elzemeyertalentagency.

Actress in 50s

Actress in 50s sought for new project involving 10 minute plays. Contact Alan Scott at scottair58@hotmail.com

Indie Memphis -- get ready

Excerpts from John Beifuss' story in the CA:

The Indie Memphis Film Festival has unveiled its beautifully redesigned Web site (complete with mockingbird mascot) — and revealed most of its lineup of more than 40 narrative and documentary features and a score or more shorts.

New Indie Memphis director Erik Jambor, a veteran festival organizer, has assembled an impressive roster of film professionals to serve as jurors in the Features, Documentaries, Shorts and Hometowner categories. (“Hometowner” awards are given to movies with a definitive Shelby County connection.) Judges include Elvis Mitchell, the former New York Times film critic who has become a celebrity in his own right, thanks to his regular reviews on NPR and his hosting duties on “Independent Focus” on the Independent Film Channel and “Elvis Mitchell: Under the Influence” on Turner Classic Movies; Peter Gilbert, a producer on the acclaimed documentary “Hoop Dreams”; and Alison Bagnall Standefer, co-writer of Vincent Gallo’s “Buffalo ’66.”

Native Memphians Morgan Jon Fox (“omg/HAHAHA”), Brett Hanover (“Bunnyland”) and Brittany Blockman (“Bi the Way”) will be among the filmmakers represented. Films that sound promising include “Chasing the White Dragon,” a violent drama about small town crystal meth addicts; Alex Karpovsky’s “Woodpecker,” a faux documentary about the obsessive search for the ivory-billed woodpecker in Arkansas; the actual documentary, “Not Your Typical Bigfoot Movie”; and the documentary ” ’Bama Girl,” about a black woman’s quest to become homecoming queen at the University of Alabama. “Midnight movies” will include “Interplanetary,” about ancient monsters on Mars, and “Dance of the Dead,” in which zombies (what else?) battle dateless nerds at a high-school senior prom.

Returning from last year’s festival will be the Global Lens series, a collection of 10 international films.

The festival takes place Oct. 10-16 at Malco’s Studio on the Square, which will dedicate all five screens to Indie Memphis for the event’s opening weekend.

You be the judge

You can be the judge of the Finalists in the 11th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival. The only place in Tennessee to participate is at Malco Studio on the Square this Thursday. Find out the details at On Location: Memphis.

ArtsMemphisTV with Live From Memphis -- Stax Academy

Check out the latest video created by Live From Memphis for ArtsMemphis. It's on the Stax Music Academy, nice interviews and a peek at how the youngsters are getting some incredible instruction.

Clips from 'Nothing But the Truth'

Here are five clips from the made-in-Memphis film "Nothing But the Truth."

Cody 'Hounddog' Hanford in the CA

Here's an excerpt from John Beifuss' story in the CA on young actor Cody Hanford:

Standing 5-foot-3 and weighing 90 pounds, Germantown's Cody Hanford, 13, is small for his age.

He's smaller still in "Hounddog," the controversial film with Dakota Fanning that was shot in North Carolina in 2006, before Cody's recent 6-inch growth spurt.

Cody's size belies his show business experience and what casting directors say is his big acting talent -- a talent that in the past few years has put him in movies, taken him to Broadway and placed him alongside Radio City Music Hall's famous Rockettes.

Memphians who have missed Cody's many local stage appearances can see him Friday, when "Hounddog" opens at Malco's Ridgeway Four.

Hanford in 'Hounddog' -- this Friday

"Hounddog," starring local actor Cody Hanford, opens here Friday at the Ridgeway 4 as a limited release. Here is the trailer: http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/hounddog/trailer

Actress needed

Drew Whitmire is casting the female lead for “Sapphire,” a locally produced dramatic feature film scheduled to shoot in and around Memphis in late November/early December. The film centers around an eccentric, mentally unstable woman dealing with the death of her mother amidst a backdrop of characters gathered for the wake. Ages 35-55 preferred. Improvisational skills a plus. Please send headshot/resume to info@drewwhitmire.com.

Improv workshops

The Wiseguys improv troupe and Comedy, Tennessee comedy club are
presenting Improv Workshops for Beginners. This six week course to
teach improvisational skills will meet on Saturdays from 11/1 through
12/13 (off 11/29) f rom 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Comedy, Tennessee,
6102 Macon Road. The classes will be taught by award-winning
improvisor and stand-up comic Joe Leibovich with guests including
Comedy, Tennessee owner/comic John Marks and improvisor/comic/writer
Andy Fleming. A showcase performance for students will take place
12/17 at Comedy, Tennessee. Classes are $150 for the series. In
addition to the classes and performance, all students will receive two
tickets to each Saturday night 8:15 p.m. show at Comedy, Tennessee on
class nights (except for 12/6, which is a special show) and will
receive a portion of the proceeds from the 12/17 showcase. Enrollment
is limited.

For more information, see www.wiseguysimprov.com, email
info@memphiscomedy.com, or call 901-481-9362 or 901-384-4222.

Actor needed

Looking for a 70ish male actor for a short film. It would be the lead role in a film concerning Alzheimer Disease. Email headshot and resume to Tim at trmagic2@aol.com

Extras and standins needed

Extras and stand-ins for the film N-Secure are needed on and off for the next couple of weeks.

Contact Abby Elzemeyer, Elzemeyer Talent Agency
149 Monroe Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
www.etamemphis.com
901-527-9263
901-340-0529

Premiere of "Nothing But the Truth"

What was it like? Here's the tale.

Blogging from Toronto

I'm guest blogging on John Beifuss' The Bloodshot Eye for a few days. I'm at the Toronto International Film Festival reporting on films with Memphis connections. And I'm gonna see the premiere of "Nothing But the Truth" to make sure they didn't cut out my scene.

And, of course, to check the buzz and meet beautiful people at the afterparty and tell you all about it.

All of you Red West fans will like what I've got up there already, so go....

Got a spare morgue laying around?

From Mike McCarthy:

Does anyone know of a MORGUE-TYPE location we could use the morning of Saturday September 20th? It would be dark lit and does not have to be perfect.

It is also important that I have three gurneys (or table that ROLL).

Any suggestions are appreciated!

All the best,
Mike McCarthy
901-486-6325

http://www.guerrillamonsterfilms.com/index2.html

Red West at Toronto Film Fest

Read John Beifuss' blog "The Bloodshot Eye" for info on Red West's latest film:

In the tradition of Richard Farnsworth (“The Grey Fox,” “The Straight Story”), Ben Johnson (“The Last Picture Show”), Jessica Tandy (“Driving Miss Daisy”), John Houseman (“The Paper Chase”) and other shall we say seasoned performers who won their most significant movie roles late in their careers, 72-year-old Memphis native Red West is poised to secure some long overdue attention and praise for his acting chops this week when his new film, “Goodbye Solo,” debuts during the prestigious Venice and Toronto film festivals.

Interns sought for "N-Secure"

The production crew for the film N-Secure is seeking interns to apply for various positions for the film N-Secure, a mid-budget movie, scheduled for local production the weeks of September 2 – October 6, 2008. The executive producer is local promoter Julius Lewis who is also co-writer along with local media personality Christie Taylor. The film director is David Matthews.

We are requesting interns for six hour shifts for the art department, production assistants, as well as hair and make-up assistants. Those interested in applying for the above mentioned internships must submit their resumes and/or bios to nsecurefilms@gmail.com .

If you require further information regarding the internships or the film N-Secure, please contact (901) 388-0069. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Team Picture on DVD

Terrific film. For more info: http://www.myspace.com/teampicture

A studio in Nashville?

Here's a story in the Tennessean about some investors wanting to build a sound stage in Nashville. An excerpt:

Picture this: a film studio complex and public entertainment venue in Nashville that would capture the look and feel of Universal Studios Hollywood — only without the rides and with a project pipeline loaded with films targeted at heartland audiences.

That's the pitch being made to redevelop the Tennessee State Fairgrounds by Woodland, Calif.-based Tower Investments and Nashville's 821 Entertainment, whose projects include a forthcoming film about the life of the Rev. Billy Graham, as well as a biopic on music legend Hank Williams.

But whether that studio concept turns out to be one of the four ideas selected by the fair board to revamp the 117-acre site doesn't seem ultimately to matter to Tower Investments Senior Vice President Alex Marks and 821 co-founder Eric Geadelmann.

What matters most to the partners is being able to secure a suitable spot in the Nashville area that allows them to tap into what they said is intense interest from well-heeled potential tenants who want to see movies added to Music City's entertainment portfolio.

Perry Gibson, executive director of the Tennessee Film & Music Commission, said that without a sound stage that's built to accommodate film projects, movies probably will continue to look to Tennessee primarily for its combination of incentives, locations and available crew.

That's where Marks and Geadelmann said their project comes in.

By building what amounts to a film-studio lot — which would include retail, a hotel and a 5,000-7,000-seat indoor music venue, as well as an attached film school — the pair hopes to make Nashville as much of a destination for movies as it is for music.

ArtsMemphisTV with Live From Memphis

From Sarah Fleming:

Christopher and I launched our latest project yesterday. It's called ArtsMemphisTV. This project is a joint venture between Live From Memphis and ArtsMemphis, and is basically a series of webisodes that will highlight our local arts scenes. We're super excited. At the moment ArtsMemphis has committed to doing 6 episodes with us... one every other Monday.

It's excellent ... check it out.

Nothing But the Truth: Sept. 8 at Toronto Film Festival

From John Beifuss in today's CA:

“Nothing But the Truth” — the political thriller with Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon and Alan Alda that was shot in Memphis last fall — will have its world premiere Sept. 8 at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Festival officials are scheduled to make the announcement today. The movie will be part of the event’s prestigious “Gala Programme,” a high-profile showcase for North American and international films that are screening out of competition. ...

According to Variety, the Toronto International Film Festival is “second only to Cannes in terms of high-profile pics, stars and market activity.” A Toronto screening often marks the start of a picture’s Oscar campaign.

After its Sept. 8 premiere, “Nothing But the Truth” will open Dec. 19 in New York and Los Angeles, to be eligible for Academy Awards consideration. It will open in Memphis and other cities in early 2009. A special preview screening for local cast and crew members likely will take place before its Memphis opening.

The full story is here.

Extras/concert for '$5 Cover'

This will be the final large show for Craig Brewer's "$5 Cover," so if you haven't come out yet, Tuesday is the day to do it.

Film showcase in November

From Marguerite Roberts:

My friend Dorv, who had the first TLS last April, has moved to California for the next year so has asked me to take over the next showcase coming up in November. I know it seems like this is an advance-advance notice, but I tell ya, there is alot to do! My friend David Tankersley (aka Tank), has volunteered to help with this.

So, this is the first of a few notices and this time I am going to tell you what it is we need and when. So, we will be showing shorts to "mini features" anywhere from 5 minutes to 25 minutes. These should be "viewer friendly" which simply really means NO PORN.

What we will need is a preview copy on DVD. Now, we can return these IF you send a self addressed stamped envelope. The latest we need these is Oct 20th and you can email me privately (daisyscreations57@yahoo.com) to get the address. We will be setting up a PO box in a bit, but when you email me, I will give you my personal address until the box is set up.

We are doing this the same as last time. It will be at Malco on the Square. It will be FREE. It will last 2 hours with a 10-15 minute intermission. This is NOT a competition. This is for filmmakers to see their creation on the big screen. We PACKED the theater last time. I was personally overwhelmed by the support and it was the coolest night!!!

We will have press releases later on this.

Young performer needed

Looking for a 14-16 yr old male that can play guitar/sing and has appealing good-looks.

Please pass the word for me. They need to email me at lisalax@mac.com or call

246-8249 to set up an appt.

Extras tonight at Otherlands

What: $5 Cover Two Way Radio Shoot
Where: Otherlands Coffee Bar at 641 S Cooper St
When: 8:00 PM Thursday Aug 13th

In regard to Dress Code: Please avoid bold colors such as Red, White, or Black (They look terrible on camera), as well as copyrighted or trademarked images (We don't want to get sued).


If you would like to call and confirm, or if you have any further questions, call 901 647 0681 or send an email to fivedollarcovercasting@gmail.com

Acting classes

Fall Acting Classes starting September 7, 2008

Performance Fundamentals
Instructor: Slade Kyle

Minimum class size 4, maximum 12

Performance Fundamentals incorporates the basics of Acting, Movement and Voice. Aspects of each individual topic will be studied, with the class' main focus being how each of these areas work together to create a well rounded performer. The class will contain a lot of exploration activities, which teach young actors to test their limitations and grow more comfortable with their talents. In addition, the class will cover audition preparation, professional conduct and other topics geared toward helping your child become the best performer they can and ultimately land more of the work they audition for.

Ages 6-10 Sunday 2:30-3:30

Ages 11-16 Sunday 3:45-4:45

$30/class *4 class pre payment $100



Adult Scene Study: Ages 16+
Instructor: Abby Elzemeyer

Minimum class size 6, maximum 20

Scene Study is simply your best opportunity to flex your acting muscles and refine your craft on a consistent basis. It is a weekly workout where actors test their performance abilities in a safe and playful environment. Through working on scenes of various genres, the actors discover their strengths and weaknesses with the help of a trained eye.

Tuesday 7-9pm

$35/class * 4 class pre payment $120

====

For more information and to reserve your spot in the class call ETA at 901-527-9263

Classes are held at the ETA studio, 149 Monroe Ave, Memphis TN 38103

Phone 901-527-9263

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Instructors:

Slade Kyle
-Received BFA Theatre from UM
-Has taught at POTS and UM
-Specializes in Vocals, Movement (clowning, Mask, and Mime), and musical theater

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 worked as a talent agent for 2.5 years

NBTT: Dec. 19

ComingSoon.net reports that "Nothing But the Truth" will open December 19, 2008 in NY, LA; expands on Jan. 9, 2009. No word yet on local premiere.

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