Workshops/panel discussions

ON LOCATION: MEMPHIS
FREE WORKSHOPS AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS
WITH HOLLYWOOD MOVIE INSIDERS
AFTER PARTIES OFFER MORE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITES

MEMPHIS, TN (March 17, 2008) – In conjunction with the 9th annual Memphis International Film Fest, On Location: Memphis will present a series of free workshops and panels discussions with Hollywood insiders and industry professionals. On Friday, March 28th and Saturday, March 29th , these workshops and panel discussions will take place at the French Quarter Suites Hotel located at 2144 Madison Avenue in Midtown Memphis, Tennessee. On Friday, 6 pm, join Special Effects expert Brent Heyning as he discussions the nuances and special tricks of the trade of animation and special FX. Heyning, a native Memphian and graduate of the University of Memphis, serves as the principal of Toyshoppe Productions. With nearly two decades experience in live and theatrical production design and construction, his most recent projects include DIE HARD 4, RESIDENT EVIL 3, STARSHIP TROOPERS 3, TRANSFORMERS, XMEN3, MATRIX 2&3, TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE and STAR WARS 2. Brent is currently building high end effects and props for a film named G-Force while designing three major productions with the AMO Studio team.

On Saturday, March 29th , two special panel discussions will take place featuring Memphians who have made their way in Hollywood and Hollywood Professionals who have made their projects in Tennessee. Titled MAKING IT IN HOLLYWOOD (10 am) and MAKING IT IN TENNESSEE (11:30 am), these discussions will feature industry professionals such as Ren′ee O’Connor (XENA: THE WARRIOR PRINCESS), Jeff Clanagan (CEO/President, CODE BLACK ENTERTAINMENT, films include THE BOX, DIRTY LAUNDRY, WHY WE LAUGH), and James Spies (Executive Producer, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH). These experts along with Memphis and Shelby County Film & Television Commissioner Linn Sitler; Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commissioner Perry Gibson, Actor and Judge D’Army Bailey, and screenwriter Dawn Higginbotham will discuss how to make your way in Hollywood and the benefits of bringing your film project to Tennessee.
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Later on Saturday at 2 pm, Mike McCarthy, the Godfather of Memphis underground cinema, will present MAKING IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS (AND NO MONEY) - a discussion with director McCarthy and fellow collaborators as they discuss just what it's like to work in McCarthy's 'Elvis meets Warhol' world.
Festival Passes are now on sale on-line at www.onlocationmemphis.org. Festival Passholders receive admission to all films and parties and advance seating at all screenings. Each night of the festival, parties are planned to showcase Memphis music and offer more networking opportunities.
FESTIVAL PARTIES:
Thursday, March 27 – Opening Night Party at Ground Zero Blues Club Memphis featuring the Queen of Beale Street, Ms. Ruby Wilson. Showtime, 9 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance only (free with festival pass) – call 901.626.9685 to purchase or purchase at the opening night film screening of DELTA RISING at Malco’s Paradiso, 7:30 pm.

Friday, March 28 – Rock ‘N Roll Blood Bath at Earnestine and Hazel’s. Step into the world of Mike McCarthy – a full interactive music/video show! 9 pm til ? $7 cover at the door – free with festival pass!

Saturday, March 29 – Big Bubba Bash at BRIDGES, 9 pm til Midnight featuring The Mudflap Kings. $20 at the door or free with festival pass.

Festival Passes are a great deal at $60 per person/$30 for students and on sale on-line only www.onlocationmemphis.org until midnight March 26th. After that, you can only purchase a pass at the door and the price goes up to an additional $10! Individual screenings are $8.50 each; tickets will be on sale at www.malco.com the week before the fest and at the Paradiso and Studio On The Square box offices. Approximately 100 filmmakers, directors, producers and actors are scheduled to attend this year fest which will also include a trade show featuring products and services from around the country.

On Location: Memphis is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of education, economic development, and cultural diversity through the cinema arts.

www.OnLocationMemphis.org