Thursday, July 31, 2008

Blogging about filmmaking

Local filmmaker Jim Exton is blogging about a short film he's making in the next couple of weeks. It is his first time working with someone else's script and his first time shooting in 35mm.
www.jim-exton.blogspot.com

Here's a sample from Jim's journal:

I was reviewing the schedule today. The three feature films I have produced all had 14 days schedules for what ended up being a 90 minute film. Word of advice to you: don't do that.

Unless your whole film takes place in 1 room.

For this film, I have a four day shoot to do about 11 scenes. The good thing is there are only three locations. And there are no company moves (when you pack up during the day and move to another location).

So to me, this schedule is luxurious. Part One is above. Usually you work a 10 to 12 hour day on a film. It is not uncommon to work up to 15 hours a day or more. Not me. I hate it. I sleep 12 hours a day, so you do the math. Around the 9 hour mark, I am going to be the first one bitching to go home.

"Dope Money" needs hotties and extras

Blue Coat Entertainment is looking for attractive young women for a swimming pool scene in its production of "Dope Money." All ethnicities, unique looks.

Also need extras, all ethnicities, male and female.

The film is a police show along the lines of Miami Vice and Bad Boys with lots of cops, prostitutes, killers and strippers. Email headshot or recent pic, and resume if you have one, to bluecoatentertainment@yahoo.com. More info: 463-8137.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Open casting call tonight

Blue Coat Entertainment has and open casting call tonight for "Dope Money," a locally produced indie film. Leon Bonner of Blue Coat says it's a police show along the lines of Miami Vice and Bad Boys. They are looking for people to play cops, prostitutes, serial killers and strippers. They are also looking for storyboard artists and editors. Casting call is between 6:30-8:30 p.m. at LR Clothiers, 1511 Union. Bring headshot or recent pic, and resume. Call 463-8137.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

MLGW's YouTube competition



MLGW wants customers to make short videos showing us how they save energy in their homes and then upload the videos to its YouTube channel (which is linked from its home page www.mlgw.com). There will be three winners and the prizes are Home Depot gift cards valued up to $250.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Were you at the N-Secure audition?



From Nancy Ellen Mills:
I was very touched by how kind the actors in line for the N-Secure audition were to me. I knew a few of them but not all and as usual on set I always feel the actor-love connection, but to have such kindness displayed waiting on an audition was really sweet. I try to explain to non-actors how great it is to be with other actors and that experience Saturday illustrated it perfectly. I thank all of them from the bottom of my heart. Being an L.A. gal, I'm not use to relying on the kindness of strangers. I'm so proud to be part of our acting community. That was my first day out and about on crutches. I just may make it.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Film industry brings $$$ to town

From John Beifuss' story in the CA: (also note that release date for Nothing But the Truth is no longer in September)

Companies producing movies, TV shows, music videos, corporate videos and television commercials spent $4.5 million in the Memphis area during the past year, according to a report released Wednesday by the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission.

The most profitable production for the city was director Rod Lurie's "Nothing But the Truth," which spent almost $3.5 million and employed 87 local crew members during 31 days of shooting here during October and November. Originally set for release in September, but now more likely to arrive in theaters in 2009, the movie stars Kate Beckinsale as a crusading reporter.

Other notable feature films that shot for at least a few days in Memphis during the 2007-08 fiscal year were "Soul Men," with Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac, and "The Open Road," with Jeff Bridges and Justin Timberlake.

The economic figures were collected from production company expenditure reports filed with the commission, according to Deputy Film Commissioner Sharon Fox O'Guin.

In less-cheerful news, the commission reported a $54,119 operating deficit for the fiscal year, based on expenses of $390,396. The discrepancy was mainly because of unexpected increases in marketing and recruiting expenses, as film and TV company representatives -- lured in part by the state's new incentive programs for filmmakers -- scouted locations around the Mid-South.


Local doc screens Thursday


Joann Self Selvidge's True Story Pictures will screen its latest local history documentary, Leveling the Playing Field: 20 Years of Bridge Builders, at Malco's Studio on the Square Thursday, July 31st.

The 42-minute documentary looks at the history and impact of Bridge Builders — a local youth leadership development program that brings together students of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds — since its inception 20 years ago.

It's a powerhouse team that worked on the project:
producer/director: Joann Self Selvidge
associate producer: Morgan Jon Fox
director of photography: Sarah Fleming
editor/graphics & animation: Christopher Reyes
badass production assistance: Bradley Phelan


The screening is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, or $15 with a DVD of the film. RSVP for the screening at True Story Pictures: 274-9092 or info@truestorypictures.com.


Monday, July 21, 2008

Auditioning workshop

“Auditioning Know How: What To Do When Face-to-Face With a Casting Director”
Saturday, August 9 from 1:00-4:00 pm

Elzemeyer Talent Agency is hosting a free workshop, “Auditioning Know How: What to do when face-to-face with a casting director.” This workshop is for beginning and seasoned actors interested in getting involved in films being shot in Memphis.
The workshop will include:
• Headshot selection advice
• Resume organization assistance
• Insights on how to introduce yourself on tape
• Tips on how to succeed in cold readings
• Character development guidance
• Instruction by renowned industry veteran Phil Darius Wallace (commercial, TV and film actor, writer and director)
• Q&A session with some of Memphis’ top film contributors, including Linn Sitler of the Memphis & Shelby Co. Film and Television Commission.

If you are over the age of 16 and interested in enrolling, please visit ETA website at www.elzemeyertalentagency.com/new_talent.cfm, download and fill out the online application and send your completed application, headshot, resume, and letter of recommendation to abby@elzemeyertalentagency.com

Deadline for submission is Friday August 1. You will be notified by Monday August 4 on your acceptance to the workshop. The Workshop will be held at the ETA studio at 149 Monroe.

For more information please contact ETA at 901-527-9263 or info@elzemeyertalentagency.com

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Needed for short indie film

From Arnita Williams:

Be About It! Films is in pre-production of an indie short film and seeking Locations, Props and Cast.

LOCATION/PROPS
*Hospital Room or Room that looks like a hospital room
*Hospital bed and I.V.

CAST
* Doctor ( Any Ethnicity, Any Gender)
* Patient (African American Male late 50's or 60's)

CREW
*Hairstylist
*Make-up Artist
*Grip
*PA
*other

Please email beaboutit@arnitawilliams.com with 'Hospital' in subject line, if you have either of the listed items or have access to them or would like to submit or work on the project.
Feel free to browse website www.ArnitaWilliams.com and IMDB links http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2151854/ to view past work and credits.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Location and props needed

SEEKING WHIMSICAL KITCHEN:
Do You Know Where Your Children Are? Productions is searching for a

whimsical kitchen and/or dining or living room to shoot several scenes
for their feature film, "What I Love About Concrete." The location
should be suitable for a modern-day fairy godmother.
Call Katherine at (901)-674-0959 or email childrenarehere@gmail.com

SEEKING COSTUME WINGS OR ARTIST WITH EXTRA TIME:
Do You Know Where Your Children Are? Productions is also searching for
large pair of feathered wings or for an artist who might be interested
in working with us to construct a pair of wings from scratch. We will
provide all the materials.

Extras needed Sunday

Award winning Director Justin Gullett is shooting another music video for the Dirt Bros.Band

this Sunday at Ernestine's and Hazel's. This is a good opportunity cuz he won an award for the

last one Hottie Tottie and he's been given the Stephen Spielberg award.

He needs legal 18 and up.

Girls wear spunky salsa clothes and bring 2 changes- Dixie type, jeans, cowboys, hats, boots look.

Guys jeans and button downs, also sharp looking western maybe.

This is a freebie.

Sunday
Ernestine and Hazel's
8:30am

'Slow Down ... You're Dating Too Fast" on DVD

From M. David Lee III:

"Slow Down... You're Dating Too Fast!" is heading to DVD!


First of all, I want to say, "Thank you," again to everyone who put in their time and energy into the making of this film. It's a great film and I hope you all enjoy the DVD as well.

To let you know how we're rolling this out, if you've been keeping up with the website, the will be available to the public on Monday July 21st. Press releases have gone out all across the country to let folks know about the release, so don't be surprised if over the next couple of days and weeks you see information locally and nationally concerning the film. Hopefully we'll get some press out of this.

I'm also working on getting the trailer for the film up on the web as well.

And more good news... the film has been submitted to a couple of more festivals. We're waiting to hear about them over the next couple of weeks.

The DVD has the film on it, as well as the trailer and a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the film. Not everyone who worked on the project or who shot on the project made it into the documentary, but we tried to do our best.

Since you worked on the film, as promised you get one DVD copy of the film. Please let me know your mailing address and I will get it out to you, some time after the 21st. Also please forward this email to others who worked on the film, because with so many moves I don't have everyone's email address.

Now we need to drive people to the website and any help would be appreciated! If you know of someone who needs to get a release, let me know. If you have friends who have blogs or other things like that, let me know! We've got to get the word out to any and everyone about the film!

Again, thank you so much for your work and I hope you like the finished project.

Sincerely,
M. David Lee III

Triple Sticks Productions
www.triplestickspro.com

'Dummy' screening Tuesday

Matt Beickert's "Dummy...a love story" is playing next Tuesday, July 22, 7 pm at Studio on the Square.

"Dummy" premiered at the Indie Memphis Film Festival in October and is back for one final Memphis showing. Recorded in Memphis, "Dummy" features Memphians Nathan Hiller as Francis, the nobody / weirdo / hero who spends most of his time fantasizing about Kim Carbine, played by former U of M Faculty Member Cynthia Runions. Kim, meanwhile, is trying to shake the advances of entrepreneur and jet setter CEO Buddy Longo (Tony Rizzoli). All the while, Tina (Shelly Stoltz) is chasing Francis while apartment manager Vargas (Jim Esposito) wants to get in on it all.

With music by Snowglobe, David 'Davey Guitar' Brookings and other Memphis musicians, "Dummy" is a fun and freaky adventure into the warped minds of the employees of VaporWare Inc.

See the trailers at www.youtube.com/dummyalovestory

AFTER THE MOVIE - THERE WILL BE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE NEXT FEATURE-LENGTH COMEDY IN THE WORKS - We'll be soliciting support for some story elements through our Web site, which we'll announce on Tuesday.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Nancy Apple on WYPL

Last Train to Memphis and Rusted Sun Films would like you to join us for Part 2 of Nancy Apple's Song Slinger Showdown Live from Kuduz's Bar and Grill. It's not a fancy MTV produced show you need hi-tech and hi-speed to see. It's a real-live-hour-long, full quality, music show you can watch while you park yourself on the couch with a six pack in front of your TV and watch five - count 'em - 5 times a week on WYPL TV-18. Hosted by Memphis' princess of twang Nancy Apple and featuring Jake Kelly and Phil Lee.

Air times:
Sunday 5:00am-6:00am
Monday 8:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesday 5:30am-6:30am
Friday 1:00pm-2:00pm

This is a weekly schedule that begins immediately and is subject to change.

Extras for Craig Brewer's "$5 Cover"

If you are interested in being an extra the new Craig Brewer project, $5 Cover, which covers Memphis musicians and their reality - we are casting at:

Otherlands Coffee
641 South Cooper St
ALL WEEK
9am-3pm

It is a fast process, come through!

Also, if you cannot make these times, you may email:
fivedollarcovercasting@gmail.com


Casting call TBA for "N-Secure"

Abby Elzemeyer is casting "N-Secure," a film scheduled to shoot in Memphis the month of September. It is a modified low budget SAG film ($100/day). The roles of David, Robin, Tina, Jill, and Isaac have already been cast. The open call will be in the next week and we will post it when we get it. Here's the breakdown:

PRINCIPAL CAST:


DAVID MALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – MID 30’S

AN ATTRACTIVE, WELL DRESSED AND CLEAN CUT
BUSINESS MAN WHO IS OBVIOUSLY SUCESSFUL AND
CONFIDENT. HE ALSO HAS THE AIR OF SOME USED
TO BEING IN CHARGE AND SELDOM QUESTIONED.


ROBIN FEMALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – EARLY 30’S

A WELL DRESSED AND VERY ATTRACTIVE (JUST
THIS SIDE OF GLAMORUS) CLEARLY USED TO THE
FINER THING IN LIFE. SHE IS ARTICULATE BUT
PERHAPS A BIT SHALLOW. SHE IS HAPPY TO
ONLY HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FRIVOLOUS THINGS
AND IS COMFORTABLE WITH HER LIFESTYLE.


TINA FEMALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – LATE 20’S

TINA IS AN ATTRACTIVE AND WELL DRESSED
BUSINESS WOMAN, UNLIKE ROBIN SHE IS DRIVEN
AND HER SUCCESS IS BASED ON HER OWN
ABILITIES. SHE IS SUCESSFUL AND CONFIDENT,
SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE WANTS AND IS GOING TO
HAVE IT.


JILL FEMALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – LATE 20’S

JILL IS WHILE ATTRACTIVE IS ALSO HAPPY DOING
WHAT SHE LOVES. SHE’S EASYGOING AND FUN,
SHE DOESN’T TAKE HERSELF OR THE WORLD TOO
SERIOUSLY.


ISAAC MALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – LATE 20’S

A WELL TONED AND VERY HANDSOME MUSICIAN.
HE LOVES PLAYING MUSIC AND HANGING OUT, HE
IS A CLASSIC “FREE SPIRIT.” AS LONG AS HE HAS AN
UPCOMING “GIG” AND ENOUGH MONEY FOR BEER
AND GUITAR STRINGS HE’S GOOD TO GO.

HAROLD MALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – LATE 30’S

HAROLD IS A “SNAPPY” DRESSER. HE’S NEVER
FOUND A TIE TO LOUD WAR. HE IS SLIGHTLY
HEAVY SET BUT CLEAN CUT. HE LOVES TO LAUGH
AND REALLY TRIES TO ENJOY LIFE. WHAT
SUCCESS HE HAS, IS PLENTY. HE NEVER MISSES A
CHANCE TO JOKE AROUND AND DOESN’T CARE
WHO KNOWS IT.

SGT. HOOKS MALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – LATE 40’S

A MILITARY MAN THROUGH AND THROUGH HE IS
SELF CONFIDENT AND HARD AS NAILS. HE LIKE
DAVID, IS USED TO HAVING HIS ORDERS FOLLOWED
WITHOUT QUESTION.


DR. MEYRS MALE – CAUCASIAN – EARLY 50’S

A NO-NONSENSE PROFESSIONAL WHO KNOWS HIS
JOB AND ALWAYS FOLLOWS PROCEDURE, AS A
DOCTOR HE IS RESPECTED BY BOTH HIS FRIENDS
AND COLLEAGUES.


NURSE NANCY FEMALE – CAUCASIAN – EARLY 40’S

A SLIGHTLY FRUMPY WOMAN WHO KNOWES HER
BEST YEARS ARE LONG PAST. SHE PERFORMS HER
JOB EFFICIENTLY BUT WITH NO REAL INTEREST OR
ENTHUSIASM.







SUPPORTING CAST:


ASIAN BUSINESSMAN 1 MALE – ASIAN AMERICAN – LATE 30’S

ASIAN BUSINESSMAN 1 IS A WELL DRESSED AND
CLEAN CUT BUSINESS MAN. HE IS THE OLDER OF
THE 2 AND IS CLEARLY A SUPERVISOR .


ASIAN BUSINESSMAN 2 MALE – ASIAN AMERICAN – EARLY 30’S

ASIAN BUSINESSMAN 2 IS ALSO A WELL DRESSED
AND CLEAN CUT BUSINESS MAN. HE IS A YOUNGER
JUNIOR EMPLOYEE OUT WITH THE BOSS.


BAND MEMBERS 1-5 MALE OR FEMALE – MIXED – LATE 20’S – MID 30’S

5 BLUES MUSICIANS GENDER NON SPECIFIC,
RACIAL MIX IS NOT IMPORTANT.


BUSINESSMAN 1 MALE – CAUCASIAN – MID 40’S

BUSINESSMAN 1 IS PROFESSIONAL, DRESSED IN A
“POWER SUIT.” HE IS CLEAN CUT A POSTER
CHILD FOR MODERN CORPORATE AMERICA.


BUSINESSMAN 2 MALE – CAUCASIAN – MID 20’S

THIS IS BUSINESSMAN 1’S PERSONAL MENION,
MAYBE A RELATIVE. HE IS PROFESSIONAL BUT
CLEARLY A BIT OF A “YES MAN. HE IS CLEAN CUT
AND LOOKS LIKE A RISING STAR.


CASHIER ( COFFE GUY ) MALE – CAUCASIAN – EARLY 20’S

A REAL GEN-XER - PIERCED AND ANGST RIDEN
OVER THE POINTLESNESS OF MODERN EXISTANCE.
PROBABLY AN ARTIST OF SOME SORT, ONLY
WORKING AT A COFFE SHOP BECAUSE “HIS ART”
DOESN’T APPEAL TO THE INTELLECTUALLY
BANKRUPT BABY BOOMERS WHO WANT PEICES
THAT MATCH THEIR FURNITURE.


CLINIC MAN 1 MALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – EARLY 30’S

AN AVERAGE GUY BY ALL ACCOUNTS.


CLINIC WOMAN 1 FEMALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – EARLY 30’S

AN AVERAGE WOMAN BY ALL ACCOUNTS.



EAGER STUDENT MALE – CAUCASIAN – 7 TO 10

YOUR STANDARD PRECOCIOUS LITTLE BOY,
ENERGETIC AND HAVING FUN.


GIRL STUDENT FEMALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – 7 TO 10

A TAKE CHARGE KIND OF GIRL, ALWAYS READY
TO STATE HER VEIWS TO ADULTS OR WHOEVER.


JACK MALE – CAUCASIAN – LATE 20’S

AVERAGE LOOKING, RELATIVE ATTRACTIVE BUT
NOTHING SPECIAL. HAS GOTTEN WHERE HE IS BY
HARD WORK NOT BY ANYTHING EXCEPTIONAL
ABOUT HIM.


KEN MALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – EARLY 30’S

A HANDSOME, SUCESSFUL, AND LIKEABLE SORT OF
GUY. EASY GOING AND GERALLY AMIABLE.


MEDICAL EXAMINER 1 FEMALE – CAUCASIAN – MID 40’S

PROFESSIONAL AND COMPETENT, SHES AN OLD
WAR HORSE NOTHING REALLY PHASES HER.


MEDICAL EXAMINER 2 MALE – CAUCASIAN – EARLY 50’S

SCHOLARLY AND UNFLAPABLE, HAS SEEN IT ALL
AND BAGGED THE BODIES. HE TAKES HIS JOB
SERIOUSLY AND APPROACHES IT METHODICALLY
WITH INTENSE DETERMINATION.


POLICE INVESTIGATOR MALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – EARLY 40’S

A LARGE MAN WHO HAS WORKED HARD ALL HIS
CAREER, RISING TO HIS POSTION FROM WALKING
A BEAT IN THE HARDER SECTIONS OF TOWN.


POLICE OFFICER 1 MALE – CAUCASIAN – EARLY 30’S

A SEASONED COP WITH SEVERAL YEARS ON THE
FORCE, OBSERVANT AN STREET SMART HE’S
PERFECTLY COMFORTABLE AT A CRIME SCENE. HE
IS PHYSICALLY FIT BUT NOT RAMBO, WELL
GROMED AND PERFESSIONAL LOOKING.


POLICE OFFICER 2 MALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – MID 30’S

LARGE AND IN CHARGE, HIS SHEER SIZE AND MASS
ARE A LEGACY OF HIS COLLEGE YEARS PLAYING
LINEBACKER FOR SOME SEC SCHOOL.


SHERIFF MALE – CAUCASIAN – EARLY 30’S

HIS APPERANCE DENOTES HIS RURAL UPBRINGING,
MORE A COUNTRY BOY THAN A CITY GUY, HE
WORKS FOR THE COUNTY IN LAW ENFORCEMENT .


TOUR GUIDE FEMALE – CAUCASIAN – EARLY 20’S

A YOUNG AND ATTRACTIVE CO-ED, DOING RIVER
TOUR WHILE ATTENDING COLLEGE, WHERE SHE IS
STUDYING ELEMENTRY EDUCATION.



TRUCK DRIVER MALE – CAUCASIAN – EARLY 40’S

THE KIND OF GUY WHO ENJOYS NASCAR,
TRACK-PULLS, AND SHOOTING THINGS THAT LIVE
IN THE WOODS. HE’S AN OLD SCHOOL GREASE
MONKEY WHO GREW UP AROUND CARS ANDS
SHOPS.


WAITER 1 MALE – AFRICAN AMERICAN – MID 20’S

A NICE LOOKING YOUNG MAN, PROBABLY
LOOKING FOR ANOTHER JOB WITH BETTER HOURS
SO HE CAN SETTLE DOWN AND START A “REAL
LIFE.”


WAITER 2 FEMALE – CAUCASIAN – MID 20’S

AN ATTRACTIVE GIRL WHO STILL LIKES CLUBBING
AND PARTYING. LIKES WAITING TABLES BECAUSE
IT MEANS UNDECLARED TIP MONEY, AND
COLLEAGUES WHO THINK STARTING A PARTY AT
3AM IS NORMAL.


BACKGROUND CAST: (NO LINES BUT SCREEN TIME)

I AM EXTREMELY FLEXABLE ON ALL THESE CHARACTERS.



BUSINESS PEOPLE 3 ASSORTED

THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO SPEND A LOT OF TIME
SITTING AT CONFERENCE ROOM TABELS. ALL OF
THEM ARE DRESSED PROFESSIONALY AND
CONSERCATIVELY.


CLINIC PEOPLE 3 (1 MALE & 2FEMALE) – ASSORTED – ASSORTED

AVERAGE PEOPLE, 1 COUPLE AND A LONE GIRL
PROBABLY YOUNGER.


STUDENTS ASSORTED (10 TO 15)

MIXED RACES AND GENDERS.


PARAMEDICS 2 (1 MALE & 1 FEMALE)

PARAMEDICS THAT ASSIST THE PEOPLE AT THE
CRIME SCENE.


HOSTESS FEMALE – CAUCASIAN – 18 TO 22

YOUNG LADY WORKING AT A RESTAURANT.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

"Live Animals"

Check out the trailer for Jeremy Benson's upcoming release, "Live Animals." John Still lays it out for you with delicious, terrifying finality.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

"Nobody" screenings

"Nobody," the terrific documentary by Lance Murphey and Alan Spearman, just screened at the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival. Next up are screenings at the River's Edge International Film Festival in Paducah, Ky., Aug. 14-18.



Arts funding in Memphis

ArtsMemphis recently added 500 donors contributing the the local arts funding agency. But there's still a way to go. From a story in the CA:

According to figures from Americans for the Arts, about 26,000 donors contributed $7.9 million to Louisville's Fund for the Arts in 2007. ArtsMemphis, meanwhile, received about $3 million from just 2,300 donors.

"Our peer-city analysis is showing we are lagging behind not just in dollars ... but in number of donors," ArtsMemphis president and CEO Susan Schadt said. "That's something that needs to be underscored."

Since completing its rebranding last September, which included a new Web site, magazine and ad campaign in addition to a name change, ArtsMemphis [formerly the Greater Memphis Arts Council] has attracted an additional 500 donors.


Full story is here.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Craig Brewer's "$5 Cover" starts shooting July 18

From the CA:

Local movie-maker Craig Brewer says he has joined with MTV to create a "groundbreaking episodic serial" set in Memphis and cast entirely with Memphis musicians and actors "as they fight for love, inspiration and the money to pay the rent."

Shooting begins July 18 on "$5 Cover," a 15-episode -- or "webisode" -- online program funded by MTV that will be made available to viewers later this year via personal computers, cell phones, iPods and other digital devices that offer an alternative to watching films on TV or in movie theaters.



Full story here.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Tonight! You should go!!

Wednesday, July 9, 7:30 p.m.
Power House Memphis
The 42nd Meeting of the
Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club
"Scenes from the Film Festival Circuit"

Join Indie Memphis' new executive director, Erik Jambor, for a special screening of some of his favorite shorts from the film festival circuit. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see what's in his head, and get a glimpse of what may be in store for the 11th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival this October 9-16.

The program will feature an eclectic mix of animation, comedy and drama, including:

THE CLIMACTIC DEATH OF DARK NINJA (13 min.) - Peter Craig's crowd-pleasing comedy about a frazzled auteur, struggling to shoot the climactic scene of his self-proclaimed martial arts masterpiece.

SCRIPT COPS (7 min.) - Scott Rice's hilariously irreverent parody about cops who arrest people for bad screenwriting.

EVERYTHING WILL BE OK (17 min.) - The latest film from Academy-award nominated animator Don Hertzfeldt (BILLY'S BALLOON, REJECTED), in which a series of dark and troubling events force Bill to reckon with the meaning of his life, or lack thereof.

And more!
Admission is FREE!
Refreshments will be available
including Beer, Wine, Sodas, and Popcorn.
Donations are appreciated.
Power House Memphis
45 GE Paterson
(between Front St. & Main)
Memphis, Tennessee 38103

Casting male indie lead

From Brad at Rusted Sun:

Rusted Sun Films and Last Train to Memphis Entertainment is looking for a white male between the ages of 20 and 35 for the lead male role in a fun and humorous vampire film. The perfect person for this role will be a short, small framed guy in good physical shape. Must have a good sense of humor.

If you fit this description or you think you have what it takes, send me a couple headshots and your resume including height and weight. If your headshots are huge, please shrink them to a decent size before sending them.

Cheers,
Brad
brad@rustedsunfilms.com

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Disney's High School Musical 2 @ Collierville

WHO: Collierville's Harrell Theatre
WHAT: Disney's High School Musical 2: Live Onstage!
WHEN: July 17th- August 3rd

Everyone's favorite Wildcats are taking Collierville's Harrell
Theatre over beginning July 17th. The Wildcats are a rambunctious
bunch, as they sing, dance and swim in the upcoming world premiere of
Disney's High School Musical 2: Live Onstage!.

At each performance of Disney's High School Musical 2,
audience members can participate in a raffle, with one lucky person
winning every night. The winner will have the chance to be featured
onstage in the musical's rousing finale number. Proceeds from this
raffle will go to Madonna Learning Center.

High School Musical 2 tells the story of Troy Bolton, a basketball
playing singer, and his girlfriend, Gabriella Montez, a brainiac who
also has a knack for singing. The only thing standing in their way of
a perfect summer is the biggest diva of them all, Sharpay Evans. When
Troy, Gabriella and the rest of their friends get jobs at Sharpay's
country club, it is clear that Gabriella might have some competition.
As Sharpay begins to sink her claws into Troy, Troy's world is turned
upside down.

Disney's High School Musical 2 runs at the Harrell Theatre from July 17th to August 3rd. The theatre is located at 440 W. Powell Rd. in Collierville. The show is directed and choreographed by Amy Hanford and Music Directed by Angelo Rapan. Cassie Thompson is the assistant director and Megan Homas Campbell is the assistant choreographer. Holiday Ham is the corporate sponsor. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. There are no group rates for this show. To order tickets, call the Harrell Theatre Box Office at (901) 853- 3228.
www.harrelltheatre.org


Saturday, July 5, 2008

Extras needed Thursday 7-10

Award-winning filmmaker Kentucker Audley's new film is in production and extras are needed for a scene. The particulars:

Needed: Fifty (50) extras for "Law School Grad Party"
Ages: Early 20's to Late 30's
Attire: Semi-dressy (e.g. Sun Dresses, Ties)
When: Thursday, July 10, 2008. 6PM-10PM
Where: The Power House Gallery, 45 G.E. Patterson (West of S. Main)

There will be free drinks and food provided.

Kentucker is the award winning filmmaker of Team Picture, and Bright Sunny South. He was recently named to Filmmaker Magazines 2008 "Top 25 New Faces of Independent Film".

For additional information, please contact: sawedoff@sawedoffproductions.com

Friday, July 4, 2008

Art show recommended

Filmmaker and artist Eric Swartz is having an opening reception for his exhibition of photographs and paintings Saturday (7-5) at 6 p.m. at Republic Coffee, 2924 Walnut Grove.

And Saturna will be playing. Excellent!

So go, go, go...

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Measures of success at the box office

Interesting article in Slate that points out that the usual box office figures come up short when measuring a film's popularity. The author discovers that, "Far from being elitist, movie critics are actually a pretty good barometer of popular taste."

Indie Memphis entries

Only a couple weeks left before the deadline submission for the Indie Memphis Film Festival. On Wednesday, Eric Jambor, executive director of IMFF, encouraged local filmmakers to get their works in and pointed out that Memphis directors can waive the entry fee on their first submission.

Submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2007 and may not be publicly exhibited (including being on TV) in Shelby County, Tennessee prior to the 2008 festival dates (excluding other Indie Memphis screenings). Films previously submitted to Indie Memphis will not be reconsidered.

Jambor said a limited screening not open to the public -- just for cast and crew, for example -- would not affect eligibility. The idea is that the film will have its premiere at Indie Memphis.

A film that has been screened for the public may be submitted if it has been substantially changed. "It would have to be a different work if re-edited," Jambor said, where the changes go beyond minor edits and tweaks.

Films will be categorized in competitive and non-competitive categories at the sole discretion of Indie Memphis. Films with theatrical distribution may not qualify for juried competition, but would still be eligible for audience awards. Instructional films, industrials and promotional videos are generally not appropriate for submission.

Submissions will be notified of their selection status on or around Sept. 8, 2008.