IM09: Friday and some updates

Indie Memphis is underway with a couple of changes already:

-- The outdoor screenings scheduled for today have been put off due to rain. Look for a resked.

-- Saturday’s free Savage County Sneak has been canceled. Hope springs eternal for a rescheduled event after the festival.

IM09 media wrapup:

The Memphis Flyer's daily picks are here. (Alexander the Last, Stingray Sam, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Kentucker Audley screening, Jennifer -- wildcard picks are Flipside Memphis and Paranormal Activity)

The Flyer has a general story here and an interview with director Scott Teems of the featured "That Evening Sun" here. The Flyer's print edition also has a pullout section on the festival.

The CA's GoMemphis section has Indie Memphis info. John Beifuss writes about sci-fi westerns here and Bob Mehr writes about Robyn Hitchcock here. Beifuss also has a video report here (go to Featured Videos).

Tonight's Craig Brewer special Paranormal Activity is sold out or nearly so. The last minute addition (reviewed here in the New York Times) might or might not get another screening at some point. If you didn't get tix for tonight's show, keep your antenna up.

Also, follow IM09 on Twitter here: #im09 and be looking for Rachel "@RachelandtheCity" Hurley's posts along with @Indiememphis, @mybrewtube, @jonwsparks, @skeletonkey, @ilovememphis, @valibus, @artsmemphis.

IM09: Opening Night

Erik Jambor and Les Edwards TCB @ IM09

Indie Memphis director Erik Jambor was prostrate on the floor in the lobby of Studio on the Square. Nothing was wrong, it was just a long haul to this moment when the opening night's screenings had finally gotten underway. In fact, he was pretty pleased with the way things were going.

"We're thrilled with the great turnout," he said. "It's a great crowd in the hospitality tent and the rain held off."

At about 8 p.m., Erik and Les Edwards, a producer and long-time fixture of Indie Memphis, were on their phones and huddled over a laptop, smoothing wrinkles and keeping things moving ahead, toward the post-screening Q&As, the after party and then six more days of glorious film.

The festival volunteers were deftly taking care of business with good humor and making sure filmmakers got wrangled, members were tended to, tickets were distributed and merch sold.

All in the name of bringing a singular cinematic experience to town.

"It's important for us to highlight Robert King and do the tie-in with the exhibition last night and the film tonight," Erik said. King is a Memphis photographer who has spent his life taking pictures in war zones such as Iraq and Bosnia. The documentary of King by British filmmakers Richard Parry and Vaughan Smith was featured Thursday night and an exhibit of King's photos opened Wednesday at Marshall Arts.

Among those there to see "Shooting Robert King" or the feature "That Evening Sun" were Jimmie and Nancy Tashie, Linn Sitler, Hunter Deusing, Haley Giles, Elvis Mitchell, Sarah Fleming, J. Lazarus Hawk, Craig Brewer, Erin Hagee, Mark Jones, Don Meyers, Matt Beickert, Tommy Kha and Robin Salant.

And so was the terrific character actor Barry Corbin who stars in "That Evening Sun." "He hasn't seen the film yet," said Erik, "so that's why he's here, as are some of Dixie Carter's friends. So it's a special evening."

I'll buy your breakfast

Yes, I'll buy your breakfast and maybe I'll drink your milkshake, too.


This weekend's discussions/networking/panels/workshops at IM09 offer hours of info, experience and maybe an epiphany or two for film makers and the people who love them.


And yes, Memphis Cool Movies, this very blog that you're reading as you're driving down Poplar is sponsoring Saturday's Filmmaker Networking Breakfast starring tasty bagels and piping hot coffee from Bogie's Deli. Filmmakers will be there talking about Friday night's amazing films/parties/frolics and pitching future projects. Come and butter a bagel with us Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Festival Cafe out front of Malco Studio on the Square.


Then stick around for the rest of the weekend's tent revivals -- all of which are free, making it ideal for the poor and hungry:


Saturday, noon, Festival Cafe:

Get the ins and outs of The Film Festival Circuit with Chris Holland (Film Festival Secrets) and Heidi Van Lier (The Indie Film Rule Book), who will share years of accumulated knowledge and insight. Learn where and how to submit your film, and get advice on developing your own festival submission strategy.

Saturday, 1 p.m., Festival Cafe:

Join John Beifuss (The Commercial Appeal and The Bloodshot Eye), Chris Herrington (Memphis Flyer) and former New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell (host of KCRW's The Treatment) to see what happens When Critics Converse. Learn about the changes that the advent of the Internet has brought to the profession and hear about their personal experiences, perspectives and observations -- and find out why they connect with the films they love best (maybe).

Saturday, 2 p.m., Festival Cafe:

Craig Brewer ($5 Cover) moderates this Cafe Conversation on Filmmaking for the Web with Cory McAbee (Stingray Sam, The American Astronaut), Edward Valibus Phillips (The Conversion) and Joe Swanberg Alexander the Last, Amateur Hour with Joe Swanberg) to discuss the latest trend in independent filmmaking.

Saturday, 3 p.m., Festival Cafe:

Got a question about indie filmmaking? Need to find out what's wrong with your film -- and what's right? Ask Heidi Van Lier, author of The Indie Film Rule Book and the "Indie Film Q & A with Heidi Van Lier" blog for Film Independent. Heidi advises 10-20 filmmakers a year, speaks at colleges and on film festival panels (like this one!), and programs the Slamdance Film Festival. Her first feature, Chi Girl won the Slamdance's Grand Jury Prize in 1999 and sold to IFC Films. Her second feature Monday, will be released soon digitally through Cinetic Rights Management. She is just finishing her third feature, American Decaf, which will hit the festival circuit in 2010.

Sunday, 10 a.m., Festival Cafe:

Join Fuel Film Memphis for Sunday's Filmmaker Networking Breakfast and hear about plans for Filmmaker and Investor Forums, our survey and the January Kick-Off Event, as you enjoy tasty bagels and coffee from Bogie's Deli.

Sunday, noon, Festival Cafe:

Join Steven Beckman (Cinetic Media, Chris Holland and others for Distribute Me: A Conversation on Getting Your Film Out to the World. Hear about how filmmakers are getting their films out there, and learn what options might be right for your next project.

Sunday, 1 p.m., Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

Independent filmmaker Joe Swanberg is acclaimed both for his films (Kissing on the Mouth, LOL, Hannah Takes the Stairs, Nights and Weekends, Alexander the Last) and for his episodic work for the web (Young American Bodies, The Stagg Party, Butterknife). In addition to its unadorned style, naturalistic dialog, and loosely scripted narratives, Joe's work is notable for its use of non-professional actors.

In this workshop, Joe will share his personal experiences and opinions on the appeal of Working with Nonprofessional Actors, as well as challenges and potential problems. He'll also discuss the different ways that nonprofessionals can be used most effectively, such as building characters around the actor and putting them in comfortable situations. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to share experiences and ask questions about their own projects, as well.

Acting class with Darius Wallace

ACTING FOR FILM WITH DARIUS WALLACE

Come join the Actors Community, Tuesday, October 6th, at Caritas Village from 6:30p to 8:30p to begin work on acting for film. We will be preparing to work with writer, director, and actor; Darius Wallace.

Darius Wallace attended Interlochen Arts Academy where he studied theatrical arts. He then attended SUNY Purchase Theatre Arts School in New York, a school of professional theatre. He wrote and produced a one-manshow on the life of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Fredrick Douglas. Darius has toured his one-man shows around the country through mobile productions which has been seen in forty-eight states. The show Malcolm X received rave reviews by the LA Times and LA Weekly. He recently finished shooting the movie Nothing But the Truth with Kate Beckinsdale and Matt Dillion. He is currently in post production on his own movie, 100 Lives, which he wrote, directed and produced.

Directions to Caritas Village are below.

For more information send e-mails to jenneanfarmer@gmail.com.

Directions to Caritas Village
Take Poplar Avenue westbound
Turn right on Merton Street
Turn left on Harvard Avenue
Caritas Village will be to the left
2509 Harvard Avenue

Theater auditions

Auditon Dates and info for upcoming Theatre Memphis performances. All auditions will take place at Theatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Extended @ Southern. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Salerno Hale at ashale@theatrememphis.org or 901-682-0518

Those wishing to audition for both Fallen Angels & Buffalo Gal are asked to audition on separate days.


Buffalo Gal
Written by A. R. Gurney
Directed by Jerry Chipman
performed on the Next Stage February 26 – March 14, 2010

Amanda is a glamorous Hollywood actress returning to her hometown of Buffalo, NY, to guest star in a production of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. Memories and relationships are rekindled, new hope beckons – just as Hollywood calls with an offer will she or won’t she be able to refuse? A Mid-South Premiere.

Auditions:
Saturday, Oct 3 @ 1:45 PM
Sunday, Oct 4 @ 5:45 PM
Monday, Oct 5 @ 6:45 PM Callbacks by invitation only

o Auditions will be cold readings from the script.
Familiarity with the script is strongly advised for all auditionees.
o Scripts are available at the box office and may be rented for 3 days
with a refundable $5 deposit. Rental deposit is forfeited if materials
are returned after the due date.
o Current resume and headshot strongly advised.
o Roles Available: 3 Men, age 30-60 2 Women, age 18-60
o Rehearsals begin January 11, 2010.
o The role of Amanda will be played by Christina Wellford Scott;
all other roles are open. Character descriptions follow.

Available Roles:
Jackie – 30-50; a successful and respected director in the world of regional theatre; she is a personable, honest and confident woman - or as confident as anyone would be about to direct a Hollywood star in The Cherry Orchard.

Roy – 30-50; production stage manager for The Cherry Orchard; strong, reliable, professional and a friend and confidant to Jackie; he is dazzled by Amanda.

Debbie – late teens to 30; the theatre’s intern & assistant production stage manager; energetic, loves her job and is a walking encyclopedia of theatre knowledge.

James Johnson – 45-55; African-American; strong, assured actor, beautifully spoken; had a success the previous season playing Othello.

Dan Robbins – 50s; the “boy she left behind” - he’s now a successful, socially prominent dentist; he’s back on the scene and would like to be back in Amanda’s life.


All auditionees should fill out an audition form in advance and bring it with you to auditions, stapled to resume and headshot. An audition form may be downloaded from our website (www.theatrememphis.org).


Fallen Angels
Written by Noël Coward
Directed by John Rone
performed on the Lohrey Stage February 5 – 21, 2010

Noël Coward's Fallen Angels is a comedy about two married Englishwomen, Julia and Jane. Their husbands, Fred and Willy, take them for granted. Before getting married, each of the women had a romance with the same dashing Frenchman, Maurice. While the husbands are away on a golf trip, Julia and Jane find out that Maurice is about to pay them a visit. What will happen when they meet again?


Auditions:
Saturday, Oct 3 @ 1:45 PM
Sunday, Oct 4 @ 5:45 PM
Monday, Oct 5 @ 6:45 PM Callbacks by invitation only

o Auditions will be cold readings from the script.
Familiarity with the script is strongly advised for all auditionees.
o Scripts are available at the box office and may be rented for 3 days
with a refundable $5 deposit. Rental deposit is forfeited if materials
are returned after the due date.
o Current resume and headshot strongly advised.
o Roles Available: 3 Men, age 30-50 3 Women, age 30-50
o Rehearsals begin Monday, November 30, 2009.
o No roles have been precast.

All auditionees should fill out an audition form in advance and bring it with you to auditions, stapled to resume and headshot. An audition form may be downloaded from our website (www.theatrememphis.org).

Live From Memphis @ Indie Memphis

62 films and 4 Days of Live From Memphis at the 12th Annual Indie Memphis Film Festival!!

Live From Memphis has been partnering with Indie Memphis since 2004, and this year that relationship has truly blossomed. Indie Memphis has reached out to us and we're hanging on for the ride. Please join us in a celebration of this long-lasting relationship at the following showcases all happening at Indie Memphis!! Flipside Memphis (part 2), 5th Annual Music Video Showcase, Li'l Film Fest 11: Musical Horror, and the Best of Li'l Film Fest 2009. We're also throwing the official Indie Memphis opening weekend (aka The Music Video Showcase After-party). There's just so much to celebrate :)

Flipside Memphis (part 2)
Friday, October 9th, 5:30pm at Studio on the Square
Runtime approx. 50 minutes

Flipside Memphis is a project produced by Live From Memphis in partnership with the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau. Initially developed as accompanying material for Craig Brewer's "$5 Cover," Flipside explores and exposes the real-life Memphis, by showcasing cool local talent, unique hang-outs, and all the stuff that is the heart of our city. These fifteen all-new episodes are being presented on the big screen for the first time.

River Arts Fest
Metal Museum
Central BBQ
New Daisy Theatre
Memphis Pops Festival
Zombies Attack!
Folk Alliance
Neosoulville
Five in One
Rock For Love
Xanadu
Revolutions
Memphis Zoo
Paul Taylor
Live From Memphis


5th Annual Music Video Showcase
Saturday, October 10th, 7:30pm at Studio on the Square
Runtime approx. 80 minutes

First launched in 2005, the goal of MVS is to give both local filmmakers and musicians a chance to "rock the big screen!" All the entries in the Music Video Showcase are either by local directors or local musicians. Come support local music & local film all at once!

"One Good Reason" | Sore Eyes | dir. Sarah Fleming
"Frozen Fun" | The Clears | dir. Live From Memphis
"Monster" | Skillet | dir. Andy & John Irwin
"Todo Vuelve A Empezar" | Alfepado | dir. Angel Ortez
"Sun Never Goes" | The Perfect Vessels | dir. Graham Burks
"Hitler Lives" | Mudboy and Sons | dir. True Story Pictures
"16 Hours" | Ohio Briars | dir. Laura Jean Hocking
"America" | 8 Ball | dir. 8 Ball & Joe Gotti
"Tequila Salt" | Taco and Da Mofos | dir. Waheed AlQawasmi
"North Memphis Like Me" | Juicy J featuring Project pat and V Slash | dir. Nathan Black
"Sittin' On Blades" | Bigg Baby | dir. Jonathan Thomason
"Feels So Good" | Muck Sticky | dir. Nathan Black
"Somebody Better Tell 'Em" | Art of Raw | dir. Catina Johnson
"Begin" | Overjoid | dir. Eric Swartz
"Beauty Hunter" | Burning Star Core | dir. Tom Strodtbeck
"Good Luck" | Good Luck Dark Star | dir. Chad Schaffler
"Whatever You Like" | Taco and Da Mofos | dir. Waheed AlQawasmi
"Hero" | Skillet | dir. Andy & John Irwin
"Love" | Snowglobe | dir. Christopher Reyes
"Eighteen With A Bullet" | Fingers Like Saturn | dir. Mike McCarthy
"No Mistake" | Total Savage | dir. Brad Phelan


Li'l Film Fest 11: Musical Horror
Sunday, October 11th, 5:30pm at the Brooks Museum of Art
Runtime approx. 60 minutes

Live from Memphis' Li'l Film Fest is a quarterly, theme-based film festival, designed to encourage and inspire Memphis filmmakers while engaging the local audience in order to strengthen Memphis' artistic community. The theme of Lil'l Film Fest 11 is "Musical Horror," with each filmmaker required to include the secret ingredient: "orange." Each film in the program is 5 minutes or less.

The Tell-Tale Shitty Music directed by Kristopher Steward & Hunter Duesing
Fool Hearty directed by R. Jason Rawlings & Dave Godbout
You Better Behave directed by Geoffrey Brent Shrewsbury
Threnody directed by Jon W. Sparks
Thriller directed by Anupam 'Al' Lahiri
Spacecrane 2010 directed by HG Ray
Orange Delight directed by Donald Meyers
Unstable directed by Wesley Catlett & Justin Houston
Dark Fountain directed by Harmony Stewart
OCD directed by Joe Fragale
Frankenstein vs. Dracula: the Opera! directed by Adam Remsen


Best of Li'l Film Fest 2009
Wednesday, October 14th, 9pm at Studio on the Square
Runtime approx. 85 minutes

Li'l Film Fest is a quaterly film festival designed to encourage and inspire Memphis filmmakers while engaging a local audience. Currently in it's 3rd year, to date Li'l Film Fest has helped to inspire the creation of 131 films and in the process supported hundreds of aspiring filmmakers, crew members, and actors.

From Li'l Film Fest 9: Memphis - Fact or Fiction?
Journeyman directed by Arnold Edwards
An Exemplary Look at Memphis, Tennessee - Free of Charge! directed by G.B. Shrewsbury
El Regalo (The Gift) directed by Angel Ortez
Milhouse & The King directed by Alex & Clay
Weird Tales of Shelby Forst Vol. 1 - Thrill Hill directed by H. G. Ray
Snipe Huntin' directed by Eric Swartz
Chuck, From Craigslist directed by Morgan Jon Fox
CottonBallLand directed by Corduroy Wednesday

From Li'l Film Fest 10: Family
Sunday directed by Val Overstreet
Dinner at the Olson's directed by Don Meyers
Family Heat! directed by Andy Strong
Meet the Grotz directed by Rich Kimball
Son of… directed by J. Lazarus Hawk
Downer directed by Jason Rawlings and Jason Davenport
Monday directed by Eric Swartz

From Li'l Film Fest 11: Musical Horror
Lil Film Fest 11 Jury Winner (TBD)
Lil Film Fest 11 Audience Winner (TBD)

Seeking a cast

From Arnold Edwards II:

I have the pleasure of co-producing and being 1st AD on an upcoming
project titled A Disjointed Proposal. I'm contacting you in hopes you
may be interested....

The talented Derek Steiner, Unwatchable Films, is casting for his
short comedy A Disjointed Proposal:

Hilarity ensues when an unfortunate accident leads a commitment phobic
waiter through a sequence of events in search of his severed finger
while dodging his girlfriend's persistent requests to bond with her
parents who happen to be dining at the same restaurant.

We’re looking for all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds.

The shoot dates will be Friday Oct 23rd and Saturday 24th from 10pm till 5am.

This is a no-budget student project. This means it’s not a paying gig,
but a wonderful opportunity to exercise your amazing talent, meet new
people/network, work on something fresh and have your work showcased
in festivals around the country!

If interested, send your contact info, a picture and any related
materials you’re interested in sharing that showcases your abilities
to Derek at:

DisjointedProposal@gmail.com