Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Delta Axis upcoming

From exec. director Tracy Lauritzen Wright:

On Wednesday, Delta Axis resumes the monthly Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club with program #23 on (November 1, at 7:30 p.m.) at Power House. Just in case you don’t get your Halloween fill tonight, we’re presenting Microcinema International’s Independent Exposure 2006 - Halloweird Edition. This is an assorted collection of weird, creepy, gross, odd and strange shorts made by moving image artists from around the world.

On Friday, November 10th we open our last Power House exhibition of the year with a reception from 6-8 p.m. We are thrilled to present Wangechi Mutu, sleeping heads lie, an exhibition exploring Western symbols of power using collage, the female body and site-specific installation.

Thursday, November 16th we resume the monthly Artist Studio Visits with Nancy Cheairs. This program is 6-7 p.m. and advance registration is encouraged. Please call 578-5545 to register for this visit and receive location details and directions.

Also, stop by the delta axis @ marshall arts exhibition, Fuzion 3.0: Taking on hip-hop, featuring new work by 13 members of the NIA artist collective. The gallery is open Saturdays, 1-5 p.m.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Casting for "Let's Ride"

Here are some press releases for this production that's planning to
shoot in November:

NEW FILM SEARCHES FOR NEW STARS IN MEMPHIS
Local Hollywood Hopefuls Will Audition for Let's Ride

The search is on for fresh new faces for the new film Let's Ride,
which is preparing to shoot in Memphis in a matter of weeks. Monica
Cooper, a Los Angeles Casting Director, will be arriving in Memphis
later this week, preparing to audition local actors for open roles.

"What better way to capture the essence of a community than work
intimately with its talent." Ms. Cooper responds. "I am looking
forward to seeing all Memphis has to offer."

Ms. Cooper will be searching for a wide variety of local talent to
play some principal roles, day player roles and a wide variety of
extras that are 18 & older. Headshots and Resumes will be accepted by
electronic submission to monicacoopercasting@comcast.net or by sending
hardcopies to Monica Cooper - Let's Ride, C/O The Memphis Film
Commission, 50 Peabody Place, Suite 250, Memphis, TN 38103

Currently attached to the film is Ray J, who plays Freestyle, know
most recently for his character D-Mack on the television show 'One on
One'; Shar Jackson of 'Moesha' fame, playing the role of Erika; Texas
Battle, of 'Coach Carter' will be playing the straight laced ATL;
funny man "Grapevine" from 'Cuts' and 'One on One' plays the chocolate
candy loving Big Hershey; Ronnie Alvarez, of High School Musical, who
will play Nico; Edward Barbanell, who enjoyed his rolled 'The Ringer',
will be playing Wolverine and JoMarie Payton as the Dean. They are
looking forward not only to their time in Memphis, but working with
the fresh new talent Memphis has to offer.

Let's Ride will begin principal photography in Memphis, TN in
November. This hilarious comedy which is along the lines of THERE'S
SOMETHING ABOUT MARY and ROAD TRIP, follows characters ATL, Freestyle,
Big Hershey and Nico, on the road as they travel to the ultimate fun
of Freaknik in Atlanta Georgia.



October 15, 2006, Memphis: It was announced today that the film "Let's
Ride" will begin principal photography in Memphis, TN in November.
After careful consideration of multiple locations, cast & crew were
delighted to hear they would be spending the next two months enjoying
the friendship of the community that warmly encouraged them to bring
the film to the south.

"We were so moved by the extended hand of the Film Commissioner and
Mayor Herenton to bring our film to town, we felt Memphis would be a
home away from home." states Producer Tony Smith. "The Memphis &
Shelby County Film and Television Commission have been committed to
making every part of our project effortless and have worked to make us
feel right at home."

"Let's Ride" is a hilarious comedy along the lines of THERE'S
SOMETHING ABOUT MARY and ROAD TRIP. It follows characters ATL,
Freestyle, Big Hershey and Nico, on their road to the ultimate fun of
Freaknik, along with the stress of Cousin Erika's goal of not only
being the first in her family to graduate from college, but graduating
from the rich tradition of Spellman College.

"When we are on location for extended periods of time, the stress of
being away from loved ones can take a toll on a production." Director
Dale S. Lewis explains. "The community of Memphis made us feel like we
were welcome and that makes all the difference in the world to my
actors and crew."

Cast members able to be reached, Ray J, playing Freestyle, Shar
Jackson, playing the role of Erika, funny man "Grapevine" as Big
Hershey, Ronnie Alvarez, of High School Musical, who will play Nico
and JoMarie Payton as the Dean, are looking forward to their time in
Memphis.

About the director:
Dale S. Lewis began his career as a UCLA film student, working as an
Assistant Editor on the set of Terry McMillan's "Disappearing Acts",
as well as "The Source" and the "Soul Train Music Awards". Lewis
further honed his craft as a Director, Assistant Director and Editor,
on more than 30 productions, ranging from Jeep Cherokee to Sketcher
commercials. The marketplace then recognized his self-established
company; DGL Entertainment (formerly known as Image is Everything
Productions), implementing his directorial vision with contracts to do
PSA's for the American Heart Association, Alert and Instructional
Videos for the infamous Latin Dance Company, Salsa Brava.

As a result of proving himself as 2nd Unit Director and Editor for
"The Big Black Comedy Show" hosted by Monique (The Parker's, Queens of
Comedy, Two Can Play That Game and The Beauty Shop), Lewis procured
one of his projects as the Director and Editor for the Disney
television pilot "Keke and Jamel" and UPN's "Second Time Around".
Lewis's prolific imagi- nation and resourcefulness is showcased via
his introspective look at America's urban underbelly; an artistic
"Dark"umentary entitled "The Other Side", that depicts the harsh
sometimes hopeless reality of the inner city residents in his native
city, Philadelphia. This Documentary provided a new home for Lewis as
a Def Filmmaker (simmonslathan.com), under the umbrella of Russell
Simmons and Stan Lathan, whose stellar reputations, professional
accomplishments and talents are stratospheric for bringing the best of
what urban entertainment has to offer through the works of emerging
auteurs.

At his core, Dale S. Lewis, is a compassionate, spirited, visionary
with heart. Lewis keeps his vision fresh and on the cutting edge by
not limiting himself to a specific genre of production. Lewis recently
completed a feature film entitled "Julius Home" and a 30 min short
film "Near Mrs". In addition, he is directing the musical "Church
Fight"- set to begin its national tour March 2006 and also set to
Direct the television pilot "The Grace Family". Lastly, Lewis is
currently in the research phase of development, as he prepares to
direct the feature film about the world of Fashion entitled "Rags",
produced by Fashion Mogul Tommy Hilfiger.

About the producer:
With his calling set in motion over 15 years ago, Tony Smith has
enjoyed a film & music career to be proud of. Early in his profession,
Smith produced soundtracks for such projects as "Snow Taxi", featuring
artists K.B. and Liza. His strong ability to merge the world of music
and acting, led him to produce the highly acclaimed musical, "Black
Olive", along with fellow Executive Producer, Cedric the Entertainer.

As a result of his strong alliances and keen business sense, he has
successfully joined ranks with Showtime, Sony, Universal,
Simmons-Lathan and 20th Century Fox to name a few. He has found
himself responsible for nurturing, advising and managing the promising
careers of a few up-and-coming young recording artists, directors and
television/screen stars. His relentless drive and trained ear for
excellence in music production was sought out to score Russell
Simmons's highly anticipated television series "Hip Hop Justice," "Hip
Hop Laws of Success," and hip hop themed "Yoga Live."

Tony continued to expand his talents by forming 'A Street
Productions', bringing his dream of producing feature films to
fruition, with successful films, such as "Gas", "The Big Black Comedy
Show" series which airs on Showtime in 2006 and "Julius Home" with an
expected release in summer 2007.

Smith has enjoyed recognition from The Hollywood Reporter as he
continues to grow and become a highly sought after producer. He is
currently working with Tommy Hilfiger in the final stages of
development for the feature film "Rags", which takes a look into the
behind-the-scenes exploits of the fashion industry. The movie is
expected to start production in 2007. In addition to the film, Smith
is currently producing the Reality TV show "The Paper Boyz", starring
rich Hilfiger and MJ Lewis. Smith continues his efforts in
pre-production with a film project entitled "Let's Ride", a comedic
look at 3 college friends and their road trip experience to
'Freaknick' and has signed to develop a screenplay based on the true
life story of Angelo Ales and the most scandalous ponsy scheme the
United States has seen, DFJ Italia.

One thing about Smith you can count on is the unimaginable drive to
break new ground and keep his audience wanting more.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Extras - Nov. 11

Extras needed Nov. 11 at 7 pm. It'll be a bonfire party and costumes/masks are encouraged but not necessary. Location TBA. Contact jennycomans@yahoo.com

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Running Gag auditions

Running Gag Improv will be holding auditions for troupe members on
Sunday, October 29 at 6pm in the Galloway Coffeehouse (lower level of
Galloway Methodist Church), located at 1015 South Cooper, at the
corner of Cooper and Walker (use street level entrance on Walker).

For information, contact Troupe Director Drew Massengale at 230.0304,
or send him an email to memphisrunninggag@yahoo.com

Friday, October 20, 2006

Auditions this Saturday

A reminder that auditions for 'The Rabbit's Prayer' will be held tomorrow. This could be your chance to snag a lead/starring role in a SAG project alongside recognizable industry talent . Crew inquiries will also be accepted at the auditions.

Story Line: Three travelers journey to the fictitious town of Riverton in the Depression era South. Each carrying a different, secret goal which together will ignite a spiritual awakening, a spiritual death and a long awaited judgment.

Jeanie - Starring / FEMALE / 18 TO 22 / Caucasian

Naive, innocent, shy, petite young adult without much direction in life; looking instead for others to guide the way. She is calm, contemplative and short on words. As the story progresses and Jeanie communes with her naturalistic environs, she will experience a spiritiual awakening. Her characterization will define the narrative's core.

Foster - Starring / MALE / 45 TO 55 / Caucasian

A Baptist preacher who acts as a self imposed father figure to the two other main characters. His faith is strong to the point of fallacy. He is full of songs and saying, folksy wisdom and religious ambition.

Harper - Starring / MALE / 20 TO 23 / Caucasian

A tormented young man who believes in little other than the weight of his own conscience. He is Jeanie's companion and is desperate for the promise of new work in the town of Riverton.

It will be produced under the Screen Actor's Guild Ultra Low Budget Agreement. SAG as well as non-union performers are welcomed to audition. Casting will also take place in Los Angeles.

For sides and/or more information, please send an email to: therabbitsprayer@hotmail.com

Auditions will be held 1-5 p.m. on Oct. 21st, 2006 at First Congo Church, 1000 S. Cooper, Memphis, TN 38104. Please enter via the handicapped ramps.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

"Nobody" is something!

There's a compelling documentary tonight at Indie Memphis -- "Nobody" by local filmmakers Lance Murphey and Alan Spearman. Here's Michael Donahue's story in the CA, and here's another from the Memphis Flyer on what it calls this "don't miss" project that won the Hometowner award for best doc. Also check out John Beifuss' observations on his blog. See it!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Cramps can be fun

Here's a production you might be familiar with. Kudos to all involved, as well as the estimable Dr. Fardel.