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.

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.

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.

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.

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.