Week of February 08, 2010
I attended Richmond’s first LGBT Film Festival Friday night and Saturday. Despite the snow, the crowd went from respectable to solid. Although I was planning to shoot the opening night event, the light was too moody (you know the gays), so I got some shots between films on Saturday. (A few of our better-known celebs declined to be on camera…guess the closet still hasn’t completely been unhinged.) Check out the “Media” tab above for this and more clips or just click here.
HERE’S AN UPDATE ON THE MOTION PICTURE OPPORTUNITY FUND:
Thanks to a friend at the state, here are excerpts from our new Governor’s remarks:
I propose an increase in funding of the Virginia Tourism Corporation by $3.6 million in each of the next two years. I want the funding of the Virginia Tourism Corporation to double by the time I leave office in 2014.
Another smart investment we can make is in film production. This year the movie “Secretariat” will hit theaters. A movie about a horse from Virginia. With a director from Virginia. Filmed in Kentucky and Louisiana.
Not landing that production here meant an estimated loss of $30 million in economic impact. That is a failure. It’s not hard to see why we struggle to attract film production. South Carolina offers a cash rebate for movie makers funded at $10 million annually, and just north of us Maryland offers $1 million. We have $200,000 per year available in the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. We simply cannot compete. I ask you to increase funding for the Motion Picture Opportunity Fund by $2 million.
Movies made in Virginia equal jobs created for Virginians.
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENED ALREADY:
Last week, the Senate Finance Committee unanimously voted Sen. Louise Lucas’, SB257, out of committee to the full floor of the Senate. The bill, intended to provide $5 million per year for film production tax credits, was amended to provide $5 million per year in straight grants for use by the Virginia Film Office to attract motion picture production to Virginia. Once the bill is voted on by the full Senate it will proceed to the House of Delegates for consideration. SB 257 has a companion bill in the House of Delegates patroned by Del. Ben Cline of Amherst. HB 861 will be heard on Friday morning before a House Finance subcommittee prior to going before the full House of Finance Committee sometime next week.
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:
An excerpt from an email from Virginia Production Alliance President Mark Remes:
Whether this senate bill remains grants or tax credits has yet to be finalized, but what could be final is the death of the film industry in Virginia. Complacent, apathetic film pros will have sealed their own fate should these lawmakers not hear from them. Too much of the load in lobbying is resting on the shoulders of too few dedicated VPA troops, many of which don’t have the type of jobs that will ever benefit from increased production. The legislature needs to hear from you. If you want to work in movies (in this state) this is your time.
We need Virginia’s film and media community to show their support for these bills now more than ever. If you haven’t signed up for “Two-A-Days” invest a few hours of “face time” with your legislators at the General Assembly. Contact Margaret Ivy Smith to volunteer (or call 339-2754). If not, at least send your representatives an email asking them to support these bills. Go here to find your legislators.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Former Richmond actor Justin Dray was on last week’s “Heroes” and is scheduled for the 2/15 episode of “Men of a Certain Age” and the 3/2 episode of “Southland.”
Speaking of local guys working in La La Land: stunt performer Kid Richmond is working on Discovery Channels new show “Worst Case Scenario.”, including a fight scene with Bear Grylls ("Man vs Wild).
Closer to home, Jake Pulliam worked 4 days on night camera for the CMT’s “Worlds Strictest Parents,” which was wrapped Sunday in Short Pump (airing in April).
The Final Act Drama Academy is teaching new classes in acting and filmmaking. Some started last week (sorry) and some start soon. Visit the site for details.
New reviews of “Crazy Heart,” “Lovely Bones,” “Single Man,” “It’s Complicated.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of February 01, 2010
The notice posted last week for casting of “Frank & Flo” was some kind of weird fluke. The movie was wrapped last summer, but Integfilms has another film coming soon, so they’ll keep the submissions. Sorry for the confusion (and the shocked cast members).
Due to a motherboard malfunction, my computer is down and some of the information for this week is locked inside. There was a request from the Virginia Film Office to have industry folks attend the committee meeting where the new incentive fund will be discussed. I don’t have details here, but contact the Film Office if you can attend on Tuesday.
After 12 years at Park Group, Rana Whited Morse has moved into sales for Studio Center Richmond.
Skirt Magazine and the Visual Arts Center of Richmond are presenting “Who Does She Think She Is?” on 2/28, 2pm. This doc follows 5 female artists and the director, Pamela Tanner Boll, was involved with the Oscar-winning “Born into Brothels.” A panel dicussion with the artists will follow.
New reviews of “Crazy Heart,” “Lovely Bones,” Single Man.” Click here for these reviews and more..
Week of January 25, 2010
I didn’t get to the State of the Industry event until after all the speeches, so I have no report (I know, I’m a slug reporter), but I did manage to shoot some video. Click here or visit the Media Galleries for this and other videos.
“Film Day at the General Assembly” is tomorrow, 1/26. Come to Capitol Hill and meet lawmakers to encourage their support of our industry. The Virginia Production Alliance will have a table at the General Assembly Building (9th and Broad). to help you make the best impression. They’re sponsoring a shuttle service, so you don’t need to park downtown. For more information visit this link.
Integfilms is casting a 30 minute romantic comedy based on an award winning script, “Frank & Flo.” Male & female actors, 21-35, any ethnicity. Looking for strong actors/"real" types (as opposed to Hollywood beauties). Paid (including SAG), including transportation and housing. Snail mail (no emails) headshot, resume, and reel to Integfilms, Casting Submission, POBox 974, Midlothian 23113. Tell ‘em you read about it on “Tales.” NOTE: I checked the link and it said that the short was shot in June, so I’m not sure what that means.
Deadline for entries for this year’s Richmond Show is 2/5. Visit the Ad Club website for details.
Teen talk show “We Got Issues” is gearing up for production and wants to run focus groups to discuss the show. If interested in being a facilitator or a focus group teen (13-17) visit the site.
New reviews of “Lovely Bones,” Single Man,” “Dr Parnassus,” “Youth in Revolt,” “Broken Embraces,” “Nine,” “Up in the Air,” “Sherlock Holmes” and “Young Victoria.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of January 18, 2010
News from DVG: David Thomas has accepted a broadcast sales position with them. He was the last Richmond sales person at PPI. They also hired Adam Hisle (Randy’s son) as a Service Technician. To accommodate this growth and more, they’ve expanded and renovated the facility.
We hear that director Sonny Zhao of Dreams Factory is expanding his business into food service. He’s taking over the space that was Verbana (at Floyd and Robinson) and renaming it Fan House, with an East/West menu.
Talent Link is looking for senior citizens, all ethnicities for non-speaking, non-broadcast roles for a video shooting in February. ($150 minus agent’s 15%) Auditions 1/22. If interested email photo and contact info.
David Gold, who used to work at Main Street Productions, has about 300 sheets of gels that he’d like to donate to the right organization. Contact Pam Rohs-Gold if interested. On an unusual side note: during shooting of “Star Trek the Motion Picture,” David broke his ankle and artist Robert McCall painted Trek stuff on his cast. It’s been sealed in plexi (now that it’s off David’s leg) and is for sale. Email if interested.
The first annual LGBT film festival Reel Pride Richmond kicks off with a premiere film and party on 2/5 and all day screenings (with one visiting filmmaker) on 2/6. Visit the site for details.
In other fest news, the University of Richmond has released the schedule for their Spring International Film Festival and ChinaFest. All films free. Visit the site for details.
Reminder, State of the Industry (Richmond) is Wednesday nite.
New reviews of “Dr Parnassus,” “Youth in Revolt,” “Broken Embraces,” “Nine,” “Up in the Air,” “Sherlock Holmes,” “Young Victoria,” “Me & Orson Welles,” “The Road,” “Avatar,” “Invictus.” (Went to see “It’s Complicated,” but a small concession stand fire resulted in cinema interruptus…review as soon as possilble. Click here for these reviews and more.x``
Week of January 11, 2010
It’s a New Year and here are two ways you can get involved in your community.
The Governor’s Inaugural Committee has asked the Virginia Film Office to participate in the Inaugural Parade of Governor-elect Robert F. McDonnell and VPA members are invited to join in. This is a walking parade in the downtown/Capitol area that starts at 1pm, 1/16. Please wear a black coat, black pants/skirt and black gloves (if you wear gloves). If interested contact at Steven Burkarth.
There will be a public meeting to discuss and hear about the status of the Richmond Region Cultural Action Plan (which includes film/video). The public is welcome to come join the conversation 6pm, 1/12 at the Visual Arts Center (1812 West Main Street). The event is sponsored by CultureWorks.
New reviews of “Up in the Air,” “It’s Complicated,” “Sherlock Holmes,” “Young Victoria,” “Me & Orson Welles,” “The Road,” “Avatar,” “Invictus.” More reviews coming this week. Click here for these reviews and more.
