Tales Told In September 2007

Week of September 03, 2007

In case you didn’t hear who those “football greats” were (see 8/6 below): Mike Ditka and John Elway spent a long day at the Short Pump store for a series of Circuit City spots.

Tre Akins with the Virginia Department of Business Assistance is looking for an experienced female voiceover talent. Needs to sound like she’s under 30. Call him at 371-0055.

2099 Films first feature length movie “MisAdventures in Dating” has been accepted into this year’s New York International Independent Film & Video Festival.

There will be a free screening of Maxed Out - The Movie on 9/18 6 pm at the Byrd.

Week of September 10, 2007

Bruce Berryhill is retiring from Henrico County as of November.

So, Henrico County has an opening for TV Producer/Director (includes shooting & editing). For more information or to submit an application, visit the website.

Animator Bill Plympton coming to town in November. Details to follow.

Liz Marks is teaching 2 on-camera acting workshops on 9/17 at Holiday Inn Central (3207 N. Boulevard). The 6-7:30pm class is for youth (ages 7-13, $65) and the 7:30-9:30 class is for ages 14+ ($85). Email Liz to register.

The University of Richmond is hosting 2 special classes: On 9/17: “Hollywood Movies Made In Virginia” will look at films made in the area and features a bus tour of some locations.. On 10/18 & 25 there will be “The Writer’s Journey: Plotting Your Novel Or Screenplay.” Helene Wagner, owner of Virginia Film Tours and Director of the Virginia Screenwriters’ Forum, is teaching both classes. For details visit the UR website, click on the Personal Enrichment section under “Film” or call 289-8133.

Screenplays by members of the Virginia Screenwriters’ Forum were recently recognized.
Kirk Richardson’s “Deuce” won the River City Screenplay Competition and received an option. Eric Carlson’s “True North” placed in the top 100 (out of over 3,500 entries) in the national Scriptapalooza competition.

Speaking of the Forum, here are the upcoming meeting dates: 9/26, 10/24, 11/28, 1/23, 2/27, 3/26, 4/23, 5/28, 6/25, 9/24, 10/22, 11/26. All meetings are downtown from 6:45 to 9:00 pm. email for more information or to attend.

ShaveFX is selling their PC workstation to make some room for a new Apple machine.  It’s a dual Intel Xeon 3 with dual layer DVD burner and lots more high end features. Contact Dave for details.

New reviews of “Shoot ‘Em Up,” Mr Bean’s Holiday,” “Invasion,"“Superbad,” “Death at a Funeral,” “Stardust.” Click here for these reviews and more.

Week of September 17, 2007

A highly-respected talent at one of Richmond’s long-standing facilities is moving into freelance. Details next week.

The Local 487 IATSE union is requesting that you call the Governor and leave a message regarding Virginia’s lack of film incentives and how it affects your business. Dial 786-2211 (Option #1 / No need to leave your address). Make your call professional and brief- it will be recorded. Union rep Rosemarie M. Levy stresses that this is a good time to call (in addition to our normal push when the Assembly is in session) because the Governor can pay more attention right now.

CBS 6 (WTVR) has 2 job openings: an Associate Producer to coordinate content for a new live morning show (booking guests, identifying features, etc). Degree in Broadcast Journalism preferred with 2-3 years experience. RUSH resume and reel to Jessica Noll-Messervy, (3301 West Broad St. 23230).
A freelance editor/videographer to work 4-6 hours daily for 2-3 weeks. Must have experience with AVID or Adobe Premiere, as well as shooting/audio/simple lighting.  RUSH resume and demo to Matt McClain, Creative Services Director at the address above.

The Third Annual China-America Festival of Film and Culture will be held 10/3-7 at the University of Richmond, Collegiate School and the Byrd Theatre.  It features Chinese films, exhibits, and cultural events.

The feature “Attack of the Vegan Zombies!” shoots in Gum Spring for 3 weeks in October.  Actors send head shots to Shannon Cain Cast will receive a portion of any profits (no pay upfront).

Greg Daye is looking for a Hispanic or Asian female (18-35) to star in scifi web series. No pay (for now). Send resume and photos to his email.

The Richmond Premiere of “Hot For Teacher” is 2 pm, 9/22 at The Byrd. It will followed by a Q&A with writer/director David Stott and actor Kyle Masteller.

Yes, longtime producer Brannon Hitt was recently wed.

New reviews of “Brave One,” “3:10 to Yuma,” “Shoot ‘Em Up,” Mr Bean’s Holiday,” “Invasion.” Click here for these reviews and more.

Week of September 24, 2007

After 8 years at Park Group, Dave Swain is moving into freelance (as hinted last week). While he still has a good working relationship with Park, he’ll focus on larger clients (which have already included HBO and PunchStock). Visit his new website to see for yourself.

Local British talent Gary Wade died of a heart attack on 9/10, while hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He was an active member of the VPA. Condolences can be sent to his family.

The Virginia Production Alliance, Yellow House, Virginia Actors Forum, Richmond Ad Club and Virginia Screenwriters Forum are hosting “Friends with Benefits” 6:30 pm, 10/2 at the Firehouse Theatre (1609 W. Broad). It’s a party to celebrate our community. Free and open to the production commuinty.

Meanwhile, the Virginia Production Alliance has updated their site and promises to update it regularly.

Kevin O’Sullivan of Dominion Production is concerned that a local production company is scamming folks by seeking investors. No details here, but you can call Kevin if you need more information (757-424-4523).

VCU School of Medicine is looking for a full-time producer/shooter/editor. Visit this site and look for position 559110, Multimedia Producer.

WRIC TV8 is looking for a web designer. I don’t usually post web-related jobs (just too many), but this position will also be responsible for motion gfx for ads and promos. Resume to WRIC TV8 Personnel Department, 301 Arboretum Place, 23236-3464 or you can email it.

Adam Sledd is writing features on upcoming productions for RVA magazine. Email him if you have contributions.

University of Richmond’s International Film Series has posted its Fall schedule. I can’t find a place on the UR website where they’re listed, but they play Fridays (3 & 7:30) and Sundays (7:30) at Jepson Hall 118. There’s also a Chinese Film Program (10/4–7) and an African Film Program (11/2&3).

New reviews of “Vitus,” “Brave One,” “Shoot ‘Em Up,” Mr Bean’s Holiday,” Click here for these reviews and more.

Week of October 01, 2007

After working for Visibility for 11 years Donna Bailey is starting her own prompter business, ProPrompting (212-5318).

The Richmond Moving Image Co-op is presenting an 8-week films series called Club Cinema. The lead off is Flicker (now in its 10th year) on 10/4. Doors open at 7, show at 7:30. $3. Other events will feature experimental filmmaker and Chapel Hill Flicker organizer Roger Beebe, A/V Geeks mastermind Skip Elsheimer and Bill Plympton, one of the most famous animators working today, on 11/9, $15 adults, $10 students. Afterwards he will produce a personalized drawing for every ticketholder. Visit the RMIC website and click on the Club Cinema link. All events take place at the Canal Club (1545 E. Cary Street).  If you’d like to volunteer for any of the programs or have a film for Flicker contact James Parrish.

Departures at CBS-6: Longtime news staffer Pam Harris has left for a position at Randolph Macon College. Anthony Davis, Associate Producer for “Virginia This Morning,” leaves after 6½ years and rumor has it he’s heading to Atlanta. Photog Greg Abernathy is moving to Comcast Sports Net in DC.

“Attack of the Vegan Zombies!” is now looking for crew: Hair/Make Up, PA, Camera PA, Gaffer/KeyGrip and G & E crew positions. Compensation will vary with position. Contact Jim Townsend.

Uptown Talent is accepting online submissions for talent (do not send via mail). Visit the website for details.

New reviews of “Eastern Promises,” “In the Valley of Elah,” “Brave One,” “Shoot ‘Em Up.” Click here for these reviews and more.