Tales Told In November 2007
Week of November 05, 2007
We hear that a local editor is in negotiations to cut the latest feature starring Cuba Gooding Jr.
Turmoil in the local TV affiliates: We hear a general manager and local sales manager just resigned. Meanwhile, Raycom is trying to buy another station in the market, while the one they already own is being eyed by Gannett.
The Virginia Production Alliance is looking for volunteers to work the phones for the Winter 2007 PBS TV Membership Drive. This will allow the VPA some good exposure, while helping spread the message about film incentives. Visit the Forum to vote for the day you want to work. Call Joe Cacciotti (301-6111) with questions.
“Crazy Eights”, a feature that Stephen Lyons shot, will be distributed next week on approximately 350 screens as part of After Dark Entertainment’s horror/suspense film festival. At this point it’s not scheduled for Richmond (although it played here one week last year).
“Maria’s Grotto,” a one-hour doc about honor killings in Palestine will be shown at VCU (Hibbs 303) 11/9 at 6:30pm. For details, contact Donna Schatz.
Visibility now has a Panasonic HDX900 HD camera package with 17” HD LCD monitor.
Reminder: The Richmond Moving Image Co-op continues Club Cinema with “An Evening With Animator Bill Plympton,”11/9, 8 pm at the Canal Club (1545 E. Cary) $15, $10 students.
Two classes are being offered this winter on Film & Video Marketing for the Not-for-Profit. They’re designed to help non-profits understand moving image media and how to use it for their organization. At VCU on Fridays 11/30 & 127 (9am – 3pm). The class at University of Richmond 1/9 & 10 (9am – noon) is a more hands-on version for those who have a project in mind. Virginia Bertholet is the instructor.
Integ films and Lions Den Studios in conjunction with Yellow House and the Firehouse Theatre are holding a free for all “staged reading” of the new movie “Frank & Flo.” (Think of it as a cross between a staged reading and a casting call). Anyone can participate and it’s free. 11/6, 6:30 pm at the Firehouse Theatre (1609 W Broad). Email for script and more information.
“Beast of Burden” racked up 2 awards at the Accolade Film Festival (Short Film Award and Lead Actor).
New reviews of “Lars and the Real Girl,” “Darjeeling Limited,” “Into the Wild,” ““Gone Baby Gone,” “Michael Clayton.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of November 12, 2007
We hear that three production area “fixtures” have banded together to take the plunge downtown.
Also, what hometown boy is seeing his West Coast success spin off?
VCU Cinema and the Virginia Production Alliance will present a panel of 6 successful independent filmmakers from Virginia to talk about their success, 11/13, 6-8 pm at Hyperlinnk Café (314 W. Grace St). Panel includes Kevin Hershberger, Megan Holley, Scot Tanner, Lucas Krost, Shane Felux and Rob Tregenza. Free.
Editor/director Matt West is now working out of Studio 108.
After a short hiatus, Patrick Bedall (former Business Development Manager for Metro’s Richmond office) has returned as Director of Sales and Marketing.
Cable series producer Mike Sinclair (“New Detectives,” “FBI Files” and others) teamed up with Metro Productions President/CEO Ray Walsh to form M2 Pictures. They plan to develop original programming and their first, “American Skinhead,” premieres 11/14 on the National Geographic Channel.
Jennifer Massey is selling a new Samson C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone. Email her for details.
New reviews of “Lars and the Real Girl,” “Assassination of Jesse James,” “Darjeeling Limited,” “Into the Wild,” ““Gone Baby Gone,” “Michael Clayton.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of November 19, 2007
Richmond actor/producer Mark Joy and John Bullard are part of the executive producer team on “Way of War,” starring Cuba Gooding Jr. Meanwhile, Chris Allen Williams has been tapped to edit it. Williams and Joy met the director and Chris was asked to shepherd the post process from their production office in Alexandria. Even though he’ll be commuting for several months, he isn’t planning to leave Richmond.
Actor David Bridgewater (aka Fuller) recently got a voicemail from director Rod Lurie. After confirming that it wasn’t a joke, Lurie asked him to come to Memphis for his new feature, “Nothing But The Truth” and replace Peter Coyote. He had 2 scenes with Kate Beckinsale and Matt Dillon.
Yellow House is making a big shift. As of January, Stephanie Kelly, Justin Dray, Todd Raviotta and Clifton Frei will leave the Board of Directors. They’re pursuing other goals: Stephanie moving to DC, Justin moving to L.A., Clifton moving to Chicago & Todd working more on the VPA. Elections were recently held and Steven Harris will be President/Managing Director with Charles Bevan as VP. Tracey Johnson, Beau Marie, Lisa Figueroa will also join the board.
Meanwhile, the next Project Resolution is 11/25, 7pm at the Firehouse. The Prompt: “Stewing in your own juices.” Contact Steven if you’d like to volunteer to help on the shows.
Pyramid Studios is building a portfolio of freelancers: writers, graphic designers (AE & PS), FCP editors, production crew, project managers, Flash and Director programmers. Contact Dixie Hornstein.
Steve Boyd (long time photojournalist at WWBT) has returned to area to join Henrico County Television as a Producer/Director. Henrico Television can now be seen on Verizon Fios channel 39 (in addition to Comcast #17 and soon on Cavalier #117).
New reviews of “Beowulf,” “Before the Devil,” “American Gangster,” “Lars and the Real Girl.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of November 26, 2007
Connie Jervey has moved into a freelance/consultant capacity for broadcast and video projects. She’ll continue to work with the resources at Park Group, but will also expand to other options. Phone 307-9770.
It’s your business, so get involved! NOW is the time for everyone involved in our industry to contact their legislators (before they get too busy with the session in January). Visit this link to find the contact information for yours and send them your personal story about how Virginia’s lack of incentives has affected you. (For details on the issue visit the Virginia Production Alliance website). After you contact your legislators, please email with your name, city of residence, your legislators and how you contacted them (email, letter, personal visit). Respond by 12/7. Senators Walter Stosch and John Watkins and Delegates Frank Hall, Bill Janis, Sam Nixon and Kirk Cox have been very supportive. Contact them to say thanks.
The next Flicker is 11/29, 7:30 at the Canal Club (1545 E. Cary). $3 In addition to the usual local films, there will also be some from Austin, Pittsburg and other cities. If you have something to show (in any film format) contact James Parrish.
New reviews of “Enchanted,” “No Country for Old Men,” “Beowulf,” “Before the Devil,” “American Gangster,” “Lars and the Real Girl.” Click here for these reviews and more.