Tales Told In December 2007
Week of December 03, 2007
I went to the official launch of MovieLand at Boulevard Square, the City’s first new cinema in 36 years. It’s rising out of the old Brass Foundry at Leigh and Boulevard. In their mission to “bring style and elegance” back to the cinema, there will be 17 screens with stadium seating (custom wood & leather chairs), no on-screen ads and no video games in the lobby. A restaurant will be on the property and there will be parking for 750 cars. Other promised features are “Movies with Mimosas” featuring classic films and popular drinks on Sunday and “Insomnia Theater” for late night weekend shows. Click here to visit the Photo Gallery.
If you haven’t acted on last week’s request to contact your legislators, did you know that Virginia recently lost features to Massachusetts and Tennessee...even the story of Chincoteague is filming in another state. There’s another major studio film waiting for greenlight…hope that happens.
Our favorite local screenwriter, Megan Holley’s new film “Sunshine Cleaning” has been accepted at Sundance.
You may have heard about the Bruce Weber/Ralph Lauren Production that took over Irvington a few weeks ago. Turns out that Weber’s people called Modelogic [WIlhelmina] and booked one of the models (Buddy Krueger) for a 6 day Abercrombie and Fitch catalog shoot…in the Keys!
The Richmond Ad Club’s Holiday Party is 12/13, 5:30 – 7:30 at NY Deli (2920 W. Cary). Free for members, $15 for guests. RSVP is required.
ShaveFX is looking for an experienced digital artist. Professional experience and the ability to take and give direction crucial. Skills in all the usual applications (AE, Maya, Flash) are a bonus. Send resumes, salary requirements and links to online reels to Dave Gau. DVD demos to 1901 E. Franklin St. Ste 104, 23223.
Astray Productions has completed production on a short film (written/directed by Sallie Keena, produced by Joe Carabeo). The first screening will be at Project Resolution on 12/9 at the Firehouse
We hear that Charles Tinsley is one of the early recipients of two 32GB P2 cards (in limited supply ‘til next year). He did tell us that he will be glad to share (for a rental fee, of course). In case you care, at 720 24PN, he got 170 minutes record time.
Also at the Exchange, Charlie Harris has just moved his grip rental gear from there to a shop at 200 N. 21st St. If you’re want photos or more details about his extensive package, email him.
”Veronica’s Issues Podcasts” is seeking teens and college age talent. Auditions 12/14, 6:30-8:30 pm by appt. only. Call 467-1965 to schedule (if under 18 parents will need to accompany you). Email Nyya Sistrun for details. On the website, navigate to “Video” and click on “Veronica’s Issues.”
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.
Week of December 10, 2007
The things I hinted at last week can now be detailed (thanks partly to the wonderful article on our state’s lack of financial incentives in last week’s “Style Weekly”).
- The movie that went to Massachusetts was the latest from Richmond native Richard Kelly (best known for “Donnie Darko”). The film, which is set in Richmond, is playing in Mass, thanks to $4.2 million in incentives.
- Meanwhile, Rob Lurie, who’s worked here several times, is shooting his current film “Nothing But the Truth” in Tennessee, about a reporter in Virginia.
- And yes, the Chincoteague film is being made in Canada! Read below for how you can help stem the tide.
The Virginia Production Alliance has created a Task Force to help get financial incentives for Virginia. They’re encouraging everyone to get involved by not only contacting their legislators, but telling friends and actually donating $$. Visit the website and click on “Donate.”
Another homegrown project is premiering. “Lustig” from Red Cactus Films and Rios Negros Productions will have a free screening 12/16, 4:30 pm at the Byrd (2908 W. Cary St). There will be behind the scenes footage and a Q&A after the screening. $3 suggested donation to Virginia Holocaust Museum and VPA taskforce.
Current.com (the web base for Al Gore’s Current TV) launched recently and Richmond has been picked as the first place to try their new method of introducing the site. First is the “Inaugural Video Scavenger Hunt” 12/12 at noon in Shafer Court (VCU). They’ll lend a Flip Cam to the first 20 individuals or teams who RSVP and show up. There will be a meet and greet to learn about how you can work with Current on 12/13, 5pm-6:30pm at Gallery 5 (200 West Marshall St). RSVP here for this event. Finally, there’s a party from 6-9 to also view the Video Scavenger Hunt! (No need to RSVP for the party.) Questions? Contact Leah Lamb.
Did you know that Park Group has produced its very own reality show? ”Virginia’s Top Model” is aired on WRIC last Saturday night with 2 more shows to follow.
Meanwhile, WRLH FOX Richmond is producing a home and garden program and they’re looking for a host. If interested, send demos, resumes and head shots to Jay Endicott at 1925 Westmoreland St, 23230 (deadline 1/4).
Alan Williamson of Midlothian won one of the top awards in this year’s Virginia Screenwriters Competition. His screenplay was a comedy called “The Way Things Turn” and it’s the second time he’s been recognized in the competition.
The computer graphics website CG Channel presents monthly free tutorials on various CG suites and this month
Hand Turkey Studios’ own Jason van Gumster is teaching techniques in Blender. Actually, demand was so large that it actually stalled the web’s server
DP Rick McKinney recently bought the Panasonic AG-HVX200 P2 HD Camera package and it’s available for rent with or without Rick.
New reviews of “I’m Not There,” “Enchanted,” “No Country for Old Men,” “Beowulf,” “Before the Devil,” “American Gangster.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of December 16, 2007
It’s almost time for the annual State of the Industry event sponsored by the Virginia Film Office and the Virginia Production Alliance. Meet colleagues and see what’s happened and what’s coming up for production in the state. This year it’ll be held in from 6 – 9 pm in Richmond (1/23 at Plant Zero), Hampton Roads (1/16) and NOVA (2/5). There’ll be food and drinks and parking. It’s free, but they’d like your RSVP by 1/20 for planning purposes. Include name, phone, business affiliation and number of guests.
- There will also be The Screening Room, to allow Virginia filmmakers to showcase their work, including trailers, short films and clips (10 minutes max), preferably shot in 07 or currently in production. Mail or deliver to the Virginia Film Office, 901 East Byrd Street, Richmond 23219-4048 by 1/9. (Won’t be returned and not guaranteed to be screened.) Contact Kathryn Stephens for more information.
- Meanwhile, the 2nd annual Expo showcases organizations and businesses working in the state. Each participant gets a 4 x 4 foot space. These limited free spaces are available on a first-come basis. To sign up contact Mary Nelson (800.854.6233).
The VPA Task Force (read last week) has already raised $10K. I’ll keep you posted of future developments weekly.
Went to the premiere of “Lustig” at the Byrd on Sunday. Before the screening, Todd Schall-Vess announced that the theatre wanted to support local filmmakers and was willing to host events like this for a flat $200. Contact the Byrd, VFO or VPA to make arrangements. Since the film’s subject matter was the Holocaust, two local survivors were in attendance. After the screening, there was a behind-the-scenes documentary and Q&A session. Click here to visit the Photo Gallery.
We hear that a production company is trading its West Broad address for an East Broad address...just like the former tenants.
Kevin Hershberger is wheeling and dealing again. He and A.D./coordinator John Bert have re-launched North Bridge Entertainment to provide military/historical re-creation consultation and production. They’ve added new personnel like Stephen Lyonsto the team.
The series of mini-docs produced by Capital One and Richmond Region 2007 on African American Trailblazers is being shown in more than 4000 elementary schools, museums, and libraries statewide. They were also re-edited into 5-minute versions that have been picked up by 118 PBS stations so far.
New reviews of “I Am Legend,” “I’m Not There,” “Enchanted,” “No Country for Old Men.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of December 24, 2007
As of 12/20/07, $12,500 has been donated toward the VPA’s goal of $25,000. Join us by donating here.
The folks at The Camel want to start a “3D” Night, featuring Dining, Documentaries, and Discussion. If you have a passion for docs and would like to get involved, contact Farid Alan Schintzius at 319-0571.
The Rose Group for Cross-Culture Understanding is sponsoring a Short Film Competition. They’re looking for shorts that explore diversity, humanity and cross-cultural understanding. The top 3 winners will receive $500 and be invited to travel to Beijing (all expenses paid). For details visit the website. Email for questions.
Deadline for Entries to 2007 Richmond Show is 1/18.
New reviews of “Atonement,” “Walk Hard,” “I Am Legend,” “I’m Not There,” “Enchanted,” “No Country for Old Men.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of December 31, 2007
It’s time to re-up (or up) your membership in the Virginia Production Alliance. It’s only $40 (individuals), $15 (students) and $125 (corporations). You can support our local industry and use PayPal to do it. Visit the website for details.
Meanwhile, the Virginia Production Alliance invites you to attend a screening of “Moviemaking In Virginia: Take 3,” an in-depth view of our community. This 1-hour doc by Robert Griffith will premiere on 1/13, 4 pm at the Byrd Theatre. It features many Virginians involved in the industry, including appearances by Governor Tim Kaine, Sissy Spacek, Robert Duvall, Dave Matthews, Tim Reid, Mark Joy, Richard Kelly, Troy Garity and yours truly (if I made the cut). This event is a fundraiser for the Virginia Production Alliance Film Incentive Fund (to encourage incentives for filmmaking in Virginia). Suggested donation of $5. A short Q&A session will follow and guests are invited to the New York Deli to celebrate.
ProPrompting is looking for free lancers. Will train in prompter usage. Contact Donna Bailey (212-5318).
Barry Ridgeway and his wife Gail have a special Christmas eve present, their new daughter Lauren Grace Ridgeway.
New reviews of “Sweeney Todd,” “Kite Runner,” “Atonement,” “Walk Hard,” “I Am Legend,” “I’m Not There,” “Enchanted,” “No Country for Old Men.” Click here for these reviews and more.