Tales Told In February 2008
Week of February 03, 2008
I’ve been busy (and lazy). Just getting around to updating My Projects for the second half of 2006 and 2007. Better late…
The Virginia Film Office has announced the creation of The Virginia Film Competition to showcase the talents of Virginia’s homegrown independent filmmaking community. It’s open to all state residents, features a cash prizes and a chance to have your film screened at the Byrd Theatre. Entries are accepted in 3 categories (with 1 winner in each):
1) Features (20+ minutes)
2) Shorts (under 20 minutes)
3) Documentaries
Entries must be submitted by 2/29 with finalists announced in April. Visit the link above for details or contact Kathryn Stephens (800-854-6233).
Last August, Chris Becker, Paul Watson and Lynn Wright (along with trumpeter Lewis ‘Flip’ Barnes and bassist Tony Maimone) presented 2 evenings of improvised music for silent films in New York. The trio is bringing “Music For Silent Films,” to Richmond, 2/9, 7:30 at ADA Gallery (228 W. Broad St). $5. Visit the site for details.
The next Virginia Actor’s Forum meeting will be 2/5 at the Eureka Theatre, Science Museum (2500 West Broad) at 7pm.
Liz Marks is teaching another series of “Acting for the Camera” classes on 2/10. Kids/Teens (8-14) 1:30-4 ($100) and Adults, 4:30-7 ($100). At Wembly Swim & Racquet Club, 1300 Gaskins Rd. Email Liz to register.
Art Held Hostage just wrapped principal photography on their first feature, “ZOMBthology,” an anthology of zombie shorts by 4 directors. Jim Jackman (“Spaceballs”), Tiffany Shepis (“Nightmare Man”), Bridgetta Tomarchio (“Project My World,” the face of AXE Body Wash) and Troma Tromette Monique Dupree were in Richmond for their scenes. Stay tuned for premier details.
On 1/14 VCU’s Adcenter officially became the VCU Brandcenter and moved into their new home at 103 S. Jefferson St.
Entries are now being accepted for the 5th Annual Appalachian Film Festival (4/17-19). Call George Snider at 304-634-8581.
Sharif Ewees of 28 Media (who designed this site) recently created a site for a Charlottesville group devoted to ending the writer’s strike. Visit it here (quick, before the strike gets settled).
New reviews of “There will be Blood,” “Orphanage,” “Charlie Wilson’s War,” “Golden Compass,” “Juno,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Kite Runner,” “Atonement,” “Walk Hard.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of February 11, 2008
If you’re checking Tales out after Monday, here’s a last-minute update. The “Pep Rally” to energize one last appeal to the Legislators (and meet some of them) is ON for this Wed. at Old City Bar 5 - 8 p.m. Visit the Virginia Production Alliance website for details. (Note: If you were registered for “Poop Alerts” you’d get an email about this on Tuesday afternoon).
I got a bit of ink in the current issue of Richmond Magazine giving movie-going tips (p147 if you’re in the checkout line at the grocery store). Mark Joy, Jennifer Massey and Irene Ziegler talk about Virginia’s advantages on the previous page and Rita McClenney models a “tailored look” (p178).
The 4th Film Day on Capitol Hill was last Tuesday. 150 technicians, actors, producers, and filmmakers visited lawmakers to tell their personal stories. It was the greatest showing we’ve ever had. The Incentive Task Force has managed to raise $20K for lobbying efforts. According to our lobbyists there are 3 initiatives before the Assembly.
1. The Motion Picture Opportunity Fund exists, but there’s no money in it and there’s a budget amendment, which would provide money.
2. Legislation was introduced to create a tax credit program that would make us competitive with other states offering similar packages.
It will be studied and reconsidered in 2009 (as expected…they need time to research the feasibility).
3. The “sunset clause” on our Sales and Use Tax Legislation has been extended for ten years!
If you haven’t done your part, you can visit this link to email your lawmakers.
The Central Virginia Film Institute is throwing their 2nd annual Oscar party (one of only 52 “official” events) at the Byrd on 2/24, 8 pm. $35 and up. Daphne Maxwell Reid will host.
The 16th Annual French Film Festival will be 3/ 28-30 at the Byrd. Visit the site for details as they develop.
“John Adams” premieres on HBO 3/16.
Haven’t been many new reviews lately…most recent films aren’t worth it. But you can read reviews of “The Savages,” “There will be Blood,” “Juno,” “Sweeney Todd.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of February 18, 2008
When the Film Incentive Pep Rally for Legislators became a reality (see last week), it was Tuesday. Even though most read “Tales” on Monday, I posted it on Tuesday afternoon. BUT, those who have registered for Poop Alerts (look to your right) got an instant email. Why not register for the next important notice (no spam or ads will ever be sent)?
The Virginia Screenwriting Competition is turning 20 and accepting feature film length submissions from 3/3 – 5/ 24. Click the link for details and entry forms.
Tijo Media has acquired the new Sony PMW-EX1 Pro HD Camera and it’s for rent through Shop 19.
If you see the new American Family Fitness commercials, look for longtime grips Charlie Harris, Jay Kemp, and Todd Ranson on camera! Acting as grips.
New reviews of “Persepolis,” “Definitely, Maybe“ “Savages,” “There will be Blood.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of February 25, 2008
According to an article in last week’s “Richmond Times-Dispatch,” Spielberg is considering shooting some of “Lincoln” in the Shenandoah Valley, but it’s up to incentives. Sound familiar?
Speaking of which, this is the final push week to convince Virginia’s legislature to put $2 million into the Motion Picture Opportunity Fund? Visit the Virginia Production Alliance website to find out what you can do and to watch the video about Film Day.
What local producer was recently busted with a hot nudie photo on his thumb drive? (Gives new meaning to the phrase: “memory stick.”)
International Talent and Agent Kim Alley (and creator of “Virginia Top Model") brings her 25 years of experience to “Reel Talent.” The plan is to help talent create a short video demo.
Old Dominion University and the City of Norfolk present “Reel Politics” On Film Festival 3/29- 4/5. Visit the site for details.
New reviews of “In Bruges,” “Persepolis,” “Definitely, Maybe“ “Savages,” “There will be Blood.” Click here for these reviews and more.