Tales Told In January 2008
Week of January 07, 2008
Charley Baxter (longtime Production & Location Manager) has joined Metro Productions as Director of Operations.
Richard Kelly’s upcoming feature, “The Box” (starring Cameron Diaz and James Marsden) will be in Hampton 1/23 – 2/2 (tentative, of course). If you’re interested in being an extra, visit the Virginia Film Office website for applications (they especially need long-haired types for this 70s period piece).
Longtime local video producer (turned webmaster) Cliff Sleeman has created a new website for former DJs and fans of WJRB, VCU’s campus radio station, where many local production types (including yours truly) learned the ropes of production. Incidentally, it’s now called WVCW and is celebrating 40 years.
Speaking of VCU, Prof Witthaus was kind enough to pass on this information that will be of interest to any traveling DPs. There are new rules for traveling with spare lithium batteries, so check out the link.
Also, The Virginia Commonwealth University Ecodefense is organizing Richmond’s first environmental film festival, 2/9 - 10 at the Byrd. 8 films will be screened and 4 speakers, including Ralph Nader who will speak have a book signing.
Interesting article in Sunday’s TD about composer/singer Robbin Thompson and his latest project in Cambodia. Read it, hear the song and see a video.
New reviews of “Charlie Wilson’s War,” “Golden Compass,” “Juno,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Kite Runner,” “Atonement,” “Walk Hard.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of January 14, 2008
I attended the screening of “Moviemaking in Virginia, Take 3” yesterday at the Byrd (as did 280 others). Rita McClenny (in brown leather!) introduced the 60-minute film by Robert Griffith. It provided an informative look at a wide variety of production in the Commonwealth. There were interviews with local and national filmmakers with the ultimate goal of promoting the industry and creating an incentive fund. Click here to visit the Photo Gallery.
BTW, the incentive fund is up to $16,500 and it’s not too late to contribute. Visit the Virginia Production Alliance website for details.
Also, The Virginia Production Alliance has a regular meeting open to all, 1/14, 6-8:30pm at Artworks (320 Hull St.)
Even more VPA activity: the Virginia Production Alliance is sponsoring Film Day at the Virginia Assembly on 1/29. Anyone involved in the industry is welcomed to meet their representatives and tell them how important it is to support our business and provide incentives.
The next Project Resolution is 1/27.
The 5th annual Italian Film and Food Festival will be 2/2 at the Firehouse Theatre with four screenings. $15 per person per show, which includes food from Mama Zu’s. ($25 for 2, $45 for an all day pass). Advance tickets available at the Video Fan.
Liz Marks is teaching: Class 1 is a “Master On Camera Workshop” for ages 16+, 1/19, 10–2, $100. Class 2 is “On Camera” for ages 8-14, 1/20, 3 – 5:30, $100. Class 3 is a class for all ages, 1/20, 3–5:30, $95. Finally, is a lecture,“The Business in Our Local Market,” 1/20, 1:30-2:30, $25. All take place at Wembly Swim & Racquet Club (1300 Gaskins Rd). Email questions and registration.
New reviews of “Orphanage,” “Charlie Wilson’s War,” “Golden Compass,” “Juno,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Kite Runner,” “Atonement,” “Walk Hard.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of January 21, 2008
Reminder: the Richmond “State of the Industry” and Expo is this Wed at Plant Zero (0 East 4th Street). See Dec 16 below for details.
The casting call for season 3 of the reality show “InTurn” is coming to Richmond 1/26, 11- 5 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (403 N 3rd St). The winner gets a 13-week contract “As the World Turns.”
“Breaking Bad” is a new series from Virginia screenwriter Vince Gilligan that started last nite on AMC. It’s about a high school chemistry teacher who’s has a mid-life crisis and starts cooking meth. If you missed it, there are repeats all week.
If you’re planning a premiere of your movie you should know that Carytown Merchants do not allow posters on lightposts or trees.
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 January 28, 2008
REMINDER: Tuesday is Film Day on Capital Hill. You can go on your own between 9 and 2 or take the bus with everybody else. Visit the Virginia Production Alliance website for details.
Meanwhile, the Incentive Fund has raised more than $19K! Also visit the VPA site to make your donation (which may be tax deductible as a business expense).
About 150 people attended the State of the Industry event at Plant Zero last week. The Expo featured 25 vendors from all over the state and the Screening Room featured 90 minutes of shorts and trailers. The speeches were (for the most part) mercifully short with an emphasis on raising awareness and money for the Incentive Fund. (The NOVA event is 2/5). See the photos I took by clicking here to visit the Photo Gallery.
As I hinted several weeks ago, Dreams Factory has officially moved to their new location at 1813 East Broad Street (also known as the HQ for In Your Ear). They have 2 Smoke 2k/Flame suites and 1 offline suite.
He may have left Capital One, but he’s not retired. Mike Blacker (and his son) are involved in Infuzion, the hip new place in Scott’s Edition that will soon feature The Ice Bar.
Last year Greig Leach was Art Director on Mark Joy’s “Beast of Burden” and he hired VCU School of the Arts grad Mara Palumbo as an assistant (her first experience in the biz). She later moved to NYC, where she assisted makeup artist Joseph Farulla on Boaz Yakin’s new feature “Death In Love.” Right before the shoot started, Joseph collapsed and she took his place...a fast learner on the fast track! (Thx to Greig & Bridget for the Tale).
Dunn Media Productions (owned by Patrick Dunn) has created a web site and recently upgraded their Final Cut system.
It’s time to nominate the Richmond Ad Club’s Ad Person of the Year. Download a form from their website.
The 48-HR Film Project is ready for 2008. Visit the site for details.
The UR International Film Series has announced its Spring schedule. The films are free and shown Fridays at 3 & 7:30 and Sundays at 7:30. There’s no phone or website listed, so you’re on your own for more information.
MORE REMINDERS:
The 5th Italian Film and Food Festival is 2/2. See 1/14 below for details.
The deadline for Flicker’s Attack of the 50-Ft. Reels is 2/4. Visit the site for details.
The deadline for short film entries to this year’s James River Film Festival Juried Competition is 2/15. Visit the site for details.
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.