Tales Told In March 2009
Week of March 02, 2009
“Tales from the Grips” was launched in March 1989…yes, 11 years ago! And I’m still looking for poop and news from you guys. Send it in (especially the poop).
I attended the VIP preview reception of Movieland last Tuesday night. There weren’t a lot of production peeps (mostly government, Chamber, business leaders), but I managed to find a few familiar faces. You can see my photos of the building tour and the preview party in the Photo Gallery
Mark Holmberg did two stories on Movieland and the history of cinemas in Richmond. He shot me for some quick soundbites. Here’s the link to the first story. Can’t seem the find the link to Part 2.
Since the Legislature passed the Digital Media Bill, it’s on the way to the Governor for his signature. Let him know you support the bill (SB1421) by sending him an email.
We’ve heard rumors about some historical drama that might be shot here.
The Annual General Meeting of the Virginia Production Alliance is 3/30, 6 - 8:30 at Artworks (320 Hull Street). In addition to end of year reports, new officers will be elected. If you want to be involved on the board contact them.
The Virginia Actors Forum website is under construction. They do have a MySpace page for updates and information.
Entries are being accepted for this year’s Virginia screenwriting competition until 5/22. If you want to be on the mailing list, email your name, address and phone number to the Virginia Film Office.
The Virginia Production Alliance is participating in the Ukrops Golden Gift program. Certificates will be issued in March and must be submitted to the organization by the end of May.
The VMFA is hosting the 28th annual Black Maria Film and Video Festival, 8 pm on 3/20 at the VCU Grace Street Theater (934 W. Grace St). Festival Director John Columbus will introduce the films. Advance tickets are required ($5) at the VMFA ticket desk or call 340-1405.
New reviews of “Wendy & Lucy,” “Waltz with Bashir,” “International,” “Taken” and more. Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of March 09, 2009
CORRECTION:
“Tales from the Grips” was launched in March 1998…not 1989 (transposed #s), but it’s still 11 years on the web. Now you know why I’m a director and not an accountant.
Speaking of the old days, local musician Lee Harris has posted a hilarious music video that I directed in 1984. But you have to have a profile on Facebook to view it.
The 2nd installment of Mark Holmberg’s story (see last week) never appeared on the WTVR website, but station videographer Chris Munnings send me a copy. Click here to see it. (Thank God, Todd took off his Bluetooth headset for this one.)
The General Assembly increased funding for the Virginia Tourism Corporation, including an additional $525K for the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund (total now $775K).
Meanwhile, looks like “Lincoln” is definitely not happening here.
Heard from Tim Reinhart last week. He’s been a producer/editor for Boeing in St. Louis and occasionally chats with his new neighbor Ray Voltz. He’s 1 of 2 air-to-air videographers/photographers and has made made 9 flights so far (and broken the sound barrier).
Digital Video Group is hosting a demo day of the new Panasonic AG-HPX300 from 1-5 on 3/10 at their facility (8529 Meadowbridge Rd, Mechanicsville. Open to everyone, but please RSVP.
Shockoe Productions is casting a Harry Potter fan film to shoot 4/11 & 18. No pay (copy, credit and meals). Email headshot and resume 4/1.
John Keltonic recently composed the score for the PBS special “Betty Ford: The Real Deal.” It premieres 3/15.
Dave & Jen Swain have a new baby boy named Evan Lloyd Swain.
New reviews of “Watchmen (saw it in IMAX),” “Wendy & Lucy,” “Waltz with Bashir,” “International,” “Taken” and more. Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of March 16, 2009
There was a great response to last week’s clip from my career in the 80s. So, I thought I’d do it again! One of Richmond’s best-known bands from era was Single Bullet Theory and I was lucky to direct both of their music videos, which appeared on MTV. ”Keep It Tight,” was shot in what was then the vacant Byrd Hotel (across from the Science Museum) on 1” tape with Charlie Reilly as DP. The cast included Joe Inscoe, Garet Chester and Marge Buchanan. Look for additional flashbacks in future weeks.
The theme for the 22nd Annual Virginia Film Festival is “Funny Business” and the serious art of making people laugh. It will be held in Cville 11/5-8.
Genworth is producing a Soprano’s parody and they’re looking for actors to play Tony Sopranoand and Dr. Melfi. Send headshot/details to Julie Quarles.
New reviews of “Class,” “Watchmen,” “Wendy & Lucy,” “International,” “Taken” and more. Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of March 23, 2009
You’ve probably heard about the mini-pilot for CW’s “Body Politic,” which is being shot here in the next few days. Producer James Spies worked with director Rod Lurie on several of his projects and Richmond once again stands in for DC. You can read more about the show on this link. Interesting fact: with an actors strike still possible, they opted to shoot this on video instead of film, taking advantage of friendlier AFTRA rules. Also, we were recently mentioned in a Varitety article on TV shows shooting away from LA. Our incentives are cited as one reason.
If you want to work as an extra on “Body Politic,” they’re seeking men and women 18+. Shooting started Monday and runs til 3/30, so submit photo, contact info and conflicts now!
The 3rd Annual Film Festival sponsored by Virginia State University’s Mass Communications Club will be 4/2 at Foster Hall, Room 300. They’re accepting entries (no entry fee). Call Jennifer Williamson (524-6724) or email.
The staff of ShaveFx is shaving their heads! As President Dave Gau says, “people always seem to wonder about our name, so it just made sense to take Shave a step further in a fun way while actually making a difference.” The animators will do it on 4/3 in solidarity with children who lose their hair in their battle with cancer. You can make an online donation.
Chesterfield jewelry designer Heather Michelle designs had one of her necklaces featured in “The Last House on the Left” (thanks to her agent who sells her jewelry to movies and TV).
”God Given Talent,”, which was chosen “Best of Richmond” for last years’s 48 Hour Film Project screened over the weekend at the Miami International Film Festival.
Grey Ghost Films is screening “The Memoirs of Frank White” at 1 pm, 4/4 at the Byrd Theatre (2908 W. Cary St).
Makeup stylist Susan Millar has asked me to help here stop those rumors! She’s been visiting a “friend” in Dallas, but Richmond is still where she’s still working and living.
New reviews of “Duplicity” & “I Love You, Man” later this week. Meanwhile, “Class,” “Watchmen” and more. are already here.
Week of March 30, 2009
There was such a good response from the first Single Bullet Theory video that I posted, here’s the second. This time, MTV requested that we include the band performing and girls, girls, girls! It was shot by John Parks at the Empire Theatre, directed by me and produced by Terry Stroud.. Flash back to the 80s!
You can hear the work of local sound recordist Glen Piegari on the new Discovery show “Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment” (begins 4/14, 10pm). This is a reality show that pits 9 people against the Alaska wilderness. Glen spent 6 weeks on the shoot (with breaks every 4 days at the lodge).
I generally don’t list events outside Richmond (except film festivals in the state), but this sounded so hilarious, I couldn’t resist:
J’esprit Entertainment is hosting an acting workshop taught by Mario Lopez (hopefully shirtless). 4/26, 10 – 1, at the Sandler Center. $100 advance, $150 day of workshop. Plus a small 20-member class for individual attention (!) is $300.
Another actor (a real one) James Franco is holding auditions today in Suffolk. Read details here.
The Moonlight Film Fest is in Leesburg, 4/4 & 5 at the Tally Ho Theatre. Visit the website for details.
New reviews of “Aliens vs. Monsters,” “I Love You, Man,” “Duplicity,” “The Class,” “Watchmen” and more. Click here for these reviews and more.
