Tales Told In August 2009
Week of August 03, 2009
There will be no news next week…at least that I’ll be reporting…vacation.
The 4th Annual Virginia Production Alliance BBQ was held Saturday at Edgewater, a beautiful property right on the river. More than once I heard, “I’ve lived here for years and had no idea this was here.” There was food, music and people across all generations of the production community. Ellie St. John announced all of the winners of the 48 Hour Film Project (visit the link to see the list and watch the videos).
As one of this year’s judges, I was blown away by the overall quality and the number of people involved: 38 projects, mostly by folksI don’t know…where did they come from?
Click on “Media” (above) to see the video I shot (apologies to the missing people…the camera’s on/off switch is sketchy…maybe that’s why I usually use a real DP).
BTW, it was up at noon Sunday for my Twitter followers.
The Virginia Film Festival’s new director, Jody Kielbasa, has announced they’re looking for entries from local, regional and national filmmakers. All feature and docs received by 8/25 will be considered. Submit thru Withoutabox. $45 (general public), $40 (Withoutabox members), $10 (students) and FREE for Virginia residents. This year’s festival is 11/5-8 and the theme is Funny Business.
Local sound recordist Glen Piegari is off to Polynesia for 6 weeks to be a boom swinger on “Survivor!”
“Documenting the Face of America” was nominated for an Emmy (Outstanding Historical Programming-Long form). Even though it was produced by Jeanine Butler of C’ville, locals involved were editor Bill Gaff, motions graphics by Dave Swain and post at Park Group. It will again air nationally on 8/10.
The VMFA is looking for VO talent to record an audio tour of women artists in their collection. Recording will be the week of 8/10 (no pay). Contact Jesse Hernandez.
Donna Schatz is looking for a free editor to collaborate on Betacam footage she shot of a road trip.
The Virginia Department of Business Assistance won 2 Silver Tellys (one for recruiting, one for use of animation) both produced and directed by Tre Akins.
In addition to scoring a 3-hour series for PBS (“The Human Spark” featuring Alan Alda), John Keltonic created a score for the upcoming PBS series “Justice: What’s The Right Thing To Do?” produced by WGBH and Harvard.
New reviews of “500 Days of Summer,” (“Funny People” coming Wednesday), “Hurt Locker,” “Harry Potter,” “Bruno” and more. Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of August 17, 2009
In case you didn’t know, “Tales” is open to news, dirt and personal stuff from all readers. The news needs to be newsworthy (not just a competed production, but something unusual like a star, location, etc.). I love to include marriages and babies, fun stuff like that. Of course, dirt is great, too. You readers who don’t know me, don’t hesitate to “Submit” (click at right).
Ran into Jay Kemp at Saks. He was buying a coat to wear for this week’s New York premiere of “My One and Only,” starring Renee Zellweger and Kevin Bacon, which he gaffed on.
Long time Richmond video guy Harvey Sandler is now Visual Information Specialist at the Marine Corps University at Quantico, where he’s responsible for the AV needs of the facility.
Art Held Hostage will screen ‘ZOMBthology’ on 8/23, 1pm at the Byrd. The film, which won “Best Zombie Film” at the 2008 Fright Night Festival, is the their first full-length film, $5.
The premiere of “Loosen My Tie,” a doc about David Shultz & The Skyline made by Michael Hagen is 8/30, 2pm at the Byrd, $5.
Songwire Studios has made their music library available for sale. Visit the site for a demo. They’re also looking for a marketing rep, email Ryan if interested.
Nyya Sistrun is putting together a list of freelance crew for upcoming projects. Submit you resume/rates to her email.
The 3rd annual Mid Atlantic Black Film Festival is 9/16-19 in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads area. They’re accepting submissions for the Pitchathon and winners will be selected to pitch their idea before a film or television exec in LA.
You can see a photo from the VPA BBQ in The Henrico Citizen.
New reviews of “District 9,” “Julie & Julia,” “GI Joe,” “Hurt Locker” and more. Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of August 24, 2009
As you’ll know if you’ve ready my bio (“About” tab above), I produced more than 500 videos for Heilig-Meyers Furniture in the 70s. I ran across this excerpt from one I did to explain these new “microwave ovens” to the sales staff. I wasn’t usually the talent, but this one was an exception. Click here to watch it.
1708 Gallery has extended its deadline for “art video” entries until 9/4. See July 27 below for details.
New reviews of “Inglorious Basterds,” “Perfect Getaway,” “District 9,” “Julie & Julia,” “GI Joe,” “Hurt Locker” and more. Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of August 31, 2009
Just updated my “Projects” with a recruitment video I produced for Southside Regional Medical Center. Read more here.
The next Virginia Production Alliance Richmond Monthly Meeting is tonite 8/31, 6 – 8 at Artworks (320 Hull St.).
Actor/director David Sennett is offering a class for actors 16 and older (Sunday nights, Sept. 20th through Dec. 6th at the Dance Center) to focus on scene study. character development and audition preparation…not specifically for on-camera, but appropriate skills. $285, with discount for early registration. Email or call 278-8749.
The Final Act Drama Academy is offering classes in the fundamentals of acting. They’re in 4 locations around the area and classes start the week of 9/7. Visit their site for details.
The University of Richmond’s 21st Annual International Film Series starts in September. It features free films on Fridays at 3 & 7:30 and Sundays at 7:30. There’s also a special African Film Program 9/25 & 26. There’s no link or phone provided, so you’re on your own to get details.
Motion graphics designer David Vinson has launched his new site.
New reviews of “Taking Woodstock,” (won’t be up til Tuesday…bad projector at Short Pump) “Inglorious Basterds,” Perfect Getaway,” “District 9,” “Julie & Julia,” “GI Joe.” Click here for these reviews and more.
