Tales Told In September 2009
Week of September 07, 2009
The James River Association announces “The James and Me-Streaming on the James Video Contest” for videos showing how you enjoy the James River. There’s an entry level for middle/high school students and pros. Details on the website.
Westminster Canterbury is looking for an AV Technician. Visit their site for details.
Andrew Hamer is directing a short based on the Alexander Pushkin story and will be casting here on 9/12 & 13 from 11-4 at Studio 108 (108 First North Street). He’s especially looking for 18th century re-enactors with their own equipment. Per diem and meals for the shoot. He’s also looking for a costume designer and makeup artist. ) or on my phone (757) 869-5480.
New reviews of “Cold Souls,: (“Extract” on Tuesday), “Taking Woodstock,” “Inglorious Basterds,” “District 9,” “Julie & Julia.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of September 14, 2009
I went to the “Benny-Fit” Saturday nite thrown by Benny Waldbauer, owner of the eponymous 80s punk club. “Classic” local bands including The Orthotonics, White Cross, Beex and The Good Big Guys played and people came from all over the country for the fun. Local video guy Rick Plautz volunteered his time to shoot about 30 interviews with some of the oldtimers. Here’s an early preview of what he shot.
I also attended the opening show at CenterStage that nite. The performing groups had their ups and downs, but the twinkling “stars” in the ceiling needed to be DOWN about 50% (too distracting). It was cool to see multi-mini cameras covering the orchestra in the pit, but disappointing that a 21st century projection was 4X3, not 16X9.
The Virginia Production Alliance presents Dan Portnoy’s “How to Use Social and New Media to Promote Your Film and Production Career” on 10/1, 6pm at ArtWorks. Free to VPA members, $5 all others.
Long-time production assistant Ash Bruce is now full time at Park Group as Production Coordinator.
Meanwhile, his new boss, Park producer Stacy Murphy Johnson, was profiled in “V” magazine this month.
And they’re still growing, because Park Group has an opening for a full-time Web Designer.( 5+ years experience required). Submit resume, etc. here.
“Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment,” which aired on Discovery channel last Spring, won a national Emmy for Best Cinematography. Does that make local guy Glen Piegari (who did sound on it) an Emmy winner too?
John Keltonic composed the score for the PBS special “The Retirement Revolution: A New Reality,” which airs Tue at 9pm.
New reviews of “September Issue,” (“9” later this week), “Extract,” “Cold Souls,” “Taking Woodstock,” “Inglorious Basterds,” “District 9,” “Julie & Julia.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of September 21, 2009
In the 80s and early 90s there was a professional organization called the International Television Association (ITVA). The Richmond chapter hosted a yearly awards show to recognize excellence in local production. I recently ran across this opening video (a take-off on the TV hit “Nothern Exposure” which featured a moose wandering into their village). See it here.
We were sad to hear that Bobby O’Brien died of a heart attack on Friday in Rhode Island. He was best known for his work at Modelogic, where he started as a receptionist in 1996 and worked his way up to an agent during his 8 years there. Staci credits him with being instrumental in building the company’s acting division. If you’d like to send him a card, you can mail it to Staci at 2501 East Broad Street , 23223 and she’ll forward them to his family.
The Virginia Production Alliance presents “Friends...With Benefits,” a party celebrating Virginia’s creative community. 10/7, 6:30 at the Firehouse Theatre (1609 West Broad). Parking is on street or in the Lowe’s lot. Free (and last year there was great food)!
Composer Bill Grishaw recently scored the commercial for Usher’s new cologne, Usher VIP (breaking this month). He’s also finished scoring a feature from Chris Hartwill, entitled ”Ghost Machine”, starring Luke Ford and Rachael Taylor.
Helene Wagner, Founder and Director of Virginia Screenwriters’ Forum, will be teaching “Turning a True Story, Novel, or Play into a Movie,” through the University of Richmond’s School of Continuing Studies on 11/7, 9 – noon, $49. To register Click here, then find the course under Communications and Writing or call 289-8133.
The Cluster Project is casting a male voice actor for an animated short. No pay (credit and DVD). Send resume/demo to Andrea Stefi.
Last year, James Schaefer wrote a novel, “Radical Extreme,” and he wants to turn it into a film. If you are willing to help him (in whatever capacity), email or call 647-6850. You may recognize his name because he was operating as Princess Pitch A Fit Productions. He recently switched to “Cocoon Tales,” because it’s easier to type and remember.
New reviews of “Informant,” (“Jennifer’s Body” coming this week), “September Issue,” “9,” “Cold Souls, “Extract.” Click here for these reviews and more.
Week of September 28, 2009
Richmond video/TV pioneer Don Johnson died in his sleep earlier this week. He worked at area stations, including WAVY, WWBT (where he was sidekick to Sailor Bob) and WCVE (twice). He was also involved with one of the area’s first major production facilities (MATRIX Productions), as well as DOE, Pro Products, and DIT (now VITA). He was also a sweet, funny guy. There will be a service at St Matthias Episcopal Church Monday at 11 and another celebration is in the works. Check in for updates. (NOTE: If you were registered for Poop Alerts you got a notice of the service on Saturday.)
It’s been announced that John Waters will be one of the featured guests at this year’s Virginia Film Festival. (I also heard that Alan Ball may be coming.) The theme is “Funny Business” and tickets go on sale 10/9.
The next monthly meeting of the Virginia Production Alliance meeting is on 10/5.
New reviews of ‘My One & Only,” “Informant,” “Jennifer’s Body,” “September Issue,” “9.” Click here for these reviews and more.
