Week of February 08, 2010

I attended Richmond’s first LGBT Film Festival Friday night and Saturday. Despite the snow, the crowd went from respectable to solid. Although I was planning to shoot the opening night event, the light was too moody (you know the gays), so I got some shots between films on Saturday. (A few of our better-known celebs declined to be on camera…guess the closet still hasn’t completely been unhinged.) Check out the “Media” tab above for this and more clips or just click here.

HERE’S AN UPDATE ON THE MOTION PICTURE OPPORTUNITY FUND:
Thanks to a friend at the state, here are excerpts from our new Governor’s remarks:

I propose an increase in funding of the Virginia Tourism Corporation by $3.6 million in each of the next two years. I want the funding of the Virginia Tourism Corporation to double by the time I leave office in 2014.

Another smart investment we can make is in film production. This year the movie “Secretariat” will hit theaters. A movie about a horse from Virginia. With a director from Virginia. Filmed in Kentucky and Louisiana.

Not landing that production here meant an estimated loss of $30 million in economic impact. That is a failure. It’s not hard to see why we struggle to attract film production. South Carolina offers a cash rebate for movie makers funded at $10 million annually, and just north of us Maryland offers $1 million. We have $200,000 per year available in the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. We simply cannot compete. I ask you to increase funding for the Motion Picture Opportunity Fund by $2 million.
Movies made in Virginia equal jobs created for Virginians.

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENED ALREADY:

Last week, the Senate Finance Committee unanimously voted Sen. Louise Lucas’, SB257, out of committee to the full floor of the Senate. The bill, intended to provide $5 million per year for film production tax credits, was amended to provide $5 million per year in straight grants for use by the Virginia Film Office to attract motion picture production to Virginia. Once the bill is voted on by the full Senate it will proceed to the House of Delegates for consideration. SB 257 has a companion bill in the House of Delegates patroned by Del. Ben Cline of Amherst. HB 861 will be heard on Friday morning before a House Finance subcommittee prior to going before the full House of Finance Committee sometime next week.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:
An excerpt from an email from Virginia Production Alliance President Mark Remes:
Whether this senate bill remains grants or tax credits has yet to be finalized, but what could be final is the death of the film industry in Virginia. Complacent, apathetic film pros will have sealed their own fate should these lawmakers not hear from them. Too much of the load in lobbying is resting on the shoulders of too few dedicated VPA troops, many of which don’t have the type of jobs that will ever benefit from increased production. The legislature needs to hear from you. If you want to work in movies (in this state) this is your time.

We need Virginia’s film and media community to show their support for these bills now more than ever. If you haven’t signed up for “Two-A-Days” invest a few hours of “face time” with your legislators at the General Assembly. Contact Margaret Ivy Smith to volunteer (or call 339-2754). If not, at least send your representatives an email asking them to support these bills. Go here to find your legislators.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Former Richmond actor Justin Dray was on last week’s “Heroes” and is scheduled for the 2/15 episode of “Men of a Certain Age” and the 3/2 episode of “Southland.”

Speaking of local guys working in La La Land: stunt performer Kid Richmond is working on Discovery Channels new show “Worst Case Scenario.”, including a fight scene with Bear Grylls ("Man vs Wild).

Closer to home, Jake Pulliam worked 4 days on night camera for the CMT’s “Worlds Strictest Parents,” which was wrapped Sunday in Short Pump (airing in April).

The Final Act Drama Academy is teaching new classes in acting and filmmaking. Some started last week (sorry) and some start soon. Visit the site for details.

New reviews of “Crazy Heart,” “Lovely Bones,” “Single Man,” “It’s Complicated.” Click here for these reviews and more.

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Week of February 15, 2010

Last June, I traveled with Dave Park, Jeff McGall and Jim Meisner to several Virginia state parks to shoot two new spots. They’re airing on local stations and on YouTube. Click here and here to see them.

The motion picture tax credit bill (HB#861) was passed by the House Finance Committee and is headed to the Senate. You can help by contacting the members of the House Appropriations Committee and your delegates by 2/19 to voice your support. Visit the Virginia Production Alliance site for details.

Local casting director Jeannie Boisineau has formed a strategic alliance with Selective Casting/Internationally Speaking in New York. Her partner, Carol Nadell, has been in the business for 25 years and specializes in authentic foreign-born and speaking actors. They’ve also created a “Guide to Casting” for clients and anybody who wants to understand the process of casting.

The Virginia Independent Film Festival is 2/28 at the Byrd Theatre. Click here if you’d like to volunteer to help out.

International documentary filmmaker Martin Chaseling Renwick is shooting a doc here at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (2/26-28). He needs 3 camera ops, 3 audio techs, 2 editors, 3 grips, plus gear. If you’re passionate about cycling and want to help with his project, contact him or call 914-255-1855. He didn’t respond to my query, so I don’t know if he’s looking for freebies or paying.

Long-time local grip/gaffer Paul Fischer has launched a website.

The 38th anniversary of the opening of the Biograph Theatre was last week. Read first manager Terry Rea’s account of the early days.

Joe Dolla’s Studios is seeking actors of all types for productions (payment is deferred, contingent upon sales).  They’re also looking for designers, costumers and make-up artists who want to gain experience. Email them for details.

Congrats to Keith Martin, the Managing Director of the Richmond Ballet. “Coming Out-Coming In: Faith Identity and Belonging,” a doc that he produced several years ago, just won a Midsouth Regional Emmy in the documentary category. Keep posted for details on a local screening.

Meanwhile, Godwin HS graduate Eric Metzgar has a documentary, “Reporter,” (produced by Ben Affleck) that is currently on HBO.

Some of the more-experienced members of our community will remember Laurie Hoen, who produced films with her husband Ken (lots for the International Mission Board). Laurie was once chef at the Governor’s Mansion and is now working as an artist. She’ll have a show of her work that opens at Artspace on 2/26, 7-10 pm.

New reviews of “Last Station,” “Valentine’s Day,” “Crazy Heart,” “Lovely Bones,” “It’s Complicated.” Click here for these reviews and more.

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Week of February 22, 2010

Last week’s press conference to promote tax incentives for movies featured Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, Sissy Spacek and her husband Jack Fisk. See last week’s “Tales” for what you can do to help get the bill thru the Senate.

It’s been announced that a Cine-Bistro is coming to Stony Point Fashion Park. It will feature 6 screens with luxury seating. This is a twist on the old noisy cinema drafthouses (which I never attended). These feature upscale dining and no waiters running around during the movie.

DVG is hosting a road show to introduce Avid’s Media Composer 4. The Richmond event is 3/11 at Dave & Busters. There are 2 sessions (3-5 and 7-8:30) with a social hour in between. Click here to RSVP.

“Virginia Creepers” is a doc by Sean Kotz about the hosts of horror movie shows in Virginia TV’s history. The James River Film Festival (3/19-25) will host a showing at the Byrd (which will feature some of the former hosts) on 3/21 at 1pm. Also, some footage for a doc on Bill Bowman will be shot that day. John Porter will host a panel discussion after the movie.

The Virginia Production Alliance has opened a chapter in the Piedmont known as the Charlottesville Chapter. Erica Arvold, a film producer and casting director, will serve as the CVPA’s Chair. This is the VPA’s fourth chapter (after Richmond, NOVA and Hampton Roads)…ah…I remember when the VPSA was founded in 1989…it had 4 chapters too!

New reviews of “Shutter Island,” “Wolfman,” “Last Station,” “Valentine’s Day,” “Crazy Heart.” Click here for these reviews and more.

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