Tales Told In May 2010

Week of May 03, 2010

Spend the evening with world-class entertainment/arts attorney (and local boy) Kirk Schroder, as he shares information important to every actor, filmmaker, producer, production company and entertainer. 5/12, 7-9 at ArtWorks (320 Hull Street). Free for VPA members, $30 non-members. Memberships available at the door & reservations recommended.

Digital Video Group has a job opening for an installer. Visit the site for details.

The James and ME Video Contest is accepting entries thru 6/7. Submit a 25-second PSA with the theme “Don’t Trash the River!” Winner may receive $1,000 and be featured at JRA’s annual meeting and on FOX TV.

After “retiring” from WCVE May 1, Dave DeBarger will be accepting freelance assignments, including commercial sports coverage and directing live events.

New reviews of “Jonses,” “Kick Ass,” “Date Night,” “Girl with Dragon Tattoo,” “Hot Tub Time Machine.” Click here for these reviews and more.

Week of May 10, 2010

The Martin Agency is looking for local freelance editors (Final Cut & After Effects preferred) and Smoke & Flame artists to work evenings and weekends. Send resume and reel link to Scott Friske (no calls or visits).

The evening with Kirk Schroder originally slated for 5/12 (see last week) has been re-scheduled for 6/2. 

Look for Kid Richmond’s work on the current series Discovery’s Worst Case Scenario.

McArthur Communications won 3 awards at the 63rd Annual Virginia Public Relations Awards: “The IA Experience” (which started with me cutting 50 interviews down to 3 minutes) won the Award of Excellence and Best In Show, while “Forging Tomorrow’s Maritime Warriors” won an Award of Excellence.

Two new Best Bet movies (“Iron Man 2” & “City Island”) plus “Jonses,” “Kick Ass. “Click here for these reviews and more.

Week of May 17, 2010

In 2004, I was hired by Park Group to write, direct and edit a marketing video. We brought some of the crew from Richmond and picked up the rest on location in California. On the first day, the client saw the audio tech in typical dress (shorts, Tshirt and cap) and he freaked out. He demanded that the entire crew wear ties! So, we did and here’s proof! BTW, for dinner that night we had…what else…Thai food! Thanks to Stacy Murphy, who just discovered the photo while cleaning out her desk.

Speaking of Cali, Charles Tinsley’s Panther dolly is gone…to Hollywood for repair and overhaul. He expects it to be there for several weeks.

We hear that “Transformers 3” will be shooting in the DC area. Maybe they’ll slip across the Virginia line for a bit of work? We also hear that several TV movies may be headed our way.

The Final Act Drama Academy is teaching two classes this summer. Students attending the Summer Film Studio will create their own short films. It runs 7/19-23 for grades 6-12. The 5-week acting course for adults starts 6/8. Call 858-3446 or email for details.

CW Richmond is interviewing Account Executives. Send resume with cover letter and salary requirements to David Hayes or mail CW Richmond, 5710 Midlothian Turnpike, 23225,

Reminder: The deadline to enter the 2010 Virginia Screenwriting Competition is 5/21. Click here for details.

Reviews of “Letters to Juliet,” “Iron Man 2” & “City Island.“ “Babies.” “Robin Hood” later this week. Click here for these reviews and more.

Week of May 24, 2010

The 4th Annual Richmond 48 Hour Film Project will run 7/16 - 18. Your team writes, shoots, edits and scores a short film in 48 hours and screens it at the Byrd the next weekend. Registration begins at 12:01am on 5/25 and don’t wait around. In the past there was a waiting list. As a judge last year, I was impressed by the overall quality and the fact that more than 400 people participated! Go to the website to register. 

Meanwhile, an update from last year’s 48HFP: The winning team, The Detroit Police Athletic League Golf Tournament, made a second-round film that was just screened at the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner.

Gearhead Camera just took delivery on the Red One camera with the MX sensor. They are the first and only rental house in the Mid-Atlantic with it.

If you have a Harris INSCRIBER CG Model G3 or G5 and would like to freelance some operator training contact David Powers or call 358-5458 Ext 117.

Last November, I posted a casting notice for a TV pilot, which has just been sent to Walt Disney for evaluation. Stay tuned for local premiere details.

Reviews of “Secret in their Eyes,” “Robin Hood,” “Letters to Juliet,” “Iron Man 2” & “City Island.“ “Babies.” Click here for these reviews and more.

Week of May 31, 2010

The Virginia Film Office was honored earlier this month with 4 marketing awards from the Association of Film Commissioners International. The winning entries included advertising and digital media, the production services directory and digital advertising. Virginia’s awards were second only to the Australian film commission, which won five. 

Richmond’s latest facility, 9WG Studios, is featured on the June cover of “Mix" Magazine

Liquid Talent Group is having an open call 6/4, 10am to noon at their studio, 2500 Grenoble Rd.  Open to actors and models, 30 +.  Note: If you are already represented by them, no need to come.

Some of you long-time production community members will remember Jenny Hollowell (formerly Kennedy). She’s penned a book titled “Everything Lovely, Effortless, Safe” and will host a book launch reading and party on 6/14, 7pm at 1708 Gallery. For details or to RSVP, go to this Facebook page.

The Blank Street Project is a two-month research trip for a documentary on the faces of poverty in Virginia. Ben Saunders and Joey Schihl (2 VCU filmmaking students) hit the road 5/31 for 70 days of adventure and exploration throughout the state. If you have friends or family in any of the towns they’re visiting (see website), they’ll appreciate contacts or a place to stay.

Reminder: the Virginia Production Alliance meeting featuring entertainment lawyer Kirk Schroder is 6/2 at Artworks.

Reviews of “Sex in the City,” “Secret in their Eyes,” “Robin Hood,” “Letters to Juliet,” “Iron Man 2” & “Babies.” Click here for these reviews and more.