Icon Film Studios sent me the following casting call notice:
CASTING CALL: THE GOTHIC LOUNGE
The Gothic Lounge, a brand new half-hour short indie horror movie showcase being produced for The Horror Channel , is currently in search of two sexy, well-spoken female hosts in their early- to mid-twenties who would consider themselves the vamps next door. The low-budget/high-concept show will be produced in Tampa, Florida and will feature horror movies of all types from all over the world with a focus on Florida production.
Only enthusiastic, fun, camera savvy, seductive female fans of the horror genre will be considered. Confident interview skills are a must. Girls with a marketable "dark side" are encouraged to try out. Although the roles are unpaid, the shoot days are short and relaxed, the exposure will be vast, and all talent will get meals and copies of their episodes. Additionally, we intend to produce 12 episodes while only shooting for 2–3 days in the entire year.
Auditions are planned for mid- to late-March at the University of South Florida on a Saturday with callbacks on the following Saturday. So, if you're in the Tampa area and interested in trying out, please come down. Exact dates TBD. Please mail two headshots with resumes stapled to the back of each one to:
The Gothic Lounge
5765 Parkview Point Drive
Orlando, Florida 32821
Questions may be asked via thegothiclounge(at)hotmail.com. DO NOT E-MAIL HEADSHOTS.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
I'd Like To Thank the Academy...and Tampa Theatre
This Sunday, March 5, instead of sitting at home and watching the Academy Awards in your pajamas, you can attend the Academy-sanctioned Oscar Night America Party at Tampa Theatre. The Tampa Bay Oscar night celebration, one of only 46 official parties sanctioned by the Academy, raises money to benefit Tampa Theatre's programming and restoration funds.
The audience will watch the Academy Awards telecast on large screens throughout Tampa Theatre. Complimentary popcorn, soda and house coffee will be provided during the telecast.
General admission tickets are available for $35. VIP Patron tickets are available for $125 and provide admission to the exclusive Oscar Night 1926 Patrons' Party, an official Academy Awards show program, goodie bag, and more.
One Oscar. One Tampa Theatre. One Night. Click here to learn more or to purchase your ticket.
The audience will watch the Academy Awards telecast on large screens throughout Tampa Theatre. Complimentary popcorn, soda and house coffee will be provided during the telecast.
General admission tickets are available for $35. VIP Patron tickets are available for $125 and provide admission to the exclusive Oscar Night 1926 Patrons' Party, an official Academy Awards show program, goodie bag, and more.
One Oscar. One Tampa Theatre. One Night. Click here to learn more or to purchase your ticket.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Me, Me, Me
Under Section 2384.095 of Article 9827.983 in the Official Bloggers' Code, there's a clause titled "If I Don't Brag About Myself, Who Will?" With that clause in mind, I have some news to share:
*I was interviewed by the film critic of the Sarasota Herald Tribune several weeks ago for an article about the Tampa International Film Festival that ran February 3rd. Truly devoted fans (a.k.a. Mom) can click here for the article.
*Icon Film Studios has this blog listed as a "new cool web link" on their homepage. They also mentioned me on this month's news page.
All this attention, plus my name is spelled correctly. I'm in heaven.
*I was interviewed by the film critic of the Sarasota Herald Tribune several weeks ago for an article about the Tampa International Film Festival that ran February 3rd. Truly devoted fans (a.k.a. Mom) can click here for the article.
*Icon Film Studios has this blog listed as a "new cool web link" on their homepage. They also mentioned me on this month's news page.
All this attention, plus my name is spelled correctly. I'm in heaven.
New "Delivery" from KS Films in Orlando
Orlando's KS Films has some news to announce:
KS Films is getting ready to release Delivery, a horror thriller starring Matt Nelson, Tara Cardinal, Kevin O'Neill, Melissa Gruver and Petra Bukalo, among others. The film was directed and photographed by award-winning cinematographer Jose Cassella, co-founder of KS Films, and produced by Ralph Harden. Jose Cassella has an extended record of music videos and commercials and KS Films was founded with the goal of reuniting the best talent from the indie world and also as an outlet for feature films.
Delivery deals with a gentle loner, Montgomery Goth (Matt Nelson), with a traumatic past, trying to put the pieces of his life back together while working as a delivery boy for a local pizza place. He has no friends, no life and no prospects for the future, until one day he meets the girl of his dreams, Bibi (Tara Cardinal), and life seems to finally change for the better. But a series of events will test Montgomery's sanity and awaken the demons inside of him, unleashing a murderous rampage that will keep everyone from ordering takeout for a very long, long time....
Great special effects, photography, atmosphere and a lot of horror, Delivery will keep you glued to your seat! KS Films will announce the screening dates of the feature on www.ksfilms.com.
KS Films is getting ready to release Delivery, a horror thriller starring Matt Nelson, Tara Cardinal, Kevin O'Neill, Melissa Gruver and Petra Bukalo, among others. The film was directed and photographed by award-winning cinematographer Jose Cassella, co-founder of KS Films, and produced by Ralph Harden. Jose Cassella has an extended record of music videos and commercials and KS Films was founded with the goal of reuniting the best talent from the indie world and also as an outlet for feature films.
Delivery deals with a gentle loner, Montgomery Goth (Matt Nelson), with a traumatic past, trying to put the pieces of his life back together while working as a delivery boy for a local pizza place. He has no friends, no life and no prospects for the future, until one day he meets the girl of his dreams, Bibi (Tara Cardinal), and life seems to finally change for the better. But a series of events will test Montgomery's sanity and awaken the demons inside of him, unleashing a murderous rampage that will keep everyone from ordering takeout for a very long, long time....
Great special effects, photography, atmosphere and a lot of horror, Delivery will keep you glued to your seat! KS Films will announce the screening dates of the feature on www.ksfilms.com.
Festa Italiana Amateur Documentary Film Contest
The 9th Annual Festa Italiana will be April 9th. So far, the new date is the only thing on their website that's been updated, but I received the following from two of the USF professors who put together the Italian Film Festival that's part of Festa Italiana:
Amateur Documentary Film Contest
Festa Italiana, 2006, Ybor City
The Italian Club and sponsors of Festa Italiana, 2006 are sponsoring an amateur Documentary Film Contest to accompany the annual Cinema Italiano cycle of films. There will be prizes for First, Second, and Third place. Information:
1. Student entries are strongly encouraged.
2. All entries should, in some way, be Italian-related.
3. Documentaries must be no more than 15 minutes in length and should be submitted on DVD format.
4. Approach is open. Documentaries may be creative, interview format, historical exposition, or any other accepted form of documentary.
5. First, Second, and Third Place awards will be given and documentaries presented to the public on Sunday, April 9 at the Italian Club in Ybor City.
6. Submit entries no later than Thursday, March 30, 2006 to: Professor Phillip Sipiora, Dept. of English, CPR 358, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620-5550.
7. Any questions should be directed to Prof. Sipiora (Office CPR 358-A, TUE/THUR 1;30 to 3:00 P.M. and by appointment). Cell phone (813 494-8877); Office phone (813 974-9464). E-mail psipiora@gmail.com or sipiora@shell.cas.usf.edu.
Amateur Documentary Film Contest
Festa Italiana, 2006, Ybor City
The Italian Club and sponsors of Festa Italiana, 2006 are sponsoring an amateur Documentary Film Contest to accompany the annual Cinema Italiano cycle of films. There will be prizes for First, Second, and Third place. Information:
1. Student entries are strongly encouraged.
2. All entries should, in some way, be Italian-related.
3. Documentaries must be no more than 15 minutes in length and should be submitted on DVD format.
4. Approach is open. Documentaries may be creative, interview format, historical exposition, or any other accepted form of documentary.
5. First, Second, and Third Place awards will be given and documentaries presented to the public on Sunday, April 9 at the Italian Club in Ybor City.
6. Submit entries no later than Thursday, March 30, 2006 to: Professor Phillip Sipiora, Dept. of English, CPR 358, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620-5550.
7. Any questions should be directed to Prof. Sipiora (Office CPR 358-A, TUE/THUR 1;30 to 3:00 P.M. and by appointment). Cell phone (813 494-8877); Office phone (813 974-9464). E-mail psipiora@gmail.com or sipiora@shell.cas.usf.edu.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Hotel Rwanda: the Film and the Real-Life Hero at Eckerd College
Eckerd College is celebrating Black History Month by screening the film Hotel Rwanda on Friday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Miller Auditorium. Then, on Tuesday, February 28, the real-life hero of the film, Paul Rusesabagina, will speak at 7 p.m. at Fox Hall. Both events are free and open to the public. Click here for more info.
(cross-posted at Sticks of Fire)
(cross-posted at Sticks of Fire)
Cinema Chat at Tampa Theatre on Thursday
The Tampa Theatre is having another Cinema Chat Thursday, February 23, after the 7:30 p.m. screening of Cache. If you've already seen the film and want to talk about it, stop by the theater at 9:30 p.m. The film discussion will be led by Balcony Club Planning Committee member Eric Odum, who I've known for about two years now. He'll be a good host, plus the movie sounds very interesting, so this will be great film fan fun. Click here for more info.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Standasone Productions Looking For Writers and Filmmakers
Joe Sanchez at Standasone Productions is looking for people interested in helping him film his first feature, which is based on his first short. Visit www.mmjstandasone.com to view the trailer.
He's also putting together a 'zine and is looking for short stories, reviews of independent films, opinions, pictures you have taken or images you have drawn. Click here for his contact info.
He's also putting together a 'zine and is looking for short stories, reviews of independent films, opinions, pictures you have taken or images you have drawn. Click here for his contact info.
Director Mira Nair at USF tonight
Award-winning Indian director Mira Nair will be at USF tonight! Click here for details.
Intro to TV, Film & Commercials Class at the Education Channel
From The Education Channel:
Registration Now Open for Intro to TV, Film & Commercials:
Lanny Fuettere will teach an Intro to TV Film & Commercials class at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 4th at The Education Channel, 703 N Willow Avenue, Tampa. Class size is limited. You must be 16 or over to register. $30 registration fee must be received in advance in order to hold your seat. Call 254-2253 ext. 206 for details.
Lanny Fuettere has over twelve years experience and in excess of 500 combined bookings as a professional on-camera actor and voice-over artist in the television, film, and radio broadcast industry. His range of talent is diverse: he’s a published writer, a recurring on-air spokesperson and guest host on HSN, a mixed-media artist, motivational speaker, humorist and talent coach.
His on-camera work has been recognized with the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association (State), Silver Reel for ‘Lead Actor, Short Film or Video’, the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association (Suncoast) Crystal Reel for ‘Leading Actor in a Feature Film’. His on-camera work with The Education Channel was recognized with the International Television Association Golden Palm Award, and the Bright House Networks 'Brightness Award.'
Additional project recognition as a voice-over artist includes: The American Advertising Federation Gold ADDY (2), Silver ADDY (1), ADDY (3), National 'Pollie,' District 'Charlie,' and the Tampa Bay Advertising Federation ‘Best Of Bay.’ As a performing artist, his work has since qualified him for membership in the Screen Actors Guild, (he is a member emeritus), the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists, and the American Guild of Variety Artists.
This workshop is part of The Education Channel’s Media Arts & Technology program. Upcoming workshops include Video for Business & Pleasure on March 19 and Making a Documentary on April 22. For more information call (813) 254-2253 ext. 305 or 206. The Education Channel is a non-profit, non-commercial television station whose parent organization, Tampa Educational Cable Consortium, links the major educational and cultural institutions of Hillsborough County in a collaborative to improve the quality of life by disseminating knowledge and encouraging education. Tampa Educational Cable Consortium is a 501 (C) (3) and is underwritten in part by Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, City of Tampa and Plant City. For additional program information call 254-2253 ext. 211 or check http://www.educationchannel.org.
Registration Now Open for Intro to TV, Film & Commercials:
Lanny Fuettere will teach an Intro to TV Film & Commercials class at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 4th at The Education Channel, 703 N Willow Avenue, Tampa. Class size is limited. You must be 16 or over to register. $30 registration fee must be received in advance in order to hold your seat. Call 254-2253 ext. 206 for details.
Lanny Fuettere has over twelve years experience and in excess of 500 combined bookings as a professional on-camera actor and voice-over artist in the television, film, and radio broadcast industry. His range of talent is diverse: he’s a published writer, a recurring on-air spokesperson and guest host on HSN, a mixed-media artist, motivational speaker, humorist and talent coach.
His on-camera work has been recognized with the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association (State), Silver Reel for ‘Lead Actor, Short Film or Video’, the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association (Suncoast) Crystal Reel for ‘Leading Actor in a Feature Film’. His on-camera work with The Education Channel was recognized with the International Television Association Golden Palm Award, and the Bright House Networks 'Brightness Award.'
Additional project recognition as a voice-over artist includes: The American Advertising Federation Gold ADDY (2), Silver ADDY (1), ADDY (3), National 'Pollie,' District 'Charlie,' and the Tampa Bay Advertising Federation ‘Best Of Bay.’ As a performing artist, his work has since qualified him for membership in the Screen Actors Guild, (he is a member emeritus), the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists, and the American Guild of Variety Artists.
This workshop is part of The Education Channel’s Media Arts & Technology program. Upcoming workshops include Video for Business & Pleasure on March 19 and Making a Documentary on April 22. For more information call (813) 254-2253 ext. 305 or 206. The Education Channel is a non-profit, non-commercial television station whose parent organization, Tampa Educational Cable Consortium, links the major educational and cultural institutions of Hillsborough County in a collaborative to improve the quality of life by disseminating knowledge and encouraging education. Tampa Educational Cable Consortium is a 501 (C) (3) and is underwritten in part by Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, City of Tampa and Plant City. For additional program information call 254-2253 ext. 211 or check http://www.educationchannel.org.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Looking For a Few Good Men and Women
Icon Film Studios is looking for a few crew members for a series that they're shooting for The Horror Channel:
The series will feature short horror films, interviews with indy directors and legendary horror icons, and behind the scenes of current horror films. The series, which is currently titled Phantom Television (working title), will be a 30-minute show that will webcast on www.horrorchannel.com. We'll be shooting wrap arounds with the hosts that will introduce the segments for the series.
Here's what positions we're looking for:
Assistant Director/Script Supervisor
Camera Operators
Sound (Boom Operators)
Lighting
Production Assistants
Make-up
We want to start shooting in late March or early April. It should be only a 1- or 2-day shoot. And this is volunteer work only, but the series will get tons of exposure. We want the series to debut by this summer.
If anyone is interested or has any questions please e-mail Chris Woods at cwoods4 (at) tampabay.rr.com.
The series will feature short horror films, interviews with indy directors and legendary horror icons, and behind the scenes of current horror films. The series, which is currently titled Phantom Television (working title), will be a 30-minute show that will webcast on www.horrorchannel.com. We'll be shooting wrap arounds with the hosts that will introduce the segments for the series.
Here's what positions we're looking for:
Assistant Director/Script Supervisor
Camera Operators
Sound (Boom Operators)
Lighting
Production Assistants
Make-up
We want to start shooting in late March or early April. It should be only a 1- or 2-day shoot. And this is volunteer work only, but the series will get tons of exposure. We want the series to debut by this summer.
If anyone is interested or has any questions please e-mail Chris Woods at cwoods4 (at) tampabay.rr.com.
Calling Student Filmmakers
The inaugural Tartan Road Student Film Festival -- April 7 & 8 in Boca Raton -- is currently accepting submissions. I heard through the grapevine that the festival staff were quite impressed with a recent submission by a USF student.
Cosmos International Film & Videogame Festival
Gainesville has a new film fest -- the Cosmos International Film & Videogame Festival, which runs April 20-22. Visit their website to learn more.
Congratulations Sunnyvale
File this under Everything Has A Florida Connection:
I recently wrote about the new Golden Groundhog Awards and the five nominated films. The winning film is Sunnyvale, a "often offensive but darkly hilarious comedy." Director James Ricardo wrote me to let me know that Sunnyvale will be screening at the upcoming Delray Beach Film Festival in March.
Congratulations James!
I recently wrote about the new Golden Groundhog Awards and the five nominated films. The winning film is Sunnyvale, a "often offensive but darkly hilarious comedy." Director James Ricardo wrote me to let me know that Sunnyvale will be screening at the upcoming Delray Beach Film Festival in March.
Congratulations James!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Yikes
My Real Job is killing whatever part of me survived the film festival last week. I'll get back to blogging this weekend, I promise. Please check back and don't forget about me!
Friday, February 10, 2006
What Are You Doing Tonight?
What are your big plans tonight?
Are you going to see the Tampa International Film Festival's films Cleopatra or Fallen at Sunrise Cinemas?
Are you going to the Tampa Film Review at International Bazaar in Ybor?
Going to see This is a Business at Eckerd College in St. Pete?
Going to see Beyond the Patriot Act at the Quaker Meeting House in St. Pete?
Heading over to Lakeland to see Thirteen Conversations About One Thing at the Cambridge Study Center?
Staying home and watching what's in your most recent Netflix envelope?
Decisions, decisions.
Are you going to see the Tampa International Film Festival's films Cleopatra or Fallen at Sunrise Cinemas?
Are you going to the Tampa Film Review at International Bazaar in Ybor?
Going to see This is a Business at Eckerd College in St. Pete?
Going to see Beyond the Patriot Act at the Quaker Meeting House in St. Pete?
Heading over to Lakeland to see Thirteen Conversations About One Thing at the Cambridge Study Center?
Staying home and watching what's in your most recent Netflix envelope?
Decisions, decisions.
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
Free Seminar on Film Production Problems Tonight
The topic of tonight's Tampa International Film Festival film salon has changed. The new topic is Film Production Problems. Dr. Rob Tregenza, TIFF founder/director and an acclaimed filmmaker in his own right, will discuss the various challenges encountered in film production.
The film salon will be at 5 p.m. today at the Education Channel, 703 N. Willow Ave. in Tampa and is free and open to the public. If you get a chance, please stop by.
The film salon will be at 5 p.m. today at the Education Channel, 703 N. Willow Ave. in Tampa and is free and open to the public. If you get a chance, please stop by.
Local Film "Real Premonition" in the News
A photo from the movie Real Premonition featuring actors Ben Affan and Sheri Lawrence made the front page of the website www.backstage.com. Congrats to Lawrence and the filmmakers on the publicity.
Monday, February 6, 2006
Upcoming Eckerd College Events
I checked Eckerd College's website a couple of days ago and was disappointed to find Fall 2005 movie info still there. Thank goodness for the WMNF website calendar, where I found this:
Eckerd College's International Cinema Series is back! The first three Fridays in February will feature films inspired by graduates of Eckerd College. All alumni will be present to discuss their respective films. Films screen at 7:30 p.m.
On February 10th there will be a showing of This is a Business. It tells the story of a shipping clerk who starts his own business knowing only that he intends either to create a product or to provide a service, and whichever one it is, he pledges, it will be good... for everyone. Tom Stern, former philosophy major at Eckerd, filmed, directed and edited the film. For details about any of the films in the series, visit www.eckerd.edu.
The film Failing Haiti will screen on February 17th. Rod Paul shot, directed, produced and edited the film. Paul was a creative writing major at Eckerd. Failing Haiti is a documentary that seeks to examine why international efforts continue to fail to make a difference in the lives of Haitians. For details about any of the films in the series, visit www.eckerd.edu.
Eckerd College's International Cinema Series is back! The first three Fridays in February will feature films inspired by graduates of Eckerd College. All alumni will be present to discuss their respective films. Films screen at 7:30 p.m.
On February 10th there will be a showing of This is a Business. It tells the story of a shipping clerk who starts his own business knowing only that he intends either to create a product or to provide a service, and whichever one it is, he pledges, it will be good... for everyone. Tom Stern, former philosophy major at Eckerd, filmed, directed and edited the film. For details about any of the films in the series, visit www.eckerd.edu.
The film Failing Haiti will screen on February 17th. Rod Paul shot, directed, produced and edited the film. Paul was a creative writing major at Eckerd. Failing Haiti is a documentary that seeks to examine why international efforts continue to fail to make a difference in the lives of Haitians. For details about any of the films in the series, visit www.eckerd.edu.
Sunday, February 5, 2006
Film Festival Frenzy
Fasten your seatbelts; it's going to be a busy spring. Mark your calendars now:
Tampa International Film Festival: February 3-11
Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival: February 8-20
Florida Film Festival (Orlando): March 24-April 2
Sarasota Film Festival: March 30-April 9
Ybor Festival of the Moving Image: April 5-12
I'm going to attempt to pry myself off of the sofa and actually attend most of these. Blogging from the red carpet sounds like fun. It will probably be more of blogging from the distant back row of the theater, but that'll be our little secret.
Tampa International Film Festival: February 3-11
Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival: February 8-20
Florida Film Festival (Orlando): March 24-April 2
Sarasota Film Festival: March 30-April 9
Ybor Festival of the Moving Image: April 5-12
I'm going to attempt to pry myself off of the sofa and actually attend most of these. Blogging from the red carpet sounds like fun. It will probably be more of blogging from the distant back row of the theater, but that'll be our little secret.
Tampa Film Network
I hereby officially pronounce the Tampa Film Network a success. Even if that group never meets again, there were enough business cards exchanged, alliances formed and meetings scheduled to consider the inaugural meeting last Wednesday a success.
The Sister-In-Law (an aspiring filmmaker herself) and I went to Durango's Steakhouse for the meeting last week. I only knew about 4 or 5 of the 25 or so people there, but that changed before the night was over. Founders Chris Woods and Joe Davison introduced themselves and spoke a little bit about the reasons for the group. Then we went around the room and introduced ourselves and listed our interests and/or expertise.
It was a little hard to hear, so I didn't take notes, but I heard the following interests/skills listed: actor, writer, director, dancer, sound expertise, graphic designer, animator, owns a recording studio, has a script almost completed, just there to support the local film community, involved with USF's University Film & Video Association, has a website for local cultural events (not me, but someone else from the online community). We all signed a sheet that was passed around and gave our contact info.
Local film commissioner Krista Soroka was there, and she asked a great question about how the group will be organized. Davison said that he and Woods are in the process of creating a website. I got the impression that this website will allow people to post about their specific needs (looking for a tall blond male actor and a cameraman, etc.) and what they have to offer.
I asked Davison later about how often the Tampa Film Network will meet. He thinks they'll meet about every other month. I assume that those of us who attended will get an email letting us know when the next meeting is scheduled. Updates will also be posted on Davison's site www.popgunpictures.com and Woods' site www.iconfilmstudios.com.
After the self-introductions, the rest of the night was informal. Those who were hungry ate, and those who were good at meeting people networked. Those with a film festival to promote gave everyone a flyer, whether they wanted one or not. Ok, I admit it, I was the only one in that last category.
I got there a few minutes past 8 p.m. and didn't leave until a little after 10 p.m. I have a stack of business cards to go through and plenty of websites to check out and link to. They are a lot of local people involved in filmmaking in one way or another, and it was great to get a couple dozen of them in the same room to meet each other and hopefully work together.
The Sister-In-Law (an aspiring filmmaker herself) and I went to Durango's Steakhouse for the meeting last week. I only knew about 4 or 5 of the 25 or so people there, but that changed before the night was over. Founders Chris Woods and Joe Davison introduced themselves and spoke a little bit about the reasons for the group. Then we went around the room and introduced ourselves and listed our interests and/or expertise.
It was a little hard to hear, so I didn't take notes, but I heard the following interests/skills listed: actor, writer, director, dancer, sound expertise, graphic designer, animator, owns a recording studio, has a script almost completed, just there to support the local film community, involved with USF's University Film & Video Association, has a website for local cultural events (not me, but someone else from the online community). We all signed a sheet that was passed around and gave our contact info.
Local film commissioner Krista Soroka was there, and she asked a great question about how the group will be organized. Davison said that he and Woods are in the process of creating a website. I got the impression that this website will allow people to post about their specific needs (looking for a tall blond male actor and a cameraman, etc.) and what they have to offer.
I asked Davison later about how often the Tampa Film Network will meet. He thinks they'll meet about every other month. I assume that those of us who attended will get an email letting us know when the next meeting is scheduled. Updates will also be posted on Davison's site www.popgunpictures.com and Woods' site www.iconfilmstudios.com.
After the self-introductions, the rest of the night was informal. Those who were hungry ate, and those who were good at meeting people networked. Those with a film festival to promote gave everyone a flyer, whether they wanted one or not. Ok, I admit it, I was the only one in that last category.
I got there a few minutes past 8 p.m. and didn't leave until a little after 10 p.m. I have a stack of business cards to go through and plenty of websites to check out and link to. They are a lot of local people involved in filmmaking in one way or another, and it was great to get a couple dozen of them in the same room to meet each other and hopefully work together.
And the winners are...
Remember the recent short film contest sponsored by e-incubator.org? Here's the list of winners, straight from the press release:
Self, the five-minute short produced by Alejandro Navia and directed by Manolo Celi, both from Miami, placed first in the professional category at Saturday night’s eighth annual Collaboration...A Short Film Contest gala premiere. This is the second win for Mr. Celi, who directed the winning film Snap in year 6.
The contest’s Executive Producer, the Entertainment Industry Incubator, has arranged for the winner to have a face-to-face meeting with the head of production and development for Lions Gate Films in Los Angeles. The gala dinner event took place at the Mayfair Hotel and Spa in Coconut Grove and the 15 finalist films, along with the top three high school student films, were screened across the street at the AMC Cocowalk 16.
These finalists, who must live in the state of Florida, had been selected by a panel of five industry experts, through a rigorous scoring process, from a field of many excellent entries. All the participants, in teams of six, had 30 days to script, shoot and edit a five-minute piece based around a theme they were given and were required to be Florida residents. This year’s theme was "power" and there were three winners in each of two categories.
Hailing from the Tampa/St. Pete area, the first place winner in the novice category was Dash , produced by Jennifer Persons and directed by Brandon Windish. The second in that category was Pop, produced by Andrew Hill and directed by Aja Mitchell, both of the Orlando area. The third place novice was Powerless, produced by Chase Kobrin and directed by Lee Cipolla, both of Miami.
In addition to the top-placed team, there were two others in the professional category: in the second spot was Father Eddie, produced by JR Von Schondorf and directed by Curtis Graham, both of the Tampa/St. Pete area. In third place was The Ties That Bind, produced by Melissa Gruver and directed by Adam Showen, who live in central Florida.
The winning high school student films were Id in first place for Team Dyess, Left to Right was next for Team Cohen and third place was taken by Team Siew's Shot. A clean sweep for three of the teams from G Star School of the Arts in Palm Beach County! A stellar lineup of senior film industry VIPs were in Miami from New York on January 14th to judge the filmmakers’ works for the premiere gala. On the morning of that same day, these senior execs gave a workshop panel on Film Acquisition, Distribution and Marketing. They are Kelly Devine, Independent Film Channel; Michelle Materre, Independent Film Consultant and Melanie Sharee, American Black Film Festival. Sandy Mandelberger, a semi-final judge and head of International Media Resources sat in for Michelle Materre at the morning’s seminar session.
Dash and Father Eddie will be screened at Sunrise Cinemas February 9th as part of the Tampa International Film Festival's American independent cinema sidebar programmed by the Education Channel.
Self, the five-minute short produced by Alejandro Navia and directed by Manolo Celi, both from Miami, placed first in the professional category at Saturday night’s eighth annual Collaboration...A Short Film Contest gala premiere. This is the second win for Mr. Celi, who directed the winning film Snap in year 6.
The contest’s Executive Producer, the Entertainment Industry Incubator, has arranged for the winner to have a face-to-face meeting with the head of production and development for Lions Gate Films in Los Angeles. The gala dinner event took place at the Mayfair Hotel and Spa in Coconut Grove and the 15 finalist films, along with the top three high school student films, were screened across the street at the AMC Cocowalk 16.
These finalists, who must live in the state of Florida, had been selected by a panel of five industry experts, through a rigorous scoring process, from a field of many excellent entries. All the participants, in teams of six, had 30 days to script, shoot and edit a five-minute piece based around a theme they were given and were required to be Florida residents. This year’s theme was "power" and there were three winners in each of two categories.
Hailing from the Tampa/St. Pete area, the first place winner in the novice category was Dash , produced by Jennifer Persons and directed by Brandon Windish. The second in that category was Pop, produced by Andrew Hill and directed by Aja Mitchell, both of the Orlando area. The third place novice was Powerless, produced by Chase Kobrin and directed by Lee Cipolla, both of Miami.
In addition to the top-placed team, there were two others in the professional category: in the second spot was Father Eddie, produced by JR Von Schondorf and directed by Curtis Graham, both of the Tampa/St. Pete area. In third place was The Ties That Bind, produced by Melissa Gruver and directed by Adam Showen, who live in central Florida.
The winning high school student films were Id in first place for Team Dyess, Left to Right was next for Team Cohen and third place was taken by Team Siew's Shot. A clean sweep for three of the teams from G Star School of the Arts in Palm Beach County! A stellar lineup of senior film industry VIPs were in Miami from New York on January 14th to judge the filmmakers’ works for the premiere gala. On the morning of that same day, these senior execs gave a workshop panel on Film Acquisition, Distribution and Marketing. They are Kelly Devine, Independent Film Channel; Michelle Materre, Independent Film Consultant and Melanie Sharee, American Black Film Festival. Sandy Mandelberger, a semi-final judge and head of International Media Resources sat in for Michelle Materre at the morning’s seminar session.
Dash and Father Eddie will be screened at Sunrise Cinemas February 9th as part of the Tampa International Film Festival's American independent cinema sidebar programmed by the Education Channel.
"Students of the Unusual" Independent Film Contest
I received the following press release via email and wanted to pass it along:
(January 14th-- Melbourne, Florida) So, you want to be an independent filmmaker?Get out your DV cameras or fire up your home animation studio and make a short film based on your favorite Students of the Unusual story!
3 Boys Productions is proud to sponsor the 1st Annual Students of the Unusual Independent Film Contest. The winner will receive $500 and lots of Students of the Unusual merchandise (Comics, t-shirts, DVDs, cards and more). Terry Cronin, the publisher of the critically-acclaimed comic book, states "this is a wonderful opportunity for indie filmmakers of all skill levels to get some instant notoriety with a short film project."
The winning film (as well as the best of the rest) will be included on a complimentary DVD compilation which will be included in the new giant-sized Students of the Unusual Extra Credit Special #1 comic book and distributed at convention appearances in San Diego and across the US. The films will also automatically be entered for consideration to the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival in November.
Films must be submitted on DVD or VHS and must be received by May 1st.
Send to
3 Boys Productions/Students of the Unusual
1399 S Harbor City Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32901
Students of the Unusual is an independently published horror comic anthology and was recently featured in The Comic-con Chronicles on the IFC Channel. (you can watch the documentary at http://www3.ifctv.com/comicon/) SOTU is published by 3 Boys Productions, an independent filmmaking and multi-media firm who coordinates the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival and the Megacon Indy Film Expo (Friday, February 24th, 7 pm, Orlando).
Students of the Unusual will be appearing across the nation in 2006!
FX show www.fxshow.com January 27th-29th.
Megacon www.megaconvention.com February 24th-26th
Heroes Con www.heroesonline.com June 30th- July 2nd
San Diego Comic-Con International www.heroesonline.com July 20th-23rd
For more info on Students of the Unusual go to www.studentsoftheunusual.com
For more info on 3 Boys Productions and the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival go to www.3boysproductions.com
(January 14th-- Melbourne, Florida) So, you want to be an independent filmmaker?Get out your DV cameras or fire up your home animation studio and make a short film based on your favorite Students of the Unusual story!
3 Boys Productions is proud to sponsor the 1st Annual Students of the Unusual Independent Film Contest. The winner will receive $500 and lots of Students of the Unusual merchandise (Comics, t-shirts, DVDs, cards and more). Terry Cronin, the publisher of the critically-acclaimed comic book, states "this is a wonderful opportunity for indie filmmakers of all skill levels to get some instant notoriety with a short film project."
The winning film (as well as the best of the rest) will be included on a complimentary DVD compilation which will be included in the new giant-sized Students of the Unusual Extra Credit Special #1 comic book and distributed at convention appearances in San Diego and across the US. The films will also automatically be entered for consideration to the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival in November.
Films must be submitted on DVD or VHS and must be received by May 1st.
Send to
3 Boys Productions/Students of the Unusual
1399 S Harbor City Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32901
Students of the Unusual is an independently published horror comic anthology and was recently featured in The Comic-con Chronicles on the IFC Channel. (you can watch the documentary at http://www3.ifctv.com/comicon/) SOTU is published by 3 Boys Productions, an independent filmmaking and multi-media firm who coordinates the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival and the Megacon Indy Film Expo (Friday, February 24th, 7 pm, Orlando).
Students of the Unusual will be appearing across the nation in 2006!
FX show www.fxshow.com January 27th-29th.
Megacon www.megaconvention.com February 24th-26th
Heroes Con www.heroesonline.com June 30th- July 2nd
San Diego Comic-Con International www.heroesonline.com July 20th-23rd
For more info on Students of the Unusual go to www.studentsoftheunusual.com
For more info on 3 Boys Productions and the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival go to www.3boysproductions.com
Thursday, February 2, 2006
"We Jam Econo -- The Story of the Minutemen"
Visit www.tampabaymuse.com for info on an upcoming local screening of the feature-length documentary We Jam Econo -- The Story of the Minutemen.
Movie Ticket Giveaway at Old Hyde Park Village
From the Old Hyde Park Village website:
Find the perfect gifts for Valentines Day and we will give you two free tickets to see any movie at Sunrise Cinemas. Just shop or dine at Hyde Park Village and present receipts totaling $50 at the Sunrise Cinemas box office. Tickets are available February 1 through February 14, while supplies last. One offer per person.
Click here for more info.
Find the perfect gifts for Valentines Day and we will give you two free tickets to see any movie at Sunrise Cinemas. Just shop or dine at Hyde Park Village and present receipts totaling $50 at the Sunrise Cinemas box office. Tickets are available February 1 through February 14, while supplies last. One offer per person.
Click here for more info.
