What have I been up to, you ask, since I obviously haven't been blogging this week? Well, among other things, this past week I:
*Met Merl Reagle, the local crossword puzzle creator recently featured in the documentary Wordplay.
*Bought a new computer and am planning my defection from Blogger.
*Served as a judge for the Education Channel's upcoming Independents' Film Festival. It was a Goldilocks night: the Irish film about an immigration scandal was too frenetic and choppy to follow; the black-and-white parody of 50's sci-fi films was too slowly paced to be funny; and the surrealistic Australian comedy was just right. Incredible and brilliant, actually. I'm not sure if I should mention the names of the films just yet, but I will mention this last film again on this blog. It's a movie everyone should see and I can't wait to own it on DVD.
*Kept busy with things relating to my book blog.
*Attended some of Slayer Con, the local convention devoted to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. I met villains Camden Toy, Mark Metcalf, and Jonathan Woodward (who was hilariously inebriated; more on that later).
And how was your week?
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Director Kevin Smith in Orlando September 23
Exciting news! Director Kevin Smith will be in Orlando September 23. Here's the press release I received:
REEL NEWS FLASH FROM FLORIDA’s FUTURE FILMMAKERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Critically-Acclaimed Movie Director Kevin Smith to Appear in Orlando on September 23rd
Filmmaker will hold a no holds barred Q&A session for general public
Orlando, FL – July 14, 2006 - Kevin Smith, the writer and director of such hits as Clerks, MallRats, Chasing Amy, Jersey Girl, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back as well as the soon to be released Clerks 2, will be appearing at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, September 23rd, 2006. This is a rare opportunity to see Kevin Smith in a non-collegiate environment. The event is being presented by Florida’s Future Filmmakers and sponsored by several organizations including Full Sail Real World Education, Florida Film Monthly magazine (http://www.floridafilmmonthly.com/), and Women in Film & Television - Florida.
“Kevin Smith is the real deal,” said Michael McNamara, President of Florida Future Filmmakers and the force behind bringing Kevin Smith to Orlando. “He was one of the most unique voices to emerge during the American independent filmmaking renaissance of the 1990’s and continues to be a key player in the industry.”
Smith’s Orlando appearance, titled An Afternoon with Kevin Smith, follows on the heels of his highly anticipated movie sequel Clerks 2 (http://www.clerks2.com/), which will open later this month. Word on the street is the sequel is as good if not better than the original.
Smith has carved out his own unique movie niche, a screen world littered with pop culture references like comic books and convenience stores, all conveyed in coarse, but snappy, dialogue. Actors who frequently appear in his films include Ben Affleck, Jason Lee and Matt Damon. Smith’s films have featured many of the same characters and actors. Jason Mewes and Smith himself appear in his films as Jay and Silent Bob, respectively, two idle stoners who pop up for added comic relief.
An Afternoon with Kevin Smith will begin at 10 a.m. Included in the all day event will be a special screening of Kevin Smith’s low-budget comedy hit Clerks (1994), a classic in the cinematic sub-genre of "slacker movies."
Kevin Smith will arrive at 2 p.m. and engage in a question and answer session with attendees of the event. The event is scheduled to end at 4 p.m., but because of Mr. Smith’s willingness to answer any and all questions his fans have, the event may last several additional hours.
If you haven’t seen Smith on stage responding to questions that would throw most filmmakers for a loop, you won’t want to miss out on this engaging experience. Although be prepared; he’s extremely fond of using R-rated language.
“That’s just the way he is,” said McNamara. “There’s nothing fake or Hollywood-ish about the way he interacts with his fans. The man knows how to work an audience.”
Tickets are on sale now for the event. Tickets are only available for purchase on-line at http://www.floridafilmmonthly.com/. Each ticket is $35.00 - all tickets are general admission, as seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets will also be sold the day of the event, if available for $50.00.
In addition to the Q&A session with Kevin Smith, attendees will be encouraged to engage with the event sponsors, who will be comprised of some of the most active film organizations in the state. Also, attendees will be able to take advantage of the abundant number of networking opportunities that will be available to them.
Florida’s Future Filmmakers was started in 2005 with the sole purpose of providing resources for the next generation of filmmakers here in the state of Florida. This will be one of many events that the organization will put on over the next couple of years to help further educate industry professionals as well as aspiring filmmakers in the state.
For more information on the Kevin Smith event or Florida Future Filmmakers, please contact 321-274-9678 or visit http://www.floridafilmmakers.com/.
REEL NEWS FLASH FROM FLORIDA’s FUTURE FILMMAKERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Critically-Acclaimed Movie Director Kevin Smith to Appear in Orlando on September 23rd
Filmmaker will hold a no holds barred Q&A session for general public
Orlando, FL – July 14, 2006 - Kevin Smith, the writer and director of such hits as Clerks, MallRats, Chasing Amy, Jersey Girl, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back as well as the soon to be released Clerks 2, will be appearing at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, September 23rd, 2006. This is a rare opportunity to see Kevin Smith in a non-collegiate environment. The event is being presented by Florida’s Future Filmmakers and sponsored by several organizations including Full Sail Real World Education, Florida Film Monthly magazine (http://www.floridafilmmonthly.com/), and Women in Film & Television - Florida.
“Kevin Smith is the real deal,” said Michael McNamara, President of Florida Future Filmmakers and the force behind bringing Kevin Smith to Orlando. “He was one of the most unique voices to emerge during the American independent filmmaking renaissance of the 1990’s and continues to be a key player in the industry.”
Smith’s Orlando appearance, titled An Afternoon with Kevin Smith, follows on the heels of his highly anticipated movie sequel Clerks 2 (http://www.clerks2.com/), which will open later this month. Word on the street is the sequel is as good if not better than the original.
Smith has carved out his own unique movie niche, a screen world littered with pop culture references like comic books and convenience stores, all conveyed in coarse, but snappy, dialogue. Actors who frequently appear in his films include Ben Affleck, Jason Lee and Matt Damon. Smith’s films have featured many of the same characters and actors. Jason Mewes and Smith himself appear in his films as Jay and Silent Bob, respectively, two idle stoners who pop up for added comic relief.
An Afternoon with Kevin Smith will begin at 10 a.m. Included in the all day event will be a special screening of Kevin Smith’s low-budget comedy hit Clerks (1994), a classic in the cinematic sub-genre of "slacker movies."
Kevin Smith will arrive at 2 p.m. and engage in a question and answer session with attendees of the event. The event is scheduled to end at 4 p.m., but because of Mr. Smith’s willingness to answer any and all questions his fans have, the event may last several additional hours.
If you haven’t seen Smith on stage responding to questions that would throw most filmmakers for a loop, you won’t want to miss out on this engaging experience. Although be prepared; he’s extremely fond of using R-rated language.
“That’s just the way he is,” said McNamara. “There’s nothing fake or Hollywood-ish about the way he interacts with his fans. The man knows how to work an audience.”
Tickets are on sale now for the event. Tickets are only available for purchase on-line at http://www.floridafilmmonthly.com/. Each ticket is $35.00 - all tickets are general admission, as seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets will also be sold the day of the event, if available for $50.00.
In addition to the Q&A session with Kevin Smith, attendees will be encouraged to engage with the event sponsors, who will be comprised of some of the most active film organizations in the state. Also, attendees will be able to take advantage of the abundant number of networking opportunities that will be available to them.
Florida’s Future Filmmakers was started in 2005 with the sole purpose of providing resources for the next generation of filmmakers here in the state of Florida. This will be one of many events that the organization will put on over the next couple of years to help further educate industry professionals as well as aspiring filmmakers in the state.
For more information on the Kevin Smith event or Florida Future Filmmakers, please contact 321-274-9678 or visit http://www.floridafilmmakers.com/.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Tag! I'm It!
Lady Wordsmith, Poet Extraordinaire, tagged me a while back. I've finally had a chance to play along:
I am thinking about:
-all the things I have to do
-all the movies I want to watch and books I want to read
I said:
-"Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something." -- The Princess Bride
I want:
-The Husband to like his new job
-a new computer
-to work only one job
-to have a baby one day
-to get lots of traffic on my blogs
-to be mentioned by Steve Persall or Rick Gershman in the St. Pete Times
I miss:
-movie matinee prices of $3.50
-when the "AMC" of the AMC channel actually stood for "American Movie Classics" and they played classic films without commercials
-my mom
-the days before *69 and Caller ID when you could make prank phone calls without getting caught
I hear:
-my mother's voice in my head telling me to stand up straight
-the TV blaring
I wonder:
-why people answer their phones or text someone in a dark movie theater instead of watching the movie
-if Hollywood has run out of original ideas
-why The Husband can't see the crumbs on the counter when they're plainly visible
-where good manners and general politeness have gone
-how I'll look when I'm 50
I am:
-in love with reading like Francie in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
-shy like the second Mrs. DeWinter in Rebecca
-strong and resourceful (and Southern!) like Scarlett in Gone With The Wind
I dance:
-to my Dance Dance Revolution 2 game, in my living room, away from people
I sing:
-badly, loudly, and only in the car by myself
I cry:
-when watching sad movies
-when other people cry (especially older men who are reliving their war memories in documentaries)
-when I miss my mom
-when I'm extremely angry and/or frustrated
I make with my hands:
-my blogs
-a good meatloaf
-I can do a halfway-decent job of gift-wrapping
I write:
-about my obsessions -- movies and books -- in my two blogs
-a to-do list every day
-in my gratitude journal every night
I confuse:
-which way to change the clocks in the spring and fall ("spring forward" and "fall back" don't help, because I think of it differently)
I need:
-a million dollars, a personal trainer, a housekeeper, a personal assistant, fame, glory, adulation, diamonds. Well, not really, I suppose. I need weekends vegging out with the Husband, blogging, good friends and a new computer.
I should:
-quit making lists of what I "should" do
I start:
-all kinds of projects and plans without ever finishing them. I enjoy the planning more than the actual completing.
I finish:
-books I read and movies I watch, no matter how terrible. What if something wonderful happens at the very end?
I guess I'm supposed to tag someone else. I tag:
Wendy over at Fire on the Poop Deck, because she's witty and funny and probably won't kill me for tagging her (and I wouldn't mind a link on her popular blog).
I am thinking about:
-all the things I have to do
-all the movies I want to watch and books I want to read
I said:
-"Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something." -- The Princess Bride
I want:
-The Husband to like his new job
-a new computer
-to work only one job
-to have a baby one day
-to get lots of traffic on my blogs
-to be mentioned by Steve Persall or Rick Gershman in the St. Pete Times
I miss:
-movie matinee prices of $3.50
-when the "AMC" of the AMC channel actually stood for "American Movie Classics" and they played classic films without commercials
-my mom
-the days before *69 and Caller ID when you could make prank phone calls without getting caught
I hear:
-my mother's voice in my head telling me to stand up straight
-the TV blaring
I wonder:
-why people answer their phones or text someone in a dark movie theater instead of watching the movie
-if Hollywood has run out of original ideas
-why The Husband can't see the crumbs on the counter when they're plainly visible
-where good manners and general politeness have gone
-how I'll look when I'm 50
I am:
-in love with reading like Francie in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
-shy like the second Mrs. DeWinter in Rebecca
-strong and resourceful (and Southern!) like Scarlett in Gone With The Wind
I dance:
-to my Dance Dance Revolution 2 game, in my living room, away from people
I sing:
-badly, loudly, and only in the car by myself
I cry:
-when watching sad movies
-when other people cry (especially older men who are reliving their war memories in documentaries)
-when I miss my mom
-when I'm extremely angry and/or frustrated
I make with my hands:
-my blogs
-a good meatloaf
-I can do a halfway-decent job of gift-wrapping
I write:
-about my obsessions -- movies and books -- in my two blogs
-a to-do list every day
-in my gratitude journal every night
I confuse:
-which way to change the clocks in the spring and fall ("spring forward" and "fall back" don't help, because I think of it differently)
I need:
-a million dollars, a personal trainer, a housekeeper, a personal assistant, fame, glory, adulation, diamonds. Well, not really, I suppose. I need weekends vegging out with the Husband, blogging, good friends and a new computer.
I should:
-quit making lists of what I "should" do
I start:
-all kinds of projects and plans without ever finishing them. I enjoy the planning more than the actual completing.
I finish:
-books I read and movies I watch, no matter how terrible. What if something wonderful happens at the very end?
I guess I'm supposed to tag someone else. I tag:
Wendy over at Fire on the Poop Deck, because she's witty and funny and probably won't kill me for tagging her (and I wouldn't mind a link on her popular blog).
Five Questions With Jennifer Parramore
St. Petersburg/Clearwater Film Commission Director Jennifer Parramore recently took the time to answer Five Questions:
1. What’s the last movie you’ve seen?
For the record, I am not a particularly good judge of film. Ironically, I watch few films and almost no TV. That’s not because I dislike either; just time constraints due to career and family. Netflix is a great addition to my life. Consequently, most of the films I watch have been edited for the small screen (too bad), and they’re several months or years old.
However, I saw Prairie Home Companion at Muvico. I’m a long-time fan of Garrison Keillor’s show, commentaries, characters and books.
On a recent flight, I saw Syriana and Brokeback Mountain.
2. Which movies have meant the most to you and why?
Out of Africa is a classic and prompted me to read about colonial Kenya at that time. Denys Finch Hatton and Beryl Markham were contemporaries of Karen Blixen’s. Both have written and/or been written about extensively.
Philadelphia Story and Bull Durham both have great casts, great lines, good characters, and they’re entertaining and witty. Prizzi’s Honor is an engrossing Mafia story with a top-drawer cast, and a diabolical twist.
3. Which movies could you watch more than once and still enjoy?
Easy question: The In Laws, (the original one) remains hysterically funny after multiple viewings. “Serpentine, Shel, serpentine!”
Out of Africa is a sweeping story of a fascinating woman shot in exotic locations.
Bull Durham is a fun and funny adult love story. I can quote multiple great lines from it and still love it every time.
Indiscreet and just about anything starring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant remain entertaining forever. He’s a heartthrob and she’s beautiful and hugely talented.
Love Actually is witty, warm, bittersweet, real and interwoven so cleverly.
Romancing the Stone is among my all-time favorite adventure-romance stories. Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas and Danny Davito have terrific chemistry.
4. If you could meet any film character, who would you choose?
Characters are fiction. I enjoy meeting the people who make it come together, whether they write, direct, oversee the budget or design a set. I count several Teamsters among my best pals.
5. If you could meet any filmmaker (living or dead), who would you choose?
James Strouse, Allison Anders, Betty Thomas, Ron Howard, Mira Nair, Richard Curtis, Penny Marshall, Robert Altman, among others.
1. What’s the last movie you’ve seen?
For the record, I am not a particularly good judge of film. Ironically, I watch few films and almost no TV. That’s not because I dislike either; just time constraints due to career and family. Netflix is a great addition to my life. Consequently, most of the films I watch have been edited for the small screen (too bad), and they’re several months or years old.
However, I saw Prairie Home Companion at Muvico. I’m a long-time fan of Garrison Keillor’s show, commentaries, characters and books.
On a recent flight, I saw Syriana and Brokeback Mountain.
2. Which movies have meant the most to you and why?
Out of Africa is a classic and prompted me to read about colonial Kenya at that time. Denys Finch Hatton and Beryl Markham were contemporaries of Karen Blixen’s. Both have written and/or been written about extensively.
Philadelphia Story and Bull Durham both have great casts, great lines, good characters, and they’re entertaining and witty. Prizzi’s Honor is an engrossing Mafia story with a top-drawer cast, and a diabolical twist.
3. Which movies could you watch more than once and still enjoy?
Easy question: The In Laws, (the original one) remains hysterically funny after multiple viewings. “Serpentine, Shel, serpentine!”
Out of Africa is a sweeping story of a fascinating woman shot in exotic locations.
Bull Durham is a fun and funny adult love story. I can quote multiple great lines from it and still love it every time.
Indiscreet and just about anything starring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant remain entertaining forever. He’s a heartthrob and she’s beautiful and hugely talented.
Love Actually is witty, warm, bittersweet, real and interwoven so cleverly.
Romancing the Stone is among my all-time favorite adventure-romance stories. Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas and Danny Davito have terrific chemistry.
4. If you could meet any film character, who would you choose?
Characters are fiction. I enjoy meeting the people who make it come together, whether they write, direct, oversee the budget or design a set. I count several Teamsters among my best pals.
5. If you could meet any filmmaker (living or dead), who would you choose?
James Strouse, Allison Anders, Betty Thomas, Ron Howard, Mira Nair, Richard Curtis, Penny Marshall, Robert Altman, among others.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Sneak Preview of "Tampa Bay:Living Legacy" August 4
From WMNF's online calendar:
Tampa Bay: Living Legacy- A Sneak Preview
Friday, August 04, 2006 Watch a sneak preview of an exciting new Tampa Bay documentary that will soon air on PBS affiliate stations. Come to Weedon Island Preserve and Cultural Center to learn the story our amazing estuary facing the challenges of city development, increasing human population and pollution. Social hour and refreshments begin at 6:30 p.m. with the film to follow. There is no charge for this special event, but reservations are required. For additional information and to register please call (727) 453-6500. or pinellascounty.org/Environment.
Tampa Bay: Living Legacy- A Sneak Preview
Friday, August 04, 2006 Watch a sneak preview of an exciting new Tampa Bay documentary that will soon air on PBS affiliate stations. Come to Weedon Island Preserve and Cultural Center to learn the story our amazing estuary facing the challenges of city development, increasing human population and pollution. Social hour and refreshments begin at 6:30 p.m. with the film to follow. There is no charge for this special event, but reservations are required. For additional information and to register please call (727) 453-6500. or pinellascounty.org/Environment.
Dunedin Fine Arts Center Looking For Film Submissions
Received via email:
The Dunedin Fine Arts Center will be hosting a film
series that will feature locally (Tampa Bay area)
produced films. If you have such a film that you
would like to submit, please contact Wayne Porter at
wayne@sandersoncounty.com. All genres accepted.
The Dunedin Fine Arts Center will be hosting a film
series that will feature locally (Tampa Bay area)
produced films. If you have such a film that you
would like to submit, please contact Wayne Porter at
wayne@sandersoncounty.com. All genres accepted.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Vidcon in Tampa July 21-23
If you're interested in fan fiction, you're in the right place (well, if you're in the Tampa Bay area, that is). Vidcon, a convention dedicated to science fiction/fantasy TV and fan fiction, will be in Tampa July 21-23 at the Hilton Garden in East Tampa/Brandon. One of the convention organizers told me there will be "over 40 hours of panels and events centered around SF/F TV and fan fiction. We also offer two full dinners, a great welcome party, a full con suite and hours of song vids."
She sent me a complete list of the panel descriptions. Here are a few topics:
Fanon vs. Canon
Bad Show, Good Fanfic
Old Shows, New Followings
Basics in Fan Writing
Filk Writing Workshop
Jumping the Shark
Introduction to Song Vids
Loving the Bad Guys
Future of Fanfic
Makes me want to get into fan fiction!
The same group behind the annual horror film fest/convention Necronomicon -- the Stone Hill Science Fiction Association -- is running Vidcon. For more info, visit www.stonehill.org/vidnews.htm.
She sent me a complete list of the panel descriptions. Here are a few topics:
Fanon vs. Canon
Bad Show, Good Fanfic
Old Shows, New Followings
Basics in Fan Writing
Filk Writing Workshop
Jumping the Shark
Introduction to Song Vids
Loving the Bad Guys
Future of Fanfic
Makes me want to get into fan fiction!
The same group behind the annual horror film fest/convention Necronomicon -- the Stone Hill Science Fiction Association -- is running Vidcon. For more info, visit www.stonehill.org/vidnews.htm.
Tampa Film Network Meeting July 20
Received via email:
The next meeting for The Tampa Film Network will be Thursday, July 20th
at 8pm. It will be at the stadium Chili's on the corner of Dale Mabry
and Columbus in Tampa. Please RSVP as soon as you can. Any questions
please feel free to ask.
Visit www.myspace.com/tampafilmnetwork for more info.
The next meeting for The Tampa Film Network will be Thursday, July 20th
at 8pm. It will be at the stadium Chili's on the corner of Dale Mabry
and Columbus in Tampa. Please RSVP as soon as you can. Any questions
please feel free to ask.
Visit www.myspace.com/tampafilmnetwork for more info.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Computer Problems
My piece o' crap computer is on its deathbed this week. The Husband and I are going computer shopping today. I should be back in the blogosphere in the next couple of days. Hope to see you there.
Crew, Etc. Needed For Local Film
Received via email:
In a couple of weeks I should be filming my first feature film project around the Tampa Bay area. I'm looking for a small crew, a camera, someone familiar with lights and sound. And a makeup or special props specialist. You can view a teaser here: http://www.mmjstandasone.com/theshort.html
As for compensation, not much going in but if the movie makes any profit, you'll get your fair share. Email me at mmj125@yahoo.com if you have any questions about the project.
MMJoe
In a couple of weeks I should be filming my first feature film project around the Tampa Bay area. I'm looking for a small crew, a camera, someone familiar with lights and sound. And a makeup or special props specialist. You can view a teaser here: http://www.mmjstandasone.com/theshort.html
As for compensation, not much going in but if the movie makes any profit, you'll get your fair share. Email me at mmj125@yahoo.com if you have any questions about the project.
MMJoe
Saturday, July 8, 2006
Lineup For July 14th Tampa Film Review
Here's the schedule (so far) for the upcoming Tampa Film Review:
The next Tampa Film Review, presented by 1 Day Films, will be held on Friday, July 14 from 8 – 10 p.m. at International Bazaar, located at 1600 E. Eighth Ave. in the Centro Ybor Complex. Tampa Film Review is a monthly showcase of local independent films and is held every second Friday of the month and is free.
July’s films include:
The Cactus by John Matheny: Two longtime friends have just returned from the wedding of the sister of one of them. The other had dated the sister for a long time. The two explore the reasons why the relationship broke up.
The Wright Stuff by Ford Austin: Follow the hilarious adventures of the Wright Brothers as they use "Powered Flight" when President Teddy Roosevelt dispatches them to combat crime and evil around the globe.
The Mechanics of Choice by Chris Giuffre: The Mechanics Of Choice was originally commissioned by the Arts Center in St. Petersburg for a show show entitled "X-ing", which explored themes based on the idea of a "metaphorical crossroads." The filmmakers took this idea at face value and stripped the concept to its most basic element, Choice, and built on that. In this multi-channel video, the viewer observes what seems to be, at least at first, three different storylines played out concurrently. As the piece moves on, however, we see that these characters are in fact, bound together.
Armed by Joe Sanchez: It's 3 in the morning and someone is missing. Detective Douglas knows that sometimes procedure can wait. Tonight he'll go out and look for her but who is she. He's armed and ready but what's her story?
Reunion by Joe Sanchez: Charlene just ran into her old college roommate Bethany but it's not what you think. Find out what happens when an unfinished conversation emerges. Reunion: they say your first love is the hardest one to let go, but what if it's the right thing to do.
Hand Delivery by Damien and Josh Kincannon: Is Clark boring or crazy? It depends who you ask …
And more!
1 Day Films feels that there are very few, if any, regular outlets in the local area for local independent filmmakers to showcase their films. Hopefully, this monthly event will provide that outlet for everyone, from experienced local independent filmmakers to local college and high school filmmakers experimenting with film production for the first time. 1 Day Films promises your film will be shown!
Tampa Film Review was awarded a 2005 Best of the Bay Award for BEST REASONS TO BELIEVE THE LOCAL FILM SCENE IS ALIVE AND WELL.
International Bazaar is a place where the arts, culture, entertainment, food, music and dance connect in harmony. Come explore and shop for items from over 100 countries representing cultures in their traditional and modern styles. Explore, enjoy, learn and shop. They promise you an enlightened and fun experience.
1 Day Films is looking for film submissions for future events. For more email pete@tooprod.com or http://by108w.bay108.mail.live.com/mail/ApplicationMain_11.00.0005.0103.aspx?culture=&resxtest=&layout=&msgid=&to=&subject=&cc=&contactid=. All genres of short films are accepted –documentaries, comedy, horror, love, art, drama, foreign language, experimental etc. No pornography!
Visit http://www.thetampafilmreview.com/ for more.
The next Tampa Film Review, presented by 1 Day Films, will be held on Friday, July 14 from 8 – 10 p.m. at International Bazaar, located at 1600 E. Eighth Ave. in the Centro Ybor Complex. Tampa Film Review is a monthly showcase of local independent films and is held every second Friday of the month and is free.
July’s films include:
The Cactus by John Matheny: Two longtime friends have just returned from the wedding of the sister of one of them. The other had dated the sister for a long time. The two explore the reasons why the relationship broke up.
The Wright Stuff by Ford Austin: Follow the hilarious adventures of the Wright Brothers as they use "Powered Flight" when President Teddy Roosevelt dispatches them to combat crime and evil around the globe.
The Mechanics of Choice by Chris Giuffre: The Mechanics Of Choice was originally commissioned by the Arts Center in St. Petersburg for a show show entitled "X-ing", which explored themes based on the idea of a "metaphorical crossroads." The filmmakers took this idea at face value and stripped the concept to its most basic element, Choice, and built on that. In this multi-channel video, the viewer observes what seems to be, at least at first, three different storylines played out concurrently. As the piece moves on, however, we see that these characters are in fact, bound together.
Armed by Joe Sanchez: It's 3 in the morning and someone is missing. Detective Douglas knows that sometimes procedure can wait. Tonight he'll go out and look for her but who is she. He's armed and ready but what's her story?
Reunion by Joe Sanchez: Charlene just ran into her old college roommate Bethany but it's not what you think. Find out what happens when an unfinished conversation emerges. Reunion: they say your first love is the hardest one to let go, but what if it's the right thing to do.
Hand Delivery by Damien and Josh Kincannon: Is Clark boring or crazy? It depends who you ask …
And more!
1 Day Films feels that there are very few, if any, regular outlets in the local area for local independent filmmakers to showcase their films. Hopefully, this monthly event will provide that outlet for everyone, from experienced local independent filmmakers to local college and high school filmmakers experimenting with film production for the first time. 1 Day Films promises your film will be shown!
Tampa Film Review was awarded a 2005 Best of the Bay Award for BEST REASONS TO BELIEVE THE LOCAL FILM SCENE IS ALIVE AND WELL.
International Bazaar is a place where the arts, culture, entertainment, food, music and dance connect in harmony. Come explore and shop for items from over 100 countries representing cultures in their traditional and modern styles. Explore, enjoy, learn and shop. They promise you an enlightened and fun experience.
1 Day Films is looking for film submissions for future events. For more email pete@tooprod.com or http://by108w.bay108.mail.live.com/mail/ApplicationMain_11.00.0005.0103.aspx?culture=&resxtest=&layout=&msgid=&to=&subject=&cc=&contactid=. All genres of short films are accepted –documentaries, comedy, horror, love, art, drama, foreign language, experimental etc. No pornography!
Visit http://www.thetampafilmreview.com/ for more.
Production Designer Needed
Received via email:
We are looking for a production designer that could work on our project Phobia. This is a deferred payment position and we start filming on July 23rd - Aug 6th. Our actual film dates are weekend focused. If you know anyone that might have an interest in working on a psychological thriller to be filmed in Tampa, please send their resumes to me ASAP.
Many thanks.
Larry Dickerson
Producer
RnD Entertainment
Larry.dickerson@rndentertainment.com
We are looking for a production designer that could work on our project Phobia. This is a deferred payment position and we start filming on July 23rd - Aug 6th. Our actual film dates are weekend focused. If you know anyone that might have an interest in working on a psychological thriller to be filmed in Tampa, please send their resumes to me ASAP.
Many thanks.
Larry Dickerson
Producer
RnD Entertainment
Larry.dickerson@rndentertainment.com
Friday, July 7, 2006
Random Film News
*Sanderson County, a mockumentary of life in the small city that was shot in the Bay area, will be playing at Aida's Big Phat Florida Film Festival this weekend. For more info, go to http://www.cochinogordo.com/. Wayne Porter, the writer/director, is scheduled to speak at the Saturday screening.
*You're never too young to be a filmmaker. Just read about this local nine-year-old.
*Read the "tampa film crew needs your vote" post over at Sticks of Fire. Then go vote.
*Watch the filmmaking duo Guzzo Brothers 1 and 2, along with film commissioner Krista Soroka, on Tampa Bay's Media Talk (from May).
*You're never too young to be a filmmaker. Just read about this local nine-year-old.
*Read the "tampa film crew needs your vote" post over at Sticks of Fire. Then go vote.
*Watch the filmmaking duo Guzzo Brothers 1 and 2, along with film commissioner Krista Soroka, on Tampa Bay's Media Talk (from May).
"This is William Shatner. Lisa can't come to the phone right now."
This is the best press release I've received in weeks:
William Shatner to Record a Contest Winner’s Answering Machine!
Manhattan, New York –July 5, 2006—William Shatner is arguably the owner of the most recognizable voice in Hollywood. His slightly off-tempo cadence has captivated a generation of Star Trek fans and taken home two Emmys, and now this famous voice is going to record one lucky fan’s answering machine. The William Shatner DVD Club and StarTrek.com recently announced that they are holding a contest and that the winner will have the answering machine message of his choice personally recorded by William Shatner. The contest is free, and anyone can enter at http://www.shatnerdvdclub.com/html/promo/.
Whoever wins this contest is going to have an interesting time deciding what message they would like recorded on their machine. After all, even the simplest of messages would be noteworthy once it was “Shatner-ized” with a series of unusual pauses and emphases. Some fans might prefer a famous quote from Star Trek, personalized for their household or even a more recent quote from Boston Legal. Other fans might opt for a message identifying the speaker: “This is William Shatner, and you’ve reached the Burns residence.” There are a lot of interesting choices, but the winner needs to be careful – pick something too interesting and the winner may suddenly need a new, unlisted number.
The contest is sponsored by StarTrek.com and the William Shatner DVD Club. StarTrek.com is the leading destination on the web for Star Trek fans. Bill Shatner himself recently founded the William Shatner Sci-Fi DVD Club (www.shatnerdvdclub.com), which identifies great but unheralded Sci-Fi and Fantasy films, and offers them to customers for just $4 each. Entry to the contest is free and easy – just enter your e-mail address on the site before the contest ends on July 31st at: http://www.shatnerdvdclub.com/html/promo/. During the month of July, people who enter the contest and choose to join the William Shatner DVD Club will also get a free movie ticket as a bonus.
This isn’t the first time that William Shatner has been at the center of a quirky news event. Earlier this year, William Shatner and late night host Jimmy Kimmel designated Bill’s recently passed kidney stone “the ULTIMATE Star Trek Collectible.” After a period of frenetic rumors about disputes with doctors over possession of this “collectible” and several false eBay sightings, William Shatner sold the kidney stone to GoldenPalace.com for $25,000, which he donated to charity. Shatner has also recently serenaded George Lucas (at the AFI Lifetime achievement awards) and annually holds a Charity Horse Show in Burbank, California.
Shatner has done more crazy things than many people, but it seems that no matter what he does, he always keeps us entertained. If you want to be a part of his latest fun and games, make sure you sign up for the contest at: http://www.shatnerdvdclub.com/html/promo/.
I'm gonna win; I can feel it!
William Shatner to Record a Contest Winner’s Answering Machine!
Manhattan, New York –July 5, 2006—William Shatner is arguably the owner of the most recognizable voice in Hollywood. His slightly off-tempo cadence has captivated a generation of Star Trek fans and taken home two Emmys, and now this famous voice is going to record one lucky fan’s answering machine. The William Shatner DVD Club and StarTrek.com recently announced that they are holding a contest and that the winner will have the answering machine message of his choice personally recorded by William Shatner. The contest is free, and anyone can enter at http://www.shatnerdvdclub.com/html/promo/.
Whoever wins this contest is going to have an interesting time deciding what message they would like recorded on their machine. After all, even the simplest of messages would be noteworthy once it was “Shatner-ized” with a series of unusual pauses and emphases. Some fans might prefer a famous quote from Star Trek, personalized for their household or even a more recent quote from Boston Legal. Other fans might opt for a message identifying the speaker: “This is William Shatner, and you’ve reached the Burns residence.” There are a lot of interesting choices, but the winner needs to be careful – pick something too interesting and the winner may suddenly need a new, unlisted number.
The contest is sponsored by StarTrek.com and the William Shatner DVD Club. StarTrek.com is the leading destination on the web for Star Trek fans. Bill Shatner himself recently founded the William Shatner Sci-Fi DVD Club (www.shatnerdvdclub.com), which identifies great but unheralded Sci-Fi and Fantasy films, and offers them to customers for just $4 each. Entry to the contest is free and easy – just enter your e-mail address on the site before the contest ends on July 31st at: http://www.shatnerdvdclub.com/html/promo/. During the month of July, people who enter the contest and choose to join the William Shatner DVD Club will also get a free movie ticket as a bonus.
This isn’t the first time that William Shatner has been at the center of a quirky news event. Earlier this year, William Shatner and late night host Jimmy Kimmel designated Bill’s recently passed kidney stone “the ULTIMATE Star Trek Collectible.” After a period of frenetic rumors about disputes with doctors over possession of this “collectible” and several false eBay sightings, William Shatner sold the kidney stone to GoldenPalace.com for $25,000, which he donated to charity. Shatner has also recently serenaded George Lucas (at the AFI Lifetime achievement awards) and annually holds a Charity Horse Show in Burbank, California.
Shatner has done more crazy things than many people, but it seems that no matter what he does, he always keeps us entertained. If you want to be a part of his latest fun and games, make sure you sign up for the contest at: http://www.shatnerdvdclub.com/html/promo/.
I'm gonna win; I can feel it!
Pop Gun Pictures Holding Auditions
Received via email:
Pop Gun Pictures, in association with Pheromone Films, is holding auditions for their short film Off The Deep End, written and directed by Joe Davison. There will be open auditions on Sunday, July 16th, throughout the day.
Location: Muvico Theaters in Centro Ybor, 1600 E. 8th Ave., Ste. A200, Tampa.
Auditioning for the following roles:
Anthony: (supporting) 25-35, cocky Mafia type. Must look the part. No real requirements. Long hair okay, short hair okay, no hair okay. Thin, stocky, athletic are all fine.
Daniel: (supporting) 25-35, Loose canon. No requirements.
Mike: (lead) 25-35, thin but in shape enough to handle his own. Must be able to play duel role. Mike is an undercover cop losing himself in his own psychosis.
We are also seeking a lighting tech and a sound recordist. The film is scheduled for a September shoot.
Visit www.popgunpictures.com for more info.
Pop Gun Pictures, in association with Pheromone Films, is holding auditions for their short film Off The Deep End, written and directed by Joe Davison. There will be open auditions on Sunday, July 16th, throughout the day.
Location: Muvico Theaters in Centro Ybor, 1600 E. 8th Ave., Ste. A200, Tampa.
Auditioning for the following roles:
Anthony: (supporting) 25-35, cocky Mafia type. Must look the part. No real requirements. Long hair okay, short hair okay, no hair okay. Thin, stocky, athletic are all fine.
Daniel: (supporting) 25-35, Loose canon. No requirements.
Mike: (lead) 25-35, thin but in shape enough to handle his own. Must be able to play duel role. Mike is an undercover cop losing himself in his own psychosis.
We are also seeking a lighting tech and a sound recordist. The film is scheduled for a September shoot.
Visit www.popgunpictures.com for more info.
Thursday, July 6, 2006
Film Fan Finding:The Omen
Could someone please explain to me why The Omen was remade? Was the 6-06-06 release date that compelling?
The 1976 version was better. Back then, the idea of an important politician finding out that his "adopted" son might be the Antichrist was thrilling; today that storyline is tame. Liev Schreiber does his best as the politician, but no one compares to Gregory Peck. Julia Stiles looks too young to be believable, and the child actor playing Damien isn't nearly as creepy as the original. This Damien just looks upset about his Play Station being taken away from him. Casting Mia Farrow -- Rosemary herself -- as Damien's protector/nanny Mrs. Baylock was smart, but not enough to make up for the other bad casting decisions.
Yes, the death scenes were better; yes, the updated references to 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina were intriguing; but no; definitely worth waiting for on DVD, if you must see it at all.
Film Fan Finding: C-
The 1976 version was better. Back then, the idea of an important politician finding out that his "adopted" son might be the Antichrist was thrilling; today that storyline is tame. Liev Schreiber does his best as the politician, but no one compares to Gregory Peck. Julia Stiles looks too young to be believable, and the child actor playing Damien isn't nearly as creepy as the original. This Damien just looks upset about his Play Station being taken away from him. Casting Mia Farrow -- Rosemary herself -- as Damien's protector/nanny Mrs. Baylock was smart, but not enough to make up for the other bad casting decisions.
Yes, the death scenes were better; yes, the updated references to 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina were intriguing; but no; definitely worth waiting for on DVD, if you must see it at all.
Film Fan Finding: C-
Film Fan Finding:An Inconvenient Truth
Al Gore is no Michael Moore. Director Davis Guggenheim is no Michael Moore. If Michael Moore had made An Inconvenient Truth, I would have left the theater motivated to stop global warming; ready to picket, protest, recycle and vote with both my dollars and my political vote.
Instead, I left An Inconvenient Truth depressed and worried about global warming, unsure of what I can do to combat it, bored by the incessant graphs and lectures, angry that such an important issue was used in a slick political ad, and sick to death of Al Gore.
I don't know if Gore's arguments and predictions about global warming are correct; I usually tune out when science is the conversation topic. I do believe that our heavy pollution, construction and waste can't help but have some negative effects, so a lot of Gore's points made sense. He threw in a few points that I thought were stretching it a bit. At one point it seemed like he was saying that if we have less children, we can wipe out bird flu.
In the documentary (and in the preview for the film) Gore says "This (global warming) is not a political issue; it's a moral imperative." Yet the film intersperses Gore's scientific lectures with numerous shots of him contemplating, reflecting, refining his Powerpoint presentation, and sadly wishing that he can save the world. We learn about his childhood, his father's political service, his family's tobacco farm, his sister's death from lung cancer and how it affected him. This film isn't about the effects of global warming so much as it is about what affects Al Gore -- his son's near-death experience, losing his sister to lung cancer while making the family fortune through growing tobacco, how George Bush stole the 2000 election from him, how he's tried for years to spread his environmental message but to no avail. Poor Al Gore. He can save the world if only we'd let him.
Film Fan Finding: C
Instead, I left An Inconvenient Truth depressed and worried about global warming, unsure of what I can do to combat it, bored by the incessant graphs and lectures, angry that such an important issue was used in a slick political ad, and sick to death of Al Gore.
I don't know if Gore's arguments and predictions about global warming are correct; I usually tune out when science is the conversation topic. I do believe that our heavy pollution, construction and waste can't help but have some negative effects, so a lot of Gore's points made sense. He threw in a few points that I thought were stretching it a bit. At one point it seemed like he was saying that if we have less children, we can wipe out bird flu.
In the documentary (and in the preview for the film) Gore says "This (global warming) is not a political issue; it's a moral imperative." Yet the film intersperses Gore's scientific lectures with numerous shots of him contemplating, reflecting, refining his Powerpoint presentation, and sadly wishing that he can save the world. We learn about his childhood, his father's political service, his family's tobacco farm, his sister's death from lung cancer and how it affected him. This film isn't about the effects of global warming so much as it is about what affects Al Gore -- his son's near-death experience, losing his sister to lung cancer while making the family fortune through growing tobacco, how George Bush stole the 2000 election from him, how he's tried for years to spread his environmental message but to no avail. Poor Al Gore. He can save the world if only we'd let him.
Film Fan Finding: C
