Received via email:
GET SET FOR 2009!
PURCHASE OR RENEW YOUR G.I.F.F. MEMBERSHIP TODAY
Now that the new year has arrived, this is the perfect time to renew or purchase a 2009 GIFF membership. Our 3rd annual festival kicks off Thursday, February 26, and runs through Saturday, March 7.
Don’t miss out on the wonderful benefits and ticket packages available! If your payment is received or postmarked between now and Friday, January 30, you will receive two extra tickets to the 2009 Opening Night Film (Thursday, February 26, at Tampa Theatre).
By renewing or recruiting new members, you’re helping to contribute to a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization that is dedicated to providing the residents and visitors of Tampa Bay with access to international and independent films year-round.
Everyone at the GIFF greatly appreciates your support, and wishes you all the best in 2009.
Supporter: $50
Receive 2 tickets to any regular Festival film screenings
Receive 1 VIP ticket to Opening Night at Tampa Theatre
Receive notification of Special Screenings during the year
Receive tickets to ‘Members Only’ Parties during the year
Discounts on Gasparilla Film Festival screenings during the year
Special recognition on the Gasparilla Film Festival website
Associate: $100
Receive 4 tickets to any regular Festival film screenings
Receive 2 VIP tickets to Opening Night at Tampa Theatre
Receive notification of Special Screenings during the year
Receive tickets to ‘Members Only’ Parties during the year
Discounts on Gasparilla Film Festival screenings during the year
Special recognition in Program Guide
Ambassador: $250
Receive 1 unlimited “No Ticket Required” admission pass to all regular Festival film screenings
Receive 2 VIP tickets to Opening Night at Tampa Theatre
Receive 2 tickets to Closing Night Party
6 individual screening passes to any film during festival
Receive notification of Special Screenings during the year
Receive tickets to ‘Members Only’ Parties during the year
Discounts on Gasparilla Film Festival screenings during the year
Special recognition in Program Guide
Benefactor: $500
Receive 2 unlimited “no ticket required” admission passes to all regular Festival film screenings
Receive 4 VIP tickets to Opening Night at Tampa Theatre
Receive 4 tickets to Closing Night Party
12 individual passes to any film during festival
Receive VIP tickets to exclusive VIP Screenings during the year, in addition to notification of other special screenings
Receive tickets to ‘Members Only’ Parties during the year
Discounts on Gasparilla Film Festival screenings during the year
Special premiere recognition in Program Guide
Patron: $1,000
Receive 4 unlimited “no ticket required” admission passes to all regular Festival film screenings
Receive 8 VIP tickets to Opening Night at Tampa Theatre
Receive 8 tickets to Closing Night Party
30 passes to individual screenings during the festival
Receive VIP tickets to exclusive VIP Screenings during the year, in addition to notification of other special screenings
Receive tickets to ‘Members Only’ Parties during the year
Discounts on Gasparilla Film Festival screenings during the year
Special premiere recognition in Program Guide and at Closing Night Party
To renew/register: Pay via credit/debit (AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa via PayPal) online at www.gasparillafilmfestival.com or send check to: 701 S Howard Ave STE 106-432 Tampa, FL 33606 (Please be sure to include your address, phone number and email address!)
ABOUT THE GASPARILLA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: The Gasparilla International Film Festival, Tampa Bay’s largest independent film festival, is operated by the Tampa Film Institute, a full-time 501(c)3 organization dedicated to advancing film education and community involvement in film in the Tampa Bay area. The 2009 Festival, taking place from Thursday, February 26 — Saturday, March 7, 2009, will attract over 10,000 moviegoers during its 10 days.
For more info, visit the Gasparilla International Film Festival’s website.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
new local film fest -- motion film festival -- accepting submissions
I’m fessin’ up that this press release has been languishing in my pending folder, accidentally buried in my in-box, and I feel terrible about it. That’s not at all the warm film fan reception that a new local film festival deserves. Looks like I’m well on my way to receiving a lump of coal in my Christmas stocking come December, dammit.
The MOTION Film Festival is now accepting submissions via www.withoutabox.com (festival ID 7367)
The MOTION Film Festival is to be held in Tampa on May 1 and 2 and will spotlight short films from artists across the country. Special prizes will be available to local artists. Submissions must be less than 25 minutes and fall into 1 of 3 categories: dramatic short, animated short or documentary short.
The submission deadline is February 1, with a late deadline of March 1. Applicants will be notified by March 31 if their film is selected for screening. See www.withoutabox.com for submission guidelines and details (ID 7367).
DATES:
February 1 - Regular deadline - cost is $15 per submission, $10 for students
March 1 - Late deadline - cost is $20, $15 for students
March 31 - Applicants notified of acceptance
May 1-2 - MOTION FILM FESTIVAL
Awards packages will be over $3,000 in total value; details to follow on www.motion813.com.
MOTION Mission Statement: MOTION is a movement of investment into a community of inspiration. The history of the MOTION Film Festival began with the idea of CANVAS, an Art Premier. Over its last four installments, CANVAS has been recognized as “one of the biggest and best known independent series in Central Florida” (Scott Harrell, REAX).
With the success of CANVAS and its open-armed welcome into the art community of Tampa, we began our plans of investment into the medium of film making by launching MOTION. Our idea was born out of a desire to provide a springboard for both the artist and the craft. It is our hope that the art community of the greater Tampa area will continue to prosper from these efforts.
Together we set in MOTION our dreams, inspirations and creativity so that you might set in MOTION yours.
Visit the MOTION Film Festival website for more info. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for May 1 and 2!
The MOTION Film Festival is now accepting submissions via www.withoutabox.com (festival ID 7367)
The MOTION Film Festival is to be held in Tampa on May 1 and 2 and will spotlight short films from artists across the country. Special prizes will be available to local artists. Submissions must be less than 25 minutes and fall into 1 of 3 categories: dramatic short, animated short or documentary short.
The submission deadline is February 1, with a late deadline of March 1. Applicants will be notified by March 31 if their film is selected for screening. See www.withoutabox.com for submission guidelines and details (ID 7367).
DATES:
February 1 - Regular deadline - cost is $15 per submission, $10 for students
March 1 - Late deadline - cost is $20, $15 for students
March 31 - Applicants notified of acceptance
May 1-2 - MOTION FILM FESTIVAL
Awards packages will be over $3,000 in total value; details to follow on www.motion813.com.
MOTION Mission Statement: MOTION is a movement of investment into a community of inspiration. The history of the MOTION Film Festival began with the idea of CANVAS, an Art Premier. Over its last four installments, CANVAS has been recognized as “one of the biggest and best known independent series in Central Florida” (Scott Harrell, REAX).
With the success of CANVAS and its open-armed welcome into the art community of Tampa, we began our plans of investment into the medium of film making by launching MOTION. Our idea was born out of a desire to provide a springboard for both the artist and the craft. It is our hope that the art community of the greater Tampa area will continue to prosper from these efforts.
Together we set in MOTION our dreams, inspirations and creativity so that you might set in MOTION yours.
Visit the MOTION Film Festival website for more info. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for May 1 and 2!
weekend film school march 7 and 8
The Weekend Film School has another class coming up:
Description: This is the class you’ve heard everyone talk about.
Film School - On the first day, everyone will attend classes on each of the fundamental filmmaking skills.
Film Shoot - Then on the second day, you and your team will go from idea to screenplay, lighting and sound, directing, shooting, editing and DVD authoring, all with the guidance of experienced industry professionals and the use of industry standard equipment.
Show Your Film - Then, the following Friday night, your short film will be presented to an audience for judging at the Tampa Film Review on Friday the 13th.
This is a filmmaking experience you’ll never forget.
Dates: March 7 and 8, 2009
Times: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Cuban Club, Ybor City
Instructors: Pete Guzzo and more
Tuition: $125
Class size is limited.
For more information, contact Daniel Brienza at WeekendFilmCrew[at]gmail.com or 813-841-1349, or visit the Weekend Film Crew website.
Description: This is the class you’ve heard everyone talk about.
Film School - On the first day, everyone will attend classes on each of the fundamental filmmaking skills.
Film Shoot - Then on the second day, you and your team will go from idea to screenplay, lighting and sound, directing, shooting, editing and DVD authoring, all with the guidance of experienced industry professionals and the use of industry standard equipment.
Show Your Film - Then, the following Friday night, your short film will be presented to an audience for judging at the Tampa Film Review on Friday the 13th.
This is a filmmaking experience you’ll never forget.
Dates: March 7 and 8, 2009
Times: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Cuban Club, Ybor City
Instructors: Pete Guzzo and more
Tuition: $125
Class size is limited.
For more information, contact Daniel Brienza at WeekendFilmCrew[at]gmail.com or 813-841-1349, or visit the Weekend Film Crew website.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
digital cinema projector demo at fmpta meeting january 21
The Tampa chapter of the FMPTA (Florida Motion Picture and Television Association) is showcasing some new technology at their meeting tomorrow night (Wednesday, January 21). Here’s the press release:
DVDs replacing film reels in all our nation’s theaters was once only a dream, but eCinema Neworks is close to successfully bringing this dream to life.
At this month’s 7:30 p.m. Tampa Bay Area Chapter of the Florida Motion Picture and Television (FMPTA) general meeting in Tampa, guests and members will catch a glimpse of the future as speaker Mark R. Jones demonstrates his new digital cinema projector and explains it all.
The Tampa Bay Area Chapter meets monthly at the American Legion Hall, 3810 W. Kennedy Ave.
Jones is the founder and CEO of eCinema, which is developing this new way of sending films directly to local movie houses instead of by film reel delivery. The revolutionary technology will affect the movie business as much as any technology since movies found its voice over 70 years ago, according to the experts.
eCinema Networks is an international company providing a digital entertainment experience and is located in Tampa, within the University of South Florida Research Park. It targets independently owned theaters with affordable digital systems through its unique revenue share licensing agreement which enables the theater owner to participate in the digital transformation with little expense to the commercial location. Its mission is to be the preferred digital distribution partner and guardian of the artistic message of independent films, alternative entertainment and advertising for viewers worldwide.
“Anyone interested in the movie and TV business won’t want to miss this meeting,” said Chapter President John Matheny.
The meeting is open to the public at no charge.
Visit the FMPTA Tampa website for more info.
DVDs replacing film reels in all our nation’s theaters was once only a dream, but eCinema Neworks is close to successfully bringing this dream to life.
At this month’s 7:30 p.m. Tampa Bay Area Chapter of the Florida Motion Picture and Television (FMPTA) general meeting in Tampa, guests and members will catch a glimpse of the future as speaker Mark R. Jones demonstrates his new digital cinema projector and explains it all.
The Tampa Bay Area Chapter meets monthly at the American Legion Hall, 3810 W. Kennedy Ave.
Jones is the founder and CEO of eCinema, which is developing this new way of sending films directly to local movie houses instead of by film reel delivery. The revolutionary technology will affect the movie business as much as any technology since movies found its voice over 70 years ago, according to the experts.
eCinema Networks is an international company providing a digital entertainment experience and is located in Tampa, within the University of South Florida Research Park. It targets independently owned theaters with affordable digital systems through its unique revenue share licensing agreement which enables the theater owner to participate in the digital transformation with little expense to the commercial location. Its mission is to be the preferred digital distribution partner and guardian of the artistic message of independent films, alternative entertainment and advertising for viewers worldwide.
“Anyone interested in the movie and TV business won’t want to miss this meeting,” said Chapter President John Matheny.
The meeting is open to the public at no charge.
Visit the FMPTA Tampa website for more info.
Monday, January 12, 2009
venue theatre and actors studio holding acting seminar january 18
Via the Governor’s Office of Film and Entertainment:
The Venue Theatre and Actors Studio will hold an informative seminar on acting techniques on Sunday, January 18, from 5-7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Dale McKeel, a professional actor who has worked on numerous movies and productions and studied the craft for the past 7 years, and Corinne Broskette, student of the late Lee Strasberg of the Actors Studio. Mr. McKeel will be holding workshops at the Studio beginning the end of January.
Reservations are suggested, as seating is limited. There is a $5 donation at the door.
Venue Theatre is a not-for-profit corporation.
Call 727-822-6194 for information and reservations.
Location: 9125 US 19 N, Pinellas Park 33782. In the Broyhill Furniture Plaza at the corner of US 19 and Mainlands Blvd.
Visit the Venue Theatre and Actors Studio’s website for more info.
The Venue Theatre and Actors Studio will hold an informative seminar on acting techniques on Sunday, January 18, from 5-7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Dale McKeel, a professional actor who has worked on numerous movies and productions and studied the craft for the past 7 years, and Corinne Broskette, student of the late Lee Strasberg of the Actors Studio. Mr. McKeel will be holding workshops at the Studio beginning the end of January.
Reservations are suggested, as seating is limited. There is a $5 donation at the door.
Venue Theatre is a not-for-profit corporation.
Call 727-822-6194 for information and reservations.
Location: 9125 US 19 N, Pinellas Park 33782. In the Broyhill Furniture Plaza at the corner of US 19 and Mainlands Blvd.
Visit the Venue Theatre and Actors Studio’s website for more info.
Friday, January 9, 2009
2009 ybor festival of the moving image is accepting submissions
The Ybor Festival of the Moving Image is currently accepting submissions for the 2009 fest in April:
CALL-FOR-ENTRIES:
The 7th annual HCC-Ybor Festival of the Moving Image (April 1-5, 2009) invites all filmmakers from around the world to present authentic, innovative and meaningful work to be considered for screening at the festival.
NOTE: This year’s theme is “humor and satire” and the festival is looking for works in two specific areas:
(1) Works that the filmmaker/director considers funny, satirical, humorous, and/or comedic. All approaches are welcome and will be considered, from the sacred to the profane. Material can range from suitable for all ages to adult only, from tender and sweet to aggressive, dark and edgy. The works can be in any genre and of any length. If not in English please provide subtitles if possible. Works must be in DVD format (NTSC or PAL) with Blu Ray projection available.
(2) The festival is also looking for “trailers” (short advertisements) for fictional or imaginary films. These can be of any length up, to 120 seconds or so. By their nature satirical at the very least, these “trailers” can be approached in any capacity as mentioned in the first section. Prize money will be given to the top five trailers and will be featured on opening night (at Tampa Theatre). Currently, the award is $100 per winner for the top five. The festival will also screen as many of the “trailer” entries as possible at an “audience awards” event on April 3, to open the judging to the public. All entries will be notified of the results.
The absolute deadline is February 28, 2009. In consideration of the new economic environment, the festival offers all filmmakers a special flat entry fee of $10.00 (U.S.). Please provide the basic information of title, running time, director, website (if available) and contact email. DVDs will be returned only if requested and if a mailer with correct postage and address are provided. Filmmaker or person entering work is responsible for all copyright issues and content.
Please send preview DVDs to:
David Audet
Hillsborough Community College
2112 N. 15th Street
Tampa, FL 33605
(Make checks or money orders payable to Hillsborough Community College.)
For more info, visit www.yborfilmfestival.com.
CALL-FOR-ENTRIES:
The 7th annual HCC-Ybor Festival of the Moving Image (April 1-5, 2009) invites all filmmakers from around the world to present authentic, innovative and meaningful work to be considered for screening at the festival.
NOTE: This year’s theme is “humor and satire” and the festival is looking for works in two specific areas:
(1) Works that the filmmaker/director considers funny, satirical, humorous, and/or comedic. All approaches are welcome and will be considered, from the sacred to the profane. Material can range from suitable for all ages to adult only, from tender and sweet to aggressive, dark and edgy. The works can be in any genre and of any length. If not in English please provide subtitles if possible. Works must be in DVD format (NTSC or PAL) with Blu Ray projection available.
(2) The festival is also looking for “trailers” (short advertisements) for fictional or imaginary films. These can be of any length up, to 120 seconds or so. By their nature satirical at the very least, these “trailers” can be approached in any capacity as mentioned in the first section. Prize money will be given to the top five trailers and will be featured on opening night (at Tampa Theatre). Currently, the award is $100 per winner for the top five. The festival will also screen as many of the “trailer” entries as possible at an “audience awards” event on April 3, to open the judging to the public. All entries will be notified of the results.
The absolute deadline is February 28, 2009. In consideration of the new economic environment, the festival offers all filmmakers a special flat entry fee of $10.00 (U.S.). Please provide the basic information of title, running time, director, website (if available) and contact email. DVDs will be returned only if requested and if a mailer with correct postage and address are provided. Filmmaker or person entering work is responsible for all copyright issues and content.
Please send preview DVDs to:
David Audet
Hillsborough Community College
2112 N. 15th Street
Tampa, FL 33605
(Make checks or money orders payable to Hillsborough Community College.)
For more info, visit www.yborfilmfestival.com.
the last tampa film review is tonight
This is sad news for film fans:
You are invited to attend the FINAL Tampa Film Review (TFR) hosted by Pete and Paul Guzzo on Friday, January 9, from 8–10 p.m. at the Italian Club at 1731 East Seventh Ave in Ybor City. The event is FREE and OPEN to the public.
The Italian Club invites everyone to join them at their weekly happy hour prior to the TFR. Happy hour begins at 6 p.m. The happy hour features a $10 buffet and drink specials.
We would like to thank Cigar City Magazine for sponsoring the event.
The final TFR will showcase some of the BEST short films made here in the Tampa Bay area that we have shown since the TFR’s inception in January 2004.
Every month for the past five years, TFR has showcased films produced by Tampa filmmakers. The fact that we have been able to fill so many months of programming with locally-produced films is a testament to the talent in the Tampa Bay area. We hope everyone can come out and support the final installment of this event.
January’s lineup is:
Gunn Highway by Stefan Abbott (Vino-Figueroa) — Looks can be deceiving. Just because someone looks one way on the outside doesn’t mean they look the same on the inside.
To Live Is To Die by Chris Woods — A group of college students are asked to share non-fictional stories in the writing class. Strangely enough, the authors fall victim to their own tales.
Tale of Two Meagans by Fred Zara — Confident science major Mark Jarvis has never encountered a problem he couldn’t solve through cool-headed analysis. But when he falls head-over-heels in love with two women of equal-but-opposite appeal, the cocky whiz kid finds himself faced with the impossible task of having to choose just one.
Mexican Sky by Ken Collins — A mouthy career criminal takes a sheriff and his deputy hostage in their own squad car in a desperate attempt to flee across the Mexican border.
Time and Again by Todd Thompson — Steve Peters has found a way to control time, but how can he cheat death if fate has a mind of its own?
The Last One by Garrett Brown — Stop-motion claymation about a slacker who gets into in a horrific car crash and wakes to a surreal world where all perception is skewed.
A special tribute to the TFR by Joel Wynkoop
More from Paul Guzzo’s email:
My brother and I would like to thank everyone who has supported the TFR over the past five years and who helped to make it the best film event in the area throughout that time. We began five years ago with a crowd of 20–30 people a month and have grown to regular crowds of over 100 people, sometimes peaking at over 300 people! When the event began, we told people that we were the only regular outlet for local filmmakers to showcase their work. We are proud that five years later, that is no longer the case, as numerous events have been founded since, providing local filmmakers with a variety of venues willing to showcase their art.
I cannot put into words how proud my brother and I are of the event we founded five years ago. We feel it not only helped the local film community, but Ybor City as well, as it brought a positive event to a community that my brother and I both love.
It would mean a lot to us if everyone came out and celebrated the amazing five-year run this event has enjoyed. If you have ever attended a TFR over the past five years, please come one more time. If you have never attended a TFR, come on out for the first time and see firsthand the amazing film talent Tampa Bay boasts.
I hope to see everyone there for a record breaking crowd at a local film event.
I appreciate what Guzzo Brothers #1 and #2 have given local filmmakers: the opportunity to screen their movies for an audience and to hear that round of applause afterwards. As I told the St. Pete Times reporter who profiled the final Tampa Film Review, making a movie is a huge accomplishment in and of itself that deserves to be acknowledged.
Paul and Pete Guzzo have been supporting local filmmakers and entertaining local film fans for the last five years through the Tampa Film Review. I’ll be at the final TFR tonight to support them and to say thanks. I hope you will too.
You are invited to attend the FINAL Tampa Film Review (TFR) hosted by Pete and Paul Guzzo on Friday, January 9, from 8–10 p.m. at the Italian Club at 1731 East Seventh Ave in Ybor City. The event is FREE and OPEN to the public.
The Italian Club invites everyone to join them at their weekly happy hour prior to the TFR. Happy hour begins at 6 p.m. The happy hour features a $10 buffet and drink specials.
We would like to thank Cigar City Magazine for sponsoring the event.
The final TFR will showcase some of the BEST short films made here in the Tampa Bay area that we have shown since the TFR’s inception in January 2004.
Every month for the past five years, TFR has showcased films produced by Tampa filmmakers. The fact that we have been able to fill so many months of programming with locally-produced films is a testament to the talent in the Tampa Bay area. We hope everyone can come out and support the final installment of this event.
January’s lineup is:
Gunn Highway by Stefan Abbott (Vino-Figueroa) — Looks can be deceiving. Just because someone looks one way on the outside doesn’t mean they look the same on the inside.
To Live Is To Die by Chris Woods — A group of college students are asked to share non-fictional stories in the writing class. Strangely enough, the authors fall victim to their own tales.
Tale of Two Meagans by Fred Zara — Confident science major Mark Jarvis has never encountered a problem he couldn’t solve through cool-headed analysis. But when he falls head-over-heels in love with two women of equal-but-opposite appeal, the cocky whiz kid finds himself faced with the impossible task of having to choose just one.
Mexican Sky by Ken Collins — A mouthy career criminal takes a sheriff and his deputy hostage in their own squad car in a desperate attempt to flee across the Mexican border.
Time and Again by Todd Thompson — Steve Peters has found a way to control time, but how can he cheat death if fate has a mind of its own?
The Last One by Garrett Brown — Stop-motion claymation about a slacker who gets into in a horrific car crash and wakes to a surreal world where all perception is skewed.
A special tribute to the TFR by Joel Wynkoop
More from Paul Guzzo’s email:
My brother and I would like to thank everyone who has supported the TFR over the past five years and who helped to make it the best film event in the area throughout that time. We began five years ago with a crowd of 20–30 people a month and have grown to regular crowds of over 100 people, sometimes peaking at over 300 people! When the event began, we told people that we were the only regular outlet for local filmmakers to showcase their work. We are proud that five years later, that is no longer the case, as numerous events have been founded since, providing local filmmakers with a variety of venues willing to showcase their art.
I cannot put into words how proud my brother and I are of the event we founded five years ago. We feel it not only helped the local film community, but Ybor City as well, as it brought a positive event to a community that my brother and I both love.
It would mean a lot to us if everyone came out and celebrated the amazing five-year run this event has enjoyed. If you have ever attended a TFR over the past five years, please come one more time. If you have never attended a TFR, come on out for the first time and see firsthand the amazing film talent Tampa Bay boasts.
I hope to see everyone there for a record breaking crowd at a local film event.
I appreciate what Guzzo Brothers #1 and #2 have given local filmmakers: the opportunity to screen their movies for an audience and to hear that round of applause afterwards. As I told the St. Pete Times reporter who profiled the final Tampa Film Review, making a movie is a huge accomplishment in and of itself that deserves to be acknowledged.
Paul and Pete Guzzo have been supporting local filmmakers and entertaining local film fans for the last five years through the Tampa Film Review. I’ll be at the final TFR tonight to support them and to say thanks. I hope you will too.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
welcome to tampafilmfan.com 2009
Well, well, well. How do I begin blogging after taking several months off and taking my blogs offline? Do I just dive right in to local movie news with no mention of it? No, that would be a little odd and the phrase “the elephant in the room” exists for a reason.
Do I comment on the sucktastic year that 2008 was for me? My best friend died, the whole cancer thing, my mom spending Christmas and New Years (2008/2009) in the hospital? Nope, that’s too personal, too depressing and not the way I want to start off the year. (I’m doing fine, BTW. Thank you for the emails, etc. over the past few months.)
Do I talk about what’s coming up in the Tampa Bay area in 2009? The Gasparilla International Film Festival is expanding to ten days, the Tampa Film Review is coming to an end after five years, there’s a new local film festival coming in May, the Tampa Comic Con has moved to Largo and so on...? Possibly, but it would be difficult to include everything in one post and each item really deserves its own post anyway.
How about this, then:
I love movies. I don’t love every movie I see — I’ve seen some hideous ones over the years! — but I love talking about movies, reading about movies, learning about movies, watching movies...I even love the anticipation of watching a movie (sometimes that’s the best part and it’s all downhill after the opening credits, you know?).
The Tampa Bay area has a lot to offer movie lovers and film buffs. It baffles me when I hear people complain that there’s nothing to see here and no talented, creative people locally. NOT TRUE. We have annual film festivals, regular film series, historic theaters and special one-night screenings. If you want to watch a movie somewhere besides a regular movie theater, you can catch a screening at a museum, library, coffeeshop, art gallery, church, performing arts theatre or outside at a park.
Our local creative, talented people include writers, directors, producers, special effects artists, stuntmen, editors, makeup artists, costume designers and every other role involved in making a film. We have professional film critics, experienced film professors, dedicated film commission staff and creative graphic designers. We have scores of people interested in supporting the Tampa indie film scene or being a part of it in some way. Many people work hard to bring films to Tampa that probably wouldn’t screen here otherwise. And let’s not forget the film fans. There are plenty of people like me, who have no interest in making films but who are very interested in watching and discussing them.
I believe in the Tampa indie film scene. I believe in the life-altering power of movies. THAT’S what this blog is about. I want to tell you about events, films and filmmakers that I’m aware of, and hear from you about those I haven’t discovered yet. I want to write about movies I’ve seen and events I’ve attended and tell you what I thought of them. I want to read your comments to find out what you’ve seen and done and what you’ve liked and disliked and enjoyed and hated.
There’s the Tampa Film Fan manifesto, folks. Short and sweet. Probably a little sappy too, but oh well. I am who I am and this blog is what it is. If it’s not for you, don’t read it. (And don’t feel obligated to email me to tell me how much this blog sucks and why. Really.) If it is for you, then ... yay! Welcome. Have fun.
Let’s make 2009 a good year.
And away we go...
Do I comment on the sucktastic year that 2008 was for me? My best friend died, the whole cancer thing, my mom spending Christmas and New Years (2008/2009) in the hospital? Nope, that’s too personal, too depressing and not the way I want to start off the year. (I’m doing fine, BTW. Thank you for the emails, etc. over the past few months.)
Do I talk about what’s coming up in the Tampa Bay area in 2009? The Gasparilla International Film Festival is expanding to ten days, the Tampa Film Review is coming to an end after five years, there’s a new local film festival coming in May, the Tampa Comic Con has moved to Largo and so on...? Possibly, but it would be difficult to include everything in one post and each item really deserves its own post anyway.
How about this, then:
I love movies. I don’t love every movie I see — I’ve seen some hideous ones over the years! — but I love talking about movies, reading about movies, learning about movies, watching movies...I even love the anticipation of watching a movie (sometimes that’s the best part and it’s all downhill after the opening credits, you know?).
The Tampa Bay area has a lot to offer movie lovers and film buffs. It baffles me when I hear people complain that there’s nothing to see here and no talented, creative people locally. NOT TRUE. We have annual film festivals, regular film series, historic theaters and special one-night screenings. If you want to watch a movie somewhere besides a regular movie theater, you can catch a screening at a museum, library, coffeeshop, art gallery, church, performing arts theatre or outside at a park.
Our local creative, talented people include writers, directors, producers, special effects artists, stuntmen, editors, makeup artists, costume designers and every other role involved in making a film. We have professional film critics, experienced film professors, dedicated film commission staff and creative graphic designers. We have scores of people interested in supporting the Tampa indie film scene or being a part of it in some way. Many people work hard to bring films to Tampa that probably wouldn’t screen here otherwise. And let’s not forget the film fans. There are plenty of people like me, who have no interest in making films but who are very interested in watching and discussing them.
I believe in the Tampa indie film scene. I believe in the life-altering power of movies. THAT’S what this blog is about. I want to tell you about events, films and filmmakers that I’m aware of, and hear from you about those I haven’t discovered yet. I want to write about movies I’ve seen and events I’ve attended and tell you what I thought of them. I want to read your comments to find out what you’ve seen and done and what you’ve liked and disliked and enjoyed and hated.
There’s the Tampa Film Fan manifesto, folks. Short and sweet. Probably a little sappy too, but oh well. I am who I am and this blog is what it is. If it’s not for you, don’t read it. (And don’t feel obligated to email me to tell me how much this blog sucks and why. Really.) If it is for you, then ... yay! Welcome. Have fun.
Let’s make 2009 a good year.
And away we go...
