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NEWS & EVENTS – AUGUST 19, 2011
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NEWS
SEVENTH ANNUAL GAINESVILLE LATINO FILM FESTIVAL
(Gainesville, FL) In celebration of Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latina Women's League is pleased
to present the seventh Gainesville Latino Film Festival. This year’s festival schedule includes featured film
screenings and special guest presentations. In addition, Cuentos Latinoamericanos/Latin American
Folktale series will again be hosted on weekly bases at the Alachua County Library. Other events include
a book signing of The Human Face of Unauthorized Immigration by autors Marie Friedmann, Manuel A.
Vásquez, Philip J. Williams and Timothy J. Steigenga hosted by the Matheson Museum on October 7,
and a Bolivian Folk art exhibit at the Alachua County Library-Headquarters.
The main attraction, six films with Latin origins will be presented at the Harn Musuem of Art over the six
week period. The opening film will be screened at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011. Additional
th
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films will be shown each Saturday at 2pm, beginning September 15 and running through October 15 .
The films, from different Latin American countries, tackle a wide range of issues within the Latino/Hispanic
culture both in a serious and lighthearted manner including immigration, religion, racism, social class
struggles, and sexuality.
The Latino Film Festival has the honor of hosting two celebrity guests, actress Veronica Langer, “Cinco
Dias Sin Nora” and the director of “CHANCE”, Abner Benaim. Mrs. Langer will be the featured guest at
the opening gala and will give an introductory presentation to the evening’s film “Cinco Dias Sin Nora”. In
closing, the Women’s Latina League will host a “Meet and Greet with director Abner Benaim”. The event
is sponsored by and will be held at the Sweetwater Branch Inn. Tickets are $30; hors d’oeurves and wine
will be provided.
A detailed event schedule is attached and more information on the films and events can be found at
www.latinawomensleague.org.
For more information contact:
Victoria Condor-Williams, President Latina Women’s League: [email protected], (352)378-9787
Alisa Woofter, Public Relations Latina Women’s League: [email protected], (515)-707-5277
INTERNATIONAL FILM & DIGITAL CINEMA WORKSHOPS, FLORIDA
(St. Augustine, FL) The International Film & Digital Cinema Workshops, Florida USA is currently
accepting enrollment for courses in the 2011 season.
The International Film & Digital Cinema Workshops, Florida USA™ offers a comprehensive catalog of 2day, 1-week and 2-week courses in dozens of craft areas and skill levels that are relevant and vital to the
contemporary filmmaker. The classes are taught by current, working professionals at the top of their
crafts. Students will work with the latest, most technically sophisticated equipment available provided by
sponsors that have global industry status.
Producing, directing, cinematography, Steadicam, aerial cinematography, lighting, production design,
make-up, digital imaging, 3-D, special visual FX, color grading and post-production are but a few of the
crafts featured in The Workshops catalog.
The International Film & Digital Cinema Workshops, Florida USA™, are intense, full-immersion and
hands-on. The Workshops' location in St. Augustine, FL affords students the opportunity to enjoy the
journey toward mastering the arts and sciences of filmmaking in a setting unique in the world. The area is
abundant with filming locations and comprises the most distinctive "back-lot" in North America.
Contact:
The International Film & Digital Cinema Workshops, Florida USA
Phone: 347.687.CINE(2463)
Fax: 904.425.1115
[email protected]
www.thefloridaworkshops.com
TWO FLORIDA FILM SCHOOLS MAKE THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTERS TOP 25 LIST
Hollywood talent as diverse as Martin Scorsese, Lisa Cholodenko, George Lucas and Joss Whedon got
their start at a film school, all of which are named and ranked here on The Hollywood Reporter’s
inaugural list (comprised with help from industry insiders) of the world’s best.
17. Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts
Despite being far from any entertainment capital (Tallahassee), FSU students are going places thanks to
an eight-to-one student/faculty ratio, unusually generous production-cost support of student films and the
Torchlight program, which has put students to work on 40 feature films shot in Florida. Coming up: an
FSU partnership with effects giant Digital Domain.
TUITION $6,600 for in-state undergraduates; $24,120 for out-of-state; $21,735 for in-state graduate
production; $38,092 for out-of-state)
DEGREES BFA in production, animation, digital arts; MFA in production, writing; non-degree through the
Torchlight Program
NOTABLE ALUMNI Alan Ball (American Beauty), Melissa Carter (Little Black Book)
23. Ringling College of Art and Design
Ringling's 4-year-old Digital Filmmaking program, where Werner Herzog teaches, just graduated its first
class, and already they've got two Student Academy Award winners. At the Sarasota, Fla., campus, you
direct commercials your first year, documentaries the second, narratives the third and a thesis your fourth.
U.S. News and World Report called it America's Most Wired Campus, and digital animation is strong.
TUITION $16,140 per semester
DEGREES BFA in a range of disciplines, including computer animation, digital filmmaking, game design
and photography
NOTABLE ALUMNI The school just graduated its first class last year.
"Ringling helped me transform from just a kid who liked playing with cameras into a true, narrative
storyteller. It is too early to tell how much of a career impact it has had, but I'm only three months out of
an undergrad film school and have had meetings with producers at MTV, IFC, AMC and Screen Gems." -Recent graduate, Jason Letkiewicz
The Hollywood Reporter ©
FLORIDA ARTICLES OF INTEREST
S T AG E P IC K
MiamiHerald.com © August 19, 2011
‘Burn Notice’ actor Paul Tei also happens to be an actor-director-playwright and the founder of Miami’s
Mad Cat Theatre Company. Tei’s newest play, ‘So My Grandmother Died, Blah Blah Blah,’ premieres this
weekend, with Melissa Almaguer playing blocked comedy writer Polly Chekhov, who returns to Florida for
her grandmother’s funeral. The show goes on at The Light Box at Goldman Warehouse, 404 NW 26th St.,
Miami. Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday through Sept. 10 (Friday’s opening night show is at 7
p.m.). Tickets are $25 (students pay $12; opening night tickets are $50). Call 866-811-4111 or visit
www.madcattheatre.org.
A J UNG L E OF IS S UE S O V E R F IL M ANIMAL S
The Republic © August 18, 2011
At least two more high-profile films that prominently feature animals will be released this year — Cameron
Crowe's "We Bought a Zoo," which has wildlife including tigers and porcupines, and "Dolphin Tale," about
a boy who befriends a marine mammal named Winter that has lost his tail in a crab trap. Charles Martin
Smith, director of the upcoming "Dolphin Tale," said he went to extreme lengths to avoid such criticism.
The film is based on a true story, and he used the actual dolphin that had been injured — and now lives in
captivity because it would not survive in the wild. The movie was shot at Winter's home at a marine
hospital in Florida so the dolphin didn't have to be transported anywhere, and the animal was never
working for more than a couple of hours, he said. "When you're filming with an animal, you have to be
flexible — you're on their schedule, so you kind of shoot it like a documentary," said the filmmaker, who
also directed "Air Bud," about a dog who can play basketball. "I certainly hope we don't face any criticism,
because we worked so closely with her trainers to make sure she was OK. I can't imagine anyone saying
we should put her back out into the wild, where she'd very quickly be dinner for a shark. But animals have
to be dealt with properly in a film, so I think it's very legitimate to raise questions about these things."
S T AT E OF F IC IAL S T AL E NT -AG E NC Y C OMP L AINT B Y T V P E R S ONAL IT Y
Sun-Sentinel © August 18, 2011
State regulators are investigating a talent agent, listing offices in Los Angeles, Miami and New York City,
as a result of a complaint filed by TV personality Michael "The Situation'" Sorrentino of The Jersey Shore.
According to Department of Business and Professional Regulation records, the actor claimed his exmanager, Michael Petolino, negotiated jobs for him in Florida, received fees for Sorrentino's work on
Jersey Shore 2 in Miami Beach, and attempted to collect payment for other Florida appearances. That
meant Petolino and his companies, Gotham Casting and Gotham NYC Entertainment, were operating as
talent agencies in Florida, Sorrentino's attorneys said – but did not have the required state license.
Attorney Richard C. Wolfe, representing Sorrentino, said he filed similar licensing complaints against
Petolino in New York, New Jersey and California. State records show no talent licenses for Petolino or
the businesses. There are no documents showing Gotham had offices in Florida, although the company
web site does list a casting associate in Miami.
S UMME R T V 'S B E S T B R OMANC E S
New York Post © August 18, 2011
Ah, the bromance. The deep - nonsexual! - abiding love/friendship between dudes. It's become one of
TV's greatest, most enduring and probably realistic tropes. Whatever the case, the end result is usually
an awesomely hilarious good time for viewers - not to mention some serious fan fiction fodder for certain
people. You know who you are. That being said, here are our picks for Most Amusing Summer TV
Bromances. Feel free to suggest your own favorites. Jim Longworth and Carlos Sanchez in "THE
GLADES": Grown men on cop shows are typically pretty dower, damaged and/or solitary, but not these
bromancers. Friends by default - they work together at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement these guys built a bromance faster than you can say "murder." Quick to cut each other with sarcastic
remarks - like when Jim thought he was bitten by a poisonous snake earlier this season - or to bicker like
an old married couple while at crime scenes, they also support each other without hesitation, act as
relationship sounding boards and are eager to engage in a little rule bending whenever necessary.
B R OOK E HOG AN AND C AR ME N E L E C T R A G O HE AD-T O-HE AD
Daily Mail © August 18, 2011
It may be her first foray onto the big screen, but Brooke Hogan had no qualms about trying to outdo one
of the best buxom bodies in the business on the set of her new film, yesterday. The 23-year-old daughter
of famed wrestler Hulk Hogan went head-to-head with sexy Pussycat Doll burlesque queen Carmen
Electra, as they both showed off their ample assets in the Florida Keys. Both ladies are starring in the
new sci-fi horror flick '2 Headed Shark Attack', and happily flaunted their dangerous curves in some very
skimpy attire. The two women's new sci-fi horror is about a sea ship inhabited by college co-eds, which is
eventually sunk by a mutated two-headed shark. The survivors eventually manage to escape to a
deserted island, but when it starts flooding, 'they no longer safe from the double jaws of the monster.'
It is not confirmed what role Carmen plays in the straight-to-DVD flick, but it is possible that she will take
on the role of a teacher onboard the doomed ship. While this is Brooke's first foray into film, Carmen has
had small parts in several flicks over the span of her career.
F IL M P R ODUC T IONS S O AR 60% IN 'G OL DE N AG E ' IN MIAMI
Miami Today © August 17, 2011
As Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez pushes the county film office under the Office of Economic
Development and International Trade umbrella, film officials say the show must, and will, go on.
Production this year is already up 60%. It's going on big time as well under the City of Miami's new film
and cultural affairs head, who says Miami has entered a golden age of film production. From January to
August nearly $170 million in state incentives flowed through Miami-Dade to support filming, Mr. Ojeda
said, making a $1.19 billion impact in the county and increasing production 60%. Mr. Feldman said that
should the city continue to dedicate funds to film, such growth should continue. "It's never been busier,"
he said. "This is the golden age of production."
T HE G L ADE S ' MAT T P AS S MOR E ON G DL A
MyFox Los Angeles © August 17, 2011
Aussie actor Matt Passmore is back for a second season of A&E's "The Glades." In the series Matt plays
"Jim Longworth," a Chicago homicide detective who relocates to the Florida Everglades... where murders
are on the rise... after he is wrongfully accused of sleeping with his captain's wife. On Wednesday Matt
talked to us about the show live on GDLA.... Watch the interview in the media player. More Info: "The
Glades" airs Sunday nights at 10pm on A&E.
E UR OC INE MA'S S E B AS T IE N P E R IOC HE ON T HE W OR L D OF F OR E IG N F IL M
JustLuxe.com © August 16, 2011
Hollywood step aside, here comes Sebastien Perioche down the red carpet. As founder, Chairman and
CEO of Eurocinema, based in Florida, Perioche brings international award winning films to over 36 million
homes in North America through the On Demand channel. When I spoke with Perioche recently, I was
not sure whether to put my focus on the cosmopolitan film industry, or on him as an international man of
intrigue. I decided to cover all grounds and leave no stone unturned, naturally introducing Perioche as
quite possibly, "the most interesting man in the world." Now I know the origin of this popular phrase I keep
hearing lately. After graduating from Harvard graduate school, Perioche identified two deficiencies here in
the U.S. that presented an enormous opportunity. The first was to satisfy the desire of an audience
hungry for quality foreign film and its accessibility. The second being the need for the foreign film market
to showcase their awarding winning films that tend to be overlooked and discredited in America
W INT E R 'S T AL E : HOL L Y W OOD F IL M S E T T O MAK E A S T AR OF F L OR IDA'S B IONIC DOL P HIN
Daily Mail © August 15, 2011
If ever there were a case of art imitating life, this has got to be it. A new film about a ‘bionic dolphin’ called
Winter will hit screens across Britain this autumn, based on the true story of a dolphin learning to live with
a prosthetic tail. Forget Keiko the Free Willy star, children across the country will be begging to head to
Florida to catch a glimpse of Winter herself, currently living at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on the
west coast. And in anticipation of their aquatic treasure - who had a bionic tail fitted when she lost hers in
a crab trap - becoming a global star, the aquarium is undergoing a £7.3million renovation project. A
'dolphin encounter' programme at the centre enables visitors to get up close and personal with the
mammals, and now tourists and fans of the film will be able to meet Winter and her trainers and even
swim with her. Expect the buzz about the bionic dolphin to begin in early October when the Warner Bros
film Dolphin Tale, about her rescue and rehabilitation, will be launched. Morgan Freeman (pictured above
at the aquarium), Harry Connick Jr. and Ashley Judd star in the feel-good family movie and we doubt
there will be a dry eye in the house...Florida here we come.
C OB Y B E L L 'S DOUB L ING UP ON T V E X P OS UR E
MiamiHerald.com © August 14, 2011
Coby Bell is a lucky man by Hollywood standards. While most actors are fortunate enough to land a gig
on one hit TV series, the 36-year-old California stars in two. On USA’s Burn Notice, Bell plays Jesse
Porter, a no-nonsense spy who was accidentally by burned by Michael Westen ( played by Jeffrey
Donovan). On BET’s The Game, he’s portrays Jason Pitts, a football champ for the fictitious San Diego
Sabers. He credits the heavy workload to the respective cable networks. “I was on The Game first for
three years, then the show got canceled. I was lucky enough to hop right into Burn Notice,” he said by
phone from his Coconut Grove apartment. “We were filming [ Burn Notice] when I heard The Game was
picked up by BET... I was fortunate to get to do both series and that the production companies let me do
both.” Burn Notice, which films in Miami, calls for Bell to live half the year in sunny Florida. He then
divides the rest of the time between his house in Long Beach, Calif. and Atlanta for The Game.
F IL M B Y T W O HAR R IS ON S T UDE NT S T O C OMP E T E IN L AS V E G AS F IL M F E S T IV AL
The Ledger © August 12, 2011
The scenario is a staple of both adolescent life and movie scripts: Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy
strives to get girl back. A comedic riff on that familiar premise fuels "Return To Sender," a short movie
made by students at Lakeland's Harrison School of the Arts that has hit the jackpot in Las Vegas. The
project, written by Harrison seniors Byron Leon and George Williams and directed by Leon, marks a
triumph for the arts school in the first year of its motion picture program. Leon, who cites director David
Fincher ("The Social Network") as an influence, hopes to enroll in Florida State University's film program
after graduating next spring. Though Williams intends to be an engineer, not a filmmaker, Jansen said he
has a knack for narrative.
P R OF E S S OR AC C E P T E D INT O E NG L IS H F IL M F E S T IV AL
Historic City News © August 12, 2011
Brian Thompson reported to Historic City News has Patrick Moser, Art and Design Department chair and
associate professor of painting and drawing at Flagler College, recently had his short film, “Patty Goes,”
shown at the Fundada Artists’ Film Festival in Wakefield, England. The festival is a film and video event
run by artists intending to showcase the best in contemporary screen-based art. The film, which features
stop animation using 400 different paintings to tell the story of Patty – an homage to 1960s Bigfoot
images – was created by Moser while on a faculty research sabbatical grant from Flagler. “I’m really a
painter, but I’ve been immersing myself in video and film. The curious thing about video art is it’s not film,”
said Moser. “It’s a way to experiment with contemporary screen-based art using video, computer
programs and animation.”Moser was the only American artist chosen for the film festival. Moser received
his M.F.A. from the University of Florida and teaches painting and drawing courses at Flagler.
R ING L ING F IL M S C HOOL NAME D ONE OF 25 B E S T
Sarasota Herald-Tribune © August 12, 2011
The Ringling College of Art and Design, which recently graduated its first class from the 4-year-old Digital
Filmmaking program, has been named one of the Top 25 Best Film Schools internationally by the
Hollywood Reporter. The Sarasota school has upgraded, expanded and promoted its film curriculum and
facilities over the past two years. It was named No. 23 on this inaugural list, which was compiled with
input from industry insiders, film executives, filmmakers and film school graduates. The only other Florida
school on the list was Florida State University's College of Motion Picture Arts in Tallahassee, which
came in at No. 17. FSU was applauded for its low student/faculty ratio, generous cost support of student
films and Torchlight program, which has put students to work on 40 feature films shot in Florida.
ARTICLES ABOUT THE COMPETITION
C OL UMNIS T 'S F IC T IONAL P OR T R AY AL OF INC E NT IV E S UG G E S T S F UT UR E AS S C R E E NW R IT E R
filmworksla.wordpress.com © August 18, 2011
Another editorial writer in California demonstrated a total lack of understanding about the California Film
& Television Tax Credit and the problem of runaway production (not to mention any understanding of how
a critical California industry works). This week it was Dan Walters writing in The Sacramento Bee. Mr.
Walters is skeptical the film incentive is having its desired effect: As supporters told it, the tax credit
makes California more competitive with rival states, has had a beneficial impact on stemming “runaway
production,” and saves thousands of jobs that otherwise would vanish. But has it? Yes, Mr. Walters, it
has. In 2010, the decline in on-location feature filming in L.A. increased after four straight years of
decline. Feature film (movie) production days were still down 62% from their high in 1996 (this is up
slightly from its record low the year prior). Had incentivized films not accounted for 26% of all Feature
activity, 2010 would have been the worst year on record for the L.A. region. The California Film &
Television Tax Credit is not, as Mr. Walter incorrectly called it, a “tax loophole”. It is California’s only
means of protecting its vital economic engine — the entertainment industry.
MIC HIG AN F IL M S UB S IDY W INNE R C OS T S 10X MOR E T O MAK E T HAN IT E AR NS
Michigan Capitol Confidential © August 18, 2011
When advocates of the Michigan film tax incentives said the 42 percent subsidy would attract
moviemakers, “House of the Rising Sun” was likely not what they had in mind. Filmed in Grand Rapids,
the movie is based on a novel that was set in New Orleans. It has made only $100,000 in DVD/Blu-ray
sales, but got about $435,000 from Michigan taxpayers. The movie featured former WWE wrestler Dave
Bautista. The plot is about an ex-con trying to clear his name after a murder in a nightclub in which he
works. Louisiana says its tax incentives “lead the nation.” But Louisiana can’t compete with Michigan’s 42
percent subsidy that is given to moviemakers for expenses incurred in the state. Louisiana offers a 30
percent incentive for total in-state expenditures. An additional 5 percent labor incentive can be earned on
the payroll of Louisiana residents that are employed by a motion picture production company.
HIG H-S C OR E T O ONT AR IO F OR IT S G AME -W INNING INC E NT IV E S
MARKETWIRE © August 17, 2011
Despite various global economic challenges, the digital media and video game industries continue to
thrive. Over the past two years, Canada's gaming industry has expanded 11 per cent annually and is
forecasted to grow 17 per cent in each of the next two years. Executives from the Ontario Technology
Corridor are at GamesCom to demonstrate the province's "winning combination" of talent and tax credits.
Canada is one of the world's top three game producing nations. Larry MacKinnon, Director of Business
Development for Technology in London Ontario and member of the Ontario Technology Corridor, says
"Ontario continues to offer the talent and the financial incentitves that make this region such a strong part
of the digital entertainment industry. Our job at GamesCom is to add to our tremendous home-grown crop
of companies and help demonstrate that Ontario is a prime destination in North America for gaming
investments." Federal and Ontario provincial research and development tax credits combine to give
Canada the most favourable tax treatment among G-8 countries -- giving Ontario innovation companies
the ability to cut R&D expenditures by up to 63%.
L A. DR AW ING F IL M, MUS IC , T HE AT E R , G AME P R O DUC T ION
Shreveport Times © August 17, 2011
Louisiana is hot, Chris Stelly says, and he's not just talking about the weather. Stelly, the director of the
Louisiana Entertainment office, says the state has "the most efficient suite of incentives in the nation" to
attract companies that produce movies and television programs, live music performances, theater
productions, video games and other digital media. When the state's tax credit program for film production
started drawing movie production in earnest, Louisiana's reputation as a film-friendly state began paying
off big-time, Stelly said. Louisiana is the third most popular place for making movies, behind New York
City and Los Angeles. After Louisiana's success, "40 or more other states are emulating us," Stelly said.
ON L OC AT ION: HOL L Y W OOD'S IR ANIAN C AP E R C OME S T O L .A.
Los Angeles Times © August 16, 2011
Thirty-two years later, Mendez's daring plan has been turned into a movie called “Argo” that will begin
filming next week on the streets of Los Angeles. The movie, starring and directed by Ben Affleck and
produced by George Clooney, is one of several high profile studio feature films shooting in L.A. this
summer and fall. Both Warner Bros. films will be shot primarily in L.A., lifting local feature film activity,
which was virtually flat in the first two quarters of the year compared with the same periods in 2010. On
location movie production climbed 8% in 2010 from 2009 but was still nearly half what it was a decade
ago due to competition from cities outside of California. The state’s film tax credit program has helped
stem the tide. Indeed, each of the new Warner Bros. pictures, which have budgets in the $50 million to
$60 million range, received approval for state film tax credits: $6.3 million for “Argo” and $11.5 million for
“The Gangster Squad,” according to the California Film Commission.
AV E NG E R S MOV IE B R ING S 'E XT R AS ' T O C L E V E L AND
WKYC-TV © August 16, 2011
Everything from hardware stores that provide prop materials to restaurants and bars entertaining the
casts and crews are benefiting. In Cleveland, the business of movie-making is booming. The Greater
Cleveland Film Commission says movie making will add $90 million to Northeast Ohio's economy just this
year. "They want to give back," Greater Cleveland Film Commission Director Ivan Schwarz said. "They
realize they are coming into a community. They understand how film incentives work." An added incentive
for cast and crew is 10 to 15 percent discounts at many of the bars and restaurants in downtown
Cleveland. The popular East Fourth eateries are enjoying a significant bump in business. "The film crews
have been in almost every night. The movie itself has drawn people that want to come look and see
what's going on downtown," Harry Buffalo Manager Kaitlin Cassidy said. Along with its big bucks, movie
making has brought 200 jobs to the city and a casting call for more than 2,000 extras.
MIS S OUR I'S F IL M T AX C R E DIT IN L IMB O
KSDK © August 16, 2011
We're taking a closer look at Missouri's Film Tax Credit. Local filmmakers say it's virtually non-existent,
and is scaring away movies that could otherwise be shot right here. Technically this credit is still in place,
and could save filmmakers 35% of their budgets up to $4.5 million, but financial troubles are forcing the
state to take a hard look at how beneficial credits like this, really are for the state. Filmmakers gathering at
the Tivoli this week for the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase say they're disappointed. It was a film that
brought some notice to the city of St. Louis. "Up in the Air", staring George Clooney, was shot in St. Louis,
thanks to the help of Missouri's Film Tax Credit. It shaved more than $4 million off the film's budget. "The
Missouri tax incentive was really important in persuading our financiers, Paramount Pictures to come
here," said Michael Beugg in 2009.
$22.7 MIL L ION IN T AX B R E AK S AW AR DE D T O 58 B US INE S S E S T O B UIL D J OB S , G R OW T H
Providence Journal © August 16, 2011
The state issued more than $22.7 million in tax credits to businesses in the fiscal year that ended June
30, a nearly 43 percent decrease from the previous year, according to a report released Monday by the
state Division of Taxation. The motion picture and television tax credit was the third most costly tax break
in the 2011 fiscal year, with about $2.36 million issued to five productions. That amount is down
significantly from the more than $8 million in credits issued the previous fiscal year, when “Brotherhood” –
– Showtime’s now canceled drama about an Irish-American clan from Providence –– benefited from
about $5 million in credits. Among the film projects benefiting from the credit in 2011 was “Loosies,” a
Michael Corrente film starring Peter Facinelli, of the “Twilight” movies fame, that filmed in the old
Cranston police station. Yet to be released, the film received $640,185 in credits.
L OOK ING F OR L IG HT S , C AME R A, AC T ION
The Durango Herald © August 15, 2011
Long before a film is shot, a director studies images and photos of possible backdrops and locations. The
New Mexico Film Office website boasts that it has 60,000 photographs available. Don Gray, the location
coordinator for the New Mexico Film Office, explains that collection did not come easily. Donald
Zuckerman, director of the Colorado Film Commission, says he cannot come close to New Mexico’s
resources. “The recession meant huge budget and job cuts,” said Zuckerman, who has a $400,000
annual budget and runs the commission with one other staffer. “Colorado gives a 10 percent tax incentive
on money filmmakers directly spend in Colorado. New Mexico and Utah give filmmakers a 25 percent tax
incentive. I can’t compete with that. Forget movies. We have a hard time getting commercials.”
INT E R AC T IV E DIG IT AL ME DIA R & D P R OG R AMME OF F IC E
idm.sg © August 15, 2011
The Singapore government has invested $500mil into the local Interactive Digital Media industry since
2007 in order to stimulate its growth. The compound growth rate for value added in the IDM sector has
grown by 20 percent in the first three years of the program. This video highlights the contribution of the 4
funding initiatives of MDA’s Interactive Digital Media Program Office (IDMPO) and the impact achieved by
these initiatives. The 4 initiatives are iJAM for start ups, iROCK that funds research centers, IDM in
Education for education related developments and Futurescape which co funds R&D efforts of
commercial companies.
L IG HT S ... C AME R A ... S P E NDING !
Washington Examiner © August 14, 2011
Maryland, Virginia and the District are locked in battle for big Hollywood dollars as they search for projects
that could bring cash infusions for strapped local budgets as the economy continues to falter. In one day,
a feature film crew can spend as much as $500,000 on catering, hotel rooms and local workers. In just
one week last year, the producers of "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" spent $2.5 million in the District,
city officials said. Washington has a natural pull with its unique backdrop of national monuments. But it's
also "an incentive driven industry," said Maryland Film Office Director Jack Gerbes. "When we talk to
executives, they say, 'How much do you have to give us?'" "We all compete over the same projects," said
Virginia's film commissioner, Rita McClenny, noting that a production can capture the images it needs in
the District and then retreat to Virginia or Maryland for the rest of the project. "If someone says they're
planning to film in Maryland, I'll say, 'Why do you want to go there?' "
L OUIS IANA T R Y ING T O E NT IC E T R AV E L ING T HE AT E R S HOW S T O P R E MIE R E IN NE W OR L E ANS
NOLA.com © August 14, 2011
To boost the local economy, state government officials have set their sights on an unlikely industry:
theater. And the ongoing effort to develop the local theater industry takes a big step forward when "The
Addams Family" kicks off its national tour Sept. 15 at Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans.
'The Addams Family'A scene from 'The Addams Family' musical, which premieres in New Orleans on
Sept. 15. The production will be the first to take advantage of Louisiana's Live Performance Tax Credit,
which rewards traveling shows for beginning their tours in the state. New Orleans is already a stop for
many traveling shows, which tour the country spending a few nights or weeks in various markets. But the
economic benefit of having a traveling show make its premiere in the city is even greater, because crews
arrive weeks before the tour begins to tweak sets and rehearse. In the process, the crew spends money
locally, patronizes Louisiana vendors and sometimes hires local workers.
F OR ME R F IL M OF F IC E MAN AG E R S E E N AS B OT H V IL L AIN AND V IC T IM
DesMoinesRegister.com © August 13, 2011
For the past two years, Tom Wheeler has been painted as one of the more reckless stewards of public
money Iowa has seen and one of its worst victims of high-stakes politics. The former manager of Iowa's
one-man film office could, if convicted after a trial that begins this week, face a decade or more behind
bars. What punishment he truly deserves for mismanaging a runaway economic development program is
still very much a matter of debate. Hired in 2004 to market the state to the film industry, Wheeler had no
previous experience drafting contracts, no law degree and no staff when legislators in 2007 created a tax
credit program - the most lucrative in the nation - to bring Hollywood to Iowa. By late August 2009, a
month before that program imploded, Wheeler had approved 103 applications for pending film projects
worth as much as $230.9 million in tax credits; $32 million in tax credits already had been given away. In
that time, the budget of his one-man office shrank from about $125,000 to $118,000.
HOL L Y W OOD S P R E ADS G L IT Z IN G R E E NW IC H, B UT DOE S S T AT E C AS H IN?
Hartford Courant © August 13, 2011
But what does it mean for the state when the makers of a big-time Hollywood film roll into town, work their
magic for a few weeks, and leave? That's a matter of debate. Productions of this sort come to
Connecticut largely because of the state's film tax credit, which offers an incentive of up to 30 percent
credit on eligible spending in the state. The credit was intended to prod movie and TV companies to build
permanent facilities in the state. But many believe productions like Zackham's bring value to the state
anyway. Zackham, now a resident of Ojai, Calif., always envisioned his screenplay being filmed in his
hometown, but he said Connecticut's tax incentives were crucial in the location decision made by his
production company, Two Ton Films, which he started with longtime friend and fellow Greenwich native
Clay Pecorin. "These days you really aren't going to shoot a movie in a state that doesn't have some sort
of tax incentive," said Zackham, who did not know exactly how much the production would net in
Connecticut tax credits. The state issued film production tax credits that ranged from a total of $22.6
million to $79.8 million from 2007 to 2010. Last year, the state issued $39 million in tax credits for movies
and TV shows that did some filming or taping in Connecticut.
GENERAL ARTICLES OF INTEREST
E DIE W AS S E R MAN DIE S AT 95
Reuters © August 18, 2011
Edie Wasserman, a Hollywood philanthropist and the wife of legendary mogul Lew Wasserman, has died
of natural causes, family spokeswoman Melissa Zukerman told TheWrap. She was 95. Her husband was
known as "The Pope of Hollywood," but for many years she was certainly seen as the town's first lady.
Her passing, coupled with the 2002 death of her husband, marks the end of an era, a time when the
center of the movie world was driven by outsized personalities, not corporate behemoths. Though Lew
Wasserman commanded a higher profile in the industry, his wife played a key role in his rise from agent
to the chief of MCA/Universal. She was known to be her husband's eyes and ears in the town, helping
him build and maintain relationships with actors and industry executives. An invitation to a cocktail party
at the Wassermans' Beverly Hills home was seen as sign that a star or aspiring power player had
arrived. In addition to her status as a Hollywood tastemaker and social doyenne, Wasserman was a noted
philanthropist. She was intimately involved in fund-raising for the Motion Picture and Television Fund,
which celebrated her birthday every year at the organization's Woodland Hills facility. The fund was a
cause dear to her heart, and Wasserman served on the board for many years.
NOR T H C AR OL INA'S F IR S T F IL M C OMMIS S IONE R DIE S
StarNewsOnline.com © August 16, 2011
North Carolina’s first film commissioner, William (Bill) V. Arnold Jr., died at his home in Raleigh on
Sunday. He was 75. Arnold was appointed by Gov. James Hunt in 1980 to head a new office within the
state whose focus was to bring movies and television productions to film in North Carolina. During his 26
years on the job, North Carolina saw cameras roll on hundreds of projects. Also during his tenure, North
Carolina saw the creation of De Laurentiis Entertainment Studios, now EUE/Screen Gems Studios, in
Wilmington. Notable productions that shot in the state while Arnold was film commissioner include “The
Color Purple” (1985), “Dirty Dancing” (1987), “Bull Durham” (1988), “Days of Thunder” (1990), “Sleeping
with the Enemy” (1991), “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992), “The Fugitive” (1993), “Kiss the Girls” (1997),
“Patch Adams” (1998), “Shallow Hal” (2001) and “A Walk to Remember” (2002), as well as the start of the
hit television series “Dawson’s Creek” (1998), which led to the spinoff series “One Tree Hill” (2003present). Arnold also helped form and oversee the state’s film council, which was made up of industry
leaders from across the state that helped advise the governor on matters related to the film industry.
Additionally, he helped create the state’s first film incentive, a 15 percent tax credit, whose purpose was
to attract feature films and curtail the then-industry-trend of shooting internationally. Arnold retired in
2006.
T R IAL B E G INS F OR F OR ME R IOW A F IL M OF F IC E DIR E C T OR
DesMoinesRegister.com © August 16, 2011
Opening arguments began today in the trial of Tom Wheeler, the former program chief for Iowa's oneman film office. The prosecution painted Tom Wheeler as an "inside guy" who helped a handful of
filmmakers "fleece Iowa's treasury out of millions of dollars." The defense told jurors the former film office
manager was the victim of legislators and higher-ups, who didn't understand themselves the loopholes
that allowed others to take advantage of Iowa's tax incentive for filmmaking. Only one thing was clear
after both sides presented opening arguments in Wheeler's felony misconduct trial: This case will not be
an easy one for a jury to decide. Wheeler could, if convicted, face a decade or more behind bars. Hired in
2004 to market the state to the film industry, Wheeler had no previous experience drafting contracts, no
law degree and no staff when legislators in 2007 created a tax credit program - the most lucrative in the
nation - to bring Hollywood to Iowa.
IS IT P OS S IB L E F OR T HE AR T S T O P US H DIG IT AL ME DIA?
The Beacon Herald © August 14, 2011
We hear a lot about how digital media is affecting newspapers, television, even movies. Is digital media
also affecting the performing arts? Or are the performing arts pushing digital media? Artists and
academics are pushing technology in new ways to augment their performances. As early as 2008, the
drama department at the University of Waterloo was undertaking a couple such experiments. In
partnership with the University of Central Florida and Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., the University of
Waterloo produced a new show with an old story -- Alice Experiments in Wonderland. The show featured
a high-speed connection (as much as 150Mbit/s), 2D and 3D sets, and simultaneous live theatre in three
locations.
W HAT 'S UP W E S T E R N? : B IG T E L E V IS ION S HAK E UP
my.hsj.org © August 14, 2011
Before you grab your remote though, you may be interested to read what shows will be cancelled on
television and which tv personalities won’t be returning. After one season of mixed review, the crime
drama, Detroit 1-8-7, gets the boot from ABC. This leaves many in question of why the show was
cancelled. Was it the cuts made by Governor Snyder on tax incentives? Ironically, the announcement
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and confirmation was made on Friday the 13 . Although it was not confirmed, ratings were probably the
major reason for the show’s cancellation. The show made it big in Metro Detroit; however, the viewership
nationwide wasn’t so great. 1-8-7 is not the only show getting the boot from ABC. “V,” “Brothers &
Sisters,” “No Ordinary Family,” “Off the Map,” and “Mr. Sunshine” are on the list as well. Long running
shows on ABC, including soap operas “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” are also slated to be off the
air later this year and in early 2012, and so is “Oprah” as Oprah Winfrey prepares to launch her own
television channel.
EVENTS
S T E P HE N S ONDHE IM’S C OMP ANY T O B E S C R E E NE D B Y AME L IA IS L AND F IL M S OC IE T Y
(Fernandina Beach, FL) Tony McAdoo, Co-founder of the Amelia Island Film Society announced the
special screenings of the new film of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway play “Company” to be shown in
Fernandina Beach the weekend of August 12-13, 2011. This movie features the New York Philharmonic
with an all-star cast of Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, Stephen Colbert, Jon Cryer, Christina Hendricks,
Craig Bierko and Martha Plimpton. This revival of the 1970 production was nominated for 14 Tonys ®,
winning Best Musical, Book for Musical, Original Score, Lyrics, Set Design and Direction of a Musical.
“Company” is being only being shown nation-wide in select theatres and movies venues this summer and
the AIFS is excited to be able to continue offering outstanding films to movie-goers in Northeast Florida
this year in its inaugural season. The films will be screened 6 times over a two-day series at the
Fernandina Little Theatre located in Downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Friday, August 12, screenings will be at 6 pm and 9 pm
Saturday, August 13 screenings will be at 1pm, 4 pm, 7pm and a late show at 10 pm.
Tickets are $ 18 per screening ($ 15 for AIFS members) can be purchased at two locations on Centre
Street, Downtown Fernandina Beach, The Book Loft and Books Plus. Please contact AIFS President,
Gus Betancourt at 904-624-1145 for more information. Advanced ticket by credit card can be made by
calling 904-624-1145 or online at www.aifsociety.org. Tickets if available will be at the door at the Theatre
before each screening at 1014 Beech Street in Downtown Fernandina Beach.
6T H ANNU AL C E NT R AL F L OR IDA F IL M F E S T IV AL – S E P T E ME B E R 2-5
(Ocoee, Florida) Did you know that each Labor Day weekend (September 2-5, 2011) hundreds of actors,
producers and directors converge in Ocoee, Florida, to showcase their work on the "Big Screen"?
The city of Ocoee, for the third consecutive year is proud to host the Central Florida Film Festival
(CENFLO) at the West Orange 5 Cinemas (McGuire Avenue & RT #50). This four day event is where new
and veteran film makers alike showcase their work. CENFLO will screen more than seventy films from
nine foreign countries and nineteen states during the Labor Day weekend.
The West Orange 5 Cinemas became the host of the festival in 2009. For the first three years the festival
was presented in Kissimmee, Florida. Film attendees will see Indie feature films, shorts and
documentaries. "Those who attend our festival are treated to a fun filled weekend. Films, seminars, panel
discussions, and an awards show are presented to inspire film makers and watchers alike,'' said Bob
Cook, CENFLO executive director. "We love Ocoee and are excited to screen in a beautiful movie theater
which gives our film makers a feeling of accomplishment and valuable exposure."
"The twenty-five dollar ($25) "Movie Watcher" pass is an excellent value," continued, Cook, "You can
spend the entire day at the movies and receive a medium popcorn and medium soft drink for one low
price." This year's guest speakers include actor, Glenn Morshower from the Fox TV series "24" and
director, Griff Furst of the film "Swamp Shark."
For more information about the festival go to www.CentralFloridaFilmFestival.com.
R AL L Y AND F IL M F E S T IV AL W IL L G IV E ONE F IL M-MAK E R A B IG B R E AK
(Orlando, FL) Dan Springen, Executive Director of Orlando Film Festival, will be competing in 2011
Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally with his Cadillac CTS. While competing in the rally, the Orlando Film
Festival team will be accepting entries from independent film producers in each destination along the rally
route. One lucky film maker will be chosen for a red carpet world premier at the 2012 Orlando Film
Festival.
Other notables to participate in the event are Daytona 500 Winner and NASCAR legend Geoff Bodine,
Space Shuttle Astronaut Winston Scott, and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka founder Scott Newitt. Nearly 50
teams will compete in the over 2,500 mile, 8 day adventure, driving everything from Lamborghini’s and
Camaro’s to the DeLorean “Time Car” from Back to the Future. Along the way they must solve clues and
complete challenges to earn points, in addition to various motor sport challenges. Fans can follow their
favorite teams via GPS and chat with participants on the Fireball Run web site.
The 2011 Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally starts September 23rd on Florida’s Space Coast and
concludes October 1st in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The event encourages the public to come out, get
autographs, and show their support. Other 2011 destinations are Peachtree City GA, Knoxville TN,
Clarksville TN, Anniston AL, and Gulf Port MS.
Student and Independent Film-makers in the destinations the rally visits are encouraged to participate in
the open film competition. For details on how to pass a film entry along to Dan Springen, Executive
Director of Orlando Film Festival, they should contact the film commission or board in their city/state. The
Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally is a national production headquartered at the NBC UNIVERSAL
Studios in Orlando Florida. For more information please visit www.FireballRun.com or
www.OrlandoFilmFest.com
CASTING CALLS
C AS T ING AUDIE NC E ME MB E R S F OR E T R E ME MAK E OV E R W E IG HT L OS S E DIT ION
(Wellington and Tarpon Springs, FL) ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition is a weight loss
show for anyone who has 200 pounds or more to shed. In this transformative new experience, we bring
the tools and tips to change your life straight to you!
You're invited to be a part of one of our biggest finales yet! ABC'S EXTREME MAKEOVER: WEIGHT
LOSS EDITION is filming the big reveal of a local Wellington, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL resident's
st
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year long weight loss journey on the evening of September 1 and 4 and we want YOU to be in the
audience!
When: Thursday, September 1st, 2011 5:30pm-9:00pm
Where: Wellington High School Auditorium
2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.
Wellington, FL 33414
*Check-in at the cafeteria
Dress: Please dress nice/casual, no jeans and t-shirts. NO logos, all black, or all white
How: If you're interested in attending this filming please send an RSVP email to:
[email protected]
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When: Sunday, September 4 , 2011 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Where: Parking at: First United Methodist Church
501 East Tarpon Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
*There will be a shuttle to take you to the filming location
Dress: Please dress nice/casual. NO logos, all black, or all white
*Note: This finale will be filmed OUTDOORS, please dress appropriately for the weather.
How: If you're interested in attending this filming please send an RSVP email to:
[email protected]
Include your full name, email address, phone number, and the number of people in your party and we'll
forward all of the details for the shoot as they are available.
For more information about the show and to see some of the amazing stories from season 1 visit:
http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-weight-loss-edition/index
Become a fan of our facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/EMWeightLoss
*Children under 14 will not be admitted to this event
**You will be required to sign an appearance release to attend
***Anyone under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian present to sign the appearance release.
DOUB L E L IF E C AS T ING C AL L
Do you feel like you’re living a lie? Are you keeping a secret from your family and friends that is causing
your life to spiral out of control? Do you want to make a change and are you ready? We can help. From
the Executive Producer of the acclaimed documentary series, “Intervention” comes a new series about
people who are living double lives.
We are searching for people who are tired of keeping their secret from their family, friends and loved
ones. We are only looking for people who are genuinely interested in finding healing in their lives.
The goal of this transformational series is to help people rebuild and heal fractured lives. This is a
documentary series that is non-exploitive and will treat each participant with extreme sensitivity.
Participants will be offered the choice to consult with a therapist during production.
*If you are interested in applying, please send us an email at [email protected] or if you are unable to
email call us at 818.728.4147. Please briefly tell us about yourself, the nature of the double life you are
leading, who you are keeping this secret from, how it has affected your life and why you want to stop
living this lie now. Please include your phone number, as well as the city & state where you live and
attach 2 jpegs of yourself. We look forward to hearing from you.
PLEASE NOTE – If you have a press release, event or an educational function that you would like included in our News &
Events, please contact our communications office via e-mail at [email protected]. The Governor's Office of Film &
Entertainment reserves the right to edit or exclude any content not deemed appropriate.
If you wish to be removed from this newsletter please reply with ''Remove'' in the subject line.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT – The opinions expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the views of the Governor's Office
of Film & Entertainment, nor do they make claim to represent the office of the Governor. The information contained herein is
provided as a public service with the understanding that the Governor’s Office of Film & Entertainment makes no warranties, either
expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information. Nor does the Office of Film
& Entertainment warrant that the use of this information is free of any claims of copyright infringement.
Governor’s Office of Film & Entertainment
The Capitol, Suite 2001
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
(877) FLA-FILM