West Virginia Film Office

Email Blast

April 22, 2007

 

 

Contents

 

A. Acknowledgements & Special Notices

B. Film Office Updates & Miscellaneous News

1. Hot Topic of the Month

2. Community Outreach / Office Development

3. Miscellaneous News

4. West Virginians in the News – "Outside the Border"

5. Locations Scouting

C. Production Activity by In-State Companies, Freelance Crew, Talent

D. Production Activity by Out-of-State Companies

E. Job Postings, In-State: Crew Calls, Casting Calls/Auditions, etc.

F. Job Postings, Nationwide: Crew Calls, Casting Calls/Auditions, etc.

G. Industry Events, Articles/Websites of Interest, Other Resources

H. Calls for Entry: Film Festivals, Screenplays, Other Industry Competitions

I.  West Virginia Calendar of Events

J. Contact Info, Disclaimer, Subscribe/Unsubscribe

 

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A. Acknowledgements & Special Notices

 

1. Congratulations to all of the filmmakers who participated in the recent 4th annual Appalachian Film Festival in Huntington (Cabell County), an event that celebrates filmmakers and filmmaking in the 13-state Appalachian region. This year's winning films and scripts were:  BEST FEATURE FILM — 1st place, 'Simple Things' by Tosca Musk of Los Angeles (filmed in the North Carolina mountains); 'Glorious Mail' by J.D. Evermore of Oxford, Mississippi; 3rd place, 'Bernee' by Russ Cring of Hendersonville, Tennessee. BEST SCREENPLAY — 1st place, 'Cinderelli Eight' by James L. Dawson; 2nd place, 'A Fiddle and a Bow' by Ronnie Gunter; Honorable Mention, 'Perfect Parallel' by Josh Bowen. BEST DOCUMENTARY — 1st place, 'Iron City Blues' by Matthew Pesson of Nashville, Tennessee; 2nd place, 'Shoot the Moon' by Seth Wochensky of Springville, New York. BEST SHORT FILM — 'Willow Garden' by Jim Haverkamp of Durham, North Carolina. BEST MUSIC VIDEO — 1st place, 'Lost Music Video' by Samrat Chakrabarti of New York, New York; 2nd place, 'The Rat and the Duck' by Quinn Kyle, Glen Brogan, and Mike Valentine, of Huntington, West Virginia. BEST YOUNG FILMMAKER — 'Joy' by Joe Ensley of Burke, Virginia. Special GOVERNOR'S GOLDEN APPLE AWARD — 'Two Tickets to Paradise' by featured guest D.B. Sweeney.

 

2. After completing seven years of WB-TV's "The Steve Harvey Show", comedian Steve Harvey, born in Welch, McDowell County, has exploded onto the national radio scene. Based in New York, "The Steven Harvey Morning Show" now airs in more than 50 markets, and the latest Arbitron ratings show that it is No. 1 among urban stations and No. 5 overall in the nation's largest and most competitive radio markets. In 2007, Harvey produced his own national sold-out comedy tour and made BET ratings history when he hosted its star-studded 'Celebration of Gospel'. He also runs the Steve Harvey Foundation, the mission of which is to improve the educational environment for public school students in urban areas across the country and around the world by upgrading facilities; purchasing books, computers, and other essential resources; and providing opportunities for students to build their dreams and reach their greatest potential. For more information about Harvey and where you can listen to his show, visit www.steveharvey.com.

 

3. Coalwood, McDowell County, native Homer Hickam returns to West Virginia on May 5 to deliver the commencement address for Marshall University's 2007 graduating class and to receive an honorary Doctor of Literature degree. In February 1999, Universal Studios released "October Sky", which was based on Hickam's book "Rocket Boys", a memoir of growing up in Coalwood. He has also written "The Coalwood Way" and its sequel, "Sky of Stone", and "We Are Not Afraid: Strength and Courage from the Town that Inspired October Sky", among many others. For more information about Hickam, visit www.homerhickam.com.

 

4. The Arts Section of the WV Division of Culture & History is offering a new Email service, which will announce deadline notices for all of its grants, provide resources to assist applicants, and include regional information that may be of interest. To be placed on the list, send an Email to artslist@wvculture.org. For more information about the Division's programs, visit www.wvculture.org.

 

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B. Film Office Updates & Miscellaneous News

 

1. Hot Topic of the Month: Two film industry-type blogs are available on websites for the Huntington Herald-Dispatch and The Charleston Gazette. The H-D blog is written by Maureen Johnson, H-D's senior metro editor and a self-described Movie Maven, with its core focus on theater and DVD releases, and can be found at http://media.herald-dispatch.com/blog/movies. The Gazette blog is written by Steve Fesenmaier, a self-described Film Nut, with a focus on 'all about films and videos with a WV connection', and can be found at http://www.thegazz.com/gblogs/wvfilm.

 

2. Community Outreach / Office Development.

 

(a)  The Film Office participated as an exhibitor at the annual international Locations Trade Show, sponsored by the Association of Film Commissioners International, April 12-14 in Santa Monica. The event was a great success and, in addition to gaining numerous leads for possible future productions, the Film Office walked away with two marketing awards: 2nd place for 'Advertising Series/Campaign' and 3rd place for its Production Services Directory.

 

(b)  The Film Office has been asked to give presentations to students and faculty at Preston County High School on April 25 in Kingwood and to students and faculty at West Virginia State University during Communications Day on April 27 in Institute (Kanawha County).

 

3. New Employee Joins Film Office. The Film Office is excited to announce the addition of Cherie Collins to the Film Office staff. Cherie began work on April 16 as an Administrative Secretary and can be reached at ccollins@wvfilm.com.

 

4. West Virginians in the News – "Outside the Border". Parkersburg, Wood County, native Paul Dooley, will next appear on the big screen alongside John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, and an all-star cast in the film "Hairspray" opening nationwide July 20. Paul says he is always recognized as Molly Ringwald's father in "Sixteen Candles" but he was also Julia Robert's father in "Runaway Bride". A few of his other film credits include "A Mighty Wind", "Insomnia", "Happy Texas", and "Waiting for Guffman". He also has extensive television credits. For more information on Paul, visit http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0233209.

 

5. Locations Scouting.  Numerous locations have been scouted and/or considered across the state for productions — some based on client requests and some specifically to capture images of regions not yet in the Film Office Locations Library. Counties and cities scouted included:  Berkeley (Martinsburg); Cabell (Barboursville, Huntington); Fayette (Oak Hill); Greenbrier (Lewisburg and surrounding region); Hampshire (Capon Springs); Hancock (Chester, Weirton); Jackson (Ravenswood, Ripley); Jefferson (Charles Town, Harpers Ferry); Kanawha (Belle, Charleston, Institute, Marmet, South Charleston); Lewis (Weston); Lincoln (Hamlin); Logan (Holden); Marshall (Moundsville); Mason (Apple Grove, New Haven, Point Pleasant); Mingo (Matewan); Monongalia (Morgantown and surrounding region); Nicholas (Summersville); Ohio (Limestone, Wheeling); Pleasants (Willow Island); Pocahontas (Marlinton and surrounding region); Putnam (Buffalo, Winfield and surrounding region); Raleigh (Beckley); Ritchie (North Bend State Park); Summers (Hinton, Talcott); Wetzel (New Martinsville); Wood (Parkersburg).

 

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C. Production Activity by In-State Companies, Freelance Crew, Talent

 

1. The Walkabout Company of Wheeling, Ohio County, has been awarded the contract to develop the interpretive themes and stories for the Ohio National Road Association. This project encompasses the stories of more than 90 sites across the state. A multi-phase project, it is currently in the stage of research, writing, and identifying visual resources. For more information about Walkabout, visit www.gowalkabout.com.

 

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D. Production Activity by Out-of-State Companies

 

1. Since 2005, Nutshell Productions of Los Angeles has been filming a feature documentary on the world of competitive jump roping titled "JUMP!". Portions of the documentary were filmed for a total of 10 days in Parkersburg, Wood County, where the 2005 World Champion and the reigning 2007 World Champion reside. In late March 2007, the director needed to capture some B-roll footage of the Parkersburg region to enhance what was already filmed. She called the Film Office for a Production Services Directory and hired camera operator Colleen Laffey of Fayetteville, Fayette County, to shoot the footage. The film has been accepted into the Los Angeles Film Festival, which takes place June 21-July 1.

 

2. Last August, The History Channel sent a production crew to West Virginia for three days to film segments for a new documentary series called "The States". They filmed at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, around Charleston (capitol complex, interviewed Fred Armstrong at the Division of Culture & History, Archives section, and the Spring Hill Cemetery), and at a Mail Pouch barn. They also obtained B-roll footage from Archives as well as from the Division of Tourism and interviewed Parkersburg native and actor Paul Dooley. The first airdate was Saturday, April 21 and also included the states of California, North Carolina, Kansas, and New Hampshire. Additional broadcasts of Episode 1 are expected but have yet to be scheduled. To learn more about this new series, visit www.history.com. An interactive site is being developed to include a navigational U.S. map, fun facts for each state, games to identify the state, historical maps, famous citizens, and more.

 

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E. Job Postings, In-State:  Crew Calls, Casting Calls/Auditions, etc.

 

1. Video Editor: A Charleston company is seeking a Video Editor who is creative and skilled in Premier, After Effects, and 3-D animation. Must have college degree or experience. Send resume to Video Editor Position, P.O. Box 11829, Charleston, WV 25339.

 

2. Audiovisual Services Assistant: The University of Charleston is seeking a half-time Audiovisual Services Assistant to provide equipment and services to internal and external users. Candidates should possess knowledge of computers, video projection equipment, video production and editing, and operation of theatrical sound equipment. To view complete job description and qualifications, visit www.ucwv.edu/about_uc/employment.aspx. Send resume and three references to David L. Cottrell, Director of Audiovisual Services, University of Charleston, 2300 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304.

 

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F. Job Postings, Nationwide:  Crew Calls, Casting Calls/Auditions, etc.

 

1. A&E TV — Flip This House. 813 Casting Company is currently casting a new cast of characters to star in the upcoming season of A&E's no. 1-rated lifestyle show. Seeking confident, motivated, and opinionated people who flip properties for a living. For more info, email FTH@813casting.com and include your contact info and a brief bio on you and your company.

 

2. HGTV — Splurge and Save. 813 Casting Company is currently seeking people who are planning to redecorate soon (big or small project) and would like the assistance of a top designer. The show focuses on how people may afford high style and great design on a budget. For more info, email HGTVcasting@813casting.com and include info about yourself, the room you want to decorate, the size of your budget, contact info, and location of your current residence.

 

3. NBC — Casting for Various Shows. NBC is now casting for various shows, including Identity (Contestants and Strangers), Fortune, The Biggest Loser, 1 vs. 100, Deal or No Deal, Character Fantasy (USA Network), and Character Road Trip (USA Network). To read the requirements for each show, visit http://www.nbc.com/Casting.

 

4. Post Sound Facility. Post sound facility has two openings: Operations Manager/Staff and Staff Technician. Operations Manager must have complete knowledge of all aspects of post audio for episodic, feature, animation, and reality shows. Staff Technician must have practical knowledge of wiring, pro tools setup/troubleshooting, IT, video/audio deck maintenance, clocking, and sync. For either position, all information must appear in body of email; no attachments will be accepted or opened. Send email to postsoundco@gmail.com and include resume, references, and salary requirements.

 

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G. Industry Events, Articles/Websites of Interest, Other Resources

 

1. One on One — Individualized Filmmaking Education. Explore filmmaking in an intense, individual environment. From prep through photography and post, One on One Film Training offers a private, comprehensive program in visual storytelling. Another round of 3-day workshops for both emerging and experienced directors is set for this spring and summer and classes are limited to six participants. To set up a consultation, contact info@OneOnOneFilmTraining.com or call 1-877-SHOTLIST. For details about the program and entry deadlines, visit www.oneononefilmtraining.com.

 

2. Advanced On-Line Screenwriting Class. An 8-week online class that takes you beyond screenwriting fundamentals and includes character development, plot development, structure, conflict, and dialogue. On-line class size limited to 10. Deadline to apply is July 15 and cost is $200. To register, visit http://www.4screenwriters.com/advanced_screenwriting_01.html.

 

3. Secrets to Distribution. So you've made your movie. Now what? To learn about the ins and outs of distribution, sign up for Jerome Courshon's one-day seminar, "The Secrets of Distribution: Get Your Movie Distributed Now!". Upcoming seminar dates are May 12 (New York), June 16 (Chicago), June 23 (St. Louis), and Los Angeles (TBA). For details and registration fees, visit http://www.distribution.la.

 

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H. Calls for Entry: Film Festivals, Screenplays, Other Industry Competitions

 

1. IFP Independent Film Labs. A national program connecting mentors and projects before they are submitted to festivals, the Independent Feature Project has announced submission deadlines for two of its programs. Submissions to the Narrative Rough Cut Lab must be received by April 27 and submissions to the Documentary Rough Cut Lab must be received by September 10. For submission details, visit www.ifp.org/labs.

 

2. Roy W. Dean Grants. Deadlines are approaching for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant and the Roy W. Dean Writing Grant. Applicants for the Film Grant must apply by April 27 (goods and services equivalent to nearly $40,000). Applicants for the Writing Grant must apply by May 18; the winning candidate will stay in New Zealand for 4-6 weeks (package includes air and lodging, per diem, computer, long distance phone card, screenwriting software, and more). For applications and complete details, visit www.fromtheheartproductions.com, or contact Carole Dean at caroleedean@att.net or 805-984-0098.

 

3. IFP Market. A national program connecting projects with financiers, producers, and programmers before they are completed and on the festival circuit. Deadlines begin May 4 for the categories of Emerging Narrative, No Borders International Co-Production Market, and Spotlight on Documentaries. The 2007 IFP Market will be held in NYC September 16-20. For rules and regulations, visit http://market.ifp.org/newyork/market/market29/index02.html.

 

4. WVIFF Student Filmmaking Competition. The West Virginia International Film Festival has extended its deadline to May 15 for entries to the annual Student Filmmaking Competition. The competition is an added feature to the Charleston FestivALL celebration (June 21-24) and winning entries will be shown during the awards program on Sunday, June 24 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summers Street, Charleston (Kanawha County). Open only to students enrolled in a WV educational facility (home-schooled student are also eligible), competition rules and prizes can be viewed at http://www.wviff.org/Spring_Film_Contest.htm.

 

5. Dances With Films Film Festival. Held in West Hollywood, California, Dances with Films is accepting entries for its 10th annual competition until May 16. Both feature length and shorts are accepted. For entry fees, forms, and more details, visit www.danceswithfilms.com.

 

6. Mountain Stage NewSong Contest. Now in its 6th year, West Virginia's Mountain Stage NewSong Festival is one of the nation's premiere showcases of performing songwriters across all genres. A total of 12 finalists will be selected to perform in the 2007 international contest finals held in New York City in late September. Four (4) finalists will be chosen from the general submission round, one (1) from the NewSong Academy, seven (7) from the Regional Live Rounds, and one (1) from the general round as an early bird finalist. The deadline for early bird consideration is May 18. There are numerous deadlines and venues for entrants to participate in regional rounds. Visit www.newsongfestival.com for complete registration details, awards descriptions, and information about the NewSong Academy.

 

7. Mid-Atlantic Black Film Festival. Independently produced documentaries, short films, student films, animation shorts, and music videos may be submitted by May 18 (early bird deadline with reduced entry fee) or by the final deadline of June 2. All submissions must have been directed, written or produced by a person of African descent, or must tell a story about the Black experience and/or feature a person of African descent in a lead role. The festival will be held July 26-28 in Norfolk, Virginia at the Historic Attucks Theatre. For complete details, visit http://www.attuckstheatre.org/mabff.html.

 

8. Slamdance Screenplay Competition. The 12th annual Slamdance Screenplay Competition offers a grand prize of $7,000 for feature length submissions and a $500 prize for shorts. One of the shorts will also be picked to participate in The Duke City Shootout, the winner of which will receive a prize package valued at $50,000. Entries must be postmarked by May 18. The competition also includes a category for teleplays; entries will be accepted after May 1 with the final deadline being August 21. For complete details about each competition, visit www.slamdance.com.

 

9. C.A.U.S.E. Challenge™ High School Film Festival. Great prizes await the winning entries in this third annual film festival for students (as individuals or as teams of up to four) who want to help save the environment and make a film about it. The contest is open to 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the WEST VIRGINIA counties of Monongalia, Preston, and Marion; the PENNSYLVANIA counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Washington and Westmoreland; and the OHIO counties of Jefferson, Columbiana, and Mahoning. This year's theme is "Mutual Impact: The Environment and You". Grab a camera, assemble a cast, scout locations, and write and produce original films to be submitted on or before June 1. For complete details and an entry packet, visit http://www.SciTechSpec.org or call the C.A.U.S.E. Challenge Hotline at 412-777-5791. The competition is sponsored by Bayer Corporation, Carnegie Science Center's SciTech Spectacular, and Pittsburgh Filmmakers. C.A.U.S.E. stands for Creating Awareness and Understanding of our Surrounding Environment.

 

10. Calling All Women Filmmakers. The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) invites women filmmakers and media artists to enter the NMWA 20th anniversary Festival of Film and Media Arts to be held September 25-30. The museum is accepting film, video, media performance, and installations of all lengths and genres from around the globe for the festival. Final deadline for submissions is June 8. Entry forms and details are available at www.nmwa.org/calendar/FilmFestival07_entryapplication.pdf or by email at filmfestival@nmwa.org.

 

11. Creative Screenwriting Magazine — Screenplay Contest. Deadline to submit entries for the 2007 AAA Screenplay Contest is July 15. Entry fee is $40 for features and $30 for teleplays. For complete details, including the list of great prizes, visit www.creativescreenwriting.com/aaa/index.html.

 

12. Current TV. A broadcast platform designed to interact with viewers and support independent content creators, Current TV seeks original content all the time. How does it work? You create an original, short-form (3-7 minutes), non-fiction video (from legal music, releases and ideas to sample programming and training) and upload it to the site. If it likes what it sees, Current TV will buy it (after negotiating a price) and broadcast it on television in 38 million homes. The website includes step-by-step instructions. For details, visit http://www.currenttv.com/make.

 

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I. West Virginia Calendar of Events

 

1. Shepherdstown Film Society, Shepherdstown (Jefferson County).  In collaboration with Shepherd University, the Shepherdstown Film Society will screen "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" (1959, 106 min, starring Jeanne Moreau and Gιrard Philipe) on April 25 @ 7:30 pm in Shepherd's Storer Ballroom (3rd floor, Student Center, King Street). Dr. Rachel Ritterbusch will lead a post-film discussion. Admission is free. For more information about the film society and future screenings, visit www.shepherdstownfilmsociety.org.

 

2. Creative Writing Workshop, Hurricane (Putnam County). Museum in the Community will conduct a creative writing workshop on April 26 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm with Dr. Danny Fulks, an Appalachian author and professor emeritus at Marshall University. The class will prove helpful to those who write, e.g., short articles for journals, short stories, recipes, and church newsletters. Advice will also be given on how to get published. The class is open to adults as well as to students from 6th grade and above. Cost is $25 per person. For more information or to enroll, call 304-541-9979 or visit www.museuminthecommunity.org.

 

3. Lascaux Micro-Theater, Buckhannon (Upshur County). The Lascaux Micro-Theater will screen "Sacco and Vanzetti" (2006 USA, 85 min documentary) on Friday, April 27 @ 7:00 pm & 9:00 pm. Admission is $7.00/adult and $6.00/student. Reservations are suggested. For more information and directions, call 304-473-1818.

 

4. West Virginia International Film Festival (Kanawha County). While the schedule has not been finalized, mark your calendars for the 22nd annual Spring WV International Film Festival to be held May 10-13 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summers Street, Charleston. If you would like to volunteer your time in exchange for admission tickets, send an email to wviff@yahoo.com. To be added to the mailing list so you don't miss schedule announcements, visit http://www.wviff.org/mail_one.htm.

 

5. Film Series, South Charleston Museum (Kanawha County). In cooperation with the WV Labor History Association, the South Charleston Museum will feature the Appalachian premiere of Shawn Bennett's "Battle of Local 5668" and the U.S. premiere of Luis Argeo's "Asturiaus" on May 12 @ 7:00 pm at the Historic LaBelle Theater, 311 'D' Street, South Charleston. Admission is $2 for members and $4 for non-members. For more information, contact Teresa Whitt at 304-744-9711 or visit www.geocities.com/scmuseum/WV_Film_Series.html.

 

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J. Contact Info, Disclaimer, Subscribe/Unsubscribe

 

1. Questions, comments, ideas?  Send an email to phaynes@wvfilm.com if you have ideas on topics or news to be considered in a future Email Blast. Please note that the West Virginia Film Office is the sole authority on which topics may appear in an Email Blast, and it is the sole right of the West Virginia Film Office to decline to publish a suggested topic, idea, or other news item. Questions and comments should be directed to Pam Haynes, Director, West Virginia Film Office, 90 MacCorkle Avenue SW, South Charleston, WV 25303; 304-558-2200, ext. 382; phaynes@wvfilm.com; www.wvfilm.com.

 

2. The Email Blasts are compiled by the West Virginia Film Office for purposes of providing information and topics of interest to those who choose to subscribe. Information contained in the Email Blasts is sometimes predicated upon information gathered from a variety of sources. Website links contained in the Email Blasts are not maintained by the West Virginia Film Office, nor is it responsible for a website's content. The West Virginia Film Office, the West Virginia Department of Commerce, the West Virginia Division of Tourism, and the State of West Virginia expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability relating to the accuracy of certain information contained in the Email Blasts. The Email Blasts are provided as a complimentary service of the West Virginia Film Office and sent via Email periodically. Based on information available at the time of each Email Blast, category headings may change.

 

3. Subscribe/Unsubscribe.  To subscribe, send an email to phaynes@wvfilm.com with "add to email alerts" in the subject line. To unsubscribe, send an email to phaynes@wvfilm.com with "remove from email alerts" in the subject line. All issues of the Email Blasts are made available online at www.wvfilm.com under the link for " News".

 

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