WEST VIRGINIA FILM OFFICE

West Virginia Film Office

Email Blast

August 27, 2004

CONTENTS

A. Acknowledgements

B. West Virginia Film Office Updates & News

1. Notice of Upcoming Deadlines for PSD Listings

2. Email Blasts Posted to Website

3. Request to WV Production Companies # 1

4. Request to WV Production Companies # 2

5. Community Outreach

6. Locations Scouting

7. Office Development

8. Miscellaneous News from Around the State

C. Production Activity By Outside Companies

D. West Virginia Indigenous Production Activity & Casting Calls

E. Nationwide Casting Calls/Auditions

F. Articles of Interest, Websites of Interest, Other Useful Resources

G. Film Festivals and/or Script Submissions

H. Calendar of Events

I. Contact Info, Disclaimer, Subscribe/Unsubscribe

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A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

1. Congratulations to Scott Depot's animation house Destiny Images for continuing to gain national and international attention with its productions. It's most recent production, News You Can Use focusing on math and science education, was created in cooperation with NASA's Langley Center for Distance Learning as part of NASA's Kid's Science News Network, using 3-D computer animation with 2-1/2-D watercolor backgrounds. The 52 x 1-minute episodes are targeted for ages 5 to 8 years (kindergarten to 2nd grade) and are in both English and Spanish. These animation episodes can be seen on NASA's Kids Science News Network website at http://ksnn.larc.nasa.gov. For more information, contact Jamie Cope, the owner of Destiny Images at www.destinyimages.com.

2. Congratulations to Riverside High School graduates Ryan Dorsey, Dustin Kerns, and Chad Smith who were accepted into schools in New York City. Dorsey and Kerns will attend New York School for Film and Television's two-year Conservatory Acting Program (only 120 were accepted from more than 2,000 who auditioned). Smith will attend New York Film Academy's directing program. All three students are from Chesapeake. The West Virginia Film Office wishes all three students great success in their studies and careers.

3. Repeated congratulations to West Virginia native and WVU grad, and recent USC grad (MFA), Maria Brenner for her success with her thesis film Remembering Bob. As previously reported in an earlier Email Blast, Brenner's short film aired on the Animal Planet and also received the Genesis Student Award. Most recently, a review of Remembering Bob appeared in the August/September 2004 issue of Vegetarians in Paradise. To read the review, visit www.vegparadise.com, scroll down the right-hand side, and click on "Remembering Bob as you view his porcine adventure".

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B. WEST VIRGINIA FILM OFFICE UPDATES & NEWS:

1. Notice of Upcoming Deadlines for Modifying Listings and Becoming Listed in the 2005 Edition of the Production Services Directory: Please stay tuned for deadlines to modify listings or to become listed in the 2005 Edition of the PSD. Please do NOT utilize the forms currently posted on the Film Office website. The forms are being revised and will be posted to the website soon. The deadline notice will be sent by separate email some time during the week of August 30.

2. Email Blasts Posted to Website: The Film Office is pleased to announce that all Email Blasts are now posted to the Film Office website at www.wvfilm.com. You can review all prior Email Blasts at the link for "Film Office News".

3. Film Office Request to WV Production Companies # 1: The Film Office is creating a library of photographs of crews in action when shooting on location in West Virginia (for all types of productions). When possible, please designate a crew member to take shots of the crew and/or cast in action and send to the Film Office with a release for use, identities of those in the shot, the name of the project, and the month/year of the production. The Film Office may choose certain photos to post on its website and possibly in paid advertisements marketing the state's production activity.

4. Film Office Request to WV Production Companies # 2: The Film Office is maintaining a catalogue of video footage that exists around the state which showcases the diverse regions available. The main purpose of maintaining this catalogue is due to the numerous requests the Film Office receives for B-roll footage to be used in a variety of exhibitions (having a list will greatly reduce response time). The request is to obtain a list of the titles of all footage each production company has shot in the past two years and the identity of the copyright owner of the footage. For example, if Walkabout Productions in Wheeling was hired by the Midland Trail Association to produce a video for promoting the Trail, the response would be: "Midland Trail National Scenic Byway video, footage owned by Midland Trail Association". Your prompt attention to this request is greatly appreciated.

5. Community Outreach: The Film Office was invited to speak before the West Virginia Chapter of Public Relations Society of America on August 18 at the Charleston Marriott.

6. Locations Scouting: The Film Office has scouted numerous locations around the state in June, July, and August, either for specific production projects or for general familiarization trips, including the Counties of Wayne, Mingo, Kanawha, Fayette, Marshall, Ohio, Brooke, Hancock, Morgan, Berkeley, Jefferson, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph, and Tucker.

7. Office Development: The Film Office appeared before the Kanawha County Commission in July to request access to photographs and information about sites in the county designated for demolition to determine whether any of the sites could be marketable to the motion picture and television industries. The request was granted.

8. Miscellaneous News from Around the State:

(a) Clay Center Internships: The Clay Center is looking for an intern (or interns) to work with its IT Director, Artist Liaison, and Performing Arts/Education Manager to record two master classes for streaming video on its website (and the artists') and the creation of a DVD for the workshop participants. This position(s) is an unpaid internship, and camera and sound experience is required for applicants to be considered. The Clay Center owns 3 Canon XL-S1 Digital Camcorders and all required editing equipment and DVD production equipment necessary to record these master classes. The master classes will occur November 9 and November 20. To apply for the internship, send resume by mail to Lakin Cook, Performing Arts and Education Manager, The Clay Center, PO Box 11808, Charleston, WV 25339; by email to lcook@theclaycenter.org; or call 304-561-3532 for more information.

(b) Filmmaker B.J. Gudmundsson's production company, Patchwork Films of Greenbrier County, has landed the distribution rights to East Wind, West Wind: The Life and Times of Pearl Buck. The documentary was produced by Donn Rogosin, former director of WSWP in Beckley and includes archival footage and interviews with a unique insight into China during the first half of the 20th Century. For more information, email bj@patchworkfilms.com.

(c) Filmmaker Ray Schmitt's production company, Real Earth Productions of Hardy County, has produced seven major productions since 1997. His films focus on showcasing West Virginia, its artists, and its heritage. His two most recent accomplishments are the documentaries Lulu: Triumph of the Human Spirit and The Abby Spirit. The Abby Spirit (about Huntington native Abby Wathen) has been selected for screening on September 14 during the Docs-In-Progress program in Washington, DC. He is currently in pre-production on two additional documentaries. For more information on Ray Schmitt and Real Earth Productions, visit http://realearthproductions.com/films.htm.

(d) Digital Vision Works, a production company in Kanawha County, was recently awarded a contract to produce a documentary, "Bridge Building in West Virginia." The production house will be working with Ms. Terry Lively, Creative Services Manager for the WV Division of Highways' Public Affairs Office. (Lively is also secretary of the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild.) The hour-long documentary, to be completed by March 2006, will highlight the struggles of bridge building and showcase the beautiful and ingenious results. For more information, contact Terry Lively at 304-558-0103. To reach Digital Vision Works, visit www.digitalvisionworks.com.

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C. PRODUCTION ACTIVITY BY OUTSIDE COMPANIES (these listings do not include projects for which the Film Office is conducting locations scouting or other services that are premature to announce):

The Film Office provided a range of support services to the following productions teams, which shot (or will shoot) on location in West Virginia:

(a) Borderline Productions (NYC) shot on location for several days during two separate visits to Charleston in July and August. Beckley native Morgan Spurlock is the executive producer of a pilot for a proposed reality series titled "30 Days" to air on the F/X Network. Local crew was hired to assist on the production shoot. Because of confidentiality restrictions, details of the program cannot be divulged at this time.

(b) For the past couple of months, the West Virginia Film Office has provided liaison services to Lighthouse Productions for British photographer David Gibbons for his nationwide project "14 Days in America". Gibbons and his crew conducted interviews with dozens of West Virginians and shot stills and a documentary during their trip to Charleston on August 21 at the WV State University Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summers Street. For details about this project, visit www.14daysinamerica.com.

(c) The Food Network aired a program for Roker on the Road titled "Regional Secrets" on Tuesday, June 15, which showcased a segment on Fairmont (Marion County) and the "home" of the Pepperoni Roll. The Film Office assisted with obtaining B-roll footage for use in the program.

(d) McCarthy, Marcus, Hennings, LTD, an ad agency in Washington, DC, contacted the Film Office for a PSD so they could locate crew for shooting commercial spots. MMH hired Bill Hogan's production house Image Associates of Charleston (Kanawha County) for production support.

(e) The Food Network shot on location at The Greenbrier during the weekend of August 21 for a segment on its BBQ Bootcamp for airing on a future episode of BBQ with Bobby Flay. The Film Office assisted with obtaining B-roll footage for use in the program.

Other productions that shot (or will shoot) on location in West Virginia for which my office was made aware:

(a) As previously reported, the Speed Channel shot on location throughout many counties, beginning at the Gillum House B&B in Shinnston (Harrison County) and ending at the Elkhorn Inn in Landgraff (McDowell County), filming 5-time AMA motorcycle champion Chris Carr following the "see WV from the north to the south, Biker B&B ride". The segment aired on August 10 as part of Greg's Garage segment on Two Wheel Tuesdays.

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D. WEST VIRGINIA INDIGENOUS PRODUCTION ACTIVITY & CASTING CALLS (This section will include only information about production activity from the state's indigenous filmmakers and videographers and will also include casting calls for WV productions (film, TV, commercials, theater, etc.). The Film Office cannot possibly follow all indigenous production activity across the state; this is where you can assist in passing along information. The Film Office will consider only information which can be confirmed by a producer or director of a film/video project. If you are passing on second-hand info, please include an appropriate contact for the project.):

1. Paradise Film Institute: Daniel Boyd and Paradise Film Institute recently wrapped a short feature musical, Makutano ("The Meeting Point"). Final shooting took place in Charleston in June and it is currently being edited. The musical is a U.S. /Tanzanian co-production and will also include a "making of" featurette by Sutton filmmaker Kevin Carpenter.

2. Sorry Dog Productions: Sorry Dog Productions, a company run by West Virginia native Scott Martin, is currently in production on its next feature film, The Alderson Mile. Some shooting has occurred in Alderson, Greenbrier County, with additional shoots planned in the region.

3. WV Casting Calls: The Film Office has not received any casting calls for WV productions.

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E. NATIONWIDE CASTING CALLS/AUDITIONS:

1. E! Entertainment TV: Are you an E! True Hollywood Story? Have you considered that your own life could be the subject of an E! True Hollywood Story? For an upcoming episode, E! is looking for an as yet unknown person whose life embodies the spirit of the show. To be considered, visit http://www.eonline.com/On/Holly/AreYou/application.html?AreyouaTHS. Read and follow all guidelines. Submissions will be accepted until September 20, 2004, and applicants must be 21 years of age or older.

2. SeaWorld Orlando, FL: SeaWorld of Orlando is looking for Games Hosts/Hostesses with energy, smiles, and enthusiasm to create an impressionable experience for the park visitors. Must be comfortable with a microphone, have a strong cash handling skills, be outgoing, have strong customer service skills, and able to work in a fast-paced, fun environment. Must be able to work outdoors. Apply to SeaWorld Staffing Center, 7007 Sea Harbor Circle, Orlando, FL, or visit www.seaworldjobs.com.

3. TNT, the network dedicated to drama, wants to share its passion for drama by helping actors who are trying to get a big break. Seeking males and females, all types, ages 21 and up, for Dramatic Auditions Tour. TNT will give one talented, aspiring actor the tools they need to break into Hollywood. Winner receives $50,000 cash, and a year in Los Angeles including a furnished apartment, transportation, acting classes and a publicist. Twenty semifinalists will receive $1000. Auditions held Oct. 7 in LA, Oct. 12 in Las Vegas, and Oct. 21 in NY and are also accepted online and by mail. Actors will be asked to perform a one-minute monologue from a movie airing on TNT. Monologues are available at the events or log onto www.tnt.tv to see the scripts in advance. Auditions will be judged by a panel of celebrity judges, including Dennis Franz from NYPD Blue. For more information log onto www.tnt.tv.

4. American Pie 4, Universal Pictures: Casting for 35mm film "American Pie 4", direct to video/DVD. Universal Pictures, prod'r; Steve Rash, dir.; Jeff Mitchell and Jennifer Rudolph, Mitchell/Rudolph Casting, casting (NYC). Shooting begins Oct. 2004 in Los Angeles, CA and Vancouver, Canada. Seeking--Matt Stifler: 17 years old, the younger brother of veteran horndog Steven Stifler, Matt too is a case of wild, uninhibited id, whenever someone talks about the lowest common denominator, they're talking about Matt Stifler. Pay. Mail or drop off your submission to the following address. If you drop it off, do not put it into an envelope. Just staple the material together and drop it into the box in front of the door. All submissions must include email address. Send pix and resumes to "American Pie 4" Casting, Box BS, Mitchell/Rudolph Casting, 440 Park Ave. South, 11th Floor, NYC, NY 10016.

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F. ARTICLES OF INTEREST, WEBSITES OF INTEREST, OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES:

1. Set Resources' Platinum Production Desk ("PPD") provides the best rates on hotel accommodations and locations worldwide to the film and television industries when shooting on location. The PPD brands include Clarion®, Quality®, Comfort Suites®, Comfort Inn®, MainStay Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Rodeway Inn®, Econo Lodge®, and brand hotels, offering accommodations and locations ranging in quality from 5 Star to side-of-the-road. With a strong presence in West Virginia, over 50 statewide, the PPD can assist in hotel accommodations, production office space and storage wherever and whatever your filming accommodation needs may be. PPD guarantees productions the best rates available with its contracted hotels, and PPD will also handle the logistics and accommodation coordination and negotiations. For more information, visit www.setresources.com or email info@setresources.com.

2. The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook: All New American Version (yellow cover with a bomb on it) is now available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles, Borders, Waldenbooks, and Brentanos. The new edition includes more than 150 interviews with professionals from every aspect of filmmaking (stunt coordinator, writer, agent, animal trainer, etc.). Also included are more than 10 case studies with filmmakers who share their experiences as well as numerous informational "boxouts", charts, and lists that provide practical information to help avoid pitfalls, save money, and make tough decisions. The link at Amazon.com is http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0826414648/qid=1084345957/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl14/104-8429796-0632758?v=glance&s=books&n=507846.

3. Indie Distributor Seeking Films: EYE-IN-Entertainment is looking to acquire films that have not yet been distributed. For consideration, contact: Film2Video@aol.com, call 805-341-0288, or write to Box 4151, Thousand Oaks, CA 91359-1151.

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G. FILM FESTIVAL AND/OR SCRIPT SUBMISSIONS:

1. CALL FOR ENTRIES, Tiburon International Film Festival: 4th Annual Festival held March 11-17,2005, announces its call for entries in all genres (fiction, documentary, short, animation, experimental, student, children) from around the world. All films submitted are eligible to win the Golden Reel Award in several categories: Best Fiction, Best Documentary, Best Short, Best Animation, Best Children Film, Best Student Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay. The Audience Award will be presented to one film through submitted ballots and the winners of all categories will be announced at the end of the Festival. Entry form and eligibility guidelines are available at www.tiburonfilmfestival.com, or by fax at 415-388-4123. Deadline for submissions is December 1, 2004.

2. CALL FOR ENTRIES, Palm Beach International Film Festival: 10th annual event held April 14 - 21, 2005, announces its call for entries features, featurettes, shorts, and documentaries of all genres. All films are eligible for the Audience Favorite in the categories of Feature, Short and Documentary. A select number of films will be chosen for competition in the categories of Best Director, Best Performance by an Actor/Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short. Entry forms and eligibility guidelines are available at www.pbifilmfest.org. Early deadline is December 31, 2004; final deadline is February 4, 2005. For more information, visit the website, email info@pbifilmfest.org, or call 561.362.0003.

3. CALL FOR ENTRIES, New York City Horror Film Festival: Held October 20-24, 2004, at the TriBeCa Film Center, submissions are being accepted until September 15, with an early bird deadline of September 1. For guidelines and details, visit www.nychorrorfest.com.

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H. CALENDAR OF EVENTS (generally, WV activities, with certain exceptions) [please send in events from around the state for consideration]:

1. South Charleston Museum, West Virginia Film Series: Held at the newly restored LaBelle Theater at 311 "D" Street, South Charleston (Kanawha County), two upcoming film exhibitions have been scheduled. On August 28 at 7:00 pm, filmmaker Bill Richardson will introduce his new film, Mine Wars, a story of the decades long battles that took place in the Southern coalfields during the 1910s and 1920s, which will be followed by Richardson's 2002 film, Feud: The Hatfields and McCoys. This program is sponsored by the WV Labor History Association and the South Charleston Museum. On September 12 at 7:00 pm, taking place during the Mound Celebration, will be a program titled Early West Virginia Cinema. Exhibitions will include "The Romance of Coal" (1920); a portion of a 10-part biography on Theodore Roosevelt; "Nitro" (1919); "Recreational Resources" (1932); "A Better West Virginia" (1937); "One Room Schoolhouses" (1935); and "West Virginia the State Beautiful" (1929). These films have been provided by the State Film Archives at the WV Division of Culture and History. The biography excerpts are being shown with the permission of the Theodore Roosevelt Foundation. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 304.744.9711, email scmuseum@yahoo.com, or visit http://www.geocities.com/scmuseum/Exhibitions_and_Events.html?10716136700.

2. American Conservation Film Festival: On August 28 at 7:00 pm, the American Conservation Film Festival will host its first fundraising event at Wild Goose Farm in Shepherdstown (Jefferson County). The evening will include an announcement of the ACFF's 2004 Season with the theme "The Changing Face of the Land". Also include are live music, cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, and a screening of Pare Lorentz's Pulitzer nominated "The River". For more information, call 304.876.7373, or visit www.conservationfilm.org.

3. Carnegie Hall, West Virginia Film Series: The West Virginia Film Series held at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg (Greenbrier County) has noticed its September event. On September 16 at 7:00 pm, Roane County teacher Judy Miller will introduce her film The Captives, which tells the story of Mary Draper Ingles and how she was captured, survived, and escaped her Indian captors. For more information, visit www.carnegiehallwv.com, or call 304-645-7917.

4. WV International Film Festival - Splice It Up!: On September 17 and 18, the WVIFF will hold its next Splice It Up! in Charleston (Kanawha County) with two films, De-Lovely and Baadasssss. De-Lovely stars Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd and will be shown September 17 @ 7:00 pm and September 18 @ 9:15 pm. Baadasssss stars Mario Van Peebles and will be shown September 17 @ 9:15 pm and September 18 @ 7:00 pm. For more information, call 304-342-7100 or visit www.wviff.org.

5. Shawnee Conference 2.0 for Interactive Digital Technologies: October 1, 2004, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, is offering a conference consisting of educators, game industry professionals, leaders, funders, and students involved in the growing game, simulation and learning technology field. The conference is free, but you must register. The program includes nationally acclaimed Robin Chenoweth McShaffry, vice president and founder of Mary-Margaret.com, the top personnel recruiting firm for the computer game industry; and Eric Marcoullier of Cyberlore, who will demonstrate how interactive gaming technologies are being applied to a wide range of non-entertainment fields such as military training and politics. RSVP to gmoore@shawnee.edu, or call 740.351.3281 (toll-free 1.866.672.8778).

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I. CONTACT INFO, DISCLAIMER, SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE

1. Questions, comments, ideas for Email Blasts? Send email to phaynes@callwva.com if you have ideas on topics you would like to see covered or if you have "news" you would like the West Virginia Film Office to consider publishing in a future Email Blast. Please note, however, 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 Pamela Haynes, Director, West Virginia Film Office, 90 MacCorkle Avenue SW, South Charleston, WV 25303; 304-558-2200, ext. 382; phaynes@callwva.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 offered in the Email Blasts are not maintained by the West Virginia Film Office and it is not responsible for a website's content. The West Virginia Film Office, the West Virginia Bureau 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 usually every 3-4 weeks. Based on information available at the time of each Email Blast, category headings may change periodically.

3. To subscribe to the Email Blasts, send an email to phaynes@callwva.com with "add to email alerts" in the subject line. To unsubscribe to the Email Blasts, send an email to phaynes@callwva.com with "remove from email alerts" in the subject line. To obtain back issues of Email Blasts, send an email to phaynes@callwva.com.

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