West Virginia Film Office
Email Blast
December 23, 2003
CONTENTS
A. Acknowledgements
B. West Virginia
Film Office Updates & News
C. West Virginia
Indigenous Production Activity
D. Websites of
Interest
E. Educational &
Seminar/Workshop Opportunities
F. Articles of
Interest
G. Film Festivals
and/or Script Submissions
H. Calendar of
Events
I. Contact Info, Disclaimer,
Subscribe/Unsubscribe
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A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The West
Virginia Film Office congratulates Daniel Boyd of Charleston,
West Virginia, as the recipient of the "Filmmaker of the Year"
award at the October 2003 WV Filmmakers Film Festival held in Sutton (Braxton
County). Boyd was chosen by a committee
of leading film professionals throughout the state and was presented with a
sculpture created by West Virginia artist William Hopen. Two of Boyd's most recent films, "Red
Salt & Reynolds" and "Duara" were
featured during the film festival event. "Red Salt & Reynolds," which
premiered in September at The Clay Center (Charleston), tells the history of
the salt industry in the Kanawha Valley through an Army Corps of Engineers
archeological dig on land formerly owned by the Reynolds family. West Virginia native and actor David
Selby narrated the documentary.
"Duara" is a dramatic short film produced for
an East African AIDS prevention organization and was a collaborative project
between West Virginia State College and the University of Dar es Salaam in
Tanzania. It tells the story of two
young lovers who must deal with the AIDS issue. Boyd is a long-time filmmaker
and professor at West Virginia State College.
For more information, visit: http://wvfff.tripod.com/2003/id8.html or http://pfi.wvsc.edu/.
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B. WEST VIRGINIA FILM OFFICE UPDATES &
NEWS:
1. Production Services Directory: The publication of West Virginia's
Production Services Directory is moving full-steam ahead. The layout of the PSD will begin taking
shape during the week of December 29, with final printing completed around
January 27. Each person/company who
submitted a Listing Form will receive a complimentary copy in the mail. Others who are interested in receiving a
copy must issue a request by phone or email (please do not do so now). Originally, it was determined that one
"hard copy" directory would be printed annually, with quarterly
updates being provided on the Film Office website. This topic has been revisited, and the Film Office will be able
to save valuable budget dollars by printing the PSD in-house (front and back
covers will be professionally produced, however). Because of this, the great news is that the print edition and the
website edition will both be updated on a quarterly
basis! So, once the January 27 edition
is mailed and posted, if there are any errors in the PSD, they can be quickly
resolved. Thanks to all those who
submitted forms in a timely fashion to be included in this first edition. I'm very excited to see the
"final" product, and I'm confident everyone will be pleased!
2. Website: The Film Office now has its own website at www.wvfilm.com.
Please know that it is currently undergoing major reconstruction, which
should be complete by the end of January 2004, in conjunction with the
distribution of the PSD.
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C. WEST VIRGINIA INDIGENOUS PRODUCTION ACTIVITY
(This
section will include information about WV production activity from our
indigenous filmmakers and videographers.
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 only
consider information which can be confirmed by a producer or director of a
film/video project, so if you are passing on second-hand info, please include
an appropriate contact for the project. NOTE:
This section will not cover the activity from outside production
companies shooting in WV. With regard
to external activity, the Film Office will provide separate notices/press
releases when deemed necessary.):
1. WVSC Students and Faculty to Climb
East Africa's Mt. Kilimanjaro to Make Film: West Virginia State College
students are involved in another international study and production experience.
Paradise Film Institute has forged a strong relationship with
the University of Dar es Salaam's School of Performing and Fine Arts in
Tanzania, East Africa. Over the past several years, students and faculty have
participated in exchanges at the university and have produced several acclaimed
films. At the end of December 2003, WVSC Professors Daniel Boyd and
Robin Broughton will return to Tanzania with two WVSC
students, a WVSC alumni, and two students from the University of Dar es Salaam
to shoot a film on top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world
(20,000 feet), Mt. Kilimanjaro. The
film, "Makutano," will be a short musical production
combining the African and Appalachian oral traditions. The story follows the
birth, struggles, and the reunification of centuries of mankind -- symbolized
through journeys of an American and an African who come together at the end of
the movie atop Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's spiritual mecca. It will be a quest
not only for the characters but also for the crew as they strive to make their
way to the summit. For more information
about the Paradise Film Institute, visit:
http://pfi.wvsc.edu/.
2. Patchwork Films, Greenbrier County: Filmmaker B.J. Gudmundsson
has been a driving force (i.e., producer and director) behind Lewisburg's new Living
History Exhibit, "Our Place in Time," which
is on display in the lobby of Lewisburg's City Hall. The exhibit is not scheduled for completion until 2004, and the
City of Lewisburg is the sponsor of the exhibit. "Our Place in Time" primary focus is short
documentaries on local people and historic events that will be viewed on an
interactive computer kiosk. Clips from
documentary films, produced by local filmmakers, will be exhibited, some of
which are: Gary Aide’s
recently completed film, “The Biography of Gwen Clingman”; two films
produced by project director, B.J. Gudmundsson, “Out of the
Storm, The Galford Lumber Company” and the one-man play, “An Evening
with Cal Price”; and the Doug
Chadwick-Susan Burt documentary on the Lilly Brothers,
“True Facts in a Country Song.” Additional items of interest will also be on display. For more information, visit www.lewisburg.org/history or www.patchworkfilms.com, or call
304-645-4998.
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D. WEBSITES OF INTEREST:
WWW.CYBERFILMSCHOOL.COM:
With today's new digital technology and inexpensive camcorders, it's
never been easier to make a film. But, can you write, produce, direct, shoot
and edit a film with enough quality to get it into a major film festival or get
noticed by Hollywood? Making good
movies isn't about buying the best camcorder -- it's about technique and
craft. Cyber Film School offers a
unique breakthrough instructional CD-ROM which contains moviemaking lessons,
assignments, tests, photographs, animations, practice editing clips and video.
This special CD, in combination with an award-winning website, gives beginners
the ability to learn the craft of moviemaking quickly and easily in a fun and
interactive environment.
WWW.SCREENPLAY.COM:
Since 1982, Write Brothers Inc. (formerly called Screenplay Systems)
has been the world leader in film and television production software, which is
sold worldwide and has been used in the development of most of your favorite films
and television shows. Rather than stifle creativity, Write Brothers believes
that the computer has given people unprecedented freedom to create, develop,
and implement new ideas and inspirations. Since 1990, over 80% of the Academy
Award® nominations and 95% of the Emmy® awards went to companies that used
Write Brothers/ Screenplay Systems' software.
WWW.GETAMENTOR.COM:
GetaMentor.com, A Worldwide Organization, offers on-the-job, one-on-one
apprentice/mentor training for a career in radio & TV broadcasting,
recording arts, film & video production, by contracting with major radio/TV
stations, recording studios/companies, video and film production companies
worldwide who have current openings and an ongoing need to hire beginners, to
traing and mentor aspiring talented apprentices.
WWW.WGAEAST.ORG: The Writers Guild of America - East works to protect your
independence. For more information on
the "Low Budget Agreement," visit the website or call
212-767-7800. And be sure to protect
your work -- it only takes 10 minutes to register your work online at www.wgaeast.org/script_registration.
WWW.SAGINDIE.ORG:
The Screen Actors Guild - Indie website is remarkably useful and
contains valuable information, including:
Student Film Agreement, Experimental Film Agreement, Limited Exhibition
Letter Agreement, Modified Low Budget Agreement, Low Budget Agreement, and
Diversity Casting Incentives. It also
provides information on "Indie Film Casting." An very important resource for the
independent filmmaker.
WWW.SOYOUWANNASELLASCRIPT.COM: Get your screenplay in front of film
studios, executives, producers, and agents.
The website contains a large selection of free resources, including
script competitions, film festivals, film schools, agent information, scripts
to download, insider columns, latest spec sales, and software demo's. Also includes Script Express, Script
Marketplace, and Hollywood Bugle.
WWW.WRITERSSTORE.COM: Lays claim to the only store dedicated to
the art of filmmaking. Includes
professional supplies and software for writers, including Storyboard Studio 3D,
Final Draft AV, Digital Moviemaking - The Filmmaker's Guide to the 21st
Century, Action/Cut Filmmaking DVD Pro Collection, Gorilla Pro, among others.
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E. EDUCATIONAL & SEMINAR/WORKSHOP
OPPORTUNITIES:
1. Full Sail Real World Education,
Winter Park, FL: A Media
Arts College, founded in 1979, offers fully accredited Associate of Science
degrees in the areas of Film, Recording Arts, Computer Animation, Digital
Media, Show Production & Touring, and Gaming Design. Visit the website at www.fullsail.com.
2. International Film &
Television Workshops, Rockport, ME: Founded in 1973 as a summer conservatory for photographers and
filmmakers, it has grown into a year-round college and learning center offering
250 one-week workshops and master classes designed to move you beyond your
current skill levels, to help you expand your vision, improve your technical
expertise, and uncover your talents.
Visit the website at www.filmworkshops.com.
3. Academy of Art College, San
Francisco, CA: Established
in 1929, it is the largest private art college in the nation, offering (both on
campus and online) AA, BFA, and MFA degrees in 11 departments, including
Acting, Advertising/Director-Camera, Cinematography, Directing, Editing,
Producing, Production Design, Screenwriting, and Special Effects. Visit the website at: www.academyart.edu.
4. Digital Games Summit by iHollywood
Forum, Las Vegas, NV:
Event occurs January 7, 2004. Do
you want to know how your company can profit from the exploding gaming
industry? iHollywood Forum provides an
opportunity to meet hundreds of gaming, entertainment, and marketing executives
to discuss and learn about the hot trends and cool products that allow each
industry to cash in on the only technology sector that's still sizzling. Keynote speakers include: Neil Young, Executive Producer of Lord
of the Rings: Return of the King
and Elect4ronic Arts Vice President/Executive in Charge of Production as well as Robbie Bach, Microsoft Xbox, Chief
Officer and Sr. Vice President of the Home & Entertainment Division. For more information, visit: www.cesweb.org (registration) or www.iHollywoodForum.com.
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F. ARTICLES OF INTEREST:
1. Funding sources support
specific interest and minority groups: In the October issue of The Independent, Sean Fitzell profiles
sources that offer funding to underrepresented communities and projects that
advocate social change. Read the
article at http://www.aivf.org/independent/archives/0311/0311_fitzell.html.
2. The Standby Program: The Standby Program is a nonprofit media
arts service organization that has been in existence since 1983. They provide
post-production services to artists and nonprofits, provide technical
consultation, and do publications to serve the media arts field. Read the Funder FAQ at http://www.aivf.org/independent/archives/0311/0311_guerrasio.html.
3. Money Matters: "The
blood, sweat and deals behind producing films": In The Independent article, Money Matters,
John Schmidt, Producer and Co-founder of ContentFilm, and former Co-President
of October Films and CFO of Miramax, discusses three models for financial
structures for independent film: the
single picture deal, the portfolio approach, and the integration model. Read the article at http://www.aivf.org/independent/archives/0311/0311_schmidt.html.
4. Could You Shoot The Deer Hunter on
DV: "Shooting 25
years later: The Deer Hunter." Could a moviemaker create similar emotional
impact by putting a DV camera on his or her shoulder and shooting in available
light? View the complete article at: http://www.moviemaker.com/issues/50/deerhunter.html.
5. The Right Way to Raise Money for a
No-Budget Film: By Jerry
Kolber, who, for the last 10 years, has worked as a consultant on indie films
and as a production accountant for Universal, Disney, and HBO. He has produced a "no-budget" film
called "The Eden Myth," for which he raised $150,000. He shares what he knows about raising money
for a no-budget film, which he considers between $1.00 and $200,000. View the complete article at: http://www.moviemaker.com/issues/50/nobudget.html.
6. The Zen of Screenwriting Software
- "Finding True Love in the World of Writing Programs Isn't Easy": A look at the variety of screenwriting
software available. View the complete
article at: http://www.moviemaker.com/issues/50/zen.html.
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G. FILM FESTIVAL AND/OR SCRIPT SUBMISSIONS:
1. Media That Matters Film Festival,
New York, NY: Submit your
short film or new media project to MediaRights.org's 4th annual Media That
Matters Film Festival by January 5, 2004. 16 winners receive a distribution deal with
MediaRights.org. This is an opportunity
for your social, political, or environmental work to reach millions. Subject categories include: Sustainable Agriculture, Hunger, Criminal
Justice, Elections, LGBT Rights, Health Advocacy, Racial Justice, Environment,
Human Rights. Projects must be 8
minutes or less and all genres are welcomed.
Cash awards of $1,000 granted to the best projects. Submission fee is $15 (students free). For more details, visit: www.MediaThatMattersFest.org/apply.
2. Brooklyn International Film
Festival, Brooklyn, NY:
Deadline is March, 2004; event takes place from June 4 to June 13,
2004. A total of $50,000 in prizes and
films services spread among the winners.
Submissions may be feature narrative, documentary, short narrative,
animation, and experimental. The
website has a fantastic FAQ section regarding its rules and regulations. Visit www.wbff.org
for more information.
3. The Method Fest, Burbank, CA: Deadline is January 23, 3004; event takes
place April 2 to April 9, 2004. The
screening formats are 35mm, BetaSP, and Digibeta. The festival does not accept documentaries or animation. The Method Fest, dedicated to discovering
unique independent films showcasing breakout acting performances, is the only
film festival in America that puts its focus on the actor, believing acting is
the core ingredient to independent film. It features American and foreign
feature films and short films. For more
information, visit www.methodfest.com.
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H. CALENDAR OF EVENTS (generally, WV
activities):
1. West Virginia International Film
Festival: January 9-10,
2004, Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summers Street, Charleston, WV. Screening two of the hottest mainstream,
limited release films around: The
Human Stain (Nicole Kidman and Anthony Hopkins) and The Station
Agent (Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale). For more information, visit: www.wviff.org.
2. West Virginia Jewish Film Festival: January 25, 2004, Park Place Stadium
Theaters, 600 Washington Street East, Charleston, WV. Screening “The Komediant,” an award-winning documentary about the
Yiddish Theater, and “My Architect,” another documentary. Sponsored by the Federated Jewish Charities
of Charleston. For more information,
contact Steve Fesenmaier at mystery12@charter.net.
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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
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The West Virginia Film Office, the West Virginia Bureau of Commerce, the
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The Email Blasts are provided as a complimentary service of the West
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