West Virginia Film Office
Email Blast
October 8, 2004
CONTENTS
A. Acknowledgements
B. West Virginia
Film Office Updates & News
1. 7 Days Remain to
Modify Listings or to Get Listed in the 2005 Edition of the PSD
2.
Community/Industry Relations/Office Development
3. Locations
Scouting
4. Miscellaneous
News
C. Production
Activity By Outside Companies
D. West Virginia
Indigenous Production Activity & Casting Calls
E. Nationwide
Casting Calls/Auditions
F. Articles and
Websites of Interest, Useful Resources, Industry Activities
G. Film Festivals
and/or Script Submissions
H. Calendar of
Events
I. Contact Info,
Disclaimer, Subscribe/Unsubscribe
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A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
1. The West Virginia Film Office congratulates
all of the award winners at the recently concluded West Virginia Filmmakers
Film Festival in Sutton (Braxton County).
The awards included the WV Filmmaker of the Year, Ray Schmitt;
Best Film, "Archive" by Charles Kleine; Best Feature
Film, "Burning Annie by Van Flesher; Best Docudrama, "The
Captives" by Jude Miller; Best Historical Documentary, "Mine
Wars" by Bill Richardson; Best Environmental Documentary,
"Mucked" by Robert Gates; Best Individual Profile Documentary,
"Lu Lu: Triumph of the Human Spirit by Ray Schmitt; Best
Cultural Documentary, "The Texture of Life" by Ray Schmitt;
and Best Short Narrative, "Remembering Bob" by Maria
Brenner.
2. Cheers to the WV Division of Culture
& History for bringing back FREE film programming at the
Cultural Center State Theater in Charleston.
For details, scroll down to the Calendar of Events below or visit
www.wvculture.org. [NOTE: First event is Saturday, October 9,
so be sure to check out the information quickly!]
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B. WEST VIRGINIA FILM OFFICE UPDATES &
NEWS:
1. 7 Days Remain to Modify Listings or
to Get Listed in the 2005 Edition of the PSD: The deadline to become listed, or to modify
a listing, in the PRODUCTION SERVICES DIRECTORY is October 15,
2004. The instructions and
forms are available on the Film Office website. Late entries will not be accepted.
2. Community/Industry Relations/Office
Development:
(a) The WV Film Office attended the annual
educational and training conference of the Association of Film Commissioners
International in mid-September. More than 200 attendees representing more
than 150 film commissions from around the world participated. The WV Film
Office is a member of the AFCI's Education Committee, which assists in
programming AFCI events, among numerous other tasks.
(b) The WV Film Office was a sponsor of the 2nd
annual WV Filmmaker of the Year Award during the WV Filmmakers Film
Festival in Sutton (Braxton County) as well as the Saturday and Sunday
programs on October 2 and 3.
3. Locations Scouting: The Film Office has scouted numerous
locations around the state in September and the early part of October for
several major motion picture productions and television series considering West
Virginia as a possible state for on-location shooting, including the Counties
of Cabell, Putnam, Mason, Marshall, Brooke, Ohio, Hancock, Jackson, and
Kanawha.
4. Miscellaneous News: Ann Magnuson Update: Ann Magnuson was a guest on the Fox
TV sitcom QUINTUPLETS on Wednesday, October 6 playing a tres kooky
character. Her costume is probably the most surreal yet and the man who plays
her husband is ridiculously funny (he was Mr. Pederman - sp?- on SEINFELD). The
show stars Andy Richter, former Conan O'Brien's sidekick.
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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):
1. 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) Office
Kei (Japan) will be shooting on location in Moundsville (Marshall County)
at the former WV Penitentiary for a television program on South Carolina's
serial killer Pee Wee Gaskins. West Virginia is standing in for South Carolina.
(b) A
production company from Australia working for the Animal Planet shot on
location in the McClintic Wildlife Reserve region near Point Pleasant
(Mason County) for a documentary on the "natural versus supernatural
wildlife". Local resident Jeff Wamsley served as the "tour
guide" for the segment. The
documentary's main purpose is to capture the "real wildlife" but with
sidebars on supernatural legends, such as the Mothman. The production will also
be shooting segments for the documentary in North Carolina, South Carolina,
Virginia, and the Pacific Northwest.
(c) A
production company from Brazil working for Brazil's TV Globo shot on
location in Hamlin (Lincoln County) for a 6-part news series on the American
elections. The production company traveled to several different states to
capture a diverse range of opinions, with West Virginia's segment including an
interview with a tobacco farmer.
2. Other productions that shot (or will shoot)
on location in West Virginia for which my office was made aware:
(a) Home
& Garden TV has plans to visit West Virginia again for its Building
Character program (it filmed last fall in Bramwell, Mercer County). The
upcoming visit will be some time in October to the Elkhorn Inn in
Landgraff (McDowell County), which was also featured this year on the Speed
Channel. The Building Character program is devoted to people who have
transformed commercial buildings into unique homes. Dan and Elisse Clark purchased
the ca. 1900 former Empire Coal and Coke Company's Miner's Clubhouse in
December 2002, saving it from demolition, and restored it from the roof to the
newly-laid marble floor, transforming it into both their home and the Elkhorn
Inn Bed & Breakfast. For more information on the B&B, visit www.elkhorninnwv.com.
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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. CASTING CALL, Charleston (Kanawha
County), October 11. As many as
60 children ages 8 to early teens are sought for roles as party guests, mice,
angels, snowflakes, little pages, and junior corps de ballet for the Moscow
Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker on December 3 at the
Municipal Auditorium in downtown Charleston. Auditions will be held Monday,
October 11 at 6:00 pm at the River City Youth Ballet, 5014 MacCorkle Avenue
SE, Kanawha City.
2. CASTING CALL, Charleston (Kanawha
County), October 28. Actors
wanted to do voices for spoof of the 1930's Flash Gordon serials. Looking for
voices for Crash Gordon, Dull Ardent, Dr. Jagov, Bing the Mirthless, Captain
Dork, Prince Boring, Rock Prince, and various others. For more information or
to obtain an advanced script, contact Bill Richardson at
bill.richardson@mail.wvu.edu. Voice
auditions will be held October 28 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the WV State
University Community College in the EdNet studio.
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E. NATIONWIDE CASTING CALLS/AUDITIONS:
1. Casting in the Washington
DC/Baltimore areas. Carlyn
Davis Casting is currently seeking Native American actors who are available
to work as local hires in the Washington D.C./ Baltimore area. Clients come to
the agency on a regular basis asking for an diverse pool of experienced actors
for union and non-union commercials, industrials, and voiceover work. For submission guidelines, experienced actors
of all ethnic backgrounds should visit http://www.carlyndavis.com. Phone calls not accepted.
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F. ARTICLES AND WEBSITES OF INTEREST, USEFUL
RESOURCES, INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES:
1. ActorFest
New York 2004. Time to give
your acting career a swift kick! Believing firmly that "it's what you
know" is the key to success, Backstage brings together the
industry's leading TALENT AGENTS, CASTING DIRECTORS, MANAGERS, and other
professionals to offer actors business of the business information and insight
to successfully develop a career in film, television, theatre, commercials, and
the performing arts. Use this opportunity to gain knowledge, network with
peers, and do something proactive for your career. This year's ActorFest
will be held November 20 in NYC at the Marriott Marquis.
For information on participation, visit http://www.backstage.com/backstage/actorfest/east/2004/index.jsp.
2. Hollywood Scriptwriter Magazine. Hollywood Scriptwriter magazine (HS)
is a solid resource tool for screenwriters, producers, directors, and
book-to-movie writers. In HS, you’ll find articles that help you accomplish
your goals or give you insight on what’s going on in the film industry. It goes
back to the basics and writes about information that is sometimes overlooked or
forgotten. Profiles of industry leaders provide resourceful information about
the industry, as well as offer advice from the experts and the accomplished. To
subscribe, visit http://www.hollywoodscriptwriter.com.
3. Sundance Documentary Fund. The Sundance Documentary Fund supports
U.S. and international documentary films and videos focused on current and
significant issues and movements in contemporary human rights, freedom of
expression, social justice, and civil liberties. Individuals from around the
world may apply with documentary film or video projects that range in length
from full broadcast hour to long format feature. Development Funds are
available for projects in the research or preproduction phase and Work in
Progress Funds are available for projects in the production or postproduction
phases. Applications are accepted throughout the year. For more
information, visit http://institute.sundance.org/jsps/site.jsp?resource=pag_ex_programs_sdf_generalinfo&sk=X710fO40UoHjTw7E.
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G. FILM FESTIVAL AND/OR SCRIPT SUBMISSIONS:
1. TriBeCa Film Festival – CALL FOR
ENTRIES. The TriBeCa Film
Festival was founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig
Hatkoff to contribute in the economic and cultural revitalization of lower
Manhattan in the wake of 9/11. Their goal of attracting filmmakers and film
lovers to New York City to celebrate the best in film continues as the Festival
enters its fourth season. The 4th Annual TriBeCa Film Festival will be held
April 21 through May 1, 2005. The deadlines
for entry are: Early Deadline:
November 1, 2004; Final Shorts Deadline: December 10, 2004; and Final Feature
Deadline: December 17. 2004. Apply online at www.tribecafilmfestival.org
and be sure to read the complete entry rules and regulations before submitting
your films.
2. TriBeCa Film Festival Announces
Second TriBeCa All Access.
Following the success of its inaugural year, TriBeCa All Access (TAA)
Connects returns April 25-28, 2005. TAA Connects is a networking and
meetings program that brings narrative & documentary directors and
screenwriters of color together with film industry decision makers during the
TriBeCa Film Festival. Filmmakers who identify as African American, Asian
American, Latino, Pacific Islander, or Native American are welcome to submit
scripts or documentary proposals for consideration. New this year!
Screenwriters of color may also apply with screenplays that have no directors
or producers attached. TAA Connects Entry Deadlines: Early Deadline:
December 10, 2004 and Final Deadline: February 4, 2005. Apply online at www.tribecafilminstitute.org
and be sure to read the complete entry rules and regulations.
3. 2005 Second Annual Black History
Month Film & Discussion Series – CALL FOR ENTRIES. The 2nd Annual National Black History
Month Film & Discussion Series seeks notable films, documentaries, and
participants for consideration. Submissions are due December 26, 2004.
Short films and documentaries are encouraged. For entry and other information,
visit http://www.filmanddiscussionseries.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. Film Series, WV Division of Culture
& History, Charleston (Kanawha County). The WV Division of Culture & History
kicks off its 2004-2005 FREE film series Saturday, October 9, 1:00 pm,
with two versions of the classic horror film "The Phantom of the Opera"
starring Lon Chaney. At 1:00 pm, the audience will be treated to the 1929
version of the film, which has been restored, followed immediately by the
original 1925 version. The schedule for
the film series, which runs through August 2005, is available at www.wvculture.org
or by calling 304-558-0162. All films are free and open to the public
and will be screened at the WV State Theater located in the Cultural Center on
the State Capitol grounds.
2. Film Series, Carnegie Hall,
Lewisburg (Greenbrier County).
The next installment of Carnegie Hall's and Lewisburg Living
History Exhibit's FREE film series is October 21 at 7:00 pm
at Carnegie Hall, 105 Church Street, Lewisburg. The October event honors West
Virginia-born filmmaker Pare Lorentz with motion pictures of "The
New Deal: Experiments in Social Programs and Progress" with exhibitions of
The Plow that Broke the Plains, The River, and The Fight for
Life. For more information, call 304-645-7917 or 304-645-4998.
3. 20th Anniversary Celebration of the
WV International Film Festival, Charleston (Kanawha County). Mark your calendars early for an event you
do not want to miss! The 20th Anniversary of the Official State Film
Festival runs from November 5 through November 14 at the WVSU
Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in downtown Charleston. This
year's honored guests are the critically acclaimed production team of JOHN
SAYLES and MAGGIE RENZI. This production team brought the attention
of the world to West Virginia when they produced the Oscar-nominated film MATEWAN,
which shot entirely on location in southern West Virginia. A few of the films
they have produced are Lone Star, Limbo (which won the Audience
Award at the WVIFF 1999 Fall Film Festival), Men With Guns, The
Secret of Roan Inish, and Passion Fish. They will be bringing their
most current production, SILVER CITY, about a murder case which leads a journalist
to see a connection to the political world of gubernatorial candidate Dickie
Pilager (Chris Cooper), campaign manager Chuck Raven (Richard
Dreyfuss), and lobbyist Chandler Tyson (Billy Zane). For more
information on the event, visit www.wviff.org. [NOTE: Details of the
Sayles/Renzi appearance does not yet appear on the website, but their
appearance will be on Sunday, November 7.]
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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
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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.
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