West Virginia Film Office

Email Blast

April 20, 2005

 

 

CONTENTS

 

A. Acknowledgements

B. West Virginia Film Office Updates & News

1. 2005 Production Services Directory Ready for Distribution

2. Community/Industry Relations/Office Development

3. Miscellaneous News

4. WV on a Screen Near You

5. Locations Scouting

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/Competitions

H. Calendar of Events

I.  Contact Info, Disclaimer, Subscribe/Unsubscribe

 

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A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

1. Since the last Email Blast in January, two native West Virginians were nominated for Academy Awards in the same category, with one of them walking away with the Oscar for Best Feature Documentary. Morgan Spurlock, a Beckley native, received a nomination for his documentary hit "Super Size Me" which he wrote, directed, and produced, and Pamela Tanner Boll, a Parkersburg native, received a nomination for her documentary "Born Into Brothels" which she co-executive produced. "Born Into Brothels" was the recipient of the Academy Award. Congratulations to both of these WV natives for bringing such positive attention to the state.

 

2. The Committee responsible for the recent Governor's Arts Awards deserves a hearty round of applause for composing an evening full of pomp and circumstance. Oscar nominee and WV native Morgan Spurlock proved his talent also stretches to comedy - he kept the audience laughing throughout the evening as Master of Ceremonies. Congratulations to all of the Arts nominees and all of the winners.  And very special thanks to Governor Joe Manchin, Education & the Arts Secretary Kay Goodwin, and Culture & History Commissioner Troy Body for once again bringing the Arts to the forefront.

 

3. A special screening of the highly anticipated, and already critically acclaimed, documentary "The Appalachians - A Land Shaped By the People, A People Shaped By the Land" will take place in Charleston on May 7 (schedule details, including WV PBS broadcast info, are listed in the "Calendar of Events" section below). Filmmaker and executive producer Mari-Lynn Evans (native of Bulltown, WV) and writer/producer Phyllis Geller will introduce a 50-minute compilation of the film and speak about their experiences working on the 3-hour documentary over the past 5 years. The evening will also feature live music by Gandydancer (a group of WV musicians who perform on the film's soundtrack) as well as a reception in the Great Hall with more live music. The WV Book Company will have a book signing of the companion book, "The Appalachians: America's First and Last Frontier". "The Appalachians" is a compelling story that explores both the history of Appalachia and its present: the folk music, people, culture, and land. In addition to Gandydancer, the film features Johnny Cash in his last filmed interview, Rosanne Cash, Loretta Lynn, Little Jimmy Dickens, Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, and more.

 

4. Many staff members of the WV Division of Tourism deserve special recognition for their many levels of assistance provided to the West Virginia Film Office. For the past few months, dozens of hours have been expended designing the 2005 Production Services Directory and designing the exhibit booth for the annual AFCI Locations Trade Show in Santa Monica, CA. Barry Wooldridge has done a tremendous job designing an improved PSD and provided invaluable assistance in helping design the exhibit booth for the Locations Trade Show. Other staff that lent their talents, advice, and time toward these projects were Liz Chewning, Steven Keith, Rita Kee, Brian Rankin, Tonya Conley, and many others. As referenced below under Updates & News, Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver and Barry Wooldridge represented the Film Office at the Locations Trade Show. The Film Office is very grateful to have this type of teamwork available at the Division of Tourism to support its efforts.

 

5. In conjunction with the WV Commission for National and Community Service, First Lady Gayle Manchin launched the VolunteerWV.org website, which encourages volunteerism among all West Virginians. West Virginians who register at www.volunteerwv.org are matched with organizations looking for volunteer help. Volunteers are also encouraged to use the website to log in the volunteer hours they contribute to benefit West Virginia's communities. The West Virginia Film Office encourages all WV film-related non-profit groups seeking volunteers to visit the website and click on the link for registering as a partner to tap into this valuable resource.

 

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B. WEST VIRGINIA FILM OFFICE UPDATES & NEWS

 

1. 2005 Production Services Directory:  The 2005 PSD is ready to hit the streets. A couple of noticeable improvements are the additions of an Index and dozens of locations photos. If you are listed in the PSD, you will automatically receive a copy by mail in the next 10 days. The PSD is available to anyone upon request; to receive a complimentary copy, send an email to phaynes@callwva.com with your address, call 304-558-2200 x-382, or stop by the office at 90 MacCorkle Avenue SW in South Charleston. The 2005 edition will also appear on the Film Office website (www.wvfilm.com) sometime during the week of April 18. [P.S., If you're in the vicinity and would like to help the Film Office save on the costs of mailing the PSD, please feel free to stop by at any time to pick up a copy.]

 

2. Community/Industry Relations/Office Development:

 

(a)  Along with Tennessee and Kentucky, West Virginia is featured in the April 2005 issue of Production Update Magazine in a story titled, "On Location . . . Appalachia". Topics covered include recent production activity, miscellaneous locations highlights, and accessibility issues. For the WV segment, interviews were conducted with the West Virginia Film Office and the Huntington Regional Film Commission.

 

(b)  The Film Office participated in the annual Locations Trade Show in Santa Monica, CA (April 15-17), sponsored by the Association of Film Commissioners International, with more than 250 film commissions from around the world in attendance. West Virginia's booth was designed by the Division of Tourism's graphic artist, Barry Wooldridge and the Division's public relations agency, Charles Ryan Associates, with additional creative assistance provided by Tourism's Rita Kee, Steven Keith, and Liz Chewning. During the event, the WVFO won third place for its hat and tote bag designs (both designed by Barry Wooldridge). Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver attended the Locations Trade Show and Barry Wooldridge attended on behalf of the Film Office Director, Pam Haynes, who was unable to participate because of a personal emergency. Carver and Wooldridge reported heavy interest in West Virginia locations with potential being high for numerous future productions. The stock of CDs containing the 2005 Production Services Directory (on pdf) and Locations Photo Library were depleted by giving away more than 125 CDs and 15 hard copies, with more than 25 additional attendees requesting that the publication be mailed upon return to WV.

 

(c)  The Film Office also participated in the annual "Tourism Day at the Legislature" in February; participated in numerous media interviews on a variety of topics during the past few months; and since Summer of 2004, has been a member of the Education Committee (a 19-person committee charged with all educational programming sponsored by the AFCI) for the Association of Film Commissioners International, which recently finalized the development of the educational program for the next annual AFCI Cineposium to be held in Scotland in August 2005.

 

3. Miscellaneous News: 

 

(a)  Destiny Images Animates for STaSIS Engineering and Sport's Car Revolution:  A Destiny Images' produced animation aired on April 16 as part of Speed TV's "Sports Car Revolution". The animation demonstrates the technical workings of an after-market brake system that was designed by STaSIS Engineering. Destiny Images reconstructed the STaSIS brake system using 3D computer models. For more information about Destiny Images, visit www.destinyimages.com.

 

(b)  B.J. Gudmundsson's Latest Film. Lewisburg filmmaker B.J. Gudmundsson has produced and directed "He Went About Doing Good, (Act 10:38)", a new documentary about Lewisburg minister Rev. Carl. W. Renick Sr. Executive producer, Joan Browning, and B.J. worked nonstop for several weeks on the 47-minute film about a native son who lived a saintly life. The film premiered in March at a ceremony in the Reverend's honor. To purchase a copy, contact Patchwork Films at 304-645-4998 or visit www.patchworkfilms.com.

 

(c)  Ray Schmitt's Newest Film. Ray Schmitt of Hardy County, the 2004 WV Filmmaker of the Year, unveiled his latest film on April 15 at South Charleston Museum's LaBelle Theater. The 28-minute film "UFOs in Hardy County, WV" is based on first-hand accounts of strange phenomena seen in the Lost River Valley area. For more information, contact Ray at www.realearthproductions.com or call 304-897-6961.

 

(d)  Latest from The Walkabout Company. The Walkabout Company of Wheeling has received funds to produce a 30-minute program on the history of the National Road in WV (US Rt 40), the nation's first highway project created during the Thomas Jefferson administration. The production will be completed this summer. Other new projects include consulting for the National Road Heritage area in Illinois. For this seven county area in central Illinois, Walkabout will oversee the story development and audio components for 20 major wayside exhibits and 50 historic site interpretive exhibits. Walkabout will also be completing, in June, the photo and video catalog for this same heritage area along with a comprehensive CD to market the region. For more information on Walkabout, visit www.gowalkabout.com.

 

(e)  WV Division of Tourism Newsletter:  The Public Information staff at the WV Division of Tourism publishes a newsletter (aka E-notes) which contains helpful information about tourism activities, as well as miscellaneous related topics, across the state. To add your name to the email list, visit www.callwva.com and click the link for "sign up for WV tourism news alerts".

 

4. WV on a Screen Near You:

 

(a)  In September 2004, the Film Office provided assistance to the Animal Planet while filming in the McClintic Wildlife Reserve for an episode on the Animal X series called "Winged Creatures". The episode aired on March 25 and 26 with upcoming airings on April 24 at 10:00 pm and April 25 at 1:00 am and 5:00 am. Details can be found at www.animalx.net or at http://animal.discovery.com/schedule/series.jsp?series=108011&gid=0&channel=APL.

 

(b)  On April 13, the CBS Early Show aired a story about Chesapeake High School student Francesca Karle's documentary "On the River's Edge", a film about the homeless in Huntington she made through her Girl Scout Gold Award. The premiere took place at the Keith Albee on March 15, with additional screenings for high school and Marshall University students. Ms. Karle may be reached at bigfoot1@netacs.net.

 

(c)  On March 22, HBO aired a segment for Bryant Gumbel's "Real Sports" show about sports injuries in young pitchers around the nation. Charleston's Image Associates was hired to film a segment on a Chapmanville high school pitcher who suffered from an injury.

 

(d)  In late January, Good Morning America sent a crew to Wheeling and Williamstown to film a segment on West Virginia glassmaking for its "Weekend Window to . . ." series. Fenton Art Glass and Wheeling Glass at Oglebay Institute were both featured in the broadcast, which aired Sunday, February 20. Aly Goodwin and her firm, RMS Strategies, convinced GMA to visit Fenton as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary. The producer then contacted the WV Film Office to assist in arranging an additional shoot at Wheeling Glass.

 

5. Locations Scouting:  Since January, numerous locations scouting trips have taken place across the state - some based on client requests and some to capture images of regions not yet in the Film Office photo library. Counties scouted included Tyler, Pleasants, Preston, Jefferson, Morgan, Berkeley, Ohio, Wood, Hampshire, Hardy, Grant, Tucker, Pendleton, and Mercer.

 

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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. Information on additional productions appears in the above section "WV on a Screen Near You".

 

2. Bubble Film Company LLC, "Bubble", a Steven Soderbergh Film: Since the end of February, a small production crew has been in Parkersburg prepping for Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh's latest feature film, "Bubble". The entire film will be shot in the Belpre, OH and Parkersburg, WV regions, with non-professional local actors. The story is a "slice of life" and centers around three characters that work at a doll factory in Belpre. The entire production team is headquartered in Parkersburg. The rest of the crew arrived in Parkersburg at the beginning of April ahead of the first day of filming on April 5. Filming is scheduled to wrap on May 2. The producer, Gregory Jacobs, and Mr. Soderbergh requested a very low profile for the production and the regional media has been very gracious in honoring that request. The producer and director sought myriad assistance from the West Virginia Film Office, including acting as the sole liaison for all media inquiries. Upon the conclusion of filming, more information will be released to the public. As of the date of this newsletter, filming is going very well and the producer and director are thrilled with the cooperation they have received from public agencies, private business owners, and the citizens of the entire region.

 

3. Rubicon Productions, Untitled Production:  Rubicon Productions, with a cast and crew of nearly 50, descended upon Berkeley Springs and Cacapon State Park in early April to film scenes for a proposed television series on German secret aircraft of World War II. WWII re-enactors as well as a truck used in the Normandy invasion were used during filming. Hedgesville crew member, Clai Lashley, deserves praise for convincing the producer and director to shoot in the region. The scenery needed to resemble 1945 Bavaria and the local airstrip with its hangars provided the right vintage look. The secret German aircraft, including jets, will be added digitally. Several other locations were also utilized, and it is estimated that more than $7,000 was pumped into the local economy during the several day shoot. Rubicon specializes in aviation projects for television, including the highly acclaimed Tuskegee Airmen film for The Discovery Channel. The footage shot in Berkeley Springs and Cacapon is part of a presentation to earn the job for the secret aircraft show. If successful, it would mean ten episodes and about two years of filming. Liaison assistance was provided by the WV State Parks division and Cacapon State Park, U.S. Silica and Bruce Rickli, Travel Berkeley Springs, and the West Virginia Film Office.

 

4. The Weather Channel's Road Crew:  The Public Information staff at the WV Division of Tourism provided assistance to a 3-person crew in mid-March filming 4 locations for airing between March 31 and April 3. Locations shot by the "Road Crew" were Huntington's Heritage Farm Museum & Village, the Winfield Locks & Dam, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System (Little Coal River Trail), and the WV State Capitol Dome Restoration.

 

5. The Game Show Network:  GSN sent a 6-person crew to film the International Water Tasting competition held annually in Berkeley Springs in February. Working with Travel Berkeley Springs, the crew shot footage throughout the region and conducted interviews for an episode of Games Across America, which is scheduled to air 9:00 pm to Midnight, May 28.

 

6. The DIY Network:  Horizon Entertainment, producing for The DIY Network (Scripps-Howard), was in Morgantown in mid-January for five days, taping a one hour show, whose working title is "Crafting Wooden Toys." The show is the "brainchild" of Gray Daniel, the supervisor of the scene shop at West Virginia University's College of Creative Arts. He demonstrated the construction techniques for making four large wooden toys. There will be a companion web site and the show will broadcast after Thanksgiving 2005. West Virginia filmmaker Chip Hitchcock worked on the production as a camera operator.

 

7. George Lucas Foundation:  Clay County schools recently attracted the attention of the George Lucas Foundation, which sent a small film crew to the region to highlight the state's virtual school program in a documentary focusing on the impact of online courses. The state program is also featured in an article in the Foundation's magazine, Edutopia. For more information, visit www.edutopia.org.

 

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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.)

 

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E. NATIONWIDE CASTING CALLS/AUDITIONS

 

1. Union Film, SAG Contract - "Under My Skin":  Casting Director Patrick Cunningham, C.S.A., is accepting submissions for "Under My Skin", a 35mm film about a young man, raised in an Italian-American community his whole life, who suddenly becomes "aware" that he's African-American after his real parents track him down. Director is Mike Cerrone. Shoot starts May 9 and pix and resumes must be submitted no later than May 1. Casting parts for:  LEAD Male (African-American, 28); LEAD Male (African-American, 50s); LEAD female (African-American, 50s); LEAD female (mid-20s, Japanese); male (Jewish); female (around 60, Jewish); female (must speak fluent Italian). Seeking SAG talent only. Send pix & resume by May 1 to Patrick Cunningham, C.S.A., 2630 Lacy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031.

 

2. Sonic Pictures:  Now accepting headshots and resumes for commercials, films, and television. Paying gigs. Send Headshot/Resume to Sonic Pictures, 7 Allegheny Square, Studio 3, Glassport, PA 15045. More information can be found at www.sonicpictures.com.

 

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F. ARTICLES AND WEBSITES OF INTEREST, USEFUL RESOURCES, INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES

 

1. The Digital Set: Mini-DV:  Wednesday, April 27, 7:00 pm-10:00 pm, in the James Cagney Room of the Screen Actors Guild. Join director Scott Coffey for a case study of "Ellie Parker" and find out the nuts and bolts of producing a full feature on miniDV. Using a small handheld Sony digital camera, Mr. Coffey followed actress Naomi Watts through numerous locations in Los Angeles, shooting under natural and existing light with remarkable results. Premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, Ellie Parker is a great example of the possibilities of the miniDV format. Cost: IFP/LA members $35 - single tickets, $220 - series pass. General public $50 - single tickets, $325 - series pass. For more information, visit www.ifp.org.

 

2. IFP/Chicago Producers Workshop Series:  IFP/Chicago has developed a comprehensive 5-part Producers series, covering every major aspect of producing a narrative feature film. Next dates are May 14 and 21. This intensive workshop will combine classroom style instruction, discussion and case studies and move from acquiring material through pre-production, production, post-production and distribution. These will be all-day workshops, with lunch provided, and optional screenings in the evenings. To learn more and to register, visit www.ifp.org or email chicago@ifp.org.

 

3. From the Heart Productions film/video grants:  From the Heart Productions is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding films that are "unique and make a contribution to society". The organization currently is inviting applications for the $50,000 Roy W. Dean Film Grant (deadline is April 30 for NYC and May 30 for LA) and the Los Angeles Video Grant (deadline is June 30). You can live anywhere to apply. Complete program information, funding guidelines, and online application forms are available at www.fromtheheartproductions.com.

 

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G. FILM FESTIVAL AND/OR SCRIPT SUBMISSIONS/COMPETITIONS

 

1. Web Animation Competition - West Liberty State College:  The largest collegiate web animation competition in the eastern US will take place at West Liberty State College, Wheeling, WV, at 7:00 pm on May 5. This 5th annual juried event invites college students from Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia to enter their Flash or Shockwave animations in ten categories ranging from comedy to experimental. $1,750 in cash prizes will be awarded. Free entry. Deadline to submit entries is April 26. The juror for this year's festival is Robert Abbott, MFA, founder of Motivo, designer of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website. For more details, write to Director James Haizlett at jhaizlet@wlsc.edu or visit www.wlsc.edu/wvfestival.

 

2. Appalachian Film Festival (Huntington) - CALL FOR ENTRIES:  Entries for film exhibition and script competition are due April 30 for the June 2-4 event. Cash prizes. Entry applications and rules can be found at www.appyfilmfest.com.

 

3. Morgantown Arts on the River Festival - CALL FOR FILM ENTRIES:  The 2005 Arts on the River Festival will hold a 5-day film festival, from August 15 to 19 at the Monongalia Arts Center, dedicated to exhibiting only indie films made by West Virginians. During the event, a Morgantown Film Guild will also be organized. Submission deadline is July 15. Questions should be directed to Danny Cameron at 304-692-0523 or watchmen714@yahoo.com, or to Ro Brooks (Executive Director of MAC) at 304-292-3325 or monartscenter@citynet.net.

 

4. Student Entry Deadline Extended for Forest Grove International Film Festival:  The Forest Grove film fest has extended the student entry deadline to April 30 and waived entry fees to students. Student prizes include $500 Best Overall student film, $250 Best student film over 60 minutes, and $250 Best Student film 59 minutes or less. For questions and entry form, visit www.pnwfilmfestivals.com or email gary@pnwfilmfestivals.com.

 

5. Great American PitchFest:  The next Great American PitchFest will be held April 29, 30 and May 1 at the Sheraton Universal in Los Angeles. Confirmed companies participating are Dreyfus/James Productions (Richard Dreyfuss's company, Mr. Holland's Opus, Quiz Show), Ron Shusett Productions (Alien, Total Recall, Minority Report), Saturn Films (Nicolas Cage's company), One Race Films (Vin Diesel's company), and many more. These are companies who are serious about finding material, and the hottest new writers for movies and TV shows of every genre/format (feature films, reality TV, series, documentaries, etc.). Training sessions and panels include Shane Black (Lethal Weapon), Barbara Schiffman (Career Coach, Flash Forward Institute), Karl Iglesias (Author, '101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters'), Suzanne Lyons (Producer, Snowfall Films), and Heather Hale (Script Consultant & Screenwriter). To keep the ratio of decision makers to participants high, only so many tickets are available. Tickets are $350; one price offers everything (luncheon with executives, all training sessions and panels, awards presentations, and as many pitch meetings as possible). To register and learn more, call 1-877-255-2528 or visit www.pitchfest.com.

 

6. National Geographic, All Roads Film Festival - CALL FOR ENTRIES:  Powerful Films. Live Music. A global art market. Powered by indigenous and minority-culture storytellers. Submit your feature film, documentary, short, music video, or animation by visiting hwww.nationalgeographic.com/allroads. Submission deadline is May 15. Questions, call 202-857-7660 or email allroads@ngs.org.

 

7. Austin Film Festival - CALL FOR ENTRIES:  Deadline for the Screenplay Competition is May 16, with an entry fee of $40. Submissions may be entered in the Adult/Family category (Western, Sci-FI, Horror, Drama, Historical, Action, Children, Animation, etc.) or the Comedy category (Slap-Stick, Romantic, Dark, etc.). There are other award categories. For complete rules, visit www.austinfilmfestival.com or call 1-800-310-3378.

 

8. 27th IFP Market:  Seeking financing for your script? Looking for completion funds for your work-in-progress? Trying to sell your doc? Scoping out potential production partners? The IFP Market is a great place to begin. For filmmakers, it is the only place in the U.S. to introduce new work-in-development to an industry-only audience of sales companies, fest programmers, distributors, TV buyers, producers and agents from the U.S. and abroad. For the industry, it is a vital exhibition and discovery forum for new talent and a place to discover new films before they hit the festival circuit. For both groups, it instantly expands your contact list and accomplishes in 5 days what would otherwise take months and miles of travel. Rolling deadlines are May 2-16; submission fees are $40-$50; registration is $200-$450, paid on acceptance; students attend free, if accepted. For more information, call 212-465-8200, x-222, email marketreg@ifp.org, or visit www.ifp.org.

 

9. Quantum Innovations Seeking Scripts:  Independent movie company in Connecticut is seeking scripts of upcoming productions. All themes and genres okay without heavy special effects. Seeking unique stories with good twists or new approaches to old themes. Must be original and fresh. Mail scripts in confidence to Quantum Innovations LLC, PO Box 23, North Branford, CT 06471, Attn: William Reeves. Send SASE. Compensation to be negotiated. For questions, call 203-288-1588.

 

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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. Spring Film Fest - WV International Film Festival (Kanawha County):  Mark the following dates on your calendar for the next Spring Film Festival - April 27 through May 1. Films include Searching for Angela Shelton, Family Across the Sea, Wild Women Don't Have the Blues, A Very Long Engagement, Downfall, Merchant of Venice, The Sea Inside, The Machinist, Schultze Gets the Blues, In the Realms of the Unreal, Born Into Brothels (produced by a WV native and recipient of the 2005 Oscar for Best Feature Documentary), Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior, Benched, and The Last Campaign. The annual statewide Student Filmmaking Competition will also take place during the event. All films are shown at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summers Street. Admission is $7.00 per evening film, $4.50 per matinee, $30 for six-pack, and $50 for fest pack. For detailed information about the schedule, visit www.wviff.org, email wviff@yahoo.com, call WVIFF at 304-342-7100, or contact the box office at 304-342-6522.

 

2. Film Series, Shepherdstown Film Society (Jefferson County):  The FREE film series sponsored by the Shepherdstown Film Society has scheduled the following upcoming film screenings: April 22 screening of "The Devil's Backbone" (in Spanish w/subtitles) and April 29 screening of "The City of Lost Children" (in French w/subtitles). Assistant Professor of French and film instructor Dr. Ritterbusch will introduce the films and facilitate post-film discussions. All films begin at 7:00 pm and are shown at Shepherd University's Reynolds Hall. To join the email list, write to listmaster@shepherdstownfilmsociety.org. For more details about the Film Society and its film exhibitions, visit www.shepherdstownfilmsociety.org.

 

3. Special Screening of "The Appalachians" (Kanawha County):  Documentary filmmaker Mari-Lynn Evans (a WV native) will introduce a 50-minute preview of her 3-hour documentary "The Appalachians" at the State Cultural Center on May 7 at 7:00 pm; live music and a reception in the Great Hall follow. Subsequently, WV PBS will air the three-part series for three Sundays beginning May 8 and will air all three parts on May 18 from 8 pm-11 pm. The DVD is available from Nashville PBS at www.wnpt.net/Appalachians. The book is available from Random House. The CD is available from Dualtone. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org/appalachia/index.asp.

 

4. From Tatooine to Phoenix: The Custom Action Figure Collection (Ohio County):  Steven Bordelon, writer/director of the independent award-winning short sci-fi film "Phoenix" will be in Wheeling the weekend of April 29, 30, and May 1.  On Saturday, April 30, in conjunction with the toy exhibit "From Tatooine to Phoenix:  The Custom Action Figure Collection," Steven Bordelon is conducting a "meet and greet" session at the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum at 144 Kruger Street from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. "Phoenix" will be the second film of a double bill to be screened at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm at Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theater at 2118 Market Street.  On April 30, Towngate is holding a director's forum at 6:00 pm (between the screenings of the film) with Mr. Bordelon and Jay Cipriani, a native of WV presently residing in L.A., who was an associate producer of "Phoenix."  Bordelon and Cipriani are both graduates of USC's film school.

 

5. Film Series, South Charleston Museum (Kanawha County). The South Charleston Museum will screen Gerry Milnes "The West Virginia Hills: A Tribute to the Dulcimer" on Saturday, April 30 at 7:00 pm at the La Belle Theater located at 311 'D' Street in South Charleston. Heidi Muller and Bob Webb will perform before the film. Admission is $1.00 as a museum donation. For more information, contact Teresa Whitt at 304-744-9711 or visit http://www.geocities.com/scmuseum/Exhibitions_and_Events.html?10716136700.

 

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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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