Starting tonight...

Here are upcoming events at the MeDiA Co-op:

* Tues Nov 29 7:30pm Filmmaker Morgan Jon Fox will break down various scene of Sawed-Off Films Blue Citrus Hearts, and Away(A)wake.
* Sun Dec 4 6:00pm Persona by Ingmar Bergman (1966 85min Swedish w/engl subtitles)
* Tues Dec 6 7:30 Filmmaker Sarah Fleming will discuss and screen her short film work.
* Fri Dec 9 7:30pm Family and Friends Magazine present: TRANSGENERATION episodes 1 and 2. (Sundance Channel-2005 60min each episode)
* Sun Dec 11 6:00pm 8 1/2 by Fredrico Fellinni (1963 138min Itallian w/eng subtitles)
* Tues Dec 13 7:30pm Open Forum.
* Friday Dec 16 SAWED-OFF COLLABORATORY FUNDRAISER
7:30 What Does Love In Action Look LIke: a preface (plus short films)
9:30 Blue Citrus Hearts
* Sat Dec 17 SAWED-OFF COLLABORATORY FUNDRAISER 7:30 Away(A)wake
9:30 What Does Love In Action Look Like: a preface (plus short films)
* Sun Dec 18 6:00pm Blow-Up by Michaelangelo Antonioni (1966 111min)
* Tues Dec 20 7:30pm Meisner goddess Amber O'Daniels' gives a sample of what Meisner is all about.

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT-FILMMAKER FORUM 7:30pm
EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT-ESSENTIAL FILM SERIES 6pm

Bringing it home

The latest in the Slate.com series on Hollywood economics:

The Hollywood studios still make movies, of course, but by 2005, only 14.2 percent of their revenues came from movie ticket sales, while 85.8 percent came from licensing or selling their products for use in the home. Until 2005, the studio's principal access to the home market came through pay TV, free television, video rentals, and DVD sales. But now, with products such as Apple's video iPod and TiVo-type digital recorders becoming widely available, Hollywood is inching toward an even more lucrative way of exploiting the home market.

Hustle, but no flow

So much for the fairy tale. Craig Brewer's lawyer says John Singleton isn't sharing with his other playmates, as reported by the LA Times.

"The fact that Craig has not been paid is not acceptable. This has been repeatedly communicated to John and his attorneys. John said numerous times in the spring that payment was imminent. Then it was everybody was going to get paid by Thanksgiving. Now it's the next holiday coming up."

Real men needed for extras

"Divine Manipulation of the Threads" needs extras for this shoot we are looking for MEN, and MEN only...The shoot is at 2 a.m. on Sunday at Dish in Midtown (948 S. Cooper) -- the BAR WILL BE OPEN!! Let me know if you can come or if you know anyone who can.

Christine 901 490-1965

Hollywood economics

The latest in Slate's series on the contortions Hollywood goes through when it comes to money.

Hilarity ensues

The MeDiA Co-op blog, aka memphis.film.post, has some "celebrity" "sightings." Somebody there has an attitude! And all I can say is, it's good to be kingpin.

Actors for audience scene

Actors needed for audience scene of a corporate video. There is minimal pay
involved for a 10 hour day on December 6. We are looking for adults, all
races and ages. Please email or call if you are interested.
Thank you,
Leah Bruce
Colors Agency, Inc.
901.726.9300

Crew call

Gothic South Productions is seeking crew for a 35 mm short film titled "Recipe for Raising the Dead," about a young, distraught housewife who goes to extreme measures to bring her recently deceased husband back to life.

Shooting in Memphis the week of Jan. 3-9. The style and tone of the piece is best described as "Tim Burton directs Desperate Housewives."

Crew positions include:
DP (Must have experience on 35 mm); AC; 2nd AC; Production Designer; gaffer; grips; Sound Recordist; Boom Operator; Script Supervisor; make-up; production assistants.

If interested, please contact Carter at recipe@gothicsouth.us

Watkins Film School -- Nashville

The Watkins Film School at Watkins College of Art & Design will hold an open casting call for its spring film projects on Friday, Dec. 2nd from 6-9 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 3rd from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. The auditions will take place at the College at 2298 MetroCenter Boulevard.

To schedule an appointment, email Ricardo Cardenas at casting@watkins.edu. Walk-ins will also be accepted. Actors and actresses should bring a current headshot photo and resume. Participants are encouraged to prepare a one-minute contemporary monologue, though sides will also be available.

If unable to attend, please mail a headshot photo and resume to: Andrew Newell, Watkins Film School, 2298 Metrocenter Blvd, Nashville, TN 37228.

The students at Watkins Film School produce about 30 short films per semester, each requiring a diverse group of actors and actresses of all ages. With a focus on narrative filmmaking, the students write, produce and direct a wide variety of movies that can run up to15 minutes. For additional questions, call 615-277-7433.

Mo' Flow? No.

The sequel to Hustle and Flow is not necessarily a done deal, we hear. It's being talked about, yes, but not firmed up.

Update on Corduroy Wednesday

Corduroy Wednesday is the featured production company at the Media Co-Op Forum this coming Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. (First Congo Church, 1000 S. Cooper).

From Edward Valibus Phillips: "We'll talk about the trials, tribulations, and rewards of making 'Grim Sweeper.' We will also have a big surprise on hand....no....I can't wait...Christmas is coming early.... we'll be premiering the teaser for the film along with the marquee poster! The event is free so come by to learn, heckle, cheer...whatever your heart desires.If you can't make it, don't fret. The poster and teaser will soon make its way to the website.

Is spelling www.corduroywednesday.com driving you mad? Well type in www.cwfilms.net This simpler version takes you to the same great website, or stick with corduroywednesday.com it's all good.

Editing is streaming along and we are also planning a wrap party/premiere of the *trailer* soon. So check the website often for updates! I would like to thank everyone that helped in making 'Grim Sweeper' happen. The location owners, actors, crew, producers, we thank you for making this all come true.

Reminder: tonight

Brooks is screening a documentary on William Eggleston.

Mo' Flow?

This item from Allhiphop.com is among several similar ones making the rounds. Let's just hope the sequel doesn't have DJay moving to LA:

Actor Terrance Howard has reportedly signed on to appear in a sequel to “Hustle & Flow,” a hit movie about a Memphis pimp/rapper going through a mid-life crisis. The movie was written and directed by Craig Brewer and produced by John Singleton. Since its premiere in July, the acclaimed film raked in over $22 million at the box office. According to published reports, the cast will remain the same with actors like Anthony Anderson, Paula Jai Parker, Taryn Manning, singer Isaac Hayes and Ludacris as rival rapper Shinny Black.

"Walk the Line" -- Slate review

David Edelstein's thoughtful take on WTL:

In spite of its standard biopic gaps and simplifications, Walk the Line gets the big things right. ... Along the way we get terrific impersonations of Elvis Presley (Tyler Hilton), Jerry Lee Lewis (Waylon Malloy Payne), Carl Perkins (Johnny Holiday) and, of course, June Carter (Reese Witherspoon)—onstage, in the wings, and in the caravan on a Sun Records tour. You'd get your money's worth from that show! ... Ginnifer Goodwin is very affecting as Cash's first wife ...

True Story Pictures

Local documentarian Joann Self and her True Story Pictures are documenting and sharing the stories of the region's best artists. Other projects of this community-based nonprofit organization are getting underway as well. The mission: "All TSP documentary productions focus on giving a voice to the often voiceless and on providing a forum for different points of view that are often overlooked or ignored but nevertheless represent a valuable perspective and place in our communities." Check it out.

Boosting "Walk the Line"

Geoff and Jan Falk will be on Channel 3's "Live at 9" Thursday morning promoting "Walk the Line." See it or Tivo it and see if they can squeeze in a plug for getting Tennessee to create an incentive plan for filmmakers.

"The Seraphim"

"The Seraphim" this Friday at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at First Congo. It's a Meisner for the Creative project and will be weird, energetic and amazing. Go.

Hollywood doesn't grow up

Here's the latest in the series of stories in Slate on the movie biz -- this one looking a why Hollywood won't be making many movies for adults.

While it's true that overall box office receipts are down so far in 2005—theaters took in 8 percent less money in the first nine months of 2005 than they did in the same period in 2004—the box-office revenues for the major Hollywood studios—Fox, Sony, Warner Bros., Disney, Paramount, and Universal—are up. So is their share of the box office, and so is their revenue.

Busted

From the CA: Major film companies filed lawsuits against two Tennesseans on Tuesday, one a Memphis man they say illegally swapped movies, including "Napoleon Dynamite," with others on the Internet.

Changes at MeDiA Co-op

From Morgan Jon Fox:

The MeDiA Co-op UPDATE

UPCOMING SCREENINGS/EVENTS:

• Sun., Nov. 13 at 6 p.m.: Films By Andrei Tarkovsky
• Tues., Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.: Open Discussion on different filmmaking esthetics
• Sun., Nov. 20 at 6 p.m.: Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (http://www.walmartmovie.com)
• (The Films Of Fellini have been postponed)
• Tues., Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.: Open Forum for discussion about current projects
• Sun., Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.: "Celebration" by Thomas Vinterberg and "The Idiots" by Lars Von Trier

CO-OP UPDATE

FREE TUESDAY NIGHT WORKSHOPS every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Thanks to all of you who have been attending, facilitating, or even thinking about the Tuesday night workshops at the MeDiA Co-op. Coming up on our fourth year of holding these workshops every Tuesday night we are changing the format up a bit and launching an educational program at the Co-op starting in the new year. Starting immediately, Tuesday nights are going to serve more as an open forum, a place for people to discuss films they're working on, a place to seek assistance for a production you're gearing up for or to let people know what you've learned about the projects you've completed.

SUNDAY NIGHT FILM SCREENINGS every Sunday at 6 p.m.
We officially launched our ESSENTIAL FILM SERIES to take place every Sunday night at 6 p.m. for a measly 3 bucks. These films will be scheduled in advance and advertised secretly through flyers that you can find at places like BlackLodge Video and Otherlands. This film series will feature great directors from international and American cinema, from the past and present. Each screening will be accomodated by a lecture. Some screenings will also be lectures on film history, with clips and the like. We will be encouraging people from the community to become engaged and be a part of this by selecting films and filmmakers they know a lot about and curate a night of the ESSENTIAL FILM SERIES.

MEMBERSHIP
The Co-op now offers four tiers of membership ranging from simple use of office space/internet/printers, to access to a G4 with editing and design software, to access to a miniDV camera/boom mic/boom pole/various low-grade lights/tripod. We also have a Patron Membership where if you donate $100 to the Co-op you can get discounts for workshops and screenings throughout the year at the Co-op. If you have more questions, please email Tim at membership@mediaco-op.org or Andrew at anennngr@memphis.edu

1ST ANNUAL FILMMAKERS CONFERENCE
To celebrate our fourth year of being a part of the film community of Memphis after First Congregational so graciously accepted us into their wonderful building, we will be launching the FIRST ANNUAL MID-SOUTH INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS CONFERENCE in March. The conference will be a multiday event with workshops, panels and screenings. There will also be an audition similar to the UPTAs where film actors can audition in front of a panel of directors. Through this conference we hope to unite the independent film community in the surrounding area. We hope to establish the following goals through this project:

• The creation of the MIFD: Memphis Independent Filmmakers Database: A database of all the local directors, producers, actors and others, Including a listing of every film created in this city and who's worked on what and where.
• A Library of all locally produced works.
• The initiation of an info-list serve where the local film community can stay in touch with what's going on, including auditions, screenings, need to assist with crew, and so on.

We will start requesting information from individuals soon to get some of these projects off the ground. Please let us know if you'd like to help with this in any way.

The Memphis Digital Arts Co-op
1000 S. Cooper Memphis TN 38104
901.278.9077
MeDiA Co-op blog

Morgan Jon Fox in action

Director Morgan Jon Fox and Sawed-Off Collaboratory Productions are having fundraiser screenings for a Sawed-Off Collaboratory Pictures project to finish production on the documentary "This Is What Love In Action Looks Like."

It's at the MeDiA Co-op (1000 S. Cooper, 901-278-9077) and both nights are Pay What You Can.

Friday December 16th: At 7:30 is "What Does Love In Action Look Like: a preface" (plus short films); at 9:30 is "Blue Citrus Hearts."

Saturday December 17th: At 7:30 is "Away(A)wake"; at 9:30 is "What Does Love In Action Look Like: a preface" (plus short films)

The documentary follows a story that unfolded in Memphis in the summer of 2005 that got international attention. It's surrounding the controversial "get straight camp" Love In Action and its teenage program called Refuge. Sawed-Off needs funding to complete this documentary and promote it around the country for distribution and festival screenings. "What Does Love In Action Look Like: a preface," the companion piece to "This Is What Love In Action Looks Like," was awarded the Ron Tibbett Excellence In Filmmaking award at the 2005 Indie Memphis film festival.

Sawed-Off's previous films that are being screened on the 16th and 17th have been shown around the country and are distributed by Ariztical Entertainment nationally on DVD.

Acclaim for the 2003 feature "Blue Citrus Hearts":
"One of the top 15 films of 2003" -The Commercial Appeal -The Chicago Reader

"This movie captures all the awkwardness, angst, despair, exhilaration and confusion of being a teenager. It’s raw and aching, beautiful and honest ... I am adding Fox to my list of filmmakers to watch and I am wondering just what is going on in Memphis, Tenn., to foster work so solid and accomplished." -Chicago Free Press

All screenings will be accompanied by Q and A sessions.

More talent from Walk the Line

McGhee Monteith:
"I play Reba Cash, Johnny Cash's sister at ages 15, 21 and 32. There was a lot of Priscilla Presley wedding day hair going on in 1964 when I was playing 32. It was the most incredible experience ever and I feel so privileged to be a part of the whole experience. The whole Cash legacy which is so huge and the actors involved really, really delivered."
===
J. W. Williams:
"I play the pill guy, the bad guy in the movie. I'm the downfall of Johnny Cash -- until they get rid of me. I'm Satan with a smile, that's the way I played it. I liked Mangold coming on the set and being the spazz that he is because it was a creative spazz, not like Quentin Tarantino. I loved that he'd come on set and say, 'Lets take the million dollars that Fox gives us to make a (bleep) movie.' I would love that -- that's a great attitude to have. That was one of my favorite parts. I like the directors. I don't like actors."
===
Hailey Anne Nelson:
"I played Roseanne Cash, Johnny's oldest daughter. I was involved with the scenes of Vivian and Johnny Cash. I cried in a couple of scenes and I had a few scenes with Joaquin. I thought I was going to bond with him because he plays my "father" but when I met him and got to work with him it was actually more like bonding with the actual Johnny Cash cause he was so in character. I've been in a few features, like "Big Fish" and coming in January I have a lead role in "Wild Tigers I Have Known." It's a lot like "Stand By Me" and I'm really excited about that.
===
Cody Hanford:
"I'm Tommy Cash, Johnny's little brother. I get to ride on Joaquin Phoenix's back and kick a can. It was really cool. Joaquin was really nice. It was his idea for me to ride on his back and it was really fun."
===
Brandon Raines:
"I play in the Air Force scene in Germany in 1952. I play Johnny Cash's Air Force buddy, a guy named Sikes who you don't see in the film cause it got cut. But it was great. I had a tremendous amount of good experience on the set. I got a lot of general ideas about what to expect when I go to other movie sites. Meeting Joaquin Phoenix is very very uplifting because the guy is really dedicated to being in a certain kind of character. And to play a character like this, I think he's the only one who can do it. I had a great time working with him. And I'm hopeful that in the next one I do I'll be able to be seen."
===
And the busy acting couple of Geoff and Jan Falk were there. Geoff appeared as the Folsom Prison assistant warden and Jan was the lady at the five and dime. They were also stand-ins for Robert Patrick and Shelby Lynne. And both are angling for parts in the upcoming Demi Moore/Ray Liotta flick "Chlorine."

Walk the Line premiere: In love with Ginnifer Goodwin

Tuesday night's premiere of "Walk the Line" was jumpin'. The stage was set at the red carpet bash at the Malco Paradiso by two gorgeous cars out front, a vintage Caddy and a classic DeSoto, both of 'em with grand, swooping fins that could fly you to heaven at 85 m.p.h.

Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commissioner Linn Sitler greeted invitees at the door and the lobby was packed before and after the screening with film lovers, actors, VIPs and guests.

Memphis Cool was there and scored an exclusive interview with several of the actors involved. Top of the list was Ginnifer Goodwin, the charming and heart-meltingly beautiful Memphis native who had the tough role of Vivian Cash.

I can't comment on my own performance, but making this movie was truly the greatest acting experience of my life. I think that something about -- no, not something about but absolutely being in Memphis -- having that safety net and that warmth certainly made me a lot braver, so I felt like I could really dive in in a way that I don't think I necessarily trusted myself to do before. I was at home! It's where I learned to act. That was just magical, getting to come back here to do what it is that I love and the place that made me who I am.

She and Joaquin Phoenix had an electrifying fight scene. We agreed she deserves kudos:

I hope that Joaquin and I will score some nods in the best fight category this year because we didn't have a choreographer. I can unabashedly brag that we really went for it and I got cut with that breakaway sugar glass that I wasn't supposed to get cut on!

And Memphis Cool unabashedly praised her performance because (despite Kathy Cash's opinion) Goodwin skillfully made Vivian's reactions understandable:

It was so important to me that we not villainize her because they were two people who got married very young and didn't know each other very well and couldn't give each other what they needed. It was unfortunate and she was so WRONGED. This is a movie that's lauding this very fated true love and very fated magical creative collaboration but still it's about this affair! Somehow people I think in real life saw Vivian as the other woman when really SHE was scorned. So I felt for her.

And what's coming next?

A drama series in June called "Big Love" on HBO. Sort of like "Sopranos" but about polygamists.

Polygamists?!?!

Can't wait.

Memphis Cool: Deluded

Reminder: You have until Monday to reserve your places for the premiere of "Delusions" Wednesday night. Here's what you need to know. By the way, the making of this movie was the source of this important essay by Memphis Cool on how to do a nude scene. Laugh? Cry? You decide.

So get your info to Waheed (delusions@wafilms.com) soonest.

Cameraperson to shoot motorsports/interviews

Here's a posting from Craigslist:

Experience Mandatory
An online or DVD demo reel is required
and must be received by 11/20/05.

Experience: Applicants will have experience filming sports/action interviews, and motorsports experience is highly regarded. Experience with Canon XL1, XL2 is a plus. Applicants must respond to this listing ASAP by e-mail (job-110526663@craigslist.org) with a description of relevant talents and experience.

Dates:
Friday, November 25th (day after Thanksgiving)
Saturday, November 26th

Description: Racing event DVD and televised production | Memphis, TN | Hotel and food provided Chosen applicants will be contracted to film interviews during the afternoon & evening hours of 11/25 and 11/26. Will be in constant contact with film crew & director via headset communication. Expected hours are 12 noon to 10 p.m. on the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving day.

Compensation: $500-$800 based on experience, plus copies of work and finished product and valuable experience.

Everybody's a #&$%#* critic

The Associated Press reports:

Kathy Cash, one of Johnny Cash's five children, was so upset about how her mother is portrayed in the upcoming movie "Walk The Line" that she walked out of a family-only screening, five times.

She thinks the movie is good and that performances by Joaquin Phoenix as her dad and Reese Witherspoon as her stepmother, June Carter Cash, are Oscar-worthy.

But she told The Tennessean newspaper that the film unfairly shows her mother, Vivian Liberto Distin, Johnny Cash's first wife, as a shrew.

Kathy Cash says her mother was proud of Cash until he started taking drugs and stopped coming home.

Ginnifer Goodwin plays the role and as written, it could have been played poorly. But Goodwin did a remarkable job interpreting her character. Too bad that Kathy perceived only the worst, but people that near the limelight often have a distorted view. In fact, an exceptionally skilled Goodwin went to pains to show Vivian as someone who wanted to keep her marriage and family together and if that meant reminding Johnny of his promises and obligations, then so be it. That's not shrewish, that's tough love. And I would suppose that most viewers will see that she was put in an impossible position by Johnny's choices.

"Stirring" -- Da!

Here's a post from the eCallboard from Paul Skidmore on his movie "Stirring."


STIRRING is a long short film (currently the script is 53 pages, so about 53 minutes), and there is now more info up on StirringMovie.com about the story and characters. It's not comprehensive, but it will get you started.

Feel free to e-mail me for more information on it. I'm actually getting a lot of response about the film (which is happily surprising), so it might take me a day or few to get back to you.

Currently the shoot is scheduled for December 7-21, 2005, which is coming up soon. Casting sessions are this weekend and next (12 and 19) from 9am to 4pm. Directions and a link to the map are on the website.

Most of all I should point out that all of the dialogue for the film will be in Russian, so we are needing Russian speakers to fill the handful of lead roles, but we have plenty of roles to fill that have a couple of lines (which could be learned phonetically) or no lines at all. The script has little dialogue, and is told mostly visually, so please don't think that a dialogueless role actually means "extra."

Thanks for everyone's interest! The energy moving behind this film has been delightfully overwhelming and joyously infectious! Hope you're able to come out and be a part of this project with us!

Skidmore

"Grim Sweeper" in post

Here's a news story from the Jackson paper on local film "Grim Sweeper," which is in post-production. For more info, check out the Corduroy Wednesday website.

Come out swinging

From Leah Bruce:

Colors Agency is looking for a Caucasian boxer for a commercial.
We have not been given an age range or any other specifics. The
commercial will shoot in Jackson, MS either the week before
Thanksgiving or the week after. We will be taping in our office
throughout Thursday 11/10. Please call Colors for more information.
Phone number 901-726-9300.

"Delusions" premiere: the particulars

The screening of "Delusions" on Nov. 16 at The Complex in Memphis is for family and friends and everyone that worked on the movie. If you are a friend or were in cast or crew, email Waheed AlQawasmi at delusions@wafilms.com and include your name and the names of the people that you are bringing.

There's no charge if you're on Waheed's list; otherwise you'll have to pay $7.

There will be two bands playing starting at 5 p.m. and playing through 7:45 p.m. Robert Saba and Waheed AlQawasmi will then introduce the movie and give a brief explanation about the project.

Send Waheed the names ASAP -- don't wait till November 15th to do it.

WHAT: "Delusions"
WHERE: The Complex, 704 Madison, entrance in rear
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7:45 p.m. (Doors Close at 8pm no one will be allowed in after that time.)
ADMISSION: Free if you're on the list. If you're not then you have to pay $7

"The choice of a good life is only a delusion"

You'll be hearing more about the movie "Delusions" in coming days. It's a tough, uncompromising story by writer/director Robert Saba with producer/dp/editor Waheed AlQawasmi. Cast includes Chris Ross, Tiffany Pemberton, Bevan Bell, Muck Sticky, Forrest Pruett, Hollywood, Michael Travis Stone, Lee Mauney, Sarah Ewell, Joe Smith and Paul Crosby. The indie was shot in Memphis over a five-month period this year.

Check out Waheed's web site (http://www.wafilms.com/) and click on "Films" to see the trailer and some stills from the production. Or go straight to here.

Premiere is Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Complex.

Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club on Wednesday

The Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club’s first anniversary party is Wednesday, Nov. 9. The theme will be country/western, with a “Rural America Roundup” program of short films, including:

Fenceliners by Chelsea Walton

Jim from Divernon by Chad Schneider

Barn Story by Cortney Kintzer

Living in A Cornfield by Sandy Dyas

Bear Hunter by Mary Robertson

Reception begins at 7 p.m. and films begin at 8.

The Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club meets the 2^nd Wednesday of every month, and screens short films from around the world. The location is the Powerhouse 45 GE Patterson Ave, next to Central Station. Always free admission and parking.

Honey I shrunk the kids

Variety has this story on changing demographics. The conclusion:

"While younger audiences are eroding or being pulled in a dozen different directions, the older auds are holding fast -- or growing."

"Delusions": the trailer

Robert Saba (director) and Waheed AlQawasmi (producer/DP) have posted the trailer for the controversial film "Delusions." It's a tough, gritty movie done in improv style much like the influential John Cassavetes film "Shadows."

It's potent stuff. The movie premieres Nov. 16 at The Complex. Save that date.

Ebert on 40 Shades

Roger Ebert weighs in with a review of Ira Sachs' "Forty Shades of Blue." Here's an excerpt:

There is a scene of some mastery, involving a party Alan throws in his own backyard. A big barbeque, with lots of booze and live music. His guests represent a cross-section of the Memphis music communities, black and white, young and old, and they all have one thing in common: A vast indifference to Alan. Watch him move through this gathering like a ghost at a banquet. Listen to his speech, at which with a grandiose gesture he tries to make things up with Laura; he is so ignorant of healthy human emotion that he has no idea he is only insulting her again, publicly.

Brooks screens Eggleston documentary

Ed Halter of The Village Voice calls it “a subtle, elegant documentary.” Artforum’s Amy Taubin describes it as “Brilliant! A remarkably intimate but also discreet portrait.” The Commercial Appeal’s John Beifuss refers to it as a “fascinating documentary.” Judge for yourself on November 17 when Memphis Brooks Museum of Art presents William Eggleston in the Real World at 7:00 p.m.

Michael Almereyda’s film tracks Eggleston on trips to Kentucky, Los Angeles and New York, but gives particular attention to downtime in Memphis. It shows a deep connection between Eggleston’s enigmatic personality and his groundbreaking photographic work while revealing his talents as a musician, draftsman and videographer.

Local arts patron and physician James Patterson helped to produce William Eggleston in the Real World. Dr. Patterson will introduce the film at the Brooks, giving the audience some insight into the project. The Brooks will present one screening only on November 17 in the Dorothy K. Hohenberg auditorium. Tickets are $6 for members and $8 for non-members.

New and updated

A couple of new additions to the "Memphis Film Sites" listing at right include:

• Old School Pictures, makers of "Act One" which grabbed the Best Narrative Feature in the Hometowner category of Indie Memphis last week
• Arnita C. Williams, actress, screenwriter, director and filmmaker

You should also regularly check for updates:

• Bevan B. Bell's blog, a priceless collection of a filmmaker's rants (plus a link to the super trailer for "Divine Manipulation of the Threads")
• Markus Seaberry's blog, the ruminations of a young actor starting small but with big aspirations
• Forrest Pruett's site -- click on What's New to follow his trail (and click on Actors First to hire some splendid talent).

Casting call

Casting Session for the film STIRRING is Nov. 12 & 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Christian Student Center, 425 Patterson near U of M.
Primarily looking for:
About 20-30 males, ages 25 and up
At least 2 females, ages 25 and up
Children, ages 5-12
but other roles needed as well, so if you don't fit the above description, don't let that stop you!
Ability to speak Russian (or similar language/dialect) preferred, or should be willing to learn. (All dialogue in the film will be in either Russian or Ukranian)

The culture of deception

Well we're talking about Hollywood, natch. In this fine Slate article. An excerpt:

Since Hollywood is an industry dedicated to perpetrating illusion, its leaders often assume they have license to take liberties with the factual elements that support the movies they make. This practice is euphemistically described by marketing executives as "pushing the reality envelope."