Reality show for the outrageous: That you?

Producers of a reality show in development are looking for people (18 years+) with extreme views, extreme lifestyles and everything in between for a chance to win big bucks.

Read the following and if you fit the description, email the address below. Don't wait around -- auditions will be held quickly.

Do you have strong opinions and are not afraid to stand up for your beliefs? Are you falsely judged by your appearance? Do others find you too conservative or too liberal? Are you an amazing judge of character?

The International Emmy Award-winning WITHOUT PREJUDICE? is being produced for the North American audience. One of the most provocative shows to hit the air anywhere, WITHOUT PREJUDICE? features a panel of ordinary people who are given the chance to improve the course of someone's life by awarding one of five contestants a large sum of money. Contestants vie for the money by opening up their lives for examination by the panel.

The show, from the producers of The Weakest Link, is described in press materials this way:

The 5 people hoping to be given the money do not have to answer any quiz questions, eat any disgusting vile foods, race around the world, live in house with degenerates or jump out of a plane to prove themselves worthy. Instead, the panel of 5 will determine who gets the cash simply by hearing information about each contestant's life and deciding who they like the most.

They will hear all about each contestants beliefs, family status, salary and occupation….they will also be shown photographs and interview the hopefuls which will all go towards building a case for each contestant to win the money.

However, there will be no sob-stories – this isn't about being the most deserving.

Instead, it's about the panel themselves and how they reveal their prejudices through their judgments.

Would the panel rather give the cash to a man or a woman? To a Jehovah's Witness or an agnostic? To a gay person or a straight person? To someone who believes in the death penalty or someone who is anti-abortion? To a mother of 5 kids living on welfare or a self-made businessman? To a republican or democrat? To someone fit or someone who's clearly not?

Looking for the following types but not limited to:

hippie/alternative lifestyle
obsessed with plastic surgery
in an open marriage
war veteran/military
psychic healer
ex-addict/alcoholic
mistress
stripper/male/female
swinger
polygamist
little person
Muslim
real cowboy
naturist
body art/piercings
married gay man/woman with children
Native American
Vegas Showgirl
Rapper
Gun club member
Orthodox Religion
Scientologist

Strong beliefs/opinions may include:

Death penalty
Lesbian/Gay Marriages
Gay Adoption
Cannabis
Abortion
Immigration
Animal rights
Euthanasia
Prostitution
Terrorism
Global Warming
Stem Cell Research
Inner racial relationships/dating


In the email please include the following:
Your Name
Your Age
Your Contact Information
A recent photograph
A short bio including your type and beliefs

TO APPLY email us at: castingstory@yahoo.com

Cool Memphis stuff

LiveFromMemphis.com has recently released 2 new products: "My Memphis" (DVD) and "Gonerfest 2" (DVD+CD). Both of these products serve to highlight the things and events that makes our city a truly unique and exciting place (albeit in different ways).

Whiteville: Star city

Shooting for a few days in Hardeman County... here's John Beifuss' story in the CA.

Oscar-winning actors Tommy Lee Jones and Susan Sarandon are in the Memphis area this week to work on a new movie for Paul Haggis, the writer and director of last year's Best Picture, "Crash." Shooting begins today in Whiteville, Tenn., on "In the Valley of Elah," the story of a war veteran (Jones) and his wife (Sarandon) who go in search of their missing son, a soldier recently returned from Iraq. more...

Li'l Film Fest

Here's a reminder from the CA on Li'l Film Festival 5 -- Tribute to Craig Brewer.

Submissions are now being accepted for "Li'l Film Fest 5," devoted to this theme: "The Legend of Craig Brewer." (With one movie about a pimp-turned-rapper and another about a nymphomaniac chained to a bluesman's radiator, Brewer's projects certainly offer plenty of interesting content to work with.)

The fifth Li'l Film Fest is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. March 17 at the MeDiA Co-op theater at First Congregational Church, 1000 S. Cooper. The event is coordinated by Livefrommemphis.com, a Web site devoted to local film, music and other arts.

Movies must be 5 minutes or shorter (hence, the "Li'l" tag). A trophy and $200 cash prize will be given to the winners of both the "Audience Choice Award" and the "Jury Award."

For an entry form and more information, visit livefrommemphis.com/filmfest or call 523-9763.

Actress needed

Very Sexy Attractive fit Actresses needed ASAP to play Ladies of the Night for Quentin Tarantino Movie Trailer Contest.

Call times Saturday 2/3 8:00am and Sunday 2/4 5:00 am.

All day shoot.

Food and Beverages provided.

Call Arnita VM 213-403-4001

or call cell phone if you alread have the #

Memphis Film Society -- new

In addition to filming my feature in Memphis, I am also in the process of setting up a new non-profit called the "Memphis Film Society." I am modeling this group after the famous Austin Film Society. At first, MFS will be offering free monthly network mixers, free monthly screenings of otherwise unseen films in this area, and parties at the two big Memphis film festivals.

Later (a year or so down the line), we will add membership levels, workshops, a filmmaker's grant program, and other interesting events in Memphis--all geared towards you, area actors, filmmakers, and film enthusiasts!

Check out our baby website at www.memphisfilm.org periodically to see info (though I will also send it to this group). What I need right now from you, the film community, is word-of-mouth advertising. The bigger the turnout for the mixers/screenings, the bigger a force we will be in this community.

I am putting together the e-list for everyone who would like to receive discounts, newsletters, and information about events concerning the Memphis Film Society right now. If you would like to be on this list, email me at info@memphisfilm.org and I will add you to all our mailings.

Please forward this to everyone you know in the film industry. Our first mixer will be in March, and I'm looking forward to meeting each and every one of you. Cheers!

Rich Newman
Founder, Memphis Film Society

Chris Ellis and you

Native Memphian Chris Ellis, a true working actor will make a guest appearance at Lisa Lax's scene study class Monday night. Ellis will give insight into the business, speaking on topics such as becoming a working actor, how to survive the dry spells, and going after the job not just relying on the agent.

Ellis, is most known for his roles as Deke Slayton in Apollo 13, J.T. in My Cousin Vinny, co-starring in October Sky and so many more. You can also see him this Tuesday night in Veronica Mars and Friday night in Vegas with James Caan.

For more info and class registration email Lisa at actlink@aol.com.

LTTM for Feb

We have re-tooled the LTTM Shorts Festival. Beginning with the February edition we will feature a different guest host each month to provide exposure for local actors. This month's host is Wasabi Jones, an actor whose resume includes such films as Rookie Bookie, Service With a Smile, Bad People, A Waste of 02, Split Decision, Southern Comfort and most recently, Curbside Confessions. This month's edition of the fest includes remarkable films by some excellent filmmakers.

Previews:

The trailer for Old School Productions feature film Act One.
The trailer for Def MF's production of The Phone People.
The trailer for a LTTM documentary production of The Memphis Belle - Its Final Chapter in Memphis.

The Films:

Checking In - directed by Steve Gelder. A hotel robbery in the desert goes wrong - or does it?

Wet Noises - directed by David Liban. A film produced in 1999 by the University of Memphis film department,
Wet Noises tells the story of a young man who longs to know a father he never knew. What he finds is not what he was hoping for.


Classified Ad - directed by Ben Siler. Classified Ad portrays a man’s obsession with a young woman and the fantasy relationship he has created about her.

George and Martha - directed by Donald Meyers with cinematography by J. Lazarus Hawk. A spoof film made for the Lil Film Fest, Politically Incorrect Holidays.

Music for ending credits:

Used To Be - sung by Sandy Carroll from the Delta Techno album.

Be sure to look for the BONUS FILM after the ending credits - Believe by Crippled Nation, a music video produced by Live From Memphis, (livefrommemphis.com).

The Times:

Sunday- midnight
Thursday- 2 AM
Thursday- 10:30 PM
Saturday- 1:30 AM
Saturday- 11 PM

For more information about the festival or to enter a film or music video, go to www.LastTraintoMemphis.com
Check with the Library Channel website or our website for scheduling info. This is a weekly schedule that will begin this weekend.

Casting notice for Shrewsbury project

Casting Notice: short film SHOOTING ON FILM in late March.

Former two-time Indie Memphis winner Geoffrey Shrewsbury is holding open casting calls for his New York University senior thesis project.

Males and Females, ages 30 to 50, are eligible for 3 main speaking roles and 5 extras. All types are welcome and headshots are not necessary.

Also seeking interested producers and crew.

Go to: newperspectivefilms.org or call 788-2200 for days and times

ZoMBiEz auditions

This is a reminder about the auditions for our short film 'ZoMBiEz', Saturday, Feb. 3 from 2 to 6 at the Collierville Library. Thanks for those that have responded and for those that have reposted our bulletins. We've got character descriptions now so please pass them on!

ZoMBiEz Casting Call – Character Descriptions

Lead Roles:

Nathan
Age: 17
Skinny, awkward teen. Tries to be cool by wearing baggy jeans below his butt, polo shirts with the collar popped, and trucker hats. But his glasses and affinity for sci-fi and fantasy keep him firmly planted in the “dork” category. Has no common sense but lives on information gleaned from his sci-fi and entertainment publications.

Chris
Age: 18
Bigger than Nathan. Unassuming and classically handsome. Laid-back, smooth, and an effortless way about him. Dresses in t-shirts and jeans, always nice looking, in style, and natural. Has a high IQ but no interest in learning or reading.

Stefanie
Age: 17
Beautiful, Christian young woman. Can be found attending Bible studies and discussions in her spare time. Wears sweater sets and quotes the Bible often. Generally has hair up, glasses, and keeps a Bible with her at all times.

Jesse
Age: 30-40
Ruggedly handsome man usually wearing tweed and found feverishly working in a library. Has a PhD in Occult Practices and Cryptology. Often has a five o’clock shadow from late night studies, and glasses that he pushes up on his nose or cleans when nervous.

Supporting Roles:

New Age Shop Sales Girl (16-18)
Abercrombie Fitch Boy (17-20)
Librarian (M/F 20-40)
Ray (18-21)
Old Man Walker/Zombie (50-70)
Prom Guy Zombie (16-20)
Zombie Little Leaguer (9-12)
Spatula Head Zombie (20+)
Slacker Pizza Guy (16-25)
Headless Zombie (20+)
Zombie Family (M-40+, F-40+, M-10+, F-10+)

Of course, we need numerous extras of ALL AGES (especially 40+ adults) for our zombie hordes.

Everyone is asked to attend the casting call (with headshot and resume if available) on February 3rd, 2pm – 6pm, at the Collierville Public Library. Please sign-in at the table. Request audition material for a specific role at sign-in.

Delta Axis for February

Delta Axis, the edgy visual arts nonprofit, has a great lineup for February. It's all good -- film lovers note especially the Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club presentation Feb. 14.


Saturday, February 3, 6-8 p.m.
Opening reception for
Mary Ellen Carroll
ME LIKE BLACK
Power House, 45 G.E. Patterson (between Main & Front Streets)
Exhibition dates: February 3 – March 31, 2007
Gallery hours: Thursday-Saturday 12-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m.
Carroll’s new body of work makes use of the city of Memphis not only as a physical original but also a cultural, social-political and economic original as well – a site of authenticity. All of the works in the exhibition have the subject of impersonation as their conceptual and philosophical basis. Included in the exhibition will be ME LIKE BLACK, two neon signs that are inverted mistakes that reference the 1960s book Black Like Me by white journalist John Howard Griffin, a civil-rights activist and friend of Dr. King who disguised himself as a black man and chronicled the experience. Four new silkscreen paintings produced with Brand X Editions will be shown from Carroll’s One Star Press series You and Me is based on the difference between how we see ourselves and how we are seen by others. During the week before the exhibition’s opening, the performance Whatever It Takes, an impersonation of the escaped Haley, the female polar bear that FedEx relocated from Chicago to the Memphis Zoo, will take place at the Power House. On the opening night Carroll will become the subject and object of the artwork during a special performance.


Thursday, February 8, 6 p.m.
Artist Studio Visit
Jay Etkin
409 South Main Street
Free for Delta Axis members, $5 for non-members
Jay Etkin was born and raised in New York City. He graduated from Brooklyn College and apprenticed with American Realist painter Philip Pearlstein. Etkin has been exhibiting work since 1971 and is currently represented by Galerie Petra Spuijbroek in The Netherlands. His work is in private and public collections all over the world. Jay Etkin Gallery is currently in its 18th year in Memphis. The artist maintains studios at 409 South Main St. in Memphis, TN and in Santa Fe, NM.


Friday, February 9, 6-9 p.m.
Opening reception for
Southern Graphics Council Traveling Exhibition
Delta Axis @ Marshall Arts
639 Marshall Avenue
Exhibition dates: February 9 – March 17, 2007
Gallery hours: Saturday 1-5 p.m. or by appointment
The Southern Graphics Council is the largest print organization in North America; the organization fosters dialogue about prints and print education. The Southern Graphics Council Traveling Exhibition is comprised of 34 prints by 25 members of the Southern Graphics Council. These prints represent a wide variety of printmaking processes and approaches as well as diverse imagery and content.


Wednesday, February 14, 7:30 p.m.
Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club #26
Power House, 45 G.E. Patterson (between Main & Front Streets)
Free Admission, Donations Recommended
Selections from the 2006 Rural Route Film Festival
The Rural Route Film Festival was created to highlight works that deal with rural people and places. The festival, which showcases rural themes in an urban environment, features award-winning narrative, documentary, and experimental films as well as music videos. Based in New York City, the most urban of environments, the festival brings an alternative to the box office action flick so often set in New York or Los Angeles. We give city folks a chance to see what’s going on in the rest of the world, and bring a sense of home to country folk that have relocated to the city. We are also programming more and more international work, including films in this year’s festival from England, Siberia, Canada, Portugal, India, and Germany.


Support Delta Axis – become a member!
Members receive free admission to our monthly Artist Studio Visit, a free ticket to a screening at the 10th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival in 2007, and invitations to special parties and events. Membership is $50 for individuals and $75 for couples. For more information call 901.494.6543 or email info@deltaaxis.org.

Beifuss on Craig and Sundance and BSM

John's story on BSM's premiere at Sundance is here. And for more coverage, see this post from below.

Update:
Salon.com is all atwitter about BSM -- read Andrew O'Hehir's review here, where he says, among other things:

It was pretty damn good! A memorable work of art? Well, I'm not so sure about that. It's more an ingenious and stylish entertainment, "Pulp Fiction" with a Southern accent and a heart of gold, driven by both love of the Lord and a certain affection for the other fella.

Extras needed -- paying!

From Forrest Pruett:

New Film..."In the Valley of Elah" will need 20 background actors in this new film coming from Albuquerque, NM to Memphis...Actors would be needed for the first week in Feb. exact dates not yet known yet.

Must be over age 18, women & men of different ethnicities and I need some people who are overweight. I also need to know the make, model, year and color of their cars. it is paying.

please e-mail me at forrestpruett@gmail.com ASAP if you would like to send me your headshot and resume. don't forget to include the make, model, year of your cars.

Extras for this weekend

Drew Richcreek needs a few people to volunteer as extras. A new reality show called “Bodog’s Battle of the Bands” will be filming in Memphis this weekend. They will be creating a scene that looks like a press conference for the competing bands to interview in front of. They are looking for extras or volunteers some of whom may be fed questions to ask the bands. Filming will be Saturday the 27th from 9:30AM till 1:00pm at the Gibson Lounge. This is strictly volunteer -- no pay.

If you can commit, contact Drew at 525-1340.

Here is further info on the project:

“BODOG'S BATTLE OF THE BANDS’

Jet-setting billionaire Calvin Ayre is offering an American rock band a $1,000,000-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get signed, seen and heard by the world. There are no sign up fees. Just your music, your fans and your blood, sweat and commitment. The prize: a million dollar label recording contract and a chance to live the almighty rock n roll dream!

By putting a 5-star, sexy, fun twist on the American battle of the bands concept, Calvin Ayre takes television where no reality series has dared to go before. Calvin is determined to find the best unsigned act in America whom he can sign and nurture into international superstars. He is not just handing over his money; he is challenging the best bands in the country to show him their blood, sweat and commitment by taking their music to the streets, making themselves valuable and fighting their way to the top of the rock pile.

Each week on “Battle of the Bands” (9 episodes on the Fuse network, premiering early April 2007) Calvin will put his bands through a selection process comprised of carefully-devised, star-studded challenges in rock n roll locales like Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Calvin's crew of A-list celebrities and music industry judges will take part in each episode helping him narrow the playing field down from 17 bands to The One.

During the competition all of the bands (regional champions from the ongoing “Bodog Battle of the Bands” contest) will fight their ways up to the luxurious lives of celebrity entertainers: from no roadies, crammed in a van, and sleeping on the floor to a full road crew and tour support, tour buses, private jets and penthouse suites. All locations will be wired to record every behind-the-scenes moment between the bands. Challenges and situations will be produced to bring out the bands’ talent and character.

Episodes will be designed to reflect lessons of the rock 'n roll lifestyle and to showcase the fun and drama of this "fish out of water" competition. Personalities, social-economic backgrounds, age, sex, life experience, and personal values will all come into play over the arc of the eleven one-hour episodes.

Each week when it's time to yank one band out of their new rock n roll life and send them home, Calvin’s Road Manager will be there to do the dirty work and confiscate the keys to their hotel room or tour credentials.

The final three bands will compete in an ultimate showdown for a worldwide live audience - where the viewers will vote and be instrumental in deciding which band walks away with a million dollar prize, a record deal, and a shot at rock stardom.

"Bodog's Battle of the Bands" is being produced for Fuse and Bodog TV by Executive Producers Steve Jones and Julio Kollerbohm. Between them, some of the team’s credits include: “Bands Reunited,” “Vh-1’s Fan Club,” “MTV’s The Real World” and the Emmy-nominated “Bands on the Run.”

What: Bodog Music’s $1 Million Battle of the Bands has narrowed the field to 10 survivors culled from more than 7,000 entrants who signed up on the bodogbattleofthebands.com web site and participated in over 300 live battle concerts. Saturday, the 10 who remain will be walking in Memphis, right to a press conference announcing the show and showcasing each bands media relations chops. The press conference will be filmed for use as part of the show.


Who: Starting with 17 of America’s best indie bands as chosen by the Bodog Battle of the Band Elimination Rounds, by the time their tour buses roll into Memphis, 10 will be left. The tour manager for the Bodog Music Battle of the Bands will be noted KROQ DJ and Loveline host Stryker. Judges for the battles include legendary Sex Pistol John Lydon, Canadian superstar Bif Naked and more TBA.

Where: The Gibson Beale Street Showcase, in the Lobby, 145 Lt. George Lee Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Craig and Sundance and BSM

So Black Snake Moan premiered tonight at Sundance and now we await the reaction. John Beifuss of the CA is there and blogging about it as is David Merrill. Elsewhere there is lots of froth, a story about the film's music, and here's an interview with Brewer by some guy. Stay tuned for more...

Update:
Here's the Flyer's report...

And here's the New York Times' Manohla Dargis dismissing Craig and BSM with a curled cosmopolitan lip, calling the movie "entertainingly risible." Let's treat her to a jook joint, shall we?

Li'l Film Fest 4 ... and 5!

The excellent people at LiveFromMemphis.com have posted the films that were screened at the Li'l Film Festival 4 in December. Watch 'em here along with all the films from LFF 3, 2 and 1. Plus trailers and other nutritious and savory items.

And Sarah has announced the theme for Li'l Film Fest 5:

Theme: the films of Craig Brewer

Duration: 5 minutes or less

Entry Deadline: March 2nd

Festival Date: Saturday, March 17th at 2pm

Festival Location: the MeDiA co-op, 1000 S. Cooper St.

As Memphians, we are grateful for the publicity and exposure that Brewer has brought to our city; and as artists, we respect and admire his drive and creativity. This is why we have chosen him as the focus of Li’l Film Fest 5: The Legend of Craig Brewer.

Oh, and remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…

Extras for wedding scene

Perception Films is filming one last scene of Chance Encounter the 24th of Wed. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church located at 155 Market Street. Downtown Memphis. We will start filming at 8pm. This scene will be a wedding in the largest cathedral in Memphis. It was belt in 1860. Come dressed nice for the wrap of Chance Encounter. Justin Gullett, PERCEPTION FILMS.

Memphis International Film Fest

Film and music lovers, if you’re looking for fascinating feature and short films to make you laugh and cry, documentaries and experimental films to make you think, animation to amaze and delight, and, for the first time, music videos to get you up on your feet and put a song in your heart, join us at the Memphis Film Forum’s 8th Annual Memphis International Film Festival, March 22-25, 2007, at Malco’s Paradiso and Malco’s Studio on the Square theatres.

The Mid-South’s premiere film event, our festival attracts top films and filmmakers from all over the world, along with fantastic local filmmakers, giving us an intriguing and inspiring collection of films to share with our audience.

Film submissions are closed, and the screeners are engaging in the exciting process of judging the entries. The chosen films will be announced February 5 and also will be posted on our website, memphisfilmforum.org, along with viewing dates and times. A festival pass can be purchased in advance by calling 901-626-9685 for only $ 35, entitling the bearer not only admission to all the films, but to a cornucopia of events, including parties and seminars presently being planned. Individual tickets will also be available for purchase to sample the many offerings we’ll be presenting.

New this year, the Memphis Film Forum is promoting a design contest for our festival logo which will be used on the official festival poster, t-shirt and other marketing materials. The winning artist will receive a pair of all-access VIP passes for the entire festival as well as the gratitude and recognition of the Memphis arts community. Entries will be accepted immediately, through Friday, February 9th, 2007. Full details are available on our website at www.memphisfilmforum.org.

Seeking more involvement? We’re actively seeking volunteers, who, for their support, will receive passes and other considerations. We’re a non-profit, working to inspire and educate our community, so we appreciate all of our wonderful volunteers!

Need more information? You can visit our website where you can email us or call us at (901) 626-9685.

So mark your calendars, March 22-25, 2007, and we’ll see you at the Memphis Film Forum’s Great Eighth Annual Memphis International Film Festival at Malco’s Paradiso and Malco’s Studio on the Square theatres.

Clark/Carter and Pitts take the Snake

Black Snake Moan trailer winners were featured in a story in the Memphis Daily News:

John Paul Clark, a freelance cinematographer who recently graduated from the University of Memphis, and Daniel Carter, a screenwriter with a couple of semesters to go at U of M, won a promotional contest coinciding with the release of "Black Snake Moan," Brewer's new film soaked with images of the blues and the gritty side of Southern culture.

Clark and Carter, both in their early 20s, won the grand prize, the trip to Sundance. First prize went to Rod Pitts of Pittstop Productions, a Memphis-based film production company. He'll get to attend the premiere of "Black Snake Moan," which Brewer said probably will be held in New York City.

"The fact they both are from Memphis floors me, because I did not know that when I chose the two," Brewer said. "The trailer was just another way to have fun.

"We knew that we eventually wanted to launch a very user-friendly campaign, where people could get into the movie, contribute, get in on the fun and then talk about it. The studio sees it as a marketing tool. I see it as, 'Oh, wow, we get to take two young filmmakers, one gets to go to Sundance, one gets to go to the premiere.'"

Bring out your dead

ZoMBiEz!! Casting Call
Slacker Central Productions is casting their next production,
ZoMBiEz!!, written and directed by local filmmaker, Jessica Powers.

Lead Roles:
2 males – 17-23 yrs old
1 female – 17-23 yrs old
1 male – early 30's

Lead Supporting Roles (Zombies):
1 Male/Female – 50-70 yrs old
1 Male/Female – 8-12 yrs old
1 Male – 17-20 yrs old

And of course, we need extras of all ages for our zombie hordes.

Audition Date: February 3, 2007
Collierville Public Library
2pm – 6pm

**Please come prepared with a headshot and resume if you have one.**

If you have any questions, contact:
Karen Preston 901-484-0669
Jessica Powers 901-569-1630
everyone@scpflicks.com

Memphis + film = Excellent!

I've been saying that moviemakers in Memphis and the Mid-South had a great 2006 and that we'll have a terrific 2007. Now MovieMaker magazine puts us as No. 7 in the top 10 movie cities in the country for 2007.

Told you so.

Here are excerpts from Mike Lollar's story in the CA:

The magazine's winter issue, which will be released today at the Sundance Film Festival, is Memphis' third appearance in the periodical, which has a circulation of 54,000 readers, primarily independent filmmakers.

Memphis received an honorable mention in 2005 and was ranked 10th last year.

"I think we can all be proud from the mayors to the film commission to the community that we're ranked so high on such a prestigious list," said Memphis and Shelby County film commissioner Linn Sitler.

She attributed part of the ranking to film incentive legislation passed last year. ...

In the MovieMaker article, [Craig Brewer] says, "I love the city, but it's the character of the people that truly inspires me."

Of the commission, he says, "You will never find a more dedicated film commission in the country. I try to find projects that must be shot in Memphis just so I can work with Linn Sitler."

Sitler helped lobby the legislature for the incentive program, which set aside $10 million to help fund projects and also provide bonuses to film companies that spend at least $1 million in Tennessee.

Sitler said the incentives are less than those offered by the Shreveport-Bossier City, La., area, which ranked No. 6 on this year's list and has quickly become one of the busiest filming locations in the country.

The list:

1 - New York
2 - Philadelphia
3 - Austin, Texas
4 - Albuquerque, N.M.
5 - Las Vegas
6 - Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
7 - Memphis
8 - Miami
9 - Portland, Ore.
10 - Salt Lake City, Utah

New state film commissioner

Here's the announcement in the Tennessean naming Perry Gibson as executive director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission. Her statement:

"One of my first priorities as the director of this commission will be to get the new incentives program set up properly so that we can both aggressively market Tennessee's wide-ranging assets to the entertainment industry, while also growing this important part of Tennessee's economy. We need to get this program set up correctly, and quickly, so that it will be an attractive program for the industry, and will produce positive results for the people of Tennessee - creating more jobs and more revenue for our state.

"Throughout my years working in the commercial real estate business in California, I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to develop relationships with a number of entertainment industry executives. I look forward to having the chance to build on those relationships here in Tennessee."

Meanwhile, here's more on the Bennett resignation from the Nashville Scene:

Now, the worry is that the package will die a slow death, made restrictive enough to scare away any potential applicants. With that comes the fear that the governor’s office might dismantle the film commission altogether or fold it under another department, such as the Office of Economic and Community Development—thus giving the state’s film industry even less in its puny arsenal.

and further resignation info in the Nashville City Paper.

Petition for incentives

To: Tennessee government, actors, actresses, writers, entertainers, performers, directors, lighting technicians, make-up artists, SAG members...

1.) We support tax incentives for the film industry in Tennessee!
2.) We support bringing in more entertainment business to the Great State of Tennessee!
3.) We support David Bennett, Tennessee Film Commissioner.

Do you agree? Then go here and sign the petition.

Black Snake Moan trailers

Winners of the Black Snake Moan trailer contest are here. Congratulations to Rod Pitts of Pittstop Productions and John Paul Clark for winning first and grand prizes, respectively.

David Bennett resigns under pressure

David Bennett, executive director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission has been dumped -- given a choice of resigning or being fired by Gov. Phil Bredesen. What will this do to the state's struggle to bring in more film production? Bennett was one of the good guys who labored mightily to get the General Assembly on board with a $10 million incentive package that passed last year.

Here's the news story by Mike Lollar at the CA and go here for commentary from Pith in the Wind with the Nashville Scene.

Acting lessons

Suzanna Leigh is offering classes for stage and film actors with some experience. Suzanna has been in numerous productions and co-starred with Elvis in "Paradise, Hawaiian Style." She is also an author and still performs.

The classes are not for beginners and are limited to six attendees. Classes meet Saturdays at 12:30 pm. Cost is $250 for six of the workshops (or $42 per session) that last at least an hour each.

For more information, call her at 901 454-7243 or email suzannaleigh77@hotmail.com.

Black Snake Moan -- oh, yeah

"I expect you to stay for dinner."

A trailer and four tunes from Craig Brewer's "Black Snake Moan."

Actors sought

No Failsafe Productions in Middle Tennessee is looking for local actors (and we use that term loosely) to star in the mini-films that will begin appearing on our site here this month. We also have a feature film going into production sometime this summer and there are a few parts for that film open still. If you are interested in one of the projects .. or both, just shoot us a message here on Myspace.

Thanks!
Richard Hurst
http://www.myspace.com/nofailsafe

'Eat' on Jan. 14

The delicious "Eat" by Oddly Buoyant Productions (C. Scott McCoy, Laura Jean Hocking, Talbot Fields) will be screened at Malco's Studio on the Square Sunday January 14th at 5 pm

See! 54 speaking parts
Hear! 48 songs from 23 local/regional bands
Laugh! throughout the film's 83 minutes
And afterwards, go out and find a restaurant with a waitress named Wendy.

Please do not attempt to bring ramekins into the theater.

PLUS: New Black Snake Moan trailer

Memphis International Film Festival needs volunteers

The Memphis Film Forum which
hosts the Memphis International Film Festival is looking for volunteers.

The festival is entering it's 8th year and is looking for a few good people to
help with this year's festival.

Check 'em out at MySpace or on their Web site.

Casting notice

This is from craigslist

CASTING for Short film SAG Independent Film Agreement
Reply to: job-254229767@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-12-27, 7:22PM CST


Casting the follwing to shoot approximately 3 days the last week of January.
Film will be entered in Cannes '07.

Send resume, reels on DVD or VHS, to Boulevard Geronimo Productions, 1910 Madison Ave. Number 107, Memphis, TN 38104
Reels /resesumes cannot be returned
Experienced SAG Actor/Director:

CAST
This is a SAG Independent Film..you do not have to be a member of SAG but SAG members will be paid FIRST after expenses when the film is sold. SAG member must be current and will receive first consideration for casting. NonUnion members are welcome. Under the Independent Agreement, you will not receive SAG compensation nor do you receive a SAG voucher..but, unlike other nonunion members in nonSAG films you will receive credit for appearing in a SAG film. Please understand that Under the independent agreement there is no way you will receive a SAG voucher. It's not my idea. It's the SAG contract. Casting Note: Characters identified as native american do not have to be Native American but the darker characters will be the bartender and Grandmother and the young child. The Natives represented here are modern day Americans and may be very caucasion looking but Native Americans, especially members of the Cherokee Nation and members of SAG will receive a "first look" for casting. For example, Wilma Mankiller is a past Chief of the cherokee Nation, but her "coloring" is very very light... These characters are all southern with the exception of the rock star and her highly-paid rich lawyers and assistants.
Bartender- male - (a lead character)-- 40s, dark hair, Native American preferred

Tribal lawyer, male, (Lead) - 40s, alcoholic, somewhat of a hasbeen but thoughtful and proud

Tribal lawyer, female, sister to the male lead - late 30s, go-getter but not a feminist

Native American Grandmother - 60s and up - fun role - old and weathered but wise
Native American Child - female - age 8 to 10 - cute , cuddly and needy...a reservation ragdoll child.
Female Rock star- hot 20s - BLOND - must be willing to dye hair if you're not already blond if you get the role...very few lines but a very central charater and must be believeable...think Paris Hilton or Miss Teen USA in Run Lola Run only with brains and less slutty.. spiked hair but not too awful punk

Judge - Male or Female but probably a Male role - if you're female and have the look or can "sell it", you'll get it. 60s, weathered, no nonsense, corporate,

Rockstar's Lawyer Male - 50s, 6 feet tall and up, No nonsense, smooth, Like Jame's Wood's character on Shark only better looking.
Rockstar's Lawyer Number two - Male or female - slightly younger than above...similar...Female is HOT

Rockstar's Lawyers' Legal assitants....Featured Background - Hot Females 20s

TVNews Anchor Male - caucasian - think 10 p.m. NBC, CBS -- local Memphis
News Anchor Female - African American or Oriental - same as above only Hot

Field News Reporter - Female 20s, Hot, typical newby blond or oriental type more interested in her hair than in the news..."like Oh m' God - I'm on TV"

TV News Crew - Featured background = videographer, boom mike

This is a SAG Independent film agreement with budget below $50,000. It WILL premier at Cannes '07 and it will be entered for competition.

* Location: Memphis, TN
* Compensation: SAG Level One Independent Film Agreement
* This is a contract job.
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Bring in the New Year with LTTM

This month's edition of the fest includes great films by some excellent filmmakers.

The Films:

Rockumentary- 40 Years of Your Favorite Records 1966-2006- directed by former Commercial Appeal music reporter, Larry Nager. An excellent documentary about the history of Ardent Studios as told by founder, John Fry.

Man-tute- directed by award winning filmmaker, Ken Axmaker, Jr. This comedy film was recently selected to represent Memphis on opening night at the Script-2-Screen Film Fest and Movie Biz Conference where
it won Best Comedy-runner up.

Friction- directed by former University of Memphis professor, David Liban. This 1997 experimental film delves into the past memories that drive and torment an emotional artist.

Music for ending credits:

No Big Deal- sung by Jay Ruffin from the Skeleton Key album.

Be sure to look for the BONUS FILMS after the ending credits!

An Old School Production of Rusty Lemon's song, If It's Over.
Back by popular demand, Beat Down in Clown Town- directed by Danny Stanford and Corey Smithmier.

The Times:

Sunday- midnight
Thursday- 2a.m.
Thursday- 10:30 PM
Saturday- 1:30a.m.
Saturday- 11pm

For more info or to enter a film, go to www.LastTraintoMemphis.com
Check with the Library Channel website or our website for scheduling info. This is a weekly schedule that will begin on January 1.

LFF Thanks!

Thanks to all who came out and supported the Li'l Film Festival 4 on Saturday. Independent filmmaking in the Mid-South relies on all of you.

Special thanks to star Amber O'Daniels who is utterly amazing. And another special thanks to her co-star, the fully reliable Markus 'King Indie' Seaberry who is second to nobody in his love and dedication to films and filmmaking. And further thanks to the supporting cast and my family for large amounts of indulgence.

Let us also heap praise on LiveFromMemphis.com which created and sustains not only Li'l Film Fest but is committed to making the most of the creative class in this region. And of course the hard-working Shelby County Film and TV Commission -- Linn and Sharon -- deserve kudos for being there and nurturing the spirit.

So OK, but what's next.

Hey, don't rush me, I'm working on it.

Li'l Film Fest Saturday

From today's CA:

The fourth and final Li'l Film Fest for 2006 takes place at 2 p.m. at the MeDiA Co-op theater at First Congregational Church, 1000 S. Cooper. Sponsored by Live from Memphis, a Web site devoted to art, film and music, this year-end minifest showcases "Politically Incorrect Holidays" with 10 shorts by local filmmakers, including such titles as "Adopt a Freak Day," "Happy Artistic Freedom Day" and "Santa Claus vs. Kung Fu Baby." Thanks to the sponsorship of the Memphis & Shelby County Film Commission, winners of the festival's "Audience Choice Award" and "Jury Award" each will receive a $200 prize.

Admission is free. Visit livefrommemphis.com or call 523-9763.

Casting: In An Instant

'In An Instant' feature

CAST & CREW search for Film - National Distribution Home DVD
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY begins ASAP the month of DECEMBER.

Email headshots, resume, links to website w/demo reels to
BeAboutit@arnitawilliams.com. Include INSTANT FEATURE in Subject Line

CREW
Producers
Line producers
Casting Directors
Camera Operator
Production Assistants
Wardrobe
Make-up
Hair Stylist
Light Technicians
Sound Technicians
Props
Set Decorators
Location Mgr/Loc.Scouts

CAST
Principal/Dayplayer /Background Roles
This is a story about a close knit family that all become suspects in
the mysterious death of the twin sister's mischievous pro-ball
playing husband. Was his sudden death an accident or a planned
incident? Suspense Drama, Mystery, Deception, and Murder?

Kyra - Twin Sister Married. Already Cast

Kristine- Twin Sister Attorney. Already Cast

Devin- Husband, Very Handsome, Athletic, Very Fit and very tall Late
20's early 30's. Ability to play Sports a plus. Lead

Mr. Cook- Twin's father- Handsome fit Male must look 40-60s. Principal

Mrs. Cook- Twins mother- Female must look 40-50. Principal

Ron (Kristine's Fiance)- Very Attractive Male, Late 20's or early
30's

Tiffany- Beautiful, model type, Scandalous Preganant Girl, Blonde
Caucasian- Young looking adult college age

Stacy- Groupie Girls,Sexy, Attractive Model Types. Principal

Kelly- Groupie Girl, Sexy, Attractive Model Type. Principal

Groupie Girls.(2) Young Adult, Sexy, Attractive Model Type All
Ethnicities. Featured

Isaiah- Kyra's Good Male Friend, Any Ethnicity, Tall Handsome,
Articulate, Fit, Lead.

Judge - Mature professional looking

Attorney(3)- Mature professional looking male and female

Jury Members (12) Adults,Any ethnicity, Any Gender. Featured

Police Investigators( 2)

Doctors- 2 male or female

Nurse- 1 male or female
Lab Technician -male or female

www.ArnitaWilliams.com
213-403-4001

Actress between 21-28 (nudity)

Seeking actress Between the ages of 21 and 28. This is for a horror film that already has a distribution deal. Actress will be given a good deferment deal. Race not an issue.
Must be willing to be nude and must be willing to be covered in gore.

The piece is called "Touching you" and it is part of a project called "the sick"
Contact Timm Scalita at scalita1@hotmail.com or at myspace.com/scalita1

Li'l Film Fest lineup -- coming Saturday

Live From Memphis™ is announcing the 4th and final round of Li’l Film Fest for 2006. The festival is Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 2pm at the Memphis Digital Arts Co-operative (1000 S. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104).

LFM thanks the Memphis & Shelby County Film & Television Commission for their support of the Li’l Film Fest: Beginning this quarter, they have generously agreed to provide the awards for the festival, including a new “Jury Award” (in addition to the “Audience Choice Award”). That’s right, we now have 2 awards to give away!!

The following is a list of accepted films and filmmakers:

"Happy Artistic Freedom Day" Jon W. Sparks
"Hot Wheels Night" C. Scott McCoy
"Help a Heathen Day" Patrick Niedzwiedz
"My Little Gingerbread" Alice McLallen & Will Hendricks
"Rationalization Day" Adam Remsen
"Adopt a Freak Day" Byerly, Scalita, & Craig
"Kung Fu Baby vs. Santa Clause" Nick Ross
"George and Martha" Donald Meyers
"25 Feet From Love” Razor Teeth
“Conversion Tactics” Christopher Reyes

The event is free and open to the public; Live From Memphis and the MeDiA Co-op will be accepting donations. Support Local Filmmakers! For More information about the LI’L FILM FEST please visit: http://www.livefrommemphis.com/filmfest or give us a call: 523-9763.

Li’l Film Fest is a new kind of festival, highlighting local talent while showcasing interesting happenings around town. Here’s how the festival works: Every 3 months LFM staff members announce a new theme to the filmmaking community. Filmmakers then put their own unique spin on producing a short film.

The theme for the fourth Li’l Film Fest is “politically incorrect holidays,” meaning that each film submission must somehow relate to that topic. The winners will each be awarded a $200 cash prize and will also be guaranteed a spot in the next Indie Memphis Film Festival. Additionally, the li'l films must not exceed 5 minutes in length.

Live From Memphis™ supports and promotes local musicians, filmmakers, artists, creative businesses, and organizations. It is our mission to connect creatives, grow opportunity, and gain exposure for our creative culture. Please help support our local community by joining, donating, or simply spreading the word.

Wednesday: Micro Cenema Club (free!)

Indie Memphis, organizer of the annual Soul of Southern Film Festival, is featuring works from NextFrame, the University Film and Video Association’s (UFVA) touring festival of international student film and video at the next Micro Cinema Club screening, Wednesday, December 13, 7:30 p.m., Power House gallery, 45 G.E. Patterson. Admission is free and open to everyone.

The December 13 lineup will feature 10 short animated films:

FUGA (Fugue), a man’s encounter with childhood and fleeting memories, directed by Or Moran of the Bezalel Academy of Art & Design, Israel.

Unwilled Inheritance: A Portrait of Three Generations, provides an emotional look at the filmmakers’ distant relationship with his father that is meticulously hand-crafted. Directed by Nathan Broaddus of Hampshire College, MA, this short took second place in the 2006 festival.

Ring of Fire, directed by Rini Yun Keagy of Temple University, PA, explores the shape of things as a volcano loses its head in Indonesia.

Flight, directed by Andrew Allen of University of Washington, WA, provides a condensed history of aviation and man’s fascination in reaching the skies.

In a Distance, But Within View, directed by You-Jin Lee from Rhode Island School of Design, RI, is a visual poem in short stop animation.

Garbus (Hunchback), directed by Joanna Polak, Akademia Sztuk Pieknych, Poland, is a poignant tale about society’s outcast noted for its moving black and white hand-drawn animation.

Latent Sorrow, directed by Shon Kim, of Cal Arts, CA, fuses the abstract with the literal.

Monster, directed by Michaela Ostadalova, Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, Slovakia, and 2006 first place winner, highlights the moment when you discover a monster in your house.

Say Yesss, directed by Christopher Thomas, Temple University, PA, takes a close look at insect love.

Telekontar, directed by Galit Weisberg, Tel-Hai Rodman College, Israel, follows an alien in his journey through malicious yet enchanting landscapes.

NextFrame, now in its fifteenth year, is recognized as the world’s premiere touring festival for showcasing student work and promising visionaries of the next generation of filmmaking. For more information about NextFrame, visit www.temple.edu/nextframe .

The Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club is focused on showing short films—those that are shorter in length than a feature film—of independent filmmakers from across the globe to promote indie artists and expose audiences to the diverse array of interesting films that before now have never made it to the Memphis market. The Micro Cinema Club is held the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Power House, admission is free. December’s screening is approximately 60 minutes with popcorn and beverages provided. Donations are recommended.

Smart City on indie movies

Worth your time is a visit to the Smart City Memphis blog.

It reports that the organization CEOs For Cities has issued City Vitals -- indicators about the largest 50 MSA’s in several categories.

An excerpt:

Memphis tended to rank in the lower middle in most of the rankings, but in the category of distinctiveness, we recorded our strong marks. One of these was the Weirdness Index where we were 19th among the 50 metro areas.

In ... the distinctiveness category, Memphis achieved its highest ranking - #4 in the category of “Movie Variety.” For this, cities were ranked according to their variances between local movie attendance and national movie attendance for the top 60 motion pictures nationally. Perhaps, here, we should call this the Craig Brewer Factor, because clearly, Memphians are drawn to off-beat, indie productions, which should be a pretty obvious hint to the competitive beachhead we could establish in that industry.

Li'l Film Fest 4 -- Dec. 16

Li'l Film Fest 4: "Politically Incorrect Holidays" is just around the corner!!

The li'l fest will be on Satruday, December 16th at 2pm. The fest will be held at the MeDiA Co-op. Come on out and join us in celebrating the end of our first year - Support local filmmakers.

Toast to Living History on Thursday

In celebration of some of the esteemed artisans in our community, True Story Pictures is hosting “A Toast to Living History: The Arts Interviews DVD Release Party & Wine Tasting,” on Thursday, December 7th from 5:30 to 8:30pm in the main gallery at Memphis College of Art in Overton Park. The public is invited to attend.

This dynamic event will celebrate Memphis artists Billy Price Carroll, Larry Edwards, George Hunt, Dick Knowles, Marjorie Liebman, Veda Reed, Murray Riss, Ted Rust, Dolph Smith, Agnes Stark, Mahaffey White, Ernest Withers, and Steve Yee. These artists will be the honored guests for the evening, and event attendees will have an opportunity to meet them and offer them a celebratory toast to their accomplishments.

The event will offer a tasting of the fine wines of Bernardus Winery in Carmel Valley – the Marinus, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc - and savory hors d’oeuvres, cheeses, and desserts selected for their pairing with the wines. Attendees will be able to purchase the newly released DVDs of The Arts Interviews: Series One, in which the artists discuss their lives and creative work. These beautifully designed DVDs (there are 10 DVDs in Series One) each feature an individual artist and include an in-depth video interview and a slide show of the artist’s work.

At the event, attendees will also be able to view an on-going presentation of The Arts Interviews documentary (a compilation that includes highlights from each of the interviews), which will be showing on a loop in two different rooms off the main gallery.

Advance tickets may be purchased for $25, or you can get tickets for $30 at the door. To purchase tickets online, go to http://www.truestorypictures.org/special_event.html or call Joann Self, Founder and Executive Director of True Story Pictures, at (901) 274-9092. Parking for the event is free at Memphis College of Art and in the Overton Park area.

Event sponsors are: Tennessee Arts Commission, Greater Memphis Arts Council, Junior League of Memphis, Memphis College of Art, Bernardus Winery, and Jaco-Bryant Printers.

True Story Pictures is non-profit organization with a mission to build relationships and preserve community history by documenting and sharing life stories. Find out more at www.truestorypictures.org.

LTTM: Best of 2006

This month LTTM will be airing a "Best of 2006" episode where we show the films that created the most buzz on our web site, email and in the film community. The following films will be shown in December:

Ad Man - (from episode 2) Directed by Chad Schaffler, Iddo Patt, and Kaleo Quenzer.

The Galapagos Brothers - (from episode 1) Directed by C.R. Smithmier.

The Scot and the Aussie: First Meeting - (from episode 3) Directed by Jerome Bethea and Travis Palmer.

Split Decision - (from episode 1) Directed by Ashley Fowler.

Music for ending credits - The First Christmas - by Nancy Apple and Johnny Surber

Be sure to look for the bonus film at the end of the credits:

Million Dollar Boots - A music video directed by Old School Pictures featuring Lord T and Eloise with a special appearance by Al Kapone.

Screen test for future feature film Victorious

For more info or to enter a film, go here.

Check with the Library Channel web site or our web site for scheduling info. This is a weekly schedule that will begin on December 4th.

Thanks to all entrants. Remember, just because your film was not selected for this month, it does not mean it won't be shown in a future episode. This is a monthly program.

Studio nixed

From the CA story by David Williams and John Beifuss:

Village Roadshow Pictures, a film company behind the Matrix trilogy and other hits, won't be opening a regional headquarters in Memphis.

The company's request for $5 million in city-county incentives, plus increased state incentives above those already flowing from 2006 film legislation, doomed a deal that had been in negotiations for months. It had been touted since the summer as a potential entertainment and economic coup, creating a stream of made-in-Memphis films and some $250 million in production spending over five years.

"It was an innovative concept if the terms had been realistic and workable, but they weren't," said Linn Sitler, Memphis and Shelby County Film & Television commissioner.

The company's proposed terms were rejected Wednesday in a letter to Greg Basser, CEO of Village Roadshow Entertainment Group USA, from Sitler and Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission executive director David Bennett.

Bennett said the Memphis initiative was never a priority for Village Roadshow. Asked if the company was seriously thinking of opening production facilities in Memphis, he said: "I don't think so. I think there was a possibility that it could have occurred if they had gotten everything they had asked for ...

"We don't throw money out in advance to bait companies to come here, and that's basically what they were asking for. It's typical of an economic development deal that the company coming in asks for the moon and sees if they can get it."

Wednesday's letter noted that Village Roadshow was seeking incentives that "would rank among the most generous granted by any state in this country."

In the letter and in a phone interview, Sitler expressed the hope that Memphis and Village Roadshow could "partner successfully at a later date," perhaps resulting in the company shooting a movie here.

But it appears there was no chance of local and state government accepting Village Roadshow's terms for the regional headquarters: "It's asking for too much," Sitler said.

In addition to seeking city-county funding and increased state incentives, Village Roadshow apparently halved the amount of money it would spend in-state to $125 million over five years.

Also, according to Village Roadshow's proposed terms, the company wouldn't guarantee in-state spending. Instead, it used such phrases as "with a goal of" and "every effort will be used."

But Rey Flemings, who led the Village Roadshow recruitment when he was president of the nonprofit Memphis Music Foundation, disagreed with Bennett.

"Village Roadshow's interest in getting this done was sincere," Flemings said. "They're a global company. Whenever they look at doing significant blocks of production, they have to weigh all of the financial incentives."

Flemings left the foundation in September to join Justin Timberlake's organization as the homegrown pop star seeks to relaunch Stax Records.

The Stax relaunch -- which has yet to be officially announced -- would be a partnership with California-based Concord Music Group, whose owners -- Norman Lear and Hal Gaba -- own part of Village Roadshow.

Brewer's 'Moan' going to Sundance

Memphis filmmaker Craig Brewer will return to the Sundance Film Festival for the premiere of "Black Snake Moan," the $13 million followup to his Oscar-winning "Hustle & Flow," festival officials announced Thursday. The festival is Jan. 18-28 in Park City, Utah.

"Black Snake," with Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci and a host of Memphis talent -- is one of 17 movies screening in the out-of-competition "Premieres" category of the festival, devoted to "the latest work from established American and international directors."

There's more at John Beifuss' blog.

Thanks and oops

Thanks to those hardy souls who came to the screening of Memphis Muck and the incredible 2006 Music Video collection produced by Live From Memphis. I apologize again for the technical snafu that only let us see about two thirds of the Muck doc. The software and hardware perpetrators are being tried in a sham court and will be executed immediately upon sentencing.

Very special thanks to Christopher Reyes and Sarah Fleming of Live From Memphis for providing the Music Videos that were screened last month at the Indie Memphis Film Festival. You can see those videos here, but there was nothing like seeing them on the semi-big screen at the MeDiA Co-op. Directors John Michael McCarthy, Christopher Reyes, Clayton Hurley, Banner Gwin and Waheed alQawasmi were among several contributing work that was innovative, startling and memorable.

Another significant thank you to the MeDiA Co-op for being what it is. It provides space and resources for film makers and film lovers. It's been an essential part of the Memphis indie movie community and deserves your support (especially the financial kind).

Nashville Film Fest: deadline extended

Nashville Film Festival is extending 2007 Call For Entries deadline for all Tennessee filmmakers.

Includes YOUNG FILMMAKER (18 yrs and under) and MUSIC VIDEO categories.
Director must be a current resident of TN.

TN Filmmaker Deadline: January 1, 2007

Entry Fee:
Under 40 min....................$45
40 min. and over...............$60
Music Video.......................$20
Young Filmmaker..............$15


Tennessee Independent Spirit Award
Sponsored by the Tennessee Film, Music, and Entertainment Commission, this award acknowledges the best film (in any category) made by a Tennessee resident. Winner receives a cash prize of $1000.

Best Young Filmmaker Award
(Filmmakers 18 and under) Director of film chosen for this award receives a $3000 scholarship to Watkins Film School (Nashville, TN). (Open to all Young Filmmaker submissions.)

NEW AWARD: Rosetta Miller-Perry Award for Best Film by a Black Filmmaker
Acknowledges the best film (in any category) by a black director.
Winner receives a cash prize of $500.

To submit your film, visit nashvillefilmfestival.org for entry form and complete details. You can submit through withoutabox.com or download a PDF version of our entry form. If submitting through Withoutabox you will need to indicate you have received a DEADLINE WAIVER in order to submit.

Correction: Southern Comfort is invitation only!

The made-in-Memphis "Southern Comfort" is playing this Saturday but it is invitation only. This is my mistake: I posted the info without doublechecking, so my apologies to all who hoped to go based on my posting.

There is only the one screening and because of limited seating, only cast and crew who were involved in the entire production are able to get invitations.

'Streaker' trailer

Locally shot and submitted to Sundance -- here's the trailer for "Streaker" done by award-winning filmmaker and former Disney animator, Lee McCaulla.

A night of Memphis music videos

Thursday Nov. 30 will be a great night of Memphis music on video. There will be a presentation of the documentary "Memphis Muck" -- a freewheeling look at the Muck Sticky Revue with local bands El Dorado and the Ruckus, Taco & da Mofos and Muck Sticky, all performing and talking about their music. Following the 30-minute documentary is the Live From Memphis 2006 Music Video Showcase, featuring 24 of the most amazing music videos of local bands by local directors. Both "Memphis Muck" and the Showcase were in last month's Indie Memphis Film Festival, so come and see what you missed or enjoy them again.

Showtime is Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 pm at the MeDiA Co-op (1000 S. Cooper). It's $3 at the door.


The following is an alphabetical list of Music Videos and filmmakers:

200 Sachen
“Champagne For Breakfast”
dir. J. Michael McCarthy
Description: Sony Band based in Weisbaden who sings in German. This is the second video of 200 Sachen by Mike McCarthy and Wheat Buckley.

Arma Secreta
“Segue/Debris”
dir. Clayton Hurley
Description: Memphis’ most calculating indie rockers unveil their much anticipated action rock video “Segue/Debris,” the firs off their new record A Century’s Remains. Shot entirely on green-screen. Produced, directed, and animated by Clayton Hurley.

The Central Standards
“So Much Clearer”
dir. Waheed AlQawasmi
Description: A tale of lost love and regrets. Shot and edited in a style that serves to mirror the songs message of a blurred past and clearer present.

Chess Club
“Devastortion”
dir. Amy Frazier
Description: A rough and tumble self indulgent stab at life with new beat overtones and
a pocket full of synthesizers.

Christopher Reyes
“In Ways Ungraceful”
dir. Christopher Reyes & Garrett Ammon
Description: A combination of experimental music, dance, and video; choreographed by Garrett Ammon, performed by Ballet Memphis, shot and edited by Christopher Reyes.

Clanky’s Nub
“Linchpin”
dir. G.B. Shannon
Description: A psychedelicly clad experimental video – just the kind you would expect from the rockin’ Nub-sters. How ‘bout that drum solo, Jay?!

Evil Army
“Friday the 13th”
dir. Geoffrey Brent Shrewsbury
Description: Evil Army, Memphis’ premier thrash band, makes their music video debut with this visual rendition of their song, “Friday the 13th.” It’s hard and raw, just the way you like it.

Helen Stellar
“I.O.”
dir. Banner Gwin
Description: Shot in one night on borrowed equipment and donated 35mm short ends, this music video was written, directed and produced by former Memphian Banner Gwin, a 1999 graduate of Lausanne Collegiate School. The short semi-narrative story explores empathy and second chances in an almost surreal situation. Inspired by the music of Helen Stellar, and this song in particular, Gwin presented his concept to the band and not only did they approve the idea and treatment, they agreed to appear as the cast.

Jung Shin
“In The End”
dir. Galen Gower
Description: A simplistic look at emotions and the process of forgiveness.

Lord T. & Eloise
“Million Dollar Boots”
dir. Old School Pictures
Description: Rappers Lord T. and Eloise get aristo-crunk in their music video debut!

Lucero
“Banks of the Arkansas”
dir. Live From Memphis
Description: Live music video shot at the Young Ave. Deli.

Mr. Sche
“Front Me Somethin’”
dir. Marc A. Dokes
Description: “Front Me Something” shows the aberage life of a street orientated black man struggling against political power and himself. The will to do right is overcastted by the need to survive. The streets can either make or break him, but with nothing to loose or gain, what choice does he have other than to hustle?

Muck Sticky
“Thingy Thing”
dir. Muck Sticky
Description: Does a Muck Stick video really need a description?

Mung
“Can You Hear Me Now?”
dir. Sarah Fleming
Description: Mung, late for their gig, drive recklessly through the streets of Memphis.

Olga
“Now is the Time”
dir. J. Michael McCarthy
Description: Music video for Olga’s new album and title track, “Now is the Time,” in stores now!

Organ Thief
“Psychochauffeur”
dir. Christopher Reyes
Description: A psychedelic ride through hell; starring Kirk Rawlings and Brian Costner (from Organ Theif) with special guest appearance by the psycho chauffeur himself – John Pickle.

Reigning Sound
“Bad Man”
dir. Live From Memphis
Description: An excerpt from the Goner Fest 2 DVD produced and directed by Sarah Fleming and Christopher Reyes.

Secret Service
“Teenage Mustache”
dir. Live From Memphis
Description: Live music video shot at Memphis’ own Buccaneer!

Skillet
“Rebirthing”
dir. Darren Doane
Description: The first music video off their new album “Comatose,” this song asserts the belief that we are all deserving of a second chance.

So Serious featuring Tavious
“Me and You”
dir. Catina L. Johnson
Description: This video is about a young woman working as a dancer because she wants the finer things in life, but she has a boyfriend who doesn’t appreciate her. The Artist spots her from across the room and wants to be with her.

Souvenir Satellite
“This Circle”
dir. John Paul Clark
Description: A tale of man, his memories, and mass destruction.

Ty Brown
“Life Goes On”
dir. Waheed AlQawasmi
Description: A personal music video that takes you through a journey told by the artist.

The Willowz
“Equation #2”
dir. J. Michael McCarthy
Description: There’s a photo of Elvis with a fand in 1956 and he’s signed her hand. I took this notion to the extreme in that the girl never washed her hand and eventually became insane. I wanted to do it as a short, but when this weird music presented itself I wrapped the idea around it.

The Willowz
“Making Certain”
dir. H.G. Ray

Nashville Film Festival call for entries

MISSED THE DEADLINE? There's Still a Chance... WAB Extended Deadline 11/30/06

Call For Entries
Nashville Film Festival
April 19-26, 2007

LAST CHANCE!!

WITHOUTABOX EXTENDED DEADLINE: (POSTMARKED BY) NOVEMBER 30, 2006
Chosen by MovieMaker Magazine as one of "20 Film Festivals Worth The Entry Fee."

NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL (NaFF) proudly announces its 38th
international competition for features, shorts, documentaries,
animation, experimental work, music videos and young filmmaker
videos.
NAFF also features children & family-themed films, special sections
for Tennessee filmmakers, archival screenings, gay & lesbian-themed
films, workshops, panel discussions, music showcases, and guest
appearances by nationally recognized figures in the film and music
worlds. All styles, genres and lengths of films are accepted.
TOP PRIZE FOR FEATURES - _Selected as one of the "Best Film Festival
Prizes" in FILM FESTIVAL TODAY_
The Regal Cinemas/Nashville Film Festival Dreammaker Award, entitles
the winning feature film to a industry/press screening in a Los
Angeles County Regal Cinema.
TOP PRIZE - SHORTS AND ANIMATION
First prizes in the Short Narrative, Animation, College Student
Short Narrative, and College Student Animation categories qualify the
winning films for Academy Award consideration.

SPECIAL _MUSIC FILMS IN MUSIC CITY_ AWARDS
Nashville Film Festival celebrates Music City's heritage with
unique music and film awards: BEST MUSIC IN A FEATURE FILM, to
recognize particularly effective or innovative uses of music, whether
through original score, imaginative musical arrangements, or songs in
a feature; and the IMPACT OF MUSIC AWARD, for the film (feature or
documentary) that most effectively explores or celebrates the impact
of music on the human experience.

*NEW AWARDS*
Nashville Public Television (NPT) Human Spirit Award acknowledges
the film (feature or documentary) that best captures the human
spirit and illuminates, in a high artistic manner, the most
important characteristics of humanity. Winner receives $1000 cash
award and will be broadcast on NPT. (All rights must be cleared for
broadcast on local public TV.)
Best Young Filmmaker Award (for filmmakers 18 and under) receives a
$3000 scholarship to Watkins Film School (Nashville, TN).
See the complete list of awards at nashvillefilmfestival.org

ENTRIES UNDER 40 MIN....................$55 (WAB Members- $40)
ENTRIES 40 MIN. AND OVER...............$70 (WAB Members- $55)_
(All deadlines are 'POSTMARKED BY' deadlines)


CLICK ON WITHOUTABOX.COM BANNER TO APPLY.
_ OR CONTACT US AT:_
Nashville Film Festival
Phone: (615) 742-2500
Fax: (615) 742-1004
e-mail: info@nashvillefilmfestival.org

You ugly?

The Country Music Television (CMT) program THE ULTIMATE COYOTE UGLY SEARCH will be holding auditions in Memphis on Sunday Dec. 3rd. For more information and to register visit www.touchdowntv.com/coyotesearch

Extras needed Saturday

The shoot is Nov 11th outside of Hernando MS. It starts at 5 pm and we will wrap it up asap. If you would please wear a mask or halloween costume -- if not we will still be happy to have you there. Bring layers as it will be cold and we will also have a bonfire.

We are filming a feature length film on HD. This is independent and there will be no pay but lots of fun and a chance to meet more people in the acting community. The director is Jeremy Benson and his last film was Shutter.

This is a horror film but this scene is just a happy party scene.

There will be snacks and beverages.

Let me know if you are in and how many people you are bringing (jennycomans@yahoo.com).

The directions are from Memphis:

Take I-55 South to Jackson MS

Get off on I-69/304 exit to Tunica MS

Get off on Hwy 301 exit and take a left

Turn right on Hwy 304, (there is a green gas station on your left at the intersection of 301 & 304)

Pass Woodland Lake sign on your left, Then Woodland lake sign on your right

At edge of woods and begining of fields there is a street on your left named Kelly Road, turn left

Take your second Left which is Woodland Lake

Follow the road staying left. When the road dead ends we will show you where to park.

Ask for Jeannette Comans or Scarlet Williams

Please let me know if you will be there, we should not need you more than 2 hours.
but you if know movies there is a chance you will be there shorter or longer

Thanks

You've got to 'Muck'

But wait, there's more! After you "Eat"** this Saturday, come back to the Co-op for dessert on Nov. 30 to see "Memphis Muck" (and more).

The documentary chronicles a night at the New Daisy with the Muck Sticky Revue. There's performance footage and an interview with Muck who discusses his group and his philosophy**. You'll also enjoy performances and interviews with the evening's other acts: the amazing El Dorado and the Ruckus, the good time band Taco & da Mofos and the inexplicable Mr. Safety.

It's 30 minutes of giddy fun and there will be a special screening afterwards of ... well, we're still in secret discussions.† But it will be at the MeDiA Co-op, 7 pm on Thursday, Nov. 30.

For a preview, tune in or Tivo Channel 3's "Live at 9" †† tomorrow (Thursday) and see Muck, Momma Sticky, Hollywood and me.


Jon W. Sparks
Memphis Cool Productions
jonwsparks@gmail.com

** I prefer quotations around titles, following the AP Style Book. I gave up on italics long ago. Yes, I'm an editor.
*** Adults only, please.
† I am clueless.
† † That's 9 a.m.

You've got to 'Eat'

Make a date for a special** screening of "Eat"*** Saturday, November 11 at the Media Co-Op at the First Congregational Church at 1000 S. Cooper. Showtime is 7 PM, cover is $5, running time is 87:43. Spread the word, bring your friends†, bask in the glory, email with questions.

Yours in humble gratitude for all the fine performances,

Chris McCoy
Oddly Buoyant Productions
mail@oddlybuoyant.com

** "special" in this case meaning...absolutely nothing.
*** I really prefer italicizing movie titles, as has been convention for at least a century. But that's so hit or miss with email clients I have surrendered to the quotation mark. Yes, I'm an editor.
† Friends, family, acquaintances, people you tolerate but view with quiet suspicion, rivals, blood enemies... I don't care, just bring 'em.

LTTM schedule for November

Last Train to Memphis Entertainment would like to announce the November line up for LTTM's Shorts Festival on WYPL-18. These films will begin airing November 6th:

The Players:

The Diner - directed by Shawn McCully, Michael Prada and Marc Hall
Ninja This! - directed by 16 year old, Zach Raw
The Ancient One - directed by Don Meyers
Timmy - directed by Marc Hall
Lightning Strikes Twice - directed by Todd Roberts
Music for ending credits- Paco T performed by FreeWorld

Also, be sure to catch the bonus film at the end of our show's credits -
Baby It's You - A music video featuring Melissa Raper and the Greyhounds.

The Times:
Sunday - 12 midnight
Thursday - 2am
Thursday - 10:30pm
Saturday - 1:30am
Saturday - 11pm

Thanks to all the entrants. Remember, just because your film was not selected for this episode, doesn't mean it won't be in a future episode. If you would like to submit a film/doc/music video/animation go to: LastTrainToMemphis.com and click on the festival link. Be sure to check out our newly launched Memphis Uncensored section. We have received several requests for a place on our web site to watch films from previous episodes. Memphis Uncensored is a showcase of films from previous episodes, plus some that were to risque for the show. We didn't forget you music lovers, our Musician's Corner showcases songs we have played for the ending credits of each episode.

Be sure to tune in to WYPL-18 for some excellent independent short films and music throughout the month of November!