Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Male extras in Nashville

A PBS documentary on Andrew Jackson is currently in production and seeking extras for mid September in Nashville. Pay is $50/day. Need 16 Caucasian males, various ages to play "common folks" in late 1828 Presidential inauguration scene. Having period-appropriate costume is a plus.
Please contact Mary Makley ASAP at: jacksoncasting@comcast.net

Friday, August 25, 2006

Acting classes

Playhouse on the Square's Acting classes for adults (16 and up): Here is the fall lineup for Adult theatre classes:

September 18 - Nov 6 (with a showcase at Circuit on Nov 11) $120
Acting for the Beginner! 7-8 pm, taught by Irene Crist
A class for anyone who has never set foot on stage or hasn't done so since
they were in the Christmas pageant in school. Explore your inner - actor in a
safe nurturing environment. Using scenes and monologues, students will learn
character development, vocal techniques, stage presence, theatre terminology and
how to audition. Perform your monologue or scene for family and friends at
The Circuit Playhouse.

Advanced Acting! 8-9 pm, taught by Irene Crist
A course available to those with some (or a great deal of) stage experience
who are interested in honing skills, getting rid of mannerisms, and expanding
your range. Scene and monologue work with emphasis on characterization and
intention.

Tuesday Nights September 19 - November 7 (Showcase November 11)
Lights! Camera! ACTION! 1 6:00 - 7:30, taught by Tina Fila
A class for those interested in exploring acting for film and TV. Students
will be given scripts form film, Television shows and TV commercials and will
learn the basics of acting specifically for the camera.

Lights! Camera! Action! 2 7:30 - 9:00, taught by Tina Fila
An advanced class for those who have had some film or TV experience and are
interested in expanding these skills. Also for those who have taken a film and
TV class previously.


If you are interested in any of these classes, call the Theatre Education
program at Playhouse on the Square at 728-5631.

Black Snake Moan trailer tonight

This evening the South Main Art Trolley Tour takes place from 6 to 9. A series of videos from the Blues Foundation will be shown outdoors starting at 8:30 p.m. Craig Brewer will present the trailer for "Black Snake Moan."

There will be a performance by Jim Dickinson. The filming of "My Blueberry Nights" is taking place at Ernestine and Hazel's (maybe -- scheduled last day, but if you've been part of it, you know how random it can be). For information see southmainmemphis.org.

Documentary Saturday on Katrina -- benefit

KATRINA 1ST ANNIVERSARY. Bruce Biles' Hurricane Folk, Elam McKnight, & a Documentary Short Film on Post-Katrina New Orleans.

Saturday, August 26. 7p-11p. $5 admission (and bring some canned goods too)
641 S Cooper. Midtown Memphis, Smoke Free. All Ages. Beer, Coffee. Food.

www.myspace.com/otherlands
www.myspace.com/hurricanefolk

Katrina 1st anniversary observance. MIFA food collection. Voter Registration. Otherlands commemorates the first Anniversary of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. One year later Bruce Biles with Elam McKnight and Keith Carter are ready to "laissez le bon temps rouler!" In America's "least American city" they don't mourn the dead for long. The party starts on the way back from the graveside.

JUST ADDED!!!! "Where the Light Meets the Mud" A documentary short by DAVID LEONARD, MARK GOOCH, and BRUCE BILES. Shot in New Orleans in December. this half hour film juxtaposes footage of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina in the Lower 9th Ward and around New Orleans with footage of a vagabond New Orleans vaudeville troop shot in Cafe Brazil. This troop of circus acts and clowns drift across the country like hobos, literally riding the rails and working for social reform in the Woodie Guthrie sense. They provide an eerie counterpoint to the disaster footage. Guided by New Orleans resident Bruce Biles, the filmmakers gained almost immediate access to New Orleans when civilians were allowed back into the city.

Of course it's a BENEFIT SHOW, but it still only costs five dollars. We are gathering food for MIFA, but we ain't gonna mess around with a bunch of cans and singles at the door. So bring $5 and get ready for some smokin' hot blues.

Look around the house, get that empty beer case or liquor crate you've been saving and clean out your pantry. You know you're never gonna fix those black eyed peas. Buy some more next New Years Eve, and give this can to the less fortunate folks here in your own neighborhood.

Come on down! Saturday, August 26. Bring $5 and some food you don't need. We are going to be registering people to vote, and lot's of other fun activities.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Classes at Theatre Memphis

Theatre Memphis has opportunities for adults to polish their craft or explore new talents.

Exploring Musical Theatre – October 2 - 23
4 weeks: Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm
Cost: $60
This class gives an overview of the history of the American musical. Bennett Wood who taught a class in the history of musical theatre at Rhodes College for several years will be teaching.

Audition Preparation – September 23 – October 7
3 weeks: Saturdays, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Cost: $75
This class will cover cold readings, prepared monologues, prepared songs, and audition interviews, among other things. Josie Helming and Theatre Memphis’ Music Director Gary Beard will be teaching.

For more information or to enroll, email Davanna Jared at djared@theatrememphis.org or call 682.5261. Theatre Memphis is at 630 Perkins Ext.

Improv classes

What do Mike Myers, Tina Fey (SNL), Amy Poehler (SNL), Rachel Dratch
(SNL), Horatio Sanz (SNL), Stephnie Weir (Mad TV), Mo Collins (Mad
TV), Ike Barinholtz (Mad TV), Neil Flynn (Scrubs), Dave Foley (Kids
in the Hall), Kevin McDonald (Kids in the Hall), Ryan Stiles (Drew
Carey Show), Wayne Brady (Whose Line is it Anyway?), Jeff Garlin
(Curb Your Enthusiasm), Catherine O'Hara (A Mighty Wind), Eugene Levy
(A Mighty Wind), and Fred Willard (A Mighty Wind) have in common?

Each one trained in improvisational theatre.

Beginning Improvisational Classes Starting Now!

Register now for the introductory improvisational theatre class. The
registration fee for class is $100. Each class will consist of eight
two-hour sessions. Registration is open to all students high school
age and older. Classes usually consist of 6 to 15 students.

Classes meet for two hours, once day per week for eight weeks. Times
and location TBA. We have several people on our waiting list and we
are trying to determine the best time to schedule the classes. If you
have a preference for days/times, please contact us to let us know.

Dress for classes is casual. Students should wear comfortable
clothing that allows movement. All students should arrive fifteen
minutes prior to class.

We will explore improvisational concepts through the use of scene
work, theatrical exercises, and games. There will be performance
opportunities available for our advanced-level students.

Registration & Payment

Registration for classes begins roughly four weeks before each
session starts. You may register for classes at any time by calling
Greg Childers at (901) 412-9019 or via email at
childers@memphisimprov.com.

Make checks or money orders payable to: Greg Childers. Payments may
be mailed to the following address:

Memphis Improvisational Theatre
c/o Greg Childers
3024 Keats Road
Bartlett, TN 38134

We also accept Paypal.

http://www.memphisimprov.com/classes/improvacting.htm

Due to our limited class size, slots in our classes are not
guaranteed until your payment has been received. Payments for class
must be received prior to the first day of class. Payments may be
brought to class on the first day if prior arrangements are made. If
you cannot pay the entire $100 tuition prior to the first day of
class, payment plans are available. Call us at (901) 412-9019 before
the first day of class to arrange a payment plan. A $25 late fee may
be charged if payments are received late. After Level 1, payments are
due no later than the first day of class. Your registration and
payment is a promise to attend all eight classes. There are no
refunds of your class payment if classes are missed.



Discounts are available for paid referrals. Invite your friends to
sign up and save on your own registration!


Spaces are going fast, so sign up today! Classes max out at 15
students. If we get more than that, we will open up a second class.
Registration is $100 for all eight classes. Call (901) 412-9019 and
ask for Greg Childers or go to
http://www.memphisimprov.com/classes/improvacting.htm for more
information.

Greg Childers
Executive Producer
Memphis Improvisational Theatre
http://www.memphisimprov.com

Monday, August 21, 2006

Position wanted: Indie Memphis Festival Co-ordinator

From Indie Memphis:

For our 9th year, October 13-19, 2006, the Indie Memphis Film Festival continues its tradition a
s the nation’s only independent film festival focused on films relating to the American South. In order to produce such an event, a dedicated individual is needed for the position of Festival Coordinator to work both in the offices of Indie Memphis and in off-site locations during the months of August through October. This is a part-time, temporary, contract position.

General Requirements:
Candidates should be able to work in Microsoft Word and Excel, have excellent writing and communication skills and be very flexible with a sense of humor. Weekend and evening hours may be required.

The Film Festival Coordinator will be expected to perform a variety of duties, to ensure the overall planning, managing, and executing the operation of the Festival. Responsibilities include:

Volunteer Coordination:
Working with the Executive Director to update volunteer database and availability, work with various Festival committees to supply appropriate volunteers to work as needed during the Festival.

Special Events Coordination:

Working with the operations and media relations departments in executing all of the special events presented by the Film Festival. Responsible for assisting with all of the logistics of each event, (working with venues, ordering catering, props, ambiance, signage, etc.)

Programming:

Working directly under Program Committee Chair, duties include corresponding with film companies/directors, organizing database of entrants and participants, and organizing/scheduling film screenings. Good writing and communication skills, highly organized and detail-oriented required, familiarity with film industry is preferred.

Print Traffic Coordination:

Working under Program Committee Chair, duties include researching/organizing print availability and overseeing shipping of film prints for Festival - both inbound and outbound. Also responsible for ensuring prints' timely arrival in theaters for screenings during the Festival. Will help make duplicate copies of preview screeners for film critics and judges. Detail-oriented, good organization and communication skills required.

Travel Coordination:

Correspond with Festival guests regarding the arrangement of their travel schedules and hotel accommodations. Excellent communication skills and follow-through required.

Hospitality Management:

Duties include helping to register Festival guests upon their arrival, ensuring their attendance at their screenings/Festival events, coordinating volunteers for all guests' ground transportation needs, and, most important of all, making sure the guests enjoy their stay in Memphis and their entire visit to the Festival.

Publications Management:

Responsible for helping to edit the film descriptions and some of the special segments related to the Film Festival e.g. panels, workshops, special events.

Marketing Coordination:

Responsible for helping with marketing activity, including ad placement, coordinating with any tie-in marketing operations with other parties, liaising between publicity and sponsorship committees, developing new ways of promoting and executing film festival, building and executing tracking systems to enhance future audience development, and reaching out to new audiences, etc. Previous experience preferred.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to:
Tracy Lauritzen Wright
Delta Axis
P.O. Box 11527
Memphis, TN 38111
tracy@deltaaxis.org
901.525.0805 fax

I will eat worms. For you.

This Saturday, I'm going to eat worms for charity.

Local media celebs compete in Malco's Worm Eating Contest to celebrate the opening of New Line Cinemas film "How to Eat Fried Worms!

The event benefits the Memphis Literacy Foundation. Local media celebrities from radio, television and print will be paid to chow down on a variety of chocolate covered, chipotle and BBQ flavored worms.

How do you participate? You donate dollars (or spare change) to see your favorite local media celeb (that would be me, right?) eat worms. You can also take part in the silent auction of movie memorabilia. Event sponsors Davis-Kidd Booksellers and the Memphis Grizzlies are providing free copies of the book "How to Eat Fried Worms" to the first 100 kids in attendance to the contest.

I will be there ready to chow down on slime along with contestants Linn Sitler (Memphis & Shelby County Film Commissioner), WREG Weatherman Todd Demers, FM100 radio legend Tom Prestigiacomo, 94.1 The Buzzs Brad Carson, WRVR promotions fave Buck Rogers, Q107.5s morning co-host Country Cory, Dennis and Ric from Rock 103, Memphis Flyer film critic Chris Herrington and Memphis web guru Brown Burnett from MemphisMojo.com.

Be there this Saturday, August 26 from 10 am until noon in the Stage Cinema theatre lobby. Malcos Stage Cinema is at 7930 Stage Road in Bartlett, across from the Target at Wolfchase.

"How to Eat Fried Worms" opens Friday, August 25 and advance tickets will be available at the theatre box office and online at www.malco.com.


Sunday, August 20, 2006

Lisa Lax: class and new email

Lisa Lax's class is ON this Monday night - 7-9 pm at 174 Leif Cv. Cordova, TN 38018. Check the calendar on the Midsouth Film website for particulars.

Also, if you plan to attend, please e-mail Lisa at her NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS --
laxcast@bellsouth.net. Her old e-mail address is no longer valid. Please add this new address to
your address book.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Casting notice

Rising Fyre Productions in association with Last Train to Memphis Entertainment
(http://www.LastTraintoMemphis.com) is seeking 2 female actresses for 2 new films shooting in Memphis this Fall. Both films were written by J. Lazarus Hawk who will also direct both films. Hawk was the director and writer for his film, "The Morning Ritual", that was produced by Craig Brewer. "The Morning Ritual" received numerous honors, including winner of Indie Memphis 2001 Hometowner Award, honorable mention at the Nashville Independent Film Festival in 2002, and winner of the Darrell Award from The Memphis Science Fiction Association in 2002. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0491565/

Film 1:

"Just Another Day"
21-25 years old
average height
dark hair (short to medium length)
average to slender build
2 short topless scenes

Film 2:

"Words of a Father"
21-25 years old
average to tall height
long dark hair
thin but shapely
nude scene
no dialogue



If you would like to send a headshot, resume or for more information, you can contact us at the website or at LTTM1@aol.com or JLazarusHawk@hotmail.com and we can answer specific questions.

Film incentives update

Here's a note from Linn Sitler on the status of the film incentives. This was posted on the Yahoo MidsouthFilm group and you should join it -- it's free.
As the film incentive program has developed since the enabling legislation passed in May, the state has become seriously aware of the fact that the fund is limited to $10 million in non-reoccuring funds to be used in one year. As you can imagine, there are innumerable worthwhile projects from which to select...projects with maximum Tennessee hires and Tennessee economic impact...projects whose producers have been waiting to see if our legislation would pass. No selections have been made yet, but unfortunately it is already clear there will not be enough money to go around.

Perhaps next year, if The General Assembly passes incentive legislation with re-occurring funds -- funds available every year -- we could then launch a full marketing campaign to make the industry even more aware of what would then be an on-going incentive fund. I feel sure that the careful thought and planning that is going into this year's selection will result in some great films for Tennessee, and, most importantly for us, Memphis. :)


Thursday, August 17, 2006

Speaking roles

As part of my entry for the Li'l Film Fest, I'm looking for people to say a word or two on camera. I'll provide the words and camera. You provide the interpretation. ... I'm going to be at the FABA! party Sunday night (Hi-Tone, 8 p.m., 18 and older, $10), so be there. It'll only take a minute, but it'll last a lifetime. And you'll be supporting the arts. ... For more info on FABA: http://www.myspace.com/fababash.

Tonight: 'Snakes' with Sam (and 'Snake' with Sam)

Muvico Peabody Place Theaters is presenting a sneak preview screening of the Samuel L. Jackson movie "Snakes on a Plane." The screening is tonight at 10pm. Tickets are $6.50. Prior to the movie, check out the trailer for Craig Brewer's upcoming film "Black Snake Moan", also starring Sam Jackson. Craig will be at the screening giving away posters for his movie.

MidsouthFilm group

MidsouthFilm is a Yahoo group that's free to join and has info about what's going on locally. Here's how it describes itself:

This is a group for actors and others in the film industry to share information regarding film productions that are going on in the southeast -- specifically in Memphis and the surrounding areas. This is a family friendly site so please keep the language clean. Also, please keep off-topic chat to a minimum so that we don't lose important information in the clutter! Do post information regarding auditions and who is casting. Also, if anyone is interested in carpooling to outlying auditions this is a good place to get a group together.

New members must first be approved by the moderator.

Also, absolutely NO ADVERTISING of items for sale to the group -- no books, make-up, Tupperware, etc. Advertisement of local acting classes and workshops is okay and encouraged. Thanks and happy bookings!

Monday, August 14, 2006

LaVita Brooks

Check out this talented actress' new website: lavitabrooks.com

John Michael McCarthy

Be there:

Extras needed

Wednesday night for a real estate class scene. 7-9 pm. Fast and furious shoot. Wear bland colors. Send a message to thebookofnoah@gmail.com if you can help out.

FABA! Sunday -- be there




Sunday, August 20th, is the first Bi-annual FABA! bash. It will be at the Hi-tone starting at 8 pm. It is $10 at the door and it is 18 and up.

FABA! is a party for artists by artists in the hopes that we can unite the local art comunity and make all of us greater. Filmmakers, musicians, actors and artists of all kinds, this party is for you. Celebrate yourselves and celebrate all artists in the Memphis community.


We will have Live music by such great artists as:
The Buzzards
Holly Cole
Blind Gator band
Breaking Cage
Organ thief
And
David Brookings

Stand up Comedy By:
Mary Jordan

There will be many local artists showing and selling their work as well as some shorts and trailers from some of our fine Memphis filmmakers.

Production Assistants, Location Scout, and other crew needed


Big Bunny Bug Pictures in association with DIVERSITY PRODUCTIONS, INC is in need of casting and crewing for a feature-length film entitled "NIGHTMARE ON FENG SHUI STREET" -- a comedy to be shot in Memphis. Modular casting, crewing, and production will be used. Presently, the primary shooting will take place between September and October, with other scenes being filmed in the early part of next year...

College students are especially welcome to participate in this project. Please respond with photos and resumes to memphisproducer@yahoo.com

Monday, August 07, 2006

Casting call

Top Female Radio Personality Wendy Williams Turns Her Controversial Top Seller Book "Wendy's Got The Heat" Into A National Movie Phenomenon

Wendy Williams will have a 9 city open casting call for her new film entitled “Queen Of Media” with the main goal of finding the most talented actress to play the lead character, Wendy Williams. Some celebrity cast members set to appear in the movie include Lil Kim, Vanessa Williams, Wesley Jonathan, Carl Anthony Payne, Chico DeBarge, Hassan Johnson, Angell Conwell and Erika Ringor among a host of many others

Memphis, TN (PRWEB) August 6, 2006 -- Top syndicated female radio personality Wendy Williams, in association with Furqaan Films and Ideal PR is casting for the new movie "Queen Of Media" based upon Wendy Williams’ top selling book "Wendy's Got The Heat." This electric film explores Wendy’s struggles, her rise to the top and the obstacles and drama along the way. This film has stirred such a buzz that an amazing amount of celebrity actors, singers and rappers have already inquired and signed on to be apart of this film production.

A national casting effort will occur in 9 cities in search for various roles in the movie... including the role of Wendy Williams herself. Each city will have a celebrity actor set to appear in the movie apart of the judging panel (which will also include the director and producer of this film as well). The selected actors from each city will audition at the grand finale on August 19th in New York City in front of Wendy Williams to determine the cast selection.

Media is encouraged to attend all of the casting calls to catch the energy, drama and memorable auditions the like of the American Idol phenomenon. The director, producer and celebrity judge for each city will be available for one-on-one interviews at the audition. In addition, this traveling casting call will be filmed and televised for Wendy's new TV show bringing heightened promotional exposure for all involved including the venue, judges and the thousands of hopeful actors looking to get their big break…and the best part is up to 10 actors will be selected from this casting call effort and will actually have their dreams come true and be apart of one of the biggest, most anticipated and talked about films of the year.

Pre-registration can take place online at www.furqaanfilms.com No fees are needed to audition the day of the event However, pre-registration is recommended to secure a guaranteed audition slot and receive the audition sides. Be sure to listen to Wendy Williams daily as she gives you the update and celebrity scoop as she reveals the juicy details that only Wendy Williams can deliver.

Audition Schedule (All Audition Times between 12noon and 7PM. Please check the website for updates)

Memphis, TN - Aug 8th (Memphis Marriott Downtown)