Performance art in Memphis -- discussion

A Panel Discussion on "Articulating Race and Power through Public Spaces" is being held this Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Power House Memphis (45 East G.E. Patterson Ave.)

Inspired by Richard Lou's recent performance art event in Nathan Bedford Forrest Park, ReCovering Memphis: Listening to Untold Stories, the discussion will focus on the often controversial realm of public art and how art, space, and place can reinforce or break down the racial (cultural) divide in Memphis and beyond.

The panelists include D'Army Bailey, Ernestine Jenkins, Richard Alexander Lou, Lee Millar, Wanda Rushing, and John Weeden.

A boost for Open Five and a party for Memphis indie films

This Thursday's "Love Letter to Memphis" is a fundraising party and concert for Kentucker Audley's film OPEN FIVE, and it's a celebration of independent film in Memphis.

The event is at 7 p.m. at Minglewood Hall (1555 Madison) and tickets are $12.

Music is by Star & Micey and there's a Silent Auction of Memphis items.

Come support Kentucker's project and local indie films all in one excellent party.

Here's more info on OPEN FIVE.

And here's info on Audley's critically praised 2007 film TEAM PICTURE.

Reminder: Book signing and film fundraiser

Ronald Baldridge was a gang member in Memphis in 1985 when he was shot twice while participating in a robbery at a Frayser skating rink, leaving him wheelchair bound. He would be shot three more times in 1986, 1987 and 1988. With the help of Memphis police officer Steve Grisham, Baldridge found God and renounced the gang life. He has since been a community activist, youth counselor and written "From Gangs to God." A book signing will be held at Java Cabana, 2170 Young Ave., on Saturday July 25th at 7 p.m. Baldridge has been trying for years to get funding for his movie, "5 Shots", so he and a few other people can get this story off the ground. The proceeds from the book sale will go to his organization called P.I.A.N.O. which stands for "people in alliance needing others," and toward funding production of the movie. For more info, contact Marguerite at daisyscreations57@yahoo.com

Paper Moon Films: Ready to create

John Beifuss reports in the CA that Paper Moon Films is launching three projects:

Two filmmakers have teamed to form Paper Moon Films, a Memphis production company preparing to launch three low-budget features, including one from buzz-generating local director Kentucker Audley and one co-starring Memphis songstress Amy LaVere and New York-based singer/actress Ann Magnuson.

"A lot of people talk about making movies, but we're not interested in talking about making movies, we're interested in getting these movies made," said Nick Case, partner in Paper Moon with Ryan Watt.

Read the full story here.

Extras needed Wednesday

Extras Needed: Wednesday Night, July 22, at Davies Manor

Time 6:30 p.m. to Midnight (at the very latest)

One Came Home, a feature film by Willy Bearden and David Tankersley, needs extras for this Wednesday night at Davies Manor. Since this is a period piece - Mississippi 1946 - men can not have facial hair and should be dressed in simple white, splayed collar (no button down collars) shirts and khaki or dark dress pants. Hair should be short or slicked back. Shoes should be simple work brogans or solid dark. Women should have hair pulled back or long. If you have appropriate period costume, that is great. If not, there will be limited period dresses at the set. The scene is a country yard party. Those who love to do a little country two-step dancing are encouraged. All ages welcome, but children and young people, only with parents please.

Have no doubt, come on out.

You may contact southernvoice@hotmail.com for questions or for more information.

Disney Train to Memphis Aug. 4

Disney is coming to Memphis on Aug. 4 as part of a 40-city interactive train tour including a 3D sneak peek of film footage from the upcoming movie “Disney’s A Christmas Carol." This family event is for guests of all ages and is free to the public. Opening ceremonies are 8:15 a.m.; the exhibit opens to the public at 9 a.m.

Starring Jim Carrey and directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” opens in theatres November 6 in Disney Digital 3D™ and in IMAX 3D®.

“‘Disney’s A Christmas Carol’ Train Tour will introduce families across the country to the holiday film. Among the highlights of the tour are authentic artifacts on loan from the Charles Dickens Museum of London; artwork, costumes and props from the film; demonstrations of performance capture technology; and a chance to morph your face into one of the film’s characters. At each stop, a state-of-the-art Disney Digital 3D Theatre will be erected, where guests can get a sneak peek of “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and see other exclusive behind-the-scenes materials from the movie. The latest details about tour stops and scheduled events are available at www.christmascaroltraintour.com.

Featuring four custom-designed vintage rail cars full of behind-the-scenes attractions, entertaining demonstrations, and fun activities, the tour started in LA in May and ends at New York’s Grand Central Terminal over the weekend of October 30th through November 1st.
At every tour stop, Radio Disney will invite kids to enter for a chance to become a Movie Surfer representing their hometown. Each Hometown Movie Surfer will get a chance to appear on Disney Channel by filming their very own Movie Surfer’s segment! They’ll also receive a prize package of exclusive Movie Surfer and "Disney’s A Christmas Carol” gear.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
“Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking, performance-capture 3D motion picture event. Ebeneezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) begins the holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (Gary Oldman) and his cheery nephew (Colin Firth). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey, revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late. Through the magic of performance-capture technology, Jim Carrey tackles seven roles, including Scrooge and all of the Christmas spirits.

'Murderous hillbillies descend on Memphis'

One of the best headlines ever takes us into John Beifuss' story on the MTV project "Savage County" to be filmed in Memphis next month. Craig Brewer is executive producer:

Created by David Harris, a producer with MTV New Media, the 15-webisode program will employ many of the local crew members who worked on Memphis filmmaker Craig Brewer's similarly Web-based "$5 Cover," which made its debut online and on MTV in April after being shot here last summer.

For the full story, go here.

Memphis film goes international

What happens when a German intern comes to work for a summer with the Memphis and Shelby County Film and TV Commission? It could be the seed of something big.

Read John Beifuss' story here.

Local films at Black Film Festival this weekend

The Black Film Festival 09 at the Hattiloo Theatre is this Friday and Saturday.

Friday's Schedule:
6pm: Kickoff reception
7:30pm: "Tricks" by DeAara Lewis
10:30pm: Afterparty

Saturday's Schedule:
10am: Workshop: Acting for the Camera
12:30pm: Workshop: How to promote your film
1:30pm: Workshop: How to finance an indie film
3pm: Workshop: Nuts and bolts of indie filmmaking
5pm: Shorts by William Westbrook
5:30pm: "Just the Two of Us" by Keenon Nikita
7pm: documentaries by Marcellous Lovelace
8pm: Film by Rod Pitts

$8 Admission per film or $35 for a 2-day pass
Workshops: $15/each
To buy tickets online: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/71678

Hattiloo Theatre, 656 Marshall. Call 525-0009; hattilootheatre.org

Reminder: Book signing and film fundraiser

Ronald Baldridge was a gang member in Memphis in 1985 when he was shot twice while participating in a robbery at a Frayser skating rink, leaving him wheelchair bound. He would be shot three more times in 1986, 1987 and 1988. With the help of Memphis police officer Steve Grisham, Baldridge found God and renounced the gang life. He has since been a community activist, youth counselor and written "From Gangs to God." A book signing will be held at Java Cabana, 2170 Young Ave., on Saturday July 25th at 7 p.m. Baldridge has been trying for years to get funding for his movie, "5 Shots", so he and a few other people can get this story off the ground. The proceeds from the book sale will go to his organization called P.I.A.N.O. which stands for "people in alliance needing others," and toward funding production of the movie. For more info, contact Marguerite at daisyscreations57@yahoo.com

Casting for 'The Glass'

Memphis-based production company Parabolos will hold a casting session for the short film "The Glass" Tuesday, July 7 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in room 201 of the Community Life Center on the campus of the Church of Christ White Station, 1106 Colonial Rd.

Those wishing to audition are asked to contact directors dan baker and chris pollock (901.361.9189 or e-mail: dan@danwrotethis.com, cpollock@parabolos.com). scripts will be provided for cold readings. headshots and resumes are appreciated, but not necessary.

production dates are july 13th - july 21st, 2009. roles are unpaid, but actors will receive a copy for their reel. this film is part of an international film contest and will be seen by thousands of online viewers, including many top-tier film and television industry producers, directors, actors, agents, etc.

characters
Tim Stendal (male, 11) - adventurous son of missionaries Elliot and Olive Stendal.
Elliot Stendal (male, late 30’s) - American missionary in Chile.
Olive Stendal (female, mid-30’s) - Elliot’s wife, Tim’s mother; nurse.
General Seve (male, late 40’s/early 50’s) - Chilean guerrilla leader.
Lt. Chimo (male, 19-25) - Chilean guerrilla.
Carlos (male, 40-50) - native Chilean; informant to Gen. Seve.
Pepe (male, 16) - Chilean guerrilla; new recruit.
New Recruit (male, 16) - shaky Chilean guerrilla kid.
Worship Leader (male, 35-45) - Elliot’s devoted partner; native Chilean.
Little Boy (8-12) - story-loving friend for Tim to play with; native Chilean.
Little Girl (8-10) - native Chilean; separated from her family.
Chilean Military (men, 20’s) - young men; pawns in the military’s efforts
guerrilla fighters (men, 16-25) - young men who fight with General Seve.
townspeople (mixed, all ages) - people of Morado village; native Chileans.

'Cigarette Girl' goes Down Under

Cori Dials and the boisterous JMM

John Michael McCarthy -- the Godfather of Memphis indie film -- leaves town Tuesday for an almost three-week tour of Australia that includes the premiere Friday of "Cigarette Girl," at the prestigious Revelation Perth International Film Festival.

John Beifuss reports in the CA that:

"Cigarette Girl" tentatively is set to have its Memphis premiere on Sept. 10 at the Malco Paradiso, in what would be the first collaboration between the Indie Memphis Film Festival and the On Location: Memphis International Film Fest.

After Perth, McCarthy said, he will screen "Cigarette Girl" in Sydney, and will show some of his past films, including "Teenage Tupelo" and "Elvis Meets the Beatles," at various cinemas, clubs and taverns in Australia. He said he plans to use his off time in the Antipodes to write a Western.

Indie Heaven for screenwriters - sign up now

From John Beifuss' story in the CA:

A pair of lauded movie makers will be in Memphis this month to host free screenings and workshops for aspiring local screenwriters.

The filmmakers -- producer Mike S. Ryan and writer-director Barry Jenkins -- will review and discuss script "treatments" in afternoon workshops on July 18-19. Attendance will be limited, to keep the groups manageable, and is restricted to residents of Shelby County. Treatments for review must be submitted in advance, and will be selected by the filmmakers.

Organized by the Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission, the effort is an attempt to help the city's many hopeful writers, said film commissioner Linn Sitler, who has labeled the weekend "Indie Heaven."

Treatments must be submitted to the film commission at info@memphisfilmcomm.org. Examples of the requested treatment format can be found on the commission's Web site.

In addition to the film commission, sponsors of the "Indie Heaven" weekend include Malco Theatres Inc. and MemphisED, an economic development organization.

The event is a sequel of sorts to last year's film commission more job-oriented workshops, which focused on film crew positions.

Read the full story here and check out the info at the Film/TV commission's web site here.

Casting Call for a short film

Writer/Director: Rob Winfrey
The story calls for a female who can play an age range of 22-32, no specific ethnicity, to play two parts. One is a vulnerable, scared woman and the other is an in-control lawyer-prosecutor type. It will be a full day of shooting.
There is no pay but the actress will receive movie credit, a copy of the finished film, and will be taken care of and fed on set.
Auditions will be held July 6, 2009 at 6:30PM-8:30PM at Carita's Villiage located at 2509 Harvard Ave, Memphis, TN. 38112
Contact Monica c/o monicasummerfield@comcast.net with any questions

"Taylor Made"

The CA's John Beifuss on a film exhibition at the Center for Southern Folklore:

The most significant filmmaker in this city's history might be a man who never worked with movie studios or stars.

He was inspired by the Bible and the black neighborhoods of Memphis, not by fictional screenplays or the glitter of Hollywood.

"He was a one-man CNN of the community," said Dr. Beverly Bond of the University of Memphis, speaking about the subject of "Taylor Made: The Life and Work of the Rev. L.O. Taylor," a new "online exhibit" that can be found on the recently launched Web site of the Center for Southern Folklore at southernfolklore.com.

"The Conversion"

It's not what you thought it was going to be: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM7-zIIyfow

"Night" trailer

Slick trailer for a scary film, coming soon.

Wanna be a Millionaire?

Saturday June 13
Nashville, Tennessee
(NOTE NO MOVIE TEST WILL BE GIVEN IN NASHVILLE)

HILTON NASHVILLE DOWNTOWN
7AM TO 11AM
(call back interviews from 12:30PM to 4:00PM)

The lights…heart-pounding music…the chance to win 1 Million Dollars...It can only mean one thing: America’s favorite game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, is back!

We’re on the lookout and we’re going on the road to cities across America!

Go to http://www.millionairetv.com/special/roadauditions/nashville.html for more information.

Li'l Film Fest: Family

Live From Memphis™ Presents LI’L FILM FEST 10: Family

Live From Memphis proudly announces its 10th LI'L FILM FEST, June 13, 2009 working with a theme we all have something to shout about: Family. The screening for this showcase of independent, local film will be held at The Brooks Museum of Art inside Overton Park at 2pm.

LI'L FILM FEST remains true to its goal of supporting local filmmakers and promoting film as art. Thanks to our partnership with the Memphis Tourism Foundation and collaboration with Indie Memphis, the festival has strengthened the film community of Memphis, giving aspiring local film artists small, manageable projects to work on and complete. Please join us in honoring our dedicated filmmakers.

On Saturday, June 13, the screening will include the following works:

“Dinner at the Olson's” directed by Don Meyers

“Downer” directed by Jason Rawlings and Jason Davenport

“Family Heat!” directed by Andy Strong

“Meet the Grotz” directed by Rich Kimball

“Reunion” directed by Pandora

“Some People's Families” directed by Jessica Sprenkle

“Son of . . . “ directed by J. Lazarus Hawk

“Sunday” directed by Val Overstreet

“Until Death Do Us Part” directed by Carl E Walters

“Wes' Hypothesis” directed by Daniel Felts

"Monday" directed by Eric Swartz

Our “Grand Jury Award” will be accompanied by a customized, thematic trophy and $500 in cash prizes presented by The Memphis & Shelby Co. Film & Television Commission and Indie Memphis. The “Audience Choice Award” will come with a trophy and the prize money is cash from the door, so the more people that come to the festival the bigger the pot!

Indie Memphis has put together an out-of-town jury of industry professionals for the “Grand Jury Award:” Joanne Feinberg, Director of Programming for the Ashland Independent Film Festival in Ashland, Oregon; Ted Speaker, Associate Producer of HUMPDAY (opening in theaters this July) and juror for the 2008 LFM Music Video Showcase; and Gabe Wardell, Executive Director of the Atlanta Film Festival.

All films submitted to the Li’l Film Fest will automatically be placed into consideration for the Annual Indie Memphis Film Festival, and any and all submission fees will be waived. (Li’l Film Fest winners will still have an automatic slot in the festival as part of their prize package).

Tickets for screening are $5 at the door. For more information about the festival, please visit www.livefrommemphiscom

The Short and Sweet:

Theme: Family

Secret Ingredient: Heat

Duration: 5 minutes or less

Festival Date: Saturday, June 13th, 2009 2pm

Festival Location: Brooks Museum of Art

Awards: Grand Jury Award ($500) | Audience Choice (door $$)
Li’l Film Fest is a quarterly, theme-based film festival, focusing on highlighting our local talent while showcasing interesting happenings around town. Our goal is to encourage and inspire Memphis filmmakers while engaging a local audience in order to strengthen our artistic community.
“How does Li’l Film Fest work?” It’s pretty easy. Basically, we here at LFM will pick a theme, then we’ll announce that theme to you, and then you get to go out and make a short video (or film if you want to be fancy) using that theme – the rest of the content is up to you.
“Why is it a ‘li’l’ fest?” Two reasons: One, we have one every quarter – that’s FOUR festivals a year. How fun is that? And two, when we say “li'l” we mean it - your film must be 5 minutes or less.
“Is there anything else I should know?” Geez, you ask a lot of questions, but the answer is “Yes.” There are 2 awards given at each festival, the “Audience Choice Award” and the “Jury Award” both of which receive a trophy and a CASH prize!! And if that’s not enough incentive for you each winner has a guaranteed spot in the next Indie Memphis Film Festival! So keep that in mind when you’re rolling those cameras.

About Our Sponsors

The Memphis Tourism Foundation
The Memphis Tourism Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau. The pursue a mission targeting workforce development, positive self-image, and advocacy for our city.

Indie Memphis

Now in its 12th year, Indie Memphis utilizes Memphis’ rich cultureal history to serve as a connecting point for regional filmmakers from all corners of the country – and provides a showcase for films celebrating Southern stories and storytelling.

The Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commission
The Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commission is committed to making every facet of your film project go smoothly. They posses a solid track record in the industry and have been widely recognized and honored for their efforts.

AudioGraphics Masterworks
AudioGraphics Masterworks is the source in Memphis for all of your CD and DVD manufacturing, mastering, design, and printing needs.

The Brooks Museum of Art

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is the oldest fine arts museum in the state of Tennessee, located at the heart of Memphis in historic Overton Park. In association with Emerging Pictures, a New York-based film company, the Brooks screens award-winning independent films every month in the Dorothy K. Hohenberg Auditorium.

Indie Memphis fundraising

Indie Memphis gets a challenge grant -- from a story in the CA by John Beifuss.

Donate to Indie Memphis or become a member of the organization by June 30 and your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to a challenge grant from ArtsMemphis.

The $20,000 grant, from an anonymous donor, is at the forefront of what Indie Memphis executive director Erik Jambor describes as the organization's most ambitious fundraising campaign ever.

Jambor said Indie Memphis hopes to raise $80,000 by December to ensure the group's "financial stability and long-term sustainability."

Dedicated to the promotion of independent cinema and local moviemaking, Indie Memphis is probably best known for hosting the annual Indie Memphis Film Festival in October and the monthly Micro Cinema Club short-film series at The Power House near South Main. Indie Memphis also hosts various events in support of local filmmakers and is co-sponsoring a series of screenings at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

This year's Indie Memphis Film Festival is set for Oct. 8-15 at Malco's Studio on the Square.

Susan Schadt, ArtsMemphis president, said the challenge grant offers "an outstanding opportunity for the community to get behind one of the most powerful artistic voices in our city -- the Memphis independent film industry."

She said "the spirt of Indie Memphis" is "young" and "energetic" and "gives our emerging leaders ... a reason to call Memphis home."

The grant follows the most successful single fundraising event in the 12-year history of Indie Memphis: the April 30 premiere of Craig Brewer's "$5 Cover" project at the Malco Paradiso, which raised $12,000.

Starting at $30 a year (for students), Indie Memphis memberships allow free and discounted admission to various screenings, among other benefits. For more information or to become a member, visit indiememphis.com.