Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Screenwriter Sharon Y. Cobb Signs New Novel



Jacksonville resident Sharon Y. Cobb will sign her new book, False Confessions of a True Hollywood Screenwriter, at Barnes & Noble, St. Johns Town Center, Saturday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m. Sharon works as a professional screenwriter and she is a member of the Writers Guild of America.

False Confessions is an action comedy about a screenwriter who takes on Hollywood in an estrogen-fueled rampage and still pulls off a deliriously happy Hollywood ending. In Hollywood there are no rules and they're strictly enforced.

Visit Sharon's website at http://www.SharonYCobb.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011

America's Most Wanted Filmed in Jax

America's Most Wanted (AMW) that recently filmed throughout Jacksonville and will air Friday, December 2nd at 9pm on LIFETIME - (2 of 3 segments will air 12/2/11). The other segment will air Friday, December 9th at 9pm. Jacksonville locations doubled for Chicago and Houston. Locations include Jacksonville Beach Pier, Jacksonville Beach private residence, a San Marco apartment and Baptist Hospital (downtown).


AMW filmed over the course of four days, having an economic impact of approximately $150,000. Over 50 local production professionals and talents were hired. Besides the hired local workforce, hotels, caterers, restaurants, vendors and other service industries benefited from this production.
“I am excited to be back in Jacksonville," said Greg Klein, the show’s executive producer and writer. "Your crew, government cooperation, cost efficiency and locations are the reasons we love coming back to North Florida, and we are so excited to continue our partnership with Jacksonville.”

Click on the link of some production photos taken on the AMW set by Tom Fallon, Location Manager.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

" As Night Falls" Takes Home Best Feature At The FMPTA Crystal Reel Awards !

Dwight Cenac and Grace Chapman

-More than two hundred industry related professionals celebrated with the sixty nominees and Crystal Reel Award recipients at the Gala held at the lovely Hilton-Orlando/Altamonte Springs hotel, hosted by FMPTA's Metro Orlando Chapter. The evening was highlighted by the announcing of the coveted "Judge's Selection" award... the 'best of the best', which was presented to Florida Film & Tape's Brad Fuller for their 'Honda Loudmouth Splash' commercial.


The last award  of the night was presented by Florida Film Commissioner Lucia Fishburne for "Best Feature."  Dwight Cenac, of Crown Films, took home " Best Feature" for his film " As Night Falls," and his co-star, Grace Chapman took home " Best Adolescent Actress."

Arriving guests were honored by being photographed during their famed Red Carpet entrance, then relaxed to the smooth jazz guitar of Robert Harris during the Lifetime Achievement Reception, honoring this year's Lifetime Achievement recipient Ms. Audrey Landers.

The Crystal Reel Awards Gala is held annually to honor and highlight outstanding achievements in motion picture, television, audio recording and digital media productions created in Florida over the past year. The Official Judges of the CRA were Emmy, Grammy, and/or Oscar recipients from across the country with no affiliation to FMPTA.

Click here to view the trailer for "As Night Falls"

Monday, November 14, 2011

'Americans Most Wanted" Films In The River City

The blood was fake, but the story was real.
So while Baptist Medical Center nurses Wanda Williams and LaVeda Carter didn’t perform their usual work duties, they still felt they were helping people Sunday night.

A crew from “America’s Most Wanted” filmed inside the downtown Jacksonville facility’s Heart Hospital, with the two nurses volunteering as extras.
Actors from the TV show aimed at catching fugitives re-enacted part of a Chicago homicide story, taking over a part of the hospital where patients get pre-op and post-op care on weekdays. 

As the action unfolded, the Baptist nurses got a reminder that while they weren’t bandaging real wounds and hooking up real IV drips, the goal was to help a family find justice.“I’m really proud to be doing it for that reason,” Carter said, after sneaking off the set for a few seconds.Her job was to write notes on a fake patient chart in the opening shot. Williams, the unit’s real-life nurse manager, had the job of walking by as the camera showed the organ donor official entering the scene. And after just a handful of takes, both nurses nailed their roles.

Klein said the show will be in town a couple more days to continue filming. While the stories they’re working on aren’t related to Jacksonville crimes, he said the show found locations that looked like areas where the incidents happened.

Read the rest of this article and see more photos from filming at : Jacksonville.com

Thursday, November 10, 2011

'America's Most Wanted,' Mercedes-Benz filming in city


A Mercedes-Benz commercial and an episode of “America’s Most Wanted” will be filmed in Jacksonville over the weekend.The “America’s Most Wanted” episode is a re-enactment of a crime that did not happen in Jacksonville, said Todd Roobin, director of the film and TV office for the city.The crimes that will be re-enacted in the episode occurred in Chicago and Texas.

Filming will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Jacksonville Beach and San Marco areas. More than 50 local production professionals have been hired, and hotels and caterers are among the businesses that will benefit from the production.

The total economic impact of the “America’s Most Wanted” episode will be $150,000, Roobin said.
“A lot of people have no idea when they see a small production like this on TV that they leave behind this kind of money,” Roobin said. The “America’s Most Wanted” episode will air at 9 p.m. Dec. 2 on Lifetime. The show has been filmed in Jacksonville 40 to 50 times over the past 25 seasons, said Greg Klein, supervising producer.

“Jacksonville is incredibly film-friendly — it’s a strong film commission that will make everything work for you,” Klein said. “There’s never been any issue here in terms of permitting and wanting to be able to shoot where we want.” The Mercedes-Benz commercial will be filmed Downtown, Roobin said, and have an economic impact of $50,000.

“They want to tape the vehicle with the beautiful skyline in the background,” Roobin said, “and give it to dealerships across the country, so they don’t have to pay an ad agency.”The commercial will be shot on the Main Street and Acosta bridges.“It will be recognizable for those of us who live in this area,” Roobin said.

**The above article came from the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Welcomes Mike Ossi


Mike Ossi

Mike Ossi, the Jacksonville attorney who has represented John Travolta, was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott Wednesday to the Florida Film & Entertainment Advisory Council, a 17-member group. He said he’ll push for more state and federal incentives for film and TV production in the state.

“I give you my word, this is just the beginning,” Ossi said. “We will have film after film here if we can just get a couple of things changed. And we’ll get them changed.”

Ossi was instrumental in bringing the film crew for Travolta's "Lonely Hearts" to Jacksonville, and was a producer of the Jimmy Fallon-Sharon Stone-Tom Arnold-Lucy Liu film, "The Year of Getting to Know Us." it too was shot in Ossi's hometown.

He said he misses those days when Hollywood stars visited the city to make movies, but that Florida can't currently compete with other states because of a lack of incentives for film crews.

To view this article please or stay update on the lates Jacksonville news please visit: Jacksonville.com

" Truly Everlasting" Hits the Big Screen

-If you are fan of romance novels, then you may have seen Brenda Jackson's books on shelves.
But what you may not know is that the author is a Jacksonville native who has written books such as "The Proposal," "Inseparable" and "Hidden Pleasures."

Many of them have made the New York Times bestseller list, and now one of Jackson's books can be seen on the big screen."Truly Everlasting" isn't the first book written by Jackson to be made into a movie. In the 1990s, the television network BET turned one of her novels into a made-for-TV movie. But this time, the homegrown author wanted complete autonomy.

"We took a chance. I didn't want any investors because if something screwed up, I wanted it to be our money, our loss," Jackson said.She and her husband invested $500,000 of their retirement money in this independent film."I knew then that I had to be on top of this movie every step of the way," Jackson said.

She bought two homes in historic Springfield, one for the crew and another to serve as a production house. Fortunately, she didn't have to look far for a director. Her son has a film degree from Columbia University in New York.

"It is a beautiful Christmas story, so I knew that that would be the story that I would want to show."


To read the rest of this article or view the video please visit : News4Jax.com

Monday, October 31, 2011

Jax Film Fest Winners '11!

And The Best Narrative feature award goes to...... "Kinyarwanda."


The 2011 Film Festival was held October 13-16th.
Moviegoers gave the Audience Award to Christy Cashman's New Age comedy, "Sunny Side Up," starring Cashman and Parker Posey. Cashman, who helped produce "The Kids Are All Right," was in town for the festival, and spoke at the Women in Filmmaking event Sunday.

Five Alive Films Premiers Truly Everlasting!

Five Alive Films is proud to announce its first feature film premiere – Truly Everlasting -- based on a short story written by NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Brenda Jackson. On Saturday, November 5th, Truly Everlasting will make its movie premiere at The Florida Theatre in Jacksonville.Doors will open at 5pm. The event will include red carpet entry, an opening reception, premiere of the movie, and an after-party with a DJ. The event will also be catered by Chef Andre.A portion of proceeds will benefit the Josiephine Threatt Scholarship Foundation at Florida Memorial University.

As the holidays settle in around Houston, Texas, young Austin has but one wish- A father for Christmas. When his mother, Felicia Madaris, learns of his wish, she turns to childhood rival turned family friend, Trask Maxwell, to help fulfill her young son’s wish. But soon, Felicia realizes that its not just Austin’s Christmas wish that's coming true…

Tickets are available at The Florida Theatre or through Ticketmaster.


If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact FIVE ALIVE FILMS at: fivealivefilms@gmail.com.


Also, you can follow Five Alive Films on  Facebook!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

5 Points Theatre Short Film Fest Today!

    - Some of tonight's featured shorts are: The Williams Chronicles by Team Grab Bag; Botched by Team Best Friends (Winner of 2011 Savannah 48 Hour Film Project); Kar Karma, a new short comedy directed by Marc Boese; Nott, short documentary directed by Carolyn Lopez; Kid, short musical starring Rick Colado; Floored by Team Be Squared; The Punishables by Billy Ward and Team Yeeaarrhh; and Ich Liebe Mein Bruder, a new short horror/sci-fi/comedy directed by Billy Ward.
  

    Sharon Y. Cobb will be selling and signing her new book False Confessions of a True Hollywood Screenwriter, ($12.99 + tax) from 6:00-6:30 and 8:00-8:30 p.m. The Jacksonville Rugby League Axemen's Axe Maidens will be there with raffle tickets ($1) for special prizes. The 5 Points Theatre will sell beer, wine, sodas, popcorn, pizza and other concessions throughout the evening.

Wednesday, October 26, 6:00-8:30 p.m. 
Admission : $5
Five Points Theatre, 1022 Park Street, Jacksonville.

Visit the 5 points Theatre Web site for more information on the event : 5 Points Theatre.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Pre-Broadway Showcase of: Surviving Mommie Dearest


Surviving Mommie DearestSURVIVING MOMMIE DEAREST, is a new one woman multi-media show written by and starring Christina Crawford, based on two of her best-selling books, Mommie Dearest and Survivor.
The two-act play will feature long-forgotten home movies, historical archival photos, pictures from private collections, film clips and video interviews of both Joan and Christina Crawford. The play covers almost 100 years of entertainment and show biz history. Ms. Crawford appears both on film and on stage.

The play is produced by Jacksonville businessman Jerry Rosenberg, owner of the Metro Night Club, and directed by award winning New York filmmaker Eric Marciano, of American Montage Films. The musical supervisor is singer-composer and American Songbook oficionado, George Bugatti. This is a pre-broadway showcase.


Mon. 10/24/11 at 7:30pm
Tues. 10/25/11 at 7:30pm

Price: $35 plus tax. You can purchase tickets at the 5 Points Theatre site below:

The 11th Annual Film and Television Industry Reception Video



Thank you to Eric Torres of CollabCreation Films Films for  producing this video for the reception.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Easy Edit Video Job Opening

Easy Edit Video currently has an opening for a fulltime DUPLICATION TEC.
A copy of the job description is listed below. If you are interested in this position, or know of someone who may be qualified, please forward your resume to my attention. Also briefly tell me what you are currently doing and your salary  requirements.

Easy Edit Video is a full service video and digital production, post production and all-formats duplication company
serving both business/corporate and consumer clients. Easy Edit Video is northeast Florida‘s largest DVD and
videotape duplication center. Serving Jacksonville for more than 18 years, we are locally owned and operated.
JOB DESCRIPTION:1. Operate DVD & videotape duplication system. This includes:
    
 loading DVDs and tapes
    
 
cuing tapes to their appropriate starting point
    
 
selecting proper player and source machines for each job
    
 
programming router
    
 
monitoring every order to insure it is running properly
    
 
evaluate media content for continual quality control and improvement
2. Design, create and print DVD & videotape labels.
3. Assemble final job to include DVD/tape, case, and label.
4. Compete all invoices and production orders with details and information regarding services requested and performed.
 Also note changes.5. Establish priorities and proactively communicate all errors and discrepancies to supervisor;
6. Proactively communicate and coordinate with other departments and facilities to manage workflow, organize customer
 priorities or resolve problems as they arise.
7. Assist the Production Administrator at the front counter. This includes answering phones, providing information,
quoting rates, taking in customers’ orders, responding to client inquiries, returning orders to customers, collecting
on invoices.
8. Assist the +Production Administrator with projects including, but not limited to, tape inventory and ordering, facility
 maintenance, and tape library.
9. Trains employees on equipment or procedures when necessary
10. Other assigned tasks.
SPECIFIC SKILLS AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE:Strong TV production and technical skills.

Successful candidate will be highly motivated and extremely detail oriented, with superior organizational and
communication skills.
Great customer service attitude a must.

Position requires the ability to shift priorities quickly to changing circumstances, remaining flexible, calm and focused
 while multi-tasking at a very fast pace.

Hours are Monday-Friday 9-6pm. Full time

If interested please send an e-mail to: (david@easyeditvideo.com), or 
fax or deliver your resume along with a brief cover letter.

Five Alive Films Presents: Brends Jackson's Truly Everlasting

Five Alive Films is proud to announce its first feature film premiere – Truly Everlasting - based on a short story written by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Brenda Jackson. The movie premiere will be held at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, November 5th. Doors will open at 5pm. The event will include red carpet entry, an opening reception, premiere of the movie and an after-party with a DJ and catered by Chef Andre.

Tickets for the event went on sale June 15th and are available at: The Florida Theatre or through Ticketmaster. A portion of proceeds to benefit the Josiephine Threatt Scholarship Foundation at Florida Memorial University.

Date: November 5, 2011
Where: Florida Theatre
Time: 5:00PM

For further information of Truly Everlasting please visit :  http://www.trulyeverlasting.com/

Also you can follow Five Alive Films of Facebook! Join the group at : http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=155265854497793

The Return of ZAAT!

Don Barton, Producer of the 1971 cult creature feature ZAAT, is finally ready to make the sequel fans have been asking him about for years. He will make the formal announcement and unveil preliminary plans at the ZAAT 40th Anniversary celebration at the Five Points Theatre this Sunday, October 23, at 7:30PM. It will follow the showing of the original ZAAT movie which was filmed entirely in and around Jacksonville.

 The Jacksonville based film producer, is not divulging any details except for the title, DARN MONSTER. According to Barton, a “ short video will show where we’re headed with the fun story”. Tickets are available online all this week on the Five Points Theatre website at http://www.5pointstheatre.com/category/coming-soon

For up to the minute information on all things ZAAT, visit  http://www.zaatmovie.com/ and follow us on Facebook at ZAAT movie. 

Monday, October 17, 2011



As in all areas of invention and innovation, it is important to review the past, understand the theory and practices, and examine the successes and failures before designing the future. The course provides a comprehensive look at the creative and technological history of Visual Effects (VFX) and Computer Graphics Imaging (CGI) utilized by the screen industry.

What You Will Learn

  • Manage, plan and budget VFX/CGI for your project
  • Understand how VFX influences the film making process

Who Should Attend

Independent filmmakers interested in the theory and practical application of VFX and CGI in the film industry


One session only!

Saturday October 22, 2011
9 a.m-1 p.m
UNF Universtiy Center (Building 43)
12000 Alumni Drive
Jacksonville,FL 32224

Registration- $99

Make it or Break it! The Jax Film Festival's Pitch Compettition


The Jax Film Fest’s Pitch Competition, which gave eight screenwriters five minutes to pitch their plots to a panel of seven movie-industry pros.The pros, in return, gave tips to the writers about how they could do better the next time, should they ever find themselves in front of someone who might have the money and interest to turn their pages into a movie. The evenings story lines ranged from cops to zombies and everything in between!

The industry professionals — filmmakers, a film buyer and an entertainment lawyer — voted on the best pitches, as did an attentive audience of about 40. The results were announced late Sunday at the festival’s awards ceremony.

This year's festival began on Thursday, October 13 and ran through the16th. Opening night began with a screening of the rip-roaring Wild Horse, Wild Ride. Saturday Night's Gala included an exclusive look into the life of pin-up girl Betty Page in a documentary entitled Betty Page Reveals All. The screening was followed by a burlesque themed after party where guest danced the night away with music from DJ Sketchy. The festivities were brought to a close with a screening of the film, Kinyarwanda and a Q&A with rising star award recipient, Cassandra Freeman.


Read more about the pitch contest at : Jacksonville.com 
or view trailers for all the films at : http://www.jaxfilmfest.com/

Friday, October 14, 2011

Closing Night of the Jax Film Festival: Kinyarwanda


During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the Mufti of Rwanda, the most respected Muslim leader in the country, issued a fatwa forbidding Muslims from participating in the killing of the Tutsi. As the country became a slaughterhouse, mosques became places of refuge where Muslims and Christians, Hutus and Tutsis came together to protect each other. Kinyarwanda is based on true accounts from survivors who took refuge at the Grand Mosque of Kigali and the Imams who opened their doors to give refuge to the Tutsi and to those Hutu who refused to participate in the killing.

With an amalgamation of characters we pay homage to many, using the voices of a few. We follow the young lovers, the child, the couple, the soldiers, the Imam, and the priest as they are swept up by the chaos of the world around them.

-Directed by Alrick Brown
  
Date and Time information-

Sunday, October 16, 2011
Screening begins at 6 P.M.at the AT&T Tower Theatre

Join Cassandra Freeman, the Jax Film Fest 2011 Rising Star Award Recipient for a Q&A afterward.

Purchase your tickets here: Kinyarwanda

West Side Story Celebrates its 50th Anniversary



Saturday, October 15th | 8 P.M. | The Florida Theatre
7:30 P.M. -Red Carpet
8:00 P.M. -Screening of West Side Story
Tickets: $10 (film only) $30 (film and Broadway Gala)

This year is the 50th anniversary of the beloved musical “West Side Story”, and the festival will pay tribute to this classic film and many other favorites. This special evening will include live performances numbers by young and up coming triple threat talent and also current Broadway stars like Billy Porter and Jacksonville’s own James Kenny. This is a show you won’t want to miss!

Jax Film Fest will host a Saturday night Gala complete with a costume contest (with great prizes!) celebrating your favorite musical character, music, food and an all star performance from members of Broadway Dreams.

To get the latest  information on the festivals events visit Jax Film Festival.

Bettie Page Reveals All!



With her razor sharp wit and Tennessee twang Bettie Page emerges from decades of seclusion to reveal her secret past. In this inside story of the world’s greatest pinup model, Page herself recounts how her unabashed sexual expression and sexually provocative fetish poses set the stage for the 1960s sexual revolution and ushered in a new era in fashion.

Unlike any other person, Bettie Page’s life embodies the American conflict between sexual freedom and sexual repression, between censorship and freedom of expression, between the unacceptable and the celebrated.

Date: Friday, October 14, 2011

Where: 5 Points Theatre

When: Red Carpet begins at 6:30 P.M followed by the 7:00 P.M Screening followed by a Q&A session with director Mark Mori.

Tickets only cost $10!! Purchase them here: Bettie Page Reveals All


Burlesque After Party with Dr. Sketchy!
Following the eye-opening documentary ‘Bettie Page Reveals All!’ pop on over to The Cummer Museum to continue the subversion! Featuring the musical stylings of Mamablue with her inimitable speakeasy style, ‘Sketchy Night at the Cummer’ will be a throwback to a more bohemian time, a time of speakeasies and art salons, of absinthe and opium!

Dr. Sketchy has selected six pieces from the Cummer’s ‘50 Favorites for the Fiftieth’ – works that caused scandal and infamy in their own time – to reproduce, as living, stripping portraits. Our models will organically move through poses, losing costume pieces until they are posing in pasties and panties for the crowd! Your hosts for the night, Anita Nightcap, Belladonna Knightshade, and Edward Mourningwood will offer facts about the pieces, joke with the crowd, and encourage you, our guests to sketch (art supplies provided!) to win fabulous prizes.

Tickets for the after party are only $20, or $25 to view the film and attend the after party. They can be purchased at : Bettie Page Reveals All and Berlesque After Party


Don't Forget to follow up with the Film Fest's most current events here : REEL LIFE

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Opening Night for the Jax Film Fest is Tomorrow!



Grab your cowboy hat and boots and come on down to San Marco to enjoy a rip-roaring, heel–kicking, bang-up good time! The 2011 Jax Film Fest is opening with Wild Horses, Wild Ride on Thursday, October 13th at 7:30. Fetch your family and bring ‘em all out for this rousing shindig. Come early, so you don’t miss the hoedown from 5:30PM to 7:15PM where DJ, James Bell, will be playing Country tunes and we’ll be givin’ away door prizes and raffle prizes donated by Horse and Kennel Warehouse.

Tickets start at only $15, that includes the reception, screening and a follow-up Q&A with Alexandra Dawson and special guest, Yeeehaw!

For more information on the opening night's events, skedaddle right on over to :

Official Website for Wild Horses,Wild Ride: http://www.wildhorsewildride.com

Facebook:www.facebook.com /pages/Wild-Horse-Wild-Ride/162584703787314


Or for dates,times and locations of all the festivals events visit : www.jaxfilmfest.com

The 2nd Annual Kids Red Carpet This Saturday!

Monday, October 10, 2011

The 2011 Jax Film Fest Presents :

Thursday October 13, 2011

San Marco
Opening Night – Wild Horse Wild Ride 7:30-10 p.m.



Friday October 14, 2011
At 5 points Theater
Bettie page Reveals All and Burlesque After Party at Cummer 7:30-8:30 p.m.




Saturday October 15, 2011
West Side Story (50th anniversary) & Broadway Gala @ Deep Blue at Landing 8-10:00 p.m.
 


Florida Theater
Kids Red Carpet (free at Florida Theater - age appropriate for 6-12)  2-4:30 p.m.


Sunny Side Up World Premiere (starring Parker Posey & Christy cashman) 



Sunday October 16, 2011 

AT&T Auditorium
Closing Night – Kinyarwanda at AT&T Tower Theater 6-8:00 p.m.


 



There are many more events to look forward to! And with all access passes start at only $99 it's easy to attend them all!


For more information or to donate to the Jax Film Fest please visit: http://www.jaxfilmfest.com
Event are subject to change and you should visit the website for the latest news.

Big Changes for the Jacksonville Film Festival

The Jax Film Fest has made some changes! Executive director, Warren Skeels promises that this name change among other changes will bring a fresh, fun  vibe to the festival.

The new, catchier name, a little fresher and hipper perhaps, suits the festival's - that is, the fest's - downtown and close-in venues .And it emphasizes the feel organizers are going for this year.

"Honestly, as far as the film festivals go, this one is going to be the most fun in a while," he said.

For evidence of that, he pointed to Friday's documentary on Bettie Page, pinup queen of the '50s, from Jacksonville native Mark Mori, and the burlesque party at the Cummer Gallery of Art & Gardens following that.Then, there's a free kids movie Saturday at the Florida Theatre and a showing of "West Side Story" there later that night, with a Broadway-themed party at the Landing going until 1 a.m. Sunday.

Mori is not the only local connection: Cassandra Freeman, a one-time Douglas Anderson School of the Arts student, will be at the fest with her new film, "Kinyarwanda," set in Rwanda.

But it's not all about movies! Here's a run down of some other workshops that you can be apart of!

The Art of the Pitch:  4 p.m. Friday, Theatre Jacksonville.

Screenwriting workshop: 10 a.m. Friday, The Cummer
.
Independent Film and the Law:  12:30 p.m. Friday, The Cummer.

Burlesque Party with Dr. Sketchy:  8 p.m. Friday, The Cummer.

Coffee and Filmmaking : (meet the film professionals), 10 a.m. Saturday, MOCA.

Pitch Competition noon Saturday, MOCA.

Microbudget Filmmaking:  3 p.m. Saturday, MOCA.

Women in Filmmaking: with Christy Scott Cashman, an executive producer of "The Kids Are All Right" and star of "Sunny Side Up," 11 a.m. Sunday, The Cummer.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

2011 Jax Film Fest is NEXT WEEK! (Oct. 13 - 16)

Jax Film Fest: Films Parties Events & Schedule
October 13 - 16, 2011 |  http://www.jaxfilmfest.com/

A complete list of all the feature and short films of the festival as well as our conference events and schedule are available now. SHOW ME THE FILMS!

All Access Passes only $99 this year!
Volunteers
The Jacksonville Film Festival has exciting volunteer opportunities for the upcoming 9th annual festival taking place on Oct 13-16 2011. We will be filling staffing needs for production team, screenings, parties, workshops and events. Positions range in time commitment and intensity from intern level administrative and coordinating duties to film screening staff shifts.

We are seeking reliable, enthusiastic, friendly folks who love film, though previous experience in film or production is not necessary. We will work together to find a good fit for your experience, skills and interests and provide and opportunity that can fit the time you have to offer.
All positions are unpaid, however the festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and can complete any service learning or hours tracking documentation necessary. Volunteers will receive screening passes commensurate with service time and commitment.
All volunteers are welcome to apply- the positions are not limited to students. Previous volunteers – we welcome you back!!!!

Please feel free to disseminate widely as positions are being filled immediately. Contact volunteer@jacksonvillefilmfestival.com or call 904-858-9889 for more information.

“Banked Blood” The Charles Drew Story

“Banked Blood” The Charles Drew Story
From Award winning Director Kathleen "Bo" Bobak

This film is dedicated to all whose reach knows no bounds. And to all who have ever donated blood, the Gift of Life. An inspirational story of scientific discovery, great accomplishments, and finding your true calling. Set under the shadow of racial inequality in the late 1930's, Banked Blood is the true story of an African American Surgeon who lived by the mantra, “Be so excellent you can’t be ignored."

Toolbox Film, will be filming “Banked Blood” in Jacksonville.

ALL INFO RE CASTING/CREWING WILL BE APPEARING AS WE GET THERE ON THE FAN PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/Banked.Blood.Charles.Drew

Check out the the Times Union article here:
Jacksonville film highlights African-American doctor's blood transfusions breakthrough

Charles Drew was an African-American doctor who unlocked the secrets of collecting and preserving blood just in time to save thousands in World War II. Now his discovery, how it saved lives on Europe's battlefields and the segregation he faced will be made into an independent film in Jacksonville.

Check out the Action News Articles here:
Filmmaker plans to make movie in Jacksonville


You can listen to Mondays interview at the 44.25 mark During "First Coast Connect" http://www.wjctondemand.org/

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Monday, October 3, 2011

The Return of ZAAT!

ZAAT IS BACK!
You can’t keep a bad monster down and Jacksonville’s favorite walking catfish creature is returning to a theater near you!  2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the cult classic horror movie, ZAAT which was filmed entirely in and around Jacksonville, Florida.  In a tale that could only be told in the Sunshine State, a mad scientist turns himself into a human/catfish hybrid monster and threatens to destroy the entire tourism industry by polluting the waters with his radioactive formula. 

To celebrate this milestone event in true cult movie style, there will be a screening of the film at the historic Five Points Theater on Sunday, October 23.  The doors open at 7PM and the movie will start at 7:30PM.  This is a single showing limited to 200 seats and all tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Admission is only $10, $8 for seniors.  Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended.  Please arrive early for the best seating selection.

On hand for the blood red carpet treatment will be ZAAT’s Producer/Director Don Barton, actors Paul Galloway (Sheriff Lou Krantz) and Rich Valliere (Deputy Dale), Jamie DeFrates (original score), and Ron Kivett (writer and creator of the ZAAT monster).  Other cast, crew members, and special guests will be added as they become available.  A collection of ZAAT memorabilia including the creature costume will be on display in the theater lobby and merchandise will be available for purchase.  There will be a meet and greet with the cast and crew following the film.

ZAAT enjoyed a successful theatrical run in the 1970’s thanks to the help of Clark Distributors of Jacksonville and the film developed a dedicated fan base.  In recent years it was featured as an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and was shown on Turner Classic Movies to hundreds of thousands of horror film buffs the night before Halloween.

Come with the whole family to the Five Points Theater on Sunday, October 23 for an evening of fun and surprises for and help celebrate the anniversary of a local cult classic. 
                                    ZAAT looks forward to seeing you there!

For up to the minute information and any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at (904) 880-4281 or visit www.zaatmovie.com and follow us on Facebook at ZAAT  Movie.

For theater information or to purchase tickets online, please visit the Five Points Theater website at http://www.5pointstheatre.com/category/coming-soon.

Watch the trailer for ZAAT Here.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

11th Annual Film and Television Industry Reception

This year, Charlie Barth was awarded  the 2011 Jacksonville Film and Television Industry Award for his 50 years of dedication to the film industry. Charlie has shot and directed thousands of television commercials, industrial and corporate films, broadcast specials and more, and in particular became the go-to expert for aerials. It was in 1986 that he created his company, White Hawk Pictures and has not stopped since. His dedication has provided him with big name credentials such as Ford, spots with Burger King, Winn-Dixie and filming the final interview with serial killer Ted Bundy. 

 Left to right: Ted S. Johnson (2008 Award Recipient) , Dan Kossoff (2010 Award Recipient) , Charlie Barth (2011 Award Recipient), and Don Barton (2009 Award Recipient)
This is not the first time Mr. Barth has been honored for his work. He is also the 1999 recipient  of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association. 
Andrew Howell, 2011 Rising Star Recipient

After honoring Mr. Barth, Andrew Howell stepped onto the stage to receive the " Rising Star Award," a new award created to recognize the efforts of those individuals in the industry that are under the age of 40. 
Andrew, owner and creator of Applebox Productions has been in the production industry since 1996. He has quickly become an expert in location lighting by doing work as a Gaffer and Best Boy Electric. Currently, Andrew is using his experience in location lighting to further his career as a Director of Photography. He has been part of several commercial shoots, music videos and has even been part of several  feature films, two of which were filmed last fall  titled - AFTER & The Lamp.

After the award ceremony, the guests were treated to delicious hors D'oeuvers provided by generous sponsors. 

Thank you again to our generous sponsors for making this event possible.
    AT&T, Barton Productions, Edward Jones Financial Adviser,Goodwin Production Services, Jacksonville Film & Television, Mathew's, Collabcreation, PGA Tour Entertainment,  Digital Video Arts, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Jax Film Fest, Durham Building Materials, Intuition Ale Works, J.t Vinson Custom Clothing, Ken McCray Photography,Mario Perlata Photography, Pacific Southern Wine Company, The Fiorentino Group.


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

American SuperNanny Casting Comes To Florida!

Feel like you have lost the battle between you and children? Don't fret, SuperNanny is here to help you gain back control!

Liftime is now casting in Florida and Georgia for its newest series America's SuperNanny! The spin off of the networks hit SuperNanny will feature an American, homegrown nanny.  They are looking for anyone that feels that they have lost control of the children from toddlers to teens and want to get back control!

 Producers are looking for families from all stages of life and want to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Anonymous referrals are accepted! If you are interested, or know anyone how might be, make sure to contact the casting team ASAP with the reason why you feel like SuperNanny needs to come and rescue you and a recent family photo.

Please contact the casting team at : gfattorini@shedmediaus.com

Casting Producer – Gladys Fattorini – 323.904.4680 ext. 1177
Associate Producer – Dominic Bowden – ext. 1066
gfattorini@shedmediaus.com

Watch History In The Making!


- The Sept. 14 edition of the Jacksonville History Show will feature the Norman Studios, the non-profit organization working to help preserve and promote Northeast Florida's film history via the restoration of Richard Norman's silent film studio complex. The five-building property, including four buildings currently owned by the City of Jacksonville, is the sole surviving studio from Northeast Florida's heyday as the nation's major winter silent film production hub. 

When: Wednesday, September 14 · 8:00 p.m.

Where: Comcast Cable Channel 99, Jacksonville, FL broadcast area


Why is this so important you're wondering? Because it means a possible increase in tourism for Jacksonville!! 

Norman Studios Co-Chair Anthony Hodge and Education/Community Director Rita Reagan will appear on the show, airing Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 8:00 p.m. on Comcast Channel 99. A top point of discussion will be the recent Jacksonville City Council vote that cleared the way for the donation of the city-owned portion of the Norman Studios property to the National Parks Service. Pending Congressional approval, the property consisting of Norman's film processing building, generator shed, wardrobe cottage and prop storage garage could become America's next national park, providing a potential tourism boom for Jacksonville. 


For more information contact on Norman Studios:
   Rita Reagan, (904) 716-0706 or ritareagan@comcast.net
  Anthony Hodge, (904) 534-9612 or ahodge@normanstudios.org 

Or visit the Norman Studios website at: www.NormanStudios.org