Jax Film Festival Summer Events

As organizers plan for The Jacksonville Film Festival in October, they are also busy planning summer events for film lovers. Jacksonville Film Festival will host Gimme Green, a Reel People screening of the documentary plus discussion of green issues with filmmakers, on July 29 at 7 p.m. at MOCA. The Green Program includes the short documentary Gimme Green, a humorous look at the American obsession with the residential lawn and the effect it has on our environment, our wallets and our outlook on life. . From the limitless subdivisions of Florida to sod farms in the arid southwest, Gimme Green peers behind the curtain of the $40-billion industry that fuels our nation's largest irrigated crop—the lawn. Filmmakers, Isaac Brown and Eric Flagg will be in attendance to discuss green issues after the film. Two additional green shorts will follow Gimme Green before the Q&A. The event is free to JFF and MOCA members. $10 general admission

The fest is also busy planning the Filmmaker Series: Screenwriting for Beginners on August 28 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Accomplished instructors Jennie Jarvis and John Boles will present a one day intensive workshop to guide aspiring screenwriters through the nuts and bolts of Screenwriting for Beginners.

Nominations for Industry Award Wanted!

The deadline to send in nominations for the Jacksonville Film and Television Industry Award, Friday August 6, is soon approaching. The Industry Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions resulting in a significant impact on the film and television industry. This award symbolizes the epitome of service to the film and television industry. Nominees should be committed to the film & television industry and exhibit exemplary professionalism, creativity, resourcefulness and tangible results, actively participating over a number of years. Do you know someone who has advanced or made a difference in Jacksonville's film and television industry? Please feel free to fill out a nomination form at Industry Award Nomination Form!

Brazil Business Solutions

Have you ever wanted to visit Brazil? Well, read on. Alan Vinson of Brazil Business Solutions is organizing a three city trade mission to Brazil. The cities will include Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, and Recife Brazil and will take place September 9-19. Other cities may be added based on other people who join the trip. You may have heard that Brazil will be host of the 2014 World Cup, and the 2016 Summer Olympics. With that, there will be a lot of excitement in and around Brazil in the next decade.

If you would like to meet potential partners in the Film and Television Industry (or another industry) in Brazil while also having an opportunity to visit a country that is beautiful and fun, please contact Alan Vinson to get in on this upcoming trade mission. Alan Vinson is the owner of Brazil Business Solutions, a company that specializes in business development related to doing business in Brazil. The company helps individuals and companies that would like to explore opportunities in Brazil. Alan Vinson is a member of the Mayor's Film Advisory Board, and a dual citizen of Brazil and the USA. He can be reached by email at amvinson@bellsouth.net or by phone at 904-332-8300.

FMPTA News Updates

The Jacksonville Charter of the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association is presenting special guest, Amanda Warford, at its July meeting this Wednesday, July 28. She will discuss her experience as video journalist and how the future of the world of media and communications is constantly changing and interfacing. The Metro Orlando Charter of the FMPTA is hosting a Showcase Expo at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs tonight, July 26 from 7pm to 9pm. It is a great opportunity for potential clients to meet local cast and crew. Also, the deadline, August 15, for film entries to the 21st Annual Crystal Reel Awards hosted by the FMPTA is approaching. For membership information on the Jacksonville Charter, please visit FMPTA Jax. And also look out for the new state website coming soon!