award-winning director/writer/producer/actor ray mckinnon at university of tampa tomorrow

March 16, 2008 at 3:46 pm | In Events, Film Commissions, Filmmakers, For Filmmakers, Movies, Tampa Bay Area | No Comments

Received via email from the Tampa Bay Film Commission:

Academy Award- and Sundance Film Festival-winning writer, director, producer and actor Ray McKinnon will make a special guest appearance at the University of Tampa (UT) on Monday, March 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The UT Department of Communication’s The Creative Triangle course and the Tampa Bay Film Commission will host McKinnon as he gives an all-day directing and acting workshop. During the workshop, McKinnon will emphasize the complex collaboration between the creative departments to realize a “vision.” The excitement takes place in the Reeves Theatre in the Vaughn Center on the UT campus.

An actor for more than 15 years, McKinnon’s latest role was as the Reverend H. W. Smith in the hit series Deadwood. He is also well known for his roles in movies such as Driving Miss Daisy, Bugsy, A Perfect World, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou and The Missing.

McKinnon’s initial venture into directing, The Accountant, was a 38-minute dark comedy that went on to receive the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 2002. He wrote and directed his first feature film, Chrystal, which premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.

Reeves Theatre doors will open at 9 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:30 a.m. with an introduction by McKinnon at 9:45 a.m., followed by a viewing of McKinnon’s inaugural work The Accountant. Then at 10:30 a.m., attendees will participate in Ray McKinnon – The Working Actor workshop.

Following a brief lunch break, The Accountant will be replayed at 1:15 p.m., followed by the Florida premiere of Randy and the Mob. Then at 3:30 p.m., attendees will partake in The Filmmaker:The journey of an independent filmmaker: writer, director, actor and producer.

This is event is free to the public and all are welcomed to attend part or all of this event by arriving at the Reeves Theatre on Monday, March 17. No registration is necessary.

For more info, contact Tampa Bay Film Commission manager Lindsey Norris at 813-342-4058 or via email at LNorris(at)VisitTampaBay.com.

oscar-nominated director ron satlof filming in pinellas county (plus press conference and volunteer extras needed january 11)

January 10, 2008 at 9:29 pm | In Events, Film Commissions, Casting Calls, Movies, Tampa Bay Area | No Comments

Received via email from the St. Pete/Clearwater Film Commission:

Hollywood Comes to St. Pete/Clearwater for Misconceptions

Oscar-nominated director, film stars to appear this Friday

He’s directed some of America’s most iconic television shows—including Magnum, P.I., The A Team, Battlestar Galactica, The Dukes of Hazzard and Perry Mason—but now Oscar-nominated director/producer Ron Satlof is setting his sights on the big screen with Misconceptions, a feature film he co-wrote with Ira Pearlstein that began shooting this month at Eckerd College and various locations throughout Pinellas County.

The comedy, which will be filming through February 5, stars A.J. Cook (Final Destination 2, The Virgin Suicides, Criminal Minds), Orlando Jones (Drumline, MAD TV), David Sutcliffe (Under the Tuscan Sun, Gilmore Girls), David Moscow (Numb3rs, Riding in Cars With Boys) and Sarah Carter (D.O.A., Smallville). The cutting-edge plot features Cook as an Evangelical Christian who receives a divine calling to be a surrogate mother for a gay couple from Boston, with predictably outrageous results.

A 30-minute press conference will be held this Friday, January 11, at 11:30 a.m. in the lobby of Eckerd College’s Bininger Theater. Film stars A.J. Cook, Orlando Jones and David Moscow are scheduled to appear, as well as director Ron Satlof and co-author Ira Pearlstein.

Satlof, who brought the production to campus, is a member of the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC). Computer science professor Ed Gallizzi and theatre professor Jessica Greene will oversee more than 30 Eckerd College students who will earn college credit for assisting as crew members in wardrobe, sound, electric and many other professional aspects of the production.

The producers are also seeking 200 volunteer extras of all ages and genders for filming this Friday, January 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Bininger Theater. Contact Eleanor Wolf (727-252-3130; wolfed(at)eckerd.edu) for further details.

The production is supported by the St. Pete/Clearwater Film Commission, a department of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, the official destination marketing organization for Pinellas County. Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater is the official destination marketing organization for Pinellas County.

Contact: Film Commissioner Jennifer Parramore: Jennifer(at)Floridasbeach.com, 727.464.7240.

Visit www.floridasbeach.com for more info.

new website for the tampa bay film commission; new name, logo and website for the convention and visitors bureau

November 19, 2007 at 4:47 pm | In Film Commissions, Movies, Tampa Bay Area | No Comments

(h/t to the Tampa Bay Film Commission)

The Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau launched its new logo, name and web design a couple of months ago. I don’t care for the new look, but the fact that it’s taken me so long to notice — and to write about it — is a good thing. (If it hasn’t affected my life by now, it probably never will.)

Another good thing is that the Tampa Bay Film Commission finally has its own URL at www.FilmTampaBay.com. (You can still find it through the main website, just like before).

Now, on to the not-so-good things. The Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau is now known as Tampa Bay and Company. In addition to the new name, there’s a new logo and a redesigned website. I can’t remember what the previous logo for the Convention and Visitors Bureau looked like, but I don’t care much for the new one. It’s boring. Bland. Blah.

And I really don’t care much for the new name. Why the change from an easily-understood name to a vague, ambiguous one? If a name change was absolutely required, why not use Visit Tampa Bay? The website URL is still www.visittampabay.com. The staff email addresses still use visittampabay.com. (This name was considered and rejected.) The name “Tampa Bay and Company” doesn’t even hint at the organization’s purpose . Is it a new improv group? A restaurant like the Atlanta Bread Company? A new local blog?

Oh well. They didn’t ask my opinion. It’s a free country. It hasn’t disrupted my life so far. I don’t even have a logo at all, so who am I to judge? Plus, the whole Rays rename/redesign was much worse.

producer christine vachon in tampa october 25

October 21, 2007 at 6:22 pm | In Events, Film Commissions, Movies, Tampa Bay Area | No Comments

Received via email from the Tampa Bay Film Commission:

Through the work of The University of Tampa and the Tampa Bay Film Commission, renowned producer Christine Vachon will speak to a class of film students on Thursday, October 25, at 4:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will take place in Reeves Theater in the Vaughn Center at The University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa.

“We are excited to be able to partner with The University of Tampa to bring such a distinguished producer to Tampa Bay,” said Lindsey Norris, film commission manager. “It’s opportunities like this that will help grow the Tampa Bay area into the film destination that we know it can be.”

Vachon, co-founder of Killer Films and the producer of a new film about Bob Dylan, has established a reputation in the last 15 years as one of the most dynamic, provocative and influential producers in America. She has produced Boys Don’t Cry and One Hour Photo, and has worked with directors like Todd Haynes, Todd Solondz and Kimberly Pierce. In 1996, she received the prestigious Muse Award for Outstanding Vision and Achievement by New York Women in Film and Television.

She plans to screen parts of Todd Haynes’ tribute to Dylan, I’m Not There, starring Christian Bale, Kate Blanchett, Richard Gere and Heath Ledger. To the film’s credit, The New York Times’ Sunday Magazine cover story on October 7 featured the film and Vachon’s involvement and highlighted how she secured the rights to Dylan’s music.

For information about the event, contact Tom Garrett, visiting assistant professor of communication, at 941-544-8888 or via email at CircaFilm(at)aol.com.

How fun is it to live in Tampa these days? Although the 4 p.m. start time sucks. Maybe I can sneak out of work early that day. Who’s with me?

seminar on film and tv production in the tampa bay area on august 19

July 29, 2007 at 1:28 pm | In Events, Film Commissions, For Filmmakers, Movies, Tampa Bay Area | No Comments

Received via email:

Next up in the Venue Seminar Series on August 19 is an evening of discussion:

Guests include:
Jennifer Parramore, Pinellas County Film Commissioner
Lindsey Norris, Hillsborough Film Commission Manager
Felicia Ferrara, past president of FMPTA
Paul Guzzo, local filmmaker and co-founder and facilitator of the Tampa Film Review

This is a very important and exciting seminar, the first time these people have come together in one venue to DISCUSS THE FLORIDA MARKET AND ORLANDO OPPORTUNITIES. DON’T MISS THIS!

First come first served, take time to tell your friends!. MAKE A RESERVATION NOW TO HOLD A SEAT! Tickets are going fast. PLEASE reserve your seat now!

Begins at 5:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and ask any questions about show business, working in the business, and the pursuit of an acting career. Tickets are $5 at the door. There is open seating, but make sure to arrive early for this exciting
opportunity because seats are limited.

Venue Theatre is located in Mainlands Plaza, 9125 US 19 N in Pinellas Park, two (2) lights north of Gandy/Park Blvd. For more information and reservations contact Venue Theatre at 727-822-6194 or by e-mail at venuetheatre(at)juno.com.

To visit the Venue Theatre website, click here.

news and notes:soroka, harris, loren cass, education channel, gasparilla film festival

July 14, 2007 at 5:31 pm | In Events, Film Commissions, Filmmakers, TV, Film Festivals, Movies, Tampa Bay Area | No Comments
  • Tampa Bay Film Commissioner Krista Soroka is leaving the TBFC to work for the 2009 Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee. Film Coordinator Lindsey Norris has been promoted to Film Commission Manager.  Congratulations to both Krista (sniff) and Lindsey.
  • Neil Patrick (”Suit Up!”) Harris spoke to theater students at USF last week.  Lucky damn theater students.
  • Local film Loren Cass will make its international premiere next month at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland.  The film will be eligible for three awards: the Golden Leopard, the Cine Cinema Special Jury Prize and the Leopard for First Film.  Good luck, guys!
  • The Education Channel has won the Hometown Video Festival award for Overall Excellence in Educational Programming for the fourth consecutive year (ninth time since 1997). “This award is made based on the diversity and quality of programming and responsiveness to community needs. The Hometown Video Festival honors and promotes community media and local cable programs that are first run on Public, Education, and Government (PEG) access or Local Origination (LO), cable television channels. Sponsored by the Washington DC based Alliance for Community Media, this national festival recognizes creative programs that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement, challenge conventional commercial television formats, and move viewers to experience television in a different way.”  Congratulations!
  • The Gasparilla Film Festival has a new executive director.  John Rosser, executive producer of children’s educational program Origami Alive!, will helm next year’s GFF, scheduled for February 27–March 2, 2008.

film florida annual meeting — and more — june 6-8

May 22, 2007 at 8:10 am | In Events, Film Commissions, Movies, Tampa Bay Area | 1 Comment

Attention filmmakers and film fans:  the Tampa Bay Film Commission is once again hosting the annual Film Florida meeting on June 6, 7 and 8 right here in the Bay area.  A membership-based non-profit coalition of local film commissions and labor/industry associations, Film Florida provides a leadership role in Florida’s film and entertainment industries.  Activities during the three-day meeting include a public forum, a mix-and-mingle reception, the annual board meeting, an advisory council meeting and the Legends Award ceremony.  On June 6, Film Florida and the Tampa Bay Film Commission are partnering with CreativeTampaBay to present a free public forum to give filmmakers valuable information on film funding, making film pitches and the latest technology trends.  Here’s the full schedule as it stands now:

4–6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, at the Italian Club: Tampa Bay Film Forum Panel and Discussions (no charge) –

Concurrent Session 1:

  • A.  Funding 101 – Learn how Florida production companies have been successful making feature films, including drafting budgets, comparing state incentives and raising funds.  Panelists include Ed Machek from Ring Productions, Steve Matzkin from Fresh Produce Films, Robert S. Fingerman from Fingerman and Macke (NY), and Bryan Crino from Skyway Capital Investments.
  • B.  The Perfect Pitch – Maritza Guimet from the south Florida company Florida Media Market will teach filmmakers how to perfect their plans and make the pitch that gets them the film project resources needed.

Concurrent Session 2:

  • A.  Hot Technologies in Moving Pictures – Judd French from Digital Media and other panelists will present new digital cameras, leading-edge equipment and the latest trends in technology.
  • B.  What’s Your Pitch? – After learning perfect pitch tips from Maritza Guimet, attendees can try their pitches out on the panel of funders and producers.  Each participant will get three minutes to make his/her pitch with the audience present.  The judges will then critique the pitch and give recommendations for improvement.  (Reservations for this session are suggested.)

6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, at the Italian Club: Creative Tampa Bay/Film Florida Reception (no charge for food, cash bar) – Meet the forum panelists and network with local and state production and creative industry professionals.

1–5 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, at the Marriott Waterside: Film Florida Annual Board Meeting (no charge) – The public is invited to participate in the annual statewide board meeting and hear from the State Film Office, statewide industry leaders, labor organizations, film commissions and related associations.

6–8 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, at Stumps Supper Club: Film Florida Legends Award ($25 per person, cash at the door) – Join in as they honor the 2007 Legend Award winner (name not yet announced).

9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Friday, June 8, at the Marriott Waterside: Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council (no charge) — Feel free to stop by and learn about the Governor’s Entertainment Advisory Council.

Tampa film commissioner Krista Soroka and CreativeTampaBay executive director Donna Manion will appear on this Thursday’s Tampa Bay’s Media Talk to talk about these events.

Visit CreativeTampaBay’s website to learn more.

(cross-posted at www.sticksoffire.com)

local film scout’s honor is underway

April 11, 2007 at 6:25 am | In Film Commissions, Filmmakers, Movies, Tampa Bay Area, Florida (Not Bay Area) | No Comments

Received via email from the Governor’s Office of Film and Entertainment:

We Aim to Support Florida’s Own Movies Too – Scout’s Honor!

Friday you got our report on movies and TV shows that have qualified for our incentive that are shooting around the state. But many movies, especially modestly-budgeted ones by our own Florida filmmakers, can’t qualify for our film incentive the way it’s currently written – which hurts the best chance we have for growing our future film base. A few of those homegrown films are still being shot here, however, and we don’t want to overlook them.

I got a reminder email yesterday that there’s a family movie, Scout’s Honor, shooting right now over in the Clearwater/Largo/Seminole area. Florida filmmaker Jim Fitzpatrick wrote the script and is directing, and he has attracted quite a bevy of talent to the project, many of them well-known athletes.

Though they don’t qualify for the current film incentive due to their modest budget, the proposed Film, TV and Digital Media Incentive (HB 1325 and SB 96) has a Florida Filmmaker queue that will allow projects like this to qualify, encouraging more Florida-made films by supporting our own filmmakers. But that bill still must pass to become law.

Among the athlete-stars in Scout’s Honor are Antonio Tarver (Rocky Balboa/Rocky 6), Chidi Ahanotu (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Mike Alstott (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Dave Andreychuk (Tampa Bay Lightning), Orestes Destrade (Florida Marlins), Matt Geiger (Miami Heat), Ahman Green (Green Bay Packers), Kay-Jay Harris (St. Louis Rams), Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle Seahawks), Todd Heap (Baltimore Ravens), Joe Jurevicius (Cleveland Browns), Jim Kelly (Buffalo Bills), John Lynch (Denver Broncos), John Reaves (Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals), and Simeon Rice (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

Scout’s Honor is a coming of age movie about a group of boys and girls called “adventure scouts” who return from a camping trip to discover their small town is being held captive by a gang of motorcycle-riding bad dudes. Using only their scouting knowledge and camping equipment, the kids take down the gang members one by one, reunite with family members, and restore the community’s sense of pride.

Fitzpatrick, along with executive producers Kip Radigan, Sam Nicholson, and Jon Sheinberg, have pledged to donate DVD copies of Scout’s Honor to children’s hospitals throughout the United States in the names of the athletes involved. You can read more about their production at www.scoutshonorthemovie.com. Most importantly, Fitzpatrick has two more planned in this series of feature films! 

If you know of any local non-incentive movies being made in Florida, let us know or have them send us a press release – we will be sure to put the word out on our weekly news and events! If you are gearing up for an indie film shoot and looking for crew or vendor support, we can help get that word out too.

And always remember – we are here to help your production, no matter the size.

Governor’s Office of Film and Entertainment
The Capitol, Suite 2001
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(877) FLA-FILM

Visit http://www.filminflorida.com/ to learn more.

tampa bay film forum on april 11

March 8, 2007 at 7:20 am | In Events, Film Commissions, Filmmakers, For Filmmakers, Movies, Tampa Bay Area, Florida (Not Bay Area) | No Comments

From a recent Creative Tampa Bay newsletter:

CTB is hosting a regional discussion about filmmaking in Florida and the impact of film on the region. Including movies, digital media, television and commercials, the dialogue will start with a VIP session, a panel discussion with state and local film commissioners, and a second panel discussion with local filmmakers followed by a networking jam. The event is Wednesday, April 11, from 5-9 p.m. at the Italian Club in Ybor City.

For more information and to register, visit our website or call Donna Manion at (813)486-0271.

Visit www.creativetampabay.com for more info.

www.floridasbeachfilm.com now interactive

August 30, 2006 at 8:07 am | In Film Commissions, Movies, Tampa Bay Area | No Comments

The St. Petersburg/Clearwater Film Commission has made some great changes to their website. Here’s the press release for the full story:

The St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Film Commission is now offering a new service to clients and citizens. On FloridasBeachFilm.com home page, there are now three new buttons: Industry News, Industry Classifieds, and Industry Events. Users can sort information by month, subject and by state. The service is interactive. Therefore announcements will be able to be posted immediately.“This new service will have all sorts of information on casting calls, meetings, film festivals, equipment sales, tradeshows, meetings and much more,” said Jennifer Parramore, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Film Commissioner. “The industry will find this service invaluable. It also enables our staff to disseminate a tremendous amount of information in very little time.”In addition, the film commission website provides information on film commission services, location shots, production support services and credits of projects that have been shot in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area.A department of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Film Commission markets the area to producers of film, television, commercial, print and digital media. From its picturesque beaches, variety of unique towns and the #1 beach in the United States for 2005, Fort De Soto Park North Beach, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area has unique and varied locations for film production. Film, television and print production have a direct impact of more than $4 million annually to the Pinellas County economy.

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