RIFC - Rhode Island Film Collaborative - Independent Films and Filmmakers in RI



Filmaking Through Community

 


Thursday, August 28, 2008

Extras Needed Friday, August 29

Here is your chance to be in a movie! A feature film project is looking for approx 30background extras. The scene we are filming takes place in Fall River at a church under construction. The extras will be playing congregation members visiting that church.

Date: Friday, August 29th
Ages: 40-70 (preferably caucasian)
Time: 12PM-6PM (exact times will be confirmed)
Location: Fall River, MA. (Location details confirmed when we hear back from you)

Please contact Luis at theblindfilmproject@gmail.com if you would like the chance to be an extra in this film.

Thanks!
Luis
"The Blind" Film Project
Compensation: No Pay

(This is not an RIFC Production)

Artists' Exchange Fundraiser

This comes from:
Christina Mealey
Artists' Exchange
50 Rolfe Street
Cranston, RI 02910
401.490.9475
the.artists.exchange@gmail.com
www.artists-exchange.org

Cranston, RI The Artists' Exchange proudly presents the first annual Fall Out of Summer (FOOS) Festival on Sunday, September 14, 2008. The event will feature live music, theatre, art activities and contests, food, artisan and activity vendors, a summer camp art show, and a film screening at dusk. The festivities begin at 12pm and will end at approximately 10pm.

The goal of the event is two-fold: to take a long-awaited step toward revitalizing the Rolfe Square community and to raise much needed funds to help The Artists' Exchange continue to offer a lively and enriching calendar of events and classes to the public.

"We're working with several local businesses as vendors and sponsors, and it's shaping up to be a true neighborhood effort. We hope this will be one big step toward revitalizing Rolfe Square, and we aim to grow," says event coordinator Christina Mealey, Operations Manager of The Artists' Exchange.

"There has been some buzz of this event doing for the area what the Harvest Festival once did, which is very exciting," adds Artists' Exchange Director, Elaine McKenna-Yeaw. "We are particularly grateful to Councilman Emilio Navarro, who has shown tremendous dedication to the community in assisting with planning the event." The event will also include a voter registration table, where Councilman Navarro will be stationed, encouraging residents to exercise their right to vote.

Artisans will be showcasing a variety of wares, including jewelry, pottery, glass, paper goods and crafts, prints, scarves, and handcrafted items made from reclaimed materials. Antiques in the Attic on Pontiac Avenue will have an array of unique items for sale. Food vendors will represent many local businesses and will offer a range of choices to fulfill any palate and appetite. Rolfe Street's own Betty's Candies and Scoop du Jour will satisfy any sweet tooth, while DePetrillo's pizza slices, Mexican fare from the Cactus Grille, and burgers and dogs off The Artists' Exchange grill are sure to hit the spot.

The performance line-up will include live music, improv and theatre, including excerpted scenes from The Black Box Theatre's upcoming production of Aristophanes' "The Clouds."

Attendees will be invited to participate in a variety of hands-on activities and art contests, including a Human Art Contest, where participants will be encouraged to use a variety of recycled materials to transform themselves into walking works of art. The event will also feature a Street Art Contest, in which participants will use chalk pastels to create 2D masterpieces. All artworks will be judged by the public. Winning participants of contests will be awarded a free class at The Artists' Exchange.

The Artists' Exchange teachers will be doing a variety of art demos, including pottery wheel throwing, caricatures and painting. Music teachers will be on hand to answer questions about The Artists' Exchange's new music program, which features private lessons for both groups and individuals in a variety of instruments, as well as new class offerings.

There will be time slots available to tour the Artists' Exchange, including the gallery, which will display art created during this summer's art camps, as well as the studios and theatre. Discounts will also be offered on fall class registration.

At dusk, everyone is welcome to bring a lawn chair to watch a screening of the 1985 classic family adventure comedy "The Goonies." A brief selection of classic cartoons will screen before the feature.

FOOS Festival sponsors include the up-and-coming Park Theatre, Mayor Michael Napolitano, Councilman Emilio Navarro, Ruth's Intimate Apparel, DePetrillo's Pizza and Bakery, Motif Magazine, Windmill Studios and the RIFC (Rhode Island Film Collaborative).

In the event of rain, the FOOS Festival will take place the following Sunday, September 21. For more information, contact Christina Mealey at 401.490.9475.

(This is not an RIFC Event)

Announcements of the August 12 Networking Meeting

Vampire Nation announced a successful first weekend of shooting. The film is a TSL production, and is an RIFC affiliated production. The production is still looking for bodies, grips, etc. Interested parties should contact Michele at metiviermichele@aol.com.
>
> Kogi Masutani announced that his documentary, Vietnam if JFK Had Lived will premiere in New York in November. You can learn more about this feature-length project here: http://www.virtualjfk.com or http://www.hollywood.com/movie/Virtual_JFK_Vietnam_If_Kennedy_Had_Lived/5296902
>
> Glenn Weber announced tentative possible European funding for his feature-length horror project. He intends to hire Rhode Island crew and talent as much as possible, and will also be looking for a documentary crew to chronicle the making of. He anticipates shooting in the summer of 2009.
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> Glenn is also looking for horror shorts for his cable access show, airing on Cox Thursday nights at 6:30. He is also looking for raw footage to assign to his editing class at RISD. Donated footage would be edited by students, producing multiple finished versions of the piece.
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> Mark Carter announced that he will be playing the lead in Clouds at the Artists Exchange, beginning Sept. 10th. Mark Fogarty added that Mark Carter performs an awesome Air Band.
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> Brian Elsworth announced that the Curse of Micah Rood was shown at RIIFF and would be screening again in New London. You can learn more about this SECT production at their website: http://www.sectfilm.org
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> RJ Heim announced that, based on historical precedent, this September is a good candidate to have a really big hurricane. If that does happen, RJ has left an open invitation to any documentary filmmakers who would like to come down to Channel 10 and document the ramp up in the newsroom, prep for the big storm, crews on location, etc. There would be no pay, but also no charge for unrestricted behind-the-scenes access.
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> Nathan Quattrini is looking for cubicle-filled space for his latest project. Anyone interested should contact him directly.
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> SENE announced that tickets will soon be available for their first fundraiser, an all-arts friendly event at the Sprague Mansion on Halloween. They are looking for poets, musicians, or performers of any small scale interactive pieces to take part in the evening. You can contact them or learn more about the new SENE festival at http://www.senefilm.org
>
> Dan White announced that the byob Improv show at the SPOT on Thayer is happening regularly on Wednesdays at 9 pm and on Fridays at 11 pm. The show stars regulars John Ring, John Audette and two Beths. They are also looking for short (15 minutes or less) performances or performance art to break up the show.
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> Dan also announced that he is looking for projects to continue his 12 shorts in 12 months project, which currently has 6 shorts in the can, including three 48 hour projects.
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> Mike Ryan (your humble and apologetically belated narrator this month, in Marys absence) - 48 Days Later show will be happening in September. Stay tuned for more announcements, and if you were a 48 HFP leader this year who would like to show an extended or re-edited version of your piece, let Mike and Dave know at info@rifcfilms.com
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> Finally, check out some of the other attendees here. Remember, to see contact info you must log in. And remember to flesh out your profile (if you are getting this email, then you do have at least a basic profile, even if you have never added to it)
>
> Thank you!
>
> * check our website for more on what it means to be an RIFC affiliated production or an official RIFC production (like Green Grass or Don’t Eat Me, the two most recent official projects, currently in the festival circuit and post production, respectively).
>
> To find someone you were talking to at the meeting, or contact one of the folks mentioned, follow this link: http://www.rifcfilms.com/members_test/member_meeting.asp?date=8
>
> This will show you many of the folks at the last Networking event. If you did not check in, wrote something we could not read, or were a first time attendee, your name may not appear there. Apologies.
>

"Victim" Premieres October 2 at PPAC

VICTIM, starring Sayed Najem will premiere on October 2 at the Providence Performing arts Center. Tickets to the pre-party and show are $100, while tickets for the film alone are only $49 and student tickets are $25. Sayed is also looking for sponsors to take out program ads or show trailers. The event is a fundraiser for Aids Project Rhode Island. You can reserve tickets by contacting Sayed or at www.ppacri.org

(This is not an RIFC Production)

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Jenn Dlugos Returns From LA

From Jenn:

Well, our screenplay did not win, but being a finalist was great. They said that the competition was very fierce in the screenplay category (which is the only category they said that for, by the way).

Andrea (my writing partner) and I consider Sasha our most marketable script, so it is just the question of finding the right home for it. Our trip to Hollywood gave us some very promising connections (plus a couple of local producers who read the article in the Ledger contacted me as well), so we are pretty confident that Sasha will become a reality. Of course, I will keep you updated.

Thank you for all your support and well wishes!

Jenn Dlugos
www.deJENNerate.com

Read the Ledger piece here about Jenn:

Hi guys! As some of you know, I've been to LA this week because a feature screenplay my writing partner and I wrote is a finalist in the Feel Good Film Festival. Here's a press piece The Patriot Ledger did about us. Hope you are all having a good week!

http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x1570390448/South-Shore-screenwriters-looking-for-happy-ending-at-Feel-Good-Film-Fest

Jenn Dlugos
www.deJENNerate.com

(This is not an RIFC Production)

TSL Production is Seeking Extras for VAMPIRE NATION!

Extras must be available ALL DAY on Sunday, August 31, 2008. We will be filming from EARLY morning into the evening and you must be available ALL DAY on Sunday.

The scene will take place in a Goth Club. Extras will be expected to dress in Goth or Punk style attire. Wear Dark clothing and Makeup. A little color in your clothes is okay, but not much. The more original the better.

This is NOT a paying gig. However, you will receive a DVD copy of the Movie, get a Credit in the film and will be listed on the Vampire Nation Myspace site.

You must be at least fifteen years of age. Those under age 18 must be brought to the set by a parent or legal guardian. A parent or guardian must sign the release form or we cannot use you.

If you wish to participate, please email your name, phone number and headshot to TSL Production Casting Director, Michele Metivier ASAP!

We look forward to working with you on Sunday!

Michele Metivier
Casting Director, TSL Production
metiviermichele@aol.com

Monday, August 25, 2008

Film Industry Mixer Recap Meeting

This comes from: Neal Thomassen

Location: VFW,1115 Wolcott Road, Wolcott, CT 06716 US
|
When: Friday, August 29, 6:00PM
Phone: 860-888-2629
*Note: Location changed from Southington to Wolcott

Film industry Mixer Recap Meeting, followed by Party and sneak peak of the feature film "London Betty. This is a free gathering. There will be wine, beer, mixed drinks, food on the grill and a DJ.

6pm - Film Industry Mixer Recap Meeting - Round table discussion to choose next years location and offer ideas to make improvements on how to build the film industry in CT and work with independent filmmakers, writers, and producers in the region.

7pm Party - Eat, drink, listen to music, play board games, and bigball volleyball (beachball instead of volleyball),

8:30pm Outdoor Sneak Peak - View 5-8 Trailers of local producers, followed by Sneak Peak of "London Betty"

starring
Nicole Lewis (Actress On Broadway's "RENT")
Daniel Von Bargen (Seinfeld, Malcolm in the middle, Super Troopers, O brother Were Art Thou)
narration by
Clint Howard (Waterboy, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Little Nicky)
http://www.Londonbetty.com

(This is not an RIFC Production)

Crew Needed for Indie Feature

This comes from :

Vince Galvin
Producer
SKY COLLECTIVE
www.skycollective.com
t. 212.420.8128
c. 646.421.7772
a. soitgoesnyc


Hey all,

I am looking for a paid art dept PA and two carpenters to work on an
indie feature based in providence rhode island. Set up for production
is happening right now and we are looking for people asap.

(This is not an RIFC Production)

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Alzheimer's Walk for LDI Casting

This comes to us from Anne Mulhall of LDI Casting:

The Alzheimer’s Walk is scheduled for September 28th this year. There were 16 team members last year. It would be great to see you all again – but if you are unable to join us this year – a donation is always welcomed.

WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVATION?

Well, if nothing else, team members receive a coveted LDI CASTING baseball cap(that you will be expected to wear on the day of the walk). Um, it’s a baseball cap that reads…LDI Casting. Could that BE more enticing? I don’t think so…Go to my Alzheimer Walk page and get on the team or make a donation!!

www.providencememorywalk.kintera.org

Once you get to this page: click "SPONSOR PARTICIPANT" type in my name:

Anne Mulhall – it will re-direct you to the LDI Casting Team Page (Team Name: "Motivated To Act"). You can donate there or join the team there. If you have trouble…LET ME KNOW!!

(This is not an RIFC Event)

LDI Casting Myspace Account

As you may know, LDI Casting has a Myspace account. We use that to announce casting stuff as well. If you are on our email blast here, it’s usually the same. We are starting a few blogs and I wanted to make you aware of it.

No rush – but when you have a minute, visit the myspace page for LDI.

(This is not an RIFC Production)

Seeking Actors for New Marketing Campaign

This comes from LDI Casting:

COX COMMUNICATIONS is seeking 3 men, 3 woman – mid-20’s – early 30’s for a new marketing campaign. They want to schedule an audition this week – in Lincoln, RI.
Please send your headshot and resume to the office – HARD COPIES ONLY:

LDI Casting
"Cox Marketing"
1 Center Place, Providence, RI 02903

Only those who send in a picture and RESUME will be submitted for this job.

REGISTRATION
If you haven’t done so yet – please register on our website = www.ldicasting.net

(This is not an RIFC Production)

Dated 8/19/08 from LDI CASTING

Brotherhood season 3/Episode 3.

We are currently seeking – background actors to portray folks from the Hispanic community. All types wanted. August 27, 2008.

FULL DAY AVAILABILITY A MUST

This does pay. In addition – we’ll also need some FEATURED BACKGROUND:

Hispanic teenage couple – (there’ll be kissing)
Two Hispanic teenagers on bike. (must be able to ride well)
Hispanic mechanic’s (must know how to work on cars)
You can Call us at 401.383.7524 or email us at deb.ldicasting@gmail.com or Lindsay.ldicasting@gmail.com.
Additional BACKGROUND for Episode 3:

Hip-hop guys and girls.
Firemen in their dress uniform
Lincoln town car and owner to drive it.
Political types
Italian guys that know how to play pool
Mechanic (non Caucasian)
Police Officers
ALSO – we’ll be starting the casting for Episode 4 – more to come on this…

This is not an RIFC Production

Friday, August 22, 2008

PA's Needed ASAP for Vampire Nation

Todd Lecomte's "Vampire Nation" is still in need of Production Assistants who are available weekends now through September.

Experience preferred, but willing to hire anyone with energy and desire to learn.

Lots of exciting action sequences to be filmed. Great makeup effects - lots of gore with a great story. Possible opportunity to learn stunt choreography.

Contact Todd ASAP if interested and available. Possible payout if distribution deal is signed. email: tslproductions@yahoo.com

This is an affiliated RIFC Production.

The Artists' Exchange Fundraiser

1st ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Fall Out of Summer (FOOS) Festival ~ Sunday, September 14, 2008 ~ 12-10pm
(Rain date Sun. Sept. 21st).

Come out for one last hoorah before summer ends and kick off a new fall session at The Artists' Exchange! Live music and theatre, artisan, antique and food vendors, demos, art activities and contests, outdoor screening of "The Goonies" at dusk (bring a lawn chair) ! Free admission!

Friday, August 8, 2008

A Commentary on the 48 Hr Film Project

This comes to us from Chach by By MEG FRASER:

The lights dimmed at the Columbus Theater in Providence to a packed house of Rhode Island filmmakers last Wednesday night as a weekend's worth of nonstop adrenaline was condensed into short, four- to seven-minute films. Pictures of the teams flashed by the screen to the sound of a clock, ticking faster by the minute.

"Every second counts when you only have 48 hours to make a film," says the voice on the screen while the pictures fade and a logo appears – 48 Hour Film Project.

"This year we broke every record we ever had and had 55teams sign up to compete," announced producer David Splinter of event organizer Rhode Island Film Collaborative, who has been involved in the project both as a filmmaker and a coordinator.

Rewind several days to Sunday, July 20, and the lobby at the Warwick Hilton Garden Inn was inundated with those teams, scrambling to submit their film on time.

With 25 minutes to go until the 7:30 p.m. deadline, 33 teams had yet to hand in their final product. Some were faced with a power outage in Newport,while others had difficulty transferring their projects onto a portable disc,tape or flash drive.

For the teams that came in late, several by small margins, their films will not be eligible to win a "Best Of" honor, but were still shown last Wednesday and Thursday in one of four screening groups at the Columbus. For many filmmakers, it was their first time seeing their creations on the big screen.

"This is such a weird experience because you have to throw all the rules out the window," said Warwick team leader Larry Minick. "It was interesting."

In addition to the 48-hour time limit, teams must adhere to a set of guidelines that ensures they do not begin the filmmaking process before the weekend kicks off. Each short must include an assigned character,prop and line of dialogue that is not revealed until the event kick-off. This year's films had to feature a hairstylist named Monte or Monica Chaney, make use of a pear, and were required to include the line, "If you see him again,tell me."

Despite these common threads, variation comes into play when the teams pick the film genre at random. If a team is dissatisfied with their genre, they have only one method of recourse, and one that requires a gamble.

"We originally pulled drama and that was honestly the only one we didn't want to get," Minick said. His team, called "Team the matador phase is Justin Case Mike Rotch Bens Dover in Farsts and Boobs, Inc. the 1st," then opted to pull a wild card, which is kept safe by event producers in a sealed envelope.

The gamble paid off. Minick pulled "ghost movie," and the http://www.warwickonline.com/warwickonline - warwickonline.com Powered by Mambo Generated: 8 August, 2008, 13:46 team, whose name is a combination of member suggestions, got to work.

"The actual writing of the script was the hardest part for my group," he said. He explained that when working with a group of people,it can be difficult to please everyone; a problem many teams encountered.

"Too many chefs spoil the broth," said actor Paul Fortey of Boston. Drinking a vodka cranberry after handing in his final cut at the Hilton, Fortey laughed when asked how it felt to be finished. "I'm ready for a nap," he said.

He wasn't the only one. After trading ideas for six hours in Bickfords and several more in a 24-hour Dunkin' Donuts, Minick's team developed three versions of a script and got little sleep during their filming weekend. The group spent the early morning hours of Saturday gathering props, brainstorming location ideas and writing down a shot list. At 8 p.m. Saturday, after filming all day, "Team the matador…" decided the film wasn't turning out the way they wanted.

"Now we had less than 24 hours to do this," he said. "We ended up just changing things as we went and we filmed it really fast."

In as little as three or four hours, Minick and his crew had completed filming so that editing could begin – not an easy feat with those kind of time constraints. What's more, Minick was met with a major last minute obstacle less than three hours before deadline. "The camcorder would not record the footage," he said. "I did a lot of yelling and I said some swear words and now it's like 7 o'clock and it's still not working and then all of a sudden at 7:15 it decided it would print to video properly," he explained.

Coming in just in time, "Shh! Ghost" was met with laughter and applause at the Columbus. The film follows a ghost who struggles at being scary and goes through regular bouts of unemployment. "It came out more structured and more watchable than we thought it was going to look," Minick said of his heavily improvised film.

Improvisation is key to the 48 Hour Film Project,especially when the assigned genre requires a team to leave their comfort zone,explained Providence producer Mike Ryan.

EXILE MOVIES was another team from Warwick, and came into the competition knowing how important improv can be to making a successful short.

"Last year we had two pages of dialogue and we did 10 more of improv," said actor John "Chach" Dziadosz. Dziadosz is also a featured actor on the Rhode Island-based Showtime hit "Brotherhood," where he plays mechanic Limpy O'Connor.

At Wednesday's screening, Dziadosz was happy to support other filmmakers before his team's political drama was shown. The EXILE team had 20 members, all of whom were involved in the brainstorming process. Dziadosz and team members Erin Megin and Kathy Knight even documented the weekend on handheld cameras. He said the actors got a little more sleep than http://www.warwickonline.com/warwickonline - warwickonline.com Powered by Mambo Generated: 8 August, 2008, 13:46
the technical crew, though screen time was divided equitably.

"We have a great ensemble cast," he said, standing in a light rain outside the Columbus. "Everyone shines." EXILE MOVIES' film featured original music as well, thanks to Harrison Condit, who, with his wife Debbie, assisted the team during
their nonstop filming and editing.

"The technology has improved but more importantly I can say right away that the quality of films has improved," said Condit, who has participated in the project before. Producer Splinter agreed. He said many teams use impressive special effects and editing techniques, especially given the time provided, but showmanship is secondary when creating a film.

"If your story's not good you're not going to be voted best," he said, adding, "I would say that everyone really did quality work."

After screening films, audience goers voted for the three films they thought were the best. A panel of judges consider those tallies when selecting the top entries to be honored at a "Best Of" screening that also awards films based on things like best director, best script and best use of prop.

The "Best Of" will serve as a closing to the Rhode Island International Film Festival and will take place on Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Columbus Theater. Tickets are available at the door.

The 48 Hour Film Project has grown from 24 teams in its first year to 55 this year after just three seasons of competition, and producers expect it will continue to grow as the film community in Rhode Island comes together.

As the house lights came up in the Columbus and filmmakers and film fanatics alike mingled, talking about memorable scenes or unusual music choices, a mantra of the Rhode Island Film Collaborative – and of the event – faded from the screen; "Film is alive in Rhode Island – let's keep it that way."

2nd ANNUAL RUFF CUTZ INDIE FILM CONFERENCE

PRESS RELEASE: August 07, 2008 (Boston, MA)

2nd ANNUAL RUFF CUTZ INDIE FILM CONFERENCE CREATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES

The 2nd Annual Ruff Cutz Indie Film Conference will be presented in Boston, Massachusetts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 14, 15, 16, 2008. Ruff Cutz is pleased to announce that The Center for Digital Imaging Arts of Boston University will be hosting this year's event. A highly anticipated follow up to last year, Ruff Cutz is much more than a film festival.. In fact, it's not really a film festival at all in the conventional sense.. Ruff Cutz is a conference programmed with film screenings, vendor exhibits and presentations by industry professionals, workshops, and a variety of networking events. The highlight of the conference is the opportunity for filmmakers to present works-in-progress to an audience for critical feedback..

What is a "rough cut"? Film festivals do not accept films for screening until the filmmaker has a final cut (a finished product) prepared. RUFF CUTZ allows filmmakers, amateur and professional, to present a "rough cut" version of their film for audience and professional reaction and feedback. The filmmaker then takes the suggestions, and hopefully contacts they have made, back home to finish their work with enlightenment.

This year's awards total nearly $10,000 in cash prizes, divided into four categories: Best Short, Best Feature, Audience Award, and Grand Jury Award. There will also be thousands of dollars worth of products, software, film equipment and services given away that will help filmmakers with their expenses and productions costs.

"This is really a unique opportunity for filmmakers", exudes Benti, a whirl of constant energy and the creator of Ruff Cutz. "Your parents and friends are always going to tell you your film is terrific. It's their job to boost your ego. This conference will boost your growth as a filmmaker with an honest, immediate reaction and comments."

"Showing a rough-cut of a film in the Ruff Cutz type of showcase does not break any film festival rules" assures Benti, who is also President and CEO of Image Icon Entertainment. He decided to create Ruff Cutz to allow filmmakers this special opportunity. The rough-cut versions of films presented at this conference can be premiered as finished films at other festivals anywhere in the world.

Due to the great success and growth of Ruff Cutz, this year Benti has appointed an official Conference Director, Ms. Toni-Ann Baker, a seasoned, award-winning filmmaker and producer, who provides the organizational structure that will give Ruff Cutz a firm foundation. "I am excited to be a part of the Ruff Cutz team and hope to contribute in ways that expand the conference offerings for years to come”, says Baker.

Speakers already committed to the conference include: Eduardo Sanchez, co-creator of the phenomenal, "The Blair Witch Project"; Michael Corrente, film director/producer who is currently in pre-production for his long-awaited Buddy Cianci project, "The Prince of Providence"; Jon Raben, documentary filmmaker, whose "Italian-Americans on Federal Hill" was the sell-out, award-winning star when it screened at the Rhode Island International Film Festival; Robert Seigel, an entertainment attorney who is a partner in the law firm Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP which specializes in film and theatre as well as television, publishing, art, new media and intellectual property matters; Patrick Smith, who has written, produced, animated, and directed five award winning films from 2000-2006; Thomas Ohanian, an accomplished strategist, designer, and inventor of digital media products and workflow solutions, and is an Academy Award® and a two-time Emmy® recipient.

A panel of officials from past and present local community film festivals, and prestigious international film festivals, will also be on hand to offer advice. Panels will also include critiques on how to increase the odds of getting your films onto the festival circuit.

For more information on how to submit your film, a complete schedule of events and ticket information please visit The 2nd Annual Ruff Cutz Indie Conference website at: www.rcifc.com or email info@rcifc.com.

Current Sponsors for the event are The Center for Digital Imaging Arts of Boston University, The Marriot Hotel, Celebrity Limousine, Imagine Magazine, Toofy Film Fest, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, ShootingPeople.org, Scott Volkswagen, The Enigma Factory, Midnight Chimes Productions, LandMark Embassy Theatre, Skellig's Restaurant, the Rhode Island Film Collaborative, Production Hub, iCrew.com, 2-Day Film School, Phantazma Pictures, Filmmakers Collabrative, Indieflavor.com, Mixed Media Promotions, and NewFilmNation.com. Ruff Cutz would like to thank all of their sponsors and appreciates their participation.

(This is not an RIFC Event)

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Call For Your 10 Minute Short Film Screen Play

Let it BE YOUR script that puts us all over the top.

If you have a fantastic short screen play and would like it to be considered for production please send inquires to: Kim Hyder at: kimhyder@aqueststudio.com.

Highly creative and ambitious start up film ensemble is looking for screen plays for 10 minute shorts. The scripts need to have 2 actors cast with non speaking extras or featured extras and shot in one location. Top priority will be given to scripts with only 2 main actors. Consideration will be given to scripts with 3 or 4 actors, but our prefer scripts written for 2 main actors with support given by extras or featured extras. We want short scripts that will run no longer than 10 minutes with a strong preference given to shorter scripts.

Film will be submitted to New England, US and international film festivals. Shoot begins in the fall 2008. Our film ensemble company is dedicated to the craft of acting with an enthusiasm for breathing life into well written scripts. We are Passionate warriors who work collaboratively to create high QUALITY short films. We are fearless and fun and we are looking for like minded individuals to submit their work for our cast of actors and directors to produce great short films.

We are on a quest for the best and will be looking at all submitted scripts and making a final selection in September.

(This is not an RIFC Production)

R.I. ACTORS APPEAR IN A FILM BRIDGING ARAB & WESTERN CULTURES AT THE RIIFF

This comes from Christopher Smalley, 617-529-5323
Festival is a qualifier for Oscar consideration.

Framingham, MA – RA Vision Productions and award-winning director Raouf Zaki of Framingham are pleased to announce that their film, “Santa Claus in Baghdad,” has been accepted into the 25th Annual Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF). Out of more than 7,000 film festivals worldwide, RIIFF is one of only 61 qualifying Festivals with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—the Oscars—and the only Festival in New England with that distinction. Three Providence-based actresses, Miriam Habib, Samantha Harik, and Ana Cruz, have feature roles in the film.

Santa Claus in Baghdad is a short narrative film aimed at English-speaking teenagers between 12 and 14 years of age. The aim of this film, through a gentle story of Amal, a sixteen-year-old girl, is to foster improved communications between Arab and Western cultures through mutual respect and understanding. Zaki adapted the story from author Elsa Marston’s book: Figs and Fate—Stories about growing up in the Arab world. The second edition was recently released and renamed “Santa Claus in Baghdad” recognizing the film version of the story. Ms. Marston’s grand-daughter, Samantha Harik of Providence, is a featured extra in the movie.

“This film represents a positive media tool for the often misrepresented Iraqi and Arabic people and speaks to universal issues for teenagers, who are everywhere coming to terms with body image and issues of popularity at school, within the context of Baghdad during the time of United Nations’ sanctions in 2000,” says Zaki. “This modern Gift of the Magi dispels negative stereotypes of Iraqis and promotes a better understanding of their rich culture that has given much to the world over the centuries”.

Using an all Arab-American cast and a multi-cultural crew, Santa Claus in Baghdad was filmed in Framingham, Mass. over a 10-day period last June. An Iraqi Production Designer replicated interior and exterior locations to double as a backdrop for Baghdad in 2000, including a famous Baghdad book market (attached production stills).

Santa Claus in Baghdad is Zaki’s second film to tackle the challenges of being an Arab in a post-9/11 world. His first film, “Just Your Average Arab,” produced with production partner Chris Smalley, screened at the 2006 Plymouth Independent Film Festival and won Best Film at the 2006 Boston Comedy and Film Festival. Additionally, Just Your Average Arab continues to be widely-embraced by colleges and universities throughout the United States and Europe.

Zaki and Smalley are currently in development on their next feature film—the story about the world’s first monk, St. Anthony, and the establishment of the first monastery in the world built in Egypt on the site of St. Anthony’s tomb. Zaki and Smalley plan to film the feature film in Massachusetts using technology to recreate the Egyptian desert in Massachusetts.

Here's a link to an article in the Boston Sunday Globe Sun August 3rd.

Boston Globe - United States
"Santa Claus in Baghdad," a 38-minute film by Massachusetts-based Raouf Zaki, was filmed nearly entirely in Massachusetts last year, with locales doubling ...
See all stories on this topic

http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2008/08/03/a_big_festival_in_little_rhodie

To reach the filmmaker call him at 508 788-0221 or email him at filmmaker@rcn.com

(This is not an RIFC Production)

RIFC and the 48 Hour Film Project present the 2008 "Best of Providence" Celebration

On one piping hot weekend in July, 55 intrepid teams of filmmakers – formed by several hundred local residents - scrambled to assemble short films using the following elements: A pear; The line "If you see him again, tell me;" And the character, "Monica or Monte Chaney, Hairstylist." Each team also pulled a genre out of a hat – from comedy, to film de femme, from political drama to fantasy - but all committed to involving the same required elements.

The "Best of Providence" celebration awards screening will take place on Sunday, August 10th, at 7:30 pm, at the Columbus Theater on Broadway in Providence, RI, showing the best resulting films. Live music, awards, an after-party and a screening of the top films will all serve as the closing event of the prestigious 2008 Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Forty-one of the teams made it within the 48 hour deadline, and all of the results were screened for audiences and judges. Now, their favorite selections are gathered into one screening event. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $10 at the door, with proceeds going to benefit the Rhode Island International Film Festival and RIFC.

The judges for this event included David Bettencourt, Carol Conley, Katie Hedrington, Scott Levine, Rich Lupo, Abra Moore, Anne Mulhall, and Don Soucy.

One film will also be selected to represent Providence in the international competition that all 48 Hour Film Project cities partake in. This year, over 70 cities will take part, from Tel Aviv to Los Angeles and everywhere in between.

The Project’s "Best of Providence" celebration is embraced by the Rhode Island International Film Festival. "Flickers Arts Collaborative is proud to host RIFC's 48 Hour Film Festival at our 12th annual Rhode Island International Film Festival," says Alyssa Holland Short, the Festival’s Community Projects Manager. "RIIFF and RIFC share a vision of Rhode Island as a place for creative collaboration and professional advancement. RIIFF champions RIFC's mission to support new work by emerging local filmmakers. We look forward to The 48 Hour Film Festival as a fun and inspiring way to end our Festival."

The films to be shown will include "A Few Perfect Heads" by Cinemasolo.com, "Beneath the Surface" by Playomatic, "Grusha" by 80 Nights Productions ,"HJR 8" by nanoSleather, "Man of The People" by EXILE Movies, "Misery Island" by Bait and Tackle, "Monday the 13th" by Nature’s Credit Card Productions, "Monte’s Last Cut" by Fanfaire Productions, "Mr. Dord" by Tiny Penguins, "No Way to Go through Life" by Wax Idiotical, "Nun of That" by Scorpio Film Releasing, "Pear Me Up, Buttercup" by Goldilocks Productions, "RITE" by Clandestine Arachnid, "The Dirty Pair" by Anonymous Players, "The Lure of Death" by Zygote Digital Films, "The Narrator" by Spanky and the King, "Verbal Diarrhea" by The Popular Kids from Class,

Judges and staff of this project have volunteered their time to help the Rhode Island Film Collaborative, the local non-profit organization dedicated to helping independent filmmakers realize their visions, learn their craft, and form a stronger creative community.

The RIFC sponsors the Providence edition of the 48 Hour Film Project to help galvanize the local film community and provide an exciting event where people can see each other’s work, share knowledge and experiences, and have a great time.

"It’s a great way for members of the community to see what they’re capable of, and to have an extreme filmmaking experience that takes a weekend, but creates memories – and footage – that last a lifetime," says Mike Ryan, treasurer of the RIFC and co-producer with David Splinter of this year’s Providence 48 Hour Film Project.

Sponsors of the Rhode Island Film Collaborative include Have Advice Will Travel, Judge Technical Services, Ameriprise Financial Advisors, Newbury Comics, Envision Technology Advisors, The Wild Colonial, and Artini's.Also, RIFC is indebted to its in-kind sponsors: the Hilton Garden Inn Providence Airport/Warwick, Motif Magazine, Trinity Brewhouse, Cox Cable, Two Sisters' Productions, Enterprise Car Rentals, The Artists' Exchange, The Rhode Island International Film Festival, and the Columbus Theatre.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

RI's Research & Development Theatre 8/5/2008

Perishable's DanceDancePartyParty named Best of RI by RI Monthly!

Fledgling Festival IV starts Thursday- Don't Miss it!

Auditions for 2008-2009 season on Saturday August 9

Perishable Theatre seeks Production/Facilities Manager

What is up at Perishable Theatre go directly to our website to find out!

DANCEDANCEPARTYPARTY, the dance sensation rocking our third floor studio was feted by RI Monthly as the Best Dance Party in RI 2008. This "no boys, no booze, no judgement" event is now looking even better since we spruced up our place with LOVO paint donated to us by our friends at Adler's Hardware. Drop by to shake your booty and admire our best of placque.

DANCEDANCEPARTYPARTY, Fridays at 5:30pm, $5, women only. For more info, contact Amy Lynn Budd, Director of the Theatre Arts School at:

classes [at] perishable [dot] org or phone her at 401-331-2695 ext. 102

Peter Deffet's Fledgling Festival is 4 and it promises to be an experimental theatre extravaganza! What’s it is all about? Bringing new works from local and not so local artists and different performing art genres together. Experience performances from Fledgling Festival Curator Peter Deffet, artists Nancy Hoffman, Angela Conte, Philip Goldman, Khym Carmichael, Kellie Lynch, Slipperyfish Dance, Angela Colford, Kevin Delaney, Leigh Hendrix and Moira Brady, plus possibly much more.

August 7-17 Thu-Sat at 8pm Sun matinees at 3pm

Tickets are $10, with $5 tickets for return customers

OPEN AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED FOR 2008-2009 SEASON!

On Saturday August 9 from 1-6pm, Perishable Theatre is hosting an open call for actors to audition for the 2008-2009 season. To make an appointment, call 401-331-2695 x 304 or e-mail intern[at]perishable[dot]org. We are asking that auditioneers prepare a 2 minute contemporary monologue and bring a resume or headshot.

Perishable seeks Production/Facilities Manager- ASAP

Are you organized, fun-loving and detail-oriented? Do you have at least two years experience in technical theatre? Are you looking for a job? Perishable Theatre is looking for a Production/Facilities Manager to work 30-40 hours/week overseeing operations for our 75 seat black box theatre, our dance studio and our classroom/offices.

This is not an RIFC Event

From BEANYWOOD.COM:

Will it be possible one day to create a world-class feature film from your bedroom? Perhaps we are not that far away. What we're about to share with you has potentially the same impact.

For about a year and a half, a dedicated group of our own New England film-makers and programmers have worked hard to create a tool that we believe does for indie films what the Wikipedia did for encyclopedia articles - namely, democratize the creative world.

Let's try to put it a different way. Have you ever had problems:

For film-makers: Lining up all the people you need to pull off a movie? Coordinating the large teams to produce?
For writers, talent and crew: Getting to be part of exciting projects before they become "too" popular?
Today, you're one of the first to hear about a tool built created to solve these specific problems and help you focus all your creative energy where it matters. Beanywood has now partnered with the great company that developed it to share with you the first experience. It went online just a few hours ago!

If you want to go and see it for yourself right now go and create your account at: http://www.icrew.com

If you want to read some more before creating a free account, here are some of the benefits:

Use "wisdom of the crowds" to help in your project's needs - whether it's related to the story, talent, locations, props, promotion, legal, etc.
Share your on-going projects on Facebook, or any major social network to recruit/promote
Benefit from solid contributors that are remote
Focus the energy otherwise wasted on coordinating towards the the creative process
And talent and crew, build your portfolio of produced work by collaborating with others online.
More information to come about two of the very interesting kick-off projects starting today(!)... in the meanwhile you can check it out for yourself, and start getting help/joining projects at http://www.icrew.com

The world won't wait for us, we have to seize the right opportunities.

This is not an RIFC Production

From Movie Maker Magazine:

FREE TO ATTEND!
September 21, 2008 10 AM - 6 PM
NYC Hilton Hotel (54th & Avenue of the Americas)

If you are IN the SHOWBIZ INDUSTRY, you should be at this Expo.
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Film, Stage & ShowBiz Expo ("ShowBiz Expo") (www.TheShowBizExpo.com) is a FREE five-star event that brings everyone in the Entertainment Industry (film makers, production companies, studios, producers, directors, designers, company/general managers, editors, cinematographers, crew, musicians, etc.) together under one roof. This event is FREE to attend.

ShowBiz Expo is the only event of its kind that simultaneously offers great exhibitors, industry workshops (ranging from producers panels to casting directors to festivals), HeadShot Lane, Movie Reel Showcase, Designer’s Showcase, Project Boards, Focus Groups, actual casting calls (Telsey + Company conducting talent searches for Spiderman, Wicked, Rent, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, High School Musical, etc.), and networking opportunities in a professional all-entertainment related trade show venue.

VISIT www.TheShowBizExpo.com.
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GREAT WORKSHOPS:

Financing Independent Feature Films - The Landscape & New Opportunities.
PR: What is it? How do I get good Press Coverage?
The Art of Post Production.
Business of Licensing Footage & the Digital Era
Producers Open Forum: Q&A With Successful Theatrical Producers
LIGHTS! CAMERA! TRACKING! Performers, learn the Submission, Audition and Booking secrets to propel your career!
Movie Distribution: Exploring Your Options.
How to Get an Agent in 30 Days or Less.
Flying Effects & Stage Rigging.
Screenwriting: Writing the Next Blockbuster.
Working with a Camera: What you need to know after the Director Calls ACTION!
I HATE INSURANCE!...but it can be a Producer's Best Friend.
Filming in New York: What Every Filmmaker Should Know.
Insider Secrets to Auditioning: Open Q&A with Professional Casting Directors.
Relaxation for Actors: How to get Mentally Prepared for Auditions & Performance.

MOVIE REEL SHOWCASE:

Film Makers, Cinematographers, Directors, Editors:

Showcase your film/video/movie reel for Producers and Production Companies. We provide you with a private screening area all day at the Expo, provided with a DVD player, screen, and speakers to showcase your video reel on a repeating loop. You may leave your business cards and contact information for Producers and Production Companies to contact you.

DISCUSSION/FOCUS GROUPS:

Are you a Producer and ever wonder what goes on in a Director's head? Directors, do you ever wonder what goes on in your writer's head? No need to wonder any longer. Discussion groups bring together particular professions and give you the opportunity to talk and discuss the industry as a whole and the best ways to interact with one another.

Directors/Choreographers & Producers
Producers & Writers
Actors (what works/doesn't work at auditions)
Production Companies (business strategies for a successful company)

HEADSHOT LANE:

Performers:
Reach out to casting directors, producers and other decision-making professionals.

Get a personal 'mailbox' for the day at the Expo with your headshot posted for producers, casting directors, & directors. Casting Directors, Producers, & Directors will be able to drop business cards and/or notes in your mailbox for you to contact them if they are interested in you. This is a great opportunity to gain exposure to thousands of Entertainment Industry professionals in person.

SHOWBIZ PROJECT BOARD:

You may post projects they you are working on and any cast/crew/additional help that you may be needing along with your contact information. Need a writer, composer, editor, photographer, actor, etc? Leave your project description and information on the ShowBiz Project Board for attendees to contact you.


VIP CYBER LOUNGE w/ Computers, Internet & Lounge Seating:

The VIP Cyber Lounge has accessible computers, printers, internet access, food and lounge seating. Need to print important documents (i.e., Resumes)? Need to check your business or personal email? Food and beverage is also available for purchase along with comfortable and private seating and tables. This is also a great place to conduct production meetings, network with other industry professionals and get away from the busy Expo.

DESIGNER'S SHOWCASE:

Are you a Designer and want to showcase your work to thousands of Producers and Production Companies? Designer's Showcase is perfect for Costume, Graphic, Lighting, Set, and Make-up Designers. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your portfolio and get your name out there to interested parties. You are provided with a 3' x 3' table to showcase your work and provide business cards.
More info also available at TheShowBizExpo.com

Want to Exhibit? Call us at 212.404.2345

This is not an RIFC Production

THE RHODE ISLAND FILM FORUM RETURNS, AUGUST 7-8TH

Actor Dan Butler from TV's "Frasier" will be the keynote speaker, Thursday, August 7, 2008.

PROVIDENCE, RI. The Rhode Island Film Forum returns for a special symposium on the art and craft of filmmaking in Rhode Island. Positioned as a call to Rhode Island Filmmakers, Film Production Crews, Film Students, Artistic Directors, Film Vendors, Civic Organizations, Historic and Preservation Groups, Property Managers, Recreation Managers, Hotel Managers, and Rental Agencies, the Forum addresses the nuts and bolts of film production, from location scouting, licensing and production to marketing, new technologies and the internet.

Over the course of two mornings, August 7th and 8th, participants will have an opportunity to discover how they might become a part of this multi-million dollar industry in Rhode Island and southern New England. The Forum will be held at the Brown University, Carmichael Auditorium in Hunter Laboratory, 89 Waterman Street on the East Side of Providence. The event is sponsored in part by the Brown/RISD Hillel, the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Warwick Tourism.

The cost each day is $45 with a special two-day discount of $75. A keynote address by actor Dan Butler (Frasier) takes place on Thursday, August 7th at 1:00 p.m

Dan Butler's film, "Karl Rove I Love You," is playing in this year's festival (Wed, Aug 6 2008, 9:30 pm | Columbus Theatre Arts Center, Cinémathèque). Born on December 2, 1954 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Butler is both an actor and a director. He was on the show "Frasier" in beginning in 1993 where he played the part of Robert "Bulldog" Briscoe. He also directed an episode of "Frasier" in 1998. Film work has included "The Enemy of the State," "Chronic Town" "Rising Sun" and "Silence of the Lambs." He has made frequent appearances on television including "Just Shoot Me" "Ally McBeal" "Supernatural" and the "X-Files."

Some of the topics addressed over the course of two mornings include: "Changing Technologies in Film," "Online Distribution for Indies/Withoutabox," "Financing your film/tax credits: What New England has to Offer" "Rhode Island Film Making/Local Documentaries," "Directing Actors and Creating Exceptional Character," "Visual Effects: From Retouching to Revolution," and a focus on "Alternative Cinema."

WHO'S AT THE FILM FORUM THIS YEAR

Representing tourism and marketing for the Rhode Island communities are; Kristin Adamo, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Providence Warwick Convention and Visitor's Bureau; Kathryn Farrington, the V.P. of Marketing at the Newport, Rhode Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, 
and Karen Jedson, Director, Warwick Tourism. SueEllen Kroll Program Officer for the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities will address issues of funding.
The expanding list of participants includes Dan Trezise, Visual Effects producer for "Matrix Revolutions", "The Golden Compass", "The Hulk", "Fun With Dick and Jane" and "Spiderman;" Chris Jones, Director and author of the popular "The Guerilla Film Makers Movie Blueprint" and Kodak Best Short Film Award, 2008 (as of July 31st) for his film "Gone Fishing" which will have its World Premiere at RIIFF; Eric Latek of Phantazma Pictures, recently named one of the Top 25 Upcoming and Coming Filmmakers by Filmmaker Magazine; Carson Grant, Actor/Director; Kevin Sheridan, Actor, know for his recurring characters on such shows as "American Dreams" and "Veronica Mars." Some of his other notable credits include "Boston Public," "Judging Amy," "Without A Trace," "Justice," and "The Closer;" Peter Rosen, Producer/Director with over 100 full- length films and television programs to his credit, he has worked directly with some of the most important figures in the arts such as Leonard Bernstein, Yo-Yo Ma, Beverly Sills, Sherrill Milnes, Stephen Sondheim, Alexander Godunov, Midori, Leonard Slatkin, Martha Graham, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Van Cliburn, Skitch Henderson, Claudio Arrau, I. M. Pei, and Garrison Keillor; Michelle LaMura Meek's who pioneered the development of NewEnglandFilm.com, the premiere magazine and resource for indie filmmaking in the northeast in 1997 and founded BuyIndies.com, an international community for buying and selling films; Cynthia Close, the Executive Director and currently is acting President of Documentary Educational Resources, (DER) a Watertown Massachusetts; Stefanie Budiman, a Partner Liaison in the Festival Department at Withoutabox, Inc. from California; Laura Belsey has directed hundreds of commercials and several narrative and documentary shorts. She has won numerous international awards, including a Cannes Gold Lion; Kalani Queypo actor/director, starting from roots in New York theatre to coveted projects like the Oscar Nominated Terrence Malick film, "The New World;" and Tom Gustafson whose directing credits include the side-show inspired short film, "The Need," and the prolific, award-winning short musical film, "Fairies," which inspired his feature directorial debut: "Were the World Mine." Tom has worked as the location, casting director on many Hollywood films including "Pirates of the Caribbean II & III," "The Good Shepherd" & "The Dark Knight."

This is not an RIFC Production