My Blog

Hello all! . Tune in as we take you through the inner workings of the film and commercial production world in Tampa and surrounding areas.

Wanna know how you can get involved in the production community here in Tampa Bay? Maybe you're a film buff and want to know more about the next movie setting its sights on Tampa? What's shooting, casting calls, trips and tradeshows...it's all right here! Subscribe to my RSS feed to the left, and be notified of my latest blog posts.

See you at the movies!

Ticket Giveaway Time - Gasparilla International Film Festival!

Thursday, March 29, 2012 by

Gasparilla International Film FestivalGood morning Tampa Bay, Alex here to start the day off with a giveaway!

The Gasparilla International Film Festival kicks off tonight at The Tampa Theatre with the opening night reception and film at 6 p.m.

Interested in winning two tickets to the Opening Night VIP Reception? If so, participate in the trivia contest below.

The first five people to answer these questions correctly will be entered into a drawing for these two tickets and we will pick one lucky winner! Please submit all answers by 2p.m. Please submit all answers on our Facebook page!

Trivia Questions

  • Who received the GIFF 2012 Life Achievement Award?
  • Who was the GIFF 2012 Screenplay Winner?

We will be drawing a winner at 3 p.m.!! Check back with us to see who is the lucky winner!
Good luck! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Volunteers Needed for The Sunscreen Film Festival!...

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by

Sunscreen Film FestivalHello Tampa Bay, Alex here with an opportunity for you to get involved with a local Film Festival.

The Sunscreen Film Festival is taking place at Bay Walk in St. Petersburg from April 19- 22, 2012… and they are looking for volunteers!

Apply today!  Click here, to fill out the application. Please ONLY select the slots you are available to work.

If you can’t volunteer, make sure to head on over to the Suncreen Film Festival for special screenings, workshops and fun!

Have a wonderful day. Check back with us often for more Tampa Bay Film News!

6th Annual Gasparilla International Film Festival

Thursday, March 15, 2012 by

Good morning Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about a film festival taking place this month!

Gasparilla International Film Festival is one of Florida's largest and fastest growing film festivals. This year’s festival is taking place at various locations in downtown Tampa & South Tampa from March 29- April 1, 2012. GIFF is dedicated to expanding art opportunities in the Tampa Bay community through the medium and culture of independent film.

Opening Night

Thursday, March 29, 2012
Opening Night VIP Reception @ Tampa Theatre
  - 6 7:30p.m.
  - $55 (includes film screening, sampling from restaurants, beer/wine)

Opening Night Film @ Tampa Theatre
  - 7:30p.m. - 10pm (general admission doors open at 7:30 p.m.,    film starts at 8p.m.)
  - $12 (film only ticket)

Opening Night After Party
- 10.pm. - Close @ TBD
- Open to public / free

Purchase your tickets for the opening night today!

Check back often for Gasparilla International Film Festival event updates and for more Tampa Bay Film News!

MTV Casting Info!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 by

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here with some casting information.

MTVN  is seeking someone in a family that takes care of everyone and everything.

Do you feel like you are picking up the slack for your parents? Are you making dinner and cleaning the house instead of hanging out with your friends?  Does your mom put herself first, flaunt herself and embarrass you in the process? Do you feel like you are missing out on the best years of your life? Do you feel like you are parenting your own parent? Is your situation actually a good thing?  Is mom getting back on her feet but needs your help? Do you attempt to hide or downplay your family life?

If you are between the ages of 15-22 and answered yes to the any of the question above than MTV wants to hear your story! 

Send an email to castingcookie@gmail.com and be sure to include your name, telephone number, and a picture of you, your mom and your siblings.

Check back often for more Tampa Bay Film news!

The Ride Bike Fest is Featuring a Motion Picture...

Friday, February 10, 2012 by

Good morning Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know that  Tampa Bay premiere for Easy Rider: The Ride Back will be taking place at The Ride Bike Fest on February 25th.

The Ride Back Bike Fest will be bring the 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre to life  with thunderous roars from a spectacle of top new and custom cycles, live entertainment, exhibits and vendors with state of the art accessories.  This fest will take place on Saturday, February 25 at 3 p.m.

If you are looking to see some of the finest motorcycles in the Tampa Bay, you won’t want to miss this fest.

The highlight of the evening will be the Tampa Bay premiere showing of the major motion picture Easy Rider: The Ride Back. 

More than 40 years after the original Oscar nominated film, this long awaited sequel develops and reveals the early saga of Wyatt’s “Captain America” family and why these iconic characters represented the voice of their generation. The movie begins at 7p.m. under the stars at the Amphitheatre’s main stage with VIP Reserved Seats, General Admission Seats and Festival Lawn.

What a great way to spend your Saturday… Looking at wonderful bike collections and ending your evening with a movie under the stars at the 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre. 

Tickets are on sale now! You don’t want to miss out on this fun bike fest and motion picture premiere.
Limited VIP reserved seats are $18.50; General Admission seats are $12.50; and Festival Lawn tickets are $8.50 (less than the price for a movie alone).  Tickets are available online at www.livenation.com and at all TicketMaster outlets, the Amphitheatre Box Office or charge by phone at 1(800) 745-3000.
 
Enjoy your weekend and check back with us often for Tampa Bay Film News and for information on Things To Do in Tampa Bay.

Casting Call for Real Women Shoppers...

Thursday, February 2, 2012 by

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex back with some more film news…

Heinz Productions is hosting another casting call for “Real Women” shoppers. This casting call is for upcoming commercials to promote a local grocery store.

Women participating should be between their late 20s and early 50s and of all ethnicities and types! You can be a mom, businesswoman, friend, sister, aunt or grandmother.

Feel free to spread the word about this opportunity to any friends, fashoppersmily or co-workers.

If you like to shop or find yourself at the grocery store quite often, this is a great opportunity for you!

Auditions will consist of a brief interview and no experience is necessary!

If you would like to be considered, please email autumn247cast@gmail.com and
heather@247cast.com. Include a recent photo and description of yourself, your “go to” grocery store, how much you normally spend at the store and how many people live in your household. *In the subject line, please put your name and the area you live in.*

Auditions are taking place in Tampa on  Monday, February 6, 2012. These auditions are by appointment only, so please send your e-mail ASAP.

Callbacks will be held on Thursday February 9, 2012. The locations are still being determined, but could be in Orlando, Lakeland, Tampa or St. Pete.

Good luck to everyone who participates in this casting call!

Check back with us often for more Tampa Bay Film news.

Audio Recorder is Needed for A Film Shoot...

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 by

filmHi Tampa Bay, Alex here with some more film news…

A New York based production team is looking for an audio recorder for a one day documentary style shoot taking place in Tampa Bay. This shoot is on Friday, January 27, 2012 at some indoor and outdoor secured location.

If you are interested, you will need to provide your own mixer, boom and gear. Please email Eric directly at eric@wearef360.com.

Production Company: F360
Director: Eric Tu
Executive Producer: Peter Friedman


Check back often for more Tampa Bay Film news.

America's Got Talent Auditions... Coming to Tampa Bay!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 by

Hey Tampa Bay, Alex here to let everyone know that America’s Got Talent is holding auditions at the Tampa Bay Convention Center this November!

I know Tampa Bay is full of talent, so everyone around the area shoAGTw off your skills at the auditions, which are taking place on November 12 & 13, 2011 from 8 a.m. - 7p.m.

The talent search is open to acts of all ages, which allows America’s Got Talent to showcase performers from across the country.

America's Got Talent, NBC's top-rated summer series, from American Idol producers FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's SYCO Television, will be returning this summer with the hottest performers from across the country ready to compete in the blockbuster reality show's sixth season. Celebrity judges are Howie Mandel (Deal or No Deal), Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan, while actor/producer/comedian Nick Cannon returns as host.

The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America's hearts - and the one million dollar prize.

Good luck to everyone planning to audition! Make Tampa Bay proud!

Check back often for more information on Tampa Bay Film and on Things To Do in Tampa Bay!

"Magic Mike" Brings Movie Stars to Tampa Bay...

Friday, October 14, 2011 by
Happy Friday Tampa Bay, Alex here with some exciting film news…

Mathew McConaughey, Channing Tatum, Olivia Munn, Matt Bomer Alex Pettyfer and Joe Manganiello have all been spotted in the Tampa Bay area over the last week. These movie stars have been around the area filming for "Magic Mike".

“Magic Mike” is an independently produced film directed by Steven Soderbergh, based on the true story of Channing Tatum’s teen years as an exotic dancer. He worked as an exotic dancer in Tampa Bay before he made it as a star in Hollywood.

Filming is expected to take place around Downtown Tampa and Ybor City throughout the next week.

I know many of you can’t wait to see this film, including myself… but you will have to wait until sometime next year, which is when the movie is scheduled to release.

Have a wonderful weekend.

 Check back with us next week for more exciting film news!

Dolphin Tale in Theaters This Friday!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 by
Happy Monday Everyone, Alex here to remind you Dolphin Tale comes out thDolphin Taleis Friday, September 23rd.

Dolphin Tale is based on an amazing true story of a brave dolphin, Winter, who was severely injured in a crap trap accident, and the compassionate strangers who helped save her life.  After being rescued, Winter was taken to Clearwater Marine Hospital and surpassed the expectations of many experts. She has completely healed and adapted to her new swim pattern. 

Take a visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and meet Winter, the star of Dolpin Tale!

A special premiere, featuring supporting local cast members and possibly some of the stars, will be held Sept. 21 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Purchase tickets to this Red Carpet Event, here

Read more about Winter’s Story and share a story on how Winter has inspired you at, http://www.seewinter.com/winter.

Also, check out information on Dolphin Tale and watch the movie trailer at,
http://dolphintalemovie.warnerbros.com.

Get together with your friends and family to see Dolphin Tale at the Red Carpet Event this Wednesday or watch it in theaters this Friday!

Have a wonderful day and check back with us often for Tampa Bay Film updates.

America's Supernanny is Casting for Families!

Thursday, September 15, 2011 by
Supernanny Casting Call

Good afternoon Everyone, Alex back with information on a television show casting for local families.

Do you have children that are driving you nuts? If so, America's Supernanny is looking for you!

The well-known cable network, Lifetime, is launching the all-new unscripted series, America’s
Supernanny
, marking the first true U.S. version of the hit global format that will feature an American homegrown nanny.

The producers of Lifetime’s parenting series, America’s Supernanny, are currently casting for families. Casting teams have been sent out all around the country looking for the perfect families for the show. In few weeks,  they will be in the Florida area!

 If you are interested in the show or know someone who might be, please email the Casting Team ASAP. In the e-mail, include the reason why you need help and a recent family photo. (Anonymous referrals are also accepted!) After receiving your information,  the casting teams will follow-up with you and try to schedule an in-home interview.

**Producers want families from every type of background who are ready for the opportunity of a lifetime -a visit from America’s Supernanny!**

So, if you are interested or know of someone who might need America's Supernanny, please e-mail the Casting Team directly at: gfattorini@shedmediaus.com or click here.

Good luck everyone!

Have a wonderful evening and check back with us often for updates on Tampa Bay Film!


The Clearwater Film & Music Festival...

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by

Hi Everyone, Alex here to let you know that The 2011 Clearwater Film and Music Festival is going to be here on September 22-25, 2011.

The Clearwater Film and Music Festival will have 54 films from around the world and two full days of live music on three stages. There will also be opportunities to meet fine film makers, actors, animators, musicians and producers who will share their knowledge, so you can get an inside look at entertainment. Clearwater Festival

This year Academy Award Winner, Luke Matheny will be attending the festival. Luke is the actor, writer and director of God of Love which won the 2011 Oscar for Best Live-Action Short Film and will be awarded The Clearwater Film & Music Festival's own unique trophy, The Wavecrest Award for Triple Threat Film Making. He will also be with us for educational panels to convey his knowledge of navigating film school.

Dolphin Tale actor Jim Fitzpatrick will also be with us to talk about the acting business. With over 50 film roles to his credit including parts in All My Children and Star Trek: Enterprise, Jim will be sharing his insight on what it takes to make a career in acting.

Clearwater beach will be full of live music, featuring local bands and bands traveling from across the country. You won't want to miss out on this festival!

For a great weekend full of music and film, head on over to the Clearwater Film and Music Festival next weekend! Get your tickets today!

Single film tickets are good for any scheduled block on Friday, Saturday or Sunday September 23, 24 or 25. Badges are only for Opening Night.

**All films will be shown at Duval Center at Holiday Inn Clearwater Beach. Please arrive at the show you want to attend at least 30 minutes prior to show time. Seating is first come first serve.

Have a wonderful evening! Check back throughout the week for Tampa Bay Film updates!

The Independents’ Film Festival in Tampa!

Friday, September 2, 2011 by

Happy Friday Everyone, Alex here to let  you know about a film festival coming to Tampa in a couple of weeks!

The Independents’ Film Festival will be here on September 15 through September 17, 2011.  There is going to be a wonderful reception, screenings of different films, workshops, opportunities to ask questions and a fun closing party. You won’t want to miss out on this festival...

Below is a schedule of events for the Independents’ Film Festival.

Thursday, September 15, 2011IFF
VIP Reception at Wyndham Tampa Westshore Hotel 6  – 7:30 p.m 
FREE Award Winning Feature Film, the ah of life with Treasure (Ringling Animation) 9- 10p.m.

Friday, September 16, 2011
(Each Screening is $7.50)
Tour of Tampa Digital Studios. Free, requires Reservation. 11a.m.
Screening #1: 6– 7:30 p.m. 
Screening #2: 8 - 9:30 p.m.
Screening #3: 10:00– 11:30 p.m. 

Saturday, September 17, 2011: Morning and Afternoon
(Each event $7.50, except Headshot)
Workshop: #1: 10:15 am – 11:30: Camera Workshop: What Camera is Right for Your Project
Workshop: #2: 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm: Producing to Sell
Workshop: #3: 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm: Behind the Table: Confessions of a Casting Director
Professional Headshots by Kerry Brown: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Screening: #1: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Screening: #2: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Screening: #3: 2:00 pm – 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 17, 2011: Saturday Night Extravaganza
($25.00)
Champagne reception: 6:15 p.m.
Saturday Night Screening: 7:00- 9:35 pm
Awards and Filmmaker Q&A: 9:35 p.m.
Taste of Independence Party: 10:00 – 12 p.m.

Visit the Independents’ Film Festival website, http://independentsfilmfest.com/, for more information on particular screenings and events.

Have a wonderful weekend and check with us often for more updates on Tampa Bay Film!


Support Tampa Film by Going to See Redemption Road in Theaters Today!

Monday, August 29, 2011 by

Redemption RoadHappy Friday Tampa Bay! Alex here with some exciting film news…Redemption Road, a film produced by many Tampa natives’ is now in theaters!

The executive producer, Charlie Poe, is a Tampa resident who serves on the boards of Academy Prep of Tampa, Glazer Children's Museum and Junior Achievement of West Central Florida. He's also on the Board of Directors for the Gasparilla International Film Festival.

"Redemption Road" is a story about forgiveness and making a comeback. Themes of second-chances and facing one's fears weave in and out of this journeyman's tale, which is told via emotional characters and a lively and moving blues-laced soundtrack.

Nearly a year ago, the film (originally titled "Black, White & Blues") was screened for a benefit at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. After that, the film went on to play at numerous film festivals across the country, hoping to find a distributor.

Eleven months later, the newly branded feature found distribution through Freestyle Releasing  and  today six theaters in Tampa Bay will be screening this film!

Check out the movie trailer at http://www.movieinsider.com/m9342/redemption-road/.

Some of the Tampa natives who were a part in creating this film, include: Charlie Poe, Morgan Simpson and Jeff Balis.

Help support local film and head on out to theaters this weekend to see a great movie!

Have a wonderful weekend and check back with us next week for information on Tampa Bay Film!

MTV Casting Call...

Monday, August 29, 2011 by

Hi Tampa Bay, anyone interested in being on an MTV reality show? If so, Alex here with some information on a casting call for a reality show called Very Bad Boys.

Are you in a rocky relationship with a bad boy? Are you sick of hearing MTVyour friends talk poorly about your boyfriend? Have your parents begged you to break it off with your on again off again boyfriend because they just don't trust him? If you answered yes to any of these questions, MTV wants to hear your story!

MTV is looking for anyone who has been in a relationship with a “bad boy”, a guy you know isn’t good for you but you still can’t seem to get enough of him! All couples must be between the ages of 16 and 25 and have been dating for at least three months!

If you are interested in this opportunity please send an e-mail to badboys@mtv.com, with  a picture of yourself and your “boyfriend”, you location, phone number and a brief paragraph explaining your relationship, why your boyfriend is considered a bad boy and why you are attracted to him.

Have a wonderful weekend! Check back with us often for more updates on Tampa Bay Film and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Reel Terror 2011- Film Festival Coming to Tampa this October!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 by

Hello Everyone, Alex here to let you know about a spooky film festival coming to Tampa this October.
 
On October 22, prepare to have your soiled pants scared right off when Creative Loafing Presents: Reel Terror 2011. A one-day film festival celebrating the local horror scene and the many brave souls who risk life and financial ruin in pursuit of their dreams, Reel Terror will include panel discussions with area filmmakers, celebrity appearances, screenings of scary movies shot all over the Bay area and the state, an audience-dictated awards ceremony and much more.Reel Terror 2011

Whether you’re a local film-nerd working on a low budget creep-a-thon or an experienced hack that’s just completed their magnum opus, we want to hear from you. To enter, go to http://cltampa.com/reelterror and fill out the online entry form.

You will have the option of providing an online link to your film for us to review or sending us a DVD. (Note: We’ll need a DVD either way if your film is selected for the festival.) We will then notify those selected for the festival by Sept. 30, 2011.

The rules for submissions to Reel Terror 2011 are as follows:
•  All entries must be received by Sept. 15, 2011
•  Entry fee is $35 for a short film (less than 30 minutes) and $50 for a feature (30-90 minutes long). Entry fee includes VIP tickets to the event regardless of if your film is chosen to compete
• Your film MUST have been shot in the state of Florida
• Your film MUST be solely your work and not contain any unlicensed, copyrighted or otherwise infringing material — that includes the music. 

If you have a passion for film and love to celebrate Halloween, this is a great film festival for you!! Don’t forget the deadline to submit an entry is September 15, 2011.  Now go get started on creating your short or feature film!

Keep checking cltampa.com/movies or follow @cl_movies for updates and more info. 

Check back with us often for more updates on Tampa Bay Film!

Dr. Oz Show Comes to Tampa Today!!!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 by

Dr. OzGood morning Tampa Bay, is anyone interested in possibly being on TV? If so, Alex here to inform you that the Dr. Oz show is coming to Tampa today!!

They will be filiming at Curtis Hixon Park from 11a.m- 1p.m. (Arrive at 10:15a.m. to be a part of the special video message to Dr. Oz)

The Dr. Oz Show is going around to multiple cities in an attempt to dispose of something that will help each city become healthier. Tampa has been chosen to get riof expired medications. So, bring any expired medication – prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins or supplements!!

All participants please wear plain or solid colored clothing. Logos will not be allowed on camera. Please let me know if you have any questions.

If you are planning on arriving early to participate in a special on camera message, apply here:
http://www.doctoroz.com/the-dr-oz-show-coming-your-city.

Check back with us for more information on Tampa Bay Film!

Dolphin Tale Coming to Theaters This September!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 by
clearwater aquariumHi Tampa Bay, have you heard about the movie Dolphin Tale coming to theaters this September? If so, did you know it is based on a true story that took place at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium?

Alex here to tell you about this touching story that was turned into a film. 
 
Dolphin Tale is based on a true story about Winter the dolphin who was injured in a crab trap as a baby, after being found by a boater and rescued by wildlife authorities, she was brought to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for help. Upon arrival, experts realized her injuries were so severe that her tail would have to be amputated. After her major surgery, aquarium staff wanted her to have as normal of a life as possible, so they found a scientist to make Winter a prosthetic tail. Now she shoots through the water like every other dolphin at the aquarium.

Winter has not only survived tramatic injuries, undergone a large surgery, lost her tail and received a prosthetic tail, but she has had an impact on many.

Click here to read about Winter’s journey and how she has been an inspiration to many!

Don't miss Winter on the big screen this September in the movie Dolphin Tale, which stars Winter, Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Harry Connick Jr in Dolphin Tale.

 I can’t wait to see this movie when it hits theaters on September 23!!


Check back often for more updates on Tampa Bay Film!

Biggest Loser Casting Call...

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 by
Hello Tampa Bay, Alex here with some exciting news!

NBC's The Biggest Loser is heading to Orlando to hold a casting call The Biggest Loseron Saturday, August 20th, 2011.

Everyone in the surrounding cities has been asked to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to audition. It is only a short drive away!

The Biggest Loser encourages everyone to get healthy, lose weight, and become the person they've dreamed of. 

They are seeking both individuals and partners who would benefit from losing a minimum of 85 lbs and who are at least 18 years of age.  The grand prize is $250,000.00!

This is a great opportunity to get healthy, be on reality television and meet a Season 5 Fan Favorite, Brittany Aberle, who now works on the show. 

Have a great evening and check back with us for more information on Tampa Bay Film and Tampa Bay area events!