Tampa Bay Film

My Blog

Hi I'm Lindsey. I'll be taking 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!

CineBistro

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by lindsey norris

The folks over at Hyde Park Village's new CineBistro had me over on Tuesday morning for the media preview and I must say - yum! Beyond the amazing food, the place is just beautiful in design and detail. I think this theater will be a great addition to the Hyde Park scene. The grand opening is tomorrow evening. The opening week's lineup includes: Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story; The Stepfather; Couples Retreat; Law Abiding Citizen; Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are; and The Boys Are Back with Clive Owen.You can purchase tickest online by clicking here. And just to tease you a bit, here are some photos that are too good not to share!

I hope everyone has a chance to get out and attend this year's 20th Anniversary Clip Film Festival! Tonight's screenings include Friends & Lovers: Ski Trip 2, Butch Factor (both at Tampa Theater), City of Borders and Chef's Special (both at Muvico Baywalk). For a complete listing of times, schedules, parties and events click here.

Anyone attending tonight's USF Bulls game vs the Cincinnati Bearcats? I'll be there. Don't forget it's a "green out" and they are asking all fans to wear GREEN! Go Bulls!

Clip it, you know you want to

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 by lindsey norris

So we're in the midst of the 20th Anniversary of the Clip Film Festival this week. Can you believe it? Twenty years "celebrating life in pictures"! Anyone been to any screenings or special events yet? I was unable to attend opening night, as I was out of town for a work obligation and I'm sorry I missed it. Las year's celebration was incredible and I can only imagine how they planned to top themselves for the 20th Anniversary. Screenings and special events are happening daily on both sides of the Bay. For a complete schedule, click here.

I'm looking forward to attending this afternoon's media preview of the new CineBistro @ Hyde Park Village. Thanks for the invite, Katy. The grand opening happens this Friday, October 16th. You know the drill - high-end food, bar, great service, plus all your favorite films. Should be a great addition to the Hyde Park scene. It's also the home of the 2010 Gasparilla International Film Festival.

Speaking of Gasparilla, just got word of their next event via press release, here's a snipit:

The Gasparilla International Film Festival in conjunction with Brokenmold Entertainment is proud to present a special performance by acclaimed singer/songwriter Matt Butcher live in concert at the Market on 7th Ave in Ybor City on October 22. The show will benefit the Gasparilla International Film Festival and will be preceded by a screening of the independent film, Visioneers, starring Zach Galifianakis, who was most recently seen in 'The Hangover' and the new series on HBO, Bored to Death. Tampa fusionists Poetry 'n Lotion will close out the evening.

Should be a great event! Full details, including show times are online. Hope to see you there.

A shout out to the Guzzo Brothers who kick off filming today of their latest indie project, 'Caged Dreams'. I'm visiting the set this week so I'll be sure to snap some photos to share. Good luck guys!

Window Dressing

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by lindsey norris

Ok, I need your help! We've been offered the chance to participate with Hyde Park Village as they celebrate the opening of Cobb Theater's Cinebistro theater/dinner concept in October. They are asking local organizations and merchants to decorate storefront windows and tie it around movies, making movies, Hollywood, etc. They've asked the Film Commission to participate in this "showcase" and I'm hoping to put together a beautiful window with props from locally-made projects. If you have anything to donate (you will get it back), please contact me via email ASAP so that we can coordinate the pick up/drop off. I need your help to make this window look great!

On the film festival front, I have to give props to the folks over at the Gasparilla International Film Festival who invited me to join them last Friday evening at their Annual Benefit and Art Auction at The Ritz Theater in Ybor City. The event was a smashing success, raising money for the 2010 festival and offering support to Tampa's local art community. I'm didn't get the piece I was bidding on (bummer) but I hope the gentleman who outbid me enjoys his portrait of Audrey Hepburn. You can see pictures from the event here.

On the topic of the Gasparilla International Film Festival, their next Global Lens screening will happen on September 24th. 'Song from the Southern Seas' by Marat Sarulu, a film from Kazakhstan, will screen at Studio@620 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $8 at the door ($5 students/seniors), but members of the Gasparilla International Film Festival may attend free. Beer and wine will be served!

Finally, the Tampa Film Network invites you to attend a "Producer's Panel" next Friday, September 25th, 2009 from 7:30-10pm at The Art Institute of Tampa. Local producers will discuss the role of Producer in filmmaking, what it takes to be successful, and how to avoid failure. The event is free and open to the public. Hey, you might just learn something!

I hope everyone has a great weekend. A lot of great Tampa Bay film community events happening out there - go check one out!

Sunscreen Film Festival Film School's Fundamentals of Filmmaking...

Friday, September 4, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey Gang, Lindsey here with a quick note! The Sunscreen Film Festival Film School's Fundamentals of Filmmaking course is ready for new filmmakers for its fall session. Learn story development/screenwriting, cinematography, pre-production, filming, post-production, sunscreen screening! Join them Saturday September 26, October 10, November 21, and December 5 from 9am to 6pm in Downtown St Petersburg. The cost for participants is $299. If you're a member of the festival your cost drops to $150. For mroe information log on here.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend! See you back here next week and stay tuned for more Tampa Bay film updates.

Up, Up & Away...Legislative Launch

Thursday, September 3, 2009 by lindsey norris

Were you at Tuesday's Legislative Launch? If not, you missed a great opportunity for networking and education. We were honored by the attendance of nearly 200 industry professionals and nine legislators who spoke about Florida's digital media incentive.

Special thanks to Rep. Ron Reagan, Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel-Vasilinda, Rep. Richard Glorioso, Rep. Stephen Precourt, Rep. Kevin Ambler, Rep. Gary Aubuchon, Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, Rep. Nick Thompson, Senator Nancy Detert, Lucia Fishburne, State Film Commissioner and Dr Rick Harper, Director of the Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development who all took time to attend and participate in our panel.

The panel also included several industry professionals and economic experts who engaged in a dialogue about the Florida film, TV and digital media tax incentive program as it currently exists and how it may be best structured in the future for the greatest benefit of all Florida citizens.

A very special thank you to Tampa Digital Studios who streamed the meeting live on the web and is currently in the process of uploading the files to Film Florida's website. In case you missed it, you can catch it here soon.

Thank you to everyone who attended. I hope you're inspired to get involved in the legislative process. Stay tuned for a call-to-action in the near future.

Check back soon for more industry related Tampa Bay area events and Tampa Bay film updates!

Long Overdue

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 by lindsey norris

Good Morning! Lindsey's back in the blogging seat and I'm still recovering from the loss of our wonderful summer intern, Katy Williamson. Katy was an avid blogger and spent a lot of time keeping you guys up to date on the latest with the Tampa Bay film community. Her contributions to the film commission will not be forgotten and we wish Katy the best of luck as she begins her sophmore year at Florida State University.

Now onto some upcoming Tampa Bay area events...

I hope you're able to make it to Sunday's screening of My Time Will Come, a film from Ecuador, and part of the Gasparilla International Film Festival's prestigious 2009 Global Lens Film Series. The film will screen at the Tampa Pitcher Show at 2:00pm- Sunday, August 30. Tickets are only $5 at the door, but members of the Gasparilla International Film Festival may attend free. And because the parties never stop at GIFF, they invite you to join the fun and help support the 2010 festival at GIFF's Annual Benefit Party and Art Auction on September 11th from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. Some of Tampa's best and brightest artists will showcase their latest works at The Ritz in Ybor for a silent auction. Many other great prizes, including a 5-night trip to Puerto Vallerta, Mexico, will be auctioned and raffled off to support the 2010 festival.

Dont forget about the Sunscreen Film Festival's upcoming acting workshop with Lana Veenker, the casting director of Twilight, and the renowned Miami-based acting coach Marc Durso. The workshop will take place in Downtown St. Pete from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2009. The program costs $125. For more info contact Harry Chittenden at harryc@harryc.net. To learn more about the Sunscreen Film Festival check out their website.

This is a bit overdue but I must say congratulations to all of the winners of this year's 48 Hour Film Project -

• Best Film : “HA” by Good Karma
• Best Directing : “Nothin’ But Treble” – Nakagawa Super Filming Camera Team
• Best Writing : “HA” by Good Karma
• Best Editing : Evan Smith for “The Perpetual Life: Kyle Cooper” by OutaFocus
• Best Actor: Nathan Cochran for “Sweaty Noche” by The Guacamanca Theatre Film Company
• Best Actress: Catey Brannan for “Foos Don’t Lie” by Team JumpCut
• Best Cinematography: Erik Curtis for “The Perpetual Life: Kyle Cooper” by OutaFocus
• Best Sound Design: “Sweaty Noche” by The Guacamanca Theatre Film Company
• Best Use of Character (Kyle or Kylie Cooper, Hypochondriac): “HA” by Good Karma
• Best Use of Prop (Mattress): “HA” by Good Karma
• Best Use of Line of Dialogue (“When you say it like that, it’s crystal clear”): “Nothin’ But Treble” by Nakagawa Super Filming Camera Team
• Best Graphics: “Bedlam” by AskStephenBell.com
• Best Special Effects: “HA” by Good Karma
• Best Musical Score: “Nothin’ But Treble” by Nakagawa Super Filming Camera Team
• Best Choreography: “Nothin’ But Treble” by Nakagawa Super Filming Camera Team
• Special Jury Award: “The Wright Way” by Studio Generic

These were some of the best films I've seen in a long time. Congratulations to everyone who participated!

On a final note, I leave you with some important information on Florida's current legislative strategy as it pertains to our statewide financial incentive. On Tuesday, September 1, 2009, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Film Florida will host a “Legislative Launch” event at The Renaissance Vinoy Resort, 501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. The event will include a panel of industry professionals and economic experts who will engage in a dialogue about the Florida film, TV and digital media tax incentive program as it currently exists and how it may be best structured in the future for the greatest benefit of all Florida citizens. The event will be open to the public and moderated. Legislators in attendance will participate in a Q&A session with both the panel and the public who may submit questions to the moderator in writing at the event. Join us from 6:00pm-7:30pm for a reception sponsored by the St Petersburg/Clearwater Film Commission, the Tampa Bay Film Commission and Film Florida. Admission is free and includes hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. PLEASE RSVP HERE.

So Long, Farewell

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey all, Intern Katy here for my final blog post. That's right, today is my last day as the Tampa Bay Film Commission Intern, a bitter-sweet event indeed. I've enjoyed my time here greatly, in fact, it's hard to believe I've been here for longer than 3 months! While I've learned so much and met a ton of amazing people, I am majorly excited to attend FSU and can't wait to hit the road (just 3 days left!).

As for the latest in Tampa Bay Film, The Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF), one of Florida's largest independent film festivals, has announced dates for its 2010 Festival. The four-day event, now in its fourth year, will be held Thursday, March 18 through Sunday, March 21, 2010.

The Festival, which will include nearly 100 films from around the world, will pack a new venue with the opening of CineBistro Theatre in Hyde Park. The brand new theatre will combine fine dining with GIFF's film chats to bring the festival to a whole new level of comfort and enjoyment. With the new setting of hip and happening Hyde Park, the parties will be better than ever! However, the Festival will continue to hold screenings and education panels at key supporting partners, such as the Tampa Theatre, Channelside Cinema, University of Tampa, and Studio @ 620 in St. Petersburg.

GIFF will also host it's Annual Benefit and Art Auction party at the Ritz in Ybor from 7:00pm to 11:00pm on September 11, 2009. Join the fun and help support the 2010 festival! Some of Tampa's best and brightest artists will showcase their latest film-related works for a silent auction and many other great prizes, including a 5-night trip to Puerto Vallerta, Mexico, will be auctioned and raffled off to support GIFF.

Also, if you haven't yet, don't forget to become a Fan of the Tampa Bay Film Commission on Facebook!

Over, and out.

Actors' Workshop and "Legislative Launch"

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 by lindsey norris

Guess who? That’s right, it’s me, Katy! But only for a limited time. My internship here with the Tampa Bay Film Commission is coming to a close. I’ll be here for a few more days and then I’m off to Florida State University for the fall semester.

Below are two great events happening in the Tampa film community. I hope you get involved with both!

The Sunscreen Film Festival is offering an Actor's Workshop with Lana Veenker, the casting director of Twilight, and the renowned Miami-based acting coach Marc Durso. The workshop will take place in Downtown St. Pete from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2009. The program costs $125. For more info contact Harry Chittenden at harryc@harryc.net. To learn more about the Sunscreen Film Festival check out their website.

Film Florida, not-for–profit association that provides a leadership role in Florida’s film and entertainment industries, is hosting the 2009 Legislative Launch here in the Bay area on September 1, 2009. The event will take place at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel from 4pm-6pm. The event will include a panel of industry professionals and economic experts who will engage in a dialogue about the Florida film, TV and digital media tax incentive program as it currently exists and how it may be best structured in the future for the greatest benefit of all Florida citizens. The event will be open to the public and moderated. Legislators in attendance will participate in a Q&A session with both the panel and the public who may submit questions to the moderator in writing at the event.

Join Film Florida, the Tampa Bay Film Commission and the St Petersburg/Clearwater Film Commission for a cocktail reception immediately following. Admission is free and includes hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

Please RSVP here.

Media Professionals of Florida Meeting

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey guys, Intern Katy is back to tell you all about Tampa Bay Film.

If you're a media professional interested in post-production, be sure to attend tonight's Media Professionals of Florida meeting "Audio Production and Introduction to Soundtrack Pro", taught by post-production specialist Orben Torres. The meeting will be held at the Jan Platt Library on Manhattan Ave in Tampa, with networking beginning at 6pm, and the program beginning at 7pm. First time guests are FREE! For more information on the program, directions, or how to join the Media Professionals of Florida, check out their website.

Also, don't forget the 48 Hour Film Project Tampa/St. Pete Awards Ceremony this Friday! The Awards will run from 7 to 11pm at Nova535 in St. Pete. For more info on the ceremony and tickets, go to the 48HFP website.

Finally, if you haven't already, check out our new Facebook Fan Page and Twitter! Become a Fan or Follower today!

That's all for today folks! Hope you guys can make it out to these great Tampa Bay events!

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Contribute to our E-Newsletter!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey guys, Intern Katy is back to tell ya'll all about some great events and opportunities in Tampa Bay film.

This month check out the great events going on at The Studio@620! After its sell out Tampa premier, WMNF 88.5 Community Radio and The Studio@620 present two screenings of Outrage on August 12, at 7pm and 9pm. Academy Award nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick delivers a searing indictment of the hypocirsy of closeted politicians who actively campaign against the LGBT community they covertly belong to. Tickets and more information can be obtained at 813-238-8001 or at wmnf.org. Also stop by the Indy Film Café, where the Studio@620 will be screening various socially-conscious documentary films. To learn more, click here.

Here at the Film Commission, we'd like to remind everyone that the next edition of our monthly E-Newsletter will go out on Monday, August 17, 2009. If you have anything you'd like us to include in the newsletter, please send it our way! Recent projects, upcoming events, film screenings, and crew or casting calls are all of interest. Remember to be concise, as there are many wonderful things happening in our area right now and we'd like to include as much as possible. Photos are always welcome! Email Lindsey if you have anything of interest.

Additionally, we'd like to remind everyone that we now have a new and improved Facebook Fan Page. Be sure to check it out and become a fan of the Tampa Bay Film Commission!

Tampa Bay - Scattered and Eventful

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey guys, intern Katy here with the latest Tampa Bay film events and news. Already this morning has been fairly busy, as Lindsey and I met with Ben and Miller from Scatter Brothers Productions, a St. Petersberg based production company, to chat a bit about some of their current and upcoming productions. These guys have been very busy and I encourage all of you to check them out.

First of all I'd like to remind everyone about the screening of "The Photograph" this Saturday, August 8th, beginning at 8PM. This screening, hosted by the the Gasparilla International Film Festival, is yet another installment of the prestigious 2009 Global Lens Film Series, which you can see for just $10 ($5 for students and seniors, and free for Gasparilla International Film Festival members). So try to make it out to Home Theater Gallery on Dale Mabry Hwy this Friday to see this wonderful film! For more info about the screening and the film, go to the GIFF website.

I'd also like to issue a reminder about the 48 Hour Film Project Tampa/St. Pete awards ceremony on Friday, August 14th, from 7pm to 11pm at Nova 535. With all the fantastic films the teams created this year, it's sure to be a nail-biter. For more info about the ceremony and how to purchase tickets, go to the 48HFP website.

Now it's my pleasure to tell you all about a great event coming to Tampa this September. DEEP CARNIVALE: A CELEBRATION OF WORDS, Tampa’s premier literature festival sponsored by The Artists and Writers Group, Inc., takes place Saturday, September 12, 2009, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Dozens of authors, poets, songwriters and artists will present work on multiple stages in the Performing Arts Building of Hillsborough Community College, Ybor Campus. The event is free and open to the public. As an English major in college, this sounds like a truly amazing Tampa bay event, and I hope that I can manage a trip home from FSU to attend.

I sincerely hope you all take advantage of these great Tampa Bay area events!

Reminders

Thursday, July 30, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey all, Intern Katy here with a few reminders about Tampa Bay film events going on this week!

Don't forget to stop by the Tampa Theater at 7:30pm tonight for the FREE screening of Food, Inc. hosted by Chipotle. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the American food industry and see a wonderful film at the same time. Hope to see you there!

I'd also like to remind you all of the Gasparilla International Film Festival Filmmaker's Happy Hour tomorrow, Friday July 31st, at Tapper Pub from 6pm to 8pm. Just $10 gets you unlimited draft beer, Barefoot wine, and appetizers plus one raffle ticket, all to support the Gasparilla International Film Festival. This is a wonderful opportunity to support one of Florida's largest film festivals and to network with other local filmmakers and industry professionals. Check out the Facebook event for more details.

The Gasparilla Film Festival also invites artists interested in an opportunity to showcase and potentially sell their art (preferably art inspired by or related to film) to participate in their second annual fundraising art auction to take place this September. Please contact them at info@gasparillafilmfestival.com if you are interested in participating.

Have a great weekend and enjoy all of these great Tampa Bay events!

Have Nothing to Do? Now You Do.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey guys, Intern Katy here with all the latest news about Tampa Bay Film.

As someone who thoroughly enjoys seeing a variety of new and different films, I know that it doesn't come cheap. For those of you like myself, I'm glad to report that this Thursday, July 30th at 7:30PM, Chipotle will be hosting a FREE screening of the film Food, Inc. at the Tampa Theater. To learn more about this revealing documentary, go to the Food, Inc. website. This is just one of the awesome Tampa Bay events going on in the area, and I hope to see a bunch of you out there!

I'd also like to announce the exclusive feature film screening of Brainjacked, the all-new sc-fi/horror thriller from Film Ranch, on Saturday, August 1st, 2009. This world premiere will take place at 11PM at the Clearwater Cinemas Cafe. Brainjacked tells the story of Tristan, a teenage runaway, who discovers a sinister underground world ruled by an evil doctor and his violent army of mind-controlled juvenile slaves. This thriller, filmed entirely in Pinellas County, combines paranoid science-fiction with shocking horror in an unforgettable cinematic experience that is certain to entertain Tampa Bay Film fans and beyond. To warn you all, however, Brainjacked is not rated, but contains nudity and scene of graphic violence that may be considered shocking, and no one under 17 will be admitted without a parent or guardian. For more info about the premiere, click here.

Many of you will be glad to hear that yet another GIFF Global Lens Screening is coming to the Home Gallery Theatre on Saturday, August 8th at 8PM. This time around we will be screening The Photograph, a film out of Indonesia about Sita, a spirited young woman working to support her family as a singer and prostitute in a local brothel. For further details about the film and screening, go to the GIFF website.

Finally, I'm happy to report that the Sunscreen Film Festival's Summer Camp Film School and the final student screenings were a success! To see pictures of the screening and party, click here. Stay tuned for more things to come this year from the Sunscreen Film Festival, including an actor's workshop, several film screenings, a holiday film series, a film school for adults, and more. To find out more about the Sunscreen Film Festival, go to their website.

We've Been Wowed!

Thursday, July 23, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey all, Intern Katy is back and I can't wait to brag about the amazing films that came out of this year's Tampa/St. Pete 48 Hour Film Project!

As I'm sure many of you saw based on the sell out crowd, last night's display of talent and creativity at the 48HFP Screenings was quite impressive, and in many cases, hilarious. From tear-jerking dramas to adlibbed foreign films to murderous musicals, an exceptional viewing experience and a good laugh was had by all. The Film Commission is so proud to call Tampa the home to so many talented filmmakers! Congrats to all the teams!

To see who the Tampa/St. Pete winners are, make sure to attend the Awards Ceremony the night of Friday, April 14th. For full details and ticket purchasing information, go to the 48HFP website. The winning films will advance and be screened at this year's Filmapalooza at NAB in Las Vegas!

Also, I'd just like to remind everyone one more time about the screening of InGREEDients tomorrow night, beginning at 7pm, at the Art Institute of Design and Technology. For all the info, check out the Facebook event. Hope to see you there!

Finally, make sure to check out Food, Inc., premiering at the Tampa Theater tomorrow, sometime this weekend!

Until next time, have a great weekend. Stay tuned for more Tampa Bay area events and fun things to do in Tampa Bay!

Filmmakers Expose the Food Industry

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 by lindsey norris

Greetings! Intern Katy here to tell you all about Tampa Bay Film and the efforts of a couple health conscious filmmakers.

For a couple weeks now we've been telling you all about the film InGREEDients, an expose by local David Burton on how hydrogenated oil is raising levels of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, which is showing this Friday at the Art Institute of Design and Technology. Lindsey and I are both attending and we hope to see you there!

David Burton isn't the only filmmaker who is making movie about food. In Food, Inc., Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, the USDA and FDA. Kenner also reveals how our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of powerful corporations that put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers, as well as the environment. If you've read and enjoyed ( the term "enjoyed" meant as loosely as possible, of course) the book Fast Food Nation, then this is right up your alley. Food, Inc. opens this Friday, July 24, 2009, at Tampa Theater. Click here for showtimes and for more information on the film itself, go to the Food, Inc. website.

I'd also like to remind you all one more time that the Tampa/St. Pete 48 Hour Film Project films will premiere tonight at Channelside Cinemas. The films have been split into two screenings, one at 6:30pm and another at 9pm. It's bound to busy so show up early!

Come out to support Tampa Bay film at one of the many Tampa Bay area events going on this week!

Some Reminders and Updates

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey all, Intern Katy here!

I'm ecstatic to report that last weekend's 48 Hour Film Project in the Tampa/St. Pete area was a success! To hear all about it from the filmmakers themselves, or to describe your own experience as a participant, check out the Tampa-St. Pete 48HFP Filmmaker Blog. Don't forget that the films from this years contest will premiere Wednesday, July 22, 2009 (tomorrow night!) at Channelside Cinemas. Even though there will be two showings, at 6:30pm and 9pm, I know from experience that the venue will be PACKED, so get your tickets in advance and arrive early! Also, to find out which films make the cut, check out the Tampa/St. Pete Awards ceremony on August 14th at Nova 535. Click here for full details about the Premiere and Awards Ceremony. Both events are bound to enhance the already great Tampa Bay entertainment.

Speaking of fantastic Tampa Bay area events, I'd also like to remind you all of Ghosts of Ybor, an evening of stories and tales from Tampa's mafia history, hosted by The Education Channel. Unfortunately this event is sold out, but you can still check out the documentary and program on the TEC website. We'd also like to announce that Charlie Wall the documentary will be showing on Sunday, July 26 at 9pm on the Education Channel - BrightHouse Channel 614 and Verizon Fios Channel 32. Check it out!

A quick update on the Children's Film and TV Workshop we told you about in an earlier blog... this event has been cancelled. It may be rescheduled in the near future so stay tuned to our blog for more information.

Until next time, check out our new Facebook Fan Page! Become a fan of the Tampa Bay Film Commission.

Until next time, check out our new Fan Page on Facebook and become a fan of the Tampa Bay Film Commission!

This Just In!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 by lindsey norris

Sorry for the late notice but want to let you all know there is a Media Professionals of Florida Meeting tonight, July 14, 2009. Tonight’s topic is “Step-by-Step to Live Type” and attendees will learn how to set project properties to match Final Cut projects, discuss “LiveFonts vs. Fonts,” create a full screen graphic with Live Type, work with Live Type templates, create lower third titles, make a credit roll and use Live Type in motion. This will be hands-on with several computers available for attendees. Anyone with a laptop or Mac with Live Type is encouraged to bring your computer to the meeting.

Networking and Refreshments will take place from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. while the Meeting & Program begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the International Academy of Design & Technology, located at 5104 Eisenhower Blvd., Tampa, Fl 33634 (park and enter from George Road.). Remember first time guests are free. After that $10.00 per meeting per guest or you can join Media Professionals of Florida for only $50.00 per year from January to June or $25.00 from July - December. Students can join for only $35.00 per year from January to June or $17.50 from July - December.

If You're Not Into Film Screenings, You Should Be.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey all, Intern Katy here to tell you all about the great Tampa Bay film events going on over the next couple of weeks!

Remember the Summer Camp Film School I blogged about a few weeks back? Well The Sunscreen Film Festival and Studio 620 are proud to announce that the campers are ready to showcase their stuff! This FREE event will take place at 7PM this Friday, July 17, at Studio 620, 620 First Ave. South, St. Pete, FL 33701. Like I said, this event is FREE of charge, so come out and support not only arts and culture in Tampa Bay, but most importantly these young filmmakers! To learn more about the Sunscreen Film Festival and all their great events, click here.

For those of you interested in hydrogenated oils (yep, you read me right), or those of you trying to avoid them,I've got the film screening just for you! At 7PM on July 24th, "InGREEDients" will screen in the Arboretum of The Art Institute of Tampa. David Burton, registered nurse and filmmaker, is a Tampa native, so come out and support this local talent. To learn more about the film and the screening, check out the InGREEDients Movie Screening Facebook Event.

Speaking of film screenings, I'd like to remind everyone of the Gasparilla Film Festival screening of "I Am From Titov Veles" this Saturday, July 18th, at 8PM. for more info, click here. GIFF will also be hosting a fundraiser this month. The fundraiser will be held at the Tapper Pub on July 31st, from 6-8PM. Just $10 at the door gets you unlimited draft beer, Barefoot Wine, appetizers, and one raffle ticket. Come meet the current GIFF members to network and celebrate the joy of film with those who share the same passion for art and culture in Tampa Bay! As one of Florida's largest independent film festivals, operated by the Tampa Film Institute, they rely heavily upon the support of sponsors and members, so help support this great organization!

Finally, don't forget about the 48 Hour Film Project taking place this weekend. The completed films will be screened on Wednesday, July 22nd at Channelside Cinemas. There are two screenings -- 6:30PM and 9PM. For more information, click here.

Until next time, check out these great Tampa Bay events!

A Day in Ybor City

Wednesday, July 8, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey all! It's been a busy day but Intern Katy is back to keep you in the know. Not just about Tampa Bay film, but about arts and culture in Tampa Bay too!

Lindsey and I just returned from a meeting with the folks from the Broadway Theater Project at Tampa Digital Studios. For those of you unfamiliar with BTP, it’s an intensive three-week training program focused on the key disciplines of musical theatre including acting, dance, voice and the many facets of each, as well as the critical life skills necessary to prepare hopefuls to work in the professional world of entertainment. Considered by Playbill to be “the world’s most prestigious musical theater arts education program for high school and college students”, this rigorous three week program was born in 1991 and has since given rise to many successful Broadway (and film) stars, such as Patrick Wilson and Ashley Brown.

Today’s meeting revolved around Broadway Theater Project's interest in adding a social media element to their marketing plan, and how TDS and the Film Commission can assist with this endeavor. Whether this new media element involves reality-based webisodes about their crazy-driven students or a full on documentary, is currently unknown, but the Film Commission is very excited to see what becomes of it this new relationship.

When the meeting concluded, I had the privilege of touring Tampa Digital Studios with owner George Corneilus. George showed me the edit and graphic suites, the green screen studio and all the equipment they have on hand. Not knowing much about the technical side of video production, I thought the tour to be very educational. Thanks Tampa Digital for having us!

Finally, I'd like to remind everyone of the 48 Hour Film Project Meet & Greet tonight. This great networking opportunity will take place from 6:30 pm to 8 PM at Tucson's Southwest Grill located at 13563 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater, Fl 33760. For more information on the 48 Hour Film Project, click here.

Until tomorrow…