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!

Bollywood meets the Bay

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by lindsey norris

This weekend offers a unique opportunity for Tampa Bay residents, filmmakers and movie goers alike. The India International Film Festival presented by the Indo-US Chamber of Commerce is happening January 22-24 at Channelside Cinemas. Click here for a complete schedule of events, including a panel - When Art Meets Business, Filmmaking and Finance in the Global Market - moderated by yours truly. It'll be riveting, trust me.

The USF University Lecture Series and the University Film & Video Association at the USF welcomes filmmaker Brett Ratner on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Marshall Student Center Ballroom, USF Tampa Campus (overflow room, The MSC Oval Theatre). Aside from being one of the luckiest guys in Hollywood, he's also a Florida boy. You can learn more about Brett here.

Finally, I'm pleased to tell you that House Bill 697 - Entertainment Industry Economic Development bill was filed today by Representative Stephen Precourt in the Florida House. You can follow this bill's progress and read the details of the legislation by clicking here. I would urge everyone with a vested interest in the Tampa Bay film community and the Florida film community to reach out to your legislators and relay how important an increased incentive is to the continued success of the film, TV and digital media industry here in Florida.

Stay tuned for more news from the Tampa Bay film community.

TDS Corporate Video Shoot To Be Rescheduled

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 by lindsey norris

Hey guys - a quick update re: the Tampa Digital corporate video shoot scheduled for this weekend...

Due to inclement weather, TDS and 180 Communications have postponed this shoot until further notice. We'll be sure to let you know when this shoot is rescheduled, as they are hoping for as many extras as possible. Stay tuned to this blog or our Facebook page for more information.

Stay warm everyone!

Welcome to Twenty Ten

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by lindsey norris

Are you a fan of "twenty ten" or do you prefer "two thousand ten"? According to the National Association of Good Grammar (can you believe there is such a thing?) "twenty ten" is the accurate pronunciation but I say to heck with it, do what makes you happy in 2010, however you choose to say it.

Now let's get on with it, what's new in the Tampa Bay film community...

The National Film Challenge is an exhilarating, worldwide filmmaking competition from the creators of the 48 Hour Film Project. It goes like this - participating teams have just one weekend to write, shoot and edit a short film or video. Just like in the 48HFP, particpants receive a character, prop, line of dialogue, and a genre. Sounds tough, right? Well, I'm thrilled to announce that two Tampa Bay area teams have made it to the Top 16! The local entries are “The Case,” produced by Jeff Zampino and “The More Perfect Yellow” produced by Kerri Bermudez of Movie Groovy. Voting ends on January 9th so they need your support to help them squash the competition. Click here and register at the top right (name, e...-mail etc.). You’ll get an e-mail. Click on the link. Start voting. The winning films will screen at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. In addition there are cash prizes for the winning films!

Interested in learning to make films or learning to act for the screen? The Sunscreen Film Festival has two classes coming up that can help you do just that. "Acting for the Screen" and "Film School for Movie Makers" start this month. Learn more online by clicking here.

And finally dont forget to show up this weekend to participate in a corporate video shoot for 180 communications and Tampa Digital Studios. They are looking for volunteer extras for a video shoot happening this weekend, January 8-10th. There are several opportunities to participate. Click here for more details.

More to come on Tampa Bay's film community. In the meantime, stay warm!

My New Year's Resolution

Tuesday, December 29, 2009 by lindsey norris

I know, I know, I know...where the heck have I been? I have no excuses, at least not any good ones, so I'll save it. I promise to be better in 2010. In fact, my new year's resolution (along with living through my 1/2 marathon in February) is to be a better blogger! You guys deserve at least that much, no?

Let's jump right in...

180 communications and Tampa Digital Studios are looking for volunteer extras for a corporate video shoot happening next weekend, January 8-10th. There are several opportunities to participate. Click here for more details.

Want to help send kids from USF to Sundance next month? The University Film & Video Association at USF (UFVA) is seeking financial and in-kind support for its efforts to raise funds to send students to the Sundance Film Festival in January 2010. In-kind donations can also help them to make film projects that would be worthy of such film festivals as Sundance. Their total fundraising goal is $10,000. For information on how to donate, email Rodrick Colbert.

Some of you might remember a film shot here last February called The Fallen Faithful starring Sonny Marinelli, Mark Margolis & Obba Babatunde. Well, it's finally premiere time! On April 8th, 2010 at Channelside Cinemas you can catch the world premiere of this film. All proceeds from the event will benefit the 1 Voice Foundation. For more information click here.

More soon. I promise. Stay tuned in for more film related things to do in Tampa Bay!

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!