Tampa Bay Film

The Gasparilla International Film Festival kicks off this Thursday, March 18, 2010.

It all begins Thursday at the Tampa Theatre with Opening Night's screening of Sundance Audience Award winner happythankyoumoreplease, written, directed, and starring Josh Radnor (CBS's How I Met Your Mother). Producer and Tampa native Glenn Willamson will be in attendance.

Friday brings the screening of You, a love story directed by Melora Hardin (NBC's The Office). That's right folks, "Jan Levinson" is making an appearance in Tampa. You can join her on the red carpet at Ybor City's Muvico if you choose to upgrade to the VIP Reception Package. Film only tickets are also available.

The Closing Night film Thespians follows talented high school theatre troupes as they audition, rehearse, and compete in the the largest high school theatre festival in the world. Just so happens that theatre festival is right here in Tampa and portions of the film were shot here last February. I'm really looking forward to seeing the final product. Thespians was also the recepient of Film Florida's Don Davis Film Finishing Fund last year.

Many great local films will screen this year, and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the panels and the parties. Those folks do know how to throw a party! I'm on a panel happening Saturday at 2pm - The Future of Florida's Film Business - if you're taking notes.

Arielle Kebbel and Raymond J. Barry will be honored with the Rising Star Award and the Career Achievement Award respectively.

The festival runs through Sunday, March 21, 2010. For a full schedule of events, ticket information and screening locations, click here.

And because Tampa Bay has much to offer the film lover there's another film screening on Thursday, March 18 at Channelside Cinemas. The Lightkeepers featuring Richard Dreyfuss and Blythe Danner will premiere in Tampa on Thursday, March 18th at 7:00pm. Tickets are $25 and the primary beneficiary is the American Victory Ship. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Egmony Key Alliance.

See you at the movies! 

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.

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! 

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! 
 

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!
 

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!

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!
 

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! 
 

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!

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

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.

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