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Updated May 20, 2013
Film Festivals Nationwide Funded
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences: Film Festival Grants Program
The Film Festival Grants Program, an initiative of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, provides grants of up to $30,000 to a wide variety of film festivals based in the United States. Grant recipients include major international film festivals, independent and alternative festivals, and festivals that support social and cultural diversity. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that make festival events more accessible to the general public, give screening access to minority and less visible filmmakers, and strengthen connections between filmmakers and the public. Grants are only available to applicants that have held at least five festivals as of December 31, 2012. Applications must be submitted by June 26, 2013. Grant range information and application guidelines are available on the Academy’s website.
Almost Famous Film Festival
It's been awhile since my last announcement, hope everyone is having a nice start to the long, hot summer:) This is the time of year where I wish we could hibernate until Fall! Anyway, we (A3F) are planning out our summer activities or what we would like to offer and would love to have your opinion!
Please click on over to http://www.thea3f.net/ and scroll down to the left side of the Home Page and answer our new WEB POLL. We would like to see what the consensus is for some possible events. Usually, we take the summer off but in the past we have hosted a mixer/pool party and also an Actor's Challenge which was a big success.
We will be announcing our Fall 2013/Spring 2014 plans on July 1 as that's been our tradition for the past few years. Can you believe next year's 48 Hour Challenge will be our 10th one? WOW!
Thanks again for all of your support and look forward to seeing what you vote for on our web poll. - Jae
Phoenix Comicon "Know Your Genre" Screenwriting Panel this Friday!
Bob and Jessica Marquis of Sailbear Labs will be appearing on the Phoenix Comicon screenwriting panel happening this Friday, 5.24.13, at 6pm! Here are the official details:
Check out “Know Your Genre: Screenwriting Tips, Tools and Tricks” at Phoenix Comicon, 6 p.m. on Friday, May 24 at the Phoenix Convention Center, Room 232A. Lovinder Gill, Bob Marquis, Jessica Marquis, Nitara Osbourne and Ioannis N. Skiotes will discuss the film & TV industry with Mike MacLean (Syfy’s Piranhaconda and Sharktopus) and Bill True, whose current work is being shopped around with the executive producer of History Channel’s Vikings attached. Together, these seven writers will offer tips for developing your script idea for a studio/network pitch or for independent production. You’ll learn how to navigate the industry along with the most important part of the process – your story – while still meeting your ultimate writing goals.
Friday passes are available for $25 until May 22 at PhoenixComicon.com. A casual networking happy hour will take place downtown following the panel. For more information, please email Cassandra.Nicholson@phoenixcomicon.com
Updated May 13, 2013
Arizona Science Center's Science of Film Camp
The AZ Science Center's Camp Innovation is ready to unleash the science behind filmmaking: lighting, sound, special effects, and more! Students ages 12-14 will get up-close knowledge of technology and get a tour of the IMAX theater. It happens June 3-7 and again June 24-28, and costs $220 for members or $245 for non-members. Check it out on the AZ Science Center website!
2014 BlueCat Screenplay Competition Call for Entries
This year, BlueCat establishes one of the largest cash prizes in the world for a Short Screenplay, with a Grand prize of $10,000, along with an increase in our Feature prize to $15,000.
Students will be eligible to submit their short screenplay at a discounted rate of $29 for the duration of the competition.
Each Short Screenplay submission will receive one written analysis, while each Feature Screenplay entry will receive two.
All Short Screenplay submissions received by May 15th will receive their feedback by June 1st. ($35 entry fee)
All Feature Screenplay submissions received by June 15th will receive their feedback by July 1st. ($55 entry fee)
Best Feature Screenplay $15,000 Grand Prize
Four Finalists $2500 Prize
Best Short Screenplay $10,000 Grand Prize
Three Finalists $1500 Prize
The Cordelia Award
Best Feature Screenplay from the UK
$1500 Prize
The Joplin Award
Best Feature Screenplay from outside the USA, Canada or the UK
$1500 Prize
Movie Title Contest: Three Winners $250 each
All screenplays entered by August 1 are eligible
SUBMIT YOUR SCREENPLAY: http://www.bluecatscreenplay.com/2014-call-for-entries
The More You Know – Notes from the Film Office
SIDES (for locals)
Did you know that the Phoenix Film Office will post your casting calls, film events or job openings on our site? Did you also know that SIDES has over 700 views a month?
In an effort to inform the local film community, the Phoenix Film Office invites locals to submit their casting calls, film screenings, “seeking crew” announcements and other film related activities for consideration in SIDES. Simply compose an email to filmphx@phoenix.gov with the “who, why, what, where, when and how’s” of your event as well as related links, email addresses or flyers. We are unable to post advertisements for companies that are for profit.
SIDES (for locals) was created in an attempt to cut down on the number of mass emails emanating from the Phoenix Film Office.
Updated May 7, 2013
Prescott Film Festival
The Prescott Film Festival will be screening an Official Selection to their 2013 Fourth Annual Film Festival!
Liars, Fires and Bears will take the big screen at Yavapai College Saturday afternoon, May 18th. Special Matinee Time: 1:00pm! Tickets: $6 general admission or $3 for students and YC Employees.
Liars, Fires and Bears is a new indie comedy/drama filmed in Las Vegas about Eve, a 9-year-old street-savvy neglected foster child who’s accustomed to taking life seriously. So when she meets Dave, a drunk thirty something who forgot to grow up, she sees an opportunity. LIARS, FIRES, AND BEARS finds these two on an unlikely cross-country road trip after young Eve hatches a plan to reunite with her absent brother, and laid-back Dave suddenly finds himself on the run from both the cops and the robbers. With a precocious kid behind the wheel and a man-child navigating, Eve and Dave may find the quickest route to their destination is through each other. “A large flame follows a little spark” in this film.
Annual Festival July 24 – 31st, 2013!
Movies that Move You!
www.prescottfilmfesitval.com
GCU's Zombie Film Camp
Grand Canyon University's Digital Film program invites you to learn how to make a zombie movie - including the special effects makeup! Stay on campus all week and work with others to create a zombie film which your parents can view on the last day of camp. It happens July 22-26 and costs $175. Contact Gregg Elder for more info: Gregg.Elder@gcu.edu or 602.639.6084.
The More You Know – Notes from the Film Office
Marketing Yourself
Are you a film industry professional looking to market yourself or your company? There are a couple of things you can do.
The Arizona Production Association publishes a manual every year listing crew and companies related to the film industry located in Arizona. This manual is distributed to production companies and producers looking to film in Arizona and is promoted by the Phoenix Film Office and other film offices around the state. The same manual is also available on-line and you may visit it to find out current rates to list yourself. The site is: www.azproduction.com
Updated April 29, 2013
Sailbear Labs presents: 2013 Filmmaking Boot Camp!
Are you age 12-18? Then this is your official invitation to join our weeklong Filmmaking Boot Camp this July. As a team, you will write a script, plan it, film it, and edit it - even create an original score!
Don't know how to do any of these things yet? Perfect!
Already a seasoned pro? Just as good!
All levels of experience are welcome to join in on the fun - and there will be fun.
Dates: Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2
Times: 9am - 2pm
Location: To Be Determined
Cost: $200
We have the equipment, software, props, and set. You will also be provided with snacks and water, and you can bring bag lunches if they want to eat during the camp. To pre-register, email Jessica (jessica@sailbear.net) or call us at 602.357.0578.
The More You Know – Notes from the Film Office
Economic Impact Reporting
Did you know that the Phoenix Film Office tracks the money spent by filmmakers in Phoenix?
Every year around January and July, the Phoenix Film Office publishes its annual report detailing the number of crew members and talent hired, production days, hotel nights and the overall economic impact on the Valley from the film industry. We do this because, A) it is important for elected officials to see how our industry affects the economy and B) no one else is doing it.
Here is how you can help! The Phoenix Film Office is generally only aware of projects when they contact us directly. However, it is no secret that filming occurs daily in studios and throughout the Valley. When you work on one of these projects, ask the Producer or UPM to fill out our survey (see the link in the left navigational bar titled “Survey”) and we will be able to understand the positive affect the production had on our workforce and tax revenue.
Updated April 22, 2013
Film Screening
In the Shadow of the Law
Produced & Written by Paul Espinosa
May 2, Thur, 6:30 pm
A&E England Building
Civic Space
424 N. Central Ave
downtown Phoenix
Q & A with ASU Professor & Filmmaker Paul Espinosa
School of Transborder Studies
Film Synopsis: Mexican workers and their families have been crossing the border without documents to work in the United States for generations. This 1987 PBS film was one of the first national profiles of life “in the shadow of the law.” The one hour documentary examines the daily dilemmas faced by four families, from constant worry about apprehension by the U.S. Immigration Service, to being taken advantage of by many who capitalize on their vulnerability. In 1986, Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the last successful effort at comprehensive immigration reform. The bill was a source of both hope and uncertainty for these families. Would they qualify for amnesty and become part of American society, or would they remain in the shadows?
The More You Know – Notes From the Film Office
CITY RATES
The City of Phoenix does not charge location fees to film on our properties (unless it is a revenue generating facility such as the Phoenix Convention Center or Orpheum Theatre).
That being said, often times you will be required to hire, in an off-duty capacity, a city of Phoenix employee. It is import to know these costs ahead of time and budget accordingly. Following is a brief summary of the most common charges a production will face (go to the “City Policies” on the left navigational bar for more detailed information):
Phoenix Police: $40/hr with a 3 hour minimum
Park Ranger: $30/hr with a 3 hour minimum
Aviation Supervisor: $45/hr with a 3 hour minimum
Since the Police will be using official vehicles with your shoot, there is a slight rental fee. This charge is generally $5/hour rental for the motorcycle and $0.65/mile which is billed from Police Fiscal.
Please contact the Phoenix Film Office for a more concise estimate of your costs as every shoot is different and requires different staffing.
Updated April 15, 2013
Gathr Preview Series
We are extremely excited for the debut of Gathr Preview Series: Tomorrow's Indie Film Hits In Your Local Theater Today.
Gathr Films has partnered with the leading Independent film distributors to build this unique and innovative film program. Initially opening in twenty markets, Gathr Previews will allow film fans the opportunity to view the best of Independent cinema before its theatrical release anywhere in the country. Consider us a year round film festival that takes place right in your local theater.
Gathr Films has curated a film series that covers a variety of genres, both foreign and domestic. Hand selected first run feature films representing the best in documentary and narrative film making.
Beginning on May 1 at the FilmBar we will be featuring the first film of the series. Tickets for our first feature will be FREE with RSVP, registration for the series will open on April 22nd at Gathr.Us
We invite you to share this exclusive invitation with members of your organization and all the film lovers in your community. Our goal is to allow amazing films the broader audiences they deserve and we hope you partner with us in the vision.
Prescott Film Festival
Well, things are hopping here at the Prescott Film Fest with the upcoming Sci-Fi Mini Fest April 19 – 21st!
THEN, just 3 days after that, on April 24th we are working with the Center for Compassion and Justice, (CCJ) on a food drive – Bring one can of food to our April 24th screening of A Place at the Table and you get $1 off your ticket price! Film screens at 7:30pm, a bit later than usual, so we will screen the short after the feature. The short film will be Teaching Killer Whales Compassion.
Now; all the info for the Sci-Fi Mini Fest! Friday 4/19: Workshops and Space Jam Dance! Saturday and Sunday: Films, Celebrities, Gamer’s Lounge, CocoNuts Robotics Team, Pixel Paint, one more workshop and more! AND, if you could please purchase your tickets on-line before the event it would help our box office volunteers tremendously! Find out more at www.prescottfilmfestival.com!
You can even print your tickets at home!
Almost Famous Film Festival
The Top 20 Films from this year's 48 Hour Short Film Challenge are now live on our Vimeo page.
http://vimeo.com/album/2329038
(missing three films who chose to not make theirs public at this time)
Updated March 18, 2013
SB1242 - Note from the Arizona Film and Media Coalition
The window of opportunity we had to get some traction on passing the Multimedia Production Tax Incentive bill, SB1242 has closed. The hard work to try and stay one step ahead of the opposition was successful, but with every new approach we used, there was an equal effort to close doors we had already opened. The current legislative leaders were generally not supportive of our cause, so it has become painfully evident that we are trying to push a bill that has little chance of success.
It is important to note that throughout this process during the last three years that in every committee and every floor vote, we prevailed – we know that with support from leadership this legislation would have ultimately passed. Nevertheless that support was not forthcoming creating an insurmountable block to us.
We have faced obstacles intended to stop this politically divisive legislation at every turn and it now looks like any successful action on the bill is impossible this term given the current political climate. Our supporters in the legislature know this and are becoming skittish about taking a stand with us in what seems to them an unwinnable effort. By continuing to fight the system we probably would have ended up losing more than we could have gained and still have had nothing sent to the governor.
Consequently the stakeholders have decided that the most prudent course of action for us to continue our fight is to stop pushing this bill destined to fail. Instead we are refocusing our efforts to broaden support statewide for the industry.
It may be hard to understand why the leadership in Arizona doesn’t want to incentivize a proven industry that would benefit so many areas of our state. The arguments are varied, but they come down to a firmly held conviction by a hand full of people that incentives for the location production industry are not a good use of taxpayer dollars. Unfortunately some in that small group currently hold the reigns of power in Arizona.
Rest assured that we haven’t given up. We need to go back to the drawing board to come up with short and long-term plans for how we can reinvigorate this industry into the powerful economic driver it once was. Rather than putting all our eggs in one basket as we have for the last four years, we need to take a multi-pronged approach. It will be much harder for the opposition to fight us on several fronts and our chances of success will be greatly magnified.
I appreciate each member organizations efforts in the past and look forward to moving forward together in the future. If you want to take action, we ask especially that you thank Senator Melvin who was committed to this bill - and especially the jobs it would bring to Arizona -- until the bitter end. We will need him and the others who were with us to accomplish our objectives in the future, so it is very important that we don’t alienate anyone in state leadership now. Please if you wish to express your disappointment, do so in a constructive way.
Michael Kucharo
President
Arizona Film & Media Coalition
Casting Opportunity for MTV Show
I'm a casting producer from MTV and we are currently seeking people 16-24 that would be considered the black sheep of their families. If there is anyone that you would like refer please have them send some basic info along with contact number and pics to iputyouontv@gmail.com. I also attached the link for the application.
*Being the "Black Sheep" can be identified as many things. Simply feeling different, having different interests, or just feeling like your family doesn't "get you". In some cases, it's the young adult that is grounded and it is the parents/family that is not. We are open to all stories :)
APPLICATION: http://vpe.tv/mtvs-black-sheep-casting-application/
Updated March 11, 2013
Phoenix Film Festival More Films to Appear in 2013 Film Lineup
The 2013 Phoenix Film Festival has announced more films scheduled to be included in this Festival’s film lineup. This lineup features the exciting Fox Searchlight release, THE EAST. See some highlighted titles below, and the full list at www.phoenixfilmfestival.com.
THE EAST, directed by Zal Batmanglij, Sarah Moss (Marling) is a brilliant operative for an elite private intelligence firm whose top objective is to ruthlessly protect the interests of their A-list corporate clientele.
UNDERDOGS, directed by Doug Dearth, the story of a small-town high school football team destined to play their cross-town rival, a perennial powerhouse, while standing up for an entire community.
THE KINGS OF SUMMER, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, about three unhappy teenage boys head into the wilderness with a plan to build a house and live off the land.
STUCK IN LOVE, directed by Josh Boone, a touching comedy-drama about a successful novelist whose obsession with his ex-wife has sent his perplexed family into a tailspin.
UNFINISHED SONG, directed by Paul Andrew Williams, a funny and inspiring story about Arthur, a curmudgeonly old soul, who is perfectly content sticking with his dull daily routine until his beloved wife introduces him to a local seniors singing group.
KON-TIKI, directed by Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg, which is about the of legendary explorer Thor Heyerdal's epic 4,300 miles crossing of the Pacific on a balsa wood raft in 1947, in an effort to prove it was possible for South Americans to settle in Polynesia in pre-Columbian times.
RENOIR, directed by Gilles Bourdos, a film a painter whose life is changed when a young girl enters his life, filling it with an unexpected energy.
STILL MINE, directed by Michael McGowan and starring James Cromwell, is about an elderly couple fight against local authorities in rural New Brunswick to build their final home.
The full synopsis and trailer of each film is now available at the Phoenix Film Festival’s website, www.phoenixfilmfestival.com. “"This is a great batch of films we've secured through the distributors. It will be great for our audiences to discover these gems before they're released in theaters," says Jason Carney, Executive Director of the Phoenix Film Foundation.
The 13th Annual Phoenix Film Festival occurs this year from Thursday, April 4th to Thursday, April 11th. Continually breaking attendance records since its inception, last year’s festival saw over 23,000 attendees and there are hopes to pull in even more film enthusiasts this year. The week-long Festival will be held once again at Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theaters located at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054.
For movie lovers, this is an event that is not to be missed. Tickets and passes are on sale now and available through the Phoenix Film Festival website www.phoenixfilmfestival.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Phoenix Film Festival Ticket Center next to the Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theater. Tickets range in price from $12 for a single screening to $300 for a platinum pass. For more information call 602-955-6444 or go to www.phoenixfilmfestival.com.
The More You Know – Notes from the Film Office
Hooding Parking Meters
Did you know that the Phoenix Film Office can hood meters for you at no charge?
Recently the City of Phoenix extended the weekday enforcement hours of parking meters to 8pm and even extended the enforcement to Saturdays. However, with your Phoenix Film and Digital Media Permit the Film Office can hood meters which will allow you to park your essential vehicles there all day (if necessary). And the cost to you? FREE! We offer this service to promote and encourage filming in downtown Phoenix.
All you need to do is create placards to go on the dashboards of the vehicles parking at the meters so the Meter Maid knows you are authorized to be there.
Updated March 4, 2013
Learn More About SB1424 the "Multimedia Production; Tax Incentive"
Looking for resources to track the progress of the bill?
The Tucson Film Office is providing current updates via email blasts. If you want the latest information, this is a good source. To receive the emails, visit: http://visittucson.dmplocal.com/main/index.php?p=opt_in.index and then check the box next to "Film Office".
Or you can track the bill directly from the Arizona Legislature website: http://azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=SB1242&Session_ID=110
The More You Know – Notes from the Film Office
Did you know that you can find up to the minute postings on @filmphoenix?
With changes in technology also come changes with how the Phoenix Film Office posts upcoming events, job opportunities and general film industry news relevant to Phoenix. SIDES (for locals) is updated weekly, generally on Mondays, but events as they happen appear on our twitter handle.
Postings with more information (especially when it comes to job listings) will be listed on this page, but will also be broadcast through Twitter.
So go ahead and follow us today to stay current on local events!
