News from the Memphis Film Commission!

Thursday evening, September 23rd, look for the skies to light up over East Memphis' Malco Paradiso Theatre -- thanks to Hollywood klieg lights shining on the stars walking the red carpet for the world premiere of Memphis producer Julius Lewis' made-in-Memphis movie, "N-SECURE." This compelling romantic thriller tells the story of a man driven by ambition, then driven to desperation by his own self-doubts.

Stars of the film scheduled to attend the invitation-only premiere and glamorous after-party include Elise Neal ("HUSTLE &

FLOW," "THE HUGHLEYS"), Denise Boutte ("MEET THE BROWNS" ... "WHY DID I GET MARRIED?") and Cordell Moore (veteran of Tyler Perry's theatrical versions of "DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN" ... "WHY DID I GET MARRIED?"). Music celebrities such as Bobby Blue Bland and Bobby Rush -- part of producer Julius Lewis' world as a concert promoter -- will add to the showbiz excitement of the evening! Other surprise guests -- some from the music world and others from the equally glamorous world of professional sports -- promise to appear!

And the film itself looks like a smash! The critics are loving it: "... Enough laughs, chills, and over-the-top romantic melodrama to engross any eager-for-entertainment audience."
- John Beifuss, The Commercial Appeal

Following the Memphis premiere on Sept. 23rd and the Atlanta premiere Sept. 30th, ''N-SECURE" will be released nationally Oct. 15.

''N-SECURE," a client of the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission and the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission, delivers exciting entertainment and - with its landmark, upscale Memphis locations - further enhances Memphis' reputation as a filming site.

Furthermore, 14 full-time crew members received on-the-job training on the film -- thanks to an innovative local incentive program sponsored by the Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commission and funded by the City Council, County Commission, and MemphisED. From make-up artist to art director, residents of Memphis or Shelby County were trained further in their respective crafts - all part of the master plan to enhance Memphis/Shelby County production crew credentials.

The Present: Feature Film, "LOSERS TAKE ALL" Wraps Memphis Production
"LOSERS TAKE ALL" just wrapped filming and is beginning

Celebrating at the "LOSERS TAKE ALL" wrap party at downtown Memphis' notorious late night hang-out, Earnestine & Hazel's, are (from left) Jay Jackson, production secretary; Mike S. Ryan, producer; Erica Dallas, intern.

post-production in Memphis at Archer Records' Music and Arts Studio. Memphian Katherine Sage is post-production supervisor. The indie comedy tells the story of a fictional, 1980s punk rock band in Memphis that struggles to make it and then struggles to run from its success.

The project, a client of the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission and the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission, was in pre-production for several weeks -- having set up production offices in Beale Street space donated by Performa Entertainment's John Elkington. Principal photography began on Aug. 16. The indie feature stars Allison Scagliotti ("WAREHOUSE 13") and Kyle Gallner ("A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET," "CSI: NEW YORK").

At the "LTA" wrap party: Alex Steyermark, director, and Abby Elzemeyer, location casting.

Most of the crew are local hires with many seasoned Memphis production veterans as department heads. Several local actors filled significant roles. Original songs for the film were produced by singer-songwriter Marshall Crenshaw and Memphian Scott Bomar and recorded with Memphis musicians at Bomar's Electraphonic Recording studio.

The film is budgeted at $1.5 million and is directed by Alex Steyermark of "PREY FOR ROCK 'N' ROLL" and "ONE LAST THING."

Two of the film's producers are longtime supporters of filming in Memphis, Mike S. Ryan ("21 GRAMS" "FORTY SHADES OF BLUE") and James Spies ("NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH."). Other producers include screenwriters Andrew Pope and Winn Coslick.

The Past: Memphis and the Orpheum Theatre honored by 20th Century Fox

Commission chairman Jimmy Tashie and film commissioner Linn Sitler at the Twentieth Century Fox Orpheum dedication.

The 25th anniversary of the Film Commission is also the 75th anniversary of Twentieth Century Fox and the two recently celebrated together -- honoring the Orpheum Theatre, a major location in Fox's "WALK THE LINE," with a party! Film Commission Chairman Jimmy Tashie presented the Orpheum's Pat Halloran with a plaque citing the Orpheum Theatre as a historic "Hometown Hollywood" 20th Century Fox filming site.

Local actors McGhee Monteith (left) and Carly Nahon had roles in WALK THE LINE.