|
|
 |
|
| July 2009 |
The One Sheet
Volume 09, Issue 3
|
|
|
Welcome to The One Sheet! It brings you current chapter and industry news, information, upcoming events and opportunites. See your name here. If you have any news, events or opportunities to include in WIFT's future newsletters, email a summary (with pictures!) to Jolene at jolene_mcmaster@sbcglobal.net. Don't forget to check out WIFT's website and online calendar often. Click here: www.wift-houston.org for constantly updated WIFT and industry events, news and information you need to know. | |
 |
WIFT WEB SITE NEWS |
|
Get Hired from the WIFT Directory
Who says there's nothing FREE in life? WIFT members get free publicity when they list in the online member directory. You'll only be included if you email your info to wifth@yahoo.com and put "WIFT WEB DIRECTORY" in the subject line. Include a brief bio with your background and skills, work you're looking for, preferred contact information and a head shot (optional; .jpg only). Check out our members already online: www.wift-houston.org. Add yours today! *The next printed directory is scheduled for early 2010, but members can submit anytime for the Web Directory. For printed directory, membership MUST be current as of December 31, 2009.
WIFT's Online Calendar
 Don't forget check the calendar often! It's updated daily with WIFT-sponsored events, classes, seminars, workshops, screenings, selected events from other industry organizations and more.
Want to add an event? Email the details and contact information for the person in charge to wifth@yahoo.com. Type "WEB SITE CALENDAR" in the subject line.*NOTE: WIFT has the right to edit and/or refuse any item.
Upcoming Events (visit the calendar for full details):
7/14 - Celebrating Life: Linda Lowe - 6pm - Ernie's on Banks
7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27 - Story & Plot III: The 1st Draft - Tom Vaughan
7/18, 7/19 - TFC PA Certification Workshop - HCC Spring Branch
7/21 - Promotional Screening - HUMPDAY - Angelika Film Center - FREE
8/3, 8/10 - Story & Plot III: The 1st Draft - Tom Vaughan
8/21-8/23, 8/28-8/30 - Leading Ladies/Italian Cinema - MFAH |
|
Past Events
|
The 48 Hour Film Project
In June, board member Heather Tucker led a team participating in the 48 Hour Film Project in Houston. Heather served as Executive Producer of the Irony Coast Productions team, which produced a film about the capture of a supervillian by a team of superheroes. "Execution" featured VP Marc Isaacs and members Ben Johnson, Andrew Kantowski, Amy Mitchell, and Lydia Martinez in on camera roles. Heather Leigh Jackson served as Unit Still Photographer, capturing many arresting images of the costumed characters and other cast members. Studio Movie Grill at CityCentre hosted the premiere of "Execution" - and the slew of films created by Houston area filmmakers IN JUST TWO DAYS.
 Heather and the Irony Coast team repeated the 48 Hour Film experience two weeks later for the Austin competition. "Happy Father's Day" featured Marc Isaacs and Andrew Kantowski in supporting roles, and the entire film was shot and edited in Houston. Team members delivered the finished film to a location in Austin, arriving with an hour to spare. The screenings for the film took place at The Stage at 501 Studios in Austin. You'll recognize many of these energetic souls.
48 Hour Film Project Testimonial
from WIFT member Denise Boucher
Front Row Left-Right: Randy Chapman/Director, Kimmy McCaab/Production Assisant
Middle: Laura Schlect/Producer for Houston's 48 Film Project
Back Row Left-Right: Denise Boucher/Executive Producer/Team Leader/Wift Member, Scott Jacbos/Cameraman, Melody Moss/Actress and Wift Member, Oliver Neihues/Audio&VideoStuff
This was my first time being part of the 48 Hour Film Project
as a Team Leader/Producer and my experience couldn't have
been better.
First, I cannot believe the Support I got from the WIFT
MEMBERs and never knew this kind of Kinship existed
in the Film industry. Between Jolene McMaster & Rob McKinnon,
Marc Isaacs sending me help at every step, Amy Mitchell,
Melody Moss, Yankie Grant, always assisting and teaching me
what they knew - always ready to lend a hand - was invaluable to me
in forwarding my experience futher with filmmaking! It really was
a lot of hard work, yet a total blast and surely an adrenaline rush!
Since I do Apartment Locating as my J.O.B., I am used to
plugging people into the "Right Fit for their Apartment Home",
and so to me, putting together a TEAM for a FILM was just
plugging everyone into the right spot for the Film. It was
very gratifying, high adrenaline rushes with LOTS OF MONSTER,
and everyone working as a Team.
Getting the film in ONTIME was a bit of a challenge, but we had
2 minutes to spare and were "1 out of the 29 Teams" who completed
their Films on time within 48 hours. (NOT BAD for A FIRST TIME
PRODUCER and OUR FIRST YEAR in the 48HFF.)
I surely would love to do it again and have the opportunity to work
with more WIFT MEMBERS on next year's project! We ended up
having 26 crew and actors on our Team.
I was pleased with the turnout but of course, but would have
loved to have won first year out! But hey, there's always
next year right?
Thanks,
Denise Boucher
Team Leader/Producer
Team-Houston Film Meetup
Film "Unfortunate.net"
The WIFT Breakfast Rap Returns!
May 20th marked the return of the monthly WIFT Breakfast Rap. WIFT VP Marc Isaacs hosted the latest edition at Java Java Cafe in The Heights. WIFT members in attendance included producer Karen Aptekar and producer/actor Ben Johnson. The informal industry chat session also drew editor - and prospective new member - Shari Blakemore to Java Java. P.S. The Vermont Maple coffee was sensational!
The Breakfast Rap in June was hosted by WIFT Board Member Sabrina Miskelly and well-attended at the Alden Hotel's a+ bar & grille downtown. About 15 WIFT members showed up to mix, mingle, sip coffee and meet Rebecca Spera, the host of KTRK's new beauty and fashion show "Mirror Mirror."
Stay tuned for info on July's Breakfast Rap! It's going to be hosted by WIFT Secretary Melannie O'Connor. You won't want to miss this opportunity to meet new people and mingle with those you know in a small, casual setting. |
|
IN LOVING MEMORY
|
|
|
LINDA GAMBLE LOWE
(1949-2009)
Past President, WIFT Houston, 1998-1999
WIFT Houston received unfortunate news recently of the passing of LINDA LOWE, its third president. Solomon Bachman, one of Linda's three children, reported that she died in her sleep at home.
Linda had just graduated from Texas A&M last year with a degree in Agriculture Leadership & Development. She was working as Communications Specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife at College Station, and was a writer for "The Calvert Tribune" newspaper - her column, "Lowe Profile." She had been a columnist for the Robertson County Newspapers for six years. A colleague from the paper, contributing writer Melissa Freeman, said this, "Whenever Linda Lowe walked into the newspaper office, the atmosphere changed. The sneaky smile (like she could be up to something), the swish of her silver ponytail, and the twinkle in each eye energized and noticeably brightened a place that can be pretty drab. Those were sweet moments for me. Some of the best." She had that effect on everyone. She was loving and living the life she dreamed of on her 22-acre ranchette (as she called it), Moondance Ranch.
Here's an excerpt from Linda's Web site. The content was written before she completed her recent degree program. Linda wrote, "I regret very few things in my life, but if I could make any changes in my past it would be in the area of my education. I was a teenager in the tumultuous and politically charged '60's. It was an era in which many young people were swept up into the maelstrom of the Viet Nam war issue, civil rights conflicts, the women's movement, the counter culture, and many things were changing in our country. Unfortunately, I dropped out of school. I did however, find the role of working mother and wife fulfilling and was blessed with three wonderful children, and today, have two some incredible grandchildren.
"Now that my kids are grown, I have finally found a way to pursue completing my education and following a life-long dream to live and work in the world of agriculture. I have had a successful career in Houston, Texas in the film and video production industry as a writer, producer, and director. I have produced work for large corporate entities, community organizations, and television networks NBC, ABC, and CBS. Now, I
want to apply my skills and knowledge in an arena that I am deeply passionate about: agriculture and all that it encompasses."
She seemed healthy and wonderfully happy when attending a WIFT event in May. She had driven to Houston to see the MFAH screening of WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS? on Saturday, May 9, and then came to the WIFT hosted reception following the screening at Ernie's On Banks. She was filled with enthusiasm for her life and surroundings. She was also committed to once again getting more involved with WIFT now that her degree at A&M was a fait accompli.
She will be missed by the many whose lives she touched. She will be missed by her family and her many friends at WIFT Houston most of all.
Linda's service was held on Thursday, June 25, at the Sneed Memorial Methodist Church in Calvert, TX.
Our deepest sympathy is extended to her family and many friends.
-Women In Film & Television Houston
Celebrating Life: Linda Lowe
Join us to remember Linda on Tuesday, July 14th at 6pm at Ernie's On Banks, 1010 Banks (at Montrose Blvd.).
WiFT will announce the establishment of film finishing funds in her name. Donations accepted at the door. All donations will go to the WIFT Linda Lowe Fund.
Mix, Mingle & Reminisce. Buffet & Cash Bar (happy hour prices until 9pm)
R.S.V.P. to wifth@yahoo.com.
|
|
NEW & RENEWING INDIVIDUAL & CORPORATE MEMBERS |
|
WIFT Houston would like to welcome...
Corporate New Members:
Welling Films, LLC - Shawn Welling and R. Scott Budge
Corporate Renewing Members:
A Plus Actors - Pat Skiles and Gina Pack
Reel Life Productions - Kimberley Bliquez
Individual Renewals:
Cash Anthony, Liz Ashton, Kay Bower, Shelley Calene-Black, Ann Marie Giaquinto, Margo-Ellen Gillman, Ellen Goldberg, Yankie Grant, Melanie Haynes, Ben Johnson, Sondra Martin-Hicks, Pamela McLeod, Carolyn Moffett, Angela Moore, Jenifer Rene Pool, Barbara Radmonovich, Cheryl Tanner, Tom Vaughan, Gary Watson
New Members:
Alyssia M. Dujmovich and Fabrizia Faustinella |
|
Member News and Happenings |
| Reported
by WIFT Members |
|
WIFT Advisory Board Member Receives Hero Award
 Council Member Jolanda "Jo" Jones and her son, Jiovanni "Jio" Jones received the prestigious Hero Award in Los Angeles at the Real Heroes Among Us Awards Ceremony on May 29th at Universal Studios.
Jio and Council Member Jones saved the life of Megan Kaplan, a young girl trapped in a burning car, minutes before it exploded.
The pair was chosen from a national pool of candidates for one of six top honors. Actor Dean Cain hosted the star-studded event that featured presenters like "Sugar" Shane Mosley, Tatyana Ali, Kelly Hu, Kevin Sorbo, Efren Ramirez and performances by Brian McKnight and American Idol's LaKisha Jones.
Astrodome Studios Signs First Film Project
Astrodome Studios Productions, a division of Astrodome Studios, the proposed motion picture production facility for the re-use of the Houston Astrodome, has partnered with documentarians Chip Rives and David Karabinas to produce the company's first project, The Dome, a history of the legendary Eighth Wonder of the World itself.
A trailer of the work, featuring President George H.W. Bush, Dan Pastorini, Bum Phillips, Nolan Ryan, Dene Hofheinz Anton and former mayor Fred Hofheinz, debuted in May at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston with the filmmakers in attendance.
Rives and Karabinas have won over 20 Emmy Awards for their documentaries about many of sport's most amazing athletes. From the fastest horse of all time, Secretariat, to the fastest man alive, Usain Bolt, they have traveled the world to capture their iconic stories. Their work includes profiles of legends Lance Armstrong, Michael Jordan, and Dale Earnhardt, and often stands as the definitive portrait of the inspiring subject chronicled.
Their clients are some of the biggest names in Broadcast and Documentary Media. From The Discovery Channel, CBS News, ESPN Original Entertainment Films, to The Golf Channel, Rachel Ray Show and CNN, their work has been showcased nationally - and globally - for the past 15 years.
Since 1997 Karabinas has also been a producer and production manager for NBC Sport's broadcast of the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii for which he has received three Emmy Awards. Rives has spent most of his professional career producing documentaries for ESPN, earning 4 Emmy Awards and the Peabody Award for Broadcasting and Journalism excellence. And, in 2007, he produced his first feature film, Chops, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Both native Houstonians, currently residing in Austin, Rives and Karabinas have a profound admiration for the building that changed the worlds of both architecture and sports forever. In an age of monolithic retractable roofs, corporate luxury boxes, and multi-story high-definition "Godzilla-tron" screens, it's easy to forget where it all began. The producers and Astrodome Studios Productions will refresh those memories in grand style with "The Dome." To view the trailer on-line visit www.thedomemovie.com.
News from Don Stokes, TXMPA President
It is my extreme pleasure to report a very successful legislative session for the moving image industry. TXMPA has played an integral roll in the passage of HB 873 which created our enhanced and flexible incentive program as well as HB 2521 which creates guidelines for preferred vendor status for Texas based companies in producing media-related services for the State and SB 1929 which creates media production development zones which encourages the creation and development of production infrastructure like sound stages. Of equal importance, our full funding request of $62 million dollars for HB 873 was passed by both the House and Senate.
Congratulations to all of you who assisted in these achievements. None of this would have been possible without our industry coming together and speaking with a singular voice. Thanks again to all of you who participated in Lobby Day and spoke as witnesses in the various committee hearings. We also owe thanks to our friends at HillCo Partners who lobbied tirelessly to make sure our message was heard and that legislators understood that we only wanted what benefited both our industry and the State. And finally I want to express our gratitude to the Texas Film Commission for all of work and efforts they put forth on our behalf. Our success was truly a team effort. Take a moment to bask in our successes.
"Cristina's Court" Gets Second Emmy Nomination
  Last year, Houston-based production "Cristina's Court" made history as the first Emmy winner in the new category, "Outstanding Legal/Coutroom Program." Well, they did it again this year! The show is nominated for a second time in the same category. Tune in to the CW network on August 30th when the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards is broadcast from the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.
Congrats to WIFT member: Robin Craig!
News from Pastorini-Bosby Talent
Pastorini-Bosby Talent is awaiting final contract and start date for our  talent DAVID LADUCCA to begin his co-starring role in the episodic series THE WANNABES. David will be playing the principal of a stuffy classical arts academy where a group of students, played by Texas pop recording stars, "Savvy," are trying to succeed "undercover" in the pop world. Ron Stern and Chris LeMaire of Stern-LeMaire Productions, Inc. are executive producers. Creator and executive producer is Doreen Spicer-Dannaley best know for Disney film "Jump In" and the "Proud Family" series. One of Disney's most sought after director's, Eric Dean Seaton adds to this all-star production team. Twenty-six episodes are set to be shot in Howell , Michigan over the next 7-8 months. LeMaire stated, "David LaDucca blew us all away with his great humor and talent while filming the pilot. We are thrilled to showcase his work with "The Wannabes" and make kids laugh all around the world".
|
|
Jobs & Opportunities
|
|
|
8th Annual Female Eye Film Festival - Open Call!
The Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF) is an annual international event that showcases films directed by women. It's a community partner of WIFT (Toronto Chapter) and provides a $5.00 discount to WIFT Members on their submissions to the festival.
Early Deadline: $25.00, July 31, 2009 (postmarked)
Extended Deadline: $50.00, Sept. 30th, 2009 (postmarked)
$5 off for WIFT Members
Films must be directed by a woman. The Script Development Program is open to men with the provision that their screenplay feature a female protagonist.
Women in Film Dallas Chick Flicks
WIF.D's Chick Flicks Film Series and Festival is now accepting submissions for its newly expanded program of four screenings for 2009. Starting immediately, WIF.D is accepting submissions in narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and music video for inclusion in four screenings throughout the year, including the annual Chick Flicks Film Festival in October. For more information about submissions, contact Chick Flicks Festival Director Jessica Schoenbaechler at chickflicks@wifdallas.org or visit www.wifdallas.org.
16th WOW Film Festival - Call for Entries!
...seeing the World through the eyes of Women...
Screening: October 14-18, 2009 in Sydney
Traveling to over 20 national locations & overseas
The 16th WOW (World of Women) Film Festival is now calling for entries for Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Music Videos, Vodules and Student films of less than 55 minutes duration with key creative input by women from Australia and around the world. Awards and prizes in many categories of the WOW Short Film competition. Entries close July 30, 2009.
WOW is a unique showcase of films by women, allowing for a different storytelling and giving a perspective of ... seeing the world through the eyes of women ... WOW promotes and awards the talents of women directors, producers, writers, editors and cinematographers.
Festival Director, Sil-Nyin Cameron, urged women film makers to take advantage of the unique opportunity presented by a film festival focusing on women. "This is a great chance to have your films seen in public exhibition by a really broad audience" she said. "Selected films will again be featured in our on-line festival INDIE-FEST @ WOW Film Festival sponsored by IndieFlix.
Entries are welcomed from any genre, with a variety of production values, from emerging and established filmmakers representing different backgrounds and nationalities.
WOW 2009 aims to be a festival of discovery, celebration, debate, networking and an inspiration for new work. While especially showcasing films by Australian women, WOW 2009 will also screen international films.
WOW is presented by Women in Film and Television NSW, a not-for-profit member-based organization committed to improving the status of women, both on and off the screen, by supporting and advancing women working in the film, television and related screen industries.
WOW welcomes works from every sector of the Australian & International women filmmaking community, particularly from Australian indigenous filmmakers and other under represented groups.
For further information please contact:
Sil-Nyin Cameron, WOW Festival Director, at wowfilmfestival@wiftnsw.org.au or log on to www.nsw.wift.org/wow.
The Troublemaker Studios film "Machete" is looking for unpaid office interns beginning immediately through September. Working in the office is a good opportunity to become familiar with the office processes involved in a feature film production. Duties can include answering phones, distributing mail and faxes, preparing daily script sides and -- very important -- making coffee. Fax or email resumes and please include a list of available days and times. 512.524.1792 fax or machetethemovie@yahoo.com
A Letter to WIFT
My name is Jennifer Grassman and I am a Houston recording artist. I am teaming up with some local non-profits and north Houston area entrepreneurs to work on a very special project that we want to film.
The project will involve non-profits (such as The Montgomery County Women's Center), businesses owned primarily by women, and local female artists and musicians. We are looking for someone to film and produce our project. We are all donating our time and resources to make this happen, and we are looking for someone with a big heart to donate their time and talents in return for subsequent publicity and recognition. In addition, we are using our project to bring awareness to special women's issues such as domestic violence. So it's a wonderful cause. For more inforamtion, contact our PR professional Candace Runaas at info@runaasresources.com or 281.257.4431, or email me, Jennifer Grassman, at nightingale@JenniferGrassman.com. www.JenniferGrassman.comwww.RAINNOverHouston.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*NOTE: Individuals should verify all jobs/opportunites independently before pursuing. |
|
WIFT Houston Updates From Your President |
|
|
|
Welcome to our Sizzlin' Summer edition of "The One Sheet."
We're glad to see so many new and renewing members thinking of WIFT Houston in spite of this sweltering heatwave.
The loss of Linda Lowe was such a shocker; a spirited, charming woman who had such a positive outlook, and infectiously shared it with everyone she met. She'll be truly missed. We're now so blantantly aware that we should have made the effort to get together more often instead of letting the months and years get away from us.
Linda will leave her legacy with WIFT Houston in more ways than she may have expected in life. Her biological family and her WIFT family have agreed that she would have been thrilled with the knowledge that others could benefit from the film finishing funds that will now be set up in her memory. In the months ahead our Houston chapter will establish the guidelines and collect the necessary cash and in-kind production services and supplies that will help a WIFT member filmmaker annually to complete a project. It is our desire to see ground-breaking and innovative productions created that will well-represent our chapter and help fulfill its mission. It will be a great tribute to Linda when we are able to see these finished films that may ultimately be seen and appreciated by people around the world.
I found myself recently having to explain to a new WIFT member how WIFT differs from other industry organizations. In brief, I think maybe it's the sense of belonging to an international organization, and yet there's the closeness of belonging to family. We share many of the same goals, interests, and activities; what you get out of the organization is largely dependent upon what you put into it. If you find that you don't have the time to give, you still get the benefit of being a WIFT member (looks good on the resumé), and as you travel throughout the country and the world hopefully you will visit other chapters and develop important new relationships for yourself and our chapter.
A recent "hello" from Iceland is proof positive that WIFT Houston definitely has a presence around the world. This came from Rut Hermannsdottir.
Hello there!! My name is Rut Hermannsdottir, a filmproducer in Reykjavik, Iceland, and a member of Women in Film and Television! I' ve been a WIFT member since I founded the norwegian WIFT chapter in 2005 (and was their first chair-woman) co-founded European WIFT same year and co- founded the Icelandic chapter in 2006. Now I am located in Reykjavik since the year 2006, currently producing a documentary about whaling in Iceland.
I thought I'd try to contact WIFT around the world for some assistance regarding co-funding and distribution for documentaries. Could you assist me, getting in touch with buyers of documentaries at tv- stations, and perhaps the right contacts inside History Channel, National Geographics, Discovery and other proper buyers? And co-funders in North America? Hope you have the time and opportunity to look into this. Would be very grateful :)
Hope WIFT is doing great in the states! Best regards,
Rut Hermannsdóttir, Filmproducer
Filmus Productions
Grettisgata 87
105 Reykjavik
Iceland
www.filmus.is
rut.hermannsdottir@gmail.com
ph: +354 580 0300
cell: +354 6993165
fax:+354 580 0301
Rut will welcome your thoughts if you can help in her quest.
Thank you Sabrina Miskelly, our newsletter editor for bringing this, your second edition of "The One Sheet." Her baby is due at any time, and we wish her, and the family the very best as they welcome their second child. Thanks also to the board members, officers, and committee chairs who make the effort and take the time to make our organization even better. Several of you have stepped forward recently to volunteer your skills and assistance as needed. The fall will bring increased WIFT activities and the much needed cooler weather, but in the meantime, try to make the monthly Breakfast RAP! and other events planned by WIFT and other industry organizations that we so often collaborate with. Check the Web calendar for details.
All the best for a rewarding year,
Jolene McMaster, WiFT Houston President (2009-2010)
P.S. - AN EASY WAY TO HELP WIFT HOUSTON: Randalls Good Neighbor Program. For several years Randalls Food Market and Pharmacy have been in partnership with WIFT Houston through its Good Neighbor Program. You can stop by your closest Randall's store and link WIFT's Account Number 8870 to YOUR Remarkable Card. The more people who link their Remarkable Card to WIFT's number, the more money WIFT will receive. Do take the time to stop by the Courtesy Booth of your Randalls Store (just once to set it up) and support WIFT in this manner.
ALSO...
- Please contact Volunteer Committee Chair Melody Moss at martinimoss@yahoo.com to put your name on the "Volunteers List." She'll call you when help is needed.
- Contact your Membership Chair Yankie Grant at yankiegrant@sbcglobal.net, if you have a question on membership or want to refer a new member.
| |
|
|
| |
|
Thank you for your continued support of WIFT Houston!
Contact Information
phone: 713-788-8075
|
| |
| |
|
|
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to provide accurate information, but on occasion your reporters and editors may slip up. Our purpose here is to share quality information among WIFT's members. WIFT Houston assumes no liability for omissions or errors, nor can it guarantee the quality of services of those mentioned herein. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
