BUSINESS OF FILM CONFERENCE 2009
September 12, 2009
Noon - 5:00pm
Rice University Media Center
Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) and Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts (TALA) present the the 5th Annual Business of Film Conference, a day-long event focusing on the business of making movies. This information-packed conference features panels and discussions with professionals from the film, legal and financial worlds that address a wide range of topics - including starting a production company, funding resources, music rights, distribution and much more!
BUSINESS OF FILM 2009 SCHEDULE
(Subject to Change)
12 Noon Opening Panel: New Trends In Media Law
1:00 pm Break Out Session I
Starting an LLC or LLP for your Production Company
Taxes: What Every Independent Producer Needs to Know
Ask An Attorney
2:00 pm Break Out Session II
Casting SAG: Beyond the Contract
Copyright & Licensing for Film, TV and New Media
Ask An Attorney
Ask an Accountant
3:00 pm Break Out Session III
Music Rights (& Wrongs)
Distributing and Marketing Short Films
Make Your Movie! The Producers Panel
4:00 pm Closing Panel: New Media and the Future of Independent Filmmaking
5: 00 pm - Networking Reception in Rice Gallery
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS/PANELISTS
Trish Avery (SAG, Assistant Executive Director - Texas) James Barham (Documentary Filmmaker, For the Sake of the Song)
Adrienne Randall Bond (Corporate Attorney)
Barry Coffing (Musician/Music Supervisor - www.musicsupervisor.com)
Adam Donaghey (Producer, St. Nick)
Frank Eakin (Writer, Producer - Bracelet of Bordeaux)
Susan Fowler (Producer, TXMPA Regional Representative)
Linda Olszewski (Shorts International, ShortsHD Channel)
Kathy Ploch (Accountant, Texas Accountants & Lawyers for the Arts)
Erin Rodgers (Staff Attorney, Texas Accountants & Lawyers for the Arts)
Robert Schuller (Entertainment Accountant, www.businessofarts.com)
Al Staehely (Entertainment Attorney, www.music-lawyer.com)
Tom Vaughan (Writer, Producer Atomioc Twister, Unstoppable)
REGISTRATION
To register for BUSINESS OF FILM online, go to
To register by phone, call 713-522-8592 x 2. For more information, email us at
COST
$40 - SWAMP & TALA Members or Students
$50 - General Public
$75 - CLE or CPE for Attorneys & Accountants
 
Texas Accountants & Lawyers for the Arts
Sponsors: Texas Commission on the Arts, Houston Film Commission, Gorilla, City of Houston, Houston Arts Alliance, and Media Sponsor, ProductionHub.com
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
WIFT HOUSTON INVITES YOU to the pre-release screening of
BRIGHT STAR
WIFT MEMBERS AND GUESTS
have another great opportunity to see this before
its September 25 theatrical release.
This FREE PROMOTIONAL SCREENING begins at 7:30 PM.
THIS IS NOT A PASS!
To get your pass, and theater location
This is the first movie to be released under
Bob Berney's new distribution company Apparition.
The Writer/Director of BRIGHT STAR is Jane Campion.
This drama is based on the three-year romance between 19th century poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, an outspoken student of fashion. The romance was cut short by Keats' untimely death at age 25.
It was nominated for the Golden Palm at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Campion, you will recall was writer/director of "The Piano" (1993) and won the Oscar for "Best Original Screenplay," and was nominated for "Best Director" in 1994, only the second female to ever be nominated in the director category.
BRIGHT STAR OPENS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
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-- TWO MORE WEEKENDS REMAINING --
Exciting COLLABORATIONWITH MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON FILM....
MFAH discounts ticket price to WIFT members through September 20, 2009
IT BEGAN FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, AND CONTINUES THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20, 2009
Signore e Signore: Leading Ladies of Italian Cinema
Showcases Postwar Italian Cinema and its Unforgettable Italian Stars
 Following the MFAH's popular directorial tributes to Italian filmmakers Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Pupi Avati, the 2009 Italian film series broadens its scope by presenting a diverse selection of films that spans three decades (1941-1972), includes famous and lesser-known directors and films, and showcases several extremely rare prints. The traveling series immerses audiences in postwar Italian cinema and presents a remarkable range of styles and talents, featuring the verbal fireworks of Anna Magnani, the vivaciousness of Gina Lollobrigida, the beauty of Sophia Loren, and much more.
Signore e Signore will also be the last major cultural event in Houston that the Consul General of Italy in Houston, Cristiano Maggipinto, is supporting before his assignment to a new city by the end of this year. Maggipinto has enthusiastically been a sponsor for each annual Italian film retrospective at the MFAH, and the museum celebrates his term as Consul General here. He will introduce the festival's first screening on August 21. In addition, filmgoers will be invited to a reception in his honor on Sept 20, following the final film.
"The iconic Italian actresses featured in this series exploded onto the stage of postwar Italian cinema, making their mark as some of the world's greatest leading ladies," said MFAH film curator Marian Luntz. "The museum is pleased to feature their mesmerizing performances on the big screen, and the film committee and I extend our thanks to Consul General Maggipinto for his support in making this series possible."
"The cooperation with the Museum of Fine Arts has been one of the highlights of my work in Houston," said Maggipinto. "It has allowed us to showcase the best of Italian cinema to Americans, Italians and Italian-Americans living in this great city."
Remaining Screening Schedule
11 Fri. 7 p.m. Vanina Vanina
13 Sun. 5 p.m. Bread, Love, and Dreams
18 Fri. 7 p.m. A Drama of Jealousy
19 Sat. 7 p.m. Two Women
20 Sun. 5 p.m. The Girl with a Suitcase
Signore e Signore will also be the last major cultural event in Houston that the Consul General of Italy in Houston, Cristiano Maggipinto, is supporting before his assignment to a new city by the end of this year. Maggipinto has enthusiastically been a sponsor for each annual Italian film retrospective at the MFAH, and the museum celebrates his term as Consul General here. In addition, filmgoers will be invited to a reception in his honor following this final film.
Sponsorship
The series is made possible by Cinecittā International, a division of Cinecittā Holding; the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Consulate General of Italy in Houston (Cristiano Maggipinto, consul general); Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Los Angeles (Francesca Valente, director);Interfin Companies; and Ferrari Maserati of Houston, and Co-sponsored by Women In Film & Television Houston.
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 MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!
SEPTEMBER
Screening: COOK COUNTY - September 4 through September 10 - Studio Movie Grill CityCentre (Town & Country) - If you haven't seen it yet, it's a "A Must See!" says Houston filmmaker Rob McKinnon, about Houston filmmaker David Pomes' film COOK COUNTY. Local work to be proud of, and winner at numerous film festivals including SXSW, AFI Dallas, and Hollywood Film Festival. It's gritty, it's real, and it grabs you and holds you right to the last frame.
Screening: The Messenger (360 Days of Bolivar) - Sun., Sept. 13, 2009 - 7:00 PM - Landmark River Oaks Theatre, 2009 W. Gray, Houston 77019. Welling Films invites you to the Hurricane IKE anniversary screening and red carpet affair of the Shawn Welling movie, The Messenger (360 Days of Bolivar).
AAF Houston Monthly Luncheon: The 411 on Social Media - Wed., Sept. 16, 2009 - 11:30AM to 1PM, at Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Ln., Houston 77027 Non Members: $35 - AAF Houston Members: $25 Tom Martin, President of Zehnder Communications, will discuss The 411 on Social Media at the AAF-Houston monthly luncheon on Wednesday, September 16th at the Junior League. He will be covering: - the most current stats and facts regarding social media usage and market size -key rules of successful social media programs -real world examples of successful social media campaigns and tactics. Tickets available online at
Indian Film Festival Houston - September 21 - 26 - Studio Movie Grill CityCentre - For more information go to www.iffhinc.org.
Movies Houstonians Love: Meals On Reels - September 21 MFAH begins its 5th Season of this popular series. The experience encourages audiences to see memorable classics in a new light as each presenter introduces a personal favorite. In a new twist, this year's Movies Houstonians Love series focuses on favorite foodie films of prominent, local chefs and restaurateurs. Presenters will include Marcus Davis (The Breakfast Klub), Irma Galvan (Irma's), Michael Kramer (Voice), Anita Jaisinghani (Indika), Scott Tycer (Textile), Robert del Grande (RDG, The Grove), Armando Palacios (Armando's), Charles Clark (Ibiza), and Monica Pope (t'afia). For more details go to www.mfah.org/film.
SWAMP Salon - Manhattan Short Film Festival - Tues., Sept. 22, 2009 - You be the judge! 7PM (special night and time) - Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Join the international "jury" and vote for your favorite short in the museumīs annual presentation of the Manhattan Short Film Festival. Special ticket prices apply! General admission is $8. MFAH members, SWAMP Members, students with ID, seniors, and members of Film Buffs receive $2 discount. A great evening of shorts in competition. More info at www.swamp.org. Dawn Ireland's Screenwriting for Beginners (8 weeks)- Your Choice: Wednesday nights, Sept. 23 - Nov. 11 from 7PM to 9PM, or Saturday mornings, Sept. 26 - Nov. 14 from 10AM to Noon. Cost: $225 (includes one script critique). Location: West Houston area between Wilcrest and Kirkwood. Email Dawn for more information: dawnireland1@yahoo.com.
OCTOBER
First Thursdays @ Dean's http://www.houstonfilmcommission.com/firstthursdays/
Tom Logan Seminar (for Actors, Adult & Children Sessions) - Beginning October 5 - Tom Logan will be in Houston to present this seminar October 5, 6 & 7. Each seminar is limited to 25 attendees, and according to P-B Talent there's always a waiting list, so please reserve your spot EARLY. For more information go to www.pbtalent.com/blog
NOVEMBER TXMPA's Second Annual Spaghetti Western Fall Fundraiser - Sunday, November 1 at the Star Hill Ranch (just outside of Austin).
Screening: HARMONY & ME (Houston Premiere) - Sunday, November 1, at 5PM - to be screened at MFAH Brown Auditorium. It's among the selections in their series "Texas Indie Sundays." It's written and directed by Bob Byington (his first-time effort). It was shot in Austin, starring Justin Rice (well-known in the indie rock scene as lead singer in the band, Bishop Allen), and Kristin Tucker, female lead/producer and native Houstonian. It's Margie Beegle's acting debut in the role of "Mom." SWAMP, Houston Film Commission, and WIFT Houston are co-sponsorsing this event with MFAH.
CINEMA ARTS FESTIVAL HOUSTON - Wednesday, November 11 through Sunday, November 15 - See the recent article in July 24 edition of HOUSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL, "Plans Get Rolling for First Film Arts Festival." For a pdf file of this article, email jolene_mcmaster@sbcglobal.net. WIFT Houston has been one of many area arts organizations to be involved in the planning of this grand event for Houston for the past two years. We encourage you to support this event. Volunteer, tell your friends, relatives, colleagues, and neighbors. Get involved! Stay informed on the latest details at www.cinemartsociety.org.
DECEMBER Houston TXMPA Holiday Wrap Party - December 5, 2009 - SAVE THE DATE
...and there will be more events to come in the next several weeks, so please check the CALENDAR link at www.wift-houston.org. Send your event notices and announcements to wifth@yahoo.com. |
Meet writer/director
