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Dear WIFT Members, Industry Colleagues, and Friends,
Many of you have asked me about the festival workshops, and specificially about the SETTING THE SCENE workshop that WIFT and Houston Film Commission are co-presenting. I'm delighted to give you an in-depth description of SETTING THE SCENE, as well as a look at other workships presented by other organizations who have worked diligently to bring you this dynamic film and media arts festival. I cannot possibly emphasize how important I believe this new kind of film festival to be to you and to our city.
Please make this the target attraction for your week, and place at the top of your agenda, just below the necessities of life. From the nearly 40 offerings and attractions, review all and select from those what interests you most. After that, then look further, stretch your imagination and increase your awareness and see something completely off your radar. Just don't let this week pass without your having done something to get behind this labor of love that has brought eighteen of Houston's finest arts organizations to create this unique festival . You won't be disappointed.
It is with deepest appreciation and sincerest thanks to all who have made it happen, and mostly to Mayor Bill White, the City of Houston, our committed leader Franci Crane, HCAS's talented curator Richard Herskowitz, and our resourceful managing director Kim Castillo, and delightful staff.
Sincerely,
Jolene McMaster
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COSPONSORED BY
WIFT HOUSTON and HOUSTON FILM COMMISSION
and one of five workshops from the
MEET THE MAKERS
series of workshops sponsored by SWAMP
Please join Women In Film & Television Houston for its spotlight event for 2009
SETTING THE SCENE
Saturday - 1:00 to 4:00 PM
at the historic ALABAMA THEATER
Cinema Arts Festival Houston Headquarters
2922 S. Shepherd at W. Alabama - Houston 77098
WIFT & SWAMP Member Cost: $15
General Public: $20
Students & Seniors: $15
Tickets available at festival headquarters
Mayor Bill White said it best, when referring to this particular film and workshop:
"Emerging filmmakers will, I expect, be inspired and future Texas-filmed classics may grow out of this inspiration."
(From the CAFH program, in Mayor's welcome letter to festival patrons addressing film production in our region and state.)
In this workshop we will explore the elements that combined to produce a mastaerwork written by festival guest artist Guillermo Arriaga, and we hope those attending will be so inspired to produce other modern Texas classics to be FILMED IN TEXAS.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
 Moderated by WIFT member Trish Rigdon (Photo Left) will look at the process and artistry of the behind the scenes work that created the magic you see on film in Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. Panelists from Three Burials include Merideth Boswell, Production Designer, Jeff Knipp, Art Director, and Eric Austin Williams, Unit Production Manager, along with Rick Ferguson, Director of the Houston Film Commission. We're hopeful that Kathleen Kiatta, Costumes Designer, will also be able to make it, but her production schedule, makes it doubtful at this time.
They will all be discussing their work from the first time they were contacted and read the script to the day the director announced it was a wrap - or their last responsibility for the film. This in-depth look at the creative business of film will explore topics from pre-production to post production including -- script break-down, research, location scouting, design concepts, working with the director, design choices (color, texture, style, etc.), set build, scenic art, building and finding properties, set decoration, logistical planning and scheduling for principal photography, and more. In addition to the specifics of the work on Three Burials the panelists will share their own journeys as professionals in film and offer insight about pursuing film as a career including education, skills, and breaking into the business. The workshop will conclude with a opportunity for Q&A from the audience about either their work on Three Burials or a career in film.
Workshop Format
Part I - Introductions
1:00 - 1:20 p.m. Each panelist will briefly explain what the responsibilities of their position were and who was under their supervision.
Part II - Three Burials Production Design
1:20 - 2:30 p.m.
In depth discussion
2:30 - 2:40 p.m. 10-minute break
2:40 - 3:00 p.m. - Wrap up of Production Design discussion
Part III - Career
3:00 - 3:40 p.m.
Panelists will share their own career paths and other positions each has held, first jobs, training, and career advice for others who want to consider pursuing such a career.
Part IV - Question & Answer
3:40 - 4:00 p.m.
Q&A session about Three Burials or the film business in general.
WIFT Houston is proud to present the following workshop participants:
MERIDETH BOSWELL, Production Designer
Sometimes credited as Merideth Boswell Charbonnet, Ms. Boswell grew up in Bryant, Arkansas, and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1977 with a BA in art. In 1986 she began decorating film sets in New Orleans for the TV series "Blue Bayou" (1990). She eventually moved to Hollywood, where her notable film credits include HE SAID, SHE SAID and ZANDALEE (both 1991), THE GUN IN BETTY LOU'S HANDBAG (1992), NATURAL BORN KILLERS and THE SCOUT (both 1994), NIXON and APOLLO 13 (1995), THAT THING YOU DO! (1996), U TURN (1997), MIGHTY JOE YOUNG (1998), EDTV (1999), DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (2000) and BANDITS (2001). Boswell was production designer for THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA (2005) and IN THE ELECTIC MIST (2008). She also designs interiors, furniture, and ceramic tiles; clients include Ron Howard, Tom Hanks, Beacon Pictures, and John Tyson.
Nominated for Achievement in Art Direction 1995: APOLLO 13 - Set DecorationNominated for Achievement in Art Direction 2000: DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS - Set Decoration
JEFF KNIPP, Art Director
Prior to working in film Jeff was in the Advertising Industry. Jeff Knipp began his career in the film industry with Bryan Grazer and Ron Howard's Imagine Films Entertainment. After working in several aspects of the film industry with positions in both "production" and "on set," Jeff began his career as Art Director on the HBO/FOX comedy series The Ben Stiller Show, followed by other Art Directing credits on such features as: REALITY BITES; THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS & DOGS; THE CABLE GUY; THE ODD COUPLE 2; LIFE; GIRL INTERRUPTED; SPIDERMAN 2; and THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA.
As a Production Designer Jeff worked in Shanghai, China on SHANGHAI RED, an independent feature film; SUGAR & SPICE for Newline Cinema; SCENES OF THE CRIME for Sony; the independent film THE ANARCHISTS COOKBOOK; BALLS OF FURY for FOCUS Features/Universal and BANDSLAM for Summit Entertainment. His television projects include the series Undeclared; Friday Night Lights pilot and Welcome to the Captain for CBS and writer/director John Hamburg.
ERIC AUSTIN WILLIAMS, Line Producer
From 2005 to 2009 Eric Williams served as in-house producer/production manager at Tommy Lee Jones's Javelina Film Company in San Antonio, Texas. In 2007 he was a co-producer and unit production manager on an extended episode of the British television crime drama Wire In The Blood: Prayer of The Bone. The production was filmed entirely in the Austin, Texas area and broadcast on BBC America and in the United Kingdom on ITV.
In 2005, Mr. Williams served as both the line producer and unit production manager on the film THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA, directed by and starring Tommy Lee Jones. Michael Fitzgerald and Tommy Lee Jones produced the film with Luc Besson through Mr. Besson's company Europa Corp. The film won prizes for Best Screenplay and Best Actor at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival. Before The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, Mr. Williams was the production supervisor on the Revolution Studios film Man of the House, directed by Stephen Herek and starring Tommy Lee Jones.
In addition to his work as a producer and production manager, he has been a location manager on numerous feature films and television movies since 1994 including three films by Robert Rodriguez, and the Disney production of the historical epic THE ALAMA, written and directed by John Lee Hancock. Early in his career, he was the property master on the eight-hour CBS television mini-series Lonesome Dove (1988) and a film editor on the independent film RED HEADED STRANGER (Alive Films, 1986).
Mr. Williams is a member of the Directors Guild of America.
RICK FERGUSON, Executive Director, Houston Film Commission
Rick Ferguson has worked for the Houston Film Commission since 1988. In the last six years, direct film production expenditures in the Houston/Galveston area exceeded $100 million. This figure equates to an economic impact of over $300 million dollars. With some 320 film commissions throughout the world working to bring filmmakers to their areas, the rivalry for production dollars is becoming increasingly more competitive.
Mr. Ferguson is a member of a variety of civic and professional organizations: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - Film Program Advisory Committee; Southwest Alternate Media Project - Advisory Board; Texas Association of Film Commissions - Vice President; Associations of Film Commissions International - Member; Independent Feature Project - Member; Texas Association of Film and Tape Professionals - Member; Texas Motion Picture Alliance - Member; Houston Advertising Federation - Member; and Women In Film & Television Houston.
TRISH RIGDON, Moderator - Costume Designer, Producer, Director, Lighting Designer, Educator
Ms. Rigdon has ten years of experience as a Producer, Director, Lighting Designer and Costume Designer in both the commercial and not-for-profit arenas and has worked in various capacities on Broadway, West End, London, National US tours, UK tours, Off-Broadway, and regional theaters. Most recently, Ms. Rigdon served for four consecutive seasons as the Associate Producer/Director for the Peter Hall Company Season with Theatre Royal Bath, under the acclaimed director Sir Peter Hall. Her work with Sir Peter included two West End transfers, several UK tours, and three US tours.
Ms. Rigdon was also the Director of Theatre for Rice University from 2003-2007, and Associate Director from 2000-2003. In the 1990's Ms Rigdon left a successful business career as a Vice-President of Sales and Marketing to pursue a BA in Fine Arts from University of Saint Thomas. She also holds an MFA in Theatre from University of Houston School of Theatre. A sampling of her many professional credits include: DIRECTOR: Breakfast at Eight (Equity Workshop); LaLlorna (Express Theatre, Houston); Hecuba, True West, No Exit, The Laramie Project, Antigone; Spike Heels (Rice University, Houston). COSTUME DESIGNER: Oocam's Razor (Independent Film), The Importance of Being Earnest with Lynn Redgrave (National Tour); Crime and Punishment (Cincinnati Playhouse); Lord of the Flies (Round House Theatre); Waiting for Godot, You Never Can Tell (London, West End) Measure for Measure, Habeas Corpus, Miss Julie, Much Ado About Nothing, Man and Superman, Galileo's Daughter, Don Juan (Peter Hall Company, Theatre Royal Bath and UK tours). LIGHTING DESIGNER: Texas Contemporary Dance Initiative; City Dance Company 2000 - 2005; Phantasmagoria, Dancing Off the Page (Chrysalis Dance Company).
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THERE ARE OTHER "MEET THE MAKERS" WORKSHOPS
AVAILABLE FREE. YOU CAN REGISTER FOR THESE ONLINE AT WWW.CINEMARTSOCIETY.ORG.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 1:00 TO 2:00 PM
EXPERIMENTAL FILM AND THE VISUAL ARTS
MODERATOR: ANDREA GROVER
DESCRIPTION: The moving image, as manipulated in striking, painterly ways by experimental filmmakers Jennifer Reeves and Holly Fisher, will be explored in relation to painting, sculpture and photography.
Holly Fisher has been active since the mid-'60s as independent filmmaker, teacher, and editor of feature documentaries, including 1989 Academy Awardİ nominee Who Killed Vincent Chin? Her experimental work, including her collage feature Bullets for Breakfast, has inspired her to produce large photographic prints, several of which will be on display in the Alabama Theatre. In 1995, her work was celebrated in a Museum of Modern Art retrospective and her most recent feature, Everywhere at Once, will screen on November 12 at the Angelika.
Jennifer Reeves is a New York-based filmmaker whose subjective and personal films push the boundaries of film through optical-printing, film stock "mis-use", and direct-on-film techniques (including hand-painting and sewing 16mm film). At CAFH, she will present her live dual-projector film, When It Was Blue, with live musical accompaniment as well as her experimental narrative, The Time We Killed at Rice Media Center on November 13-14.
Andrea Grover is an independent curator, artist, and writer. In 1998, she founded Aurora Picture Show, Houston's celebrated microcinema, now an internationally recognized center for filmic art.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 3:00 TO 4:00 PM
THIS CONVERSATION IS A PRESENTATION OF NUESTRA PALABRA
WRITING FOR THE PAGE AND SCREEN: A CONVERSATION WITH GUILLERMO ARRIAGA
MODERATORS: MARGARTA DE LA VEGA-HURTADO AND TONY DIAZ
DESCRIPTION: Guillermo Arriaga will read from his novels and engage in a conversation about his writing methods and the similarities and differences in writing for the page and for the screen.
Guillermo Arriaga is an acclaimed Mexican author, screenwriter, director, and producer. He received the 2005 Cannes Film Festival award for Best Screenplay for The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. His novels, translated from Spanish, include Night Buffalo, A Sweet Scent of Death, and The Guillotine Squad.
Margarita De la Vega-Hurtado is a film scholar, critic, and programmer in Latin American, Latino, and independent documentary and experimental film. Before coming to Houston, she was the executive director of the Robert Flaherty Film Seminar in New York.
Tony Diaz is the founder and director of Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say. He also hosts the weekly Nuestra Palabra radio show Tuesday nights on KPFT (90.1) in Houston and nationwide on www.kpft.org. Founded in 1998, Nuestra Palabra (www.nuestrapalabra.org) showcases the best Latino literature and writers in monthly forums and presents the annual Edward James Olmos Book and Family Festival in Houston.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 - 1:00 TO 4:00 PM
This workshop is a co-presentation of WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION HOUSTON and the HOUSTON FILM COMMISSION
SETTING THE SCENE: THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA
SEE DETAILS ABOVE - THERE IS A CHARGE FOR THIS WORKSHOP.
The Houston Film Commission provides filmmakers and production companies with the resources and professional local crews to shoot stills, music videos, commercial, or feature films. The Film Commission selects and presents the annual Texas Filmmakers Showcase in Texas and LA and produces the invaluable industry resource, The Houston Production Guide.
Women in Film & Television Houston (www.wift-houston.org) was chartered in 1995, as a nonprofit membership organization with its primary purpose to help women reach the highest level of achievement in film, television, and other moving-image media. Membership includes women and men who work in the industry, interested individuals, and corporate members .
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 - 1:00 TO 2:00 PM
H BOX: A CONVERSATION WITH BENJAMIN WEIL
MODERATORS: TOBY KAMPS AND MARY MAGSAMEN
DESCRIPTION: The artistic director of H BOX, an innovative, mobile screening room presenting work by ten international artists, talks about commissioning original works of art and exhibiting them in this exciting new venue, on display in the Alabama Theatre through November 15.
Benjamin Weil, the artistic director of H BOX, was the executive director of Artists Space in New York and currently Chief Curator of the LABoral Art and Industrial Creation Centre in Spain. The H BOX project, produced by the fashion house Hermes, was first unveiled in 2007 at the Pompidou Center in Paris and has been exhibited at the Tate Modern in London and art museums in Europe and Asia.
Toby Kamps, senior curator at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, has organized solo exhibitions by artists such as Claes Oldenburg, Ellsworth Kelly, Vanessa Beecroft, and Martin Kersels. A graduate of the Williams College Graduate Program, he has written extensively on contemporary art and artists for exhibition catalogues and magazines.
Mary Magsamen is the curator at the Aurora Picture Show. She is a video artist who often collaborates with her husband, Stephan Hillerbrand. Their work, solo and together, has been exhibited internationally at museums, art galleries, and at many festivals including LA Freewaves and the Ann Arbor Film Festival.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 - 3:00 TO 4:00 PM
THE STATE OF THE ARTS ON VIDEO
MODERATOR: MARY M. LAMPE
PANELISTS: FREDERICKA HUNTER, PATRICK KWIATKOWSKI, MARIAN LUNTZ, AND KELLY SANDERS
DESCRIPTION: An in depth discussion about the distribution possibilities for films by and about visual and performance artists to collectors, institutions, and the general public.
Fredericka Hunter is the owner of Texas Gallery (1971), Houston and the co-founder of ARTPIX (1996), a nonprofit publisher of DVDs on art and performance. She serves as a board member of the Chinati Foundation, Marfa; Trisha Brown Dance Co., New York; Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, New York; and the Academy of Tango-Texas, Austin.
Patrick Kwiatkowski is the co-founder of Microcinema International, a leading distributor of films and videos about and by artists.
Marian Luntz, film and video curator at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, has been involved with the exhibition and distribution of independent film for over 30 years. In addition to her curatorial duties, she oversees the Museum's circulating collections of films and videos by the internationally renowned artist Robert Frank.
Kelly Sanders is the Executive Director for Truly Indie and is based in the company's Austin offices. She reviews all submissions to the program, and oversees the distribution, exhibition, advertising and marketing of all releases in the United States.
Mary M. Lampe is the executive director of Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) and co-executive producer of THE TERRITORY, the Texas PBS short film broadcast series.
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CINEMA ARTS FESTIVAL HOUSTON
BEGINS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
with Richard Linklater (in person) and
ME AND ORSON WELLES
8pm at MFAH Brown Auditorium Theater
(already a sell-out)
or
PRECIOUS
Based on the novel "PUSH" by Sapphire
7pm at Angelika Film Center
Box Office Hours: Now thru Nov 15
Wed thru Fri 1pm to 6pm
Sat and Sun 11am to 6pm
Closed Mon & Tues
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 Quick Link to Cinema Arts Festival Houston
Houston Cinema Arts Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and illuminating the vitality and diversity of the City of Houston by presenting a festival of innovative cinema, mixed-media performances, new media, and installations to promote Houston's economic development, enrich the film and arts environment, and foster cross-cultural understanding.
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 Thank you for supporting this festival. It's important to the city and to our film and media arts industry. Tell everyone you know and get your tickets now!
Jolene McMaster
President, Women In Film & Television Houston
Board Member, Houston Cinema Arts Society .
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