PLEASE NOTE:   If you want to forward this to a friend, PLEASE use the forward link at the bottom of this announcement.  DO NOT use your personal email program 'forward'.  Your recipient's name will not automatically be added to our mailing list, and this will prevent YOUR name being accidentally removed from our list.       

Thank you!
 
PSWIFT Header
Palm Springs Women in Film & Television 

APRIL 2010 NEWSLETTER

In This Issue
CALENDAR
Skills for Success Seminar
May Luncheon
Featured Member
Member News
Film Grants
Film Noir Festival
Pitch Fest
Acting Workshops

QUICK LINKS

PSWIFT Website

Contact Us
78-140 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, California 92253
 
760-238-0306
 
Subscribe to Our Newsletter!
Sherry Halperin                          LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
                                             
 

 

Dear PSWIFT Members,

What a night!  Delicious food, elegant ambiance and dolled up beautiful people.   Our Broken Glass Awards went off without a hitch.   The fun was infectious.  Our honorees had a great time - with Gale Anne Hurd dancing until the band retired.  And our members all seemed to love the event.  If you missed it this year, put Feb. 26, 2011 on your calendar for Broken Glass Awards #3.

As we head into the home stretch for this year, we must start planning our 2010/11 season.  Remember, this is your organization.   A few of us might be steering the ship, but where it goes is up to you.   So, I sincerely ask you to email me with ideas of programs that you feel will broaden your knowledge of the film and television industries.   Who would be your dream speakers (be somewhat realistic, please) and what would you like to hear? 

I'll see you at our April 10th luncheon.  Please come to support us.  We are blessed to have industry leaders drive down from Los Angeles to speak - let's show up in record numbers to thank them for their effort.  I know this will be a special event.

                                                            Best,

                                                           Sherry Halperin

                                                            PSWIFT President

 

 

WRAP-UPS...

   
Denise DuBarry Hay (left) explains the complexities of Direct Marketing to members
Gathering at Denise DuBarry Hay's home
Denise DuBarry Hay
had a full house on March 21st A gracious hostess, everyone immediately felt right at home. Time for a little visiting, then we got down to business.  The two hours flew by.

           Denise is one of the pioneers in the Direct Marketing business and products she's developed and marketed have sold over 1 billion dollars in sales.  She co-founded one of the largest direct response companies with sales in over 80 countries.

           We've all seen infomercials, but were not aware of the tremendous amount of work involved - the product research, pricing structure, warehousing, outsourcing telemarketers (folks who ANSWER the phone vs. telemarketers who call YOU during dinner), profit structure, and the focus on content... how they need to be visual, and need to transform, whether it's a food chopper - here's the whole tomato, here it is sliced and diced, to beauty products, wrinkles to no wrinkles, and the legalities of making product claims - so much information.  I think we all thought of these as just 'long commercials.'  We were quickly shown the difference:  Commercials show a product you can purchase pretty much anywhere.   Infomercials are a Call to Action... either a phone number or website... here is the product - call NOW to order.  The more Denise explained the business of direct marketing, the more questions we had.  She patiently answered every one.

 

      As word spreads about our casual Sunday get-togethers, more and more members are taking advantage of these one-on-one opportunities to learn from experts in their field.  We need to keep them limited to only 15 attendees.   Our next gathering will be on May 23rd with Patti Gribow, Pattie Daly Caruso and Gloria Greer on producing and hosting your own TV show.  This promises to be a very informative and entertaining afternoon.  Members, RSVP to Annette at [email protected] or call 760-238-0306. 

 

PSWIFT CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2010

 

Sat.  Apr. 10      Luncheon with Michael Wright, Head of all Turner Programming

        La Quinta Resort 11:30 AM - 1:30 pm 

                                               

Sat.  May 1       SKILLS FOR SUCCESS Seminar at CSUSB (more details below)

 

Sat.  May 15       Luncheon with Glenn Gainor, Head of Production for Screen Gems

                                 La Quinta Resort 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (more details below)

 

Sun.  May 23    Punch with Patti Gribow, Pattie Daly Caruso and Gloria Greer   

                                  Producing / hosting local television
                                  (1 - 3 PM FREE location tbd) 

 

Tue.  June  15    End of Season Mixer               

                                 Ruth's Chris Steak House (time tbd)

 

  FREE SEMINARS are MEMBERS ONLY and are space limited.
 All other events are open to Members and Non-Members.
 

Information on all of these events will be in the PSWIFT newsletters or please go to our website:

www.pswift.org


 

MAY 1st- SKILLS FOR SUCCESS SEMINAR

Palm Springs Women in Film & Television

and

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus

PRESENT

Broken Glass Awards

Tools You Can Use in Any Profession and in Life

 

Please join us for our INTERACTIVE SEMINAR with GUEST SPEAKERS

FERN FIELD

Producer, Author, Lecturer

and

CAROLE KIRSCHNER 
Career Consultant & Speaker 
 

  SATURDAY
MAY 1, 2010  9:00am to 5:00pm
 
 CSUSB Palm Desert Campus
Oliphant Auditorium (Main Admin. Bldg)
37-500 Cook St.
(between Frank Sinatra & Gerald Ford)
 

PSWIFT and CSUSB Palm Desert Campus's ongoing Educational Programs are pleased to

bring you our Interactive Seminar, designed to help you reach the next step in your career.

FOR ALL AGES -- Students, Job Seekers, Professionals

(and anyone looking to hear some amazing stories!)

 
 ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
  

9:00am - 10:00am

Registration & Continental Breakfast

 

10:00am - Noon

FERN FIELD

"PRODUCERS DON'T CRY"

Problem Solving and Thinking on Your Feet

 

12:00pm - 1:30pm

Lunch (included)

 

1:30pm - 3:30pm

CAROLE KIRSCHNER

"THE HOLLYWOOD GAMEPLAN"

Branding & Marketing Yourself in Todays Tough Economic Workplace

 

3:30pm - 4:30pm

Nibbles & Networking

 

 ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
 

PSWIFT Members: $30.00

Non-Members: $35.00

Register early (prior to April 15) and get $5.00 off!)

All Students (with ID): $5.00

 

SEATING IS LIMITED - REGISTER TODAY! www.pswift.org 

 

Note: To participate in the Interactive portion of the programs: For Field's problem-solving segment, upon receipt of your reservation, you will receive a questionnaire, and to interact with Kirschner's marketing segment, please submit a sample cover letter, resume, and short description of your career goals. Please return paperwork to: [email protected] NO LATER than April 20.

 

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>< 

 

Fern FieldFERN FIELD

PSWIFT Vice President /Education Chair

Artist-in-Residence CSUSB PDC

 

       Most recently, Co-Executive Producer of "MONK," her producing/directing/ writing career has garnered numerous awards including Emmys, the Humanitas Prize, NAACP Image Award, Peabody Award and the Distinguished Service Award from President Reagan for her work with the disabled.

       Field speaks six languages and has supervised productions all over the world. She is a member of the WGA, DGA, PGA, AMPAS, ATAS and The Caucus for Writers, Producers & Directors, and was president of LA Women in Film in 1987.

       Field is also the author of two books, and is currently writing her third book.

 

       Rod Parker, Executive Producer of "MAUDE," her first boss in television once told her, "A good producer is someone who solves the problems before they happen." She took it to heart and will help you do the same.

 

FOR EXAMPLE - WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF:

          Your lead actress announces she's leaving the night before shooting is set to begin?

          A major location falls out and your director is threatening to go shoot in New York, even though you have neither the time or money to do that?

          In any business, how do you make sure you deliver on time and on budget and have optimum quality control?

 ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
  

Carol KirschnerCAROLE KIRSCHNER

Former VP Amblin Entertainment, CBS Comedy Development Exec, WGA Showrunner Program

 

       Sixteen years as a successful senior level Hollywood executive have honed Carole Kirschner's ability to recognize and nurture new talent. Hired for her unique combination of show business insider knowledge and teaching expertise, she develops and runs innovative training programs and leads seminars on how to break down the barriers to success in Hollywood.

       A former CBS Comedy Development Executive, Kirschner was involved in developing CBS's "MURPHY BROWN" and "DESIGNING WOMEN." As Vice President of Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television she oversaw the development of "TINY TOONS." She also hired scores of professionals, from entry-level production assistants to established writers, producers, directors and actors.

       Her popular Hollywood Assistant Training Program teaches newly minted film school graduates how to land

their first job. The CBS Diversity Institute Writers Mentoring Program, now in its seventh year, matches talented new writers with top industry executives. The Program is responsible for launching the careers of more than twenty-five writers of color. Working with industry veteran Jeff Melvoin, Carole helped him create the Writers Guild of America Showrunner Training Program. Graduates write and executive produce on "LOST," "TRUE BLOOD,"

"ENTOURAGE," "GOSSIP GIRL," "GREY'S ANATOMY" and many others.

       In addition to developing and running these highly regarded programs, Kirschner is a sought after lecturer and seminar leader. She has taught entertainment career courses at USC, UCLA and the American Film Institute. Her dynamic workshops include "How to Break into Hollywood When You're Not Related to Someone Famous" and "Own the Room: Secrets to Successful Pitching."

       Kirschner is currently writing a book for Michael Wiese Publishing geared to recent college graduates seeking to land their first job in Hollywood. She is proud to have helped launch the careers of more than one hundred creative professionals and is looking forward to helping many more.

 

ALL EVENTS MUST BE PREPAID BY CHECK OR CREDIT CARD!!!

YOU HAVE A 72 HOUR CANCELLATION PERIOD TO QUALIFY

FOR A REFUND.

Checks can be mailed to:

Palm SpringsWomen in Film & Television

49-455 Coachella Dr., La Quinta, CA 92253

 
 

LUNCHEON WITH GLENN GAINOR - HEAD OF PRODUCTION, SCREEN GEMS

Glenn Gainor                                    MAY  15, 2010

 

GLENN GAINOR

Senior VP Production, Sony Pictures' Screen Gems

 

La Quinta Resort & Spa

49499 Eisenhower Dr.

La Quinta, CA

 

Check in: 10:45 / Luncheon: 11:30am - 1:30pm

Members: $35.00

Non Members: $50.00

 

RSVP: On line www.pswift.org

760-238-0306

[email protected]

 

 

GLENN GAINOR is the Senior Vice President in charge of physical production for Sony Pictures' Screen Gems, a position he has held since January of 2007.

 

As quoted in Kodak's In Camera Magazine, Gainor says, "We are committed to reviving the tradition of producing films in Los Angeles, where we can draw upon a deep pool of talented people who are happy to be working at home. We are building a family with many people collaborating with each other on different projects."  

 

He was the 2009 recipient of the California on Location Signature Award, given in appreciation for his efforts in preserving California's film industry.  Gainor also served as keynote speaker at the COLA Awards

 

Gainor executive produced the thriller Vacancy for Screen Gems as well as recent box office hits Prom Night, Quarantine, and Obsessed.

As head of physical production, Gainor oversaw production on This Christmas, First Sunday,  Lakeview Terrace, The Stepfather and Armored as well as the upcoming film Burlesque.  Additional films Gainor is producing for Screen Gems includes the upcoming Neil LaBute comedy Death at a Funeral and the post-apocalyptic thriller Priest.

 

Other executive producing credits include the comedy Strange Wilderness for Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions, Grandma's Boy, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo,  Sonny, directed by Nicolas Cage,  Starship Troopers 2,  and the thriller Skeletons in the Closet.

 

Gainor served as line producer on A Rumor of Angels as well as the critically acclaimed Panic, directed by Henry Bromell.  Gainor co-produced George Hickenlooper's The Man from Elysian Fields, as well as Happy, Texas.  Gainor has also produced for the stage, teaming with Ovation Award winning director Andy Fickman for the musical "Sneaux."

 
 

FEATURED MEMBER:  MITCH BLUMBERG

     Mitch Blumberg                                         

 

     We are very pleased to introduce you to Mitch Blumberg, one of our newer Board Members.  He is currently the Deputy Executive Director for DesertArc, a  large non-profit serving 550+ developmentally disabled people in the Coachella Valley. DesertArc provides social services and employment opportunities for its clients, enhancing their quality of life by improving their self worth, human dignity and self-sufficiency.  Mitch is involved in marketing, development, fundraising activities as well as finance and administrative matters.

 

     Prior to moving to the Desert area, he was  Executive Vice President, head of Legal and Business Affairs for RKO Pictures, Inc. and President/CEO of  Ardent Entertainment, a film production and talent management company.

 

     Mitch has served on the Board of Directors of many organizations, with Fundraising a major contribution.   His credits are too numerous to mention here, but we urge you to take a moment and log onto our website (www.pswift.org) and read about his accomplishments in his Member Profile.

 

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Tere BrittonTERE BRITTON - NEEDS BAGS TO DELIVER BOOKS TO THE LOCAL SCHOOLS!  
 
PSWIFT Membership Chair and Coordinator for the SAG Foundation BookPALS program (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) in the Coachella Valley:
 
Tere is asking for anyone with paper shopping/gift bags with handles to bring them to the Luncheon on April 10th - Store shopping bags, Trader Joe's, Starbucks bags, ... whatever you might have.  She will be visiting all her schools (60+ classrooms) and delivering the 2,000 books she received from Marywood-Palm Valley School and the 16 cartons of books from Borders Books from their 2009 end of year book drive.
 
If you would like to participate as a 'reader' at one of the local elementary schools, please contact Tere at:  [email protected] or call 760-898-4052. 
 
 
 
 

Patricia Welch ConcertPATRICIA WELCH

 

So many have asked me "When is your next concert?"    Well I have one coming up in Banning on April 11 at 7pm. (doors open at 6pm)

 

This is a 400 seat theater. The show is for the residents but open to guests. I understand that they sell out pretty fast because they have over 1,200 members.

 

If you are able to make it, please call Dick Mercer 951-845-3852 a.s.a.p.

 

Note: This is reserved theater seating. THERE WILL BE NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR. Only advanced sales.

 

 

 

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARDS - REMINDER

 
J BacharDenise DuBarry HayThis year the Palm Springs Branch
of the National League of American Pen Women
will be awarding their
Women of Distinction in the Arts 2010
to two PSWIFT Members: 
Denise DuBarry Hay and Jacqueline Bachar.
 
The Awards luncheon will be at Wally's Desert Turtle
Rancho Mirage
APRIL 11, 2010
 
For ticket information, please call: 
Kathy Bjork at 760-567-3525 or [email protected] 
 
 

GRANTS:  WIF FOUNDATION FILM FINISHING FUND

WIF Foundation Film Finishing Fund
WOMEN IN FILM MEMBERS:
 
2010 WIF Foundation Film Finishing Fund
APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE!

Application Deadline: April 30, 2010
Winners Notified: August 15, 2010


The Women In Film Foundation's Film Finishing Fund (WIFF FFF) supports films by, for, or about women by providing cash grants of up to $15,000 and in-kind services. The new grant cycle is currently open and WIFF FFF is accepting submissions. Filmmakers who are eligible can find more information through our online application.

CLICK ON LOGO for  APPLICATION!

 

http://www.wif.org/fff-application-2010/

 
Join WIF Foundation's Film Finishing Fund on facebook!
TWO EASY STEPS:
1. Log in & search for "Film Finishing Fund"
2. Click on "Become a Fan"
 

SAVE THE DATE:  MAY 13 - 16, 2010  10th ANNUAL ARTHUR LYONS FILM NOIR FESTIVAL

Film Noir Festival 
 
Save the Date for the 10th Annual Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival to screen Thursday, May 13 through Sunday, May 16 at the Camelot Theaters in Palm Springs.
 

www.ArthurLyonsFilmNoir.com (or click on the logo)
 

Founded in 2000 by the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader Arthur Lyons, the popular Film Noir festival includes an eclectic mixture of rarely seen and sometimes obscure stylish black and white "B" movies. This classic "Film Noir" era literally meaning "Film Black" of the 1940' and 50's was filled with sexual motivations, cynical attitudes and focused on intriguing crime dramas.

 

Each year, the festival showcases the best of noir while being a magnet for a scintillating array of "A" list actors for Q&A's, autographs and book signings.  

 

The 2010 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival once again combines the formidable talents of co-founder Barbara Lyons, author Alan K. Rode as host/programmer and long time Hollywood casting director Marvin Paige as producer.  Jason Bruecks, General Manager of the Camelot Theater, Michael Green and Stephen Boyd Design rounding out the stellar team of players. This year's festival is being executive-produced by J. Hocker and Associates.

 

For more information on the how to support the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival visit: www.ArthurLyonsFilmNoir.com. 

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Palm Springs Cultural Center a 501(3) c founded in 2007 by Ric & Rozene Supple.
 

For sponsorship, partnership or how to volunteer contact Jeff Hocker at 760-320-5272 or jeffhocker1@gmail.com. 

 
THE GREAT AMERICAN PITCH FEST
Great American Pitch Fest 7
 
This year's GREAT AMERICAN PITCHFEST is taking place on June 26th & 27th, at the Burbank Marriott Hotel & Convention Center (2500 No. Hollywood Way) in Burbank, California.

 

This is your opportunity to pitch your stories/ideas to over 100 production companies, agents, managers, and studio executives.

 

SATURDAY is full of FREE classes, and anyone who wishes to attend is welcome.

SUNDAY is the pitchfest where it is your time to pitch your ideas to the many companies that attend!

 

Visit their website to read more and register.

 

ACTING WORKSHOPS WITH JORN WINTHER

 

PRODUCER-DIRECTOR JORN WINTHER

IS BRINGING HIS ACCLAIMED

ACTING WORKSHOP CLASSES TO

CSUSB PALM DESERT CAMPUS

37-500 Cook Street, Palm Desert, Ca

 

Programs he produced and directed gathered 39 EMMY NOMINATIONS AND 14 EMMYS

 

ACTORS WORKSHOP:  Begins 3/4/2010    Thursdays 6pm - Room RG307

Open to all skill levels.  Cost:  10  (2 hours) classes $335 or $40 a session         

                    

DIRECTING FOR TV AND MOVIES:  Date TBA 

Commercials and Soaps. Comedy/Drama Series, Game Shows, Sports, Special Events, Concerts

Cost: 10  hours $399       

 

CHILDREN'S WORKSHOP:  Begins 3/6/2010  Saturdays 2pm - 4pm Room RG309

Age 9-14  Cost: 10 (2 hours) classes  $335 or $40 a session

 

TV/MOVIE WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG ADULTS:  Begins 3/6/2010  Saturdays 11am - 1pm   Room  RG309 

Cost: 10 classes $335 per student or $40 a session (2 Hours)

 

SENIORS  WORKSHOP: Begins 3/9/2010 Tuesdays 2pm - 4pm - Room RG309 

Age 65 and up  Cost: 10  (2 hours) classes $250 or $30 per session

 

For more information and  to enroll go to www.studiowinther.com and click on academy or email  [email protected]   760-972-4495

 

PSWIFT, DAN  members, Seniors, Students  $100 discount or $30 per session

 

            The Jorn Winther experience is conducted in association with

CSUSB PALM DESERT CAMPUS

 ><><><><><><><><><
 

METHOD ACTING & IMPROV WORKSHOPS with WENDY GIRARD 

 
PROFESSIONAL METHOD ACTING & IMPROVISATION CLASSES
MONDAY NIGHTS and SATURDAY AFTERNOONS
CENTRALLY LOCATED IN CATHEDRAL CITY
 
The classes are on-going with open enrollment.
 

 Classes are for ages 12 and up, to Master Classes for working professionals.   

Private coaching is available upon request.

 
Please visit my new website  www.wendygirard.com
 

Are you rusty and need to keep your chops up for work? 

 Do you need to prepare for a career in LA or NYC?  
Or are you an experienced community theatre actor
who wants to work in commercial theatre, film and television? 
 

As a Life Member of The Actors Studio, I am committed to cultivating the highest level of professional acting.

 

Monday night classes are 6 -10 PM for $200 a month, and Saturday afternoons 1 - 4 PM for $150 a month.

PSWIFT members receive 10% DISCOUNT.
 

http://www.wendygirard.com
310.699.3030 or email:  [email protected]

More information is also available on the PSWIFT website: www.pswift.org.
 

PBS SPECIAL WITH DIAHANN CARROLL

 Award winning entertainer Diahann Carroll will bring her acclaimed one woman show to PBS as part of their fund-raising program on the U.S public television stations, premiering in August  2010
    
The live concert will be filmed in Palm Springs, CA on Wednesday April 21st
at the Annenberg Theater, to benefit the Annenberg Theater at The Palm Springs Art Museum.  
 
Jim Casey, President & CEO of Integrated Wealth Management, through his production company J&J   Productions and  producing partner, PSWIFT Member Kim Waltrip of Wonderstar Productions, Charles McCutcheons and Jeffrey Lane will present the consummate performer in conjunction with The PS Film Here LLC with material made available to Terrel Cass Productions,LLC, (TCP) to be edited into a three part, sixty minute concert.   PBS will give stations rights to run the special for 8 runs over 25 months.  
 

Tickets are on sale now at 760-325-4490 

http://www.theladythemusicthelegend.com

NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS 

NEW  
 

GENERAL

Amy Blaisdell
 

ASSOCIATE

Tiffani Hockings

 

LUMINARY

Nelson Glen

Rosanne Hopkins

Wanda Kastner

Marilyn Mitchell

Nancy Noble

Marv Rand

Jill Mincer Singer

 

RENEW
 

GENERAL

Fern Field-Brooks

Eileen Traub

 

ASSOCIATE

Adrienne DuBarry

Don Hofmeister

DeAnn Lubell

Christine Maginn

Maureen Prowse

 

LUMINARY

Thelma Pressman

 

HOW TO JOIN PSWIFT

 
If you would like to reap the benefits of membership, please go to the website: www.pswift.org and click on Membership / Application.  Just follow the prompts.  It's that easy.   If you have questions, we are here to help.  Just call 760-238-0306 or email us at: [email protected].
 
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS HERE 
 
If you have a business or service you'd like to promote, consider becoming one of our "Member Benefits".  You just need to offer a discount to PSWIFT Members... We'll add your company to our WEBSITE - and for only $20, you can place a 'COUPON' in our newsletters with a link to your website.
 
 

Please contact PSWIFT at [email protected] and let us know how we can help promote YOU!

ATTENTION MEMBER AUTHORS

 
If you are an author and have books you'd like to sell at our luncheons, please contact us at [email protected] and let us know so we can have a table for you.
 
You MUST RSVP to attend the program, and be willing to donate 15% of your proceeds to PSWIFT.
 
Book sales will be done AFTER the program.
 

ATTENTION MEMBERS:

 
Don't forget to send us your entertainment industry related news.   We'll make every effort to see it is published in the next newsletter.
 
If it's been a while since you updated your profile on the Palm Springs Film Office website www.psfilmoffice.com please take a moment to do so.  (Remember to allow 24 hours for the site to process)
 
And, if you are interested in VOLUNTEERING on any of our events or committees, please contact the office at: [email protected] or call 760-238-0306.   The more help we have, the more we can get done!