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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear ,
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER It may be the Dog Days of summer, but our local film and media scene is definitely not going to the dogs. While you local MCA-I chapter hasn't scheduled a meeting for July, as has been our tradition in recent years, the St. Louis film and production community will be abuzz with networking and educational opportunities, for the rest of the summer and into September. Here's a sampling of what's coming... St. Louis Filmmakers' Showcase (July 14-18): Local filmmakers and actors strut their stuff at this annual event -- an amazing array of the wonderful talent that exists in our region. Not to be missed is the Closing Night Awards Party, which is not only a great networking event, but it's FREE, and includes FREE Stella Artois beer (must be 21 or older). Go to www.cinemastlouis.org for details. Contamination DEFCON 4 (August 2-4): St. Louis' own -- and only -- horror and pop culture convention, now in its fourth year. You'll have plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with celebrities, artists, filmmakers, authors, and vendors, including: - rock legend, Ace Frehley, founding member and former lead guitarist for the rock band, KISS.
- David Naughton, star of the feature film, "An American Werewolf in London."
- Kane Hodder (stuntman, actor, and author, best known for his portrayal of Jason Voorhees in four of the "Friday the 13th" films
- John Carl Buechler, actor, director, and special effects and makeup artist, legendary in the horror world, originally from Belleville, IL
- John Dugan, a veteran of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" series, best known for his portrayal of Grandpa in the first" Texas Chain Saw Massacre."
- The Ladies of "The Evil Dead," one of the most popular cult films ever made.
- and much more...
For more about Contamination DEFCON 4, go to http://www.con-tamination.com/ MARK YOUR CALENDERS FOR THE AUGUST MCA MEETING (August 14): Watch for our August newsletter for topic and location. THE BIG BASH (September 10): St. Louis' biggest networking event, attended by hundreds -- participating groups include not only your local MCA-I chapter, but Missouri Networking, Missouri Venture Forum, National Association of Women Business Owners, Yellow Tie, and several Chambers of Commerce. Hundreds attend this event. Normally, it's held in July, but due to logistical reasons had to be moved to September this year. This is a great opportunity to network with people outside of the film industry -- and I can say from personal experience that some great business connections are often made. MARK YOUR CALENDERS FOR THE SEPTEMBER MCA MEETING (September 11): Watch for our September newsletter for topic and location. THE ST. LOUIS BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (September 15-17): It will feature music videos, short films, documentaries, and features -- incljuding both regional filmmakers and sneak previews from major Hollywood studios. The festival provides the American Midwest with a forum for African American independent film and video, and also serves as an advocate for African American film and video production in the state of Missouri. It seeks to introduce the best films and videos from the surrounding area to its culturally diverse, film-loving audiences. For more info please visit their Facebook page or email jamesthemovieman@gmail.com.
In June, St. Louis had several scintillating film events -- The Q Fest, The Joe Besser Film Festival (to celebrate the work of one of the former Stooges, who is from St. Louis), and the Classic French Film Festival. The city hosted a large gathering of Christian film and video professionals from around-the-world at the International Christian Visual Media Conference. By the time the summer is over and fall begins, we will be ready for the grandaddy of St. Louis media events: The St. Louis International Film Festival in November.
We may have lost our film tax credit, but we still have a lively local media scene!
Mike Ketcher, President
MCA-i, St. Louis Chapter |
