AIVF Birmingham
Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers
 
Ezine Number 44, August 23, 2003
 
From the Ezine Editor
 
Here's some more information from the backlog of messages that piled up when my computer was on the dark side of the moon. Unfortunately there were a few auditions and production calls that were missed, sorry about that.

Movie screenings

-sent in by Steve Moon

UNDER THE SIDEWALK MOON TO PREMIERE IN BIRMINGHAM AT THE ALABAMA THEATER ON SEPT 11TH AT 7:30 PM.

Join me to celebrate the screening of this film at the Alabama Theater on Sept. 11th.

Sept 11th is our unofficial Patriot Day. It is a day to celebrate unity! We can have a day to agree to disagree with our political and personal ideals and show the world (or Birmingham) that we choose to take this day and recognize those who are different from us and embrace them.

My film ironically was about "Patriotism" and "doing what is right unto others, and unto yourself" to quote Manfredi from Under the Sidewalk Moon.

I screened this at the Bama Theater in Tuscaloosa and was subsequently invited as a guest to the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. To say the least, I was honored, surprised, humbled, and ecstatic, all at once.

I hope to see you there. Tickets are $10 at the door the day of the event. Doors open at 7:00 and the screening at 7:30. Watch for a screening of "My Inner Vancouver" starring Dallas Teague to premiere sometime this winter. Thanks

Steve Moon
205-567-8518

Production news
 
-from the Alabama Film Office web site dated August 13, 2003
 
ACTORS NEEDED FOR DRAMATIC FILM TO BE SHOT IN NORTHEASTERN ALABAMA!!!
 
I am currently seeking individuals between the ages if 18 and 65 for various roles in a dramatic film to be filmed in Jackson and Dekalb counties.
I am casting for main roles, supportive roles, and background extras. If you are interested, you can do one of three things: (1) e-mail me your resume and headshot or send it through the mail; (2) send me a taped audition: or, (3) call me and set up a time for an in-person audition. The contact information will be provided below. This film will be shot at the beginning of 2004. Please send all headshots to:
 
 
Co-Dependent Pictures
1568 County Road 126
Pisgah, AL 35765
 
(256) 479-5867
 
BILLY RAY BREWTON
 
Script Development Workshop
 
The next meeting of the Script Development Workshop will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 19 at Books & Co. in Brookwood Village. Bring a script you are working on and share it with like minded peers. At the last meeting someone brought their own feature length script. The meeting generally last to 9:00 p.m. although you are free to stay and talk till store closing. For more information contact Angela at angela@boang.com .
 
Classes and workshops
 
-from Tommy Canary
 
 ACTORS OUTLET is offering a new Introduction To On Camera class September 17. The class meets once a week for 5 weeks and goes from 6 to 8:30 PM.  Class size is limited to insure that you get on camera work and feedback in each class.
 Call 945-8228   between 10 a.m and 6 p.m. for more information.
 
From IMAGE and AIVF Atlanta

FALL SCHEDULE
The classes and workshops schedule for fall will soon be posted with full descriptions on the IMAGE web site: www.imagefv.org.  Please check periodically for new information.

Upcoming Registration Deadlines:


ON-GOING, ON-CAMERA SCENE STUDY
Instructor: Steve Coulter
This class gives the experienced as well as the aspiring actor the opportunity to work out in front of the camera on a regular basis.  You will work on-camera, concentrating on the practical techniques of film acting, releasing emotion, analyzing text, characterization, etc.  The workshop will focus on the technical aspects of filmmaking that can affect the actor's performance such as hitting marks, continuity, sound levels, and the transition from stage to film acting.
Sessions meet every other week. Space is limited and there is a waiting list. Call (678) 469-5882 for registration information. $150 members, $190 general public.

ACTOR'S AUDITION WORKSHOP
Instructor:  Steve Coulter
This one-day workshop will simulate an actual film audition, as students will experience the audition process from both sides of the table.  As actors, participants will be given scenes to prepare, be asked to present their headshot and resume, and then read for a specific role before an audition panel.  As panelists, participants will have an opportunity to experience what directors, producers, and casting directors see and look for at an audition.  Participants will learn ways to approach a script for an audition, strategies for managing nervousness, and ways to actually enjoy the process.  The auditions will be videotaped.  Participants are asked to bring a resume, headshot and a blank VHS videotape.
Saturday, Sept. 20th  10am-4pm.  $75 members, $95 general public. Registration deadline: Sept. 17.  Limited to 12 students. *Sign up for both Actor's Audition and The Business of Acting (at the same time) and receive a 10% discount!

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT 101
Instructor:  Ellen Barnard
Before you write a single check or shoot a single frame do yourself (and your wallet) a favor and learn the process of bringing your project in on time and on budget.  Topics include transforming a script into a usable shooting script, manual vs. computer software breakdowns, creating an achievable budget and drafting a preliminary shooting schedule.  Additionally, the roles of the production manager's team on and off the set will be discussed. The instructor will share an actual shooting script, stripboard and other production-related materials from one of her shoots.
Tuesdays, September 23 and 30, 2003.  7pm-9:30pm.  $95 members, $130 general public.  Registration deadline: September 18.  Limited to 12 students.
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AIVF/MEDIAMAKER SALON

Each month IMAGE works in conjunction with the Association of Independent
Video and Filmmakers to sponsor informal, educational salons. These meetings are free and open to the public. Salons are held the second Tuesday of each month from 7pm-8:30 pm @ Red Light Cafe (553 Amsterdam Ave, off Monroe Drive;  404/874-7828).  Food and drinks are available.  Visit their web site for a menu:www.redlightcafe.com.

Tuesday, September 9, 2003
GRANT SEEKING MADE EASY THROUGH THE FOUNDATION CENTER
The Foundation Center's mission is to support and improve philanthropy by promoting public understanding of the field and helping grant-seekers succeed. Through its extensive Atlanta library databases, the Center is dedicated to educating the public on how to determine which avenues to take in the grant-seeking process. Join Joanne Kepics, Training Coordinator for The Foundation Center, as she discusses the best means for artists to target grants like affiliating with an organization, or getting a fiscal sponsor.
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Disney family member sells stock
 
On Wednesday, August 20, it was announced that Roy Disney, nephew of Walt Disney, has sold 40% of his family's stock in the corporation founded by his uncle.
Although he will retain voting control for five more years, this now makes the largest shareholder to be Michael Eisner with 15 million shares. Reports have said that last year Roy Disney and Michael Eisner had a clash over the governance of Disney Corp. For more information go to http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3311794
 
From The National AIVF
 
 SAVE THE DATE! Media Advocacy Day
 
when: September 26, 2003
 
AIVF members across the country are organizing visits to their Congressional
representatives, to ensure that they represent independent concerns when it
comes to funding independent media, protecting public interest policies, and
balancing copyright protection.
 
While each visit is simple to participate in, together they will send a
message that cannot be ignored. Be a part of our collective voice!
 
Go to http://www.aivf.org/mediaadvocacyday.html to learn how to set up or to
join a delegation in your own community.
 
B) How has intellectual property law affected you?
 
Public Knowledge, Creative Commons, and The Center for the Study of the
Public Domain are collaborating on a public-education campaign that will
highlight the struggles of creators with intellectual property law. They are
collecting stories of citizens who are hampered by restrictive intellectual
property laws.
 
If you have a personal story of copyright, trademark or patent laws
needlessly hindering your work and ideas, they want to hear from you.
Conversely, if your work has benefited from the availability of art and
information in the public domain, They want to know about it. They want to
hear stories from filmmakers with a personal story involving intellectual
property law. Maybe you are a filmmaker who has been told to pay a large
licensing fee for a four second snippet of a copyrighted work.
 
Policymakers can be educated about these issues, but in order to make the
case, we need your stories!  Please email your story to
pk@publicknowledge.com with "Public Domain Stories" in the header.  They
will present your stories to legislators, press and the general public
through a web site, video and other media. Please provide your name and a
daytime phone number and indicate if you would prefer to remain anonymous
when
your story is published.
 
For more information about AIVF media advocacy visit:
http://www.aivf.org/advocacy/
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If you would like to respond with any comments, updates, announcements, blurbs, quips, jibs, exhortations or advice, you can contact,
 
Ezine Editor, aivfbham@bellsouth.net