AIVF Birmingham
Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers
 
Ezine Number 52, October 13, 2003
 
Auditions, casting calls
 
"A Day In November"

We are holding auditions for our next short film entitled "A Day In
November" at Crow Studio on the following days:
 
October 16 - 17th (6pm to 8pm)
October 18th (1pm to 4pm)
 
The story is a light drama about a group of friends getting ready for a
wedding. We are looking for four male actors and five female actors, in the
20 or 30-something age. Please bring headshots and prepare to do a short
reading. Shooting is scheduled to begin on the first weekend of November and
will last two weekends. These are non-paying parts, but will be given a DVD
copy of film and credit. Film to be directed by Tam Le.
 
Crow Studio is located on 912 22nd Street South. Contact Randy Crow at
322-1755 for more info.
 
"Camp D.O.A." 
Saturday, October 18, 2003,  horror film, film is rated R, some nudity
 Location:   Magic City Film
                 228 18th Street North  (Downtown) Birmingham near Alabama Theatre
                     Casting Director:   Joyce Sharp   (Alabama)

Time:  2:00-5:00 P.M.        

Need experienced actors.  Bring headshot,  resume, and audition reel (if available).

Film is projected to shoot between December and February.  Selected actors must be

available for consecutive days if needed.  Will be filmed in Alabama.

Cast Requirements:

African-American or Hispanic Male, Age range 18-25, one role comedy type personality; 4 other roles

African American Female, Age range 18-25    

Hispanic or Ethnic Female, Age range 18-25, attractive model type

African-American Male, Age 50's, distinguished

Caucasian Male, Age 18-25, handsome, average build  hip-hop type

Female, any ethnicity, Age 25-50 height 5' 10" +full bodied, athletic build

Caucasian Female, (this role requires nudity) Age 18-25, regular build, shoulder length hair, attractive, 

wears swimsuit under clothes.

 
Congratulations to Burton & Carter.
 
Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter became parents of a baby boy, born in London, Oct. 4, 2003.
 
Click here for a news story
 
"Big Fish" Trailer
 
A downloadable trailer in Quicktime format is now available. You can go to the Sony/Columbia Pictures main web site at
 
 
Fans speak about "Big Fish" trailer
 
Burtonites at The Collective www.timburtoncollective.com have commented that the current "Big Fish" trailer uses music from "Black Beauty" and "Edward Scissorshands". This leads to speculation that the Danny Elfman score wasn't ready at the time Sony wanted to start the promotional campaign (and you will note, the original release date of Thanksgiving 2003 was pushed back to December). Later trailers and the final print of the movie could have additional music.
 
Workshops, classes
 
-From IMAGE in Atlanta Ga.

FALL SCHEDULE
The classes and workshops schedule is now on-line with full descriptions.  See the IMAGE web site: www.imagefv.org.  Please check periodically for new information.

**NOTE:  SOUND 101 has been changed to Sat. 10/25 & Sun. 10/26

Upcoming Registration Deadlines:

Don't miss this once a year offering!  A few slots are still available.
NETWORK MAGAZINE LIGHTING
Instructor: Allen Facemire
How can you get that national “network magazine” look with a talking head, a white brick wall, and the basic tricks of the trade? Allen Facemire, veteran of film and television will show you how he gets results for clients like 20/20, Dateline, Discovery Magazine, and The TODAY Show.  This hands-on workshop will show you how to utilize readily available tools and a small crew to achieve a national look and distinctive style.
Saturday, October 18, 2003. 10am-6pm. $95 for IMAGE members, $130 for general public. Registration deadline: October 15. Limited to 12 students. Class will be held at the PC&E Briarwood Stage, 1842 Briarwood Road, Atlanta. *Sign up for both Sound 101 and Network Magazine Lighting (at the same time) and receive a 10% discount!

BREAKING INTO FILM AS A PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Instructor: Chris Hilsabeck
From an instructor who's braved the front lines on feature film and documentary productions, learn first-hand accounts on how to start out as a Production Assistant, or, in film lingo, a "P.A."  Beyond the regular talk of "it's all in who you know", participate in a candid discussion on the do's and don’ts on getting that first film job.  Other invaluable hints and resources to be covered include how to find work, how to land an interview, what (and what not) to include on your resume, and on-set expectations once you get there.
Tuesdays, October 21 and 28, 2003. 7:30pm-9:30pm. $75 members, $95 general public. Registration deadline: October 17. Limited to 12 students.  

DEVELOPING INVESTOR RELATIONS
Instructor: Patrick Jones
While financing an independent film too often involves a maxed-out credit card, the fact is there are investors out there who want to fund your film…even if they don't know it yet. Join film producer and financial expert Patrick Jones as he outlines strategies for identifying and approaching potential film investors, discusses the key elements of a successful proposal, explains the art of fostering trust and two-way communication, details basic legal requirements and disclosures, and tackles the delicate balance of retaining artistic freedom against the reality of the bottom line.
Saturday, October 25, 2003. 11am-5pm. $75 members, $95 general public. Registration deadline: October 22, 2003. Limited to 12 students.

CONQUERING HOLLYWOOD
Looking To Really Get Through To The TV Networks & Film Studios?

Many of you have been in film and television for years looking to go to the
next level or expand your expertise.  You've worked on sets, commercials and
had lunches with those who've made you promises, but couldn't deliver.
Seven- time Emmy & Golden Globe winning producer, Bryan Hickox, brings his
nationwide "Conquering Hollywood Tour" workshop  to Atlanta October 17-18,
2003 at the Renaissance Hotel-Downtown.   You can sign up for one or two day
passes.  LIMITED SPACE  - CALL NOW (904) 230-4192 TO REGISTER AND RESERVE YOUR SPACE.

From the National AIVF
 
Please join AIVF and a diverse group of artists and organizations who are
supporting the Independent Feature Project's efforts to reverse the ban on
screener tapes for Oscar consideration.
 
On Tuesday, September 30th, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
announced a ban on "for your consideration" VHS and DVD copies of feature
films. While we support the MPAA's desire to curtail pirating - the stated
cause for the ban - our group believes that this untimely move will greatly
threaten the ability of a diverse group of films (chief among them
independents) to be seen by the majority of members of the Academy. [Refer
to http://www.mpaa.org/jack/ for the MPAA's official press release.]
 
The Academy campaigns-and subsequent nominations and awards-for such films
as "Boys Don't Cry," "Far From Heaven," "In the Bedroom," "Monster's Ball,"
and "Talk To Her" brought increased public awareness and box office revenues
for these diverse and quality films. Screeners to the Academy are key to
those campaigns. How else would Academy members see or even hear about films
that were not in wide release and did not have large prints & advertising
budgets?
 
To illustrate the negative consequences for independent films, the IFP has
created a compilation of press clippings that have appeared this last week.
Please visit http://www.ifp.org/ifpnews/newsitem.php?id=256 [p: this is
likely to change].
 
We have joined with the Independent Feature Project to  work with
independent artists and companies to help reverse this hasty decision.
 
If you have not personally contacted the MPAA to express your opposition to
this issue, we encourage you to do so.
 
Letters should be addressed to the attention of Anne Caliguiri, Public
Affairs, or Jack Valenti, President and CEO.
 
Motion Picture Association of America
15503 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91436
phone: 818-995-6600
E-mail: hotline@mpaa.org
 

If you are member of the Academy, we encourage you also to write to
President Frank Pierson to express your concern.
 
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
8949 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
phone: 310-247-3000
E-mail: publicity@oscars.org
 
Please share this message with your colleagues. It will require the entire
community's support to make a difference for the upcoming awards season.
 
For a letter to download and sign go to:
http://www.aivf.org/advocacy/mpaa.doc
 
For more information on the MPAA decision visit IndieWIRE:
Indies and Specialty Chiefs Mobilize Against Screener Ban by Valenti and
MPAA
by Eugene Hernandez
http://www.indiewire.com/biz/biz_031006screener.html
 
For articles relating to the screener ban go:
http://www.ifp.org/ifpnews/newsitem.php?id=254
 
For more information about the Independent Feature Project:
http://www.ifp.org
 
____________________________________
AIVF informs and advocates on behalf of issues of critical importance to
the independent field.
 
AIVF Advocacy Committee
advocacy@aivf.org
212/807-1400 x236

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