Casting call for an iBook (a digital novel for the iPad). This interactive digital novel includes video clips, still images, text, audio clips and graphic design. The story follows the screenplay “Closer Than Rust,” which was recently selected as one of the three winners of the 2011 Atlanta International Film Festival.

Casting Calls:

Date: Wednesday, May 15^th

Time: 4-5:30pm

Location: The Phillip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Avenue, Suite A, Atlanta, GA, 30307

(www.rushcenteratl.org/)

The Rush Center is located one block from the Edgewood/Candler Park Marta Station.

Date: Thursday, May 16^th

Time: 6-8pm

Location: Georgia State University, General Classroom Building (“GCB”) room #115

Corner of Decatur Street and Peachtree Center Avenue (Building #12 on the GSU campus map).

Located two blocks from the 5 Points Marta Station (Walk down Central Ave towards Decatur Street. Central Ave becomes Peachtree Center Ave and the building is right there on the corner. Studio is on the ground floor, room #115)

Actors are needed for the following parts:

CHARACTERS:

Jamie  27, caucasian, genderqueer/FTM

Aliza  22-24, African American, Female/Femme

Bryan  8, African American, Male (Aliza’s playful little brother)

Creggory  8, African American, Male (Aliza’s brother’s friend)

Reggie  mid/late-20’s, African American, Male (Aliza’s ex-boyfriend)

Vespa  33, Asian American, Female/femme

Hart  mid-30’s, Asian American (other races considered), Female, Butch (Vespa’s partner)

Bill  Over 40, Caucasian, Male, “Proud Southern Redneck”

Tanisa  mid-20’s, African American, Female (a wild artist type)

EXTRAS / Townspeople:            

Tina  45 or so, African American, Female (Aliza’s Mom) (Photo & Voice Only)

Harden  45 or so, African American, Male (Aliza’s Dad) (Photo & Voice Only)

Frankie  mid-60’s, Caucasian, Male (also a “Proud Southern Redneck”)

Darnell  late-20’s, African American, Male (works with Jamie on the dump truck)

Mike  mid-30’s or so, Male (driver of the dump truck)

Mr. Casselberry  mid-60’s, African American, Male (married to Mrs. Casselberry)

Mrs. Casselberry  mid-60’s, African American, Female (married to Mr. Casselberry)

Christian Wife  late-40’s or so, female (married to Christian Husband)

Christian Husband  late-40’s or so, male (married to Christian Wife)

Mother  mid-30’s, female (the mother of “child”)

Child  3-6, female (the child of “mother”)

Henry  late-30’s, male, probably Caucasian (married to Juna – interracial couple)

Juna late-30’s, female, probably African American (married to Henry – interracial couple)

Yolanda  mid-50’s or so, African American, Female (a Yoruba Priestess)

“Redneck Wife”  40’s or so, female, Caucasian (married to “Redneck Husband”)

“Redneck Husband”  40’s or so, male, Caucasian (married to “Redneck Wife”)

Creggory’s Mom  early-40’s (flexible), African American, Female (Creggory’s Mom)

Newscaster for web video – Any age, race, gender

 Possible: “neighborhood children” (various ages, genders, races)

Possible: voice over actors for animated robots (dream scene)

–

This is a low budget project – a labor of love for most of the artists involved. Actors will receive small “Thank you” stipends, a copy of footage for their reel, and a copy of the finished digital book (expected in December, 2012).  All filming will take place this summer in and around Atlanta, GA.

For more information, please contact Laura Zaylea at closerthanrust@gmail.com and/or visit: http://closerthanrust.wordpress.com/get-involved/join-us/ . This is an LGBT themed film about interracial relationships, community, small Southern towns, magical dreams/intuition & art-making!

See you at the casting call!

By: Laura Zaylea

Sundance season has kicked off 2012 for the independent film world but CinemATL is looking ahead with a local production that will be making noise in the near future.

Questions

Michelle Rivera-Huckaby

 What made you want to make this film?

I’ve wanted to write a screenplay for a while and officially said it out loud in April 2009, a couple of months after my youngest was born. I had been a single mother for 10 years, got married and had another baby. Became super domesticated and felt like I was forgetting my dreams which I hear many mothers/wives can relate to. So I started planning time to write a screenplay and outlined tons of ideas until the one that hit closest to home stood out to me.

 How long have you been planning to make this project?

I first started planning about 12 years ago but was overwhelmed with 2 jobs, raising twins with only my mom’s help so I put it aside and put my family first.  In April of 2009, I made the decision to make a go at it but it wasn’t until late Aug./Sept. of 2009 that I really started a timeline and working with someone to hold me accountable so from that time until we actually shot it – I’d say a couple of months shy of 2 years of actual planning. 

 You reached out to many mentors during this process, how did that impact the project?

In so many ways – from length it should be (short or feature), to financing, hiring the right crew, direct it or be in it, when it was shot as it was originally planned to be shot early 2011 as opposed to late July of 2011. 

What are you plans for Encuentrate?

To do the 2012 film festival circuit and win in our category at an Oscar qualifying festival and also be an inspiration to people. I’m a woman who grew up in Brooklyn, NY with all the odds against her and everyone was quick to remind me of that when I was pregnant with twins at 19 (sophmore in college) and all I ever heard even after having the twins was how I wouldn’t get anywhere and I look back and can only count my blessings.  I want to inspire my children and set an example that there is nothing they can’t do. I want to inspire young people who don’t feel they are entitled to be great. I want to inspire single mothers who are so overwhelmed that they just want to give up. I want to inspire wives/mothers who have dreams but think they can’t purse them because they give everything they have to their household.  I can only hope that Encuentrate will be the beginning and allow me to share with and inspire others.

What was the most challenging aspect of making the film?

There were a lot of challenges but I think the biggest one was funding the project. We created an indiegogo campaign and raised some funds but not even close to what we needed and even going to family and friends was difficult because you got to see who really believed in you but it also made me stop and ask myself do I believe in this that much and without hesitation we plowed forward.

Do you have plans for any new projects? 

Yes, currently working on a few things: a feature which I hope to have in pre-production by the Fall of this year, a comedy series and a drama.

Jessica Imoto Harney

Tell me a little bit about your production company Captain Crazy. What projects other than Encuentrate have you been involved with?

In 2011 we also helped produce “Altered”, a horror film by Kely McClung, shot primarily in Chicago , IL and the infamous Gary , IN (a location all filmmakers should use). We worked on Dave Quay’s “Night on the Lam”, a handful of Atlanta artist’s music videos, Sam Carter’s “Good Grief Suicide Hotline”, and an assortment of other Atlanta based productions.  We definitely stay busy helping friends and peers in the community create their projects in any aspect possible because we love doing it…no matter what. Viva Indie Filmmaking!!

Michelle’s go-getter personality and work ethic! Michelle contacted me looking for a Director of Photography, but through discussion we realized I would ultimately take a larger role in the production of “Encúentrate” and actually co-produce the film. So I brought in the Crazy crew, with limits, and we collaborated with a fun lil’ crew imported from Puerto Rico to help create Michelle’s vision. It was an awesome experience… AND I learned lots of Spanish! Ultimately working with Michelle Rivera-Huckaby has been one of the best decisions of 2011, and we’re already starting to conspire her next project together.

What’s your take on the film scene in Atlanta ?

We’re… growing. In a productive way. It’s exciting to see so many people collaborating to share stories and entertainment. Because of the nature of our community, so many of us can actually call each other ‘filmmakers’ instead of ‘a singular union created role’… and I think that’s awesome advantage we have here in Atlanta . Ultimately, I have high hopes for our future, AND with the growth of the Atlanta Film Festival, we’re really making huge steps in having everyone take us seriously as a community and as an industry of professionals. 

What do you have on tap in terms of future projects?

In 2012 we’ll be focusing a lot of our energy on doobious.org, our interactive magazine that shares stories of Atlanta filmmakers, musicians, and artists of all mediums. Doobious.org is lead by my awesome brother Ace and Captain Crazy TV helps out with creating visual content for all our articles. As a non-profit organization, we strive to help spread word of the Atlanta scene and inspire our readers to get out there and experience their lives to the fullest. We’re like cyber hippies minus the petruli.

To learn more about the film, please visit the film’s website here: http://encuentratethefilm.com/blog/

The Call for Submissions Deadline for the fourth annual EcoFocus Film Festival has been extended to October 22, 2011. Please see EcoFocus Film Festival for submission details.

The 2012 EcoFocus Film Festival will run March 23-31, 2012 in Athens, Georgia. We accept film submissions in three categories: Environmental Features (50 minutes or more), Short Environmental Films (20 minutes or less), and Family Programming (any-length). Films may be submitted to more than one category. Pleae review our submission details and fill out our on-line entry form. No submission fees!

EcoFocus is an annual celebration of environmental films in Athens, Georgia. Our mission is to screen a diversity of high-quality films that promote discussion and inspire audiences into awareness and action on behalf of the environment.

Inquiries can be directed to: ecofocusfilmfest [at] gmail dot com.

By: Sara Beresford

This 12 hour per day, two day advanced level bootcamp is for working commercial production assistants, and interns and dayplayers on studio features and TV series, who are looking to take their skills to the next level to improve their chances of advancement and full-time employment on studio features and TV series. Local DGA Assistant Directors and working PA’s on Studio Features and TV Series will be running the bootcamp.

Lingo, procedure, and protocol will be incorporated into every activity throughout the day. Participants will learn to

read, create, and/or understanding all production paperwork – call sheets, production reports, exhibit G’s, time cards, one liners, shooting schedules, vouchers, shot lists, and walkie sign out sheets. Standard equipment that

PA’s interact with, like C-stands, stingers, sandbags, walkies, pop-up tents, video village, and apple boxes, will be used on a regular basis during training. At the end of the two days, a resume class will set participants up for success.

APPLICATION PROCESS

- Potential Participants must register on-line: Register Now

- Once registered -

Potential Participants must submit the following via email to nusouthfilms@mindspring.com by August 26th, 2011:

- a film resume showing commercial credits, or credits on at least 1 Studio Feature or TV Series

- a letter stating why they should be accepted

- a written recommended by another established PA/AD, or above the line crew person.

None of these requirements guarantee acceptance.

The final choices will be approved by instructors and workshop coordinators.

Business proposals are always evolving. Whether you are looking for $25,000 or $250,000 or more, the basics are the same. Learn what to include and not include in a business proposal, as well as the relevance and legality of including a strong risk statement, whether making it “artsy” is a good idea, how you can better sell yourself and your team, and what a festival, sales, and marketing plan should really look like.

Instructor: Linda Burns – Producer, Line Producer, and Production Manager for Commercials, Television, and Indie Features since 1994

$150 for ATL Film 365 and GPP Members/$175 for non-members
Limit 25 students, minimum 10

Class Location:

Hollis Gillespie’s Shocking Real Life Workshop Space
327 Nelson Street
Storefront Suite #313
Atlanta, GA 30313

Visit atlantafilmfestival.com for more classes and to register

Registration begins at 10:30 AM featuring safety presentations from IATSE and Teamster veteran keys in Special Effects, Construction, Grips and Electrics and Transportation with safety demonstrations and teachings. Free to ANYONE already working in the film industry. Just preregister. Give your name, your job craft, and last job worked. Limited seats going fast! Thanks for passing the word on. Email signup is georgiafilmset@gmail.com”

There are multiple opportunities to see what has been hailed as the worst movie ever, The Room, this week.  So, enjoy!

Tuesday (6/28)

• @The Plaza–The Room–9:30p, $9

Wednesday (6/29)

• Flicks on 5th–Just Go With It– Dusk, FREE

Thursday (6/30)

• Movies in the Park @Atlantic Station–Grease–Dusk, FREE
• Screen on the Green–Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)–Dusk, FREE

Friday (7/1)

• Midnights at the Midtown Art–The Room

Saturday (7/2)

• Midnights at the Midtown Art–The Room

It’s officially summer this week.  Time to see some flicks.  Enjoy!

Tuesday (6/21)

• Eat, Drink and B Indie Networking, 7:30p,

Wednesday (6/22)

• Flicks on 5th–The Adjustment Bureau– Dusk, FREE

Thursday (6/23)

• @Landmark Midtown Art Cinema–Fear of a Black Republican–6:30p, $25
• Wonderroot Local Film Night @The Plaza–9:30p, $6
• Movies in the Park @Atlantic Station–Cat on A Hot Tin Roof–Dusk, FREE
• Screen on the Green–The Birds or Frankenstein–Dusk, FREE

Friday (6/24)

• Film Love @The Museum of Contemporary Art–Robbie Land–8p, $5

Saturday (6/25)

• Silver Scream Spook Show @The Plaza–Robot Monster–1p, 10p, $7, $12

Lots going on this week, including the return of Flicks on 5th.  Enjoy!

Tuesday (6/14)

• Splatter Cinema @The Plaza–Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 –9:30p, $9

Wednesday (6/15)

• Flicks on 5th–Hall Pass– Dusk, FREE

Thursday (6/16)

• Feminist Film Forum–Made in L.A.–6:30p, FREE
• Movies in the Park @Atlantic Station–Deja Vu–Dusk, FREE
• Screen on the Green–Sixteen Candles–Dusk, FREE

Friday (6/17)

• Black Women Film Festival
• First Existentialist 3rd Friday Film Series–Milk–7p, $1-$10

Saturday (6/18)

• Black Women Film Festival

Sunday (6/19)

• Black Women Film Festival

The Fox Theater is kicking off its summer film series this week and there’s loads going on Thursday through Saturday.  Enjoy!

Tuesday (6/7)

• Art Opening and A Movie @The Plaza–The Dark Crystal–8p, $9

Thursday (6/9)

• The Coca-Cola Summer Film @The Fox–The Social Network–7:30p, $8
• Movies in the Park @Atlantic Station–Jurassic Park–Dusk, FREE
• Screen on the Green–Imitation of Life–Dusk, FREE

Friday (6/10)

• The Coca-Cola Summer Film @The Fox–True Grit–7:30p, $8
• Pitch Dark Atlanta @Midtown Art Cinema–Goonies–11:30p, $10
• @The Plaza–The Dark Crystal–Midnight, $9

Saturday (6/11)

• The Man with No Name Trilogy @The Plaza–A Fistful of Dollars–3p and 7:30p, $7.50 and $9
• The Coca-Cola Summer Film @The Fox–Rango–2p, $8
• The Coca-Cola Summer Film @The Fox–To Kill a Mockingbird–7:30p, $8

Sunday (6/12)

• @The Plaza–The Dark Crystal–3p, $7.50