RIFC Announcements

Casting Call for Feature Film "Snowflake"

2010-02-08T20:16:00.001-05:00

Golidlocks Productions is holding it’s final casting call for the feature film Snowflake due to be shot in May 2009. The film will be shot under the ultra low budget SAG agreement, and we will be casting both SAG and NON SAG actors in the film.

For more info on the project go to www.snowflake-movie.com

Boston Castings will be held by appt on Saturday March 6th and Sunday March 7th at

ViewFinder Productions
423 West Broadway
Boston, MA 02127

Worcester Castings will be held by OPEN CALL beginning at 6pm Sunday March 14th

Canal Lounge
90 Harding Street
Worcester, MA 01604

Also, if you are a singer or rapper, we’d love to see what talent you have and possibly work you into a club scene.

Please email your headshot to snowflakecasting@yahoo.com for an appointment.

These are some of the main characters in the film:

The role of Jesse has already been cast, but is included as reference.
Jesse Ashton (white female, 21 years) is a natural beauty with her own style of city/b-girl clothes. Jesse grew up in a wealthy family in an affluent town...in fact, she's still trapped there with her parents Gerald and Rose. In such a controlling environment where conservative conformity is the norm, Jesse turns to hip-hop for self-expression and exploration. The problem is that she is not fully accepted in either world. She's too rebellious to work for her mother's prestigious law firm, yet not street enough for the clubs. Jesse's ambition is to not only be accepted as a rapper, but also become financially independent as an artist. What drives her is the memory of her deceased brother, Kevin, who introduced her to hip hop and taught her that life should be about your own passion, not what others demand of you. But what is Jesse willing to sacrifice to become the next big thing?

Jamal (African-American male, 25 years) is a tall and thin rapper, and is the perfect blend of book and street smart that reflects in his clothes and rhymes. Jamal is Jesse's friend and voice of reason. Jamal and Jesse met at the independent record store where they both work. As a local hip-hop hero himself, it was Jamal that helped Jesse craft herself into the artist she is today by providing her with moral support, tracks to back her vocals and critiquing her performance. Jamal also has ambitions to make it as a rapper; however, he refuses to comprise his artistic integrity. Jamal raps from the heart and connected with Jesse on lyrical content. He respects her as a person and an artist and believes in her abilities. Now that's she's getting attention from the new "it" producer Diamond Roy, he's starting to question is she can stay true to her art form, and more importantly, stay true to herself.

Adam (white male, 23 years) is Jamal's sidekick and Jesse's biggest fan. Adam also works at the record store and has been helping Jamal cook beats for a long time. Adam is a punk rocker by look and trade, but loves hip hop music and supports Jamal and Jesse with everything that they do...maybe a little too much. Adam, although he tries, can't hide very well that he'd like to be more than friends with Jesse. So often in order to gain favor with her, he enables Jesse's drinking problem. Adam would like to see both Jamal and Jesse succeed in the game, assuming he'd ride along with them. But his actions to have Jesse like him sometimes hurt more than they help.

Big Moe (African-American male, 35 years) is a big, beefy force to be reckoned with. Big Moe is a local Boston producer who just had one of his artists "Klep" signed to Sony records. He's the new big shot in town and looking to increase his wealth by getting more artists signed, and he's not afraid to use his size (figuratively and literally) to get what he wants. Big Moe sees dollar signs when he first sees Jesse perform--a pretty white girl with skills. He takes Jesse under his wing to help her grow and become marketable, but at the end of the day, it's all about business. If he's going to invest his time, he will ensure to get a return on his investment no matter who he crosses or how.

Trick (African-American male, 25 years) is a built rapper who is top to bottom street thug. Under Big Moe's direction, he's trying to be the next Lil Wayne. Trick has local success and is on the cusp of really blowing up. But his ego trips him up so that he thinks too much of himself and doesn't put in the time and effort needed to get to the next level. That's where he and Big Moe have tension...and the tension only increases when Trick's rapper girlfriend, Vanessa, shows that she will do anything to get a shot at the limelight...anything. When Big Moe brings on Jesse, Trick questions Moe’s ability to stay true to the game and he gives Jesse a hard time. But as time passes, Trick sees that Jesse's abilities are real...he may even see more in Jesse than Moe.

Vanessa (African-American female, 25 years) is a hot, curvy bitch you love to hate. An in your face, verbally abusive woman, Vanessa is Jesse's nemesis and makes this fact very public. Vanessa's disrespect for Jesse increases into sabotage as she becomes more and more threatened by her. As an artist, Vanessa's lyrics and performance make Foxy Brown and Lil Kim seem like Sunday School teachers. Vanessa is the epitome of a "sex sells" attitude that she and Big Moe try to capitalize on, regardless of her boyfriend and fellow rapper, Trick's feelings. She will do anything to make it, but how far is she really willing to take it? Does she truly believe in the ends justify the means?

Gerald Ashton (white male, 55 years) is a tall, athletic man who is corporate conservative in dress and manner and CEO of a multi-million dollar company. As Jesse's father, he is emotionally withdrawn, as he has been grieving the loss of his son, Kevin. The only interactions he has with Jesse are to command her to follow in the "proper" footsteps that he and her mother had taken to succeed in life. But Gerald and Jesse have two very different definitions of success. Jesse hides her hip hop life from her parents, so Gerald can only guess what she's up to so late at night, night after night. Will she slip into the same pattern her brother was in before he died? Not on Gerald's watch. But the more he tightens his grip on Jesse, the more she slips through his fingers.

Rose Ashton (white female, 50 years) is a very beautiful, but tough lawyer who is a partner in a very successful law firm. As Jesse's mother, she tries her best to support Jesse, but is only supporting her on her own terms--she doesn't listen to what is truly in Jesse's heart. Rose tries to balance her tough businesswoman exterior with being a nurturing mother, but it often gets lost. She does not understand why Jesse dropped out of college and why she seems to be floundering with no sense of direction. After the death of her son, Kevin, Rose has tried to keep her mind on the practice and just allows Gerald space to grieve in his own way. But she can feel the space increasing between all three of them, and despite her success at work, can not seem to figure out how to solve the family problem.

There are also other supporting roles to be cast for…. And we need a lot of extras and music performers in scenes. These are just the main characters in the film. Thanks!
(This is not an RIFC Production)

OSCAR-NOMINATED FILM MAKES ITS NEW ENGLAND DEBUT

2010-02-08T10:29:00.001-05:00

MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact: Karina Wood 401-595-2999
Karina@cutlerandcompany.com

At the first annual Providence Children's Film Festival, February 12, 2010.

(Category: Animated Feature Film)

Four days of award-winning, innovative movies and workshops in the Creative Capital
President's Day Holiday Weekend, February 12 - 15, 2010

www.providencechildrensfilmfestival.org

The first annual Providence Children's Film Festival will present the New England premiere of The Secret of Kells, nominated for a 2010 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.

http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/82/nominees.html

This highly anticipated animated masterpiece from the producers of Kirikou and the Sorceress, and The Triplets of Belleville brings together magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes in this sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times. The Academy Award nominees were announced February 2.

The New England premiere of The Secret of Kells will take place at the Festival Kick-off Reception, Friday, February 12, 5:30 pm, at the Cable Car Cinema.

Providence Children's Film Festival is the first and only not-for-profit dedicated solely to bringing high quality independent and international children's films and film-related programming to Rhode Island. Its inaugural event will be a four-day festival that will introduce Rhode Island children, youth and their families to the great variety of high quality independent films from the United States and around the world made specifically for young audiences.

The festival will feature a delightful collection of animated, live-action, and documentary films, including recent award winners and favorites from major North American children's film festivals, including the New York, Chicago, and Toronto International Children's Film Festivals.

With support from local community arts and education organizations, such as New Urban Arts and City Arts!, the festival will also present a program of films made by Rhode Island youth on Sunday, February 14, 3:30, Metcalf Auditorium, RISD Museum.

For a full listing of films, descriptions, trailers and reviews, please visit: http://www.providencechildrensfilmfestival.org/Films.html

Education and hands-on opportunities are vital to the Festival's mission. This year's workshops will focus on animation, with two local artists, Annie Lavigne (RISD Faculty, Department of Film, Animation and Video) and Amy Lovera (Providence based multi-media artist), leading workshops in direct animation and cut paper animation (which is a kind of stop motion animation).

Advanced registration for the workshops is highly recommended (see www.providencechildrensfilmfestival.org/Workshops.html).

There will be other opportunities to meet film professionals. The Saturday 12:30 screening of Gus Outdoors: Gull Island will feature a question and answer session with Portsmouth, RI, filmmaker Sean Nightingale. For the Saturday 3:30 screening of Songs of Freedom, a new film about the Underground Railroad that knits together dramatic re-creation and contemporary and modern storytelling and music, director/producer David Marshall will be present to answer questions. Both of these presentations are part of the free programming that will take place at the Metcalf Auditorium, RISD Museum.

The festival will take place Friday, February 12 - Monday, February 15, 2010 (Presidents' Day Weekend).

Kick-off Reception & Premier Screening of "The Secret of Kells": Friday, February 12, 5:30 pm, Cable Car. Ticketed event $15. Advance ticket purchase recommended via http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/97479

Complete Schedule of events at: http://www.providencechildrensfilmfestival.org/Schedule.html

The Providence Children's Film Festival is made possible through major funding support from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, an independent state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Funding is also provided in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and private funders.

This is not an RIFC Production

Open Casting Call for TSL Production

2010-02-08T10:10:00.000-05:00

TSL Production is seeking Non-Union actors for several upcoming projects. Please see character descriptions below.

Open casting call will be held at 560 Mineral Spring Ave, Pawtucket, RI from 3:00PM - 7:00PM on Saturday, February 13, 2010.

Please bring current head shot and resume.
Sides for cold read will be provided at audition.

Character Descriptions:

JACK – Caucasian male (mid 20’s – mid 30’s): Ordinary looking, eccentric, flamboyant and sophisticated NOTE: The ability to speak in a decent British accent is highly desirable. Experience in stage combat and stunts are highly desirable.

HARRY – Caucasian male (mid 20’s – mid 30’s): short, compact, balding, crass. NOTE: The ability to speak in a decent British (various dialects and Scottish) accent is highly desirable. Experience in stage combat and stunts are highly desirable.

NIGEL – Caucasian male (mid 20’s – mid 30’s): handsome, charming, witty, playboy. NOTE: The ability to speak in a British accent is required.

KELLY – Female mid-20’s (any ethnicity): A:ttractive

JANICE – Caucasian female (late 20’s – mid-30’s): Husky, a no non-sense woman

KENDRA – African-American female (mid-20’s): Attractive (fashion model look), snobbish.

GRANGER – Caucasian female (20’s): Attractive (fashion model look), stuck-up, snobby diva.
OLD JOEY - Caucasian male (40's - 50's, but looks 40's): in good physical shape

MARILYN MONROE LOOK ALIKE

Open casting call will be held at 560 Mineral Spring Ave, Pawtucket, RI from 3:00PM - 7:00PM on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Please bring current head shot and resume.

SHOOT Teen Film Program presents:

2010-02-07T14:20:00.000-05:00

Contact: Ben Ellcome - SHOOT Project Manager
Tel. 401-847-6927
Email: shootnewport@gmail.com
Website: www.shootnewport.com

The SHOOT TEEN FILM PROGRAM begins the next session of film & editing classes at the Boys & Girls Club in Newport, RI. Come learn the art of filmmaking. Write, Shoot, and Edit your own film. Your film will be premiering at the Newport International Film Festival in June. Come have fun while filming with Award Winning Film Director Rocco Michaluk at the Boys & Girls Club in Newport, RI.

NO FILM EXPERIENCE NEEDED.
ALL ARE WELCOME!

Hands on experience with state of the art High Definition HD digital video cameras and digital non-linear editing via Final Cut Pro. Produce your own high quality film that will premiere at the world renowned Newport International Film Festival.

Date : February 10, 2009
Cost: FREE for Boys & Girls Club Members
$20 membership fee to Boys & Girls Club Newport, RI. Cost includes everything needed for film program plus membership to Boys & Girls Club.
Where: Boys & Girls Club, Newport, RI
Time: 4:00PM
Contact: Ben Ellcome – SHOOT Project Manager - 401-847-6927 – shootnewport@gmail.com
Website: www.shootnewport.com

This is not an RIFC Production

SHOOT Teen Film Program presents:

2010-02-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

Contact: Ben Ellcome - SHOOT Project Manager
Tel. 401-847-6927
Email: shootnewport@gmail.com
Website: www.shootnewport.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The SHOOT TEEN FILM PROGRAM begins the next session of film & editing classes at the Boys & Girls Club in Newport, RI. Come learn the art of filmmaking. Write, Shoot, and Edit your own film. Your film will be premiering at the Newport International Film Festival in June. Come have fun while filming with Award Winning Film Director Rocco Michaluk at the Boys & Girls Club in Newport, RI.

NO FILM EXPERIENCE NEEDED.
ALL ARE WELCOME!

Hands on experience with state of the art High Definition HD digital video cameras and digital non-linear editing via Final Cut Pro. Produce your own high quality film that will premiere at the world renowned Newport International Film Festival.

Date : February 10, 2009
Cost: FREE for Boys & Girls Club Members
$20 membership fee to Boys & Girls Club Newport, RI. Cost includes everything needed for film program plus membership to Boys & Girls Club.
Where: Boys & Girls Club, Newport, RI
Time: 4:00PM
Contact: Ben Ellcome – SHOOT Project Manager - 401-847-6927 – shootnewport@gmail.com
Website: www.shootnewport.com

Ben Ellcome
SHOOT Manager
SHOOT Teen Film Program
Boys & Girls Club of Newport
401.847.6927
www.shootnewport.com
www.bgcnewport.org
shootnewport@gmail.com

"HACHI" TO SCREEN IN WOONSOCKET

2010-02-05T15:35:00.000-05:00

The Rhode Island Film & TV Office and Sony Pictures are pleased to announce that the movie "HACHI", starring Richard Gere and Joan Allen, will be showcased at a free screening to be held at the historical Stadium Theatre in the City of Woonsocket at 7:30 PM on Thursday, March 4, 2010 prior to its worldwide DVD release.

"HACHI" is based on the true story of a college professor and his adoption of an abandoned dog who becomes his best friend. Their relationship changes both of their lives as they form an unbreakable bond. Photographed primarily in Woonsocket, Bristol, Providence and on the Kingston URI campus, "HACHI" also stars Jason Alexander. Academy Award nominee Lasse Hallstrom ("CIDER HOUSE RULES", "CHOCOLAT") directed the family drama.

Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the RI Film & TV Office said, "We are very excited to share this heart-warming movie with the local crew, cast and community members whose talent and hard work contributed tremendously to this beautiful film. The theme of loyalty resonates throughout, and it's fitting that our dedicated citizens are given a preview of this wonderfully photographed production and its inviting locations."

Due to the size of the venue, a limited number of seats are available. You may email your ticket request to rifilm@arts.ri.gov. No phone calls, please.

Visit the RI Film & TV Office website at www.film.ri.gov.
The RI Film & TV Office is a division of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.
(This is not an RIFC Production)

The CT New Wave Film Night!

2010-01-27T17:32:00.000-05:00

Sponsored by People's Choice.
Join Us
February 6, 2010
7pm to 10pm
for a behind-the-scenes look at Connecticut's Newest Film Movement, The CT New Wave!
@ The Bristol Historical Society
98 Summer Street
Bristol, CT 06010
http://www.bristolhistoricalsociety.org/
Mingle with the Filmmakers!
The CT New Wave Film Night!
See what's happening in your own backyard.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Mingle with filmmakers of the CT New Wave while you ... check out the paintings and photography of Berlin-native, Andy McKinnon, and watch the trailers from the CT feature film, Sensory Perception!
The CT New Wave is a collective of Connecticut-based filmmakers who have combined their efforts in a collaborative endeavor to bring quality filmmaking to the area.
Sensory Perception, directed by Al Signore, is an independent film which just wrapped here in CT. It features Kris Keyes (Gargantua Soul), Mike Duff, and Stephanie Victoria. This film was shot on location in CT with an all-CT crew!
American Jubilee, written by Ryan Casey (Crushing Pennies), is an independent film in the first stages of pre-production, that needs your help in achieving its goals. The CT New Wave Collective has an amazing script ready to be shot and a talented group of CT crew professionals ready to bring it to life. We just need your support.
Quality films with a brand-new aesthetic are starting to be made here in our state, and we need to keep this going so that others will follow suit. We wish to make Connecticut the "go-to" place for filmmakers from around the country. And we need your support!
For our current project, American Jubilee, the CT New Wave Film Collective is using CT-based crew and CT-based locations. This will help to develop the economic well-being of our community's area by encouraging others to use this area and its businesses to produce film and take part in other arts in the area.
Tickets are: $20 at the door for the public - $15 in advance. To purchase Tickets in advance, contact Ryan Casey at:
Ryan@AJMovie.com

All proceeds go towards event itself and future film projects.
For more information regarding this event and/or The CT New Wave, please contact Ryan Casey:
Ryan Casey
Writer/Director, CT New Wave
www.AJMovie.com
Ryan@AJMovie.com
SEE OUR EVENT ON FACEBOOK!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263180568812
(This is not an RIFC Production)

FROM LDI CASTING - UPDATED INFO

2010-01-27T10:42:00.001-05:00

Welcome New People! Here’s how it works at LDI –
You send us ONE (1) headshot and resume via regular mail
LDI Casting
P.O. Box 9666
Warwick, RI 02889
And
Register on our website. www.ldicasting.net
It’s free and confidential. We do not ask for a resume on line, just some basic information.
We do not charge you any money for our services.
We ask that you contact us via emails and regular mail.
Phone calls?…yeah, NOT so much. Please try other options to contact us first.
If you would like to be REMOVED from this list – write us here and we’ll remove you, we’ll miss you…but we will remove you.
　********
CLASSESNew Dates New Dates New Dates
　On camera auditioning workshop
ADULT: Saturday, February 6 – 11:00am
TEEN: Sunday, February 7 – 11:00am
Only $99 – special
Space is limited – write me for a registration form – ldicasting@cox.net
Private Coaching: Call for an appointment.
　********
I am the instructor for the following classes – but you REGISTER THROUGH Rhode Island Film CollaborativeCare and Feeding of the Acting Career
An informational seminar that will assist you with better managing your acting career. We'll cover headshots, resumes, online marketing, representation, SAG membership, casting calls, pay rates, on-set etiquette, and more.

Acting Lessons for Aspiring Directors
Your actors understand acting, but do you? Learn to speak the same language, give notes effectively, and comprehend the experience of your actors. Get what you're looking for with more productive interactions in casting, rehearsals and on set.PLEASE CONTACT RIFC DIRECTLY FOR DATES, RATES AND TIMES.
http://www.rifcfilms.com/education.aspx
See ya ‘round the school yard.

Conquering Cold Reads: Using Yoga Breathing Techniques for Auditions

2010-01-27T10:39:00.000-05:00

And get a monologue for your reel.
For beginner or experienced actors, the opportunity to work in films locally has grown tremendously with generous Tax Incentives in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. But the audition process can be nerve wracking.
But you can conquer these barriers with a few simple techniques. Proper breathing can dramatically reduce emotional and nervous anxiety.
Local actor, writer and director Skip Shea gives auditioning tips along with Yoga Breathing exercises to help calm you and keep you in the moment – the most important aspect to acting.
During the class you will get the opportunity to practice auditioning in front of a camera, learn how to break down the script and most importantly, how to breathe!
Class will be held at The Enchanted Fox, 174 Main Street, Medway, MA 02053-1570
Sunday January 31st from 1 to 6 PM with a break for lunch $60 per person and your final monologue will be taped and transferred to DVD for your reel.
Space is limited. Call (508) 533-4440 to reserve your spot.
(This is not an RIFC event!)

`BEHIND THE HEDGEROW’ WINS MAJOR GRANT

2010-01-22T11:57:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROVIDENCE –– The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities has awarded the makers of BEHIND THE HEDGEROW: Eileen Slocum and the Meaning of Newport Society a major grant that will help push the film through post-production and on to its premiere this August as one of the featured presentations at the 2010 Rhode Island International Film Festival.
Writer/producer G. Wayne Miller, director David Bettencourt and executive producer George T. Marshall joined other RICH grant recipients at a press conference Jan. 13 at the Statehouse announcing the awards. A one-hour documentary already scheduled for PBS broadcast, BEHIND THE HEDGEROW tells the story of Newport aristocracy, which traces its roots to the Gilded Age of Astors and Vanderbilts.
Part history, part contemporary look, the story is told through the focus of Eileen Slocum, Newport’s last grand dame, who died in 2008. Slocum’s family has given the filmmakers exclusive access to her archives and private Bellevue Avenue estate.
“Independent filmmaking is a labor of love, but in this business, love without money can be a sad romance,” Miller said. “We are deeply grateful to the Council for this grant, the Council’s second for Hedgerow and third to Eagle Peak Media.”
Said Bettencourt: "For two years now, the Council has kindly supported our filmmaking. Without their generosity, our success would be limited."
Added Marshall: "This generous support from the Council will make all the difference as the filmmakers take to the editing booth. We have very high hopes for Hedgerow, both artistically and in the wide audiences we expect to attract, and this will help us realize them. Grant support is vital to independent filmmaking."
This is the second grant the council has awarded Eagle Peak Media for HEDGEROW. A third was received last year from the R.I. State Council on the Arts.
BEHIND THE HEDGEROW is the second title from non-profit Eagle Peak Media. ON THE LAKE, its first title, premiered in February 2009 to critical acclaim. PBS broadcasts in major national markets began in March and continue today.
For news, links to the HEDGEROW blog and Facebook page, and more, visit www.BehindTheHedgerow.com

G. Wayne Miller
Partner, producer, writer
www.EaglePeakMedia.com
www.BehindTheHedgerow.com
Story is our passion ©
(This is not an RIFC Production)

CASTING MAJOR ROLES FOR TV PILOT TRAILER (Non-Union) - Boston Area

2010-01-17T10:17:00.000-05:00

Casting for TV pilot: “STRIPPED” is an urban drama about a female juvenile detention center in the mean streets of Detroit , Thomas J. Juvenile Detention Center . With flavor of "The Shield" and "24," this series will touch all audiences. There's no scripted series on television tackling the issues and lack of adequate services and funding for female juvenile detention centers and the issues these females face in the system such as rape, murder, deprivation of dignity, self-respect, and being stripped from humanity.
SEEKING SERIOUS ACTORS: (Non-Union)
NO-PAY, Copy, Credits and Meal provided. Good material for showcasing strong talent.
**This is filming for trailer only**
Sull Walker. 45, African American Male (Warden). Newly hired to the girl’s side of the Thomas J. Juvenile Detention Maximum Facility. The changes he brings serves as both a catalyst and friction between him and the rest of the staff. He had excellent success in the military but was asked to leave for confidential reasons. A big ego man, stubborn and arrogant.
Sarah Chang. 15, speaks her mind. Sarah likes to smoke cigarettes and doesn’t follow the crowd, only if it benefits her. Constantly getting into trouble. Attempted murder charges.
Nikki Johnson. 16, African American, rough and mean, very street smart, tough – leader of her gang. Several criminal charges. In and out of Juvenile system
Send all submissions to:
britoeve@yahoo.com attn: “STRIPPED”
(This is not an RIFC Production)

Announcing the 2010 Creative Spirit Awards!™

2010-01-15T19:49:00.000-05:00

Celebrating the Creative Spirit in Books, Film, and Music!

You are invited to submit today!
http://www.creativespiritawards.com

Competition Began January 1st, 2010
Early Bird Deadline March 1st, 2010
Regular Deadline May 1st, 2010
Late Deadline July 1st, 2010

To be an award-winning filmmaker, musician or author is the most powerful expression of your talents an artist can make. It can make the all the difference in making your film, book or CD stand out from all the others sitting next to it on the shelf. It can also make the difference in securing a distribution or development deal for your film or bringing your music or writing career to the next level. With this in mind, the Creative Spirit Awards™ was founded by a group of professional, award-winning filmmakers, musicians and authors who understand the great importance in what an award-winning project can do in marketing your work. It is the first and only competition to recognize and honor all aspects of creative achievements in filmmaking, writing, and music!

The Creative Spirit Awards™ celebrate the individual artist as well as their work through a panel of judges who have excelled in their respective fields. As such, awards are only presented to those filmmakers, musicians and authors who create fresh, standout, and exemplary creations in their field. Each work is judged solely on its own merits and not in competition with other submissions.

The Creative Spirit Awards™ honors its winners with Platinum, Gold, or Silver Awards. With 77 categories in Film/Video, 58 categories in Music, and 33 categories in Books, there is a category to fit every artist no matter where in your career you may be.

The competition is open to Independent Films, Studio Films, Corporate Films, Independent/Local Musicians, Musicians signed with large or small record labels, Self-Published Authors, Authors signed with a large or small publishing company, or any artist who has created a film, music or book project.

Benefits of submitting include:

• Affordable Entry Fee: The entry fee is the lowest of any other competition, and therefore fits everyone’s budget.

• Student Film Categories: 23 film categories have been created especially for film students.

• Prestige: Displaying a Creative Spirit Award™ Statue in your trophy case, studio or office tells your prospective fan base, buyers, clients, as well as future publishers, production companies, and agents that your talents and work are worthy of their attention, and can be invaluable in securing your next big deal.

• Increased Sales: Award-winning books have a higher sell-through rate at the bookstores, award-winning CDs will have increased sales online, at record stores, and at gigs, and award-winning films will not only see increased sales and rentals, but makes all the difference when it comes time to attract a distributor.

• The Creative Spirit Awards™ Ad-Share Program: Unique to the competition, the Ad-Share program enables Platinum and Gold winners to advertise their work in full-page ads in national trade magazines at a fraction of the cost thus greatly increasing sales and awareness of your work.

• No Limit on Submissions: Music and Book Publishers are free to submit their entire catalog to ensure a better chance of having multiple award-winning titles in their inventory.

Please note that we did not get your email from a purchased mass email list. Our mailing list was generated by the Creative Spirit Awards marketing crew who have researched each web site on our list to ensure that you, your work, or your client's/author's/catalog's work fit our criteria for submission to the competition.

The 2010 Competition began January 1st!
You are invited to submit today!
http://www.creativespiritawards.com
(This is not an RIFC Production)

The Light of Knowing Seeks to Fill 2 PAID Positions

2010-01-15T19:34:00.001-05:00

The Light of Knowing - a film and book project is now seeking to fill 2 paid positions - more positions will be posted soon:

1) The Light of Knowing Project Seeks “Out of the Box” Multimedia Specialist Proficient in Digital Video, Mac, Final Cut Pro, Powerpoint, and Keynote to Prepare Multimedia presentations for the Project. Full-Time Paid Position of $500 per week for approximately 8 weeks which may result in longer term year long position with higher pay with the production. Team Player - some travel may be required at expense of Company. Fast Paced Work! Must Sign Confidentiality Agreement with Company and be willing to work at Company offices in Sturbridge, MA. Starts February 1, 2010!

Please submit resume and examples of work to: Applications@LightofKnowing.com.

2) Light of Knowing Project Seeks Shooter/Editor with Digital Video Camera and Own Editing Suite on an as Needed Basis for a “Making of Video” for the Light of Knowing Project. Pay is $100 per day on an as Needed Basis for both Camera/Editing. Must be a Team Player and Sign Non-Disclosure Agreement with Company and Have Flexible Schedule. Starts week of January 25,, 2010!

Please submit resume and examples of work to: Applications@LightofKnowing.com.

More Paid Positions Will be Posted Soon!

Here is a brief blurb on the Light of Knowing Project:

On Christmas Eve, 2008, Silas Lane (“Silo”), a convicted felon, was released from Walpole State Prison for a crime he allegedly committed. On parole, Silo takes a job as a janitor at a Trappist monastery cloistered in the rural countryside of Massachusetts. Silo befriends Francis, an aging monk, who appears to be hiding a centuries old secret, which may help unlock the mystery of faith and an ancient secret to forming a perfect union with the divine.

Silo discovers Francis late at night in the Abbey Cathedral, lying in a pool of blood before the altar, brutally tortured and beaten while praying in the dark hours of night. In the monk’s dying moments, Francis begs Silo to secret a mystical Christian text from the 16th century hidden in the Abbey for centuries, called “Light of Knowing,” an unknown companion book to a classic mystical text written in the 14th century – whose teachings date back to the time of Christ. There are those who wish to possess the book for the wrong reasons. Now a suspect in Francis’ murder, Silo must flee and bring the secret of Light of Knowing to the world
(This is not an RIFC Production)

RIFC ON AWARDS LIST FOR RISCA GRANT

2010-01-12T17:13:00.000-05:00

Providence, RI - Mark Fogarty, President of the Rhode Island Film Collaborative, is thrilled to announce that the RIFC has received a $2,000 award from this round of highly competitive grants from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.

The RIFC would like to publicly thank the awards committee of RISCA for granting them the monies that will assist in launching our newest Initiative that will provide job training and skills for those wanting to work in the film industry.

The Rhode Island Film Collaborative is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to create a community of people and resources so that local filmmakers, actors, screenwriters and others within the film milieu may achieve their goals. The RIFC assists film artists complete their independent films, work on an independent film cast or crew, or find work within the growing commercial film industry in Rhode Island.

The monthly Networking Meetings of the RIFC are held every second Tuesday of the month. The meetings are free and open to the public. These Networking Meetings are held at 7pm at The Wild Colonial, 250 South Water Street, Providence, RI.

In announcing the awards, State Arts Council director Randall Rosenbaum said that it was important to remember, particularly in challenging times, that the arts employ people and help communities. "The arts are an important part of the Rhode Island economy”, he said. “Each grant we award helps to employ an artist, even for a short period of time, and those artists – our neighbors – help support local businesses by paying rent, buying groceries, and by providing cultural programs in our communities. Our applicants tell us that over 134,000 people will benefit from the projects we just supported, and those people in turn will contribute in their own way to our state’s economic recovery.”

The Arts Council announced it had awarded a total of $354,053 in state and federal funds to 108 applicants in this latest round of grants. It received 317 applications from artists, organizations and schools throughout the state, with requests totaling $1,710,714. Grants ranged in size from $10,000 to the Rhode Island Philharmonic for an educational outreach program on Duke Ellington, funded under a special federal program entitled “American Masterpieces”, to $250 for a theatre performance for seniors program at the Warren Senior Center in Warren, RI.

[See link below for a list of grants awarded, organized by city or town]

About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency, supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders.

Related links:
List of recent grants awarded by State Arts Council
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts website

RIFC WEBSITE: www.rifcfilms.com

"Edgar Allen Poe's Blustery Birthday Bash!"

2010-01-12T03:46:00.000-05:00

From CARL L JOHNSON

Program Content: This is a modest salute noting the 201st anniversary of the birth date of Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 -- October 7, 1849) who resided in Providence, Rhode Island for periods during 1847 and 1848, while courting the eccentric poetess of Providence, Sarah Helen Whitman.

Date: Sunday, January 17, 2010

Time: 2 p.m.

Banner Text: "Hearken, you hearty horror fans: Don your overcoat, pull on your mittens, step into your galoshes, wrap your scarf around your neck, and venture out to celebrate the legacy of America's preeminent horror and suspense writer of the 19th century: Edgar Allan Poe!"

Suggested Contribution: $10.00 per person.

Location: Roger Williams Memorial Park, Providence, RI, situated between Canal and North Main Streets. Parking is available at this site.

Notes about the performance: Recorded music will be played during the performance. There will be select readings from two short stories by Mr. Poe, and a dramatic recitation of Mr. Poe's signature poem, The Raven.

Procedure {Some additions and revisions are probable}:

1) Program will commence at 2 p.m. with Carl giving a talk of approximately 3 minutes, about Edgar Allan Poe's time spent in Providence, 1847-1848.
2) Immediately following the opening talk, we will offer a toast to the unique literary legacy of Edgar Allen Poe, substituting sparkling apple cider for cognac! Carl: "While the air is chill, the land's grown still, on the ground lies a pall of snow...Let's share a toast to the wayward ghost of Edgar Allan Poe!"
3) Recitations of the two versions of, The Raven: Edgar Allan Poe's, and the other, Sarah Helen Whitman's, will be performed.
4) One of our presenters can read a selection or the whole of E.A. Poe's, The Telltale Heart or Masque of the Red Death.

{The at-site program should last approximately 30 minutes.}

5) Weather permitting, we may conclude with a stroll to the Sarah Helen Whitman House, where Edgar Allan Poe fist saw Sarah Helen Whitman in 1847. If we include this, about a 10 minutes walk from the performance site, we will pass by Saint John's Episcopal Churchyard, which most probably was H.P. Lovecraft's inspiration for his poem: In a Sequester'd Providence Cemetery, Where Once Poe Walk'd. The group can pause outside the Cemetery for one minute, while one of our presenters recites that piece.

This is not an RIFC Production

The Giovanis Bros. Awareness for BEREAVEMENT

2010-01-04T21:25:00.002-05:00

Rhode Island born filmmakers Evangelos & George Giovanis cordially invite you for an evening of food, music, art and a rare opportunity to meet Oscar Winner Olympia Dukakis. The Giovanis Bros. are raising awareness for their upcoming feature film BEREAVEMENT, starring Olympia Dukakis, Louis Zorich, Sam Coppola, Armen Garo, Paul Moreno and others. Please help them reach our production goals. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will go to establish the Giovanis Bros. scholarship for film studies at URI.

BEREAVEMENT SYNOPSIS

Fatally ill, Garvey thinks he has figured out how to die. But he gets a new outlook on life when his beloved wife Evelyn mysteriously goes missing on their anniversary. Wishing to rescue her, Garvey wills himself to live just a bit longer. In that struggle, Garvey experiences all that love, life, death and bereavement have to offer.

When: Sunday, January 10, 2010
Time: 6PM -11PM
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel
801 Greenwich Ave.
Warwick, RI 02886
401-732-6000

MENU: Salad, Filet Mignon & Shrimp/Scallops, Dessert, Wine

ENTERTAINMENT:

The Lemanis Ensemble performs traditional and contemporary Greek and Middle-Eastern music, led by Tery Lemanis on the Bouzouki and Oud. Come listen to the exotic sounds.
Flamenco show by Inma Heredia. An international presence with broad appeal, Inma Heredia brings vitality and joie de vivre to each and every one of her appearances.
The night will also feature clips from the four time award winning film RUN IT by the Giovanis Bros., and attendance automatically enters you into our raffle for prizes.
Ron Hutt will show his Greek inspired paintings which are a pastiche of the traditional colors, drawing and narrative scene style of "Red Figure Style" Greek vase painting, with a contemporary spin on content and a definite social/cultural analysis of our times.
Franco D'Alessandro, a two-time recipient of the prestigious Edward Albee artists residency, will be reading selections of poetry from his work.
Tickets are priced at $125 and must be purchased in advance at www.vagoproductions.com/fund.html or by contacting Evangelos Giovanis at 401-368-4763
(This is not an RIFC Production)

NUN of THAT DVD Release Party

2010-01-03T11:06:00.001-05:00

Rhode Island based production company Scorpio Film Releasing is proud to announce that we will be having a party on January 15th, 2010 to celebrate the release of our newest features Nun of That and Pretty Dead Things on DVD.

The party will be starting at 9:30pm at Club Gallery, 150 Point Street in Providence, Rhode Island and will continue until 2am. All are invited, but due to the fact we'll be having this at a nightclub, it is an 18-plus event.

There will be DVDs of both films for sale, raffles, giveaways, plus cast members will be on hand to autograph any tee-shirt, posters, lobby cards or DVD you wish.

Nun of That stars Sarah Nicklin, Brandon Luis Aponte, Michael Reed, Alexandra Cipolla, Ruth Sullivan, Shanette Wilson, Rich Tretheway, Daniel Lee White, Andre Boudreau, Sarah Lewis, Nolan Kerr, Alex Aponte, David Erin Wilson, Luis Brandon Aponte, John Joseph Gomes, John Sheppard, and Debbie Rochon and Lloyd Kaufman.

Pretty Dead Things stars William DeCoff, Danielle Lozeau, Patrick Pitu, Ross Kelly, Ashley Eaton, Jason Witter, Salvatore Marchese, Jennifer Scharf, V. Orion Delwaterman, Donald C. Foley and Robin Watkins.

Nun of That is being distributed nation-wide by Camp Motion Pictures. Pretty Dead Things is being distributed by Scorpio Film Releasing, LLC.
(This is not an RIFC Production)

Networking Meeting Tuesday, Jan 12

2010-01-03T00:38:00.001-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

The January RIFC Networking Meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7pm at the Wild Colonial, 250 South Water Street, Providence, RI.

We look forward to seeing you there!

RIFC NEW PRODUCTION PROJECT!

2010-01-03T00:37:00.000-05:00

The Rhode Island Film Collaborative's Production Committee is excited to announce that we will be producing a new project in early 2010. The project will be a short film, under five minutes in length.

At this time we are looking for RIFC members that are interested in submitting a script to be considered for the project. If you are interested please send an email to Productions@RIFCfilms.com , with “script application” in the subject heading, stating your interest and we will send you an information packet and submission application along with any other pertinent information.

· We ask that you please do not send any scripts at this time!
· You must be an RIFC member to apply.

Not an RIFC member? Just go to www.RIFCFilms.com and sign up, it’s free!

Send in your request now to productions@rifcfilms.com!

This IS an RIFC production

THEATER AUDITIONS FOR THE ARTISTS' EXCHANGE:

2010-01-03T00:35:00.000-05:00

The Black Box Theatre will hold auditions for "Cider House Rules" by John Irving on Sunday, January 3rd and January 10th from 1pm - 5pm at Artists' Exchange.
Auditions will consist of readings from the script. The complete text is available upon request. Seeking men and women and children between the ages of 12-60. All roles available.
Production dates are 3/18-3/21, 3/25-3/28, 6/3-6/6, 6/10-6/13 and 6/26. Artists' Exchange is located at 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston.

For more information or to book an audition, call 401-490-9475

This is not an RIFC Production

THE RIFC MONTHLY NETWORKING MEETING NEWSLETTER:

2010-01-03T00:29:00.000-05:00

For anyone who cannot make it to our monthly meetings, or for anyone looking for a specific piece of information that was announced, our NEWSLETTER is now available to read online on our website at:

http://www.rifcfilms.com/newsletters/dec_rifc_news.pdf

RI NATIVE'S FILM ACCEPTED AT SUNDANCE

2010-01-03T00:13:00.002-05:00

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Steven Feinberg, Executive Director, Rhode Island Film & Television Office
One Capitol Hill, 3rd Floor, Providence, RI 02908, 401-222-3456 PH, 401-222-3018 FAX steven@arts.ri.gov

RI NATIVE'S (and RIFC member!) FILM ACCEPTED AT SUNDANCE The Rhode Island Film & TV Office is delighted to announce that native son Chris Sparling's film BURIED will screen five times during the course of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, which runs from January 21-31, 2010. The highly anticipated world premiere at the festival is scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd at 11:30 PM.

BURIED stars Ryan Reynolds (THE PROPOSAL) as a civilian contractor in Iraq who is attacked, kidnapped and buried alive in the middle of the desert with nothing but a lighter, a candle, a cell phone and a knife. This taut international thriller was written by Chris Sparling, directed by Rodrigo Cortes and shot this past summer in Spain. Chris Sparling grew up in North Providence, RI and had previously written and directed the local, feature length comedy AN UZI AT THE ALAMO. In early 2009, Chris sold a spec script, MERCY, to Gold Circle Films and that project has been fast-tracked for production in 2010.

RI Film & TV Office Executive Director Steven Feinberg said, "We are so proud of Chris's accomplishments in what can be a very challenging industry to break into. He has become Rhode Island's rising star with his talent, hard work and dedication to producing excellent films. We support him wholeheartedly and look forward to watching his career continue to blossom. Chris Sparling is not only a great guy, he is clearly one of the Ocean State's valuable treasures."
BURIED was selected for Hollywood's 2009 Black List, which is compiled by surveying film executives who list their ten favorite unproduced scripts written in 2009 and is considered a high honor in Hollywood circles. Media inquires can be directed to Chris at info@scarredheelproductions.com.

Visit the RI Film & TV Office website at http://server1.streamsend.com/streamsend/clicktracker.php?cd=6227&ld=1&md=-1&ud=-1&url=http://www.film.ri.gov/
The RI Film & TV Office is a division of the Rhode Island State Council on the Art
This is not an RIFC Production

Black and White After Party Report

2009-12-20T19:44:00.001-05:00

Closing out 2009 with a great big thank you!

It’s been two weeks since our annual fundraising event, and we wanted to thank everyone who braved the snow and came out to help us celebrate the season and make it a terrific party, from penguins to giant alien puppets, to all the people in between.

If the snow, the recent babysitter shortage, holiday conflicts or some other factor deterred you, it’s not too late to show support for this annual event or for the work RIFC does all year long. If you’d like to support us this season, please follow this link: www.rifcfilms.com/donate.aspx

Also remember that 48 Hour Film Project DVDs make great last minute Holiday gifts!! ( http://www.rifcfilms.com/shop.aspx )

Any support is greatly appreciated.

We’d also like to thank Vinnie Paz for coming out for the event with Glenn Ciano, director of the upcoming film “Paz.” We want to thank Steve Feinberg, Director of the Rhode Island Film and Television Office, Carol Patton of Imagine Magazine, Michelle Meek of New England Film, Anne Mulhall of LDI Casting, the Providence Roller Derby Grrls, Motif Magazine and the Providence Phoenix. Big thanks to performers BYOI and Big Nazo. Thanks also to State Senator Josh Miller and State Reps Eileen Naughton, and Michael Rice, and the many film professionals who turned out! Thank you all for supporting the arts.

You can see some photos of the event here: http://www.cathainfeld.com/photography/events/2009_RIFC_BnW
Special thanks to Cat Hainfeld for shooting them. If you weren’t there early, or you didn’t stay late, you may find some surprising images in here.

We also want to thank our incredibly generous volunteers, without whom the event could not have happened. These include, but are not limited to, our planning committee Raymond Norman, Rick Lataille, Michele Metivier, Michelle Lee Parenteau, Jay Walker, Mike Ryan, and volunteers Anthony Ambrosino, Debbie Condit, Nick Delmenico, Mark Fogarty, Kathy Knight, Laurel Oldham and Mary Paolino. Thanks also to Kerri Costa, Mary DeBerry Greg Gormley Joe Natale, John Raso, Rick Scianablo, Marcus Thomasand the staff of Kay Studios, Raymond Norman Cooks and WRIK Entertainment.

Last but not least, a big thanks to our sponsors:
Kay Studios WRIK EntertainmentRaymond Norman Cooks! Narragansett BrewersTRUTH: Fishing Crisis or Government Mismanagement
The Big NazoTango Pix Trinity RepThe Gamm TheatreThe Stadium TheatreProvidence Roller DerbyMesa Café
Twist
McFadden’s
SENE
The Providence Bruins
RISD Museum
Roger Williams Zoo
Providence Children’s Museum
Park Café
Artist Exchange
LDI CastingVideo Z Commercial Video Production
Cohasset InnPerishable TheatreHigh OutputRISCAEnvision Technology Advisors RI Film and Television OfficeSnookersBlake's Tavern Artini'sHoward Fine

Finally, in the category of lost and found, someone left a brown suede jacket at the party. Let us know if it’s yours. And thanks to people who offered tips on Moe the Penguin’s whereabouts. To set the record straight, Anthony Ambrosino did not actually abscond with a penguin – he simply gave a ride home to one of the fowl who had downed too many kippers. Alan Francis, similarly, had clearance for take off with one of our flightless fowl friends. And to the Polar Bandit who submitted ransom demands, we must request that you turn yourself in. We do not negotiate with kidnappers. We have no idea what we do with birdnappers. Penguins were and are available for modest donations.

Clean Livin Christmas Special Now Online:

2009-12-18T09:48:00.001-05:00

Hey One and All,

I am passing along a bit of twisted holiday cheer to you all from us here in the Endless Spectrum Studios universe ..

The first ever “Clean Livin – A Fun and Surprising Christmas Special” our latest featurette (in 3 parts).

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8422EF8E2B64A83E (just select play all or view each one on its own)

Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel on youtube.com, thanks for all the support.

Cheers,

DB of ESS
(This is not an RIFC Production)

HERE'S A FILM FEST THAT SOUNDS RIGHT UP OUR ALLEY:

2009-12-18T09:46:00.001-05:00

The graphics from the website won't copy right to our format, but I went and checked it out. SOUNDS WICKED AWESOME.

Please visit this site to check it out and submit a film!

http://offcenteredfilmfest.com/
This is not an RIFC Production