The Boston Society of Film Critics has passed a commendation honoring The Dudley Film Program at Harvard University. President Paul Sherman writes:
"To Valerie Weiss, for providing through Dudley House, Harvard, a vital free forum for Boston's media community to learn how to make, finance, market, and distribute independent films."
The Dudley Film Program (go.to/dudleyfilm), now in its fourth year, offers a wide array of workshops on topics in filmmaking from screenwriting and directing to editing and distribution. Some film heavy weights that have spoken at the program include Jim Toback (HARVARD MAN), Michael Corrente (OUTSIDE PROVIDENCE), Larry Meistrich (The Film Movement), Peter Broderick (IFC's Next Wave Films), Debra Winger (TERMS OF ENDEARMENT), Dylan Kidd (ROGER DODGER) and Mark Litwak (author of Reel Power). All of the events hosted by the program are open to the greater Boston-community.
Filmmaker-in-Residence Dr. Valerie Weiss kicked off the spring semester on January 21st with a screening of BELLISSIMA by Polish director Artur Urbanski (see review by Robert G. Pushkar this issue). Weiss spotted the film at the Toronto Film Festival in September and wanted to give it wider distribution. Bellissima is the story of an overbearing mother who wants her 14 year-old Daughter to enter the world of high-fashion against the girls wishes.
A full slate of events is being planned for this Spring include a talk by screenwriter Robert Rodat (SAVING PRIVATE RYAN) , a screening of the new Robb Moss film, SAME RIVER TWICE (see article by Erin Trahan in this issue), and a visit by Mira Nair (MONSOON WEDDING).
The members of IATSE Local 481, New England Studio Mechanics, sends IMAGINE this important information.
The 2nd Annual Bill Weems Memorial Blood Drive will be Thursday, February 20th from 10am to 3pm at High Output's new location, 495 Turnpike Street (RT 138) in Canton, MA. The IATSE Local 481 Safety and Training Committee asks you to please support their Local's effort to remember one of our own production community lost on 9/11, producer and friend, Bill Weems. A devoted husband and father, Bill Weems was on the United Airlines flight from Boston that fateful day and fell victim to the terrorists attacks. He is greatly missed by our community. You can honor and remember Bill in a positive way by donating blood this day.
You can pre-register for a donation appointment by e-mailing CHogan@highoutput.com (Christine Hogan). As this date falls during the week of school vacation, daycare will be provided for those members attending with children. Indicate if you'll be bringing children and will need child care. All donors will be eligible for a raffle to be drawn at 3pm.
Anyone can donate. You do not have to be a member of this local. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate (i.e. family, friends, nonunion). You've heard it before, but it is still true and more important than ever: Blood is the Gift of Life.
Questions About Donating Blood Or Your Eligibility? Please call 1-800-448-3543 with any questions or visit www.newenglandblood.org. Go to www.highoutput.com for complete directions to High Output, Inc.
The 2003 Golden Trailer Awards are coming up soon for the Trailer Year 2002. What is a Trailer Year you ask? A "Trailer Year" is the year in which entries for the awards competition must be created. To be eligible for the Third Annual Golden Trailer Awards Show, which takes place on March 13, 2003, a trailer must have been created between January 1 and December 31 of 2002--the 2002 Trailer Year.
This is not a bad wrinkle, but it does change the face of things in Dedham. The venerable independent movie house, the Dedham Community Theatre, has changed ownership. Effective the beginning of 2003, long time indie exhibitor Garen Daly will pass operations of the 75 year old institution to Dedham businessman Paul McMurtry.
Daly, who began his career back in 1975, said: "I am not retiring from the business. In fact, I want to concentrate on those aspects of the biz that I enjoy - film programming, commentary and analysis. I will continue to produce the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival, I will continue to be heard on WBUR's On Point Radio Show, as well as program films for some select theaters in New England. What Paul and I are doing is simply passing the baton to a new generation. I actively sought out someone who could fill my shoes and run the Dedham Community Theatre's operations with the energy, commitment and sensitivity necessary for this wonderful theater to prosper. Paul McMurtry is the perfect replacement. He will continue what we started here. I will be staying on as his artistic director and consultant," Garen told IMAGINE.
Paul McMurtry is best known for his various entertainment endeavors including his well regarded video store. He is also well respected for his continuing support of Dedham service organizations. He said: "This is a dream come true. My first job was as an usher here and now to be running this place, well, it is very exciting. Over the next few months we will be upgrading the stereo system, remodeling the bathrooms, installing new screens and generally making this place shine. With Garen's bookings and our commitment to the finest presentation possible, we truly expect the Dedham Community Theatre to continue to attract film loving crowds seeing the best films from Hollywood and the world."
The Dedham Community Theatre began operations in 1927. It is located at 580 High Street in Dedham Square.
Adele D'Man '92, Emerson alumna, appeared-with fellow Emerson alum Denis Leary '79 -- in the SECRET LIVES OF DENTISTS, which screened at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival. D'Man and her husband and partner in BFGF Productions, Peter Goldberg '91, also worked on location (with casting and production credits respectively) for the movie CAMP, another Sundance entry. Goldberg also was on the production team for Sundance entry THE HEBREW HAMMER starring Adam Goldberg and Andy Dick.
On the directorial side, screenwriter of THE HORSE WHISPERER and THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY Richard LaGravenese '80 (with Ted Demme) co-directed DECADE UNDER THE INFLUENCE. Randy Barbato '82 (with Fenton Bailey) co-directed PARTY MONSTER, starring Macaulay Culkin. Variety recently reported that Bailey and Barbato will direct a feature documentary on the cultural impact of the 1972 movie DEEP THROAT. The film will be produced for Ron Howard and Brian Grazer's Imagine Entertainment, and Grazer says he selected the directing duo partially based on their six-part Channel 4 documentary Pornography: The Secret History of Civilization.
ELEMENT & KSV HELP THE FIGHT AGAINST SMOKING
Vermont's Kelliher Samets Volk and Boston's Element Productions recently completed a three spot campaign for OVX (Our Voices Exposed) a youth-led movement focusing on exposing the truth about tobacco.
The three spots were shot on HD this October by Element's newest director, Kohl Norville. The campaign is a satirical look at how Hollywood and Big Tobacco put smoking in the movies. In "Prop Guy" a crazy propmaster shows off his collection of cigarettes and ashtrays, which he can use in any type of scene. In "Acting Coach" a drama teacher shows her students the various manners of how to properly smoke while acting. And in "The Pitch" a screenwriter pitches his script to a Hollywood executive who likes the script only when the characters smoke. The spots were edited by David Bigelow at Element. Leif Husted-Jensen (now in New York) served as Director of Photography, Executive Producers are Mary Davenprot and Eran Lobel, the Agency Producer is Tamara Jones, Creative Director is Bill Drew, Copywriter if Mike Hannigan and Art Director is Seth Drury. The Mix is by Brian Carey at Dexter Media.