While political campaigns are not my forte (I'm learning fast and getting good advice), IMAGINE has taken an active role in championing the needs of our industry in all of New England. I am firmly committed to supporting a reconstituted state film office for Massachusetts, believing that the state's imprimatur is a necessity. I also believe that the emphasis on work force development must be inclusive of our industry. IMAGINE will continue to press for the eventuality of state support, which I also believe is a foregone conclusion; it's just a matter of how much time it will require.
We have taken an important step on this journey from having absolutely no power on Beacon Hill to restoring a State supported office in Massachusetts. This is the good news. Our progress is impressive and I look forward to continuing to draw on everyone’s input and expertise as we go forward in our negotiations with state officials including Governor Mitt Romney himself. It isn’t uncommon for governor’s to take personal interest in the economic impact a film office and our industry can bring to a state.
Florida Governor Jeb Bush is particularly a fan of the industry's high-paying jobs and its annual $1.16 billion infusion to the Florida economy. Whether facilitating
"impossible" shots or luring studios with creative incentives, the governor is eager to get involved -- directly. Bush is determined to show his support for the entertainment industry. He recently made a special stop in Tampa to check in on the cast and crew of Artisan's THE PUNISHER, which on that day was occupying a breathtaking stretch of Gulf of Mexico sand called Honeymoon Island, a stand-in for Puerto Rico.
Other New England Governors are having success, especially in Connecticut where Governor John Rowland has enjoyed remarkable benefits from his state supported office, which reopened in 200. IMAGINE continues to support all efforts to bring work to New England and to rebuild the industry in our region. We encourage input from all who care about getting that “Closed for Business” sign off the front lawn of the Massachusetts State House. At this time we must keep our focus on simple requests of the state: an answered phone, an official state website, a knowledgeable staff to assist, etc. We still have to support a negotiated solution to our common problems; some of our legislators have excellent suggestions. And some are genuinely committed to figuring out the best way we can make this happen. We have a way to go, but surely we are on our way.
IMAGINE sends a BIG thank you to all who contributed to our collective testimony! We have restored a voice and a presence on Beacon Hill.
The special events and party “season” has begun. To honor their silver anniversary, Harvard Film Archive successfully hosted the New England premiere of Clint Eastwood’s MYSTIC RIVER. Highly anticipated as the film of the year, everyone who was remotely involved with the Boston production appeared to attend. I was also celebrating my birthday by meeting actors Betty Lakey and Richard DeAgazio (both of whom were in MYSTIC RIVER) at the festive UpStairs on the Square for sumptuous a dining experience setting just the right mood for a premiere.
Eastwood delivered a personal videotaped message to the audience, Boston Symphony Orchestra pianist Brad Hatfield performed a special musical rendition of the film’s theme (composed by Clint Eastwood by the way), and author Dennis Lehane shared his comments and recent release experiences with the audience. Proceeds from the screening benefited the film preservation and screening programs of the HFA as it enters it twenty-fifth year. It takes an enormous effort to make an event of these proportions. While many were thanked, special thanks were offered to Joe Hyams of Warner Brothers, Marco Barla and Malpaso Productions, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
On October 31st, a gala ribbon cutting caught my eye. Congratulations to Emerson College President Jacqueline Liebergott and Emerson Trustee Marillyn Zacharis (this is our Women’s Issue) as Emerson College celebrated the opening of its new Norman I. and Mary E. Tufte Performance and Production Center. U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Congressman Michael E. Capuano, and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino attended the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony. The 11-story center is the first entirely new building in Emerson’s 123-year history and reflective of the school’s new campus and spirit overlooking Boston Common. Boston is forever changed and I am so impressed! (read the whole story on page 30).
Following our theme of honoring women in this issue, congratulations are also in order for Garland Waller, Laurie Kahn-Leavitt, and Francine Pellegrino.
Professor Garland Waller of Boston University recently received the Annual Award for Excellence in Media from the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Institute for her first independent documentary, SMALL JUSTICE: LITTLE JUSTICE IN AMERICA’S FAMILY COURTS. The film explores the relationship between child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and the U.S. custody laws.
Waller, a professor of film and television at Boston’s University’s College of Communication, teaches graduate and undergraduate level courses in producing for television. She has received several awards including the Iris award, five New England Emmys, two Ohio State awards, the Gold Prize at the Film Festival of New York amongst others. IMAGINE will bring you her story of passion for her film and her current project in our next edition.
Laurie Kahn-Leavitt’s TUPPERWARE! is a nominee for The International Documentary Association (IDA) 2003 IDA/ABCNEWS VideoSource Award. Her film is one of 13 nominees. The winner will be named at the 19th Annual IDA Distinguished Documentary Achievement Awards Benefit Gala on December 12 at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in Hollywood. Our best wishes to Laurie. If you haven’t seen her documentary, it will screen as part of WIFV/NE’s “Chicks Make Flicks” program December 10, 7 pm at MIT, Bldg. 4, Room 270. The screening is free and open to the public.
Best wishes are also in order for Francine Pellegrino and her film TEA CAKES OR CANNOLI, which has been invited to The Monaco International Film Festival in Monte Carlo later this month. This will be the principality’s first time hosting this event celebrating non-violent films. Pellegrino’s family film is set in Boston’s North End and tells the story of love at any age while glimpsing at Italian-American life through romance and humor. Pellegrino is looking for a film student to go to Monaco with her. The student would be involved with all aspects of marketing a film and would also be involved with the people who made the film. If you think you’re the right student for this plum assignment, contact IMAGINE for more information.
As you can see from my focus, IMAGINE is honoring women in the industry with the production and content of this issue. My only regret is that we have not enough pages to include every deserving woman in one issue. But, you can be assured that IMAGINE has balanced the ink so that you see important women’s work highlighted in every issue. I owe and give my special thanks to guest editor Rebecca Richards and to her cadre of dedicated writers, especially to Sally Fay Cottingham who assisted in planning and shaping this issue. I am thankful and grateful to have produced another issue of IMAGINE. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!
Carol Patton