Theatre IV seeking crew for A Christmas Carol Theatre IV is currently seeking crew members for their upcoming production of A Christmas Carol. All positions require heavy lifting/pushing/moving of scenery. Anyone interested should contact Ginnie Willard, Production Manager, at g.willard@theatreivrichmond.org. Please review the technical rehearsal and performance schedules below, and include your availability in your email inquiry. All positions paid.

A Christmas Carol Tech Schedule:

Friday 11/27 6:00-10:00pm Dry Tech Crew Call: 6:00pm

Saturday 11/28 10:00am-3:00pm Tech Act I Crew Call: 9:00am 4:30-9:30pm Tech Act II Crew Call: 4:00pm Sunday 11/29 1:00-5:00pm Tech Run Crew Call: 12:00pm6:30-11:00pm 1st Dress (7:30 Go) Crew Call: 6:30pm Monday 11/30 OFFTuesday 12/1 6:00-11:00pm 2nd Dress/Photo Call Crew Call: 6:00pm Wednesday 12/2 6:00-11:00pm 3rd Dress Crew Call: 6:00pm Thursday 12/3 6:00-11:00pm Final Dress Crew Call: 6:00pm Friday 12/4 10:30am Preview Performance Crew Call: 9:30am7:00pm Opening Night Crew Call: 6:00pm

PLEASE REFER TO THE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR ALL PERFORMANCE DATES AFTER DECEMBER 4. CALL FOR ALL PERFORMANCES IS ONE HOUR PRIOR TO CURTAIN. A Christmas Carol Performance ScheduleWeek 1Friday 10:30 AM December 4, 2009Friday 7:00 PM December 4, 2009Saturday 2:00 PM December 5, 2009Saturday 7:00 PM December 5, 2009Sunday 2:00 PM December 6, 2009Week 2Wednesday 10:30 AM December 9, 2009Thursday 10:30 AM December 10, 2009Friday 10:30 AM December 11, 2009Friday 7:00 PM December 11, 2009Saturday 10:00 AM December 12, 2009 Saturday 3:00 PM December 12, 2009 Sunday 2:00 PM December 13, 2009 Week 3 Wednesday 10:30 AM December 16, 2009Thursday 10:30 AM December 17, 2009 Friday 10:30 AM December 18, 2009 Friday 7:00 PM December 18, 2009Saturday 10:00 AM December 19, 2009Saturday 3:00 PM December 19, 2009Sunday 2:00 PM December 20, 2009

Have You Gotten Your Fix??

FIX

Starring Olivia Wilde (TV’s “House”), Tao Ruspoli, Shawn Andrews (“Dazed & Confused”), Megalyn Echikunwoke (TV’s “Raising the Bar”, “24”) and Dedee Pfeiffer. Racing across Los Angeles in one, unwieldy day, documentary filmmakers Bella and Milo must race from Beverly Hills to Watts -- and places in between -- in order to get Milo’s brother Leo from jail to rehab before 8pm, or Leo goes to prison for three years. A story inspired by true events, the trio documents their trip from a suburban police station in Calabasas through mansions in Beverly Hills, East LA chopshops, rural wastelands, and housing projects in Watts as they attempt to raise the $5,000 required to get Leo into the rehab clinic.

Along the way they encounter dozens of colorful characters, each with their own anomalous perspective on Leo’s larger-than-life personality and style, and each with their own excuse for why they cannot help out. In the end, it may take the desperate irony of a drug deal to get the necessary funds to send Leo to rehab.“A bold new style and talent” -Oliver StoneDirected by Tao Ruspoli Written by Tao Ruspoli, Jeremy Fels Produced by Nat Dinga Photographed by Christopher Gallo ,Tao Ruspoli Music by Dead Prez , Ima Robot, Simon Dawes, Beautiful Girls, Nico Stai

Project Resolution

Project Resolution returns Sunday, November 29, 2009 at the Firehouse Theatre! The show starts at 7:00 p.m.Project Resolution, presented by Yellow House, is the only place for filmmakers to show their work and get feedback from their audience. It's FREE to screen your work and FREE to attend the show.The prompt this month is: MANNEQUIN.

All filmmakers should bring their work to the Firehouse Theatre by 6:30 p.m. the night of the show to get their work into the lineup. We're first come, first serve and we do fill up! There's no prescreening or submission fee to any films we play. That's right, it's all FREE! We accept miniDV, DVD, and VHS.Project ResolutionSunday, November 29, 2009Firehouse Theatre1609 W. Broad Street http://www.projectres.com/http://www.yellowhouseva.org/

Virginia Asian Chamber Of Commerce

Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce seeks models at the upcoming Asian Chamber Gala - Weds Dec 2 at the Jefferson Hotel - Please visit http://www.vachambergala.org


Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce seeks 3 to 5 international (amateur/or professional) lady models from different international countries / international background to be “Greeters” at the upcoming Asian Chamber Gala.

This is a volunteer / community service to help raise money for Student Scholarship – However, in return, we will promote you/your modeling agency in return by listing you/your firm’s name of company or logo/your photo in the Program Souvenir Book to be distributed to guests and will post your photo on the screen at the Gala.

JEFFERSON HOTEL
E FRANKLIN STREET, RICHMOND , VA
WEDS DEC 2, 2009
5-10 PM
Please visit http://www.vachambergala.org

They will work with photographers (Paparazzi) to help guide our guests (mostly bankers- political officials- business community- university leaders ) going through the Red Carpet into the Hotel then into the Silent Auction Room (under the Rotunda).

If interested, or if you have any questions about this modeling request, please reply to this message or email Ms. Tran at aabac@aabac.org – VACC Tel: 804 798-3975

Thank you for your interest or prompt referral.

Contact My Lan Tran
Executive Director
Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce
Tel: (804) 798-3975; Email: aabac@aabac.org

Movie Review: Precious Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

The opening titles illustrates the perspective of Precious and her literacy level with the misspellings of the film's title and production company names. It's an interesting opening for the film as we see the streets of Harlem in 1987 where Precious' story begins.

Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, the film Precious is about a sixteen year old girl who has been held back in the ninth grade and is pregnant with her second child. She is brought to the principal's office and is offered to attend an alternative school to help her since public school hasn't really made much of a difference for her. Precious is pregnant with her second child by her father and her first child was also concieved by her father, resulting in the child having a mental and physically challenging disabilty.

When Precious arrives home to her mother Mary and tells her of the news, her mother immediately feels threatened that social services may intervene and stop her welfare checks from coming. She beats Precious and verbally bashes her. This abnormal behavior is quite normal for Mary and an everyday occurence. Mary constantly takes out all of her anger and frustration on sixteen year old Precious each and every day as well as force feeds her to eat meals which result in Precious becoming morbidly obese.

The film has stunning performances and the character of Mary played by Mo'Nique is the most extraordinary performance to date by the actress. Lee Daniels has cast Mo'Nique a second time in a very remarkable film. His first film with her was the unforgettable Shadowboxer, in which coincidentally her character's name was also Precious. The movie definitely worth renting. This film will make you cry, make you laugh, and make you cry again. It's a movie that certainly touches your heart whether you empathize or simply sympathize. A+++ all around!

New Poster for Precious

Lee Daniels’s PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL “PUSH” BY SAPPHIRE is a vibrant, honest and resoundingly hopeful film about the human capacity to grow and overcome.

Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She’s pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo’Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write.

Precious may sometimes be down, but she is never out. Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an inchoate but unshakeable sense that other possibilities exist for her. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. Precious doesn’t know the meaning of “alternative,” but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

In Official Selection at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival - Un Certain Regard, and winner of three awards at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE stars Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introducing Gabourey Sidibe.
Lionsgate in association with Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry present A Lee Daniels Entertainment / Smokewood Entertainment Group Production of PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE, directed by Lee Daniels from a screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher based on the novel Push by Sapphire.

Spies in Crinoline

Spies in Crinoline Movie to be shown at Tally Ho in Leesburg on Sunday, Oct. 25at 7:00 p.m.

After three years in production, the feature length movie Spies in Crinoline premiered to a full-house on Sunday, September 20th at the Cinema Arts Theatrein the Fair City Mall, in Fairfax, VA. This dramatic equivalent of creativenon-fiction is based on Karla Vernon’s carefully researched novel, The Spy inCrinoline. Depicting the Civil War activities of two Fairfax natives, AntoniaFord and Laura Ratcliffe, the film employs theatrical techniques to tell ahistorically accurate story.

“My 2006 novel provides the jumping off point for an expanded story thatincludes never told before information about Joseph Willard and the adventuresof Confederate spy Laura Ratcliffe,” comments Vernon, who also authored thescreen play. “Not only historically sound, but also entertaining, Spies inCrinoline weaves extensive dramatization throughout.” According to director Bert Morgan, whose films The Battle of First Manassas(2004) and The Battle of Chantilly (2006) won international awards for BLMProductions, “The scenes and narrative presentations in Spies depictespionage, political intrigue, imprisonment, love, marriage, and death.

We created scenes that are authentic in period dress, furnishings, sounds, andmannerisms. Rich details of 19th-century everyday life are built into thedramatic sequences of the film.” Learn more about Spies in Crinoline at www.imdb.com by entering the movie titlein the search field. To view the trailer, click on the trailer arrow. Thenext showing is in Leesburg, Va. at the Tally Ho Theater on Oct. 25th at 7:00p.m. Tickets cost $5. A DVD of the film and copies of Vernon’s novel will beon sale in the lobby after the show.

Women In Trouble

A pregnant porn star, a couple of call girls, a scorned psychiatrist, a teenage goth, a flight attendant with a crush on a famous passenger… the troubles of this cluster of LA women couldn’t be more different, but on one crazy day feminine compassion will alter all of their lives. Devilish humor, razor-sharp scripting, and a knockout ensemble of talented actresses (including Carla Gugino, Connie Britton, and Marley Shelton) turn trouble into pure pleasure.

Broken Embraces-- A New Film By Pedro Almodovar

A man writes, lives and loves in darkness. Fourteen years before, he was in a brutal car crash on the island of Lanzarote. In the accident, he not only lost his sight, he also lost Lena, the love of his life.

This man uses two names: Harry Caine, a playful pseudonym with which he signs his literary works, stories and scripts, and Mateo Blanco, his real name, with which he lives and signs the film he directs. After the accident, Mateo Blanco reduces himself to his pseudonym, Harry Caine. If he can’t direct films he can only survive with the idea that Mateo Blanco died on Lanzarote with his beloved Lena.

In the present day, Harry Caine lives thanks to the scripts he writes and to the help he gets from his faithful former production manager, Judit García, and from Diego, her son, his secretary, typist and guide.

Since he decided to live and tell stories, Harry is an active, attractive blind man who has developed all his other senses in order to enjoy life, on a basis of irony and self-induced amnesia. He has erased from his biography any trace of his first identity, Mateo Blanco.
One night Diego has an accident and Harry takes care of him (his mother, Judit, is out of Madrid and they decide not to tell her anything so as not to alarm her). During the first nights of his convalescence, Diego asks him about the time when he answered to the name of Mateo Blanco, after a moment of astonishment Harry can’t refuse and he tells Diego what happened fourteen years before with the idea of entertaining him, just as a father tells his little child a story so that he’ll fall asleep.

The story of Mateo, Lena, Judit and Ernesto Martel is a story of “amour fou”, dominated by fatality, jealously, the abuse of power, treachery and a guilt complex. A moving and terrible story, the most expressive image of which is the photo of two lovers embracing, torn into a thousand pieces.

BROKEN EMBRACES will open in New York on November 20th, 2009 and in Los Angeles on December 11th.

Bridge International Screenplay Competition

Submit Your Screenplay Today!


Back by popular demand is the 2nd Annual Bridge International Screenplay Competition. We are currently accepting screenplays and teleplays from around the world. Don't miss this priceless opportunity to have your work in front of over 8,500 industry professionals. Submitting your script is fast and easy with our simple online form. Thanks to the overwhelming response we received last season from writers world-wide, we're able to offer $10 entry fees this year! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Submit today!

Brand New Second Trailer For Precious

Starring Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introducing Gabourey Sidibe, this inspiring film will release in theaters on November 6, 2009!
-------------------------------------
Lee Daniels’s PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL “PUSH” BY SAPPHIRE is a vibrant, honest and resoundingly hopeful film about the human capacity to grow and overcome.

Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She’s pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo’Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write.

Precious may sometimes be down, but she is never out. Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an inchoate but unshakeable sense that other possibilities exist for her. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. Precious doesn’t know the meaning of “alternative,” but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

In Official Selection at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival - Un Certain Regard, and winner of three awards at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE stars Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introducing Gabourey Sidibe.

Lionsgate in association with Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry present A Lee Daniels Entertainment / Smokewood Entertainment Group Production of PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE, directed by Lee Daniels from a screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher based on the novel Push by Sapphire.

Are you an Actor Looking For Work???

GET INTO THE SPOTLIGHT!!

Casting – Urban AnimeLooking for actors of all types for upcoming projects as well as production assistance to aid on the shoots. Camera people are welcome to send their info as well. Send resume and headshots, will not be considered without Project is for credit and meals at first compensation to follow if/when project brings in revenue.

****AUDITION NOTICE:

The Movement Theatre Company 2009-2010 Season: We will be casting for our Elevator Reading Series, Ladder Series, and Workshop/Production of Bintou written by Koffi Kwahule. We are looking for Black, Latino, Asian, Indian, Native American and Multiracial Actors and Dancers of all ages. Men strongly encouraged to submit.The Elevator Reading Series (Early November): sistahs by Harrison David Rivers; Breathless by Stacy Osei-Kuffour; Cassius Sargent's Chicken Bone by Asher WyndhamThe Ladder Series is designed to focus on the collaborative effort in the creation of devised work with a 10-day workshop followed by two performances.Hope Speaks (Late January) devised by Jonathan McCrory A piece that will collect narratives exploring the 2008-2009 Election and Inauguration of Barack Obama.

Talking Laetoli (Late February) devised by Jesca Prudencio: A movement piece inspired by The Laetoli Footprints Exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History.The American Premiere of Bintou (Late June) written by Koffi Kwahule and translated by Chantal Bilodeau, including a required week-long workshop with the playwright (Mid-May), co-produced by the LARK and French Embassy.Auditions are by appointment only. Saturday October 17th, 10am – 2pm and Monday October 19th 7pm – 9pm. Prepare a brief one-minute contemporary monologue and a short movement piece if you are interested in Talking Laetoli.

Please send a headshot and resume to themovementtheatrec@gmail.com, subject titled: AUDITION. Possible Pay.

Not just auditions, it’s an event! . . .Richmond’s Search for the VonTrapp Children . . .Children ages 6 – 18, come audition for a part in Theatre IV & Barksdale Theatre’s upcoming blockbuster musical production ofThe Sound Of Music!

- - - - - - - - O P E N C A S T I N G C A L L - - - - - - - - - - -

Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Short Pump Town Center ~ Main Plaza 9:30 am – 1 pm Registration (Please do not arrive before 9 am)9:30 am Pre-Registered Auditions Begin12 noon Open Auditions BeginREGISTER ONLINE – Pre-Registered participants are seen first! Go to www.TheatreIVRichmond.org to pre-register and for further audition details* Auditions for boys and girls ages 5 – 18 only. Auditionees will sing their favorite Sound of Music song – visit www.TheatreIVRichmond.org for music selections and start practicing now!The Sound of Music performance dates are May 14-30 AND June 4 – July 3, 2010 at The Empire Theatre, 114 West Broad Street in Richmond. Auditionees can have absolutely no scheduling conflicts during these dates.No telephone calls or appointments necessary – just pre-register the website www.TheatreIVRichmond.org and come to Short Pump Town Center at 9:30 am on November 7th!

MIKE LEMON SEMINAR/WORKSHOP

Mike Lemon, CSA, from Mike Lemon Casting in Philadelphia, PA
will be conducting a workshop for Hampton Roads

Explore new ways to tap into the creative process. Discover new strategies for making choices and acting decisions, focusing on film.

Mike Lemon Casting is a full service company, casting over 12,500 projects over 20+ years, including union and non-union talent for feature and independent films, commercials, industrials, voice over, theatre throughout the mid-Atlantic and nation wide.

Mikes Credits include:
Annapolis, In Her Shoes, The Village, Jersey Girl, Signs, Unbreakable, The Sixth Sense, Oceans 11, Lucky Numbers, 12 Monkeys, Fallen, Philadelphia, Beloved, Snake Eyes, Up Close and Personal, Hack, The Jersey, Arrest and Trial, Philly.

WHEN: Saturday 24th October 2009 - 17 years to adult
TIME: 10:00am to 5:00pm

WHEN: Sunday 25th October 2009 - 10years to 16 years
TIME: 12:00pm to 2:00pm

LOCATION FOR BOTH DAYS
The Actors Place
1917 Laskin RdVirginia Beach, VA 23454


PRICING: Saturday $110.00
Sunday $ 55.00


Class size is limited to 25 people.
Deposit is required to reserve your place for the seminar

Please email augustarmstrong@aol.com
Please also call August Armstrong at 757-333-3171 for details of workshop

Bring headshots and resumes with you to give to Mike. Prepare a one minute monologue for the workshop. Bring a notebook and a blank DVD.

12TH ANNUAL SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVAL

12TH ANNUAL SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVAL—OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 7

—TO INCLUDE GALA SCREENINGS AND SPECIAL GUESTS SCREENINGS TO INCLUDE “PRECIOUS,” “THE YOUNG VICTORIA” THE NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE OF “THE CITY OF YOUR FINAL DESTINATION” AND MORESCHEDULED ATTENDEES TO INCLUDE WOODY HARRELSON, BEN FOSTER, PATRICIA CLARKSON, EMMY ROSSUM, JAMES IVORY AMONG OTHERS

Savannah, GA—The 12th annual Savannah Film Festival, hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design, will take place from Saturday, October 31-Saturday, November 7.Films to receive special gala screenings will include Jean-Marc Vallée’s “The Young Victoria”; Oren Moverman’s “The Messenger,” with Moverman and stars Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster in attendance; Grant Heslov’s “The Men Who Stare at Goats”; Pedro Almodovar’s “Broken Embraces”; Lone Sherfig’s “An Education”; the United States premieres of James Ivory’s “The City of Your Final Destination,” with Ivory in attendance, and Nick Moran’s “Telstar,” with Moran and star Con O’Neill in attendance; Jodie Markell’s “The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond” (from a screenplay by Tennessee Williams); Cannes Palme d’Or winner Michael Haneke’s “The White Ribbon”; and Lee Daniels’ “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” winner of the Grand-Jury Prize at Sundance and the Audience Award at the Toronto Film Festival.

Daniels and star Gabourey Sidibe will be in attendance. Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson (“Pieces of April,” “Vicki Cristina Barcelona”) will receive an Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Award after a screening of Woody Allen’s “Whatever Works”. Emmy and Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson (“Cheers,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt”) and Ben Foster (“3:10 to Yuma”) will also receive Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Awards prior to their screening of “The Messenger.” Emmy Rossum (“The Phantom of the Opera”) will receive the Young Hollywood Award prior to a screening of her film “Dare,” and Jeremy Renner will receive the Spotlight Award for his performance in “The Hurt Locker,” which will also screen at the festival. Scott Caan(“Ocean’s 11”), the writer and star of “Mercy,” one of the festival’s competition films, also will attend.

Past festival guests and honorees include Peter O'Toole, Michael Douglas, Jane Fonda, Sidney Lumet, Kathleen Turner, Norman Jewison, Tommy Lee Jones, John Waters, David Benioff, John Sayles, Brett Ratner, Charlie Rose, George Segal, James Franco, James Ivory, Jeff Daniels, Alec Baldwin, Peter Bart, Army Archerd, Roger Ebert, Terrence Malick, Sydney Pollack, the Redgrave siblings—Vanessa, Lynn and Corin—Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Malcolm McDowell and Milos Forman, among others.In addition to the special screenings, the festival will showcase 22 professional films (features, documentaries, shorts and animation) and 12 student films in competition. The jurors for the competition are actress Patti D’Arbanville (“Rescue Me”), actress/producer Rita Gam, writer/director Ingrid Rockefeller, writer/director Michael Sucsy (Emmy-Award winning “Grey Gardens”) and writer/director David Twohy (“Pitch Black”).

For more information on the festival and a complete schedule of events, visit www.scad.edu/filmfest. SCAD: The University for Creative CareersThe Savannah College of Art and Design is the most comprehensive art and design university in the world, offering more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design university. SCAD is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution conferring bachelor’s and master’s degrees in distinctive locations and online to prepare talented students for professional careers. SCAD offers students a choice of degree programs in 46 majors and more than 50 minors at locations in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, in Lacoste, France, online through SCAD eLearning, and soon in Hong Kong.

The diverse student body of more than 9,500 comes from all 50 United States and nearly 100 countries worldwide. The education and career preparation of each student is nurtured and cultivated by a faculty of more than 600 professors with extraordinary academic credentials and valuable professional experience. Through individual attention in an inspiring university environment, and with advanced, professional-level technology, equipment and learning resources, SCAD is uniquely qualified to provide an exceptional education and unparalleled career preparation. SCAD has garnered acclaim from respected organizations and publications, including the Los Angeles Times, American Institute of Architects, DesignIntelligence and U.S. News & World Report.For more information, visit scad.edu. Contact:Andy Shearer ashearer@scad.edu 912-344-7973

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a fantastical morality tale, set in the present-day. It tells the story of Dr. Parnassus and his extraordinary ‘Imaginarium’, a travelling show where members of the audience get an irresistible opportunity to choose between light and joy or darkness and gloom.

Blessed with the extraordinary gift of guiding the imaginations of others, Doctor Parnassus is cursed with a dark secret. An inveterate gambler, thousands of years ago he made a bet with the devil, Mr. Nick, in which he won immortality. Centuries later, on meeting his one true love, Dr. Parnassus made another deal with the devil, trading his immortality for youth, on condition that when his daughter reached her 16th birthday, she would become the property of Mr Nick.

Valentina is now rapidly approaching this ‘coming of age’ milestone and Dr. Parnassus is desperate to protect her from her impending fate. Mr. Nick arrives to collect but, always keen to make a bet, renegotiates the wager. Now the winner of Valentina will be determined by whoever seduces the first five souls. Enlisting a series of wild, comical and compelling characters in his journey, Dr. Parnassus promises his daughter’s hand in marriage to the man that helps him win.

In this captivating, explosive and wonderfully imaginative race against time, Dr. Parnassus must fight to save his daughter in a never-ending landscape of surreal obstacles – and undo the mistakes of his past once and for all!

VIRGINIA INDY FILM COMPETITON FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to the finalists of the 2nd annual Virginia Independent Film Competition.

Documentary Finalists are: Saving Grace, Eric Futterman director and producer; The Community Model in Corrections, Lucas Krost director, Alexandra Krost producer; The Flyingest Flying, Josh Criss director and producer.
Short Film Finalists are: Concept of Beauty, Benny Oliveri and Martin Montgomery, directors, Scott Strimple and Jude Fageas, producers; Harmony Ranch, Hal Dowdy director, Mark Remes producer; La Vie est Courte (Life is Short) Sallie Keena director, Joe Carabeo producer; Singed, A. A. Thweatt director, A. A. Thweatt, Jasmine Kettenacker producers; Tide, Shane Rocheleau director, Jacob Dodd, Bryant Dameron, Shane Rocheleau producers; Cannibal Cheerleader Camp, Paul Busetti director, Paul Busetti, Ian Albetski, Colin Lamb producers.

Feature Film Finalists are: In The Pines, Chip Johnson director and producer; Singularity, Paul Gleason director, Nathan Burns, Paul Gleason and Sarah Masters producers; Recover Me, Dahsheen Amin director. Go here for more information about the films including actors and plot descriptions.

VIRGINIA INDY FILM FESTIVAL APRIL 26The finalist films from this year’s Virginia Independent Film Competition will be screened at the Virginia Independent Film Festival on April 26 at the Byrd Theatre, 2908 West Cary Street, Richmond. Documentaries will be screened from Noon-4pm, shorts from 4pm-6pm and features from 6pm–10 pm. Each series will feature a Q & A with filmmakers and an Audience Choice Award. Admission is $5 for each series, or $10 for an all-day pass. Students with ID and Virginia Production Alliance members can purchase an all-day pass for $5.00. Proceeds from the Festival will benefit the Virginia Production Alliance and its legislative and educational initiatives.

VIRGINIA SCREENWRITING COMPETITION DEADLINE MAY 22
The Virginia Film Office is now accepting submissions for the Virginia Screenwriting Competition through May 22. This competition is open to Virginia residents and students attending Virginia schools. No entry fee is required. Go here for information, competition rules and application.

SUNSHINE CLEANING OPENS NATIONWIDE
When Richmond screenwriter Megan Holley won the Virginia Screenwriting Competition in 2006, she didn’t know how much her life would change. One of the judges optioned her screenplay and produced it starring Emily Blunt, Amy Adams and Alan Arkin. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and recently opened nationwide. It’s a quirky, funny story of a single mother who starts a biohazard removal/crime scene clean-up service with her unreliable sister. The film is shown at theatres throughout the state. Go here for information.

JAMES RIVER FILM FESTIVAL IN RICHMOND APRIL 12—19
The 16th annual James River Film Festival—Virginia’s Festival for the Independent-minded—will be held April 12-19, 2009 in Richmond. A celebration and examination of independent cinema, the James River Film Festival is produced by the Richmond Moving Image Co-op and is co-sponsored by WRIR 97.3 LPFM, the Virginia Film Office, the Virginia Production Alliance and Friends of the Festival. The week-long event has a wide range of films and events including a reception and juried competition sponsored by the Virginia Film Office and the Virginia Production Alliance on Friday, April 17. Go here for the complete schedule

VIRGINIA PRODUCTION ALLIANCE ELECTS OFFICERS
At its annual meeting in March, the Virginia Production Alliance elected new officers: Mark Remes, President; Kahil Dotay, First Vice President; Anne Chapman, Second Vice President; Jennifer Pullinger, Secretary; Al Shapiro, Treasurer and Terry Stroud, Chairman. VPA-Hampton Roads Chair Hunter Thomas was also elected.
Thanks to outgoing board members Ellie St. John, Joe Cacciotti, Barbara Guerriri and Todd Raviotta.

LAKE CITY ON DVD
The feature film Lake City, shot in the Richmond area and starring Sissy Spacek, Dave Matthews and Troy Garity, is now available on DVD. Go here for movie information. Go here for the DVD on Amazon.com.

Paper Heart

The comedy PAPER HEART is debuting in theatres in Los Angeles and New York on August 7, 2009 and expanding on August 14. The film, directed by Nicholas Jasenovec and starring Charlyne Yi (Knocked Up) alongside Michael Cera (Superbad, Juno), successfully debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival – winning the Waldo Salt Award for best screenplay. Previous winners include The Squid and the Whale, The Station Agent and Memento.

PAPER HEART follows Yi as she embarks on a quest across America to make a documentary about the one subject she doesn’t fully understand: Love. Cera becomes the object of her affection. Weaving together reality and fantasy, the film combines elements of documentary and traditional storytelling to bring a fresh perspective to the modern romance.

Overture will handle worldwide distribution of the film including the North American theatrical release. Its affiliated company, Anchor Bay Entertainment, will distribute the film in the home entertainment market in North America, Australiaand the United Kingdom.

The producers on the film are Sandra Murillo and Elise Salomon and Jasenovec and Yi serve as executive producers. Jasenovec and Yi also share writing credits on the film and Yi composes the film’s music along with Cera.

“By blending a narrative storyline with documentary support, Charlyne and Nick have created something really unique,” said Overture CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett. “We cannot help but be excited to be involved with a film that effectively redefines the classic love story.”

Yi began her career performing stand-up comedy before making her film debut as a giddy stoner in 2007’s Knocked Up.

"This is so exciting! I'm one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming this generation's Shirley Temple,” said Yi.

PAPER HEART also stars Jake Johnson (Red Belt) who plays the film director documenting Yi’s international journey that includes stops in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, New York City, Toronto and Paris.

THE 2009 VIRGINIA SCREENWRITING COMPETITION APPLICATION IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

The 2009 Virginia Screenwriting Competition presented by the Virginia Film Office is open to Virginia residents and students attending Virginia schools, there is no entry fee to submit a screenplay.

Every screenplay in the competition will receive a written critique from the first panel of judges and screenplays selected as finalists in the competition are judged by industry professionals actively producing feature films.

The deadline to enter is Friday, May 22, 2009. All entries must be postmarked on or before that date.

For a complete list of rules and the application form, click HERE.

For more information or questions, contact the Virginia Film Office at 800.854.6233 or email kstephens@virginia.org

VIFF

THE 2009 VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday April 26th at the Byrd Theatre
2908 West Cary Street, Richmond
Noon-10pm

Full Schedule Now Available Online! Click Here!

The Virginia Film Office and the Virginia Production Alliance present the second annual Virginia Independent Film Festival, a three-part screening series of Virginia documentaries, short films and features. Proceeds will benefit the Virginia Production Alliance.

Documentaries Noon-4pm
Shorts 4pm-6pm
Features 6pm-10pm

Winners in each session have been selected by a panel of judges and will be announced at the festival. Additionally, audience members will have the opportunity vote for their favorite film in each session and those films will be awarded Audience Choice Awards.

Tickets are $5 for a single session or $10 for an ALL DAY PASS.
Virginia Production Alliance Members and Virginia students with ID may purchase an ALL DAY PASS for $5.
All tickets may be purchased at the box office on the day of the festival.
www.film.virginia.org

James River Film Festival

James River Film Festival opens in Richmond !
April 12-19, 2009

Please see the Richmond Moving Image Co-Op website
for all the details of this exciting week-long event
in the Capital City!!!

http://www.rmicweb.org/jrff/index.html

See you at the Festival !