Sunday, April 3, 2011

2011 Panels and Seminars

Here is the official list of the 2011 panels and workshop seminars happening at this year’s Charleston International Film Festival. Don’t miss these rare opportunities to gain insight from professionals currently working in the film industry and learn great techniques ranging from animation to 3D filmmaking. Panels and seminars will be held throughout the festival, so be sure to register for the one (or ones) that interest you! For more information and the Charleston International Film Festival’s complete festival guide log onto www.CharlestonIFF.com

PROVIDING VENUES FOR INDEPENDENT FILMS: Thursday, May 19th@ 9:00 - 11:00 AM, Location TBA

The independent film industry is constantly changing but one thing remains the same... filmmakers want outlets for their films to be seen by as many viewers as possible. Join Michael Katchman from REEL CLICK who will discuss the cutting edge new venue streams for Independent Filmmakers. Reel Click U will all be presented as the cutting edge NEW venue providers for independent film makers. If you are looking for NEW and Innovative avenues to market your film, this is a must stop for you at the Charleston International Film Festival.

Michael Katchman has been in the film distribution business for 26 years with Orion Pictures, MGM, Lions Gate and First Look Studios. Michael has taken his years of experience and formed ReelClick.com to help open new venues for independent filmmakers.

ANIMATION WORKSHOP: Thursday, May 19th @ 3:00 - 5:00 PM - College of Charleston

Learn Animation techniques. Keyframing and Rotoscoping are primary topics instructed by Dave Brown.

Location: College of Charleston, Thaddeus Street Education Building, 25 St. Philip Street Charleston SC room 207

*To register and for more information please contact Dave Brown at BrownDD1@cofc.edu or 843-953-8168

MOVIE EDITING WORKSHOP: Friday, May 20th @ 3:00 - 5:00 PM - College of Charleston

Learn the fundamentals and some advanced techniques of Final Cut Pro editing software from professional Dave Brown.

Location: College of Charleston, Thaddeus Street Education Building, 25 St. Philip Street Charleston SC room 207

*To register and for more information please contact Dave Brown at BrownDD1@cofc.edu or 843-953-8168

3D WORKSHOP AND Q&A: Saturday, May 21st @ 10:00 - NOON - American Theater/Starz Lounge

With the emerging technology of 3D, most see it as a gimmick in filmmaking. With the playing field leveled for budgets big and small, we'll tackle the economics and aesthetics of 3D production for documentaries and feature films. Led by Nic Izzi of 235 Films and pros from 3D Camera Company (3DCC) that created the magic for Saw, Resident Evil, and other productions.

SC FILM COMMISSION - INDIE GRANT PROGRAM Q&A + FILMS: Saturday, May 21st @ 1:00 PM - American Theater

In the Fall of 2010, the South Carolina Film Commission established its Indie Grant program, the first-ever of its kind in the nation. Partnering with Trident Technical College (TTC), the program provides small grants for South Carolina filmmakers, acting as an investment in in-state talent. The grants are designed to give filmmakers a leg up as they create projects that garner industry exposure for the state, while also creating training opportunities for TTC film students.

The Film Commission will be accepting applications for the next round of Indie Grants from May 9 to May 27, 2011. For applications and more information, visit www.filmsc.com, or contact brad@creativeforgeproductions.com.

2011 Official Selections and Schedule Posting

The 4th Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF), South Carolina’s premiere event for independent filmmakers and film enthusiasts, would like to announce and congratulate its 2011 Official Selections! This year’s schedule of over 70 films from 9 countries was too much to contain to one venue.

That’s right, the Charleston International Film Festival has grown to three venues with:

· The vintage American Theater on King St. serving as the hub where the majority of the films will be shown

· Cinebarre, voted Charleston’s best theater in 2011

· The sizable and scenic Hippodrome will be hosting the very cool, locally produced film ANGEL CAMOUFLAGED by director Michael Givens on Saturday May 21st with an exciting soon-to-be-announced after event to follow.

Most of the films showing in this year’s festival are from the U.S. with an exhilarating 20+ from filmmakers in the southeast region and the Lowcountry. The official selections represent the pinnacle of independent filmmaking talent from around the world and range in categories from features, shorts, documentaries, and animations of all genres and can be found with story details and pictures, as well as this year’s screenplay finalists, at the Charleston International Film Festival's official webiste.

The spectacular Opening Night events will kick off on May 18th at 7 PM at theAmerican Theater with:

· The locally-made music video ROOFTOP, starring local musician Emily Hearn & local celeb Bill Murray, directed by Brad Jayne

· Followed by the short film TWO FRIENDLY GHOSTS by UK filmmaker Parker Ellerman

· And the feature film ALLEGED by director Tom Hines, a romantic drama based on events occurring behind the scenes and outside the courtroom of the famous Scopes "Monkey Trial" of 1925.

Several films in this year’s festival are premieres or sneak previews and all films will be screened in blocks consisting of two or more films. Attendees will also have the rare opportunity to meet and greet the filmmakers, directors, producers, actors and writers.

In addition to the film and screenplay competitions, there will be workshops and panel discussions with industry professionals. More details on that to follow. And along with excellent films and educational workshops, this year’s festival will also host the not-to-be-missed nightly after-parties, and will culminate on the fifth and final night at the Awards Gala to recognize the very best of filmmaking and writing displayed during the competition.

Tickets are available online at www.CharlestonIFF.com or by contacting the Charleston International Film Festival office at (843) 817-1617. Price per screening block is $10.00, but special promotions and giveaways will be done through Charleston International Film Festival’s Facebook & Twitter pages. Festival passes are available good for access to all screenings, panels and parties (excluding the awards dinner) for $99.

About Charleston International Film Festival

Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the mission to educate, entertain, and inspire through the art and science of film. Co-founded in 2007, by film producer Summer Spooner Peacher and Charleston native Brian Peacher, the festival showcases over 70 short films, features and documentaries from around the world. Attendees gather for five days May 18-22, 2011 to attend premieres, panels, special events and the Annual Awards Gala. 2011 Sponsors include: Stolichnaya Vodka, Cinebarre, The ArtInstitute of Charleston, Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, Sailor Jerry Rum, PDA, Charleston Magazine, Rick Hendrick BMW, Blonde Bombshell Wine, Palmetto Brewery, Big Red Monster Wine, Renaissart, GameStop, Star, LLC, Bowen’s Island,OnlineWaterProducts.com and the SC Film Commission.

Emily Hearn and Bill Murray in Opening Night's 'ROOFTOP' Premiere

Hey all you Film Fanatics, are you just as excited about the Charleston International Film Festival as we are? With things just around the corner, here's an article on one of opening night's premieres entitled ROOFTOP. The independent film/music video stars singer/songwriter Emily Hearn and the one and only Bill Murray. Like what you read? Can't get enough of that hilarious Bill Murray? No need to call Ghostbusters, all you have to do is log onto the Charleston International Film Festival website and get your ticket to the one-of-a-kind event. It's as simple as that. The music video premieres on May 18th at the American Theater at 7:00 PM. Tickets will be available soon.

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*** Opening Night - 4th Annual Charleston International Film Festivalat the American Theater ***

BILL MURRAY, EMILY HEARN JAM-OUT ON THE 'ROOFTOP'

INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS AND MUSICIANS CREATE NEW MUSIC VIDEO; GRASSROOTS PROJECT BRIDGES FILM AND MUSIC TALENT AS BUZZ GROWS

(Charleston,SC) - A group of filmmakers and musicians have taken creative collaboration to a whole new level, producing an independent music video on the streets and marshes of South Carolina starring singer/songwriter Emily Hearnand film icon Bill Murray.

The project, entitled ROOFTOP, is more reflective of an independent film project than a conventional music video. It was conceived and shot by independent filmmaker Brad Jayne, and shot with three young camera operators, two Production Assistants, and 75 extras over 8 hours, all volunteers. ROOFTOP has been selected as a featured screening on opening night at the 4th AnnualCharleston International Film Festival in May. Directed by Brad Jayne and produced by Doug Coupeand Mark Bryan (of Hootie & the Blowfish), it marks a decided departure from conventional music videos.

"This was truly grassroots," said Hearn. "There was no budget here. Just a group of talented folks coming together to make something special. For the simple joy of doing something great and creative."

"There was definitely a big guerrilla filmmaking element to this...don't even ask me how we got some of these shots," said Coupe. "But that is sometimes filmmaking art in its purest form -- getting together and making it happen. From renowned talent like Bill Murray, to the film students that helped shoot it."

This is the first of several collaborations between Jayne, Coupe, and Bryan,including their feature-film WARRIOR, on which Bryan will be acting as music supervisor. For more information, visit www.creativeforgeproductions.com.

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Additional notes of interest:

· After Oscar-nominated actor Bill Murray (Lost in Translation, Rushmore,Ghostbusters) was told about the project, he agreed to participate right away. He showed up the morning of the shoot and graciously performed his part, as Production Assistants blocked a major thorough fare and a crowd gathered.

· Emily Hearn is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter out of Athens, GA. ROOFTOP is from her first EP, Paper Heart; she will be recording her first album this summer. For more information, visit www.ctmg.usand www.emilyhearnmusic.virb.com.

2011 CIFF Face-of-the-Festival Poster Contest

CIFF is conducting a juried poster competition to select the "Face-of-the-Festival" image for this year's festival. The competition is free and open to the public and the winning image will be CIFF's official 2011 festival image on display on our website, at the American Theater during the festival, on t-shirts, and in other select locations. There are no design guidelines for the poster competition; however, entries that celebrate the art of film and reflect the energy and creativity of the festival in our beautiful and historic city will be most strongly considered. Entries are due by April 5, 2011. The winner will receive international recognition for their work and 2 VIP passes to this year's festival valid for entry to all films, education seminars, panel discussions, and after-parties. Email submissions and any questions to Media@CharlestonIFF.com