Missoula, Montana - The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is now accepting proposals to pitch new and in-progress documentary films to ITVS Senior Program Manager, Richard Saiz.  The deadline for receipt of proposals is January 1, 2010.  There is no charge to submit.

Palms for Life Fund* is calling out to young filmmakers, 25 years of age and under, to visually depict in their communities the growing epidemic of hunger in the United States. 

MAINE FILM STUDIO TO LAUNCH AUG. 14TH
Maine Film Co-op Begins Development
by John E. Seymore

Let me start by saying that it is always encouraging to see the posts here. The high level of dedication to a film industry in Maine is without question!
Now, I had want to waited a couple more days to get this information out, but feel it is time to do so TODAY:
Last week Wasted Minds Media Group, Inc reached an agreement with Nappi Distributors to lease the 235 Presumpscot St location (Nappi’s former warehouse). We did so with the intent of creating a film studio. However, we do not want to keep the studio for ourselves. So we decided to make space available to any film related company that would be interested in joining us at The Maine Film Studio.

(Rockland, ME) On Tuesday, July 14th, 5:00 pm at the Strand Theatre in Rockland, the Mulford Gallery and Acadia Moving Pictures will be presenting the Maine Premier of a documentary film by Dale Schierholt entitled Harold Garde: Working Artist.  The film takes you inside the studio and life of Belfast artist Harold Garde. Through interviews with the artist and observations of him at work we get a rare glimpse of the life of an artist. Garde shares with us insights into his influences, the structure of a painting and the conceptual forces behind some of the major themes found in his work. Whether revealing the struggles of the artist’s life or guiding us through his own definitions of success, the charming and engaging Mr. Garde offers viewers an intimate portrait of a true “working artist”.

news from Cameron Bonsey

I received an email from the Maine Film office today. The opening line was:

“Thank you all for showing your support and offering testimony for this bill designed to increase media productions in Maine. Although Governor Baldacci was in favor of LD 1449 it died on the Appropriations table, due to lack of funds, around 5:15 PM last night.”

August 22nd.

For ANYONE that has made or wants to make a movie and SELL it. Only East Coast Seminar Kevin DiBacco will be doing this year.  In Sturbridge, MA, August 22, 2009, 8AM-5:30PM

http://www.hollywoodfilmmakingonashoestringbudget.com

Kevin

Memorial Day and Beyond
I was driving through Kennebunkport on Memorial Day as the parade was about to begin. It was great to see the spectators finding their spots on the side of the road as the veterans in their uniforms, the band members with their musical instruments, the boy scouts with their yellow bandanas around their necks and the young baton twirlers in their blue velvet dresses excitedly got ready for the parade.

It made me feel good to see everyone come together to celebrate and recognize those who fought and died for our country.

Regardless of political leanings everyone can come together for this purpose.

As we move forward with LD 1449 (HP 1005) “An Act To Expand Tax Incentives for Visual Media Productions” the same type of collective response is occurring.

CAMDEN (May 6): The fifth annual Camden International Film Festival will run Oct. 1 through 4, but plans and outreach are already well underway and the festival is receiving acclaim from both the State of Maine and the international documentary film community.

via MPBN

Filmmaker Finds It Expensive to Film Stephen King Novel in Maine

March 3, 2009 Reported By: Josie Huang

Over the last four decades, dozens of Stephen King stories have been turned into blockbuster movies.  One of the first adaptations was the horror flick Carrie: “If I concentrate hard enough, I can move things!”

via Filmmakers Collaborative

The Independent Film Festival of Boston
April 22-28

The 7th annual Independent Film Festival of Boston is upon us and it’s packed with close to a 100 great films. Among the attractions are a number of great documentaries by New England filmmakers

FOCUS YOUR LENS ON ANIMAL PROTECTION ISSUES

$25,000 FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM GRANT

SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 17, 2009!!!

CALL FOR ENTRIES!!!

Today’s diverse forms of media can be powerful vehicles for increasing awareness of animal protection issues. The mission of The Humane Society of the United States’ (The HSUS) Animal Content in Entertainment (ACE) program is to encourage content creators to view animal issues as rich source material for socially relevant documentary and entertainment media.

Let the Sales Begin!

January saw the first major North American non-fiction sales events of the year – the History Makers Summit in New York and the RealScreen Summit in Washington, DC. I participated in History Makers - as a moderator, panelist and one of 280 delegates.  It was a terrific conference event – a sophisticated agenda and setting, on an intimate scale.  The sessions were lively and stimulating and the social events relaxed. Highlights included a keynote address delivered by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., (who shared clips of his Looking for Lincoln PBS special) and a closing reception at the famous showbiz hangout, Sardi’s.

Dear MFVA members and friends:

Below is a press release concerning the upcoming, new and improved Maine Film Tax Incentives Bill that the 2009 Maine Legislature will be considering.  It is very important that you get behind the effort to get this bill passed if our industry is to grow and Maine’s economy is to weather this downturn and prosper once again.  This includes speaking with your local legislator, your Chamber of Commerce, local business leaders, TV, radio and print reporters, anyone who might understand that encouraging film/video/digital media production in Maine is good for everyone.  Write a letter to the editor encouraging public support.  Please read this and pass it on to anyone who might help.

All my best,

Dick

Richard Kane, Chair
Maine Film & Video Association
Kane-Lewis Productions 189 Rope Ferry Road, Sedgwick, ME 04676
207-359-2320 office/ 207-632-4534 cell/

OPEN CALL FOR VIDEO EDITORS, RESEARCHERS, GRANT WRITERS & INTERNS — A feature-length documentary filmed throughout Canada and the U.S. is now entering post production in Maine, with the deadline of late winter for private screenings. Various positions may be paid and/or open for internships. Please send resumes and letters of interest to Paul Tukey, c/o The SafeLawns Foundation by email to or . No phone calls please.