Have you put the HistoryMakers 2010 conference on your calendar yet?  It is scheduled for New York City this coming January 27-29.  It promises to be another stellar event —great sessions, must meet CE’s, Producers, Distributors, Newsfolks, networking opportunities extraordinaire.  We recognize that budgets are tight, but once again US Independents has arranged with the organizers to offer our constituents a discounted registration rate of $850.

Rule Broadcast of Boston has long been a resource for Maine film and video producers.  Their vast array of equipment has helped fill in the gaps whenever a new project requires a better camera or specialty mount.  Rule has joined the ranks of a growing number of vendors now offering discounts to MFVA members with a 15% discount on all rental equipment…

Earlier this week on “Maine Watch”, members of the Maine film community spoke with the show’s host, Jennifer Rooks.  In a terrific field piece, Rooks interviewed Louise Rosen, Lea Girardin, Laurie Notch, and Cameron Bonsey.  Footage included shots from MFVA’s most recent meeting, a showcase of Maine’s 48-hr film festival held at the Maine Studios.  A second field segment profiled Michael Maglaras, creator of, “John Marin: Let the Paint be Paint”.  In the studio, Rooks spoke with two young filmmakers, Josephine Cooper (15) and Aleah Graham (13) of Project Aware who directed and starred in the film “Influenced”. 

(see link below)

The hopeful, inspiring message of the program was underscored by MFVA’s Richard Kane, “I think the overriding message was… there is a strong and growing indigenous film community making films of all kinds and employing many of us to make quality projects happen.”

Dear MFVA members and attendees of the Winter 2009 Meeting at the Maine Studios:

Our first meeting at the Maine Studios was quite a success.  In spite of the threat (and reality) of the first snow of the year, we had a good crowd of about 55+ friends.  The screenings of six films from this years’ 2009 48 Hour Film Project were pretty sensational—alternatively horrifying, bloody, sensitive, romantic, hysterical—terrific production value and very fresh and innovative storytelling.  It was evident that we were witnessing the work of both emerging and quite accomplished filmmakers; a super exercise in figuring out how to work fast, intuitively, and who you really want to team with.  We also heard some great advice for those who intend to participate in the upcoming 48 Hour Film Projects. 

BRUNSWICK, Maine (December 8, 2009) - Brunswick, Maine-based international film distributor Louise Rosen announces major news for three of her independent producer clients.

The feature documentary “A Small Act” has been selected for competition in the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.  Produced by Harambee Media, directed by Jennifer Arnold and produced by Patti Lee, “A Small Act” reveals how a young Kenyan’s life changes dramatically when a Swedish stranger sponsors his education. Years later, he founds his own scholarship program to replicate the kindness he once received. The screenings at Sundance will be the film’s world premiere. This marks the fifth film represented by Rosen that has been selected for Sundance.

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.