Martini Ranch - Reach - directed by James Cameron (via HDvisionmag)

REACH! I’m guessing Ms. Bigelow is in this video somewhere: Hogtying.

Help Movies World get on TV! Go to Rotten Tomatoes website. One half of Movies World Levi Agee reviews the new Lasse Holstrom film Dear John. I think he likes it? Give his video some votes!

Some of the best of the creative scene in Little Rock (save myself).

John Tarpley (Musician and Writer for Arktimes) and Levi Agee (host of COTR/Screengems for the D-G)

Graham Gordy (screenwriter/director), Gerry Bruno (director) and Paige Reynolds (actress)

Brant and Heather Collins (filmmakers and media entrepreneurs)

Ray McKinnon (Academy Award winning filmmaker)

Photos thanks to Lauren Clark (possible actress?/documentarian) @ Sync.

Promo Poster for an upcoming free public film lecture at ASU Jonesboro by esteemed film historian and playwright Meir Ribalow. Thanks to Gary Jones of Jones Film & Video for the poster, he vehemently denies creating. I’ll look into that.

More information due out in this week’s Screen gems column for the D-G.

It was a pleasure getting this email in my inbox today:

Dear Filmmaker,

In the Spotlight this week is the 4th Annual LITTLE ROCK FILM FESTIVAL (LRFF), a favorite among filmmakers and audiences alike, serving up a dynamic lineup of independent films in Arkansas’ capital city.

Declared the “biggest little film festival in the South” by Paste Magazine, LRFF has unveiled more than 250 films from around the globe, held panels with industry leaders, and hosted notable industry players. Alumni make up an impressive list, including Academy Award-winner Ray McKinnon (THAT EVENING SUN), David Modigliani (CRAWFORD), Judi Krant (MADE IN CHINA), and Phil Donahue (BODY OF WAR). LRFF selections and festival favorites include ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL and (500) DAYS OF SUMMER.

In the spirit of Southern hospitality, LRFF strives to create the most enjoyable environment a festival can offer. Filmmakers receive travel stipends, complimentary accommodations in one of the finest hotels on the banks of the Arkansas River, environmentally friendly transportation around Little Rock, swag bags complete with local flavor (like last year’s talking Bill Clinton doll), all-access VIP festival badges, and are taken on Southern-themed excursions. Panels, galas, workshops, and after-parties take place at the city’s hottest venues, including the Clinton Presidential Library. Patrick Floyd (THE EYES OF ME) gushes that he “had an unforgettable time. Saw good films. Met good people. Stayed out too late. Slept too little. Can’t wait for next year.”

You can read the rest on the lrff website here.

You can see the full story on Today’s THV website here. I got the message earlier today from the incomparable Warwick Sabin about the event which has been in development for a while now. Now it is confirmed as the magazine’s “first-ever Best of the South Gala in Little Rock on Saturday, April 3, 2010.” Freeman will accept The Oxford American’s inaugural award for Outstanding Contributions to Southern Culture.

“We are very pleased that Morgan Freeman will be the first recipient of this award, which we hope will create a long-standing pantheon of great Southern cultural figures,” said Warwick Sabin, the publisher of The Oxford American. “He was our first choice for this recognition, not only because of his remarkable career and accomplishments, but because he has remained involved with his community in Mississippi and has done so much to improve it.”

The press release cites Freeman’s roles in films such as Invictus, Batman, Million Dollar Baby and of course The Shawshank Redemption but his work on the recent documentary Prom Night in Mississippi deserves an award all by itself.

More information at http://www.oxfordamerican.org

Movies in the Park Kicking off the 2010 Season Feb 10

My favorite time of the year! Here is a letter from Blake Rutherford, director of the event, about the upcoming season.

“Friends,

I hope you will join us on February 10th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. as we
kick off the 2010 season of Movies in the Park. The reception will be
held at the Clinton School of Public Service. I’ve attached an
invitation to this e-mail so check it out.

We’re doing all that we can to maintain our mission of keeping Movies
in the Park free to the public, so we’re asking for a contribution in
whatever form you feel appropriate. And if a donation’s not in the
cards for you, join us anyway.

I hope to see you.

—
Blake S. Rutherford”

I wasn’t too far off. Really didn’t expect Disctrict 9 for Best Pic but I’m excited.

Best Motion Picture of the Year

Avatar (2009): James Cameron, Jon Landau

The Blind Side (2009): Nominees to be determined

District 9 (2009): Peter Jackson, Carolynne Cunningham

An Education (2009): Finola Dwyer, Amanda Posey

The Hurt Locker (2008): Nominees to be determined

Inglourious Basterds (2009): Lawrence Bender

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009): Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness

A Serious Man (2009): Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Up (2009): Jonas Rivera

Up in the Air (2009/I): Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman, Jason Reitman

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart (2009)

George Clooney for Up in the Air (2009/I)

Colin Firth for A Single Man (2009)

Morgan Freeman for Invictus (2009)

Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker (2008)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side (2009)

Helen Mirren for The Last Station (2009)

Carey Mulligan for An Education (2009)

Gabourey Sidibe for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

Meryl Streep for Julie & Julia (2009)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

Matt Damon for Invictus (2009)

Woody Harrelson for The Messenger (2009/I)

Christopher Plummer for The Last Station (2009)

Stanley Tucci for The Lovely Bones (2009)

Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

Penélope Cruz for Nine (2009)

Vera Farmiga for Up in the Air (2009/I)

Maggie Gyllenhaal for Crazy Heart (2009)

Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air (2009/I)

Mo’Nique for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

Best Achievement in Directing

Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker (2008)

James Cameron for Avatar (2009)

Lee Daniels for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

Jason Reitman for Up in the Air (2009/I)

Quentin Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen

The Hurt Locker (2008): Mark Boal

Inglourious Basterds (2009): Quentin Tarantino

The Messenger (2009/I): Alessandro Camon, Oren Moverman

A Serious Man (2009): Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Up (2009): Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Thomas McCarthy

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published

District 9 (2009): Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell

An Education (2009): Nick Hornby

In the Loop (2009): Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009): Geoffrey Fletcher

Up in the Air (2009/I): Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner

Best Achievement in Cinematography

Avatar (2009): Mauro Fiore

Das weisse Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte (2009): Christian Berger

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009): Bruno Delbonnel

The Hurt Locker (2008): Barry Ackroyd

Inglourious Basterds (2009): Robert Richardson

Best Achievement in Editing

Avatar (2009): Stephen E. Rivkin, John Refoua, James Cameron

District 9 (2009): Julian Clarke

The Hurt Locker (2008): Bob Murawski, Chris Innis

Inglourious Basterds (2009): Sally Menke

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009): Joe Klotz

These are just the main nominations you can see a full list @ imdb.com. Stay tuned to see if we can get any more information at the press conference today at 11AM at the Peabody Little Rock.

Just got word from an assistant casting director that they are no longer looking for a young girl to play the lead role in True Grit—I can only surmise that they have found an actress. Hopefully an unknown (NOT ELLE FANNING!).

So now it looks as if Paramount is looking for Extras and for some reason they want Texas natives. I assume they’re filming in Texas. And if you’ve ever seen a Coen bro. film you know what type of background players they like. Here are the details:

PARAMOUNT PICTURES IS SEEKING EXTRAS FOR A NEW COEN BROTHERS FEATURE FILM “TRUE GRIT.” The film shoots in TX (Austin area, incl Granger & Blanko) during March, April & May of 2010.
Looking for reliable people to portray looks specific to the 1870’s and 1900. Start growing your hair now!
Seeking: Unique “character” faces. We are most interested in people with natural features.
HAIR NOTES: If you want to be considered- start growing your hair now! Women should have long hair that is not colored in anyway- no highlights, full head colors or semi permanent colors. Men should have some length, especially on top. Crew cuts are not suitable- as the hair will not have time enough to grow. Men should grow their facial hair, incl beard, moustache, sideburns.
BODY TYPES: People from this time period did not have modern enhancements- meaning they did not have braces, implants, etc. They weren’t weight lifters- people worked hard, but not in a gym. Body types were most often average to slim. Women will be wearing corsettes and long dresses. 
OTHER: We are most interested in people willing to work more than one day. Looking for responsible people w/ flexible schedules. 10 years of age & older. All minors must have consent of parent/guardian & must indicate date of birth. If you don’t have a resume- please list any performing/background experience you may have. 
TO SUBMIT: There are two ways to submit. Preferred is in-person (ONLY on dates, below)! If this is impossible, you may submit by mail. Follow instructions below.
In-Person Interviews: (bring legal form & copy of id) SEE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS BELOW!Austin Studios1901 East 51st. St. (Red Bldg)Austin TX 78723- Thurs, Feb 4   11am - 7pm- Fri, Feb 5   11am - 7pm- Sat, Feb 6   11am - 7pm
Mail Submissions: SEE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS BELOW!Austin Studiosc/o Extras Cstg / Debbie DeLisi1901 East 51st. St. (Red Bldg)Austin TX 78723
SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE: Headshot & one page resume, if you have them. Also, you MUST include CURRENT SNAPSHOTS (face & body). List all pertinent contact information, incl your place of residency & anything else we should know about you. Remember- THIS A PERIOD FILM. If you want to be considered- it’s best to send us a natural, current photos (no makeup or glamour). All submissions are non-returnable. Incl age, height, weight, measurements, etc. List any scheduling conflicts (4/23 - 5/26). Preference will be given to those w/ flexible schedules. If you want to be considered- start growing your hair now!
Families & TX residents encouraged to submit.
Extras Casting Director: Debbie DeLisi HOTLINE: 212-330-9357texascasting2010@gmail.com (Submissions will NOT be accepted via email. Email address is for general inquiries only)

Spike Jonze’s new short film I’m Here-a robot love story got rave reviews last week at Sundance and now Nieves has made a 48 page book with photo stills. I wonder if it comes with a bottle of Absolut?

Any of you have any predictions? Best Picture is pretty simple considering there will be 10 slots!

I’m going to say:

The Hurt Locker

Avatar

Up in the Air

An Education

A Serious Man

Precious

Invictus

The Messenger

Inglourious Basterds

UP

—I don’t think Star Trek or District 9 or Where The Wild Things Are will be nominated sadly.

Best Director

James Cameron

Kathryn Bigelow

Jason Reitman

Quentin Tarantino

—Possibly Lee Daniels, Clint Eastwood, or Coen Bro

I’ll do my best to cover the event If I can tomorrow morning.

What are your thoughts?

:: The Playlist ::

Gervais is back finally co-directing once again with his former Office and Extras co-creator Stephen Merchant. I have much higher hopes for Cemetery Junction than I did for Invention of Lying. There’s not US release day yet but the UK date is set for April 7th.

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Listen in as we ramble on about Citizen Kane, 3D Movies, What we’re TiVo’ing, Arkansas Filmmaker Forum, and everything else related to film. Gerry Bruno and his brother-in-law/Movie Buff join host Levi Agee in this brilliantly funny radio show about film Cameras on the Radio. Collin also calls in and throws his two cents in on the discussions. Some music at the end by Karen O and the Kids for Where the Wild Things Are.

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Levi on the Radio