tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47038173199424819552024-02-20T19:39:21.652-05:00Pittsburgh Flicks pghflicks.usThis site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-6447830435754949472014-05-20T15:11:00.000-04:002014-05-20T15:11:33.385-04:00Antoine Fuqua's Southpaw (with Jake Gyllenhaal) Is Officially Shooting in Western Pennsylvania!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<p>
Back in March, I passed along a <a href="http://pghflicks.blogspot.com/2014/03/movie-season-comes-to-pittsburgh.html">rumor</a> that
<i>Southpaw</i> would shoot here this summer. As you've probably seen, it's official, <i>Southpaw</i> will be shooting in our area.
</p>
<p>
If you live near Indiana, PA, you'll have the chance to go to <a href="http://www.movieextraspittsburgh.com/">an open casting call</a> this Saturday, May 24. The movie will shoot for a few weeks in Indiana in June and most of July and early August in Pittsburgh.
</p>
<p>You can also follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Movie-Casting-PGH/423745274356291">Movie Casting Pittsburgh</a> on Facebppl for ongoing information.</p>
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-25446353965040374302014-05-15T07:13:00.003-04:002014-05-15T07:19:21.112-04:00Drop by the Women in Film and Television International Summit (Westin Pittsburgh)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">There are a few <a href="http://www.wiftisummit.org">summit</a> items that you can attend by paying to go to that item only:
<ul>
<li>Gideon's Army Screening, Friday, 5:30, Point Park University, 414 Wood St., GRW Theater. $10 for reception, screening and Q&A. Speakers include Kalpana Biswas, Anna Ahronheim, Bret Grote, Jasmine Gonzales Rose</li>
<li>War Reporting, Saturday, 1:30, Westin, Westmoreland Ballroom (2nd floor). $25 for this panel: Documentary filmmaking and broadcasting in war zones is an extremely dangerous mission and requires special skills, information and education. The expansion
of women filming women who are disadvantaged, suffering in war zones
or who are victims in war-torn countries is on the increase. Speakers include Martin Savidge, Kalpana Biswas, JulieHera DeStefano, Lynn Johnson, Kirsten Johnson.</li>
<li>Opal Awards Reception, Saturday, 7:00pm, Westin, Westmoreland Ballroom (2nd floor). $55 for this event: The Opal Awards will be held to honor local women for their work in the film and television industry. The evening will also present three scholarships to local women enrolled in colleges and universities with
over $4,000 in funds for their education in a film or television
curriculum. The Women In Film and Television International Board of
Directors will present an award to a deserving woman in the film or
television industry. Along with the dessert reception, there will be a
cash bar. Honorees include Deborah L. Acklin, Catherine
Hardwicke, Dawn Keezer, Eleanor Schano. The event will be MCed by
Carol Lee Espy.</li>
</ul>
You can buy admissions for War Reporting, the Opal Awards Reception or for the entire summit in the 2nd floor Rotunda of the Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh beginning at noon today. You can buy admissions for the Gideon's Army screening at the GRW Theater at Point Park University beginning at 5pm on Friday.
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-80560251835714629492014-05-12T09:49:00.003-04:002014-05-12T09:49:32.408-04:00Women in Film & Television International Summit Arrives in Pittsburgh on May 16<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This weekend, a number of movers and shakers in the media biz will be giving presentations and participating in the <a href="http://www.wiftisummit.org">Women in Film & Television International Summit</a>. <a href="http://www.wifmpit.org/">Women in Film & Media - Pittsburgh</a> is managing this occasional event, which brings together producers, writers, directors and all kinds of media professionals. Panelists include:
</p>
<ul>
<li><i>Thirteen</i> and <i>Twilight</i>'s director <a href="http://www.wiftisummit.org/guide/bios.html#chardwicke">Catherine Hardwicke</a></li>
<li><i>Ghost Whisperer</i>'s producer <a href="http://www.wiftisummit.org/guide/bios.html#kmoses">Kim Moses</a></li>
<li>CNN's <a href="http://www.wiftisummit.org/guide/bios.html#msavidge">Martin Savidge</a></li>
</ul>
<p>
The summit will have a few dozen panels and presentation on many aspects of the media biz, including:
</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.wiftisummit.org/guide/schedule.html#director">Women in the Director's Chair</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.wiftisummit.org/guide/schedule.html#creativedirection">Creative Direction - Current Programming</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.wiftisummit.org/guide/schedule.html#war">War Reporting</a></li>
</ul>
<p>In addition to the conference, Pittsburgh's Opal Awards will be awarded at a reception on Saturday night. The reception opens at 7pm with a dessert reception. Director Catherine Hardwicke, WQED CEO Deborah L. Acklin, Pittsburgh Film Office's Dawn Keezer, and longtime Pittsburgh journalist Eleanor Schano will be honored during Opal ceremony.</p>
<p>
You can register or buy Opal Award tickets <a href="http://www.wiftisummit.org">online</a> through midnight (EDT) on Wednesday, May 14. Conference registrations and Opal Award tickets will be available at the door beginning at noon on Thursday, May 15 in the 2nd floor Rotunda of the Westin Pittsburgh Convention Center.
</p>
<p>pghflicks.us is a conference sponsor, and is sponsoring complimentary WIFI in the Westmoreland room on Saturday.</p>
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-46085720524372291602014-04-17T08:28:00.001-04:002014-04-17T14:27:13.471-04:00Pittsburgh-Filmed Foxcatcher to Compete at Cannes This Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<p>The Bennett Miller flick will be among the films in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May.
Here's the report from <a href="http://www.deadline.com/2014/04/cannes-film-festival-lineup-2014-movie-list/">Deadline</a>. Only
eighteen movies are in competition at Cannes</p>
<p>
<i>Foxcatcher</i> was filmed in Pittsburgh during late 2012, and stars Channing Tatum, Steve Carrell and Mark Ruffalo. Vanessa Redgrave
and Sienna Miller also appear.
</p>
<p>
Here's the <a href="http://www.tracking-board.com/foxcatcher-trailer-steve-carell-mark-ruffalo-channing-tatum/">trailer</a>.
</p>
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-7516063912091857432014-03-15T17:26:00.004-04:002014-03-15T18:07:21.231-04:00Movie Season Comes to Pittsburgh - Fathers and Daughters and a Fascinating Rumor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<p>
Since 2008 or so, movie-making season has tended to hit Pittsburgh in the spring. Last year was an exception when movie-making season (for pay) didn't start until late August.
</p>
<p>
But, this year anyway, with the start of production of <i>Fathers and Daughters</i>, movie-making has returned to Pittsburgh with the robins. <i>Fathers and Daughters</i> marks Russell Crowe's return to Pittsburgh. He make <i>The Next Three Days</i> here five years ago. In <i>Fathers and Daughters</i> he plays a novelist who has a difficult relationship with his daughter, played by Amanda Seyfried.
</p>
<p>
Nancy Mosser is handling extra casting and put out a general call for extras for this week:
</p>
<hr>
<p>
Extras needed for upcoming scenes on Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried and Aaron Paul film, <i>Fathers and Daughters</i> next week. Pay is minimum wage for the first 8 hours and time and a half after that. MUST HAVE A CAR TO GET TO SET AND LIVE IN OR NEAR THE PITTSBURGH, PA AREA. Calltimes could be early morning or could be overnight. We have no way of knowing yet so please don't submit yourself for a certain day unless your 100% available.
</p>
<p>
EVERYONE SHOULD BE OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE
</p>
<p>
WEDS. MARCH 19 -</p>
<ul>
<li>Upscale restaurant patrons - 20-40 years old</li>
<li>Blue-collar Bar patrons - 30s-70s</li>
</ul>
<p>
THURS. MARCH 20 -</p>
<ul>
<li>VARIOUS NYC STREET PEDESTRIANS - 20-40 years old.</li>
<li>people who can jog or skateboard. Please denote if you can do any of these)</li>
</ul>
<p>
SATURDAY MARCH 22 -</p>
<ul>
<li>VARIOUS NYC STREET PEDESTRIANS -18-70 years old.</li>
<li>Artsy looking couples - 20s/30s</li>
</ul>
<p>
If interested in submitting yourself to be considered, please email a recent picture to <a href="mailto:fathersanddaughterscasting@gmail.com">fathersanddaughterscasting@gmail.com</a>. You should put your name, age, phone number, location and car make, color and year. Also put in the subject line which role you'd like to be considered for.
</p>
<hr>
<p>
<i>Fathers and Daughters</i> is due to be shooting through the end of April.
</p>
<p>
If you've never done extra work and if you love the movies, you may really enjoy these opportunities. You have nothing worse to lose than a day, for which you'll be paid. If you find it wasn't for you, you don't have to go back. But, if you enjoy being on set, meeting other filmworkers and watching the being-the-scenes workings of movie-making, it can be loads of fun.
<p>
<p>
One of the great things about being on set is hearing about other movie-making opportunities. So it turns out the <i>Fathers and Daughters</i> may not be the only flick being shot in Pittsburgh early this year - Antoine Fuqua's next directorial effort, <i>Southpaw</i>, may be shooting in Pittsburgh in June (though this may be on the level of "unconfirmed rumor"). Fuqua is probably best-known for directing Denzel Washington to a Best Actor Oscar in <i>Training Day</i>. Fuqua is a Pittsburgh native, and <i>Southpaw</i>'s reported star, Jake Gyllenhaal, shot the wildly entertaining flick <i>Love and Other Drugs</i> here a few years back. So I hope this moves beyond "fascinating rumor" soon!
</p>
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-24150750666611638512014-03-09T20:28:00.000-04:002014-03-10T06:07:28.723-04:00Thinking About the Women in Film and Television International Summit and Wondering "Why Visit Pittsburgh?"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<p>
The Women in Film & Television International Summit is coming to Pittsburgh this spring.
It'll be an interesting confab of industry professionals and professionals-to-be talking
about current media trends, creative disruption, new distribution channels and using
new media to your best advantage.
</p>
<p>
Sounds great, you may be thinking. But...Pittsburgh?
</p>
<p>
Pittsburgh has been a fabulous city for ages. When out of towners who've never been
to Pittsburgh come to visit, a common reaction is "Wow, this place is
great." And it's only gotten better over the last few years.
</p>
<p>
Take getting in from the airport. Want to save a few bucks? You can jump on a 28X bus,
pay $3.75 and be dropped off about 4 blocks from the Westin. There are also
Super Shuttles, taxis or limo service that will take you straight to the hotel.
</p>
<p>
As you approach downtown Pittsburgh, you go through the Ft. Pitt tunnel and
onto the Ft. Pitt Bridge and...voila...the money shot, an amazing view
of downtown (and if you saw <i>Perks of Being a Wallflower</i> or <i>Boys on the Side</i>,
you know exactly what I mean). On your left, the Ohio River and Point State Park with
its fountain and walking trails. Across the river, Heinz Field where the Steelers play and
PNC Park where the Pirates play. Straight ahead, downtown Pittsburgh, often called the
Golden Triangle. On your right, the Monongehela River with Station Square across the
river from downtown. And, behind you, Mt. Washington with a breathtaking view of
downtown and two inclines to take you to the top. Check Google for "photos of Pittsburgh"
if you need more convincing that Pittsburgh has become picturesque over the last 60 years.
</p>
<p>
Within a mile of the summit's convention hotel, <a href="https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=1310280852&key=20CC7">the Westin</a>, are over a hundred great restaurants
and trendy bars, many galleries, and museums like the Andy Warhol. Sadly, the Pittsburgh
Pirates are not in town during the Summit, but you can still visit PNC Park, a baseball
park commonly called the best baseball park in the country. Besides the Summit,
there are loads of <a href="http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/calendar/monthly/2014/5">cultural events</a>
going on in downtown in mid-May,
including a Tony Bennett concert on Friday, May 17.
And, if you want, you can take a tour of Pittsburgh, take a classic
<a href="http://www.justduckytours.com/">Ducky tour</a> and <a href="https://www.pedalpowertours.com/tours/">Pittsburgh Pedal
Power Tours</a>, which will feature of movie tour of Pittsburgh on Thursday, May 15 (write to
<a href="mailto:wifsummit@gmail.com">wifsummit@gmail.com</a> and put "Tours" in your Subject line if you're
interested in Pedal Power Tours' downtown movie locations tour).
</p>
<p>
A short cab ride away from downtown Pittsburgh is Oakland with the <a href="http://www.carnegiemuseums.org/">Carnegie Museums of
Natural History and Art</a>, a must-stop spot for any museum-fan (and a
great place to take your kids if they're visiting Pittsburgh with
you).
</p>
<p>
The Women in Film and Television International Summit will open its
Registration/Information table on the second floor of the Westin by noon on Thursday and will be ready to help
you with suggestions of where to go and what to do. Meet back in the Westin's bar and between 6 and 7 to
meet other summit attendees and get ideas about where to go to dinner.
</p>
<p>
<i>Bon Appetit</i> has listed Pittsburgh as <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/columns/the-foodist/slideshow/foodist-trendy-ingredient-predictions-2014/?slide=4#">the city where you need to eat now</a>
and everyone who's been here agrees!
</p>
<p>
Recommended restaurants within five blocks of the hotel include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Original Fish Market, Westin - Excellent, varied fish menu</li>
<li><a href="http://www.tonicpittsburgh.com/#anchor-u8939">Tonic Bar & Grill</a>, 971 Liberty - Small plates
and big drinks</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thesonomagrille.com/">Sonoma Grille</a>, 947 Liberty - California-style food
with a great wine list</li>
<li><a href="http://www.siennapgh.com/mercato/">Emporio</a>, 942 Penn - Meatball & beer spot is open now -
pizza/charcuterie restaurant & rooftop beer garden to open sometime this spring</li>
<li><a href="http://site.sharpedgebeer.com/bistro-on-penn">Sharp Edge</a>, 922 Penn - Belgian food
with an outstanding beer list</li>
<li><a href="http://www.nickysthaikitchen.com/">Nicky's Thai Kitchen</a>, 903 Penn - Huge selection of
excellent Thai food, many vegetarian options</li>
<li><a href="http://www.nineonninepgh.com/?page_id=33">Nine on Nine</a>, 9th & Penn - Elegant small plates</li>
<li><a href="https://sinfulsweetsonline.com/">Sinful Sweets Chocolate</a>, 901 Penn - Decadent candy shop</li>
<li><a href="http://www.properpittsburgh.com/">Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room</a>, 139 7th St. - Proper pizza!</li>
<li><a href="http://meatandpotatoespgh.com/">Meat & Potatoes</a>, 649 Penn - All kinds of meat & cocktails</li>
<li><a href="http://www.sixpennkitchen.com/">Six Penn Kitchen</a>, 6th & Penn - Best lamb Bolognese!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.butcherandtherye.com/">Butcher & the Rye</a>, 212 6th - 350+ kinds of whiskey/bourbon</li>
<li><a href="http://www.elevenck.com/">Eleven</a>, 1150 Smallman - American upscale, great wine list
and fabulous desserts</li>
</ul>
<p>
And even more recommended restaurants with about a mile of the hotel. Many
of these are in the Strip District, a shopping area full of fresh
produce and trendy art/antique spots.
</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lidias-pittsburgh.com/">Lidia's Pittsburgh</a>, 1400 Smallman - Lidia Bastianich's
elegant home of upscale Italian food</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rolandsseafoodgrill.com/">Rolands Seafood Grill</a>, 1904 Penn - Large variety
of seafood & beer</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bigburrito.com/kaya/">Kaya</a>, 2000 Smallman -
Caribbean fusion, many vegetarian options</li>
<li><a href="http://www.lukewholey.com/">Luke Wholley's</a>, 2106 Penn - Excellent fish, great lobster bisque</li>
</ul>
<p>
Check out some other local restaurants on the <i><a href="http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazine/June-2013/Best-Restaurants-in-Pittsburgh-2013/">Pittsburgh Magazine</a></i> site.
</p>
<p>
So while you're meeting women from across the country and learning the latest about the film
industry, you can indulge a little!
</p>
<p>
Stop by the <a href="http://www.wifmpit.org/">Women in Film and Media Website</a> for more information
about the Summit and about Pittsburgh.
</p>
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-52041294231076007122014-03-02T17:40:00.003-05:002014-03-03T12:21:05.649-05:00Looking for a Fun Oscar Party to go to? Hollywood Theater Oscar Party is On!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<p>
The Hollywood Theater in Dormont is running their great <a href="http://www.thehollywooddormont.org/special-events/">Oscar party</a> again this year. If you were on the fence about going out tonight, the weather (at least west of Pittsburgh) is pretty good and the Hollywood still has tickets for tonight. Dress up, don't dress up, but show up in Dormont tonight.
</p>
<p>
Even though the roads are pretty clear, do yourself a favor and don't take Potomac between Banksville and Belrose or Espy Streets. Take Hillsdale instead as it's much less steep. Free street parking tonight!
</p>
<hr>
<p>I had a winning night at the party. I won one round of Oscar trivia and won candy. I later won the Oscar ballot pool for the evening, guessing 18 of the 24 Oscar winners (75%). Won two books & movie tickets.</p>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-85210372388659040672014-03-02T14:47:00.000-05:002014-03-02T16:19:04.809-05:00What Should Win the Oscars, What Will Win the Oscars, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<p>
As I've said before, I thought 2013 was an exceptional year for flicks. Most years, I'm really pissed off
by some of the Oscar nominees, but, this year, I liked almost all of them. The performances were particularly
strong.
<p>
<hr>
<h4>Actor in a Leading Role</h4>
<p>Everyone in this category deserved their nominations, but Tom Hanks for <i>Captain Phillips</i> and Idris Elba for
<i>Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom</i> did as well. For a great example of range, see <i>Out of the Furnace</i> and compare/contrast
Christian Bale's performance there and in <i>American Hustle</i>. While I have not seen <i>12 Years a Slave</i>, I think probably
Ejiofor most deserves the Oscar, but I would not be upset to see McConaughey win for <i>Dallas Buyers Club</i>, as his performance
was awonderful.</p>
<ul>
<li>Christian Bale in <i>American Hustle</i></li>
<li>Bruce Dern in <i>Nebraska</i></li>
<li>Leonardo DiCaprio in <i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i> </li>
<li>Chiwetel Ejiofor in <i>12 Years a Slave</i> (should win)</li>
<li>Matthew McConaughey in <i>Dallas Buyers Club</i> (will win)</li>
</ul>
<h4>Actor in a Supporting Role</h4>
<p>
Barkhad Abdi was impressive in his first movie role in <i>Captain Phillips</i>, and Bradley Cooper continues to deliver well-nuanced roles.
But Jared Leto came from out of left field in <i>Dallas Buyers Club</i> and he was great.
</p>
<ul>
<li>Barkhad Abdi in <i>Captain Phillips</i></li>
<li>Bradley Cooper in <i>American Hustle</i></li>
<li>Michael Fassbender in <i>12 Years a Slave</i></li>
<li>Jonah Hill in <i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i></li>
<li>Jared Leto in <i>Dallas Buyers Club</i> (should win, will win)</li>
</ul>
<h4>Actress in a Leading Role</h4>
<p>
Amy Adams gave a wonderfully ferocious performance in <i>American Hustle</i> and does deserve the Oscar the most.
Cate Blanchett gave a very good performance in <i>Blue Jasmine</i>, but it was just too clearly based on Vivien Leigh
in <i>Streetcar Named Desire</i>. While people tend to ignore Sandra Bullock in <i>Gravity</i>, I found her performance in
<i>Gravity</i> was as engaging the second time as it was the first.
</p>
<ul>
<li>Amy Adams in <i>American Hustle</i> (should win)</li>
<li>Cate Blanchett in <i>Blue Jasmine</i> (will win)</li>
<li>Sandra Bullock in <i>Gravity</i></li>
<li>Judi Dench in <i>Philomena</i></li>
<li>Meryl Streep in <i>August: Osage County</i></li>
</ul>
<h4>Actress in a Supporting Role</h4>
<p>
I loved June Squibb's raucous performance in <i>Nebraska</i>. While I liked Jennifer Lawrence in <i>American Hustle</i>, she just
won last year and June Squibb is going to be 85 this year and has been in the business for decades.
</p>
<ul>
<li>Sally Hawkins in <i>Blue Jasmine</i></li>
<li>Jennifer Lawrence in <i>American Hustle</i></li>
<li>Lupita Nyong’o in <i>12 Years a Slave</i> (will win)</li>
<li>Julia Roberts in <i>August: Osage County</i></li>
<li>June Squibb in <i>Nebraska</i> (should win)</li>
</ul>
<h4>Animated Feature Film</h4>
<p>
<i>Frozen</i> as better than I expected, and, like <i>Brave</i> had really amazing design.
However, I'd rather see <i>The Wind Rises</i> as Miyazaki never got the kind of acknowledgement
from Hollywood that he deserves.
</p>
<ul>
<li><i>The Croods</i> Chris Sanders, Kirk DeMicco and Kristine Belson</li>
<li><i>Despicable Me 2</i> Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin and Chris Meledandri</li>
<li><i>Ernest & Celestine</i> Benjamin Renner and Didier Brunner</li>
<li><i>Frozen</i> Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee and Peter Del Vecho (will win)</li>
<li><i>The Wind Rises</i> Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki (should win)</li>
</ul>
<h4>Cinematography</h4>
<ul>
<li><i>The Grandmaster</i> Philippe Le Sourd</li>
<li><i>Gravity</i> Emmanuel Lubezki (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i> Bruno Delbonnel</li>
<li><i>Nebraska</i> Phedon Papamichael</li>
<li><i>Prisoners</i> Roger A. Deakins</li>
</ul>
<h4>Costume Design</h4>
<ul>
<li><i>American Hustle</i> Michael Wilkinson (will win)</li>
<li><i>The Grandmaster</i> William Chang Suk Ping</li>
<li><i>The Great Gatsby</i> Catherine Martin</li>
<li><i>The Invisible Woman</i> Michael O’Connor (should win)</li>
<li><i>12 Years a Slave</i> Patricia Norris</li>
</ul>
<h4>Directing</h4>
<p>I think Directing/Picture will be a split this year between Cuaron and <i>12 Years a Slave</i>.
It's possible that it might split the other way, but that's less likely.</p>
<ul>
<li><i>American Hustle</i> David O. Russell</li>
<li><i>Gravity</i> Alfonso Cuarón (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>Nebraska</i> Alexander Payne</li>
<li><i>12 Years a Slave</i> Steve McQueen</li>
<li><i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i> Martin Scorsese</li>
</ul>
<h4>Documentary Feature</h4>
<ul>
<li><i>The Act of Killing</i> Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen</li>
<li><i>Cutie and the Boxer</i> Zachary Heinzerling and Lydia Dean Pilcher</li>
<li><i>Dirty Wars</i> Richard Rowley and Jeremy Scahill</li>
<li><i>The Square</i> Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer</li>
<li><i>20 Feet from Stardom</i> Morgan Neville, Gil Friesen and Caitrin Rogers (should win, will win)</li>
</ul>
<h4>Documentary Short Subject</h4>
<ul>
<li>"CaveDigger” Jeffrey Karoff</li>
<li>"Facing Fear” Jason Cohen</li>
<li>"Karama Has No Walls” Sara Ishaq</li>
<li>"The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life” Malcolm Clarke and Nicholas Reed (should win, will win)</li>
<li>"Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall” Edgar Barens</li>
</ul>
<h4>Film Editing</h4>
<ul>
<li><i>American Hustle</i> Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers and Alan Baumgarten (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>Captain Phillips</i> Christopher Rouse</li>
<li><i>Dallas Buyers Club</i> John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa</li>
<li><i>Gravity</i> Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger</li>
<li><i>12 Years a Slave</i> Joe Walker</li>
</ul>
<h4>Foreign Language Film</h4>
<ul>
<li><i>The Broken Circle Breakdown</i> Belgium</li>
<li><i>The Great Beauty</i> Italy (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>The Hunt</i> Denmark</li>
<li><i>The Missing Picture</i> Cambodia</li>
<li><i>Omar</i> Palestine</li>
</ul>
<h4>Makeup and Hairstyling</h4>
<ul>
<li><i>Dallas Buyers Club</i> Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathews (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa</i> Stephen Prouty</li>
<li><i>The Lone Ranger</i> Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny</li>
</ul>
<h4>Music (Original Score)</h4>
<p>The <i>Gravity</i> score is quite different...except from <i>The World's End</i>, another
science fictional movie score, also by Steven Price.</p>
<ul>
<li><i>The Book Thief</i> John Williams</li>
<li><i>Gravity</i> Steven Price (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>Her</i> William Butler and Owen Pallett</li>
<li><i>Philomena</i> Alexandre Desplat</li>
<li><i>Saving Mr. Banks</i> Thomas Newman</li>
</ul>
<h4>Music (Original Song)</h4>
<p>Yes, "Let It Go" is very singable and it's been everywhere during the last few months. But I'd rather
see "Ordinary Love," a somewhat more meaningful song than a teen pep anthem take the statue. </p>
<ul>
<li>"Happy” from <i>Despicable Me 2</i>
Music and Lyric by Pharrell Williams</li>
<li>“Let It Go” from <i>Frozen</i>
Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (will win)/li>
<li>“The Moon Song” from <i>Her</i>
Music by Karen O; Lyric by Karen O and Spike Jonze/li>
<li>“Ordinary Love” from <i>Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom</i>
Music by Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen; Lyric by Paul Hewson (should win)</li>
</ul>
<h4>Best Picture</h4>
<p>I haven't seen <i>12 Years a Slave</i>, but I believe the people who keep saying it's great and I will watch it
once it hits cable for a reasonable price. I'm actually glad I didn't see <i>Dallas Buyers Club</i> in the theater
because that, too was more intense than I imagined. I think <i>12 Years a Slave</i> will get the Oscar, and in
a year with so many high quality movies, that's saying quite a lot.</p>
<ul>
<li><i>American Hustle</i> Charles Roven, Richard Suckle, Megan Ellison and Jonathan Gordon, Producers</li>
<li><i>Captain Phillips</i> Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca, Producers</li>
<li><i>Dallas Buyers Club</i> Robbie Brenner and Rachel Winter, Producers</li>
<li><i>Gravity</i> Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman, Producers</li>
<li><i>Her</i> Megan Ellison, Spike Jonze and Vincent Landay, Producers</li>
<li><i>Nebraska</i> Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa, Producers</li>
<li><i>Philomena</i> Gabrielle Tana, Steve Coogan and Tracey Seaward, Producers</li>
<li><i>12 Years a Slave</i> Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen and Anthony Katagas, Producers (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i> Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joey McFarland and Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Producers</li>
</ul>
<h4>Production Design</h4>
<p>I found the production design for <i>The Great Gatsby</i> to be too over-the-top and operatic. I certainly liked the design of
<i>Gravity</i>, and <i>American Hustle</i> captured the look and feel of the '70s. But <i>Her</i> was a subtle look into the future,
with the constant images of a large city making the characters look ever more isolated.</p>
<ul>
<li><i>American Hustle</i> Production Design: Judy Becker; Set Decoration: Heather Loeffler</li>
<li><i>Gravity</i> Production Design: Andy Nicholson; Set Decoration: Rosie Goodwin and Joanne Woollard</li>
<li><i>The Great Gatsby</i> Production Design: Catherine Martin; Set Decoration: Beverley Dunn</li>
<li><i>Her</i> Production Design: K.K. Barrett; Set Decoration: Gene Serdena (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>12 Years a Slave</i> Production Design: Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration: Alice Baker
</ul>
<h4>Short Film (Animated)</h4>
<p>At first I predicted one of the other films, and then remembered the "Get a Horse" was the extremely
clever short that played before <i>Frozen</i>. It was truly a unique, meta cartoon.</p>
<ul>
<li>“Feral” Daniel Sousa and Dan Golden</li>
<li>“Get a Horse!” Lauren MacMullan and Dorothy McKim (should win, will win)</li>
<li>“Mr. Hublot” Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares</li>
<li>“Possessions” Shuhei Morita</li>
<li>“Room on the Broom” Max Lang and Jan Lachauer</li>
</ul>
<h4>Short Film (Live Action)</h4>
<ul>
<li>“Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn’t Me)” Esteban Crespo</li>
<li>“Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just before Losing Everything)” Xavier Legrand and Alexandre Gavras</li>
<li>“Helium” Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson (should win, will win)</li>
<li>“Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)” Selma Vilhunen and Kirsikka Saari</li>
<li>“The Voorman Problem” Mark Gill and Baldwin Li</li>
</ul>
<h4>Sound Editing</h4>
<ul>
<li><i>All Is Lost</i> Steve Boeddeker and Richard Hymns</li>
<li><i>Captain Phillips</i> Oliver Tarney</li>
<li><i>Gravity</i> Glenn Freemantle (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug</i> Brent Burge and Chris Ward</li>
<li><i>Lone Survivor</i> Wylie Stateman</li>
</ul>
<h4>Sound Mixing</h4>
<ul>
<li><i>Captain Phillips</i> Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith and Chris Munro</li>
<li><i>Gravity</i> Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug</i> Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick and Tony Johnson</li>
<li><i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i> Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland</li>
<li><i>Lone Survivor</i> Andy Koyama, Beau Borders and David Brownlow</li>
</ul>
<h4>Visual Effects</h4>
<ul>
<li><i>Gravity</i> Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, David Shirk and Neil Corbould</li>
<li><i>The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug</i> Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds</li>
<li><i>Iron Man 3</i> Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash and Dan Sudick</li>
<li><i>The Lone Ranger</i> Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams and John Frazier</li>
<li><i>Star Trek Into Darkness</i> Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann and Burt Dalton</li>
</ul>
<p>These three awards are as close to a lock as any awards could be, particularly this one. The Visual
Effects for gravity were truly amazing.</p>
<h4>Writing (Adapted Screenplay)</h4>
<ul>
<li><i>Before Midnight</i> Written by Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke</li>
<li><i>Captain Phillips</i> Screenplay by Billy Ray</li>
<li><i>Philomena</i> Screenplay by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope</li>
<li><i>12 Years a Slave</i> Screenplay by John Ridley (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i> Screenplay by Terence Winter</li>
</ul>
<h4>Writing (Original Screenplay)</h4>
<p>This may be the hardest category of them all. All of these movies had intelligent scripts. I really walked
out of <i>American Hustle</i> wishing I could write the next script for David O. Russell. But while <i>American
Hustle</i> was a great, in your face script (as was <i>Dallas Buyers Club</i>), <i>Her</i> (and <i>Nebraska</i>)
were both extremely quiet.</p>
<ul>
<li><i>American Hustle</i> Written by Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell (should win, will win)</li>
<li><i>Blue Jasmine</i> Written by Woody Allen</li>
<li><i>Dallas Buyers Club</i> Written by Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack</li>
<li><i>Her</i> Written by Spike Jonze</li>
<li><i>Nebraska</i> Written by Bob Nelson</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p>Comments on the show.</p>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-58092680903630219152014-02-22T08:01:00.001-05:002014-02-22T08:01:35.196-05:00Why 2013 Was a Lot Like 1939 and 1977 for Movie Lovers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<p>
I've seen yet another of the best movies of 2013, and it was stunning - <i>Dallas Buyers Club</i>. I've now seen seven of the nine Best Picture nominees, and will probably see <i>12 Years a Slave</i> this week. The only one I really don't want to see is <i>Wolf of Wall Street</i>, so I might catch that on cable some day.
</p>
<p>
Increasingly, I think 2013 was the best year for movies since 1977, and may even rival 1939 for memorable, classic movies. Even a "lesser" movie like <i>Her</i>, the inclusion of which as a "Best Picture" nominee made some people puzzled, had intriguing performances and an intelligent look at how technology can take over some people's lives.
</p>
<p>
For many years, I've posted a lengthy article predicting the <a href="http://www.dpsinfo.com/movies/">Oscars</a>. In some ways, it may be harder than ever to predict this year, there have been so many excellent movies. Yes, it's likely <i>12 Years a Slave</i> will take Best Picture and <i>Gravity</i> will take Best Director. But it could go off in so many directions.
</p>
<p>
I think movies like <i>12 Years a Slave</i>, <i>Gravity</i>, <i>American Hustle</i>, <i>Nebraska</i> and <i>Philomena</i> will be talked about and rewatched in the way <i>The Wizard of Oz</i>, <i>Gone With the Wind</i>, <i>Stagecoach</i> and <i>Mr. Smith Goes to Washington</i>. These are the movies we'll remember.
</p>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-57815765793694645872014-01-15T06:13:00.000-05:002014-01-27T12:56:42.987-05:00My Top 10 Movies of 2013[[Updated 2014/01/27]]
I have to change my list a little:
<ol>
<li><i>Gravity</i></li>
<li><i>American Hustle</i></li>
<li><i>In a World</i></li>
<li><i>Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom</i></li>
<li><i>Her</i></li>
<li><i>Saving Mr. Banks</i></li>
<li><i>The World's End</i></li>
<li><i>Nebraska</i></li>
<li><i>Captain Phillips</i></li>
<li><i>Europa Report</i></li>
</ol>
<p>Haven't seen <i>Kill</i> Your Darlings yet and hope to (but probably not before the Oscars).</p>
<p>I'd put <i>Philomena</i>, <i>The Book Thief</i>, <i>Frozen</i>, <i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i>, <i>The Butler</i>, <i>Blue Jasmine</i>, <i>The Way Way Back</i>, <i>Much Ado About Nothing</i>, <i>Warm Bodies</i> & <i>Catching Fire</i> in the next 10. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's <i>Don Jon</i> didn't completely work but was a respectable first movie.</p>
<p>This was the year I gave up on big junk movies. No more <i>Star Trek</i>, no more comic book movies (except for maybe <i>Iron Man</i>). I saw maybe 6 of the top 10 grossing movies of 2013. I caught <i>Pacific Rim</i> on DVD and just found it silly.</p>
<p>In terms of movies made in Pittsburgh, there wasn't much released in 2013. I would like to have liked <i>Out of the Furnace</i>, and while it had excellent photography and acting (especially Christian Bale who then went on to play a radically different character in <i>American Hustle</i>) the script was, frankly, lame and overly violent.</p>
<p>And, sometimes, I can't watch movies that I know are good movies because they are too violent. So I haven't seen <i>12 Years a Slave</i> as I know it is a very violent movie (as was, at times, <i>Mandela</i>). I will Netflix <i>12 Years</i> when I can so I can put it on pause or skip ahead. I thought Steve McQueen's <i>Shame</i> was a great movie, but it was so hard to watch (and it was "only" about sex, not about violence and human ownership). I expect the Oscars will be a director/movie split between <i>Gravity</i> and <i>12 Years</i>, but I'm still not 100% sure how it will split.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-71541427402952460792013-11-12T07:50:00.002-05:002013-11-12T07:50:45.316-05:00Steeltown Film Factory Script Competition Kickoff<p>Over the last few years, the kickoff for the <a href="http://www.steeltown.org/film-factory-information">Steeltown Film Factory Script Competition</a> has gone from an informal meeting to an event at the Regent Square Cinema where this year's winner was shown. This year's winter was a charming script called "<a href="http://www.steeltown.org/film-factory/my-date-adam">My Date with Adam</a>," a science fictional rom com.</p>
<p>If you're interested in entering a short script, <a href="http://www.steeltown.org/film-factory">read the rules</a> and write a script. The early bird deadline is 12/15.</p>
<p>In addition to talking to other finalists from this year, Carl Kurlander mentioned two upcoming feature films that will be shot here in the not too distant future:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1618442/combined"><i>The Last Witch Hunter</i></a>, starring Vin Diesel</li>
<li><i>The Chair</i>, a project being developed by producer Chris Moore</li>
</ul>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-87679040825382903752013-11-01T14:26:00.001-04:002013-11-02T07:39:34.916-04:00Why Science Fiction Movie Fans Should Go See Ender's Game<p>
I don't like homophobes. I've marched with gay people multiple times and have been helping to fight for marriage equity.
</p>
<p>
So why in the world will I be going to see <i>Ender's Game</i> on opening night? It was written by Orson Scott Card who's become quite anti-Muslim, anti-gay and who's fighting gay marriage.
</p>
<p>
But, as a younger writer, Card wrote movingly about tolerance and acceptance of all kinds, in several books including <i>Ender's Game</i>. Many readers remembered this, and one of them, Rany Jazayerli, wrote a terrific essay on <a href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9909314/ender-game-controversial-author-very-personal-history">how important the book <i>Ender's Game</i> was to him while growing up</a>.
</p>
<p>
I completely agree with the article. That's an awful lot that Orson Scott Card, the writer, used to understand about tolerance that he's completely lost sight of as he's gotten older.
</p>
<p>
I really enjoyed the book, have read generally good reviews of the movie and will go tonight. Normally, I do boycott homophobic movies/TV shows, but while <i>Ender's Game</i> was written by a homophobe the theme of the book is anything but (and the movie apparently shares this quality). As a movie fan, I want to support good science fiction movies, in hopes of seeing more movies like <i>Gravity</i> or <i>Ender's Game</i> and fewer movies starring comic book heroes or supernatural horror.
</p>
<p>
I will make a donation to a LBGTQ charity today to acknowledge OSC's homophobia. This idea came from a friend and it's spot-on. I went to Charity Navigator (which ranks charities) and gave $30 to the <a href="http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=6229#.UnP2dRcfWb0.twitter">Human Rights Campaign Foundation</a> and said the donation was made because "Orson Scott Card's homophobia raised this money."
</p>
<hr>
<p>11/2/2013</p>
<p>
I've seen <i>Ender's Game</i>, generally liked it and would give it a 7 on the IMDB scale.
</p>
<p>
I hadn't read <i>Ender's Game</i> in about 25 years so seeing the movie was fascinating. In many ways, the movie felt more like a post-9/11 movie given the societal paranoia the movie makes clear (and seeing the movie made me remember the book much more clearly). While the movie is flawed (Harrison Ford's part was both written and acted oddly), it's definitely worth seeing. Asa Butterworth as Ender was excellent and the effects are very, very good. People who want the movie to do badly at the box office are making a point that it's a bad movie, which it is not.
</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-68853821544141813352013-10-19T07:05:00.000-04:002013-10-19T07:05:39.377-04:00Point Park University's Oklahoma and Shirley Jones<p>I normally keep this blog focused on issues around movies and movie casting, but want to diverge from that a little bit and talk mostly about a classic American musical. <i>Oklahoma</i> is currently being performed by Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company at the Pittsburgh Playhouse through October 27th. It's an excellent production, with strong singers and inventive set design. Well, it seemed inventive to me as I'd never seen a live production of <i>Oklahoma</i> before last night. Perhaps it's the same production design they've done since the 1940s, but it looked inventive to me.</p>
<p>Among the singers, Kirsten Lynn Hoover (Laurey) and Jorie Ann Kosel (Ado Annie) were particularly noteworthy, but all of them were very good.</p>
<p>I heard about this production a few weeks ago, when Patrick Cassidy (the director) was on Essential Pittsburgh with his mother, Shirley Jones. Jones was from the Pittsburgh area and used to attend a summer high school program at Point Park before she became the quintessential Rogers & Hammerstein musical star of the '50s. Between never having seen <i>Oklahoma</i> live and hearing that Jones was coming to opening night, I bought a ticket (and one advantage of going to this play alone - I got a single seat in the second row). I grew up on musicals - my mom's favorite song to sing around the house when I was very little was "People Would Say We're In Love" (and, in those days, Mom's voice was similar to Shirley Jones'). Mom and Dad also collected albums of musicals, so I knew the music to the movie of <i>Oklahoma</i> cold from the time I was about eight. So it was beyond cool to see Jones come on stage after the show and talk about how thrilled she was about the production.</p>
<p>Even on the future nights when Shirley Jones isn't in the audience, seeing this <a href="http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=22105&event_val=CON1&schedule=list">stage production of <i>Oklahoma</i></a> is definitely worth your while.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-11170398708459535902013-10-02T19:49:00.001-04:002013-10-03T09:26:06.523-04:00Senator Dominic Pileggi Introduces an Uncapped Film Tax Credit Bill!<p>
Senator Pileggi tweeted today:
</p>
<p>
#PASenate Finance Cmte, chaired by @SenatorBrubaker, approved my SB1035 to #UncapPA Film Tax Credit.
Video & info: <a href="http://finance.pasenategop.com/2013/10/02/senate-bills-703-704-1035/ ">http://finance.pasenategop.com/2013/10/02/senate-bills-703-704-1035/</a>
</p>
<p>
So the good news is that <a href="http://finance.pasenategop.com/files/2013/10/Senate-Bill-1035-Summary.pdf">Senate Bill 1035</a> has passed an initial committee vote, and will be voted on
by the full Senate later.
</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/index.cfm?CFID=87479776&CFTOKEN=29306569">Write to your state senator</a> and encourage him or her to vote for SB 1035 to bring more jobs and movie money to Pennsylvania.
</p>
<p>
10/3 addition: While the bill has passed the Finance Committee, it still needs to be voted on by the Appropriations Committee before it can go to the Senate, and it has to pass in the Senate before it can move on to the House. The Finance Committee members who voted for uncapping the film tax credit were <a href="ttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/RCC/Public/listVoteSummary.cfm?sYear=2013&sInd=0&cteeCde=25&theDate=10/02/2013&rNbr=480">Blake, Browne, Greenleaf, Hutchinson, Smith, Tepletz, Wozniak, Brukabker & Scarnati and the senators voting against it were Vance and Eichelberger</a>. If your Senator voted for it, drop him or her a note to say "Thanks!"
</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-58267320066971983802013-09-27T13:48:00.000-04:002013-10-02T19:50:52.272-04:00Correction: Vin Diesel's The Last Witch Hunter IS Coming to Pittsburgh<p>On 9/27, I published this after having a disagreement with a local movie worker about whether or not <i>The Last Witch Hunter</i> was filming in Pittsburgh or somewhere else:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>People hope and plan for movies to be shot in the Pittsburgh area, but that does not always come to pass.</p>
<p>Take <i>Frank or Francis</i> or the YA movie <i>Glimmer</i>. Both rumored to shoot here. But it looks like neither is coming this way.</p>
<p>So the next major movie rumored to be coming to Pittsburgh but is not (at least not in any big way) is Vin Diesel's <i>The Last Witch Hunter</i>. This movie just got a pile of money to be <a href="http://variety.com/2013/film/international/toronto-emmettfurlaoasis-receives-125-million-covering-2-martin-scorsese-films-1200606557/">shot in Canada</a>,
so it will be shot in Canada.</p>
<p>
It's too bad, but movies will always follow the money...err, tax credits. It doesn't matter how experienced the crews are, how willing the extras are, how many different kinds of locations can be shot in a fairly small geographic area. The only thing that matters is who's giving out the tax credits.
</p>
<hr>
<p>10/2</p>
<p>Well, I goofed. The article I linked to said that movie deals had been made in Toronto (at the Toronto International Film Festival), <b>not</b> that movie deals had been made to shoot in Toronto. Today, the <i>Pittsburgh Business Times</i> had a article saying that <i><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2013/09/30/vin-diesel-movie-may-shoot-in-pittsburgh.html">The Last Witch Hunter</a></i> <b>is</b> expected to film in the Pittsburgh area early next year.</p>
<p>So it would be great to see a major movie shot in Pittsburgh next year, and it sounds like <i>The Last Witch Hunter</i> will be. My sincere apologies, I hate publishing incorrect information.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-6455827946357245842013-09-26T22:32:00.002-04:002013-09-26T22:36:45.783-04:00Foxcatcher Pushed Back to 2014, Teaser Trailer Is Out<p>So, there's good <i>Foxcatcher</i> news - the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipcGM0IlPsQ&feature=player_detailpage">teaser trailer</a> is finally out.</p>
<p>It looks and sounds great!</p>
<p>But, for those of us on the impatient side, there's bad news too - it's been <a href="http://www.deadline.com/2013/09/sony-pictures-classics-moves-bennett-millers-awards-contender-foxcatcher-into-2014/">pushed back to 2014</a>.</p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-35563684852574622362013-09-23T07:58:00.002-04:002013-09-23T07:58:44.361-04:00Extra Casting Call for The Fault in Our Stars - 9/26 & 10/8<p><i>The Fault in Our Stars</i>, based on the best-selling YA book, is currently shooting in the Pittsburgh area. If you have the time and a car, they need extras. You <b>must</b> be completely available on Tuesday, September 26 & Wednesday, October 8 for 12-14 hour days. You also must have a car.
Pay is minimum wage for the first 8 hours and time and a half after that.</p>
<p>If interested and available on both dates, submit a recent photo of yourself as well as your name,
age, phone number and car color, make and model to <a href="mailto:tfios.casting@gmail.com">tfios.casting@gmail.com</a>. They will contact you if you are picked.
</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-69462537427074720322013-09-21T08:05:00.000-04:002013-09-21T08:05:00.284-04:00Movie/TV Business Back in the 'Burgh<p>Tis the season - those familiar white trucks, extra lights and road closures can only mean one thing - the movies are back in the 'Burgh. There are at least two major projects currently filming:</p>
<ul>
<li><i>Those Who Kill</i>, a TV series being shot for A&E starring Chloë Sevigny & James D'Arcy
<li><i>The Fault in Our Stars</i>, a movie based on a popular YA book starring Shailene Woodley & Ansel Elgort
</ul>
<p>
<a href="http://www.mossercasting.com">Mosser Casting</a> is handling extra casting for both productions.
</p>
<p>
Later in the fall, we understand the second of two movies about Nikolas Tesla will be shot in the Pittsburgh area.
</p>
<p>
Over the summer, a number of us worked on ultra-low budget, local projects like <i>The Other Side</i>, an interesting take on zombies.
</p>
<p>
This fall, two movies shot last year, <i>Out of the Furnace</i> and <i>Foxcatcher</i> will be making their debuts.
</p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-36958329059185383762013-06-07T07:21:00.001-04:002013-06-07T07:36:25.213-04:00Write Your State Senator/Representative About Extending the Film Tax Credit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<p>
If you do any professional film/TV work, it's been a very quiet time in Pennsylvania. I worked on some interesting but ultra-ultra low budget projects in Ohio (meaning - lunch provided) and a day for pay on <i>Veep</i> in Maryland (the episode "Running" which will be on HBO on June 16 - I play a race spectator). This is mostly because the Pennsylvania Film Tax Credit ran out months ago. Despite the fact we have great locations, crews and extras, Hollywood projects rarely come our way without a film tax credit.
</p>
<p>
State Senate Majority Leader <a href="http://www.pafilmcreditswork.com/cosponsorsupport.pdf">Dominic Pileggi is in the process of getting co-sponsors for a bill</a> to uncap the PA Film Tax Credit, which could help bring film/TV projects back to Pennsylvania. More film projects mean more rental dollars, more hotel dollars, more salary dollars and more tax dollars to the state. The film tax credit <b>makes</b> money for Pennsylvania and for Pennsylvanians.
</p>
<p>
Ask your State Senator to be a sponsor of this bill. Help bring film work back to Pennsylvania again.
</p>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-78179686456333569392013-03-11T10:26:00.000-04:002013-03-11T18:25:01.834-04:00Pittsburgh-Filmed Movie to Be on ABC Family in April<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A few years ago, ABC Family shot a musical in Pittsburgh called <i>Elixir</i> starring Jane Seymour. Now renamed <i>Lovestruck: The Musical</i>, it will be on TV on April 21. Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10100278916126695&set=vb.9002965673&type=3&theater">this link</a> for a short teaser trailer.
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-82054962280070915822013-03-11T09:49:00.000-04:002013-03-11T09:53:23.459-04:00Steeltown Film Factory Script Competition Events<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<p>
The Steeltown script competition has three events over the next three months:
</p>
<ul>
<li>March 23: The Writer's Pitch, University of Pittsburgh</li>
<li>April 21: The Director's Pitch, Point Park University</li>
<li>May TBD: And the Winner Is..., Carnegie Mellon University</li>
</ul>
<p>Check the <a href="http://www.steeltownfilmfactory.org/">Steeltown Film Factory</a> site for more information and to buy tickets for these events.</p>
<p>These annual events are a fascinating way to watch the development of a short film, from the writer's initial script through funding for production.</p>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-5723018889333836022013-03-07T12:51:00.001-05:002013-03-07T12:51:38.726-05:00Lend a Hand to Hollywood Theater<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dormont's Hollywood Theater has been trying to raise money to buy a digital projector. Hollywood Theater is the home repertory cinema and many unique screenings and events. For the Hollywood Theater to be able to remain viable in the future, it needs a digital projector to be able to show current or future films. Please make a donation to Hollywood Theater's <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-hollywood-theater-s-go-digital-or-go-dark-campaign/x/587612">Indiegogo fundraiser</a>.
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-70717153449833869312013-02-24T16:21:00.000-05:002013-02-24T16:21:44.889-05:00A Look at the Oscars 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://nolongerslowblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/annual-look-at-oscars-2013.html">Oscars</a>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-7332182240759287452013-02-24T14:18:00.000-05:002013-02-24T14:18:06.481-05:00Perks Wins an Independent Spirit Award!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Pittsburgh's own Stephen Chbosky took the "Best First Film" Independent Spirit Award for
<i>The Perks of Being a Wallflower</i>. <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/independent-spirit-awards-2013-winners-423644">Complete winners list</a>.
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703817319942481955.post-39826120139425647892013-02-20T11:03:00.002-05:002013-02-20T11:06:08.578-05:00Hollywood Theater Oscar Party - 2/24, 6:30pm-<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<p>
I love Oscar parties.
</p>
<p>
That is, I love them when I can watch the show.
</p>
<p>
Over 20 years ago, I went to an Oscar party at a bar with a big screen in Worcester, MA. Got my Dad to go along. It was the year that <i>Silence of the Lambs</i> won a bunch of Oscars, and Billy Crystal came onstage as Hannial Lector, mask, restraints and all.
</p>
<p>
In 2004, I went to an Oscar party in Hollywood itself (only about a mile away from the then Kodak Theater) to join about 1,000 <i>Lord of the Rings</i> fans to celebrate the many nominations for <i>Return of the King</i>. That turned out to be the loudest Oscar party ever, when <a href="http://www.dpsinfo.com/sf/top04/index.html">ROTK won all the Oscars for which it was nominated</a>.
</p>
<p>
In 2012, I bought a ticket for "Lights, Camera, Oscar," an annual gala fundraiser for the Pittsburgh Film Office. While this party was a great idea in principle, it's a horrible party for the true Oscar fans. You couldn't sit down and watch the show. Once I realized that, I went home and got back in time to watch the whole show.
</p>
<p>
So, this year, I was pretty sure I was going to stay home and watch the show, but just found the Hollywood Theater in Dormont is having my kind of <a href="http://www.showclix.com/event/OscarParty">Oscar party</a> - watching the Oscars on a big screen with movie fans. So I've bought my ticket and I'm going.
</p>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">A one-stop site to find out about movies made in the Pittsburgh area and the movie-making talent from the region. This site is dedicated to the past, present and future of movie-making/TV production in Western Pennsylvania.</div>Laurie Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16886124993171547304noreply@blogger.com0