MCFC & Reel Friends Events
Stay at home with Oscar® this year! Support the Monterey County Film Commission by not going out.
If you love movies, you’ve likely been to or heard about the Monterey County Film Commission’s “Big Night Gala”-- our annual celebration of filmmaking and the Academy Awards® fundraiser that’s been held for the past 21 years.
For this year’s Oscar Night we propose a different idea: Stay at home with Oscar! You provide the TV, couch and slippers. Cozy up. We’ll provide some at-home fun for family and friends. Instead of all the expense of a glamorous night out, this year we suggest you contribute directly to our nonprofit organization. You’ll be playing an important “Supporting Role” in our efforts to keep bringing the “lights, cameras, and economic action” to our local communities. More Details
Monterey County Film Commission brings Special Benefit Screening of “Becoming Bert Stern” to Monterey on Nov. 4
The Monterey County Film Commission and the Museum of Monterey presents a new film about celebrated photographer Bert Stern, plus Q&A with its Hollywood filmmakers
Go into the world of an unconventional documentary about the bad boy, original “mad-man” photographer Bert Stern, when the Monterey County Film Commission brings the film “Becoming Bert Stern” to the Museum of Monterey theater on Friday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m.
Stern is famous for having made the world’s most gorgeous and sensual women his subject for 50 years, including Marilyn Monroe in her “last sitting” photographs. In this film, he becomes the subject, revealing his untold wild life story to his long-time muse.
The special benefit screening is a collaboration with the Museum of Monterey at the 5 Custom House Plaza location at the edge of Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey (former Maritime Museum). Tickets are $10 and may be reserved by calling 831-646-0910. Members of Reel Friends of the Film Commission receive free admission. Students are admitted free if space is available.
Stern’s career began at Look magazine, where he was friends with staff photographer Stanley Kubrick. Stern’s success and the Golden Age of Advertising would coincide, as he became a legendary figure in contemporary and commercial photography by age 25. He was sought after by Madison Avenue, Hollywood and the international fashion scene. He photographed such celebrities as Jean Shrimpton, Audrey Hepburn, Bridget Bardot, Twiggy, Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. His “Driest of the Dry” campaign for Smirnoff sold more vodka than Smiroff dreamed, making America a vodka drinking country for the first time.
Along with Irving Penn and Richard Avedon, Stern minted the concept “photographer” as a star in his own right. In this film, he reveals himself, his loves and his fall from grace.
Shannah Laumeister’s documentary directorial debut uncovers not only Stern, but also their unique long-time relationship. “Becoming Bert Stern” is a story of self-creation: rise, fall and reinvention. It explores creativity, celebrity, and desire through the eyes of a man who got nearly everything he wanted.
“Becoming Bert Stern” was an official selection at the Telluride Film Festival 2011.
Laumeister, along with the film’s producer Gregory McClatchy, have been invited to attend the screening and be available for question and answer time. McClatchy worked with Kaleidoscope Films Inc., at the time one of the most prolific motion picture marketing agencies in Hollywood. Now he has his own motion picture advertising company, Motor Entertainment. He has produced the documentary “Terror in the Aisles” and “Get Bruce.” His work in motion picture advertising has allowed him to work with such filmmakers as Jody Foster, Steven Speilberg, David Fincher, Warren Beatty, Caleb Deschanel and more.
Laumeister’s acting credits include “Bullets Over Broadway,” “The Brady Bunch” and TV shows including “NYPD Blue” and HBO’s “61.”
This educational screening is part of the “Focus on Film” series of the film commission, offering insights into the world of filmmaking and film jobs. The event is funded in part by the Arts Council for Monterey County, with support from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
Press ReleasePast Events
“Cachao: Uno Mas” to Screen at the Monterey Jazz Festival
The Monterey County Film Commission is proud to provide the “Cachao: Uno Mas” film for the Monterey Jazz Festival on Friday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. The screening takes place in the Jazz Theater on the festival grounds.(See ticket options at www.montereyjazzfestival.org website.)
“Cachao: Uno Mas” gives a glimpse into the maestro’s life and music, paying tribute to one of the greatest Afro-Cuban musicians of all time—Israel Lopez ‘Cachao.’
This 68-minute documentary, produced by the DOC Film Institute at San Francisco State, features a live concert in San Francisco and interviews with musical collaborators Andy Garcia, John Santos, Ray Santos and Orestes Vilato, who help trace Cachao’s musical journey from his early days in Cuba to worldwide fame and recognition.
The film is produced, narrated and illuminated by the actor Andy Garcia, a close friend and ardent fan, who helped re-establish Cachao’s career in the ‘90s. Among the film’s many treats is Garcia playing the bongos with Cachao.
The Grammy-winning bassist Israel ‘Cachao’ Lopez died in Coral Gables, Florida, in March 2008, almost 90-years old. A maestro of legendary status on the world stage and ultimately considered one of the greatest Afro-Cuban musicians of all time, he had made his home in the United States for the past four decades. Coming from a family of classical musicians, he had formal conservatory training and held a seat in the Havana Philharmonic Orchestra for 30 years, performing under the direction of all of the legendary international conductors of the time—beginning at age 10!
Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series
The Screening Series is held every Thursday night starting June 9 and ending Sunday, August 28 with the Gala Finale. The screenings are outdoors in our natural amphitheatre, under the towering redwoods at the Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, using state-of-the-art digital equipment. This is one of the most beautiful venues in the world to view film.
Web site Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series viewed best with modern browsers
Carmel Art & Film Festival
Join cast and crew members for a special screening of the award winning film “Boys of Bonneville.” Narrated by actor and Grand-Am driver Patrick Dempsey and featuring archival footage and interviews with a stellar list of car and racing aficionados including Jay Leno and Col. Andy Green. The film captures the amazing and untold story of David Abbott Jenkins who set out to break all existing land speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah. A wonderful American Success story!
CARMEL ART & FILM SPECIAL SCREENING
Sunset Center, Carmel
August 20, 2011
Wine reception 5:00
Screening 5:45
Q&A with the filmmakers
TICKETS: $10
For more info click on:
“Boys of Bonneville”
Reel Friends check your email for a special offer on tickets.
HARA Motion Pictures Premiere Short Film Screenings!
Auguest 19th and 20th More Details
Student films shown at Carmel festival June 19
Outdoor Forest Theater hosts third annual event
Work by students at California State University, Monterey Bay will be presented at the third annual Carmel Short Film Festival scheduled for dusk on June 19 at the Outdoor Forest Theater.
Sponsored by the Forest Theater Guild, CSU Monterey Bay's Department of Teledramatic Arts and Technology and the Monterey Bay Film Society, the screening is an encore presentation of work shown at the university’s Capstone Festival in May. "Capstones" are senior projects, a graduation requirement for all CSUMB students. MORE
The Hot Chameleon – World Premier
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 6 p.m. - Monterey Peninsula College - Lecture Forum – Room 103
RSVP at (831) 624-9446 - Free of Charge
Announcing the first two films at the Henry Miller Library in 2011!! May 12th and 14th
While it's true the Henry Miller Library's Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series doesn't officially start till June 9th, movies are nonetheless coming early to Big Sur! We are proud to announce the first two movie nights of our summer season, featuring our brand new screen and brand new stage!
Saturday, May 12 - Cinepoetry Festival
Music, snacks and drinks start at 7PM
This will be a magical night of movies, poetry, music, sushi (!), and more. Sponsored by the Library and Ping Pong Magazine (the Library's literary magazine), the Verruckter Schwanz Cinepoetry Festival will feature selected short films that explore the intersection of cinematic and poetic expression.
Live music provided by Big Sur's Songs Hotbox Harry Taught Us and fresh sushi (in limited quantity) from South Coast Snacks. This is event is by donation. more details http://henrymiller.org/events.html#cinepoetry
Saturday, May 14th - Hot Tubs
Live music by Gabe Rosenn Band w/ Big John Hurt!
"Hot Tubs" premiered at the 26th Annual Santa Barbara Film Festival in January 2011 to rave reviews. The film is a warm-hearted look at the hot tub scene of Santa Barbara in the 70's, and the book Hot Tubs, published by indie publisher Noel Young (publisher of Henry Miller and Raymond Carver) which gave rise to the modern day spa industry.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, and can be purchased at http://henrymiller.org/events.html#hottubs
Monterey County Film Commission supports screening of HARA Motion Pictures youth film, "Instructions Not Included" on May 20
The young independent film artist community of Monterey Bay, HARA Motion Picture Conservatory, is premiering their first high school student-produced film, "Instructions Not Included." The world premiere event is a fundraiser for the student's multiple short film productions this summer.
The event is Friday, May 20, 2011 from 8-10pm at the Performing Arts Center, 835 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove, 93950 Visit www.haramotionpictures.com for trailers and tickets. For all other questions call HARA Motion Pictures at 323.302.1946
Tickets can be purchased for $10 online at www.haramotionpictures.com or $15 cash only at the door.
MCFC supporting the screening of "Race to Nowhere" April 29
6:30 ‐ 9:00 pm at the Golden State Theatre: 417 Alvarado Street, Monterey CA $10 online or $15 at the door (cash only please) Visit: www.mbayschool.org for screening and purchase details. Facilitated panel discussion led by Marianne Rowe, MS, MFT in partnership with Monterey Bay Charter School.
A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children's lives.
Click here for Photos. “Hollywood's Big Night” 2011 celebrated the Academy Awards in style at The Beach & Tennis Club in Pebble Beach!
Monterey County Film Commission to hold "Hollywood's Big Night Gala" on Feb. 27, 2011 to celebrate the Academy Awards®
The film commission's 21st annual fundraiser showcases movie-making's big night with a glamorous gala at The Beach & Tennis Club at Pebble Beach
When the red carpet rolls out this year for the Monterey County Film Commission's "Hollywood's Big Night Gala" celebrating the Academy Awards®, guests will be arriving in style at The Beach & Tennis Club at Pebble Beach.
Click here for an RSVP CARD which you can fill-out and then print or E-mail
The nonprofit's 21st annual salute to movie-making will be held on Sunday, Feb. 27, beginning at 4:30 p.m. with a champagne reception. From the red carpet entry to the big screen live telecast of the 83rd Academy Awards® presentation, the glamorous gala gets attendees feeling like they're stars themselves, and very much a part of 
Hollywood's big event. The black-tie optional evening includes the champagne reception, hors d'oeuvres, sit-down dinner, wine, and a benefit silent auction.
This year one of our Walk of Fame sponsor is AVAG Inc. they will recieve a personalized Commemorative "Hollywood Walk of Fame" star plaque along with recognition at the Big Night Gala celbration.
Tickets are $175. For reservations, call the film commission at 831-646-0910. Business sponsorships and program advertising opportunities are available.
Birdies for Charity
The Monterey County Film Commission thanks Katrina Mendez, who represented our nonprofit in the 2011 fundraiser 'closest to the pin' shootout at Pebble Beach's Peter Hay Golf Course. More
'FOCUS ON FILM' Day on November 20 in Monterey to feature Hollywood Commercial Director Gil Cope, plus exciting warehouse sale of movie memorabilia.
The Monterey County Film Commission is bringing noted Hollywood-based commercial director Gil Cope to speak at its next "Focus on Film" Day on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, at the Monterey Conference Center's Steinbeck Forum at 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey. The commission is also holding a Movie Memorabilia Warehouse Sale in conjunction to raise money for the nonprofit organization and its Monterey County Film Student Scholarship Fund.
Tickets for Cope's “Reel Jobs” talk at 3 p.m. are $10 general admission; $5 senior citizens. The presentation is free for students with school identification, and for members of “Reel Friends of the Film Commission.” Tickets may be reserved with a credit card at 831-646-0910. Tickets will also be available at the door.
The memorabilia sale—which the public may attend for free--starts at 11 a.m. in the lobby outside the Steinbeck Forum and runs until 3 p.m. and the start of the presentation.
Cope, an experienced director, will speak about job skills and opportunities in the still photography and commercial fields, discuss how the commercial production industry is changing, and give insights on how commercial productions come together from location selection to special effects and post production.
He has filmed more than 500 spots for such clients as Levis, Coke, Target, JC Penney, Honda and Mercedes, and has directed comprehensive health care advertising campaigns and a series for The Boeing Company, Integrated Defense Systems.
Cope had apprenticeships with Francesco Scavullo, Annie Leibovitz, and other top fashion photographers. He ran a successful fashion and product photography studio in New York, creating work for Revlon, Christian Dior and IBM.
For additional information, contact the Monterey County Film Commission at 831-646-0910, info@filmmonterey.org
FlyerOne Fast Move or I’m Gone: Kerouac’s Big Sur --Coming Home -- Aug. 14 event planned for Henry Miller Library
An outdoor dinner, concert, and screening of the feature length documentary, One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur (Kerouac Films/Atlantic Records), is set for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at Big Sur's Henry Miller Library.
The movie, a seminal film about beat generation writer Jack Kerouac, was filmed in part in local Big Sur settings. The Monterey County Film Commission assisted the production company with film locations and local resources. The film features Tom Waits, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Sam Shepard and Patti Smith.
A concert by recording artists/musicians Jay Farrar and Benjamin Gibbard, who collaborated to create the film's soundtrack, will precede the screening.
Grapes of Wrath will cater a buffet dinner, promising some of the best food the coast has to offer, served by the firm's owner Dana Godbe who appears in the film and was a neighbor of Kerouac when he spent time in Big Sur.
"No doubt this will be the event of the season for the Henry Miller Library," said Magnus Torén, executive director of the Henry Miller Library. "The idea to get together to play music, share food, and present the film, One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur, has its genesis in the love of literature and music, and the urge to bring the film 'home' to Big Sur."
Attendees will enjoy the company of many people involved in making the film, such as producers Jim Sampas, Gloria Bailen, Orian Williams, and director Curt Worden, plus musicians Farrar and Gibbard.
The event will be a memorable night under the stars. The Henry Miller Library is an ideal venue for the evening, with its natural amphitheatre surrounded by redwoods, and its deep Big Sur art and literary history.
Tickets are limited, and may be purchased at: http://www.henrymiller.org/
Contact: Magnus Torén, 831-667-2574, magnus@henrymiller.org
Sponsored by: Kerouac Films / One Fast Move Grapes of Wrath Catering / Monterey County Film Commission
June 15-18: Ocean Animation Workshop a south Monterey County event, Make your own Animated Short Film! This summer learn animation from local artist, animator, and surfer, Andrew Dolan. Andrew will teach you fun and interesting things about the ocean. Then he'll teach you to use video and stop motion animation to tell your own story about the ocean. You learn the entire animation process from start to finish. 4th-grade through college-level students can then enter their completed animation short videos into the Blue Ocean Film Festival Studen Video Contest! Space is limited so sign up today! MORE INFO and www.somococat.org
Film Commission to screen a local premiere of the award winning film on Darfur,
THEY TURNED OUR DESERT INTO FIRE
Thursday, April 29th at the Irvine Auditorium at MIIS
Click image to enlarge
Global Contact Films and Purebred Productions is proud to present the acclaimed film, THEY TURNED OUR DESERT INTO FIRE at the IRVINE AUDITORIUM OF MONTEREY INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES. An enlightening new documentary on the genocide that has been pervasive in Darfur. Thursday, April 29th at 7:00 pm at the Irvine Auditorium, 499 Pierce Street in Monterey.
Director, Mark Brecke and producer, Jason Mitchell will be on hand for a post film discussion.
As the first photographer to raise awareness on the Darfur crisis, Mark Brecke was invited to Capitol Hill in 2005 to give a presentation of his work to members of Congress. The train trip from San Francisco to Washington D.C. presented an opportunity to raise awareness about the crisis and became the spine for his documentary, THEY TURNED OUR DESERT INTO FIRE.
“That Evening Sun” film to have local premiere at Monterey’s Osio Cinemas this Friday, March 12.
Monterey County audiences get a chance to go to the local premiere screening of “That Evening Sun,” the critically-acclaimed and award-winning classic drama starring legendary actor Hal Holbrook, at Monterey’s Osio Cinemas on Friday, March 12, starting at 7:15 p.m.
American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Area Chapter, to partner with Monterey County Film Commission for its Gala on March 7, 2010 “What a Night!”
The “What a Night!” Gala on March 7 was a night to remember! “I Dream of Jeannie” star Barbara Eden joined the Monterey County Film Commission and the American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Area Chapter, for a spectacular, sold-out fundraiser at Pebble Beach that benefited both nonprofits.
Photo: Dave Clark
The Film Commission’s 20th annual fundraiser celebrates the Academy Awards® and now benefits two worthy local nonprofits
When the red carpet rolls out this year for “What a Night!” celebrating the Academy Awards®, two local nonprofits will benefit from the fundraising event.
On this year’s Red Carpet at the Inn at Spanish Bay, you’ll meet Barbara Eden, the charming actress best known for her Golden Globe-nominated role as Jeannie in the I Dream of Jeannie TV series, co-starring with Larry Hagman. Barbara has been in 15 feature films including the hit Harper Valley PTA, and in numerous top variety and TV movies. Barbara has her own star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.
For the first time, the American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Area Chapter, will join the Monterey County Film Commission at its 20th annual salute to movie-making on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach. From the red carpet entry to the two big screens showing the live telecast of the 82nd Academy Awards® presentation, the glamorous gala will make attendees feel like they’re a part of the big Hollywood event. The black-tie evening includes champagne, hors d’oeuvres, sit-down dinner, wine, and a silent auction.
Film Commission Presents “Flying Downhill with Bode Miller: The Early Years” “Focus on Film” screening and presentation by Movie Director William C. Rogers scheduled for Jan. 20
The Monterey County Film Commission plans its next “Focus on Film” event on a winter sports theme, screening the documentary, “Flying Downhill with Bode Miller: The Early Years” at Carmel’s Sunset Center, on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.
The film spotlights one of the legends of sports—two-time Olympic medalist and potential Vancouver Olympics contender Bode Miller--whose hair-raising downhill ski racing and biography make for a fast-paced, visual experience. The skier has won 31 World Cup competitions, six World Championships and two Olympic Silver Medals.
Prior to the screening the movie’s director, William C. Rogers, will introduce the film and give a presentation on the challenges of making the movie, and will answer audience questions. He will also be on hand to meet attendees at a 6 p.m. reception at the Sunset Center.
Tickets are $15 for the general public; $12 for members of “Reel Friends of the Film Commission,” and $7 for full-time students. Tickets go on sale Jan. 8 at the Sunset Center box office at San Carlos and Ninth Street in Carmel, or by phone at 831-620-2048 and online at www.sunsetcenter.tix.com.
The event is co-sponsored by the Monterey County Weekly, Monterey Ski and Social Club, Monterey County Young Professionals Group, and Sunset Center.
For more information, contact the Monterey County Film Commission at 831-646-0910 or email info@FilmMonterey.org.
Press ReleaseClint Eastwood’s Jazz Film “Bird”
to screen Sept. 17 in Monterey
Monterey County Film Commission and the Monterey Jazz Festival present the movie classic about jazz great Charlie Parker, and a talk by local jazz expert Bill Minor. Full event details on Charlie Parker and the Monterey Jazz Festival.
All events are open to the public. Members of "Friends of the Film Commission" will receive discounts to all film commission events. To find out how to become a "Friend of the Film Commission" or for further details on any of the following events, call 831-646-0910 or email info@filmmonterey.org.