MONTEREY COUNTY FILM COMMISSION SELECTS
FILM STUDENT JOSEPH BLACKBURN
AS $2,000 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

(Monterey,CA– May 8, 2012) – Joseph “Joey” Blackburn, a student at California State University, Monterey Bay, was named the 2012 winner of the $2,000 scholarship in the Monterey County Film Commission’s Film Student Scholarship & Awards Program.  Blackburn, originally from Paso Robles, is a Marina resident and graduating senior at the California State University, Monterey Bay’s Teledramatic Arts and Technology Department.

Jeff Clark and Joey Blackburn

The Monterey County Film Commission scholarship program was created to provide financial aid and incentive to students of film as well as beginning filmmakers who reside inMontereyCountyor those enrolled in a college or university in the county.  The fund was established as a permanent endowment with the Community Foundation for Monterey County.

This year’s scholarship was funded through donations from the Monterey International Pop Festival Foundation, Union Bank, Alan Vasquez with AVAG, Inc., Teresa and Eric Del Piero, and numerous individual contributors.

Nurten Atila with Union Bank hands check to Joey Blackburn

Blackburnwill use the award to help cover production costs for his Capstone, a senior film project required as his final thesis film by CSUMB.  His film is a black and white horror film entitled, “A Fly in the Room,” which was shot on 16mm film, a more expensive option.

“I wanted to shoot on film for the aesthetic feel that I wanted for my movie, and filming on 16mm was an experience I wanted to have at least one time, knowing that most work opportunities will be in video,”Blackburnsaid. “It feels very good to know that all of my efforts studying filmmaking at CSUMB have been rewarded with this scholarship, and tells me that if I continue to work hard good things will happen.”

Film Commission collaborates with Steinbeck Festival for panel: “Books, Films & Art That Have Changed Your Life”

The 2012 Steinbeck Festival May 3 to 6, will focus on the way literature, film and music tell our stories, with the theme:  “A Voice—What Can a Voice Change?  Everything!”  The festival will highlight, among others, the voices of John Steinbeck and Woody Guthrie, but will also extend beyond them to other writers, filmmakers, musicians and artists.

On Saturday, May 5, the Monterey County Film Commission is collaborating with the National Steinbeck Center, presenting a panel discussion: “Books, Films & Art That Have Changed Your Life.”   It will be held at 11 a.m. at the Steinbeck Center in Salinas.  Tickets for the individual panel are $15/$10 for members of Reel Friends of the Film Commission or National Steinbeck Center.

Author David Wild will be leading the discussion. Wild is a contributing editor to Rolling Stone, is an Emmy-nominated television writer and producer, and is also a popular blogger for Huffington Post.  His best-selling books include He Is…I Say:  How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Neil Diamond; Friends: The Official Companion; The Showrunners;  Friends: ‘Til the End; and Diary of a Player.

Other panelists:

 Enid Baxter Blader, whose artworks have shown internationally at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Sundance; and many more.  Blader was included in the Getty Museum’s retrospective California Video, 1960—present.  Her work has been reviewed in the New York Times, Artforum, Artreviews and others. She is department chair of Teledramatic Arts and Technology at Cal State University, Monterey Bay.

Assemblymember Bill Monning, who represents the 27^th Assembly District, which includes portions of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties.  He serves on the Arts Committee.  Assemblymember Monning has been a professor at the Monterey College of Law, and at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.  He is a co-founder of Global Majority, an organization committed to education, training and advocacy in the field of non-violent conflict resolution.

Lisa Coscino, the executive director of theMuseum ofMonterey and the Monterey History and Art Association.  She has been involved in museum and gallery management at MoCA LA, Boston’s ICA, and the Lisa Coscino Gallery.

Michelle Magdalena Maddox, noted professional photographer and artist in Monterey County.

Monterey County Film Commission Kicks Off
 “No Show” Academy Awards® Campaign in its 25^th Anniversary Year

 The year 2012 marks 25years since the Monterey County Film Commission was created by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.  The non-profit organization’s funds from the county provide only a portion of its budget each year, so additional support from cities, grants, businesses, individual donors and fundraising activities are critical to the film commission’s ability to be competitive and provide the greatest possible economic boost to local communities.

The film commission’s main annual fundraiser for the past 21 years has been a glamorous gala in a ballroom, celebrating the Academy Awards® presentations with a live telecast.  This year the commission is doing a different fundraising appeal, inviting local residents to be “No Shows” on going out, and instead tune into the Feb. 26 broadcast on their televisions in the comfort of their own homes.

Rather than incurring the costs of a gown, tuxedo, taxi, dinner tickets and silent auction items, supporters are asked to donate $100 to $250 to the film commission, providing more direct funds to the non-profit, plus a greater tax-deductible benefit to donors.  Among the items contributors can receive are pizza certificates, memberships in “Reel Friends of the Film Commission,” gift certificates atCarmelValley’s “Toast” restaurant, the Monterey County Movie Map, and even Oscar® winner ballots for home contests.

All who contribute will be entered into a benefit drawing for a movie-themed basket of goodies including a magnum of Cima Collina wine, a two-night stay at Monterey’s Hotel Pacific, popcorn, popular theater candy, and more.

“We’re all about economic development, drawing film production to Monterey County so that locals get hired, job skills get updated, hotels get filled, and local merchants and service providers benefit,” said Karen Nordstrand, director of marketing and film production.  “But other better-funded jurisdictions throughout the country and world want the same business.  To be most effective we need stronger funding support to leverage the county’s contribution and be more proactive in marketing and reaching film decision-makers, and be more available to assist them when they consider filming here.”

Last year an estimated $4.1 million came into the county from film productions.  The film commission notes that more than $75 million has come into local communities from film production in the past 25 years.

In addition, the film commission serves the community with educational programs related to the film industry such as “Focus on Film” professional lectures, a local film student scholarship program, plus film screenings.  Its website, www.FilmMonterey.org, offers information on movies filmed inMontereyCounty, listings of local crew and businesses ready to be hired, permit contacts for filmmakers, a film location library, and more.

For more information on the “No Show” fundraising campaign and to donate to the Monterey County Film Commission, contact the office at 831-646-0910 or email info@filmmonterey.org.

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The Monterey County Film Commission is a nonprofit organization proactively marketingMonterey County as a destination for the motion picture, television and related industries, for the purpose of stimulating economic development, creating jobs, providingand supporting educational opportunities in those areas. 

$2,000 Prize Now Offered in Monterey County Film Commission
Student Scholarship & Awards Program

(Monterey, CA – Jan. 27, 2012) –The Monterey County Film Commission’s Film Student Scholarship & Award Program has just increased this year’s award from $1,000 to $2,000, thanks to private donations and funding from the Monterey International Pop Festival Foundation (MIPFF).

Applications for the fifth annual scholarship program are being accepted until Feb. 17, 2012.  The $2,000 award winner (or two $1,000 winners if the prize is split) will be announced March 31. Eligibility information and application forms may be downloaded at www.FilmMonterey.org, or contact the film commission office at 831-646-0910.

The scholarship program was created to provide financial aid and incentive to students of film and beginning filmmakers who reside in Monterey County, or who are currently enrolled in a community college or university in the county.  The fund was established as a permanent endowment with the Community Foundation for Monterey County.  It is designed to help a film student work towards a career goal, with the funds going directly to the student to be used for Capstone or other film projects.

The Monterey International Pop Festival Foundation’s director Lou Adler noted that MIPFF’s donation to the scholarship was made “in the same spirit that brought the musicians and artists together in Monterey on the weekend of June 16, 17 and 18, 1967, for the Monterey Pop Festival.”

“The Monterey International Pop Festival Foundation cannot think of a more ideal place to support than where the festival was born and where it continues to live,” Adler said.  “An additional incentive for our involvement is the fact that the Monterey County Film Commission is proactively marketing Monterey County as a destination for the motion picture, television and related industries, for the purpose of stimulating economic development, creating jobs, and providing and supporting educational opportunities in these areas.”

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The Monterey County Film Commission was created by and is funded in part by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.  The nonprofit organization is celebrating 25 years of bringing
“Lights, camera, and economic action” to Monterey County.

Monterey County Film Student $2,000 Scholarship & Awards Program
Now Open for Monterey County Applicants

The deadline for film students to apply for the fifth annual Monterey County Film Commission Film Student Scholarship & Awards Program is Feb. 17, 2012.

The winner of the $2,000 award (or two $1000 awards) will be announced March 31, 2012.

Eligibility information and application forms may be downloaded at www.FilmMonterey.org, or contact the film commission office at 831-646-0910 or info@filmmonterey.org.

The scholarship program was created to provide financial aid and incentive to students of film and beginning filmmakers who reside in Monterey County, or who are currently enrolled in a community college or university in the county.  The fund was established as a permanent endowment with the Community Foundation for Monterey County.  It is designed to help a film student work towards a career goal, with the funds going directly to the student to be used for Capstone or other film projects.

“The Monterey County Film Commission is proud to be able to provide this kind of assistance to young filmmakers,” said Jeff Clark, chairperson of the scholarship committee. “These funds provide students with the added dollars they need to take their film from being a good project to becoming a great project.”

Last year’s winner was Dominic Parisi, a student at California State University, Monterey Bay, in the Teledramatic Arts and Technology department.  His production titled, “Derby” takes a behind-the-scenes look at the sport of female roller derby.

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The Monterey County Film Commission was created by and is funded in part by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.  It works to market Monterey County as a destination for the motion picture, television and related industries, for the purpose of stimulating economic development, creating jobs, providing and supporting educational opportunities in those areas.

 “Big Sur” film location manager Peter Newfield and team
win top California On Location Award

Peter Newfield, a location manager from Soquel, was named winner of a prestigious California On Location Award (COLA) at the 17^thAnnual COLA event held Oct. 16 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.  The prized trophy was given in the category of Location Team of the Year, Independent Feature Film, for “Big Sur,” a film based on Jack Kerouac’s book that was shot at Big Sur locations this spring.  The California On Location Awards event is the premier awards ceremony honoring film location professionals for excellence while filming within the state of California.

Peter Newfield photo-credit Karen Nordstrand

The Monterey County Film Commission nominated Newfield, who managed the Big Sur area film locations, along with the film’s San Francisco Bay Area-based team members, Gail Stempler, Peter Moody, and Daniel Lee who coordinated the San Francisco locations. It’s the first time a Northern California film location team won in this category, and the recognition came before a crowd of 500 film industry professionals in the hotel’s ballroom.

“Hard-working location managers like Peter Newfield and this team are most deserving of this recognition,” said Karen Nordstrand, director of marketing and film production for the Monterey County Film Commission.  “They are the people who work well with our film office and local residents and jurisdictions, and can make such a difference in the decisions on where film projects end up going.  We want them to continue to help bring productions to Monterey County year-round for the economic boost it brings to our communities.”

Big Sur movie filming on Big Sur beach

The filming of “Big Sur” in Monterey County brought weeks of economic benefit to the local economy with hotels being filled, local crew being hired, and increased income for retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants. Both private and public properties in the Big Sur area, including Rocky Creek Bridge, were used as locations. The film is expected to be released next year.

The COLA event is a project of Film Liaisons in California Statewide, a network of film commissioners and others seeking to promote and facilitate filming in the state.

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For more information see the COLA website, www.californiaonlocationawards.com.  For more on the Monterey County Film Commission, www.FilmMonterey.org.

The MCFC is a nonprofit organization, created by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 1987, to boost the local economy through film production on-location.

]]> http://www.filmmonterey.org/press_release_blog/?feed=rss2&p=282 0 http://www.filmmonterey.org/press_release_blog/?p=280 http://www.filmmonterey.org/press_release_blog/?p=280#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:15:32 +0000 mcfcadmin http://www.filmmonterey.org/press_release_blog/?p=280 Continue reading →]]> NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission
Oct. 14, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand, Director of Marketing & Film Production
831-646-0910 / Karen@filmmonterey.org
www.FilmMonterey.org

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.

Bert Stern By Irving Penn

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.  More information is available at www.FilmMonterey.org.

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.

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MEDIA NOTE:  Photos and press notes are available upon request.

The Monterey County Film Commission is a non-profit organization proactively marketing Monterey County as a destination for the motion picture, television and related industries,

 for the purpose of stimulating economic development, creating jobs, providing and supporting  educational opportunities in those areas.

Monterey County Film Commission names
long-time Board Director Richard Tyler as “Director Emeritus”

Monterey resident Richard Tyler, who has served on the board of directors of the Monterey County Film Commission since 1991, was named the film commission’s first-ever Director Emeritus, an honorary title recognizing his long-time involvement with the nonprofit organization.

Richard Tyler

The presentation of an official certificate to Tyler was made at a private reception at his home on Friday, Oct. 7.

“I am very honored to be designated the Monterey County Film Commission’s first-ever Director Emeritus, just as the MCFC begins to celebrate its 25^th anniversary year,” said Tyler.  “It has been a pleasure to have been a part of the film commission’s progress for 20 of those years.”

Tyler has served numerous terms as an elected board officer, from treasurer and president to board chairman.  He has contributed as the chair of such committees as bylaws, finance, personnel, and the advisory board.  He actively participated in fundraising efforts including screenwriting competitions, Oscar Night galas, the MCFC Reel Friends support organization, and film industry educational programs and lectures.

Tyler has played a significant role in guiding and helping to strengthen the film commission, enthusiastically promoting its important role in bringing an economic boost to Monterey County through the film industry and on-location film production.

The retired former cultural director for Carmel’s Sunset Center will continue to provide advice and expertise to the film commission while moving on from active board involvement.  Tyler has also been affiliated in the past with other nonprofit boards including Arts Habitat, the State Theatre Preservation Group, and Actors Equity.

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California Location Awards

“Big Sur,” which is based on Jack Kerouac’s novel, filmed at several Big Sur andSan Franciscolocations last spring, and is one of three productions named as finalists in the category of Location Team of the Year, Independent Feature Film.  The Monterey County Film Commission nominated the location team and its location managers Peter Newfield and Gail Stempler, location scout Peter Moody, and Daniel Lee, location assistant. The winners will be announced at the COLA event at the Biltmore Hotel inLos Angeleson Oct. 16.
“We’re proud to recognize the hard work of the location scouts and managers who make such a difference in the decisions on where film projects end up filming,” said Karen Nordstrand, director of marketing and film production for the Monterey County Film Commission.   She particularly credits 30-year veteran location scout Peter Newfield of Soquel for keeping the “Big Sur” project inMontereyCountyeven after Hwy. 1 road erosion took away access and created scheduling havoc.  “Newfield’s location knowledge and communication with the film commission helped ensure this production still came here, instead of getting discouraged and going elsewhere.”  The filming of “Big Sur” brought weeks of economic benefit to the local economy with hotels being filled, local crew being hired, and a boost to retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants.

California film commissioners and industry professionals nominate individuals and teams for COLAS, based on film, television and commercial production work performed inCaliforniain the past year.  The core of each nomination is a 350-word essay describing the work that nominees performed to facilitate local filming.  Film commission members of Film Liaisons inCalifornia, Statewide (FLICS) and Teamsters Local 399 vote on the finalists.  COLA is a project of FLICS, a network of film commissioners and others seeking to promote and facilitate in-state filming.  This year FilmL.A., Inc.—theLos Angelesnot-for-profit film office—is serving as COLA event coordinator.

For more information see the COLA website, www.californiaonlocationawards.com.

For more on the Monterey County Film Commission, www.FilmMonterey.org.  The MCFC is a nonprofit organization, created by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 1987, to boost the local economy through film production on-location.

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2011 Steinbeck Festival “Friends and Foes” expands to include Hollywood film professionals on “Villains Panel” this Saturday

In its first collaboration with the Monterey County Film Commission, the National Steinbeck Center presents “The Villains Panel: Bad Guys and Why We Need Them” as the Saturday, Aug. 6 event of its 31st annual festival with this year’s theme of “Friends and Foes.”

From 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., several award-winning screenwriters and producers fromHollywoodwill join together to celebrate villains in literature and film and to explore the human impulse to create “us” and “them.”

One of the four panelists is David Peoples, the Oscar-nominaated screenwriter for “Unforgiven,” Clint Eastwood’s Academy Award-winning Western film. Peoples, who also wrote “Blade Runner,” will by joined by his wife Janet Peoples.  They have numerous writing credits as writer or co-writer of documentaries and features, including “Leviathon,” “Day After Trinity,” “Hero,” “Salute of the Jugger,” and “Twelve Monkeys.”

Panelist Walon Green has written more than 20 feature films:  “Sorcerer,” “The Border,”  “Eraser,” “Dinosaur,” and “Hi-Lo Country.” As a writer/executive producer of episodic television drama, his credits include “Hill Street Blues,” “NYPD Blue,” “ER,” and “Law and Order.”

David Milch will also participate.  He is perhaps best known for creating the hit HBO television drama “Deadwood”, but his career in TV began as a writer for “Hill Street Blues” and, later, he was a co-creator of “NYPD Blue.” A former lecturer in English at Yale University, he runs RedBoard Productions.

The panel will be moderated by Susan B. Landau, the head of Thompson Street Entertainment and the executive producer of dozens of films including “Road, Movie,” the “Great American Songbook” (hosted and narrated by Michael Feinstein), “Princess of Thieves,” “An Ideal Husband,” and “Cool Runnings.”

The Villains Panel will be held at the National Steinbeck Center in downtownSalinas.  Ticket prices: $18 non-members/$10 members. Wine will be available for purchase before and after the event, sponsored by Poppy Wine.

Current members of “Reel Friends of the Film Commission” may reserve their discounted ticket by calling the film commission at 831-646-0910 by Aug. 5.

For more on the National Steinbeck Center’s annual Steinbeck Festival events, go to www.steinbeck.org or www.FilmMonterey.org Tickets are available by phone at 831-775-4721.