UPDATES
Our site welcomes information regarding Maine-based productions, festivals, and events. Submit details to our webmaster by clicking here!
LOCAL MOVIE, LOCAL STORE
DiBacco Films is proud to announce that Willows Way, its Maine-produced science fiction drama, will not only be released on DVD on April 22nd, but will be available through Bullmoose Music!
Check out the film's sale link by clicking here, and support Maine Filmmaking!
More information on the film can be found by visiting www.dibaccofilms.com.
PORTLAND PHOENIX READERS' CHOICE: BEST LOCAL FILMMAKER!
The votes are in! Check out the 2008 Portland Phoenix Best Local Filmmaker winner, by clicking here!
MY FOX MAINE DISCUSSES MAINE FILM INCENTIVES
Ted Talbot, on 96.3, recently held a discussion regarding Maine, and the economic impact that strong set of film incentives could have on the state. For a video of the discussion, please click here!
WEEKEND FILM SCHOOL: FILMMAKING 101 (AGES 18+)
We're looking to fill out the class for our upcoming Weekend Film School and are now offering a reduced rate to do so. This two-day intensive workshop lead by Maine filmmaker, Huey, will introduce aspiring filmmakers to the entire movie making process. Local professionals specializing in different aspects of filmmaking will lead mini-workshops over the course of the weekend, ranging from screenwriting to lighting & camera work to editing. Working in production teams you will get a chance to make a short film scene as part of this whirlwind weekend. From concept to final cut, we will walk you through it all. The goal of the weekend will be to prepare you to make your very own short film, while networking you with other aspiring, local filmmakers. Space will be limited to 12 participants.
Some of the topics we'll be covering:
- The importance of a screenplay
- How to write a short screenplay
- Basic storyboarding
- Principal roles on the set
- How to work with and be a part of a film crew
- Directing actors
- Basic lighting
- Using shotgun microphones and boom poles
- Advanced camera functions
- Framing & composition
- How to use Final Cut
- Assembling your movie
- Video & audio transitions
- Balancing audio
- Exporting your film for web delivery
- And more!
University of Southern Maine - Portland
April 26th & 27th, Saturday & Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Tuition: $399 $299
For more info click here.
THE 2008 BANGOR FILM FESTIVAL
August 9 – 16th, 2008
OFFICIAL CALL FOR ENTRIES
The submission period for the 2008 Bangor Film Festival is now open. The festival is
accepting short and feature length narrative, documentary and experimental films for consideration. Films produced in the state of Maine and/or by Maine residents will be
given special consideration for our local themed showcases.
The BFF is an annual film festival, which will take place from August 9th to 16th at venues
in and around Bangor, Maine. Awards are given each year for Best of the Festival audience
award, The John Ford Award for outstanding achievement in Directing, and the River City
Cinema Award, awarded by a jury to a film for special recognition of cinematic excellence.
ENTRY DEADLINES:
Early Deadline: May 16th, 2008
Final Deadline: June 20th, 2008
ENTRY FEES:
Feature Films (Over 50 minutes): $25.00/early, $35.00/final
Short Films (Under 50 minutes): $15.00/early, $25.00/final
To learn more about the submission process visit us at: www.bangorfilmfest.com
WBGH LAB SEEKS PITCHES FOR ELECTION VIDEOS
The WGBH Lab and P.O.V. are seeking pitches for compelling videos
shorts about the themes surrounding the 2008 Election. If selected,
pitch writers will be paid $2,000 to make their short, get feedback
from industry professionals, have their shorts featured online at the
P.O.V. and Lab websites, and may be broadcast nationally. We feel this
represents a great opportunity for filmmakers across the nation to
really create something new and exciting that's relevant to the world
today. Could you help us by telling people in your community who might be interested?
Pitches are being accepted April 7th through May 2nd.
More information can be found at: http://lab.wgbh.org/open-call/election2008
Let us know if you have any questions.
Thanks for your help,
Brian Retchless
Production Coordinator
WGBH Lab
One Guest St.
Boston, MA 02135
617-300-2419
BINTLIFF FILMS "CHEF'S KITCHEN" IN EDGECOMB
Edgecomb's Roger Bintliff, owner of Bintliff's Ocean Grill, has his new show Chef's Kitchen well underway! Details about the show - including information on host Hope Cohen, and producer Steve Horn, can be found by visiting the official site of the Lincoln County News. Click here for a detailed article!
DiBACCO FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR WILLOW'S WAY!
DiBacco Films recently announced that Willow's Way, their independently-produced science fiction feature film, has been given an official release date! Starting April 22nd, this original movie will be available through vendors around the world.
York Entertainment, the film's distributor, has more information available; please click here to visit the official Willow's Way page.
For more great articles on the film, click on the newspaper titles for the Lakes Region Weekly and the Lincoln County News! There's also a blurb on the Maine Film Office site!
For further details on Willow's Way, including a synopsis, official trailer, and links to other websites where Willow's Way may be purchased, please visit www.willowswaythemovie.com
MAINE FILM BLOG DISCUSSES FILM PRODUCTION IN MAINE
Cameron Bonsey, author of the blog site Maine Film, has posted a new article regarding Stephen King films, and their financial impact on states that accomodate them! Be sure to get involved in the growing comment board - it's a great way to connect with others who support the production industry in Maine!
Check out the blog by visiting mainefilm.blogspot.com!
HDFEST MUSIC CONNECTS MUSICIANS AND MEDIA CREATORS
Since 2000, HDFEST has been online providing entertainment to audiences through film
festivals. You might know us from our HDFEST digital cinema festival events, which have
toured around the world with film festival screenings and filmmaking educational seminars
and panels. Now, get to know HDFEST Music!
HDFEST Music is for:
~ Musicians: Bands and musicians who are looking to place their music in independent films
or tv, either by licensing music, lending films music for film festival use and promotion, or
composing new music for films.
~ Filmmakers: Filmmakers looking for music or composers can
browse music listings at HDFEST's website. HDFEST makes it convenient for
filmmakers to find music for films.
For more information, and to sign up for HDFEST's filmmaker and musician matching, just
visit www.hdfest.com/musicpage.html.
BLIND ALBERT RELEASES "11 BRAVO VIETNAM" ON THE WEB!
Vincent Gabriel, Jr. returned from his tour of duty in Vietnam almost forty years ago. Recently, Gabriel, a noted midcoast Maine musician, completed work on his original documentary 11 Bravo Vietnam, a Soldier's Story, a 55-inute presentation consisting of songs, spoken memories, documentary footage and personal photos.
11 Bravo is a virtual scrapbook of one young man's experiences in combat, from the day he receives word of his induction to his homecoming. He sings of terribly brief friendships on the battlefield, the searing awareness of his ortality and the random forces that preserve one life and take another. He tells of the importance of family and humor. It is a deeply personal tale. A tale, he notes, which is only one among a million others.
Now, Vince's documentary can be seen on the web! To watch the entire presentation, visit the video portion of Vince's MySpace page, by clicking here! For a direct link to Vince's MySpace page, please click here.
Organizations interested in sponsoring a performance of 11 Bravo Vietnam either as a tribute or an educational experience, may contact Vincent Gabriel. The production requiresonly a performance space, an available LCD projector and screen.
For more information, contact:
Vincent Gabriel
11 Bravo Vietnam
P.O. Box 1042 Rockland,Maine 04841
PH: 207-557-1458
Email: blind_albert@yahoo.com
ROUND POINT MOVIES BROADASTS VIA 'MIRO'
Round Point Movies now has a channel on the amazing internet video sharing program MIRO! This is free software that allows you to share and download high-quality videos to your computer for free! You canuse this software to download full-length feature and short films produced by Round Point Movies, as well as work by other independent videomakers. You can even start your own channel!
For more info on how to download the software, and to watch our films for free, follow this link: www.roundpointmovies.org/roundpointmovies/miro.html
LOOKING TO POST YOUR DEMO REEL ONLINE?
From Norman C. Berns, of Producers and Directors:
Dynamite reel? Super résumé? The members of this group are invited to post their best work on Producers & Directors, a professional site created by and for filmmakers. Although we’re still in our first Beta version, there are already members from almost 500 cities in more than 60 countries. Come see why we’re the first choice for serious filmmakers and why you need to be a part of it, too. (Yes, it’s all free.)
Norman C. Berns, Producers & Directors
http://www.producersanddirectors.com
norman@producersanddirectors.com
"THE KING O' CATS" GARNERS ACCOLADES
From Leland Faulkner:
FaulknerFilm is proud to announce that its digital film, The King O' Cats, has won four Accolade Awards since its release in August, 2007. These prestigious awards include:Award of Excellence for Short Film (Independent)
Award of Excellence for Creativity/Originality
Honorable Mention for Choreography
Honorable Mention for Original Score ("Funeral Dance")
In addition, The King O' Cats won Best Children's Feature at the 2007 New YorkInternational Independent Film and Video Festival, and was selected as winner of The 2007 Maine Short Film Competition.
For more information on Leland's projects, visit www.lelandfaulkner.com
MAINE-BASED SHADOW PUPPETS ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES DVD
Shadow Puppets Entertainment, a Maine and Los Angeles based Production Company is pleased to announce the DVD release of it's independent feature film "The Mushing Mill" which was shot entirely in the state of Maine. The DVD contains special features including a behind-the-scenes featurette, outtakes from the film and an audio commentary track withthe filmmakers. The film is currently in festivals across the country. To obtain a copy or more info about the film, visit ww.shadowpuppets-ent.com.
MAINE FILM OFFICE RECEIVES TWO MARKETING AWARDS
AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci has officially presented two marketing awards to the Maine Film Office. The awards were announced earlier this year from the Association of Film Commissioners International. The Maine Film Office received the Second Place Award for Best Web Site and the Honorable Mention Award for Color Advertising.
“Maine won these awards in competition with larger state, provincial and even national film offices,” said Governor Baldacci. “The awards are testaments to the significant focus and talent of the Maine Film Office and other Maine partners in marketing our state in the global economy.”
Governor Baldacci’s Administration has provided significant tools to the marketing of Maine as a destination for television, film and other media productions. Through the Creative Economy initiative and the Maine Attraction Film Incentive Plan, Maine has been aggressively pursuing opportunities for growth in attracting the film industry to the state.
The Maine Film Office worked with Maine-based media professionals to create the award-winning ad and web site. The web site was created by the film office and Xwave, an international business-solutions provider with offices in Augusta , elsewhere in New England , Washington , D.C. and Canada . The advertisement was created by the film office and Nancy Marshall Communications, a public relations and marketing firm based in Augusta .
"It was a thrill for us to win not one, but two awards," said Lea Girardin, director of the Maine Film Office. "Considering the fact that our budget for advertising is very small and we were competing against much larger film commissions and offices, we are extremely honored to be recognized."
The Maine Film Office is a two-person division of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. Its mission is to bring more film, television, video and other media production the state; help improve and expand Maine 's indigenous media production industry; and help all media projects in Maine succeed.
"One of our most important tasks is to show decision-makers that Maine ’s media-production professionals are among the best in the world," said Girardin. “These awards help prove that point."
The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) is the global professional and educational organization for film commissions and film offices. There are more than 300 film commissions and film offices worldwide that belong to AFCI, serving cities, counties, states, regions and nations. AFCI members assist with the production of feature films, television, commercials, catalog shoot in other media productions throughout the world.
For more information on the Maine Film Office, visit http://www.filminmaine.com.
PARTICIPATE IN THE MAINE CREATIVE ECONOMY SURVEY
The University of Maine's Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, with support from the Maine Arts Commission, invites you to participate in a major statewide effort to gain better information about the many artists and cultural organizations comprising Maine's creative economy.
By logging on to http:www.umaine.edu/mcsc/creativeeconomysurvey you can take this 5-minute survey. We need and appreciate your participation!
In addition, after completing our survey, you will have the opportunity to register with the Maine Arts Commission's statewide arts/cultural business directory. If you've never registered (or, if it's been a while since you updated your contact information), we encourage you to log on! Registering with the Maine Arts Commission will enable you to receive regular updates on workshops, grant opportunities, and networking events.
Questions?
Contact Caroline Noblet at the University of Maine
(207) 581-3172
ROUND POINT MOVIES RECEIVES GRANT FROM LIBRA FOUNDATION
Round Point Movies, a video production group created by Lewiston-based media makers Craig Saddlemire and Ryan Conrad, has been awarded a grant to continue its work producing high-quality videos for local artists, non-profits, and other socially responsible cause-orient clients. This grant, from the Libra Foundation's Libra Future Fund, is awarded to young professionals in the state of Maine who contribute to the local economy through their entrepreneurial efforts. The money received from the LFF grant will be used to improve and update RPM's editing technology, allowing the videomakers to manage more projects simultaneously.
Download, read and distribute Round Point's entire press release by clicking here, or visit their website at www.roundpointmovies.org!
"ISLANDER" NOW PLAYING IN MAINE
A synopsis from the film's official site:
On a small fishing island off the coast of Maine, families have lived and worked off the sea for generations. Everyone knows each other. Birthright is akin to law and men inherit their fishing territories. Eben Cole, like the other fishermen, continues his family’s legacy of harvesting lobsters from the waters surrounding the island. Every year, the lobstermen’s catch gets smaller, thanks in no small part to the Mainlanders encroaching on the local claim. Tired of watching outsiders haul in his territory, Eben turns to enforcing territorial lines himself, angering some of the other fishermen including his own father.
One morning Eben sets out to confront the mainlander who has been fishing in his territory. When he finds the fisherman and his sternman hauling traps, Eben fires a warning shot. This shot, aimed squarely at the buoy the boy was hoisting out of the water, is proof enough that Eben is serious. In a panic the fisherman hits the throttle on the boat, not realizing the boy’s foot is ensnared in a rope trailing overboard. The teen is thrown into the icy waters of the Atlantic, vanishing immediately. Shock descends over Eben’s face as the full scope of his actions settles in. He sinks down in the stern of his boat, leaving himself adrift until the coast guard arrives to take him into custody.
After serving five years on a manslaughter plea, Eben returns to the island a felon and a pariah. His homecoming is bleak: his now ex-wife Cheryl has moved in with Eben’s rival and refuses to let him see his daughter Sara; his estranged father died while Eben was in prison; and, seeing him as a harbinger of bad luck, no fisherman wants Eben anywhere near his boat. From the whispers and turned backs, it is clear no one is ready to forget the past. Humbled, he is determined more than ever to rebuild his life on the island, mend his relationships and win back the respect of his daughter. 
Eben takes a job at the local dump, the only place willing to hire an ex-con, but still dreams of getting back out on the water. He slowly regains his footing in his changed community. Emily, the local doctor he meets after landing in the clinic with a nasty injury, is the first person to look beyond his past and see him for the man he has become. Popper, an old fisherman from his father’s generation, hires Eben to work as the sternman on his lobster boat, an opportunity no other isherman would consider. This old islander is weathered and gruff but kindhearted; he shows Eben the support and affection he never received from his own dad. Though Sara, Eben’s now school aged daughter, is hesitant to reconnect with her father, ultimately her instinct to learn more about her dad is too powerful to resist.
Islander is a classic American story, portraying the gravitas in the everyday as one man learns to accept the consequences of his choices with grace. Eben discovers that self-respect is the hardest thing to earn and that in community he must find it. Islander is a authentic portrait of human weakness and human courage.
Visit the film's official site, located here, where you'll find showtimes, downloadable media, the film's trailer, and details on the cast and crew!
WWW.PORTLANDMAINE.TV STREAMS MAINE MEDIA
Seeking an online venue for uploading and viewing Maine-produced media? Check out www.portlandmaine.tv, a great new site for local productions. Like YouTube, it allows for seemingly unfettered uploads; unlike YouTube, it's intended for Mainers.
MAINERS WIN A WEBBY AWARD
Fritz Grobe and Stephen Voltz, both Buckfield, ME residents, recently received a Webby Award for their original video presentation involving Diet Coke and Mentos, and have also been featured on "The Late Show with David Letterman"! Read the Portland Press Herald article about their recently acquired fame by clicking here.
DAVID LYMAN SELLS THE PHOTO WORKSHOPS TO NONPROFIT GROUP
The ownership of The Maine Photographic Workshops and Rockport College changed hands last month, when its founder and president, David Lyman, signed papers transferring ownership to Maine Media Workshops. The nonprofit organization was formed last summer for the express purpose of acquiring ownership of the photo, film and media schools. The nonprofit plans to continue the school's 34-year business model, with most of the staff remaining. Enrollment for next summer's workshops and master classes is already close to last year's levels.
Maine Media Workshops purchased the intellectual property from Lyman for an undisclosed sum. The sale included the brand names, philosophy, reputation, mailing lists, inventory of courses, and relationships within the media industry that Lyman developed over his 33 years as Director. The sale also includes the school's operating equipment, valued at over $1 million. What has not been transfer in this sale is the actual property; the campus buildings and associated land. Maine Media Workshops will lease the campus for the time being, pending actual sale later this year.
The sale was approved by Leucadia, an international land developer that recently acquired Lyman's loans from Camden National Bank. The sale included an undisclosed amount of cash and any remaining trade debt to local firms. The cash portion of the sale has gone to reduce Lyman's mortgage debt to Leucadia. Leucadia will effect a foreclosure of Lyman's properties this month, placing the campus and other entities up for auction. It is Maine Media's intention to eventually acquire the campus.
Maine Media Group will assume title to The Maine Photographic Workshops and Rockport College in this transaction, but will be operating under Maine Media until all the legal paper work is completed. The nonprofit is made up of local individuals who have some experience with The Workshops, and includes:
Joyce Tenneson, a nationally renowned photographer who has taught at The Workshops for the past 30 years. Chairman and Treasurer is John Claussen, who attended workshops in the past and has since moved to Camden. Joan Welsh, former President of Hurricane Outward Bound and past Academic Director of Rockport College; Barbara Goodbody of Yarmouth, a long time friend and alumni of The Workshops; Peter Ralston, photographer and principal at The Island Institute; and Betsy Cohn, a Philadelphia financier, Ilsboro summer resident and member of the Board of Directors at the Farnsworth. Charles Altschul, photographer, printmaker, graphic designer and Camden resident is The Workshops new Executive Director.
David Lyman founded The Maine Photographic Workshops in 1973 as a summer school for the world's photographers. In 1975, he added The International Film Workshops attracting Academy Award winning filmmakers as faculty, and a worldwide enrollment of professional and student filmmakers. Last summer's workshop program drew 2,200 participants. Record enrollment in past summers has topped 2,500. The Workshops has been a financial engine in the midcoast, contributing over $80 million to the local economy over the past 20 years in salaries, supplies, services, taxes and mortgages to Camden National Bank.
The Workshops entered into a partnership with the University of Maine at Augusta in 1980 that lasted for 15 years. The Workshops provided education and training in the arts, while the University provides the academic and liberal arts component of a 2-year Associate of Arts Degree. In 1996, Lyman founded Rockport College, a conservatory for the world storytellers and image-makers. That year also ended the relationship with the University. The College is authorized by the State of Maine to confer the Associate of Arts degree, as well as the Master of Fine Arts degree and Professional Certificates in photography, film and video and digital media.
Lyman will remain on a consulting role with The Workshops, organizing its off-campus and overseas programs and workshops, while turning his creative energies to writing, lecturing and travel. He and his family will spend most this and next year sailing, while researching new venues for workshops and educational enterprises.
You can reach David at his Rockport home:
David H. Lyman
39 Pascal Avenue
Rockport, ME 04856
207.236.8519
DHLyman@aol.com
MAINE FILM OFFICE: NEW MEDIA & PRODUCT REGISTRATION
