Texas gets in the incentive game

The following story from the Austin American-Statesman should interest the Louisiana movie industy. Will this move by Texas affect Louisiana productions?

Governor wants more Hollywood to Texas
$20 million incentive package proposed for filmmakers.

By Mike Ward
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Moving to stop what they describe as the growing evaporation of Texas' filmmaking industry, Gov. Rick Perry and other state leaders are pushing for a $20 million incentive plan to keep the cameras rolling in the Lone Star State.

Officials on Monday confirmed the first details of the plan, which is designed to lure production companies to Texas with cash grants. Several neighboring states began offering similar incentives in 2003, and since then, more than $704 million in production budgets and 4,500 jobs have gone to other states, according to the Texas Film Commission.

"We are at a severe competitive disadvantage with other states, and if we do not approve a film incentive package, Texas is going to see hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs migrate to other states," said Ted Royer, Perry's deputy press secretary.

For the complete story, click here.

'Serendipity' Iles worked with John Ford and John Wayne

Shreveporter John Iles, 86, was a naval officer during WWII. In 1945, he was assigned to supervise the naval action sequences of "They Were Expendable." They were shot in Biscayne Bay off the coast of Miami. He'll talk about his experiences working with the Duke, Ford and Robert Montgomery on Feb. 7 after the screening.

WHAT: Robinson Film Center presents "They Were Expendable."
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 7). Q&A with John Iles follows at 8:45 p.m.
WHERE: Room 304 of Jackson Hall, Centenary College, 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport.
COST: free.

INFO: (318) 424-9090.

'Hounddog' controversy inspires incentive debate

A state senator from North Carolina wants to take a bite out of "Hounddog." The Dakota Fanning film depicts the rape of young girl. "The movie tells the story of Lewellen, a girl played by 12-year-old Fanning, who is growing up in the 1960s South," writes Mark Schreiner.

Schreiner's story for the Wilmington Star-News outlines the beginnings of the debate.

The story resurrects the argument about the artistic merit (and definition) of obscenity. More interestingly, though, the senator wants to take away the incentives from movies deemed "objectionable," not just obscene.

What are you thoughts? What if Louisiana's tax incentives were limited to projects deemed "unobjectionable?"

Below is an excerpt from the story.

Republican: Scripts need reviewing
Movie prompts lawmaker's film incentive idea

By Mark Schreiner
Raleigh Bureau Chief
mark.schreiner@starnewsonline.com

"Citing the controversy surrounding the Dakota Fanning film 'Hounddog,' the leader of the state Senate Republicans says he wants the government to review scripts before cameras start rolling in North Carolina.

"That system, said state Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, would apply only to films seeking the state's lucrative filmmaker incentive, which refunds as much as 15 percent of what productions spend in North Carolina from the state treasury.

"'Why should North Carolina taxpayers pay for something they find objectionable?' said Berger, who is having proposed legislation drafted."

To read the full story, click here.

Fearless Oscar nominee coming to Centenary

A director recently nominated for an Academy Award is coming to Centenary College in March. How great is that?

Laura Poitras’ “My Country, My Country” received a nod in this year’s best documentary feature category. I haven't seen it, but it focuses on a Sunni doctor running for office in war-torn Iraq. It must be a stunner.

WHAT: "My Country, My Country."
WHEN: 7 p.m. March 21.
WHERE: Kilpatrick Auditorium of the Smith Building, Centenary College.

Poitras also is the featured guest of the Louisiana Film Festival on March 23 and 24. The festival is for young filmmakers (K-12). She will screen her Peabody-winning "Flag Wars" on March 23. How much greater is that?

WHAT: Louisiana Film Festival.
WHEN: March 23 and 24.
WHERE: Kilpatrick Auditorium of the Smith Building, Centenary College.

The festival is still taking submissions. Call Robinson Film Center at (318) 424-9090 or Centenary's Michelle Glaros at (318) 869-5264 for the details.

Braugher is back!

Mr. "Thief" is stealing back into Shreveport. Andre Braugher will join lead Thomas Jane (“The Punisher”) and Laurie Holden (“The Majestic”) as stars of “The Mist.”

The Hollywood Reporter dished the details today.

Why is this cool? Five of the six episodes of "Thief" were filmed in Shreveport (Braugher starred). And Braugher liked us.

A link to my Times story is here.

Thanks for the tip, Mr. G.

AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber: Actor Andre Braugher showed up for the screening of the first episode of the television show "Thief,'' at Canal Place Cinema in New Orleans, Monday, March 28, 2006.

'Awkward Olympics' to offend pizza-lovers

Just before Christmas I told you about a group of young independent filmmakers with Moviesauce Films and Perennial Media who were making "Awkward Olympics," an SNL-like parody.

The movie has been posted to Perennial's website. Click here to find links to the 20-minute movie (44 MB for the small file).

A tad offensive? Yup.

Funniest element? The crowd noise, and passing shots of completely empty stands.

Nationality most likely to protest? We Germans.

And check out this shot of Chris Lyon and what appears to be a massacred pizza. Pure filth.

Congratulations!

Actors' Meetup happening tonight

An Actors' Meetup will happen tonight at Bear's Café. It's a opportunity for talent to get together and share information and contacts.

Invited speakers are Greg Shapiro, a producer with the "Harold & Kumar" sequel, and Wayne Morgan of the HURD Network.

WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m. today (Jan. 25).
WHERE: Bear's Café, 1401 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport. (I-20 and Fairfield.)

The event is organized by Jeffrey Nightbyrd (Acclaim Talent) and Tara Duncil (Emerge Casting, HURD Network).

'The Guardian' loves us

Shreveport gets some solid play in the DVD extras of "The Guardian." Anyone working to lure productions here would do well to share the "Making Waves" featurette with prospects. For a few of its 11 minutes, producers basically say they like us. A lot.

Perhaps more interestingly, movie fans will see more local scenery and movie extras in "Making Waves" and the deleted scenes. My favorite? A strange laudromat scene I can't place. Shreveport? Bossier City? Minden? It's the nicest laudromat on the planet. ... Must be the lighting.

The 10-minute tribute to the U.S. Coast Guard reads like a recruitment film. I'm sure Coasties will be thrilled.

This is not a negative for viewers, though.

Having spent time on set talking to the crew, I can tell you the sentiments are genuine. Director Andrew Davis has huge respect for what the Coasties do, and his call to get the story right was obviously answered by his cast.

Also, lots of Coast Guard consultants were working on the project (as you'll see on the DVD). You get a better sense of how important they were to making the stunts and training scenes look authentic.

I personally wish the DVD had more extras, but I'm sure I'll find them on a future edition. And at $18, should I really complain? What I do love about the DVD is the image quality. This transfer is super sharp, and the sound rocks.

If you watch the extras, let me know what you think.

Photo: Greg Pearson/The Times. Not for reuse. Actor Kevin Costner is hoisted into the body of a helicopter during a rescue scene on the set of "The Guardian" in Shreveport. (Feb. 19, 2005.)

'The Guardian' released on DVD today

Local retail shelves are stocked with a DVD title that won't last long. "The Guardian" was shot in Shreveport, Bossier City and Minden.

The DVD features a "Making Waves" featurette. It will likely give you a glimpse of the 750,000-gallon wave tank, which is still open for business in Shreveport. If the on-screen waves look anything like they did when I visited the set, I recommend Dramamine. I haven't opened my copy yet. Needless to say, I won't be answering the phone tonight.

Oscar nominations

I batted .600 (18 for 30). Not too shabby, but my tastes got pummeled by another poster. Chris-Brad batted .800 (24 for 30). Chris batted .500 (15 for 30).

According to Oscar.com, here is what we'll be arguing about for the next month. I'm already whining about "Children of Men" and "Pan's Labyrinth" being shut out of the major categories. And "Little Miss Sunshine" for best picture? Hmm.

NOMINATIONS BY CATEGORY - 79TH AWARDS

Best motion picture of the year
BABEL
THE DEPARTED
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
THE QUEEN

Achievement in directing
Alejandro González Iñárritu - BABEL
Martin Scorsese - THE DEPARTED
Clint Eastwood - LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
Stephen Frears - THE QUEEN
Paul Greengrass - UNITED 93

Performance by an actor in a leading role
Leonardo DiCaprio - BLOOD DIAMOND
Ryan Gosling - HALF NELSON
Peter O'Toole - VENUS
Will Smith - THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
Forest Whitaker - THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Alan Arkin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Jackie Earle Haley - LITTLE CHILDREN
Djimon Hounsou - BLOOD DIAMOND
Eddie Murphy - DREAMGIRLS
Mark Wahlberg - THE DEPARTED

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Penélope Cruz - VOLVER
Judi Dench - NOTES ON A SCANDAL
Helen Mirren - THE QUEEN
Meryl Streep - THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
Kate Winslet - LITTLE CHILDREN

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Adriana Barraza - BABEL
Cate Blanchett - NOTES ON A SCANDAL
Abigail Breslin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Jennifer Hudson - DREAMGIRLS
Rinko Kikuchi - BABEL

Best animated feature film of the year
CARS
HAPPY FEET
MONSTER HOUSE

Achievement in art direction
DREAMGIRLS
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
PAN'S LABYRINTH
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
THE PRESTIGE

Achievement in cinematography
THE BLACK DAHLIA
CHILDREN OF MEN
THE ILLUSIONIST
PAN'S LABYRINTH
THE PRESTIGE

Achievement in costume design
CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
DREAMGIRLS
MARIE ANTOINETTE
THE QUEEN

Best documentary feature
DELIVER US FROM EVIL
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS
JESUS CAMP
MY COUNTRY, MY COUNTRY

Best documentary short subject
THE BLOOD OF YINGZHOU DISTRICT
RECYCLED LIFE
REHEARSING A DREAM
TWO HANDS

Achievement in film editing
BABEL
BLOOD DIAMOND
CHILDREN OF MEN
THE DEPARTED
UNITED 93

Best foreign language film of the year
AFTER THE WEDDING
DAYS OF GLORY (INDIGÈNES)
THE LIVES OF OTHERS
PAN'S LABYRINTH
WATER

Achievement in makeup
APOCALYPTO
CLICK
PAN'S LABYRINTH

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
BABEL
THE GOOD GERMAN
NOTES ON A SCANDAL
PAN'S LABYRINTH
THE QUEEN

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
"I Need to Wake Up" - AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
"Listen" - DREAMGIRLS
"Love You I Do" - DREAMGIRLS
"Our Town" - CARS
"Patience" - DREAMGIRLS

Best animated short film
THE DANISH POET
LIFTED
THE LITTLE MATCHGIRL
MAESTRO
NO TIME FOR NUTS

Best live action short film
BINTA AND THE GREAT IDEA (BINTA Y LA GRAN IDEA)
ÉRAMOS POCOS (ONE TOO MANY)
HELMER & SON
THE SAVIOUR
WEST BANK STORY

Achievement in sound editing
APOCALYPTO
BLOOD DIAMOND
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST

Achievement in sound mixing
APOCALYPTO
BLOOD DIAMOND
DREAMGIRLS
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST

Achievement in visual effects
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
POSEIDON
SUPERMAN RETURNS

Adapted screenplay
BORAT CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN
CHILDREN OF MEN
THE DEPARTED
LITTLE CHILDREN
NOTES ON A SCANDAL

Original screenplay
BABEL
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
PAN'S LABYRINTH
THE QUEEN

How wrong will my Oscar predictions be?

I'll be surprised if I bat .300. If you'd like to see me eat dirt, pitch your own selections in the comments field before Tuesday morning's nominations.

BEST PICTURE
"Children of Men"
"Pan’s Labyrinth"
"The Departed"

"United 93"
"Babel"

BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, "Children of Men"
Martin Scorsese, "The Departed"
Guillermo del Toro, "Pan's Labyrinth"
Paul Greengrass, "United 93"
Clint Eastwood, "Letters from Iwo Jima"

BEST ACTRESS
Helen Mirren, "The Queen"
Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Sherrybaby"
Penélope Cruz, "Volver"
Judi Dench, "Notes on a Scandal"
Kate Winslet, "Little Children"

BEST ACTOR
Sacha Baron Cohen, "Borat"
Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Departed"
Forest Whitaker, "The Last King of Scotland"
Peter O'Toole, "Venus"
Will Smith, "The Pursuit of Happyness"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Hudson, "Dreamgirls"
Meryl Streep, "The Devil Wears Prada"
Cate Blanchett, "Notes on a Scandal"
Rinko Kukuchi, "Babel"
Abigail Breslin, "Little Miss Sunshine"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Burt Young, "Rocky Balboa"
Michael Caine, "Children of Men"
Eddie Murphy, "Dreamgirls"
Alan Arkin, "Little Miss Sunshine"

Brad Pitt, "Babel"

Millennium bringing three more projects

Millennium Films announced it is bringing more movies to the region after "Cleaner," which begins production at the end of the month.

"We're lining up at least three more," said Millennium Films executive producer Michael Flannigan at a press conference today.

No titles or names were mentioned. One could be "Microwave Park," which was supposed to start earlier this month but has been postponed.

The new projects should keep the production company in the city through 2007.

The company finished local shoots for "Homeland Security" (Antonio Banderas, Meg Ryan) in November and "Blonde Ambition" (Jessica Simpson, Luke Wilson) this week.

"Cleaner" will star Samuel L. Jackson.

'Prison Break' scouting; Job fair announced

The Shreveport-Bossier Film Office announced a scout for FOX's "Prison Break" was highly interested in the region and continues to look at locations. (Series pictured on right.)

More news here, including an important development: Betty Jo LeBrun-Mooring resigns from Film Office.

Local industry officials have long been hoping to land a TV series, which would help develop the area's crew base.

On that note, there's an upcoming job fair for the movie industry. Local productions need to staff crews pronto:

What: Job fair for the film industy.

When: 2 to 6 p.m. Monday (Jan. 22).

Where: Shreveport's Riverview Hall, 600 Clyde Fant Parkway.

Seeking: electricians, accountants, electricians, makeup, costumes, wardrobe, construction workers, etc.

What to bring: résumés.

Centenary Film Society announces series

It's hard to beat the selection of art house films for the new series by the Centenary Film Society.

Click on the film titles below to go to randomly selected, well-written reviews by the nation's top critics.

The series has been rockin' for 23 years, according to founder Jefferson Hendricks.

Screenings are free. And the sound in Mickel Hall has been upgraded.

CENTENARY FILM SOCIETY SERIES
Where: Mickel Hall's Carlile Auditorium (room 114) at Centenary College.
Times: all screenings begin at 7 p.m.
Cost: free.
Info: For more information, call (318) 869-5254 or log on to www.centenary.edu/life/film.

FULL SCHEDULE
Jan. 23 and Jan. 25: “Kekexili: Mountain Patrol” (China, 2004).

Jan 30 and Feb 1: “Jesus Camp” (USA, 2006).

Feb 6 and 8: “Children of Heaven” (Iran, 1997).

Feb 13 and 15: “The Science of Sleep” (France, 2006).

Feb 27 and Mar 1: “Babel” (Mexico/USA, 2006).

Mar 6 and 8: “The U.S. vs. John Lennon” (USA, 2006).

Mar 13 and 15: “13 Tzameti” (France, 2006).

Mar 20 and 22: “Only Human” (Spain, 2004).

Mar 27 and 29: “Ushpizin” (Israel, 2004).

Scary news ... 'The Mist' confirmed for Shreveport

frank-darabont
Originally uploaded by heydlee.

Update at The Times website posted here. Thomas Jane will star.

News of "The Mist" shooting in Shreveport has been confirmed officially.

I just reported the following on http://www.shreveporttimes.com/:

A horror movie based on a Stephen King short story will begin shooting in Shreveport on or around Feb. 20. “The Mist” will be directed by Frank Darabont. He made “The Green Mile” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” which also were based on works by King.

The movie is being made by Dimension Films, a motion picture unit of The Weinstein Company.

News of “The Mist” being made in Shreveport was confirmed by a spokesperson for The Weinstein Company.

King’s story is about a town in Maine that gets enveloped by a supernatural mist. Mysterious creatures begin attacking humans. A small group of people get trapped in a supermarket and fight to defend themselves and their sanity.

More details to follow. If you're a fan of the story or Darabont's movies, let me know.

Pitt and Jolie at home in New Orleans?

The following was reported today by the AP:

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Neighbors have seen them come and go and can't be more tickled that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have moved into the French Quarter.

"It's great if they're here to stay and to be a part of the community," said Rayna Nielsen, who lives across the street from the early-1830s masonry mansion where the celebrity couple has been spotted in recent weeks.

Nielsen said the street was closed off while the couple moved in earlier this month.

Pitt's latest film, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," has been filming in New Orleans since November. ...

As for whether the house will be their home, just how much time Pitt and Jolie and their three children will be spending in it remains unknown.

Click here for more details on USA Today's website.

'For Your Consideration' booked for RFC series

Chris Jay from the Robinson Film Center wrote to say:

"'For Your Consideration' is definitely ON! The event will be held Thursday, February 8, 7 p.m. at Regal Louisiana Boardwalk, in auditorium #2. We’ll have a little ticket table set up outside of the theatre where tickets may be purchased. Tickets will be $7.50. I’m working fiendishly to attempt to book March’s movie now as well, so we can (at least) announce the March movie at the February movie. The March film may or may not be “Pan’s Labyrinth,” but rest assured that would be my first choice.'"

Thanks, Chris. I'm sure there are some Guest aficionados out there, present company included. Parker Posey was charmingly nuts in "Best in Show."

'Blonde Ambition' wraps

“Blonde Ambition” wrapped its shoot in Shreveport Tuesday. The feature film project will now head to New York to shoot for a few more days. The movie stars Jessica Simpson and Luke Wilson.

Millennium Films began shooting the movie here during the end of November, just weeks after finishing production on “Homeland Security” in Shreveport.

Millennium Films is preparing to make it third straight feature in Shreveport. “The Cleaner” stars Samuel L. Jackson and will begin production at the end of January.

Two big stories on La. film industry

National Public Radio aired the following today:

"Katrina Fails to Halt Louisiana Film Business"

Lafayette appears to be upping its bid for more movie business:

"Film industry beckons: Lafayette seeks to join ranks of 'Hollywood South'" (The Daily Advertiser)

This is more evidence that Louisiana continues to gain traction in the film industry. The second story also suggests that competition between cities inside Louisiana will continue to heat up.

'Thief' to re-air beginning Saturday

Andre Braugher lost his bid for a Golden Globe to one of my favorite Brits, Bill Nighy (Best Actor in a TV movie or miniseries, "Gideon's Daughter"). Click here for a report from the International Herald Tribune.

The "Thief" star was robbed -- bad pun, sorry -- but at least he earned an Emmy for his work.

The miniseries was shot primarily in Shreveport after Hurricane Katrina forced its makers to choose a new location.

For fans of the series -- there are not enough of you -- here is some good news. FX is going to reair the original episodes during the next two weekends on FX:

Pilot episode: Sat, 11 p.m., Jan. 20 (Saturday).

"I Ain't Goin' to Jail for Anyone": midnight Jan. 21 (Sunday).

"Everything that Rises Must Converge": 1 a.m. Jan. 21 (Sunday).

"No Direction Home": 11 p.m. Jan. 27 (Saturday).

"Flight": midnight Jan. 28 (Sunday).

"In the Wind": 1 a.m. Jan. 28 (Sunday).

Times were taken from tvguide.com. Oh, and if you haven't heard Nighy's voicework as the gassy English rat in "Flushed Away," rent it when it comes out. "I saw an opportunity and I seized it." I swear I've never used that line. Really. At least not in an elevator. During 2007.