Next La. Produces meetup is on April 8

The Robinson Film Center is moving into its new digs this week, so RFC's Clare France has postponed the monthly meetup until April 8. We don't know who's speaking yet, but I'll keep you apprised.

If you haven't attended, these meetings are a chance for local extras and crew members to gather info about current and upcoming productions.

Mark your calendars:

WHAT: Louisiana Produces monthly meetup.
WHEN: 7 p.m. April 8.
WHERE: gym's lobby at Bossier Parish Community College, 6220 E. Texas St., Bossier City.
COST: free.

Shots from 'The Last Lullaby' premiere, part 1

It's midday in Dallas. We've tried to stuff ourselves with tapas. Here are a few photos from last night's premiere of "The Last Lullaby" at the AFI Dallas Int'l Film Festival.

Sasha Alexander and Jeffrey Goodman stop for photographers on the red carpet, moments before the March 28 world premiere of "The Last Lullaby" at the AFI Dallas Int'l Film Festival. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

Jeffrey Goodman works it after walking the red carpet. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

The duo fields questions. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

Shots from 'The Last Lullaby' premiere, part 2

Sasha Alexander (star) and Jeffrey Goodman (dir.) of "The Last Lullaby" pose on the AFI Dallas Int'l Film Festival's red carpet minutes before the movie's world premiere on March 28. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

Jeffrey Goodman poses for photographers. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

Shreveport packs the house at the AMC Northpark 15 for the world premiere of "The Last Lullaby." (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

AFI staffers prepare the red carpet at Victory Park in Dallas. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

Victory Park signage unsuccessul in attracting UFOs. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

'The Last Lullaby’ plays to full house, much to casinos' chagrin

DALLAS – Hey, Shreveport! Apparently, y’all headed west this weekend.

After last night’s screening of “The Last Lullaby” at AFI Dallas, the festival’s head honcho James Faust introduced director Jeffrey Goodman to a sold-out crowd. I think I saw one open seat at the 250-seat theater inside the AMC Northpark.

“Is the whole town of Shreveport here tonight?” Faust said. Y’all said yes. “There’s no gambling tonight.”

It was a pretty cool night for a couple reasons: One, it demonstrated that The Shreve’s movie business has grown to include an ambitious indie filmmaker. Two, that indie filmmaker happens to be brilliant. His movie, simply put, is a gem. Check out my review.

When you get a chance to see it, make sure you listen closely. It’s a very quiet film considering it’s a crime drama about a hit man. Ben Lovett’s atmospheric score subtly amplifies its mood of restlessness, and on some occasions, despair.

“I think my ear is stronger than my eye,” Goodman said during the Q&A. The movie’s soundscape is exquisitely constructed and really draws out the mystery of some of its rural location choices.

You’ll also notice that the love story between Tom Sizemore’s character (Price, the hit man) and Sasha Alexander’s (Sarah, the target) is played as a deeply personal, introspective (or inward) affair by the two actors. There’s no kissy kissy.

“In this movie it doesn’t happen,” Alexander said. Instead, the duo shares these private, vulnerable moments at a swimming pool, in a hallway and at a bar. “You really have to rely on your moment.”

As far as last night’s festivities go, the crowd seems to have enjoyed themselves (not a one left before the Q&A was up) and an after-party at a nearby hotel was buzzing.

I spoke a bit with the movie’s editor, Philip Harrison, who seemed pretty happy about the whole night. He and Goodman have crafted an extremely tight, extremely taut film that hums with interpersonal tension and unnerving portraits of small town America. I think a pic like “A History of Violence” provides a good comparison.

I’ll get some pictures up soon after I feed my wife.

All aboard! It's Jeffrey Goodman weekend

What movie is premiering this weekend? "21!" Yes, but no, not really. "Superhero Movie!" Yes, but no again. "Jeffrey Goodman's 'The Last Lullaby,' a crime drama about a sleepy hit man named Price?" Yes, yes, finally yes!

The locally made indie premieres only at the AFI Dallas Int'l Film Festival on Friday (7:15 p.m. AMC Northpark 15, but it's rush line only). Whether you're with me or meta me, I'll bring you a little unfiltered hot and heavy coverage action. Strictly a PG affair, I assure you.

Do you have tickets? Are you going? Are you going to party? Are you gonna get your free drink on? Can you post bond? Lemme know. I'll be hanging all weekend in The Big D with The Shreve's JG.

PHOTO: Director Jeffrey Goodman. (Greg Pearson/The Times)

Classes for parents and their kids

WHAT: Taming the Showbiz Jungle classes.
WITH WHOM: talent manager Donnajeanne Goheen.
WHY: she's scouting for young talent.
WHEN: April 5-6. A variety of classes for different age groups.
COST: individual, one-time classes cost between $30 and $95. Classes are being run through Bam Casting. Find your info here.
CONTACT: Tara Duncil at tara@laactingworkshops.com or (318) 573-0039.

Who's got 'The Mist' double DVD?

"The Mist" came out of DVD on Tuesday. It was shot here in early 2007 at StageWorks of Louisiana.

When this sharp little monster flick was released around Thanksgiving, I was surprised it didn't scare up better box office numbers. During its run, it nabbed just under $25.6 million.

I thought "The Mist" was one of the most underappreciated, most satisfying horror flicks I've seen in a good spell.

I unapologetically gushed about it in my review: "'The Mist' is not simply an effective horror movie. It's a ferocious piece of popular social commentary. As well, it's a tightly crafted work of cinematic theater. If there's such a thing as a thinking man's horror film, 'The Mist' is it. ...

"(Director Frank) Darabont does more than simply tell a good Stephen King story. He tells a better one. 'The Mist' elevates a shocking little novella into an angry indictment of a place quickly losing its ability to cope with disaster. Most of us haven't been there and have no plans to visit. That some of us watch the credits and wait a few moments before leaving the dark theater is a testament to the movie's angry power."

Though the Thanksgiving crowd stayed away from it like it was dry turkey, I suspect the flick will find its flock on DVD.

Has anybody purchased the DVD yet and watched the extras? What do you think? Did you feel, contrary to me, that "The Mist" missed its mark?

Crawford, Texas, is coming to The Shreve

Jumping Hollywood productions, Batman! This just in at shreveporttimes.com:

Oliver Stone's 'W.' to film in Shreveport

By Alexandyr Kent
akent@gannett.com

Shreveport has lured another major feature film production.

“W.” is in preproduction and will begin shooting April 21 and likely wrap June 20, according to Louisiana’s Office of Entertainment Industry Development.

“W.” will star Josh Brolin as President George W. Bush and be directed by Oliver Stone ... .

Click here to read the full story. Email me if you need to freak out.

And note to crew: crew resumes (only) can be sent to Lucie Bourgeau at (318) 603-9556.

Let’s tell the film industry where to go …

… for dinner.

When I get opportunities to visit local sets, I often find myself chatting with producers about business and, more importantly, food.

(Really, that's pretty much all I talk about. Before taking one blogger buddy to a screening of "There Will Be Blood" in Dallas, I forced him to eat one of my special omelets. "Won't go hungry on my watch, will you, Little Fella? No, not on my watch. Eat like a good cineaste, now. Good. Good boy.")

We know Superior Steakhouse, Columbia Café. Village Grille, Cush's Grocery and Bella Fresca get their fair shares of the entertainment dollar. Robert Trudeau's blog has some good chatter on Mona's Cafe.

But where else in northwest Louisiana should they be chowing down? What restaurants are quintessentially Shreveport? I want the out-of-the-way, the strange, the essentials. I want signature dishes.

I'll start with the easiest rec: Try the Shrimp Buster at Herby-K's, 1833 Pierre Ave.

Please post your favorites and we'll compile a list. (Send me pictures, if you dare.)

PHOTO: Herby K's opened in 1936 and began serving their signature sandwich, the Shrimp Buster, in 1946. (Jessica Leigh/The Times)

'Anything for the Game' cast

A few readers have been asking about who's been cast in BPCC's upcoming shoot for "Anything for the Game." The student film will be shot during June. Here goes:

CAST
Jake - Tom Duvall
Brandon - Michael Greene
Mike - Brad Silmon
Julia - Sarah Taylor
Ashley - Tori Davis
Lauren - Candace Scott
Susan - Heather Bloom
John - John Snell
Earl - Terry Milam
Coach Pan - Cornell Walker
Nugget - Scott Glaslow
Principal Anderson - Tim Hickey
Chris - Jamie Norwood
Ms. Hatchett - Paula Kaszuba
Coach Smith - Herman Johnson, Jr.

Directors - Eric Tuxen
Producers - Larry Powell and Paula Kaszuba
Executive Producer - Tom Carleton
Screenwriter - Jonathan Posey

'Goodie Two Shoes' to film in The Shreve

Here's the latest update from the state film office:

Welcome to (225) 342-FILM, the official hotline of the Louisiana Office of Entertainment Industry Development. Here’s what’s happening for the third week of March 2008:

The Lionsgate feature film Goodie Two Shoes is in pre-production in Shreveport with shooting scheduled from April 28 through June 6. Resumes and inquiries are currently being accepted by fax at (318) 682-5644.

The Millennium feature film Beyond a Reasonable Doubt starring Michael Douglas and Amber Tamblyn is shooting in Shreveport with shooting through April 14. For casting information, please visit www.gloriosocasting.com

The Sony Studios Pictures feature film Year One starring Jack Black and Michael Cera is shooting in Shreveport through March 26. Inquiries are currently being accepted by fax at (318) 673-9705. For casting information, please visit www.bamcastingla.com.

The Crystal Sky feature film Tekken is shooting in Shreveport through March 28. Inquiries are currently be accepted by fax at (318) 603-4564. For casting information, please visit www.gloriosocasting.com.

The A&E Network reality television series Billy the Exterminator is shooting in Shreveport through late June. Resumes and inquiries can be sent to lindam@septemberfilmsusa.com.

The independent feature film I Love You Phillip Morris starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor is in pre-production in New Orleans with shooting scheduled from May 5 through June 30. Resumes and inquiries are currently being accepted by fax at (504) 596-3221.

The Bullet Films feature film The Darkest Evil is in pre-production in Lafayette with shooting scheduled from April 7 through April 26. Resumes and inquiries are currently being accepted by fax at (337) 706-8971.

The television pilot The Mike Epps Comedy Mixtape Volume 1 is in pre-production in Baton Rouge with shooting scheduled to begin March 31. Resumes and inquiries are currently being accepted by e-mail at jarred@redpictures.org

The Weinstein Company feature film Patriots starring Forest Whitaker is in preproduction in Metairie with shooting scheduled from April 1 though June 1. Resumes and inquiries are currently being accepted by e-mail at patriotsmovie@yahoo.com.

The Universal Pictures feature film Cirque du Freak starring Salma Hayek and John C. Reilly is shooting in New Orleans and Baton Rouge through June 1. Inquiries are being accepted by fax at (504) 571-2023.

The WWE feature film 12 Rounds starring John Cena is shooting in New Orleans through May 12. Inquiries are being accepted by e-mail at torossi@earthlink.net. For casting information, please visit www.couloncasting.com.

The independent feature film Chess is in pre-production in New Orleans with shooting scheduled from April 7 through May 16. Resumes and inquiries are currently being accepted by fax at (504) 821-7867. For casting information, please visit www.redflixcasting.net.

The TNT movie of the week Librarian 3: Curse of the Judas Chalice starring Noah Wiley is shooting in Harahan through March 31. Inquiries can be faxed to (504) 734-3793.

The Crystal Sky feature film Robosapien is in pre-production in New Orleans with shooting scheduled from March 24 through April 25. For casting information, please visit www.ladavidcastingcom.com.

The New Line Cinema feature film Final Destination 4 is shooting in Harahan through May 29. Resumes and inquiries are currently being accepted by fax at (504) 734-3403. For casting information please e-mail fd4casting@yahoo.com

The independent feature film The Open Road starring Jeff Bridges and Justin Timberlake is shooting in Hammond and Baton Rouge through March 26. For casting information, please visit www.redflixcasting.net.

The Screen Gems feature film Mardi Gras is in pre-production in New Orleans with shooting scheduled from April 28 to June 18. Resumes and inquiries are currently being accepted by e-mail at mardigrasprod@yahoo.com

Louisiana Media Services in Baton Rouge is looking for an editor with Final cut pro expertise, knowledge of HD picture, color, and all aspects of the picture online process. For more information, please contact Jason Chauvin at (225) 927-9000.

And for more information about the film and television industry in Louisiana please visit us online at www.lafilm.org.

What the strike taught three WGAers

Before my notes get too stale, I thought I’d share some interesting opinions gathered at South by Southwest in Austin. At the film festival and conference, I attended a panel – or “mini-meeting,” in SXSW parlance – about the impact of the now-resolved writers’ strike. It addressed the question, “What did we learn?”

The speakers were Tim McCanlies (“The Iron Giant” screenwriter), Kay Schaber Wolf (WGA West rep) and Michael Jones (“EvenHand” screenwriter, “Variety” festival editor). About 25 – screenwriters and reporters, presumably – gathered to hear their answers and speculation.

The discussion was informal and informative because of it.

Why the strike? Members of the Writers Guild of America were mainly, and continue to be, concerned about the residuals and revenue of Internet-based programming/rebroadcasting.

Wherever content is broadcast, writers want to be paid for their work.

“We wanted jurisdiction over the Internet, because the guild believes, and I think quite rightly, that it’s going to be the future,” Jones said. “We ended up giving up some quite significant deal points in order to get there, including animation, including reality.”

If you want the details of the agreement, click here for a summary in pdf form. They made some gains that are likely to be revisited in 2011 when the new contract’s up.

“Now that we have built some kinds of jurisdiction and protections on the Internet, we can go ahead and move forward,” said Wolf.

Jones also spoke about some of the prevailing misperceptions about writers and how the studio producers represented them in the strike. Writers, especially feature film writers, ain’t all rich people. (I personally questioned how widespread that misperception was. Was it just an industry insider thing, or did y'all think that too?)

“Nothing was further from the truth,” Jones said. “If you make a six-figure salary from one script and you don’t work for two years, that figure becomes a five-figure salary.”

Jones also responded to a question about below-the-line crew – electricians, grips, drivers, hair & makeup, etc. – being upset about being out of work because of the WGA strike. This especially affected workers on episodic television. (The early death of the FOX series, “K-Ville,” which was shot in New Olreans, is arguably a prime example. Either that or the show just stank.)

“When you are out of work and you don’t have a job, it’s even more difficult to understand why we’re on strike," Jones said. “I completely sympathize with those below the line crew.”

He might get a chance to do just that if the Screen Actors Guild decides to strike June 30, when their contract expires. It’s too early to tell if SAG will or will not. Regardless, McCanlies said everyone should expect a slowdown because the studio has been rushing projects into production just in case there is a work stoppage.

“There’s going to be a slowdown June 30 whether there is a strike or not,” McCanlies said.

If the SAG strike doesn’t happen, there will likely be a glut of material so studios could choose to slow their production pace. I’ve heard this opinion a couple times before, so it has gravity.

Does anyone else have anything strike-related to add?

PHOTO (left to right): Kay Schaber Wolf, Michael Jones and Chris McCanlies speak about the writers' strike at SXSW. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

Robinson Film Center construction nearly complete

Here are a few photos from a recent tour with executive director John Grindley. The Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas St., will open May 3.

The bistro's balcony will offer a view of Texas Street and downtown Shreveport. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

The bistro -- which will serve soup, drinks, sandwiches, tapas and other eats -- will seat between 65 and 80. It's the warmest, most relaxed space in the building. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

The three-story building anchors the 600 block of Texas Street. The dumpster should be gone by the end of the month. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

John Grindley says RFC's bistro will also offer patio dining on nice days. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

The smaller Celebrity Theater -- seats 49 -- will be a cozy but comfortable space to watch movies. During morning hours, it appears the theater will be used by the film industry for the screening of dailies. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

The larger Grand Theater -- seats 135 -- really feels as if it seats a few hundred. From what I can tell, this will offer a pretty close to perfect screening experience. Big seats. Stadium seating. Really sharp resolution. Very loud sound. A throne for me in the back. Me like. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

The multipurpose space will serve a variety of needs -- teaching classes, wedding rentals and general public programming. This large room can be divided into three smaller spaces. (Alexandyr Kent/The Times)

NOTE: I spoke with the architects March 20, and they provided different seat totals for the theaters. Numbers have been corrected.

Be on the lookout for local 'Soul Men'

Fedora
Originally uploaded by Wander Mule

Word from the back alleys of blogdom says that Samuel L. Jackson injected a little style into the "Soul Men" wrap party on a recent Saturday night. He fitted the crew with fedoras. Nice gift. How cool is that? Who's got one?

The movie, also starring Bernie Mac, wrapped production Monday.

Bob Weinstein champions ‘Soul Men,’ producer says

I visited the set of "Soul Men" late last week. The shoot had found the Kokopelis nightclub in downtown Shreveport, which, incidentally, is a great location for filming.

The buddy comedy stars Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac, who play backup singers making a comeback. I spoke with two producers, who seemed to be enjoying the project. David T. Friendly spoke specifically about the Weinstein Co.'s involvement.

"I've actually come out of it with a greater appreciation for their commitment to movies," Friendly said. "I got a call one day from Bob Weinstein saying, 'I'm making your movie. Let's have breakfast.'"

I've been waiting for that call for 10 years. Bob: I cook a mean omelet.

Friendly continued, "And from that breakfast to this moment, he's always lived up to his promises, which I respect. He came down here. He was howling on the set. He loves our cast. He loves the script. He's just been a big champion."

Friendly's producing credits show some nice range. He did "Courage Under Fire," "Little Miss Sunshine," "The Chamber," "My Girl," "Laws of Attraction," and the "Big Momma's House" movies, among others.

"I've done a lot of comedy, but I don't want to be limited or strictly thought of as just a comedy producer," Friendly said. "I feel like my main interest is in what moves me. That could be making me laugh. That could be making me cry. … There are a lot of different reasons to make movies. But the main thing is that what's on the page gripped me."

"Soul Men" will be released in theaters Oct. 10.

PHOTO: "Soul Men" producers David T. Friendly (left) and Charles Castaldi discuss a scene while on location in Shreveport. (Doug Hyun/Dimension Films/Special to The Times)

NOTE: This was my 500th post to LaMovBlog. Who's organizing the parade? Who's grand marshal? Where's my float paying tribute to the creatures of "The Mist?" ME, ME, ME!

The bad luck of the Irish

Slate V reporter Mark Jordan Legan deserves an Oscar for this series. In honor of St. Paddy's Day, here is Legan's list of the worst Irish films ever made. And they are really, really bad.

More extras needed for ‘Year One’

The following was posted to a listserv by Bam Casting:

"YEAR ONE" starring Jack Black
Posted Monday March 17-get your submissions in before Tuesday at noon!

NEW EXTRAS Needed!
Village Scene
March 19, 20, 24, 25 & 26
BAM Casting is seeking the following for our last 5 shooting days on "YEAR ONE" in Shreveport:

Men & Women 20 -35 years old to be in a Village Scene with Jack Black & Michael Cera

NOTE: We only need 50 background, so get your submission in ASAP!

Need to be available ALL days
NO tattoos (small ones may be able to be covered up)
Must be comfortable wearing "caveman" type clothing

INSTRUCTIONS:
If you can be available ALL days, there are 3 ways you can sign up to be considered:

• Come by our office at 400 Clyde Fant Parkway (Stage Works-across from Sams Town) BRING A NON-RETURNABLE PHOTO/SNAPSHOT

• Email us at yearoneextras@gmail.com INCLUDE your name, contact info, picture, age, ethnicity and availability.

• Go to our website www.bamcastingla.com and click on FORMS. Complete the registration form and follow the instructions.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL TO ASK QUESTIONS IF YOU DO NOT FIT THE BREAKDOWN OR HAVE ALREADY WORKED ON Y.O.

IF YOU ARE CHOSEN WE WILL CALL YOU WITH THE BOOKING INFORMATION.

Pay Rate is $58/8
Office 318-676-3548

'Cleaner' to be released on DVD May 27

It appears "Cleaner" will go straight to DVD. The release date, according to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's website, will be May 27. Dagnabbit! I was looking forward to seeing this noir flick on the big screen.

Variety didn't like it. Hollywood Reporter did very much, thank you.

DVD Active has the DVD box art.

The film stars Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes and Ed Harris and was shot in Shreveport by Nu Image/Millennium Films in 2007. Director is Renny Harlin ("Die Hard 2," "Mindhunters," "Cliffhanger," "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane," "The Long Kiss Goodnight.")

Nu Image/Millennium has made five films in Shreveport and is currently working on its sixth: "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" starring Michael Douglas.

Past efforts include "Mad Money" (theatrical), "Blonde Ambition" (limited release in Texas, but mainly DVD), "My Mom's New Boyfriend" and "Major Movie Star."

Thanks, CB, for the tip.

'The Last Lullaby' director readies for Dallas premiere

Shreveporter Jeffrey Goodman, director of "The Last Lullaby," is approaching a once-in-a-lifetime moment. His first feature film is getting a theatrical premiere at the AFI Dallas Film Festival on March 28.

"It’s the biggest statement I’ve made so far in my career as a director," Goodman told me during a recent interview. He's made six short films to date. "The Last Lullaby," which stars Tom Sizemore and Sasha Alexander, marks his foray into independent feature-length filmmaking. Goodman is mindful of what questions will be asked of him -- directly or indirectly -- come premiere night.

"What does this guy have to say?" Goodman asked himself. "Who is he as a director? Is he talented? Is he skillful in technical ways? Is he skillful with actors? It’s going to be the first time that real judgment is passed on me and my abilities. I don’t know if I could do anything right now that would have more at stake."

Are you going to the premiere? Are you going to be part of the audience answering these questions? Let me know because I'll be reporting all about it from Dallas.

Do you have something you want to say Jeffrey? Please leave a comment.

Here is the official plot synopsis: "Price, a former hit man, is struggling to cope with retirement. He left the assassination business to live the 'easy life.' However, retirement arrived with its own agenda. It was not the instant peace and calm that Price expected. Rather, it was emptiness, boredom, and, worst of all, restlessness. 'The Last Lullaby' plummets Price back into his old life and forces him into a corner from which he may never escape. Price's old ways no longer work for him when his heart opens, and he finds life beyond his profession. The tension finally boils, as Price must decide to close himself off again or open himself up to a world beyond his control."

PHOTO: Jeffrey Goodman on the set of "The Last Lullaby." (Special to The Times)

'PINKS All Out' to film at Red River Raceway

Are you in the need for speed?

While you won't see me and my Scion XA four-banger laying down the law at Red River Raceway on March 28-29 -- I officially retired from competitive dragracing after forfeiting my '95 Cutlass Supreme to Vin Diesel on the streets of Santa Monica -- you can watch the racing and taping of "PINKS All Out."

Speed TV's most popular reality series is coming to town. Get your tickets here.

I've been told by new Times reporter and racing superfan Kristi Richie that 400 cars are going to compete (registration is closed). The absolute slowest one has to clock a quarter-mile in 12.99 seconds.

Since the Diesel and his Toyota Tercel (with leather) smoked me with a 21.08, I don't think either of us would have made the cut.

Regarding coverage of the event, Kristi said, "I just notified my husband that we were going, and I'm not going to have to buy an anniversary present for two or three years."

If you're a racer or a crew member working or playing on this show, send Kristi an email.

PHOTO: Kristi took this puppy in Vegas. The driver apparently fell in love with "Transformers." (Kristi Richie/The Times)