LITTLE ROCK — Moon Ring, a feature film by Scott Loye, completed shooting its “120 page script in 11 days” according to the film’s Twitter page (twitter.com/ moonringmovie).
“The only thing that kept me [mentally] in Arkansas was not seeing the same Hollywood Hills,” Loye says, commenting on the quality of his local crew, adding that Arkansas-based videographers Jeff Dailey and Brian Stafford worked very hard shooting with Canon 5D Mark II digital single-lens reflex cameras in 98 degree weather.
“DSLRs [cameras] have so many great things going for them: they’re compact, relatively inexpensive, lightweight and they produce stunning images,” Dailey says. “To shoot a feature film like Moon Ring on the Canon 5D was a remarkable personal experience, but it was also really satisfying knowing that, as a team, we were producing images that rival those produced on cameras that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
Loye says the film is still looking for a distributor and no theatrical or DVD deals have been made.
Other Arkansas filmmakers are getting feature film fever. Spunk Muffin Films, alongwith Hot Toast Productions, is seeking cast and crew for a feature-length film titled Blood Red, to be directed by Donnie Patterson and shot largely in Conway. Positions available include production manager and director of photography, so if you’ve got a great eye for framing and lighting you could add cinematographer to your resume. The production is also looking for gaffers, grips, production assistants, makeup, hair, wardrobe and set designers.
Jamiee Nicole Jensen, who will have the lead role, wrote the screenplay about Joelle, a young mother moving to a new town with her new husband, Aimon. Jensen says Blood Red “examines humanity and relationships in the South, exploring such issues” as sexual bias, domestic violence, racial bias and bigotry, “all issues that are still relevant today. This story serves as a reminder that at the end of the day, we all bleed thesame.”
It sounds intense. Production will take place in late September. If you are interested in learning more about the film go to indiegogo.com/Blood-Red. Those interested in crew positions should call Jensen at (870) 213-5122 or e-mail bloodredmovie@gmail.com.
If you missed David Bogard’s short feature Irene at the recent Little Rock Film Festival, you’llhave a second chance June 28. There will be a free screening at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverdale 10, 2600 Cantrell Road in the Riverdale Shopping Center in Little Rock.
Several times I’ve been asked where to find film resources, local and otherwise, so maybe it’s a good time for a breakdown of the best and most popular online assets available.
First off, if you count yourself as any type of cinephile the Internet Movie Database (imdb.com) should be your home page. IMDb is an online database chock-full of film and television listings, including entire cast and crew, ratings, trivia, plot and synopsis, trailers as well as show times and release dates for newer films.Those wanting to develop a well-rounded appreciation of good cinema would do well to see as many films as possible on the IMDb Top 250 list. IMDb also has an iPhone application available through free download at the Apple App Store.
If you’re a filmmaker or interested in getting into making films or production in Arkansas you should register for getafilmcrew.com, started by Little Rock-based gaffer extraordinaire Trey Lange in December 2008. Getafilmcrew.com works similarly to social networking sites but acts primarily as a forum or news site forprojects, with classified ads for crew and equipment. Signing up is easy and the site displays all users’ blog posts chronologically on the home page. According to the Facebook page, the site boasts more than 300 members.
Arkansastalentdatabase. ning.com was created by Kevin and Kat Yares as a resource for “Arkansans involved in the arts and entertainment industry.” Whether you are an actor, writer, director, editor, performance artist or sound engineer, Arkansas Talent Database is a tool for networking within the industry. The site also hosts podcasts with members within the film community.
The Arkansas Film Commission Online promotes Arkansas as a viable site for film and video productions. The website (arkansasedc.com/ arkansas-film-commission. aspx) provides a searchable database of photographs of Arkansas locations organized by city and landmarks, and has links to current projects, film festivals, production news, and casting and crew calls. Right now some of the links are incomplete but staff members say there are major updates planned for the summer.
Levi Agee is a programmer for the Little Rock Film Festival and the founder and host of Cameras on the Radio. E-mail him at:
MovieStyle, Pages 38 on 06/25/2010