The Confluence
Bringing together the creative streams of film, television, and media in Oregon…
Portland Based Digital Creative Agency @instrument debuts “The Build”
We already tweeted a link to the project but “The Build” deserves more attention. “The Build” is Instrument’s (a digital creative agency in SE Portland) first foray into interactive filmmaking. The company’s resident filmmaker Truen Pence came up with the idea of producing a documentary highlighting three local characters in the custom motorcycle building industry. From that idea, the company engaged its producers, motion graphic designers, and creative coders to create an experiential story that pushes the boundaries and aesthetics of modern browsers. I watched the film on Google Chrome and loved the way the whole project flowed from one story to the next. This is the first film project that we know of to come from Instrument but I’m sure it’s not the last. Be sure to check it out!
-Vince
Artistic Expression as a Tool to Beat Addiction
Addiction is a problem in every community. Recent films, including Sean Dunne’s project ‘Oxyana’ and Greg William’s ‘Anonymous People’ are the latest in a long line of screen contributions from fresh young film-makers aiming to highlight the grittier facets of life. Premiered last month at the Tribeca film festival, documentary ‘Oxyana’ chronicles the lives of those affected with addiction in the small town of Oceana, Wyoming – a community notorious for its drug problems. ‘Anonymous People’ set for release this year, takes an honest look at addiction recovery; its effectiveness, and society’s perception of people who suffer with addictions. Director Greg Williams, himself a recovering addict, aims to break the anonymity of addiction and therefore the stigma that surrounds it. Naturally, it’s been quite the cathartic experience for him.
Catharsis, particularly in a creative sense is often utilized as a treatment for addiction. With 23 million people in America in long term recovery for their addictions, life beyond rehab can be tough – and many, like Greg Williams, turn to their art in order to lay old demons to rest.
Fortunately, Oregon is regarded as one of the best states for treating drug addiction today, having admitted almost 50,000 patients into drug rehabilitation treatment since 2009 – compared to just 21,500 in Kentucky. But when you’ve been treated for addiction and make a fresh start within society, how do you move forward with your life? How can art help a recovering addict? Read More »
Makeup Artistry Bill Unanimously Passed By The House and Senate
Senate Bill 836 will exempt hair and makeup artists working on professional photo shoots, film, television, or theater productions from unnecessary and unrelated licensing requirements, thereby helping Oregon remain competitive in these prospering industries. The Bill is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.
I am proud to be a working makeup artist in Oregon. The Oregon law stated that I wasn’t allowed to charge for makeup services without an esthetician license, a license that requires the skills of someone who works in a salon, waxing and doing facials. We all love these services, but that is none of my business. I am a makeup artist. Makeup artists are sculptors of light, highlighting and contouring our subjects to create illusion, characters, and/or beauty.
I want to give thanks to the community of supporters that made this bill pass. Amazing letters were submitted and courageous testimonies were expressed. Supporters include Susan Cabral-Ebert, the president of IATSE local 706 in Los Angeles, Christopher Mattaliano, director of the Portland Opera, cosmetology instructor Sue Graham, and makeup artists Sara Beukers, Christina Kortum, Terri Lodge, Eva Lohse, Kathleen Chetlain, Katherine Ross, Crystal Shade, Harmony Ray, Sarah Prevo, Claire Brooksbank and Amber Arpin.
In just two short months from my first meeting, a bill has been passed to support Oregon’s economic development and to keep Oregonians working. With the help from the whole community, it shows that we can make a difference. We can make a change. It worked!
Celena Rubin
EOFF Hosts Memorial Weekend Warm-Up Party in La Grande
LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOFF2014) Portland, Oregon’s AU and ETERNAL TAPESTRY will cozy up with La Grande’s CATSKILLS next Thursday, May 23rd at The Art Center at the Old Library, located at 1006 Penn Ave, in La Grande.
Directed by Hannah Gregg of Portland’s INTOTHEWOODS.TV
Join Eastern Oregon Film Festival and the La Grande community for a powerhouse evening of edgy rock, experimental psychedelia, and hyper-attentive… ‘often fierce instrumentation of sonic and psychological terrain‘. All three bands will be heading to the Tumbleweeds of Idaho to converge with a number of other stellar musicians at Ranch Fest Memorial Day Weekend.
This amazing show is free for EOFF Members, and $5.00 for non-members. “How do I become a member?” you ask… visit EOFF online at www.eofilmfest.com.
Support our growing film and music festival by experiencing this inspiredly-gripping evening of music, video projection, and amazing art with the introduction of ‘The Grid’ Project at The Art Center.
EOFF will have some brews on tap and tasty foods available + a few tricks up our sleeves. Read More »
Oregon Production Investment Fund Tax Credit Auction – July 8-17
The Oregon Department of Revenue in conjunction with the Oregon Film and Video Office will be auctioning off $6million worth of tax credit certificates beginning July 8. Proceeds from this auction will benefit the Oregon Production Investment Fund. This fund is an important tool in recruiting film and television production to Oregon. The auction will conclude on July 17. All bids will not be considered final until bankable funds have been received by the Oregon Department of Revenue. The funds must be received by July 24. Early in June we will be sending another email with more detailed information on the auction but the process will be much in line with last year’s successful auction.
The auction will allow tax payers to bid in $500 increments. The minimum bid per increment will be $475. Last year all $6million of Tax Credits were sold out. The average bit was $489.65. By law the legislature may elect to directly appropriate funds to the Oregon Production Investment Fund if it does so 30 days before the beginning of the fiscal year (July 1, 2013). If this was to happen, the auction will not move forward. Currently we have no indication that the legislature will do this.
Currently under review in the legislature is HB 2267 which was proposed by Governor Kitzhaber. It calls for an increase in the program to $12million a year. If this bill was to pass through the House and Senate and assuming the Governor would sign the bill, an auction for the additional $6million would be carried out in October or November.
We will keep you updated with any new information and please look for our next update in early June. In the meantime, please feel free to call Vince Porter or Nathan Cherrington with any questions (503) 229-5832.
Portland’s Stillmotion Wins Emmy Award
Stillmotion, a team of filmmakers based in Portland, Oregon, won their fourth Emmy Award at the 34th Annual Sports Emmy Award Ceremony on May 7th, 2013.
Stillmotion worked alongside CBS Sports’ Pete Radovich Jr., Stephen Karsik, and Gareth Hughes to produce the film “One Heartbeat” which garnered the award as the most Outstanding Edited Sports Special.
The winning piece tells the story of the Chardon High School shooting on February 27, 2012 in Chardon, Ohio, and how basketball helped the spirit of the community prevail through such a horrific event.
Patrick Moreau and Raymond Tsang of Stillmotion were responsible for the cinematography of the film and were also credited as Associate Producers of the project. “We are extremely honored to have been involved in this inspirational story and are proud to bring an Emmy back to our new home town.” says Moreau, fellow filmmaker and partner at Stillmotion. Read More »
2014 POWFest Call-For-Entries!
The Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival (POWFest) is now accepting entries for its seventh annual festival scheduled to take place March 6 – 9, 2014 at the Hollywood Theatre inPortland,Oregon. The regular deadline for entries is Friday, August 16, 2013. POWFest places a spotlight on women directors by showcasing their work and empowering the community of women in film. POWFest encourages women to find their voice and to share their stories through innovative and quality filmmaking. We feature the work of today’s top women directors, honoring the true pioneers while providing support and recognition for the next generation of leading women filmmakers. Past Guests of Honor include: Allison Anders, Irene Taylor-Brodsky, Kathryn Bigelow, Gillian Armstrong, Amy Heckerling, Barbara Kopple and Penelope Spheeris.
Deadlines & Fees
Early Bird Deadline: Postmarked by June 21, 2013 ~ $20
Regular Deadline: Postmarked by Friday August 16, 2013 ~ $30
Late Deadline: Postmarked by Friday September 13, 2013 ~ $35
WAB Extended Deadline: Postmarked by October 1, 2012 ~ $45
Films must be directed or co-directed by women and can be of any length, style, or genre. Detailed information about submitting films can be found at www.powfest.com
CITY BABY to have Portland Premiere ~ Thursday May 23, 2013
Portland filmmakers David F. Morgan and Cora Benesh are excited to announce the Portland Premiere of their film CITY BABY on Thursday May 23rd, 7:30 p.m. at Cinema 21 in NW Portland.
Tickets available here:
http://www.cinema21.com/movies/abcitybaby/City-Baby.html#.UYrLka_xsZA.gmail
CITY BABY is a Portland-centric coming-of-age story about a group of meandering 20-somethings trying to find meaning in the new world of adulthood. CITY BABY features live performances by Glass Candy and STRFKR/Starf*r, a soundtrack of localPortlandbands including Chromatics and The Helio Sequence, as well as a cameo from musical frontman Stephen Malkmus (Pavement).
An updated REALITY BITES for the Me Generation, CITY BABY ruminates on themes of love, class, and contemporary youth subculture. CITY BABY follows Cloey, played by Benesh (PORTLANDIA, RID OF ME), who is reluctantly plucked from her party-girl lifestyle and forced to deal with her real life. Pressure from her dad (Daniel Baldwin – TREES LOUNGE) to find a job, her best friend Paige’s (Jillian Leigh – A BIG FAT LOVE STORY) new relationship driving a wedge between them, and a balancing act of two romances with an aging rocker (Andrew Harris – SWEAT, LEVERAGE) and a yuppie ad agency guy (Richard Keith – GREYS ANATOMY, VERONICA MARS) all weigh heavy on her young heart.
CITY BABY held its US premiere at the 2013 Cinequest Film Festival in March and is the directorial feature film debut for Morgan.
“This Portland-set tale pungently captures its arty, hipster milieu”, “Features a striking performance by Cora Benesh” ~ Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
“It’s a solid picture bolstered by the cast and unobtrusive direction.” “A well-made unpretentious indie.” ~ Mark Zhuravsky, Indiewire
*****
New Thriller “Compound Fracture” Screening at the Hollywood Theatre May 26th
One Night Only (May 26th) Limited Screening of New Thriller COMPOUND FRACTURE with Actor/Producer Tyler Mane (Sabretooth, Michael Myers) in Attendance.
Mane, known primarily for his acting career (his credits include, Michael Meyers in Rob Zombie’s Halloween & Halloween II, Troy, The Scorpion King, Joe Dirt, X-Men), co-wrote, produced and co-stars in this new supernatural thriller.
VIP ticket holders will have an exclusive pre-show meet-n-greet with Mane and other cast members, signing and a photo opportunity, view a behind the scenes featurette and will be automatically entered to win one of several prizes, including but not limited to props and costumes from the film Compound Fracture, a walk-on role in Mane’s next film, Penance Lane, or a screen-worn Michael Myers jumpsuit from the Rob Zombie cult-classic film, Halloween. All ticket holders are invited to stay for Q & A with Mane, co-producer/writer Renae Geerlings (previously the Editor in Chief at Top Cow Comics), and other available cast and crew immediately following the film. Gold VIPs get full-sized movie poster and are invited to a private event after the show.
Compound Fracture is a character-driven supernatural thriller in the vein of Rosemary’s Baby, Amityville Horror and The Legend of Hell House, revolving around a family, dealing with abuse, abandonment and dementia, that is stalked by vengeful spirits. The film culminates in a bloody, Battle Royale between the actors who played Michael Myers (Mane), Jason Vorhees (Derek Mears, Friday the 13th) and Ben Willis (Muse Watson, I Know What You Did Last Summer).
Directed by Anthony J. Rickert-Epstein and produced by Mane’s production company, Mane Entertainment, Compound Fracture will screen in select cities across the country through the end of the year.
Tickets are on sale now at www.CompoundFractureTheMovie.com
Media Coverage of Industry Day 2013
May 2nd last week saw hundreds of Oregon film and television crew workers, SAG and AFTRA members, as well as executives from NBC Universal’s “Grimm” convene in Salem to lobby for an increase in tax incentives in a bid to bring even more production work to the state. Below is a collection of some of the many news stories that covered the events of the day: Read More »
