Glowing review of "Meeks Cutoff" from Variety

Meeks Cutoff

Variety film critic Justin Chang gave a rave review of Kelly Reichardt’s film “Meeks Cutoff” last week in Variety.  He saw the film at the Venice film festival.  Among the things he praised were the locations credited to location scout Roger Faires.  How often does a location person get credit in a review? Here’s an excerpt from the review.

“Reichardt’s decision to shoot in the 1.33 aspect ratio enhances the docu-like feel and yields one majestic composition after another, the nearly square frame capturing the wide-openness of these harshly beautiful desert vistas (Roger Faires is credited for the film’s Oregon locations, which look utterly of the period). Continue reading... “Glowing review of "Meeks Cutoff" from Variety”

“The Roads of Oregon” – a New Addition to the Oregon Film Website

by Bob Schmaling, Senior Project Manager

I was very happy to get an opportunity to work with Nathan to put together a website about Oregon roads.  With a landscape that includes deserts, mountains, forests, prairies and an ocean, there’s ample opportunity for engaging vistas.  Oregon roads have played roles in feature films, TV series, documentaries, travelogues, but most often car commercials. Continue reading... ““The Roads of Oregon” – a New Addition to the Oregon Film Website”

Fuji TV films Geiser Grand Hotel

Geiser Grand Hotel

“Unbelievable” TV Show is one of the highest rated TV shows in Japan, now in its 11th season. More than 15 million people watch every show. We’re thrilled here that they chose the Geiser Grand for a special show on the ten most interesting spots on the planet! Director and crew arrived last night, joined by a translater/producer out of LA (only one stop from Tokyo to Baker City, Oregon!)

This is Director Nakayama’s second trip to the Geiser Grand Hotel. Continue reading... “Fuji TV films Geiser Grand Hotel”

News of "Meeks Cutoff" premiere in Venice

Michelle Williams at Premeire courtesy of Wire Images

Shawn Levy from the Oregonian picked up on some stories about the premiere of the Oregon made film “Meeks Cutoff” at the Venice International Film Festival.  Here’s the article he wrote over the weekend.

As Shawn mentions in his article several positive reviews are already surfacing.  We were also able to find several other web stories about the premiere.  Here are a few links to more information on the film’s premiere.

Yahoo Movies

NY Times

AceShowbiz

The Guardian (England)

NPR

Huffington Post

OK so it didn’t hurt having Michelle Williams walk the red carpet with a new hair style but the general coverage of the film was very positive.  Continue reading... “News of "Meeks Cutoff" premiere in Venice”

Meek’s Cutoff Selected For Toronto Film Festival

Meek's Cutoff was shot entirely on location in the high desert in Burns, Oregon

The Toronto Film Festival has announced its 2010 lineup.  Among them is Kelly Reichardt’s “Meek’s Cutoff” as part of the Comtemporary World Cinema  Programme.

Kelly Reichardt directed the short films Ode (99), Then a Year (01) and Travis (04). Her feature films include River of Grass (94), Old Joy (06), which won a Tiger Award at the 2006 Rotterdam International Film Festival, Wendy and Lucy (08), which was named best film of 2008 by the Toronto Film Critics Association. Continue reading... “Meek’s Cutoff Selected For Toronto Film Festival”

The City of Portland "gets it"

I was sent this blog posting from Jennifer Yocom today and I have to give the city of Portland some props.  Not because Jennifer mentioned my name but because she crystalized the argument for supporting the film and video industry.  Thanks Jennifer and thank you to the city of Portland and the Portland Development Commission for all your help over the years.

For those of you who live outside Portland, I encourage you to engage with your local officials as well.  Continue reading... “The City of Portland "gets it"”

That's a Wrap! La Grande Summer Film Project Concludes for 2010

The La Grande Summer Film Project has officially wrapped for 2010. The project drew over 75 participant this year as 8 teams battled through 48 hours in efforts to create 3-7 minute short films based on criteria given to them at the start of the project. 8 genres and 8 featured locations in La Grande, Oregon were used and the final films were screened outdoors on Depot Street next to Mt. Emily Ale House on Friday Night, August 20th. The event was packed and over 200 people witnessed the LGSFP 2010 premiere. Continue reading... “That's a Wrap! La Grande Summer Film Project Concludes for 2010”

Central Oregon Hosts Feature Film, "The Wait"

The Wait shooting at Black Butte Ranch - M Blash, Brian Mazzola, Greg Schmidt

The Wait, a drama, written and directed by Oregonian, M.Blash (Lying), and starring Chloe Sevigny (Lying, Big Love, Boys Don’t Cry) , Luke Grimes (Brothers & Sisters) and Jena Malone (Lying, Into The Wild, Pride and Prejudice) was shot entirely on location in Central Oregon, specifically Black Butte Ranch as well as Sisters.  Ryan Crisman, Neil Kopp and David Guy Levy produced.  Continue reading... “Central Oregon Hosts Feature Film, "The Wait"”

"Meeks Cutoff" in Competition at the Venice Intl. Film Festival

The Venice International Film Festival announced that Kelly Reichardt’s feature “Meeks Cutoff” which was shot in Burns, OR, will be in competition at this year’s festival in September. The film was produced by Oregon native Neil Kopp and it is his third film with Kelly (“Old Joy” and “Wendy and Lucy“).  The film stars Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, and Paul Dano.  Recently Paul Dano talked about filming “Meeks” in this interview.    For those who don’t know the story behind the making of the film, it’s pretty remarkable that they were even able to complete the film. Continue reading... “"Meeks Cutoff" in Competition at the Venice Intl. Film Festival”