The Confluence – Page 80 – The Oregon film community's official blog.

Kenji Sugahara Appointed By US Dept. Of Transportation To Serve On FAA Drone Advisory Committee

This week, Oregonian, Kenji Sugahara, President and Chief Executive Officer, Drone Service Providers Alliance and founder of Ariascend, was appointed by the US Department of Transportation to serve on the FAA Drone Advisory Committee.

Kenji is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Oregon School of Law. As an attorney, he played a critical role in the FAA’s 2017 Remote ID and Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee. As a full member he helped author the Technology Workgroup’s report and helped write the final report.

“Sixes” Director’s Cut Released After 15 Year – Filmed in the Rogue Valley

“Sixes” is an independent feature directed by Ray Nomoto Robison. It was shot over 15 years ago primarily in a warehouse in southern Oregon. It is one of the first totally digital feature films.

The 15th anniversary edition of Sixes releases this month. The film premiered at Dance with Films in Hollywood in 2006 to rave reviews – including this one from the late Todd David Schwartz of CBS Radio.

“A postmodern film noir masterpiece. If Rod Serling were alive,
this is the kind of film he’d be making.

Goodbye 2020! Reflecting On This Past Year? We Want To Hear! #OregonParkBenchStory

Park bench overlooking at the Painted Hills. Photo: traveloregon.com

2020 is almost over – have you been reflecting on the ups and downs of this unusual year? We want to know. The Oregon Made Creative Foundation, Soma Games, Willamette Writers, and Travel Oregon have come together to create the #OregonParkBenchStory – a storytelling generator to help us unpack 2020.

How to join #OregonParkBenchStory – December 28th onwards

1. Imagine yourself sitting on your favorite Oregon park bench – whether it’s near or far – and reflect on the past year.

Ballet Fantastique’s “American Christmas Carol” – A Holiday Ballet Film

Eugene’s Ballet Fantastique has created a wonderful holiday “ballet film” called American Christmas Carol, based on the story by Charles Dickens. The film was conceived, choreographed, and staged by Donna Marisa Bontrager and Hannah Bontrager, co-founders of Ballet Fantastique. It was filmed and directed by Jeremy Bronson of Bronson Studios in Portland. American Christmas Carol was shot at several location in Eugene-Springfield, Walker, Leaburg, and Portland, Oregon.

This is the first film Ballet Fantastique has ever made.

You really need to see this remarkable film to appreciate what the filmmakers, choreographers, company dancers and film crew have accomplished.

Stories From The Oregon Film Trail – Film Tourism Is Thriving In Brownsville

In recent years, Film Tourism is growing into a more robust niche sector of cultural tourism, and remarkably Oregon has hundreds of incredible locations that have starred in films, TV series, and shows, as well as commercials. The Oregon Film Trail has been slowly rolling out more and more trail stops that highlight our State’s contribution to the film industry. Historic Brownsville was one of the first towns to welcome Oregon Film Trail signs in recognition of its contribution to the film, “Stand By Me “.

“Tell Your Story” Grant Announces Winners!

The Oregon Made Creative Foundation (OMCF) is pleased to announce the winners of the “Tell Your Story” grant; Howard Mitchell, Emma Duvall, and Nic Popp. This grant was funded through the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC) and was part of the CARES Act and is being provided by the RACC, OMCF, and Oregon Film. Supporting and contributing sponsors include Cast Iron Studios, Oregon Media Production Association (OMPA), Willamette Writers, and Gearhead Grip.

New York Film Critics Circle Announces #OregonMade “First Cow” As Best Film 2020!

The New York Film Critics Circle announces A24’s period drama, “First Cow as their “Best Film” choice for 2020. (Read more here from Daily Variety). “First Cow” shot entirely on location in Oregon last year at; Oxbow Regional Park, Sauvie Island, Portland, Milo McIver State Park, San Salvador State Beach, and Elkton among other locations.

Just recently the film and filmmakers were also recognized by The Gothams for Best Feature, Screenplay, Actor, and Breakthrough Actor in its 30th annual event.

#OregonMade “Short Circuit” House Location, To Become Museum & Lodging In Astoria

Edward Stratton, from The Daily Astorian, reports that super fan, Richard Bates, recently purchased the Victorian home in Astoria that was used as a prominent location in the science fiction comedy film (1996). Bates was only 6 years old when he saw “Short Circuit,” and immediately became a fan, and now has plans to turn the house into a museum and overnight stay lodging.

Over the years Astoria has been a celebrated Oregon location for many features, TV series, and documentaries and consequently boasts 3 Oregon Film Trail sign locations, one of which is dedicated to “Short Circuit”.

The New Normal – How Our Production Community Is Adapting to Covid-19 – The Art of Makeup School

Rachael Wagner (instructor) & Ciera Cannon

In our series of blog posts – the “New Normal” – we are looking at what creative options have been put in place to offset the disruption that Covid-19 has caused for production businesses here in Oregon. This month we caught up with Art of Makeup School – an independently owned boutique school dedicated to education in the art, business, and techniques of professional makeup artistry.

The Art of Makeup’s training and education environment provides the necessary foundation to learn makeup artistry skills from successful working makeup artists current in fashion and makeup trends, film, television, stage, special effects, and HD makeup.

From OSF’s O! Original Programming Comes New Short Film – “Ash Land”

The OAFG21 winning team on the set of “Ash Land”, from left to right – Adrian Alea, Shariffa Ali, & Courtney Williams.

From the team that recently won the fourth annual Outdoor Adventure Film Grant – “Oregon’s Outdoors Are For Everyone” (OAFG21) with their winning application, (entitled, “You Go Girl”) is their newly released, “Ash Land.” This short film is part of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s “O!” original programming – an immersive and interactive digital space where there is something for everyone.

Recent Posts