Filed at 2:08 pm under by admin
Set to premiere July 30, Robert Duvall, Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek star in the comedy drama Get Low, inspired by a true story. Duval plays the reclusive Felix Bush who rarely leaves his confines, deep in the Tennessee woods. Set in the ’30s, Bush plans a funeral for himself to be given while he’s still alive. He knows most everyone in town has nothing nice to say about him as he is the subject of many rumors about why he stays by himself in the woods. As it turns out, the whole motive behind throwing this “living funeral” is so he can reveal the true secret that has kept him away for nearly half a century. Bill Murray plays Frank Quinn, the funeral director whom Bush contacts to make arrangements. Oscar-winner Aaron Schneider directs this film, creating a refreshing new piece, the likes of which we haven’t seen in years. The 2003 short film, Two Soldiers, won Schneider an Academy Award and one of his 1995 episodes of Murder One was nominated for an Emmy. Read more »
Filed at 1:54 pm under by admin
As every independent film connoisseur knows, the Sundance Film Festival is the largest indie cinema festival in the United States. For many up and coming filmmakers, Sundance is the perfect opportunity to get their name out there and their work noticed. Taking place annually at various locations in Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is fun for film makers and viewers alike.Hollywood hotshots such as Kevin Smith, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Edward Burns got their big break at Sundance. Additionally, a multitude of popular movies have emerged out of the festival including Saw, Garden State, Super Troopers, Little Miss Sunshine, Thank You for Smoking, and Napoleon Dynamite. After emitting such high profile films, it’s no wonder filmmakers strive for a spot at Sundance. Read more »
Filed at 1:45 pm under by admin
Without major studio money, indie flicks often find themselves scrounging for filming locations well beyond the glamorous backdrop of the Hollywood hills. Recent tax cut breaks for film production have locations scouts drooling over newly inexpensive settings in which to set up shop. Georgia, for example, raised its film making incentives to 30 in 2008, spurring a sizable increase in movie making for the Peach State. This 30 is comprised of a 20 tax credit for film, TV and video game productions spending over 500,000 in a single year. The remaining 10 is earned if the production displays a State of Georgia logo or animation in the title, credits or other suitable product placement.Michigan offers the highest tax incentives for potential film makers on a percentage basis, a welcome respite for the struggling Michigan economy plagued by the demise of Detroit’s automotive industry. The state’s 42 tax break for film production lures many limited budget and some full feature films to the northland. It’s border with the Great Lakes offers diversity of scenery, as it can provide sandy white beaches that with the right props and lighting can even resemble a Caribbean locale.Though Louisiana offers just a 25 tax break, slightly lower than that of both Michigan and Georgia, the Bayou State adds an additional 10 if the film crew is comprised of local Louisiana residents. While Michigan limits its tax credits for salaries at 2 million, Louisiana does not have a cap figure. Read more »
Filed at 1:39 pm under by admin
96 Minutes, directed and written by Aimee Lagos, began filming in May 2010 in Atlanta, GA. Based on the true story that unfolded in St. Louis, MO, the film tracks the events taking place in real time from beginning to end for, you might have guessed it, 96 high-energy minutes. Four young adults, college aged, have their stories woven together as each and every decision they make ultimately sets them in an irreversible course towards a fatal carjacking. The story expands to tell the story of each individual character, giving background information into who they are, where they came from and an insightful look into their decision making process. Not only a gripping suspense film, 96 Minutes also offers a social commentary on the peer pressures and tough choices facing today’s generation of young adults. Read more »
Filed at 11:23 am under by admin
What do Al Pacino, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Michael Cera all have in common? Before they were Hollywood superstars, they got their start in independent films. When you think of these celebs you probably think of box office blockbusters, and it’s hard to imagine such humble beginnings.Al Pacino brings to mind the machine-gun toting Tony Montana from Scarface or the legendary Michael Corleone from The Godfather, which won three Oscars. Interestingly enough, Pacino’s first role came in the 1969 comedy-drama, Me, Natalie, about a young woman who leaves home in a search of independence. Pacino played the minor supporting role of Tony. Who would have thought he would go on to play one of Hollywood’s best known characters ever, with the same name? Read more »
