List of Non-Struck Companies

K here.

A lovely Anon sent me a link via the comments section from this post, with a list of non-signatory production companies that non-WGA members may solicit during the strike. He also has a link (to the official WGA West website) that gives a list of the struck companies.

You can check it out here.

Film Comissioner of Cleveland: Ivan Schwarz

-M hurr



Film in my hometown really sucks right now, but I thought it was important to post what he's saying about film, the internet and global television. This video was taken 1 year before the writers' strike began, so it's very interesting to hear the same things coming from this man's mouth that the writers are talking about/fighting for now.

Enjoy!

A Word from Pitch Nesht Producer: Larry Meistrich

I'm Larry Meistrich. I've produced almost a hundred feature films including Billy Bob Thornton's Sling Blade, You Can Count on Me with Mark Ruffalo and Laura Linney and Belly with DMX, Nas and Method Man. We've just started a major new studio called NEHST. We've closed a large film fund, and we're financed to produce and distribute pictures, TV, and Internet projects.

I've never felt like the traditional Hollywood system gave people a fair chance so lots of talented people stand outside the doors and never get to show their work. That's why we created PITCH NEHST to accept new ideas in all media, new scripts, finished films to distribute, and learn about talent of any kind. You don't need an agent, a lawyer, or a relative in the business. Follow the instructions, prepare your pitch and send it in. There's a nominal ten dollar fee that goes to cover website overhead and admin costs.

I've already made deals with seven people who attended my Pitch Sessions, Aspiring Filmmakers Bootcamp workshops and online here at pitchNEHST. Rafi Marcus, a student at University of Miami, got a deal to produce an original webisode and video series. Jamie Eschricht and his partner John Infantino pitched their kids sports series Dribble Kick Throw on this site and it's currently casting. More deals will be announced in the press soon, and others are in the works.

We're looking for anyone who has a great idea - on paper or in a short video. If you have a finished film and want distribution, our team will review it. If you're a cameraman, editor, musician or actor pitch your work too. If you're an actor, check out screentest.biz. Watch this site for notices about what we want to be pitched on. I'll be doing a series of PITCH NEHST LIVE sessions where you get to pitch in person - just check the schedule below. I look forward to seeing your work.

source

Youtube, Blogs, what?

As I stated before, me and Keigh are becoming "youtubers". I personally think it's going to be a good venture and that it's gonna be pretty fun just expressing ideas. So, check out my channel and Keigh's channel!

Enjoy!

Updates for the little Filmies...

-M in da hizzie!

So, we're back in Cleveland, ready to actually get the HANG of things now that we don't have school bogging us down anymore. We got a car (finally) with enough trunk space to fit our film gear, and we are coming into some dinero in January so we can start paying off bills and...

...finally get started on some projects for our COMPLETED screenplays (YEAH)!!

So, here is a rough list of what we're working with at the moment:

January 6th-February 6th 2008: We'll be working on a feature film that is being shot in Cleveland, no we're not directing, we're doing some grunt work (script supervisors, etc.) just to help out the local community.

Sometime during January we'll actually be reading/casting LOCAL TALENT (Cleveland, holla!) for our short, entitled "Dilemma".

We'll be shooting in February (for two weekends) then we'll be in the editing room for the rest of February and a good portion of March.

By March we hope the weather is nice enough for us to begin real filming of "Refugee", because I would hate to have my actress running her ass of in the snow!

We'll also going to be volunteering and chilling at the Cleveland International Film Festival, which I know is going to be filled with shenanigans and good times.

Then, finally, SUMMER. Long, hot days with friends and family at the Lake shore, chilling and countless warm nights continuing the writing/filming process.

We've also been thinking about doing some youtube/webshow stuff. We figure that not only is it a way to augment a resume, it's a great way to create a rapport with local actors and crew that can one day become, who knows, a production company of sorts? :)

I'm also looking into animation techniques, because I think that "Born Under Water", which is more Sci-Fi, would look and feel better animated.

Anyway, that's all I'm writing for now on "the plan" tip, because it's late and I have to go do some editing and software updating like the little nerd I am.

Peace!

Oh, and cross your fingers for our older brother, he just got into the game and is hoping to confidently shop around his spec this summer. :)

Simple Film