PHOTOS:
"A
Very Harold & Kumar Christmas" Movie
Shoot in downtown Detroit
AmericaJR.com's
Jason Rzucidlo was LIVE in downtown Detroit
as film crews were seen setting up for the
new movie shoot "A Very Harold &
Kumar Christmas." The new motion picture
is being shot along Congress Street and surrounding
streets, near the Guardian Building. Streets
are decorated with Christmas wreaths to represent
Christmas in New York City. Street signs were
changed to "Madison Ave.," "5th
Ave." and "57th St." Don't
use your GPS because it will get very confused.
[7.30.10] |
Wylie
Studios Commits to Detroit Area
Global
Renaissance Entertainment Group Inc. (GREG)
will build its movie studios in the Detroit
area, CEO Arthur Wylie announced. Wylie Studios
has secured commitments from some of Hollywood's
most successful movie producers for six major
films to be made at the new facility over
the next three years. Wylie Studios is the
latest commitment of Arthur Wylie to the Detroit
area. Expanding and combining his Los Angeles,
Atlanta and Charlotte operations, he moved
the headquarters of Global Renaissance Entertainment
Group to Allen Park earlier this year. [5.31.10] |
ON
THE SET: New movie 'Sucker' is being filmed
in Pontiac, Troy and Rochester
Lights,
camera, action! A new Hollywood movie is being
shot right here in downtown Pontiac. It's
called Sucker, that's right Sucker.
Scenes are being filmed across Oakland County,
including the cities of Pontiac, Troy and
Rochester. The average person wouldn't know
that shooting has been going on because most
of it has been happening after dark. About
95 percent of the cast and crew are from Michigan.
This is another example of Michigan's 42 percent
tax incentive for filming at work. [4.24.10] |
| WATCH:
Interview with director/actor Michael
Manasseri from the new film "Sucker"
AmericaJR.com's
Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with director/actor
Michael Manasseri from the new film "Sucker."
The movie is being shot in Pontiac, Troy and
Rochester, Michigan. Manasseri also serves
as the senior vice president for Big Screen
Entertainment Group. Learn about the movie's
plot, the state's 42 percent tax incentive
and much more. How much of the cast and crew
are from Michigan? Find out inside...
>>
WATCH:
Interview with executive producer/actress
Kimberley Kates from "Sucker"
>>
WATCH:
Interview with supporting actor Lloyd Kaufman
from the new film "Sucker"
|
Is
It Just Me? wins Best Narrative Feature
at the Michigan Film Awards By
Jason Rzucidlo
The
Detroit Independent Film Festival took place
last week at the Burton Theatre and at Wayne
State University's DeRoy Auditorium. Is
It Just Me? won the best narrative feature
award during the inaugural Michigan Film Awards
last Saturday. Other winners include Marianne
Hettinger, who won the best director award
for her feature film Mango Tango.
The best narrative short award went to The
8th Samurai, which was directed by Justin
Ambrosino. Eddies won the best documentary
award. It was directed by Michael Peterson.
The best animation award went to A Long
Distance Call, which was directed by
Joe Chang. [3.10.10] |
WATCH:
Exclusive Interview with J.C. Calciano, Director
of the new film "Is It Just Me?"
AmericaJR.com's
Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Hollywood
director J.C. Calciano while he was in downtown
Detroit for the screening of "Is It Just
Me?" at the Detroit Independent Film
Festival. This was the first film that he's
ever directed, however he has experience directing
television shows. The interview took place
just before "Is It Just Me?" won
the Michigan Film Award for Best Narrative
Feature. Find
out what it was like to put this film together
with just 12 days of shooting. Is it
going to make a theatrical release or head
straight to DVD? Would
he consider doing his next film or television
show in Michigan with our state's new tax
incentive?
>>
WATCH:
Exclusive Interview with Michael Amato, Producer
of the new film "Is It Just Me?"
>>
WATCH:
Exclusive Interview with Hollywood actor Nicholas
Downs, star of the film "Is It Just Me?" |
WATCH:
Exclusive Interview with Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad,
Director of the new film "Jinn,"
which will be shot in Michigan
AmericaJR.com's
Garrett Godwin reports from inside Cobo Center
in downtown Detroit for the 58th Annual AutoRama
Classic Car Show. Watch for an inclusive interview
with Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad, director and writer
of the new film "Jinn," which will
be shot in Michigan. The movie will be filmed
all over the state of Michigan and will employ
workers from within in the state. Two custom
cars known as "The Firebreather"
will be used in the production of the film.
Also, watch as AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo
interviews producers Eddie Rubin and Danny
Mooney who are also working on the same project.
[3.1.10] |
| Entertainment
attorney Richard Rattner to give speech at
WSU Oakland Center on Feb. 17
Richard
Rattner is an entertainment attorney at the
law office Williams Williams Rattner &
Plunkett, P.C. in Birmingham, Mich. He will
be giving a speech at Wayne State University's
Oakland Center titled "Are You Ready
to be America's Next Star" on Wednesday,
Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The event is free for
WSU Alumni Association members and current
students. It is $5 for graduates who are not
members of the Alumni Association and $10
for everyone else. [2.12.10]
|
WATCH:
Exclusive Interview with Spencer Grammer,
actress on the ABC Family series "GREEK"
AmericaJR.com's
Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Hollywood
actress Spencer Grammer, who plays the character
of Casey Cartwright on the hit ABC Family
series "GREEK." The show returns
for it's second half of the third season on
Monday, January 25, 2010. "GREEK"
moves to a new timeslot, now at 10 p.m. every
Monday on ABC Family. Grammer is one of the
eight original members of the cast, who belongs
to the ZBZ sorority in the television show.
Find out what to expect in the new season!
[1.23.10] |
PREVIEW:
ABC Family's 'GREEK' returns on Monday at
a new time - 10 p.m.
"GREEK"
is like a soap opera for teenagers and college
students, known as a dramedy. If you like
the American Pie movies (minus the nudity)
or the Bring It On movies, then you'll definitely
enjoy "GREEK." If you are a member
of a fraternity or a sorority or you're considering
to join one, then this is also a great show
for you. This Monday, the show kicks off its
second half of its third season in a new timeslot:
10 p.m. "GREEK" will be shown one
hour later than in the past. However, there
will be just as many twists and lots of surprises
thrown in too. [1.23.10] |
Jeff
Daniels encourages U-M graduates to be persistent
in finding career jobs
Actor/playwright
Jeff Daniels gave the commencement address
at the University of Michigan's winter graduation
ceremony inside Crisler Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Daniels, who is also a musician, brought out
his guitar to sing a song about Michigan during
his speech. Honorary degrees were given to
journalist Helen Thomas, civil rights activist
Grace Lee Boggs, biologist theorist Edward
Osborne Wilson and Daniels. Many seats were
empty on the main floor inside Crisler Arena
during the graduation. All of the graduates
from the U-M College of Law decided not to
show up. [12.21.09] |
More
women needed in leadership positions, White
House Project study says
A
recent study by The White House Project indicates
that there are too many men in leadership
positions. The report, "Benchmarking
Women's Leadership," was released last
week and concludes that women are stalled
at 18 percent. The survey was conducted over
10 different fields from the military to journalism
to business and politics. The country is missing
out on talent, ideas and experience from women
that are more than capable of leadership positions.
Actress Geena Davis was in Detroit last Wednesday
for the announcement. [11.24.09]
|
Exclusive
Interview with Hollywood actress Geena Davis
and White House Project President Marie Wilson
[Quicktime Video]
AmericaJR.com's
Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Hollywood
actress Geena Davis and White House Project
President Marie Wilson on Wednesday evening.
It took place inside the Motown Mansion in
Detroit. The event was titled "Add Women,
Change Michigan" to examine the status
of women's leadership across ten U.S. sectors.
Find out what Geena Davis thought about starring
as the first female president of the United
States in ABC's "Commander in Chief."
Davis founded the Geena Davis Institute on
Gender in Media. She is working hard to get
more female film directors in Hollywood. [11.20.09] |
PHOTOS:
The Oink Joint in Birch Run, MI was a filming
location for "Whip It"
AmericaJR.com's
Gloria Rzucidlo takes you to the Oink Joint
Restaurant in Birch Run, Michigan. Director
Drew Barrymore selected the diner as one of
the filming locations for her new film "Whip
It", which is currently in theaters now!
We'll take you inside the restaurant and show
you what the filmmakers saw. It is located
at 11740 Gera Road in Birch Run. The restaurant
served as a meeting place for the roller derby
girls in the film. Go see the movie and see
if you can recognize the diner in it. Filmmakers
placed a large pig sculpture on the roof of
the building for the shoot. [11.4.09] |
Filmmakers
rally to save Michigan's 42 percent tax incentive
Mike
Manasseri, from Big Screen Michigan introduced
Wally, his cameraman, and they showed a 2-minute
clip of the importance of Michigan continuing
to get film incentives which was the topic
of tonight's rally. The clip can be seen at
bigscreenmichigan.com also a video which explains
the downside of the incentive going away which
can be found above the act now! Detroit Free
Press columnist and author Mitch Album was
one of the speakers at the event. He strongly
urged Michigan leaders in Lansing to keep
the 42 percent tax incentive for filmmakers.
[10.28.09] |
Scenes
from the "Red Dawn" movie shoot
in downtown Detroit
AmericaJR.com's
Jason Rzucidlo was LIVE in downtown Detroit
on Monday when film crews were shooting scenes
for the remake of the 1980s picture "Red
Dawn." There was lots of activity at
Detroit's Grand Circus Park, Campus Martius
Park and at the intersection of Michigan Avenue
and Griswold Street. Extras were seen wearing
orange jumpsuits. The entire area was outfitted
to look like a town in China. Watch some scenes
from the movie shoot below... [10.28.09]
|
| Actor
Mike Manasseri to hold rally to save Michigan
film tax incentives Monday
Whether
you may know it or not, Mike Manasseri is
part of the John Hughes legacy, thanks to
his role as Wyatt, in the sci-fi/fantasy comedy,
Weird Science. The series, which aired on
the USA Network from 1994-98, is based on
the hit 1985 movie directed by Hughes, who
passed away this summer. To this day, fans
still recognize him from time to time. "John
Hughes was incredible. I was flattered to
be on that show. [10.24.09] |
| Al
Pacino stars as Dr. Jack Kevorkian in new
film being shot in Michigan
The
Oakland County Court House was all a buzz
Thursday Oct. 15 as Al Pacino was in town
to film the HBO movie titled “You Don’t
Know Jack”. One girl in the crowd watching
said that she had the opportunity to meet
Pacino and she asked him to repeat a line
about a gun from the movie Scarface, at first
he was hesitant but then he said the line
for her. When he saw the crowd of fans gathering
around he asked them if no one had to work,
one man told him this was Michigan. [10.18.09] |
| Laurie
Meeker to host Film Auditioning Workshop at
Wayne State, Oct. 10 - 31
Wayne
State University will host an intensive workshop
for people looking to get a job in the film
industry. The continuing education course
will take place for four consecutive Saturdays
from Oct. 10 through 31. There will be 10
hours of training each day by Screen Actors
Guild (SAG) member Laurie Meeker. The class
is open to the public. Students will perform
mock auditions and will get coaching from
Meeker. So far, 15 spots are filled out of
20. There is still time to register. [10.6.09] |
| Michael
Moore expects more when it comes to vacations
I
had a nice chat recently with Michael Moore,
who was promoting his soon-to-be-released
film “Capitalism: A Love Story,”
a documentary showcasing the ills of corporate
greed and exploitation of the common worker.
I previewed “Capitalism” last
week at a journalists’ screening, so
I had many questions to ask the Academy Award-winning
American filmmaker. Two of “Capitalism’s”
travel-industry motifs haunted me: firstly,
should we be afraid to fly on airlines which
pay their pilots meager salaries, and secondly,
if capitalism is evil, is it likewise evil
to enjoy a luxurious cruise or other mirthful
getaway when some people can’t afford
to do so? [10.3.09] |
| Scenes
from the "Red Dawn" film shooting
in downtown Pontiac, MI
AmericaJR.com's
Michele Kotlarsky was LIVE in downtown Pontiac
for a look at the filming of "Red Dawn."
The new Hollywood motion picture is being
shot along Saginaw Street in Pontiac. There
are many props on display in this area where
the streets are closed. Many of the buildings
have been renamed to reflect the film. Red
Dawn is about a group of teenagers look to
save their town from an invasion of Chinese
and Russian soldiers. Chris Hemsworth, Jeffrey
Dean Morgan and Josh Hutcherson are the main
stars in the film. The movie is expected to
be released on September 24, 2010. [9.28.09]
|
| Drew
Barrymore goes roller skating with fans to
promote "Whip It"
Hundreds
of fans of all ages waited several hours in
line for a chance to skate with Drew Barrymore.
The Hollywood actress and director appeared
at BonaVenture Skating Center in Farmington
Hills to promote her new movie, "Whip
It." Barrymore arrived at around 3:30
p.m. on Friday. The new movie was filmed in
the Detroit area in the summer of 2008. Members
of the Detroit Derby Girls, who were included
in the film, were on hand for the special
event. A red carpet with velvet ropes was
set up behind the skating rink so Barrymore
could speak to the media. [9.13.09] |
| WATCH:
Exclusive Interview with Drew Barrymore at
Roller Skating Event in Farmington Hills,
MI (Quicktime Video)
AmericaJR.com's
Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Hollywood
actress and director Drew Barrymore on Friday
afternoon at BonaVenture Family Skate Center
in Farmington Hills, Mich. She came to town
to promote her new film "Whip It"
and skate with her fans. The first 955 people
were allowed to participate in the event,
which was hosted by Channel 955 radio. "Whip
It" was the first film that Barrymore
ever directed. It opens to theaters nationwide
on Oct. 2, 2009! [9.12.09] |
| Drew
Barrymore to appear at roller skating event;
Dave Coulier to host charity fundraiser
Hollywood
actress and director Drew Barrymore will make
an appearance at BonaVenture Skating Center
in Farmington Hills to promote her new movie,
"Whip It." Barrymore will be there
on Sept. 11 from 3 to 6 p.m., however fans
are advised to be there before 3:30 or they
won't get in. On the very next day, actor
Dave Coulier will host a charity fundraiser
for "Bras for a Cause." He will
be at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Sept.
12 from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be an art
bra show, a silent auction and musical performances
by Jill Jack and Frankie D'Angelo. [9.10.09] |
| Hollywood
and area leaders mark Unity Studios groundwork
with a clap
Representatives
of the Hollywood film industry and southeast
Michigan gathered Thursday afternoon to mark
the establishment of Unity Studios, a +100-acre
complex dedicated to film and television production.
The “groundbreaking” ceremony
that afternoon was marked by the snap of a
giant movie clapper by the host party. Further
marking the significance of the area’s
conversion was the naming of the area as "Hollywood
48101". [8.31.09] |
| WATCH:
Exclusive Interviews with Unity Studios President
Jimmy Lifton, Allen Park Mayor Gary Burtka,
Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and Unity
Studios Marketing Director Eric Cedo (Quicktime
Video)
AmericaJR.com's
Jason Rzucidlo was LIVE on Thursday afternoon
at the ground breaking of the new Unity Studios
in Allen Park. This production facility will
also offer training to those looking for jobs
in the film or television industry. It is
located at I-94 and Southfield Road. You'll
see exclusive one-on-one interviews with Unity
Studios President Jimmy Lifton, Allen Park
Mayor Gary Burtka, Wayne County Executive
Robert Ficano and Unity Studios Marketing
Director Eric Cedo. [8.29.09] |
Specs
Howard Opens New Film School in Farmington
Hills
If
you're looking for a job in Michigan's fast-growing
film industry, this is the place for you.
Specs Howard, known for its radio and television
programs, has opened a new film school in
Farmington Hills. The campus is located within
the studio one lot, Michigan's only Hollywood-style
film production lot. Everything is nestled
in one location, on a street called Industrial
Drive, just off Halsted Road north of Nine
Mile Road. Specs Howard is offering Introduction
to Film and Advanced Film Editing workshops
here. [6.26.09]
|
| EXCLUSIVE:
Michael Moore talks the economy, health care
and previews his upcoming film
Michael
Moore was born in Flint, Mich. In 1954, he
went to a Catholic seminary, at 22 years old,
he co-founded the Flint Voice muckraking newspaper.
In 1989, he put out his first documentary
film Roger and Me, in 2002, he got an Oscar
for Bowling for Columbine, and in 2003, he
put out his masterpiece Fahrenheit 911 about
Bush, fear and lies. It premiered at number
one at box office opening weekend. In 2007,
his movie Sicko came out claiming that Americans
are at the bottom for health care access.
[5.5.09] |
| Michael
Moore to speak at Democratic Club of Taylor
on May 2
Academy
Award-winning American filmmaker, author and
liberal political commentator Michael Moore
will be speaking at the Democratic Club of
Taylor on May 2 at a fundraiser supporting
Michigan Peace Team. He is the director and
producer of Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit
9/11, and Sicko, three of the top five highest-grossing
documentaries of all time. Born and raised
in Davisburg, Moore attended the University
of Michigan – Flint, and never lost
touch with his Michigan roots. When Michael
Moore speaks, people listen. [4.11.09] |
Detroit
Metro Airport offers four unique terminals
for filmmakers
Detroit
Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) features
four terminals that are available for filmmakers.
Two of the terminals are completely new --
McNamara and North while the other two terminals
are no longer in operation -- Smith and Berry.
The airport has been used as the location
for ABC's "The Prince of the Motor City"
and "Homeland Security". It will
be used this week for the new George Clooney
film "Up in the Air". The airport
is attractive to filmmakers due to the state's
42 percent tax incentive for filmmakers who
choose to do their work in Michigan. [2.22.09] |
- Exclusive
Interview with Hollywood actor/comedian
Dave Coulier WAV
-- AIFF
- Exclusive
Interview with Hollywood actor/director
Michael Landon Jr.
WAV
-- AIFF
- Exclusive
Interview with Hollywood actor Faran Tahir,
star of"Iron Man" and the new
"Star Trek" film
MP3
- Exclusive
20-minute Interview with Hollywood actor
Bob Saget, host of "1 vs. 100"
MP3
- Exclusive
Interview with Hollywood actress Amanda
Bynes at Steve & Barry's in Troy, Mich.
MP3
|
|
|
30
MINUTES OR LESS Crew Call
Grand
Rapids based feature film seeking all crew
positions for an 8 week shoot slated to begin
principal photography in mid to late July.
Regular IATSE rates will be offered. Those
interested should send their resume with the
position/s applied for in the subject line
to 30minutesorless@gmail.com. |
TOUCHBACK
Crew Call
Crew
notification for project "Touchback"
This is an overall announcement for ALL KEY
positions including Production staff.
Tentative start date: Early July 2010
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Send all submissions to:
carivan@me.com
kevinmatusow@me.com |
Feature
Film Now Accepting Resumes
Crew
call for union (DGA, IA, Teamsters) feature
to start prep in Metro Detroit area mid April
and principal mid June. Currently accepting
applications for union and non-union positions.
Please send pdf resume, with department/position
listed in the subject line, to HandK3@yahoo.com. |
Metro
Detroit Production Company Seeking Crew
Axis
Media Productions is looking for crew for
upcoming independent film, music video and
commercial projects. Positions and pay will
vary depending on the projects. Must be 18
or older. You will be contacted if and when
a position becomes available.
To
apply for crew positions, please send resume,
samples of work and contact information to
contact@axismediadetroit.com |
Motion
Graphics Designer - 3D Animator: Wanted
The
Visual Effects Group has an opening for a
Senior Motion Graphics Designer.
When
applying, please send your resume, salary
history and compensation expectations to:
Human Resources
Mills/James Productions
3545 Fishinger Boulevard
Columbus, Ohio 43026
E-mail: jobs@mjp.com |
A
Search for Real Life ROSIE THE RIVETERS in
Michigan for Documentary Project
The
Real Rosie The Riveter Project -- recording
their stories for the Tamiment Labor Archives
If
you or someone you know was a Rosie and is
interested in participating, please contact:
Kirsten Kelly (646-526-4407) or Sacha Schwimmer
at (212) 925-5980 or via email at spargelfilms@gmail.com
- Help keep Rosie's story alive and well in
the history books! |
Seeking
an On-Screen Moderator for a Documentary
Seeking
an African-American Woman for a moderator
position for a controversial, interesting
documentary. The moderator will be responsible
for voice over work, and interviewing people.
Also included in promotion material such as
trailers and posters. We need a person with
a friendly, outgoing personality. You must
also be available to go on a possible road
trip the 2nd or 3rd week in March to do interviews.
If interested, please email headshot, resume,
and full body shot to thenetwork21@gmail.com.
Please put Moderator in the Subject Heading. |
Auditions
for John Basketball, Lansing
Start
Time: Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 10:00am
End Time: Friday, May 21, 2010 at 1:00pm
Where: Foster Community Center
Click BANG! Productions is shooting a feature
film in the Lansing area through out the month
of July. We have a character heavy script
with multiple roles for adults of all ages,
but predominately men ages 20-60.
Please
Contact:
Tom Slovinski (casting director)
slovinst@gmail.com
Jerry Spears (director)
brasstacksfilms@gmail.com |
Midwest
Independent Film Festival
2010
season kicks off with "Chicago Overcoat".
The Midwest Independent Film Festival takes
place every First Tuesday at Landmark's
Century Centre Cinema in Chicago. |
New
Belgium Brewing Seeks Actors, Activists and
Crafty Short Filmmakers
For
submission guidelines visit www.clipsoffaith.com.
May 20, 2010 Deadline for Submission. |
|
|
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