The New Stepdad from A5Films

THIN AIR

Missouri State Electronic Arts senior thesis project for Max Rosen, Sam Gibson, Garret Layman, and David Bae. It’s about a young woman struggling to make sense of life after her mother’s spontaneous combustion. Starring Inge Chiles, Ross Murphy, David Lee, and Rolo Rodriguez. Written and directed by Max Rosen.

THE NEW STEPDAD

Extended cut of Carver M. School’s 2011 SATO48 entry. What happens when the one guy you can’t live with is the one guy your mom can’t live without? Starring Ryan Bennett and Matt Stowe. Written by Matt Stowe and directed by Carver M. School. Winner of Best Art Direction, Best Direction, and Audience Favorite at the 2011 SATO48 Awards.

THE LAST MAGICIAN
Rare, unseen short / trailer from The McQuaid Brudders [Brook Linder and Greg Shultz] about rival magicians during what I think are the 1980s. Starring Greg Shultz, Bobby Hearn, and Matt Stowe. Written and directed by Brook Linder.

TERRORFORM (the trailer)
In space… no one can hear you build a miniature in the basement. Starring awesome visual effects and models by Greg Shultz. Written and directed by Greg Shultz.

Money raised will go toward paying film festival submission fees.

The New Stepdad from A5Films

Awards
* — finalist; winner

Best Art Direction
* The New Stepdad — Max Rosen
* Dream ‘Scapes
* Violent Games
* Synchronicity
* Start with a Story
Ascension
Drop Job
Lily’s Petals
Retirement
Vic-Six

Best Sound
* Vic-Six — Brent Bolinger & Gabriel Mays
* Blood Betrayal
* Lily’s Petals
* The Cowboy Warrior of Gold City
* Vaquero
(Cause and Effect)
Reset
The Hitch
Mistaken
True Value

Audience Favorite
* The New Stepdad — Sophie Parker & Sarah Scharfenberg
* Love in Cliché
* Start With A Story (Lou/Kay Whitney)
* The Cowboy Warrior of Gold City
* Synchronicity
Over Easy
ID (Inner Demon)
The Devil and Benjamin Frost
SATO 48
The Hitch

Best Cinematography
* The Open City — Nathan Maulorico
* The Cowboy Warrior of Gold City
* Lily’s Petals
* Arms of the Apocalypse
* Start With A Story
Vuker’s Egress
Hi, My Name is Zeke, I Fight Crime
Blood Betrayal
We Wish You Well
The New Stepdad

Best Music or Song
* Elcatnet, Uriah Gott
* Antidote, William Talty
* SATO 48, Dan Maple
* Synchronicity, Will Chiles
* The Open City, Taylor Baldwin
Violent Games
Culker’s Egress
Start With A Story
The Devil and Benjamin Fros
The Roommate Agreement

Best Editing
* Vic-Six, Gabriel Mays & Andrew Farmer
* Start With A Story
* Blood Betrayal
* Ascension
* Arms of the Apocalypse
Vaquero
Over Easy
Antidote
Top Priority
Dream ‘Scapes

Best Male Performance
* to be continuum – Edward Brandt
* The Cowboy Warrior of Gold City
* Violent Games
* True Value
* Vic-Six
Ascension
Drop Job
Love in Cliche
Reset
The Patient

Best Female Performance
* Mistaken — Melanie Smith
* Start with a Story
* Lily’s Petals
* True Value
* Arms of the Apocalypse
Synchronicity
The Office Party
The Hitch
The Patient
The Cowboy Warrior of Gold City

Best Movie Poster
* Ascension – Jack Bonneman
* (Cause And Effect)
* Over Easy
* Retirement
* Antidote
Top Priority
The New Stepdad
Start With A Story
Crossover
Child Gone Wild

Best Screenplay
* Dream ‘Scapes — Kolyn Marshall & Jamie Thomas
* Start With A Story
* The New Stepdad
* Gossip
* The Cowboy Warrior of Gold City
Hi My Name is Zeke, I Fight Crime
Retirement
SATO 48
ID (Inner Demon)
Vic-Six

Best Direction
* The New Stepdad — Carver M. School (Carver Middle School)
* Synchronicity
* The Open City
* Vic-Six
* Lily’s Petals
The Cowboy Warrior of Gold City
The String
Volker’s Egress
Arms of the Apocalypse
Start with a Story

Best Use of the Inspiration Package / Best Film
* Start With A Story — Brandon Hite & Kelly Magruder
* ID (Inner Demon)
* Lily’s Petals
*… to be continuum …
* Blown Away
Retirement
Drop Job
The Cowboy Warrior of Gold City
Deformities & Misdemeanors
Gossip

The Film Alliance has invited the winners to rescreen their films at the Creamery on Tuesday May 17th and be available for Q&A. An updated list of screenings and attendees can be found on our Facebook Event

Every Rondo nominee is being recognized for a significant achievement in the genre during the year of 2010. Voting is done across a wide range of categories and is done by email. Details can be found on the website. There are two St. Louis films nominated for a RONDO AWARD -”Shadowland” : BEST INDIE FILM (directed by Wyatt Weed, starring Jason Contini) AND “The Devil at Lost Creek” :BEST SHORT FILM (directed by Raymond Castille, starring Carson & Sydney Hackney, Carlos Anos Valenzuela).

Closer to home, the 2009 Awards included a win by Sandy Clark, local writer who produced the film American Scary.

ARLINGTON, VA. — District 9, the gritty Oscar-nominated science fiction film, Rue Morgue magazine, a bloody yet reverent compendium of horrors old and new, and Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, a history of the rivalry between two of Hollywood’s greatest hissables, all shared top honors in the 8th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards announced Monday night.

The fan-based Rondo awards, named after Rondo Hatton, an obscure B-movie villain of the 1940s, celebrate the best in classic horror research, creativity and film preservation. This year’s e-mail vote, conducted by the Classic Horror Film Board, a 15-year old online community, drew a record 2,973 votes, the biggest in genre history.

Among other winners for work in 2009:

Best Independent Film or Documentary – AMERICAN SCARY (John Hudgens, Sandy Clark)
The year’s best documentary award went to American Scary, a loving tribute to horror hosts past and present in a very tight contest with very strong independent films and documentaries.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia – American Scary is a 2006 documentary film about the history and legacy of classic television horror hosts, written and directed by American independent filmmakers John E. Hudgens and Sandy Clark.

The film features nearly 60 horror hosts, including interviews with and vintage clips of many of the genre’s stars, such as Washington, DC’s Count Gore De Vol, New York City’s Zacherley, Los Angeles’ Vampira, Cleveland’s Ghoulardi, and Chicago’s Svengoolie, among others. Non-host celebrities such as Neil Gaiman, Tim Conway, Forrest J Ackerman, Tom Savini, Leonard Maltin, Joel Hodgson, and Bob Burns appear to reminisce about the influence of horror hosts on their careers and/or lives, as well as many modern hosts who keep the tradition alive in modern shows on public access TV or the internet.

The film premiered in October 2006 at the Hollywood Film Festival, and was released on DVD in February 2009. In April 2010, it won the award for Best Independent Production of 2009 at the 8th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards.

“This is a significant battle because it is the only civil war battle outside or Indian Territory where regimented Native Americans fought on both sides of the battle,” stated Paul Wannenmacher the writer and producer of the documentary. The documentary tells the story with historical photographs, extensive mapping and re-enactments video shot in Newtonia.

This is the third documentary that Paul Wannenmacher has collaborated with Ozarks Public Television (OPT). The previous two were titled, “Thomas Hart Benton.. From the Ozarks and Beyond” and “Charles Banks Wilson…From the Ozarks and Beyond.” These documentaries have aired numerous times and are schedule to re-air on OPT back to back on March 24 in the 8:00-9:00 pm time period.

In addition to local airings, the previous documentaries have aired in over 25 markets throughout the United States. The Civil War Battle of Newtonia is presented by Newton County Tourism Council with funding provided by the Downstream Casino Resort.

The latest sales are to Japan (BMS), Taiwan (Catchplay), Thailand (M Pictures), Central Europe Pay TV (HBO), Vietnam (Megastar), Malaysia (Golden Screens), Singapore (Golden Village), and Korea (CJ Entertainment).

Debra Granik’s Ozarks-set family drama starring Jennifer Lawrence has now sold to more than 25 countries.

The film is on release now in key markets such as Scandinavia (Non-Stop), Benelux (Paradiso), Australia/New Zealand (Curious Pictures), South Africa (Ster Kinekor) and the UK (Artificial Eye, on re-release). It will soon open in France (Pretty Pictures), Switzerland (Look Now), Germany (Ascot Elite), Spain (Golem), Mexico (Quality), and Italy (Bolero).

The film is nominated for four Oscars: Best Film, Best Actress for Jennifer Lawrence, Best Supporting Actor for John Hawkes and Best Adapted Screenplay for Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini. Winter’s Bone won the Grand Jury Prize and Waldo Salt Screenwriting award at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. Winter’s Bone was filmed in Christian and Taney County in early 2009 and features a local crew of over 30 and many local actors.

The Last Days of Extraordinary Lives film poster

Recognized photographer Randy Bacon, along with his wife and partner, Shannon, unveiled his first feature length documentary film on October 16, 2010 at the historical Gillioz Theatre

How and why did the Bacon’s take the plunge into filmmaking? As film lovers and script writers, they had been dabbling in filmmaking for years before the creation of The Last Days of Extraordinary Lives. The Bacon’s listened to stories told over the years with two of their photo clients – Good Shepherd Hospice Medical Social Worker, Angela Ricketts, and Hospice Compassus Patient Care Supervisor and Admissions Coordinator, Jan Roselman. The uplifting stories impacted the Bacon’s greatly, and they knew they had to share the fantastic stories about living and life with the public. Roselman says, “This is a film about dying to live and not living to die.”

A simple plan that started with a photo exhibit blossomed within months into a full-length documentary film encompassing over 17 individuals, including a 2-year-old, an Amish family and a 43-year-old with with AIDS. Doctors, chaplains, nurses and family members also pour their hearts out in this 90 minute tribute to living life with joy during last days of life. Film Director and Cinematographer, Randy Bacon says, “Did our subjects talk about love? Yes. Did they talk about family? Yes. Did they talk about sitting at the table and playing Scrabble? Yes. Did they talk about, wow, I just didn’t make enough money? No they didn’t.”

The free film series, which will take place the first Tuesday of the month January through May, 2011 is at the Moxie Cinema. Supported by a grant from the Arts Sustainability Initiative of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, its goal is to build the audience for independent films created locally.

So pull out that masterpiece, or get it done, and submit it so that we can include your work. The process is simple – drop off 2 DVD copies of your film at the Moxie. Be certain and leave your contact information so we can follow up with you after we’ve had a chance to watch it.

As an example from our first evening of films, check out Brook Linder’s short film “Loose Cannon”. Brooks a junior at Missouri State and pulled together a wonderful film. Set aside 20 minutes and enjoy!

Loose Cannon from Brook Linder on Vimeo.

The film stars Greg Schultz in the title role of Bruce Cannon and includes Bobby Hearn, Max Rosen, Brett Neckermann, Charles McDonald and includes Brook as “the bomber” (watch for the eyepatch).

Moxie Cinema is screening the film on Saturday night and hosting a party next door at Farmer’s Gastropub. Contact the theater for ticket availability ($25).

The Academy Awards will be shown on ABC (KSPR33) on Sunday February 27th. The Official Local Screening will be held at Hammon’s Hall to benefit Isabel House. Tickets are $75.

The Film Alliance is planning an Oscar Screening Party as well, to be held at the Creamery Arts Center. More details to come.

Best Picture
“Winter’s Bone” Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers
Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin are pictured above, center and right (left photo)

“Black Swan” Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin, Producers
“The Fighter” David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg, Producers
“Inception” Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, Producers
“The Kids Are All Right” Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray, Producers
“The King’s Speech” Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
“127 Hours” Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson, Producers
“The Social Network” Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Toy Story 3” Darla K. Anderson, Producer
“True Grit” Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
“Winter’s Bone” Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini
Debra Granik is on the left in the photo (left) above.

“127 Hours” Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
“The Social Network” Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
“Toy Story 3” Screenplay by Michael Arndt; Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
“True Grit” Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen

Actor in a Supporting Role
John Hawkes in “Winter’s Bone”

Christian Bale in “The Fighter”
Jeremy Renner in “The Town”
Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right”
Geoffrey Rush in “The King’s Speech”

Actress in a Leading Role
Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter’s Bone”

Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right”
Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole”
Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”
Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine”

By the way, did you see Lawrence on the cover of the Hollywood Reporter? The Making of an Indie Star

UPDATED
Springfield News-Leader – “Winter’s Bone” receives four Academy Award nominations
TAGsgf.com – Winter’s Bone picks up 4 Oscar nominations (including best picture)
KSPR33 – ‘Winter’s Bone’ nominated for 4 Academy Awards
Wall Street Journal – Portman, ‘The King’s Speech’ Lead 2011 Oscar Nominees
The Hollywood Reporter – Oscar Nominations 2011: King’s Speech Leads With 12 and
Roger Ebert – Oscars: The king vs. the nerds vs. the Rooster
Hitfix – Debra Granik is ‘vibrating’ over ‘Winter’s Bone’s’ four Oscar nods
KSMU – Film With Deep Missouri Ties Gets Four Oscar Nominations is available as a podcast, includes a conversation with Marideth Sisco (actress & soundtrack)

Indiewire – Oscarbation: 11 Oscar Nominee Snubs That Agitate Us

Debra Granik, “Winter’s Bone”
All of the accolades for this film have been going to Jennifer Lawrence, for what is indeed a powerful performance playing Ree, but the heartwrenching, stagnant atmosphere of the character’s surroundings is owed to Debra Granik and her direction. Without the ramshackle house, barren trees, rolling hills and incredibly menacing midnight water scene (to name a few elements), the film would be just another tale about a young girl’s journey. Granik turns the story into one about the foreign places in our own country and how women navigate and survive them. It’s a powerful movie dominated by a powerful performance, but without Granik’s assured hand, Ree’s plight would never have resonated as deeply in our hearts as it did.

Oh, and here is the Hollywood Reports list of the Top 11 Oscar Snubs this year which included “Inception” (yea!)

Dr Monty Dobson

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Jan. 21, 2011 —Visiting Assistant Professor Dr. Monty Dobson received a $10,000 grant from the Kirby Foundation for the production of a documentary film about the Native American culture near St. Louis. Dobson’s company ShovelReady Productions will produce the film Cahokia: Native American City of Mystery.

The film examines the Cahokia Mounds, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, in Collinsville, Ill., located approximately 18 miles to the east of St. Louis, Mo. “We are terrifically excited by the opportunity this generous grant from the Kirby Foundation offers to bring attention to the truly unique nature of the Cahokia site,” Dobson said.

Dobson partnered with Drury’s Artist in Residence, Patrick Mureithi, to produce the film. The 30-minute documentary will delve into the history of the Mississippian culture epicenter at Cahokia that flourished between A.D. 800 and 1400.

Visit Dr Dobson’s website for more information. The entire press release can be seen on the Drury University website.