Actor Rick Dial on tap for 'Crazy Heart' screening

Written by Alexandyr Kent March, 09 2010 12:06 PM

Actor Rick Dial will be our guest tonight at a screening of "Crazy Heart," the movie which just earned Jeff Bridges the best actor prize at the Academy Awards. Dial is from Malvern, Ark., and has enjoyed quite a run since being cast in "Sling Blade" by friend Billy Bob Thornton. By trade, Dial was selling furniture at the time. Here's what he told Billy Bob when asked to play a role in the 1996 film: "I said Billy Bob, you must be nuts. Why would you even ask me to do that? I don’t even want to do that. Hey says, Rick I know you can do it. If I didn’t think you could do it, I wouldn’t ask you."

Nuts, huh? Dial has appeared 11 films to date. Click here to listen an interview with Dial, which aired on Red River Radio.

Tonight's screening begins at 7:30 p.m. Bring your questions! This is going to be a great chance to gain some insight into an Oscar-winning film.

Robinson Film Center Seeks Executive Director

Written by Chris Jay March, 01 2010 4:12 PM

The Robinson Film Center of Louisiana is currently engaged in a national search for an Executive Director.  The Executive Director is responsible for guiding the vision and growth of all Robinson Film Center of Louisiana projects and programs, managing the professional staff, leading development and fundraising activities in collaboration with the Board and staff, and ensuring fiscal and organizational sustainability.  The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and has direct reports from and delegated supervision of all staff.

To learn more about the position - including a detailed job description, experience and qualifications sought, and how to apply - download the job description as a .PDF document.  No telephone inquiries, please.

Updated production schedule for February

Written by Alexandyr Kent February, 23 2010 10:24 AM

Here's an amended production update from Louisiana Entertainment: 225.342.FILM or www.louisianaentertainment.gov. And I've added 6-Month Rule, which wraps production in Shreveport this week.

Pre-Production

Warner Bros. feature film Green Lantern starring Ryan Reynolds will begin shooting in March in New Orleans. Construction craft resumes are being accepted via email at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please state the job position you are seeking in the email heading.

The independent feature film Flypaper starring Patrick Dempsey will begin preproduction March 1st and scheduled to shoot May 3 through June 4th in Baton Rouge. Resumes should be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Nu Image/Millennium feature film Drive Angry starring Nicholas Cage is scheduled to shoot from March 15 to May 14th in Shreveport. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Films in Motion feature film Blood Out starring Val Kilmer, Randy Couture, Vinnie Jones, Brock Lesnar, and Tamer Hassan will be shooting in Baton Rouge from February 22 to March 12. Actors should submit resumes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and crews should submit resumes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

AVB Productions feature film The Americans will begin pre-production in the spring of 2010 with shooting scheduled in the summer of 2010 in Shreveport. Crew and vendor resumes should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with attention to James Gerrick and extra resumes to the same address with attention to Gina.

Most Wanted Films feature film Death House is currently in preproduction in Baton Rouge and scheduled to shoot March 18th through June 15th. Resumes are being accepting via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bullet Films feature film Swamp Shark aka Jaws of the Mississippi will begin preproduction on March 1st with principle photography to begin on April 12th in Lafayette. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 337.706.8971 and email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

American United Entertainment’s feature film Shotgun Wedding is scheduled to start shooting in New Orleans in mid March. Resumes are being accepted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The independent feature film The Ledge is scheduled to start shooting February 22 through March 1th in Baton Rouge with a few days of filming in New Orleans. Resumes should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Fox/New Regency feature film Change of Heart began preproduction February 8th and is scheduled to start shooting April 1st in Shreveport.

The independent feature film Jeff, Who Lives at Home is scheduled to begin shooting in August in the New Orleans area. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The independent feature film Silver Cord will shoot in March and April primarily in New Orleans with 3 weeks at the Celtic/Raleigh Studios in Baton Rouge. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Summit Entertainment’s feature film Red starring Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis will begin shooting March 25 for 2 weeks in New Orleans. Please send resumes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Filming

Secret Identity Production's feature film 6-Month Rule continues filming through the end of February.

After Dark pictures feature film Seconds Apart will shoot on January 25th for 3 weeks in Hammond.

DMG Holdings television series First Date is filming in New Orleans and Baton Rouge until the end of May. Resumes for show contestants and sound crew only should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The independent feature film Love Wedding Marriage starring Jessica Alba is shooting in New Orleans from February 4th until mid March. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The HBO television series Treme is shooting until the end of April 2010 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Film Department’s feature film Earthbound starring Kate Hudson is shooting from January 18th to March 7th in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 504.734.3793.

Horizon Entertainment’s television series The Sean Peyton Show airing on Fox and shooting in New Orleans has been extended past the end of Saints football season. This project is currently staffed but for future Horizon Entertainment productions please send your resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The independent documentary Murder through the Eyes of a Child is shooting in New Orleans from February 22 until the end of March. All resumes should be sent to Alex Willson via fax at 815.355.1696 and email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more information about the film and television industry in Louisiana please visit us online at www.louisianaentertainment.gov.

Calling all student filmmakers: LAFF invites you to submit your work

Written by Alexandyr Kent February, 15 2010 10:26 AM

Do you know a student filmmaker who wants to see their work on the big screen? Entries are being accepted by the Louisiana Film Festival - Student Division through Feb. 26, 2010.

This festival is exclusively dedicated to showing the work of K-12 students, and is scheduled for March 26-27, 2010, at the Robinson Film Center.

The festival was created to provide students interested in the media arts with a forum to share their work, experience works created by fellow students, and interact with film industry professionals. Each year, a professional filmmaker attends the festival, screens his or her work, and hosts a Q&A session with students and the public.

The festival offers four divisions:

• Drama/Narrative (High School)
• Experimental/Animation (High School)
• Documentary (High School)
• Elementary/Middle School (K-8)

Submissions must be 20 minutes or less in length. We accept DVDs and online submissions. You can mail DVDs directly to RFC at:

The Louisiana Film Festival -- Student Division
ATTN: Alexandyr Kent
c/o Robinson Film Center
617 Texas St.
Shreveport, LA 71101

Please fill out this submission form (PDF) and enclose with your submission. Click here to download.

You can find full festival information, and more details about submitting your film online, at www.lafilmfest.org.

For questions, call Alexandyr Kent at (3180 459-4123.

The Louisiana Film Festival – Student Division is a copresentation of the Robinson Film Center and Centenary College of Louisiana.

What's filming in February?

Written by Alexandyr Kent February, 12 2010 4:55 PM

Here's the early February update from Louisiana Entertainment, the state film office. More info? 225.342.FILM or www.louisianaentertainment.gov.

Preproduction

Warner Brothers’ feature film Green Lantern starring Ryan Reynolds will begin shooting in March in New Orleans. Construction craft resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please state the job position you are seeking in the email heading.

Nu Image/Millennium feature film Drive Angry starring Nicholas Cage is scheduled to shoot from March 15 to May 14th in Shreveport. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Films in Motion feature film Blood Out starring Val Kilmer, Randy Couture, Vinnie Jones, Brock Lesnar, and Tamer Hassan will be shooting in Baton Rouge from February 22 to March 12. Actors should submit resumes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and crews should submit resumes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

AVB Productions feature film The Americans will begin pre-production in the spring of 2010 with shooting scheduled in the summer of 2010 in Shreveport. Crew and vendor resumes should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with attention to James Gerrick and extra resumes to the same address with attention to Gina.

Most Wanted Films feature film Death House is currently in preproduction in Baton Rouge and scheduled to shoot March 18th through June 15th. Resumes are being accepting via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bullet Films feature film Swamp Shark aka Jaws of the Mississippi began preproduction on February 1 and will shoot from March 22 through April 30th in Lafayette. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 337.706.8971 and email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The independent feature film Love Wedding Marriage starring Jessica Alba will shoot in New Orleans from February 4th until mid March. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

American United Entertainment’s feature film Shotgun Wedding is scheduled to start shooting in New Orleans in mid March. Resumes are being accepted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The independent feature film The Ledge is scheduled to shoot from February 22 through March 8th in Baton Rouge. More information will become available as this production develops.

The independent feature film Silver Cord will shoot in March and April primarily in New Orleans with 3 weeks at the Celtic/Raleigh Studios in Baton Rouge. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Fox/New Regency feature film Change of Heart will begin preproduction February 8th and is scheduled to start shooting April 1st in Shreveport.

Signature pictures feature film Flypaper starring Patrick Dempsey will begin preproduction March 1st and scheduled to shoot May 3 through June 4th in Baton Rouge. More information will become available as this production develops.

Summit Entertainment’s feature film Red starring Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis will begin shooting March 25 for 2 weeks in New Orleans. Please send resumes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Filming

After Dark pictures feature film Seconds Apart will shoot on January 25th for 3 weeks in Hammond.

The HBO television series Treme is shooting until the end of April 2010 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Film Department’s feature film Earthbound starring Kate Hudson is shooting from January 18th to March 7th in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 504.734.3793.

Horizon Entertainment’s television series The Sean Peyton Show airing on Fox and shooting in New Orleans has been extended past the end of Saints football season. This project is currently staffed but for future Horizon Entertainment productions please send your resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Endgame Entertainment’s The Hungry Rabbit Jumps starring Nicholas Cage is shooting from December 2nd through February 9th in New Orleans.

The independent feature film Two Wolves is scheduled to shoot in January and February in Baton Rouge.

Wonderland Films’ commercial for Nair is shooting in New Orleans from January 23rd to February 15.

Catch up with local industry on Red River Radio

Written by Alexandyr Kent February, 12 2010 12:13 PM

Each week, I produce a 3-minute audio commentary for Red River Radio (89.9 FM in Shreveport). The series is called The Big Picture, and it airs at 4:32 p.m. on Fridays. I'd love for you to listen, if for no other reason than I'm having a ball profiling our region's filmmakers and cinephiles.

I used to produce similar work for The Shreveport Times and the Louisiana Movies blog. It's been fun to carry forward that work for public radio.

For today's piece, I spoke with Sanjay Menon, director of the India studies program at LSU in Shreveport. That organization has partnered with the Centenary Film Society and the India Association of Shreveport-Bossier to present the Louisiana Bollywood Film Festival, which opens Saturday. You can listen to the story here (mp3).

(Here and here are some more press stories about the fest.)

I took over The Big Picture from RFC's Chris Jay. (Don't worry! He's still programming and marketing RFC like a madman.) Below are links to stories I've produced so far. If you would rather sign up for a podcast, click here.

Nov. 20, 2009: Actor Patrick Kirton, "Flag of My Father."

Nov. 27, 2009: Documentary filmmaker Patrick Long, "Hard Times Do People Good."

Dec. 4, 2009: Moonbot Studios, part one.

Dec. 11, 2009: Moonbot Studios, part two.

Dec. 18, 2009: Director Blayne Weaver, "Weather Girl," "6-Month Rule."

Dec. 25, 2009: My favorite Christmas movie, "Amadeus."

Jan. 1, 2010: Documentary filmmaker Gregory Kallenberg, "Haynesville," part one.

Jan. 8, 2010: Gregory Kallenberg, part two.

Jan. 15, 2010: Director Evan Falbaum, "Getting Outer Space."

Jan. 22, 2010: Steeple Man Michael Williams on "Dr. Strangelove."

Jan. 29, 2010: Producer Brandon Barrera, "6-Month Rule."

Feb. 5, 2010: "You Better Run" short at San Diego Black Film Festival.

Feb. 12, 2010: Louisiana Bollywood Film Festival.

Next week, I'm interviewing the director behind the Infamous Web Series, which is being produced in Shreveport. If you have tips for future pieces, send me an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Happy listening!

Matthew Broderick, Josh Goldin return to Shreveport for Q&A

Written by Alexandyr Kent January, 29 2010 7:58 PM

Matthew Broderick, star of "Wonderful World," just wrapped his first RFC Q&A with writer/director Josh Goldin and executive producer Lampton Enochs (also RFC board president). The crowd received from pretty fun answers to their questions at this special fundraiser and screening.

What's it like to shoot a movie in Shreveport, as opposed to elsewhere?

Matthew Broderick: "There is maybe a little more enthusiasm here [in Shreveport]. In L.A., they are used to films and jaded. In New York, they are annoyed. ... The crew [in Shreveport] was very enthusiastic, and professional, too."

Josh Goldin, on filming a scene in a Shreveport home: "I was shocked that the owners stayed and watched their houses get sacked."

Goldin was also pleasantly surprised that the owners served iced tea. That doesn't happen in L.A.!

Broderick was asked if he shared any qualities with the Ben Singer, who he played in the movie. Of the character, The New York Times wrote: "Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick), the misanthropic protagonist of Josh Goldin’s film “Wonderful World,” voices many of the frustrations nagging at those who harbor suspicion that the world is going to hell. Ben is a divorced, semi-retired children’s musician and pothead who was once near the top of his field. His career went abruptly into decline when his record company encouraged him to make a solo album, then failed to promote it. Now he toils miserably as a proofreader at a law firm." So, did Broderick manifest any of these qualities during their 21-day shoot in Shreveport?

Matthew Broderick: "In a [stage] play, a lot of people say that very often people playing enemies will tend to have a disagreement" at some point during the show's run. "Everybody knows you are playing a part, but everybody knows that you get into a pattern."

Broderick and Goldin are good friends, and they were asked about how their friendship impacted the filmmaking process. Did it change how they interacted?

Matthew Broderick: "Our way of communicating was the same way it had been for years. We have a very easy and very happy time." Broderick then looked at Goldin, paused and quipped, "Right?" Goldin just smiled.

Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover attended the screening. He proclaimed Jan. 29, 2010, Matthew Broderick, Josh Goldin and Robinson Film Center Day in Shreveport. He also issued keys to the city to Broderick and Goldin.

Mayor Glover: "One of the best parts of being mayor is that you get to issue proclamations and distribute keys to the city, but rarely do you get to do it at the same time. Without question, Ferris Bueller would be worthy."

Matthew Broderick: "Will that happen next year, too?"

Mayor Glover: "We can work on that. It's negotiable."

Matthew Broderick: "I know what I have to do then. ... By the way, you have my vote."

We're on a public programming role

Written by Alexandyr Kent January, 29 2010 6:15 PM

I just wanted to share a few photo highlights of the latest RFC programs. We've been hosting lots of Q&As, and we held a fun photo/video workshop in December. We're hopeful that programs like these provide our patrons with unique windows into the filmmaking process. And we hope these programs are fun!

On Nov. 21, 2009, filmmakers Ashley Sabin and David Redmon hosted a screening and discussion of their documentary film "Invisible Girlfriend," with special guest Charles Fihiol, who was spotlighted in the project. About 85 patrons attended the screening.

Students in our photo/video workshop, which was offered during the holiday break in 2009, made a zombie film in less than 5 hours. No brains were harmed during the making of this movie!

Indie film producer extraordinaire Ted Hope kindly hosted a screening of his 2007 drama "Towelhead" at the RFC on Sunday, December 20, 2009. Afterwards, he participated in a fantastic Q&A with our audience, signed books and posters, and chatted with fans. Hope and the rest of the crew of "Super," which was produced in Shreveport, were fantastic about participating in RFC events.

Robinson Film Center Director of Community Outreach Alexandyr Kent led a post-screening discussion of the film "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" with guests Ryan Glorioso (Glorioso Casting) and Diego Martinez (Studio Operations, a division of Nu Image/Millennium Films) on Sunday, November 22, 2009. "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" was filmed in Shreveport.

On Jan. 14, 2010, RFC hosted a free screening of "Brats: Our Journey Home." Director Donna Musil attended and offered a super Q&A. The Times' John Andrew Prime delivered a nice write-up. Check it out here.

'Haynesville' puts documentary spin on local industry

Written by Alexandyr Kent January, 29 2010 5:59 PM

The Robinson Film Center and artspace, our nonprofit neighbor in downtown Shreveport, hosted a successful fundraiser Jan. 16, 2010. Documentary filmmaker Gregory Kallenberg and his team presented a preview of "Haynesville," a picture that aims to change the way you think about the natural gas industry and worldwide energy consumption.

Pictured, from left to right, is Rob Senska (cinematographer), Chris Lyon (editor), Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover, Kallenberg (producer/director), Mark Bullard (producer) and Patrick Long (associate producer). You can learn more about the film at haynesvillemovie.com.

As part of the evening, we offered our supporters a program and keepsake from the event. What follows is my brief essay on "Haynesville." Enjoy.

Building a truly local film industry.

Anyone interested in northwest Louisiana’s film industry has heard this goal repeated many times during the past five years. Industry spokespersons and government officials have said it, as have tourism officials, transplanted crew professionals, and arts advocates.

Tonight, we recognize a filmmaker who has put this goal into action.

Gregory Kallenberg produced and directed “Haynesville.” The project was funded in Louisiana. It was made in Louisiana. It employed Louisianans. And it’s about a Louisiana energy resource that impacts the global energy consumer.

If you’re looking for a milestone moment in local filmmaking, this benefit preview screening of “Haynesville” is one of them.

Beyond proving that Louisiana can grow its own projects, “Haynesville” demonstrates that a local filmmaker can be heard far beyond our state’s borders.

During November 2009, this documentary premiered at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival in England. The following month, it screened at the15th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Not to brag, but these two screenings are just the beginning for a film that’s a really big deal. What “Haynesville” has to say about energy production and consumption matters as much to people of the European Union as it does to residents of northwest Louisiana. That this documentary delivers its message in clear, compelling and artful manner is an exciting critical bonus.

Can the local industry ask for a bigger step than that?

We need to celebrate local filmmakers who export our best stories to screens abroad. We need to entertain an international audience looking to our corner of the globe for answers to our energy future. And we need to thank Gregory Kallenberg and his team for connecting our film industry to a bigger future.

What's shooting in Louisiana? 'Change of Heart' announced for Shreveport

Written by Alexandyr Kent January, 26 2010 1:05 PM

Here's the latest production update from Louisiana Entertainment, the state's film office. For more info, call 225.342.FILM or log on to www.louisianaentertainment.gov.

Pre-Production
Open audition for Green Lantern, stunt performers only. Friday January 29, 2010, at 10 A.M. at Second Line Stages 800 Richard Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. Signs will be posted outside the building with directions to the audition location. Those interested must be strong in fighting and in dialogue.

Warner Brothers’ feature film Green Lantern starring Ryan Reynolds will begin shooting in March in New Orleans. Construction craft resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please state the job position you are seeking in the email heading.

Nu Image/Millennium feature film Drive Angry starring Nicholas Cage is scheduled to shoot from March 15 to May 14 in Shreveport. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Films in Motion feature film Blood Out starring Val Kilmer, Randy Couture, Vinnie Jones, Brock Lesnar, and Tamer Hassan will be shooting in Baton Rouge from February 22 to March 12. Actors should submit resumes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and crews should submit resumes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

AVB Productions feature film The Americans will begin pre-production in the spring of 2010 with shooting scheduled in the summer of 2010 in Shreveport. Crew and vendor resumes should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with attention to James Gerrick and extra resumes to the same address with attention to Gina.

Most Wanted Films feature film Death House is currently in preproduction in Baton Rouge. Resumes are being accepting via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bullet Films feature film Swamp Shark aka Jaws of the Mississippi will begin preproduction on February 1 and will shoot from March 22 through April 30 in Lafayette. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 337.706.8971 and email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The independent feature film Love Wedding Marriage starring Jessica Alba will shoot in New Orleans from February 4 until mid March.

American United Entertainment’s feature film Shotgun Wedding is scheduled to start shooting in New Orleans in mid March. Resumes are being accepted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The independent feature film Silver Cord will shoot in March and April primarily in New Orleans with 3 weeks at the Celtic/Raleigh Studios in Baton Rouge. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fox/New Regency feature film Change of Heart will begin preproduction February 8 and is scheduled to start shooting April 1st in Shreveport.

Summit Entertainment’s feature film Red starring Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis will begin shooting March 25 for two weeks in New Orleans. Please send resumes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Filming

Seven Movies Productions feature film Seconds Apart will shoot on January 25 for three weeks in Hammond.

The HBO television series Treme is shooting until the end of April 2010 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Film Department’s feature film Earthbound starring Kate Hudson is shooting from January 18 to March 7 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 504.734.3793.

Horizon Entertainment’s television series The Sean Peyton Show airing on Fox and shooting in New Orleans has been extended past the end of Saints football season. This project is currently staffed but for future Horizon Entertainment productions please send your resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Endgame Entertainment’s The Hungry Rabbit Jumps starring Nicholas Cage is shooting from December 2 through February 9 in New Orleans.

The independent feature film Two Wolves is scheduled to shoot in January and February in Baton Rouge.

For more information about the film and television industry in Louisiana please visit us online at www.louisianaentertainment.gov.

Evan Falbaum's 'Getting Outer Space' begins post-production

Written by Alexandyr Kent January, 15 2010 4:54 PM

Shreveport-based filmmaker Evan Falbaum is back in the editing bay. The writer-director just wrapped production on "Getting Outer Space," a dramedy produced locally and starring local talent. I interviewed Falbaum for today's installment of Big Picture, a series which airs Fridays at 4:32 p.m. on Red River Radio. Download the mp3 here. 

What's great to note here is that a filmmaker, who spent his high school days making shorts, has moved forward to feature filmmaking. Costing about $17,000 to produce, the project is micro-budget. But it's also proof that feature filmmaking can be tamed with strong gear knowledge, an understanding of the craft, and a community of filmmakers and actors who share a common passion.

Falbaum graduated from the University of Alabama-Birmingham in June, and dove into this feature project shortly thereafter. I'm excited to see what will become of "Getting Outer Space."

Check out the teaser trailer here.

Getting Outer Space Teaser Trailer from Evan Falbaum on Vimeo.

What's shooting in Louisiana: January 2010

Written by Alexandyr Kent January, 08 2010 5:42 PM

Louisiana Entertainment released its latest production update. For more info, call 225.342.FILM or log on to www.louisianaentertainment.gov.

Alex

P.S. Any tips, please send them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring (318) 459-4123.

What's in pre-production?

Warner Brothers’ feature film Green Lantern starring Ryan Reynolds will begin shooting in March 2010 in New Orleans. Construction craft resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please state the job position you are seeking in the email heading.

Nu Image/Millennium feature film Drive Angry starring Nicholas Cage will begin pre-production in January of 2010 and scheduled to shoot April 1 in Shreveport.

The Film Department’s feature film Earthbound will shoot from January 18 to March 7 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 504.734.3793.

AVB Productions feature film The Americans will begin pre-production in the spring of 2010 with shooting scheduled in the summer of 2010 in Shreveport. Crew and vendor resumes should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with attention to James Gerrick and extra resumes to the same address with attention to Gina.

Most Wanted Films feature film Death House is currently in preproduction in Baton Rouge. Resumes are being accepting via email at k2@ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Seven Movies Productions feature film Seconds Apart will begin shooting January 18, 2010, in Hammond. More information will become available as the production develops.

Bullet Films feature film Swamp Shark aka Jaws of the Mississippi will begin preproduction on February 1 and will shoot from March 22 through April 30 in Lafayette. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 337.706.8971 and email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The independent feature film Love Wedding Marriage starring Jessica Alba will shoot in New Orleans from February 4 until mid March. Resumes are not being accepted at this time, more information will become available as the production develops.

What's filming right now?

Ambush Entertainment’s feature film Super is shooting from December 9 to January 17 in Shreveport. More information will become available as the production develops.

WWE’s feature film Brother’s Keeper is shooting from December 8 through January 20 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The HBO television series Treme is shooting until the end of April 2010 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Horizon Entertainment’s television series The Sean Peyton Show airing on Fox will be shooting in New Orleans until the end of the Saint’s football season. This project is already staffed but for future Horizon Entertainment productions please send your resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

American United Entertainment’s feature film Shotgun Wedding will be shooting in January 2010 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Endgame Entertainment’s The Hungry Rabbit Jumps starring Nicholas Cage is shooting from December 2 through February 11 in New Orleans.

Nu Image/Millennium to begin studio construction Monday

Written by Alexandyr Kent December, 16 2009 12:57 PM

Nu Image/Millennium Films announced today that it is pushing forward with a $10 million studio for the Ledbetter Heights neighborhood. The company has produced nine films in Shreveport since late 2006 and is planning a tenth (a 3D project called “Drive Angry” with Nicolas Cage) for early 2010.

This long-gestating studio project is a big piece for both Nu Image/Millennium and the local film industry. It will allow the company to control its own soundstages, expand its Worldwide FX special effects operations, and cement its presence in the local market. It also builds the region's capacity for hosting projects.

The announcement was made at a press conference in the office of Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover. Including press, there were about 40 people in attendance and the mood among elected officials, business leaders, and film industry reps was very positive and admittedly relieved.

“It’s been a long time coming and we’re ready to get started,” said Diego Martinez, president of Studio Operations, in a press release. Studio Ops is a local division of Nu Image/Millennium Films.  “We sealed the deal yesterday and Monday, our contractors will get to work. We wouldn’t be making this announcement today if it wasn’t for the leadership and vision of Mayor Glover. Despite our many challenges, he remained optimistic, never lost faith and I sincerely thank him, his staff and the City Council for all they have done, collectively, to make this day a reality.” 

In that press release, Glover noted, “I am most proud that we all came together, and worked collectively for a-year-and-a-half, through unforeseen challenges to bring this film- industry project to fruition. This will be catalyst for local and regional job growth and the impetus for economic development that no one would have imagined for an area of our City that was once called The Bottoms.”

The studio will be built in two phases. For the first, there will be two soundstages and offices (53,000 square feet) standing on a 6.7 acre lot. The second phase, which will cover 20 acres, will add prop storage, a mill, and possibly an additional soundstage.

The City of Shreveport spent $2 million in acquiring land for the project and possible redevelopment projects for that neighborhood. Nu Image/Millennium has signed a 49-year lease at $1,200 per year to use the land.

You can check out some early local reporting here (The Times), here (KSLA), here (KTBS), and here (KTAL).

December production update: What's shooting in Louisiana?

Written by Alexandyr Kent December, 04 2009 5:56 AM

Here's the latest update from the Louisiana Entertainment hotline: (225) 342-FILM or www.louisianaentertainment.gov.

Pre-Production

Bullet Films feature film Medusa is in pre-production from November 1st through December 31st in Lafayette. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WWE’s feature film Brother’s Keeper will begin shooting on December 8th through January 20th in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Warner Brothers’ feature film Green Lantern will begin shooting in March of 2010 in New Orleans. Construction craft resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Warner Brothers’ television pilot Delta Blues will shoot from December 6th to December 21st in New Orleans. More information will become available as the production develops.

Bullet Films feature film Swamp Shark aka Jaws of the Mississippi is scheduled to begin shooting in January of 2010 in Lafayette. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 337.706.8971 and email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ambush Entertainment’s feature film Super will shoot from December 9th to January 17th in Shreveport. More information will become available as the production develops.

Nu Image/Millennium feature film Drive Angry starring Nicholas Cage will begin pre-production in January of 2010 and scheduled to shoot April 1st in Shreveport.

American United Entertainment’s feature film Shotgun Wedding will be shooting in January 2010 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Film Department’s feature film Earthbound will shoot from January 18th to March 7th in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 504.734.3793.

AVB Productions feature film The Americans will begin pre-production in the spring of 2010 with shooting scheduled in the summer of 2010 in Shreveport. Crew and vendor resumes should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with attention to James Gerrick and extra resumes to the same address with attention to Gina.

Most Wanted Films feature film Death House is currently in preproduction in Baton Rouge. Resumes are being accepting via email at k2@ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Seven Movies Productions feature film Seconds Apart will begin shooting January 18, 2010, in Hammond. More information will become available as the production develops.

The Nu Image/Millennium feature film The Mechanic starring Jason Statham will shoot from October 14th to December 18th in New Orleans. Please send resumes by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Filming

Marquis Productions feature film Fight or Flight is shooting in Lafayette from December 1 through December 20th. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Sony Pictures feature film Battle: Los Angeles starring Aaron Eckhart is filming in Baton Rouge from October 11th to December 10th. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The HBO television series Treme is shooting until the end of April 2010 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Films in Motion feature film Mortician shoots from November 5th to December 20th in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fox’s feature film Mirrors 2 starring Nick Stohl is shooting from November 16th to December 18th in Baton Rouge.

Horizon Entertainment’s television series The Sean Peyton Show airing on Fox will be shooting in New Orleans until the end of the Saint’s football season. This project is already staffed but for future Horizon Entertainment productions please send your resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Endgame Entertainment’s The Hungry Rabbit Jumps is shooting from December 2nd through February 9th in New Orleans. More information will become available as the production develops.

Classic movies come alive for students

Written by Alexandyr Kent December, 03 2009 7:37 AM

Can students learn to appreciate older movies, even if they are – gasp – black-and-white? Yup, and they might even like them after seeing our multimedia presentation on “Hollywood Movies During the Great Depression.”

For this 45-minute program, I'm showing and explaining clips from some of the best, most innovative and most exciting movies made during the 1920s and 1930s.

Who famously said, “You ain’t heard nothing yet?” Al Jolson in “The Jazz Singer” (1927).

Who gave musicals their infectious energy? Credit innovators like Busby Berkeley, whose “42nd Street” (1933) remains a landmark.

What was the first feature film shot in three-strip Technicolor, an innovation credited for introducing “natural color” to big-time movies? “Becky Sharp” (1935).

How is a scene from Howard Hawks’ “Bringing Up Baby” (1938) strikingly similar to one from Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” (1993)? Hint: a collapsing skeleton.

Answers to these questions aren’t just matters of trivia; clips from these movies offer windows into how Hollywood innovations from yesterday have changed the ways we entertain today.

What do students think about program?

“Movies back then were better and I think they were funnier,” asserted one student from Riverdale Academy on a written note card. “I just like old movies, especially ‘42nd Street.’”

“I think black-and-white is cool but color brings out more (emotions),” wrote a student from Vivian Elementary.

The program is being presented to students through Dec. 18.

“Hollywood Movies During the Great Depression” is half of a two-part educational tour being presented by the Robinson Film Center and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. In addition to learning about movies, students are touring the “Triumph Over Tragedy” photography and history exhibit now on view at artspace. The downtown gallery and education center is a block away from the film center in Shreveport.

“Triumph Over Tragedy” provides profiles of 55 elders from north Louisiana who experienced life during the Great Depression and New Deal Era firsthand. It also examines architectural treasures from the era.

For more about this exhibit and the tour, contact the arts council at (318) 673-6500 or me at (318) 459-4123 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Tour dates are still available and can be booked through the arts council.

The Big Picture: Patrick Long mines local memories

Written by Alexandyr Kent November, 27 2009 7:29 AM

I’m now the voice of The Big Picture, a public radio commentary that runs Fridays at 4:32 p.m. on Red River Radio (89.9 FM in Shreveport). Kind of like the Wizard of Oz without the technicolor.

The Robinson Film Center’s Chris Jay, who had been hosting the weekly series, graciously permitted me an opportunity to take his place. Hope you enjoy!  Last Friday, I focused on Shreveport actor Patrick Kirton, who just wrapped a shoot with John Schneider ("The Dukes of Hazzard" fame). Click here to download an mp3.

Today, I'm speaking with Shreveport filmmaker Patrick Long. He directed a documentary called "Hard Times Do People Good."  The project was commissioned by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council for the "Triumph Over Tragedy" arts initiative, which commemorates the Great Depression and New Deal Era. More info here.

Long’s documentary offers interviews with 19 north Louisiana “elders,” who share their memories about growing up during hard times. Plumbing? Maybe. Electricity? Not if you were a farmer. Telephones? They didn't have data plans, that's for sure.

One cool aspect of “Hard Times Do People Good” is that it involved eighth grade students from throughout north Louisiana. They provided some photography, plus they re-presented questions that were asked during the interviews.

Tune in today if you get a chance, or visit the Red River Radio’s On Demand page to download the story later.

And if you have ideas for stories, send 'em my way at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

November production update: What's shooting in Louisiana?

Written by Alexandyr Kent November, 19 2009 7:37 AM

The Louisiana Entertainment office sends out a monthly update of what's filming in Louisiana. Here's the schedule as of Nov. 18. You can also check for updates by calling Louisiana Entertainment's hotline, (225) 342-FILM, or logging on to their website at www.louisianaentertainment.gov.

Pre-Production

Endgame Entertainment’s The Hungry Rabbit Jumps will begin shooting December 2nd through February 9th in New Orleans. More information will become available as the production develops.

Bullet Films feature film Medusa is in pre-production from November 1st through December 31st in Lafayette. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WWE’s feature film Brother’s Keeper will begin shooting on December 8th through January 20th in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Warner Brothers’ feature film Green Lantern will begin shooting in March of 2010 In New Orleans. Construction craft resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Warner Brothers’ television pilot Delta Blues will shoot from December 6th to December 21st in New Orleans. More information will become available as the production develops.

Bullet Films feature film Swamp Shark aka Jaws of the Mississippi will begin pre-production in December and is scheduled to begin shooting in January of 2010 in Lafayette. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 337.706.8971 and email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ambush Entertainment’s feature film Super will shoot December 9th to January 17th in Shreveport. More information will become available as the production develops.

Nu Image/Millennium feature film Drive Angry starring Nicholas Cage will begin pre-production in January of 2010 and scheduled to shoot April 1st in Shreveport.

Marquis Productions feature film Fight or Flight will be in pre-production from November 9th to November 30th and will be shooting in Lafayette from December 1 through December 20th. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

American United Entertainment’s feature film Shotgun Wedding is scheduled to begin pre-production in early December and shooting in January 2010. Resumes are being accepted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Film Department’s feature film Earthbound will shoot from January 18th to March 7th in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted via fax at 504.734.3793.

AVB Productions feature film The Americans will begin pre-production in the spring of 2010 with shooting scheduled in the summer of 2010 in Shreveport. Crew and vendor resumes should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with attention to James Gerrick and extra resumes to the same address with attention to Gina.

Filming

The Nu Image/Millennium feature film The Mechanic starring Jason Statham will shoot from October 14th to December 18th in New Orleans. Please send resumes by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The independent feature film Julia X is shooting from October 12th to November 23rd in Shreveport. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Sony Pictures feature film Battle: Los Angeles starring Aaron Eckhart is filming in Baton Rouge from October 11th to December 10th. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Disney feature film Secretariat starring Diane Lane is filming until December 4th in Lafayette. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

R-squared Productions faith-based feature film Flag of my Father featuring John Schneider and William Devane is filming until November 21st in Monroe. Headshots, resumes, and crew resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The HBO television series Treme is shooting until in the end of April 2010 in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Films in Motion feature film Mortician shoots from November 5th to December 20th in New Orleans. Resumes are being accepted via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fox’s feature film Mirrors 2 starring Nick Stohl is shooting from November 16th to December 18th in Baton Rouge.

Check Out the New Membership PSA!

Written by Chris Jay November, 06 2009 10:58 AM

Please take a moment to watch the all-new promotional video for our Supporting Cast membership program, one of the fundraising programs that helps keep our little theater open and thriving.  We'd be remiss not to point out that RFC staffmember Chris Lyon worked a great deal of magic on this spot, which is easily the slickest we've ever produced.  We also owe thanks to Judy and Michael Williams, Dr. Sanford Katz, Lonzo Sheffield III, Kelly McDade and her AMAZING daughters Abby and Sophie, Steve and Susan Whitelaw, Matthew Wallace, John Frazier, Dr. Lisa Nicoletti, and Board Chairman Dr. Jefferson Hendricks for lending their names and their voices to our efforts.  Also, thanks are owed to everyone who is a Supporting Cast member - they're the reasons we have a theater, a website to post this, a camera to film it, etc.  Thanks, all of you.