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   Tucson's Favorite Grip Finds Himself in Spotlight We have always counted ourselves lucky to have such a large and talented crew base in Tucson, even more so when our local press discovers this fact, too. Fred Gibson, the go-to guy for Grip work throughout the southwest, was recently profiled in the Arizona Daily Star (registration required). It's local crew members such as Fred--passionate about their craft and driven to make Tucson a non-stop location destination--that make filming in Tucson a win-win proposition. IFP/PHX 48-Hour Film Challenge Kicks Off July 18th The 5th Annual Phoenix Film Foundation 48 Hour Film Challenge is back for another year. This year it will be July 18th to July 20th, with the big screening and awards on July 31st. This competition is limited to 33 contenders. Click here for the submission form. For more information about IFP/PHX, visit www.ifp.org. 
Petty Spreads Wings in Vintage VideoThe next time you find yourself sitting through the 4-hour documentary Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Running Down a Dream (helmed by Peter Bogdonovich), pay close attention to the clips showing the music video for the 1991 hit “Learning to Fly” (directed by music lover Julian Temple). The mothballed airplanes upon which the band sits (or, more accurately, upon which the band rocks) are located right here in Tucson, and they make a perfect backdrop for this bittersweet coming-of-age song. Needless to say, the video’s other looks (parched dusty lake bed, deserted roads stretching into the horizon, etc) were all Tucson-area environs as well. The Slings and Arrows of Outrageous (Tax-Related) Fortune The versatile environs of Tucson have doubled as the American heartland (Oklahoma), the Middle East (Three Kings) and an unnamed post-apocalyptic nowhere land populated by lone mail carriers bringing hope to a correspondence-starved community (The Postman). So why not give some other city the chance to stand in as us? The forthcoming Focus Features flick Hamlet 2 was actually filmed in Albuquerque but all the wacky action takes place in Tucson. Why, you might ask, would this Sundance hit set in the Old Pueblo lens in New Mexico’s largest city? Read our lips: it’s all about the tax incentives. While Arizona’s 2008 tax rebate plan wields a hefty punch, New Mexico’s aggressively competitive incentives have become the industry standard, and it’s no secret that film producers will always go where they save the most money in the easiest manner possible. Although we actually assisted the Art Department of Hamlet 2 with visual research during filming, we are well aware that until we are able to persuade Arizona’s lawmakers to improve our incentives, Tucson’s role with such potential box office juggernauts will always be as the bridesmaid, never the bride. 
Filmed In Tucson, Baseball Movie Headed For The Big LeaguesTouching Home, a heartwarming baseball/coming-of-age film made by the talented identical twins Logan and Noah Miller, is gaining lots of momentum as it hits the festival circuit, thanks in large part to the somewhat miraculous casting of Ed Harris. The first-time filmmakers hit their casting home run when they cornered the Oscar-nominated actor after an awards ceremony, giving Harris an impromptu screening of a trailer they filmed in Tucson and earning his commitment to the film on the spot (the early scenes set at minor league training were also filmed entirely in our fair city). The Tucson Film Office is proud to have been a part of this production and congratulates the Miller brothers on a fine writing, acting, directing and producing debut. We look forward to reporting on all the awards this film is sure to haul in, as well as the future efforts of these indefatigable twins. 
Tucson Film And Music Festival Accepting SubmissionsThe Tucson Film & Music Festival, now in its third year is accepting entries for the fall 2008 festival, taking place October 10-12 in Tucson. Feature, short, documentary and music video submissions that have an emphasis on music, and/or are from filmmakers with a connection to Arizona and the Southwest are welcome. Submit your entry by June 2, 2008 for an early entry discount of $25 for Shorts & Music Videos; $35 for feature films, and enjoy a weekend full of bands, indie films, cold beer and BBQ. Click here for submission information. 
Worth Our Weight in GoldYou already knew the 2007 Tucson Film Office Production Manual was a useful tool for finding local crew and resources for filming in Southern AZ, right? But did you know its concise design and exquisite photography was a prestigious award-winner? Yes, the Tucson Advertising Federation saw fit to honor our Production Manual with it's Gold ADDY Award last week, so excuse us for blushing with pride. We owe all our thanks to the talented team at Godat Design for creating such an effective marketing piece, while the evocative eye-popping images by Fotovitamina made each page a work of art unto itself. Hunting For Horror Tucson's Bloody Good Films! is accepting horror/thriller submissions for upcoming DVD releases. They have distribution in place and their wholesalers sell to Blockbuster, WalMart and many other domestic points of sale. Films of any length will do for this compilation DVD. Currently they are looking for zombie and monster (horror/thriller) movies, but the next release will be open to all genres. An online submission form will soon be available on www.BloodyGoodFilms.com meanwhile, please contact Dean Lachiusa directly at deanlach@yahoo.com.  Curious About Casting? No doubt you've heard the buzz about Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes filming part of his latest feature film in Tucson earlier this month. With projects like Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (Transformers 2) just around the corner, some of you may be looking for information on extras casting and you've come to the right place. While we have not yet been given any casting information from the production company, you can bet that we'll post it here just as soon as we do. Check back often to stay in the loop and get that big casting break. Production Assistants Needed For American Idol Now hiring Production Assistants for a Top Network Reality Show taping in Phoenix on July 18 22-July 25th. These will be paid positions with a major TV network credit for your resume. Positions for both day and overnight shifts will be offered. Previous production experience preferred, but not required. If you are available to work one or more of these days please send your resume to tizzyj32@gmail.com. You may also call any of the following numbers: 323-575-8037, 323-575-8019, 323-575-8084. Cast and Crew Needed Tucson's VientoFuego Productions is looking for volunteer production crew members for upcoming back-to-back independent feature films. Please send your resume to Ben Lopez at vientofuego@yahoo.com. VientoFuego is also still casting for Amor de Lejos (Love From Afar), an independent feature film that will be shot in Tucson and Southern Arizona. Filmmakers are currently looking for Spanish-speaking actors, age 18 to 35. The dark romantic comedy will be shot in June and July. Résumés and headshots can be sent by e-mail to vientofuego@yahoo.com , or by mail to VientoFuego Productions, 1371 E. Louisiana Drive, Tucson, AZ 85706. 
Statewide Casting Call & Crew Hiring InfoThe Arizona Film Office has a dynamic new website with current production information and events happening throughout Arizona. If you're a local crew member or actor interested in seeing what is happening in film throughout the state, visit the Arizona Film Office at the Arizona Film Office Hotweb for up-to-the-minute information on crew hirings and casting calls statewide. New Tucson Talent Database Tucson Talent Online is a new database where Tucson talent can connect with other local artists and local entertainment venues for information and resources. The site allows members to post a short bio and upload video, music and photos. Visit tucsontalentonline.biz for more information.  
Premiere Screening Of Caramelo At The LoftThe VientoFuego Productions team returns to The Loft Cinema with their new film, Caramelo on, Thursday, July 10th at 7:00p.m. Written and produced by Ben Lopez and directed by Jorge Luis Urbina, Caramelo follows the relationship between Miguel, a free spirited young student and Jose, a school janitor who carries the burden of a tragic-filled past. Beautifully shot on location in Southern Arizona, these talented local filmmakers tell a complex and intimate story that takes the audience on an intense, poetic and unsettling journey. A pre-screening film mixer will begin at 6:00 p.m., and the filmmakers and cast will host a Q & A immediately following the film. Click here for more information. 
Evenings Under/With The StarsWhen the earth cools down, Cinema La Placita heats up. The downtown Tucson outdoor film series takes place every Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., May through October, in the La Placita plaza at 110 S. Church Ave. This Tucson tradition is currently in its eighth season. Click here for more information. On July 24th, be sure to catch the Oscar-winning 1963 classic Lilies of the Field which was filmed right here in Tucson. This inspiring movie has captivated audiences for decades and we're proud to say it has the Tucson spirit in every frame: July 3 Jaws July 10 Tootsie July 17 Double Indemnity July 24 Lilies Of The Field July 31 To Kill A Mockingbird |