News

Common Law Episode 1.2- Ride-Along

2012-05-23T13:30:24Z

If you love a cop show and USA Network shows then you must be all over Common Law. This week LAPD police partners Mitchell (Warren Kole) and Marks (Michael Ealy) are back investigating a suicide at a local hotel. The only hitch is that Dr. Ryan (Sonya Walger) is going to observe them during work hours to understand how they communicate. Marks and Mitchell are not convinced their new case is a suicide though. For one thing, the corpse does not look battered enough to have fallen from a building; and why does she have $200,000 and suitcases stashed in her room? Wes, of course, has a problem with Dr. Ryan observing their work and finds every way he can to get her distracted or left behind as they investigate. We learn a new fact about Wes and his estranged wife thanks to a story told by a hotel employee. She lets it slip to Travis that Wes and his ex used to stay at the hotel every year to commemorate their honeymoon. Love that the writers soften up Wes like this because it is adorable! While tracking down the alleged suicide’s identity they find that she has stolen another woman’s identity and that the real Justine Winfield is in fact still alive.
The coroner, who is still obsessed with Travis but trying desperately to hide it, tells them that their suicide victim was murdered and that she fought back against her attacker and bit them. After tracking down the suicide/murder victim’s real identity as Olivia Fisher, their next suspect is her husband. Marks and Mitchell find him burning all her things in the back yard but a quick search reveals that he doesn’t have the telltale bite mark. A quick interlude with Wes and his ex-wife follows. Wes still hasn’t removed her name from the car registration and she has to come to the mechanic’s shop to sign it over. It will be interesting to see their relationship play out over the season. Paying the mechanic gives Wes an idea about the money they found in Olivia’s hotel room because it was organized by denomination just like Mr. Winfield said he does to his wallet. This leads them to discover that Mr. Winfield has been accounting for a Texas gunrunner who he stole the $200,000 from because he was leaving his wife Justine for Olivia. After a car and foot chase Mr. Winfield tells them the gunrunner has kidnapped his wife and will kill her so they set up a sting and rescue Justine from the gunrunner. Justine admits to accidentally killing Olivia out of jealousy and has a bite mark on her wrist. I would also like to take a moment to express how much I love Captain Phil Sutton (Jack McGee) as the caring boss who loves to over share how couple’s therapy helped his marriage and sex life because those moments are hilarious. So how many NOLA accents did you hear this week? Spot any familiar 504 landmarks?

-Jaime Anderson

King Dog set to begin soon in Baton Rouge.

2012-05-18T20:00:40Z

Pan Entertainment Studios is gearing up for the production phase of its upcoming feature film, “King Dog”, which has been slated for a 2013 release. The film tells the true story of a man named Terrell Johnson (TJ), who went from being the former drug kingpin of the “Memphis Insane Gangster Disciples” to becoming the first felon ever to join a police task force. Through the determination of his wife, Lisa, TJ gets a second chance at life by entering and completing the Congressional Black Caucus “Second Chance” Reentry Program. Since then, the work that TJ and Lisa have done together has earned him 5 separate visits to the White House to receive awards for their charitable work.

Writer/Director Curtis Nichouls will lead the project along with actor Gary Dourdan set to play the role of Terrell Johnson. For those of you who may not recognize the name, Gary Dourdan is most notable for playing the role of Warrick Brown from the television series “CSI”. King Dog will also feature actor/musician Akon as a co-‐star in the film. Shooting will begin in June 4th and will last until July 14th. The production will take place within the East Baton Rouge parish and some of the surrounding areas and has a reported budget of around 10,000,000 million dollars.

This is a great opportunity for aspiring professional filmmakers in the Baton Rouge area. Working on the film will provide a promising feature credit without the commute to NOLA. Interested applicants can direct their resumes to: kingdogthemovie@gmail.com.

-‐Ben Aaron

Common Law- Should You Try It?

2012-05-16T12:00:36Z

Let’s talk Common Law as in the new show that premiered last Friday on the USA Network. Here’s why you should be watching: it’s a drama/comedy starring Michael Ealy and Warren Kole. Ealy and Kole are LAPD cops forced into couple’s therapy for an unexplained incident. Michael Ealy plays Travis Marks who is a lovable goof. Travis is also extremely charming and a running joke during the pilot is his hooking up with several of his coworkers. Warren Kole as Wes Mitchell is fantastic as the uptight, but secretly caring partner. He was a high-powered lawyer, but quit to become a cop. The dynamic of this couple is hilarious and touching, but they can also give you serious butt-kicking attitude. What else should you know? The show was filmed in New Orleans so perk #1 is the talented extras peppering the supporting cast. If you have spent any time at all in New Orleans, you know that the populace has several distinct accents that are a treat to the ear. See if you can decipher which extras are Louisiana natives. Perk #2 is spotting several veteran TV actors like the talented Marquita Terry (Winnie from USA High!), Brad Beyer (from the now defunct GCB), and Alex McKenna (TGIF alum via You Wish). Eagle-eyed viewers will enjoy picking out bits of New Orleans scenery including the beautiful downtown courthouse. This show also doesn’t skimp on the action sequences, which comes as no surprise if you are a fan of other USA Network shows like Burn Notice.

The show opens on Marks and Mitchell in therapy where they are amusing the others couples by their lack of communication skills. They are interrupted by a text alerting them to a nearby murder scene. It turns out to be Toby, the son of federal judge. The duo investigate starting first with the judge who tells them Toby was addicted to heroin but was now living in sober housing. The first suspect appears in the victim’s brother Zach who is attempting suicide by jumping off a building over the guilt he feels for not giving his deceased brother money he asked for. After saving Zach from his plunge, Mitchell feels he is not the real suspect, despite the fact that Toby was killed by a Scout knife which belonged to Zach. Suspect number two materializes as a drug dealer who lent Toby money, but didn’t kill him. Marks and Mitchell then track down the car that was waiting for Toby at the drug dealer’s business, but it belongs to his girlfriend and mother to his infant son. She explains that Toby has been sober since her pregnancy and that the money he borrowed was used to pay bills. A visit to the coroner leaves them with the troubling news that Toby was positive for heroin when he died. A tense meeting with the DA who wants to press charges against Toby’s brother Zach follows. This contributes to a huge argument between Marks and Mitchell culminating with them crashing through a conference room window. Mitchell and Marks are removed from the case and go their separate ways. Their therapist, Dr. Ryan, refuses to give up on them and shows up at a local bar to convince Wes to give Travis another chance inadvertently allowing Wes to get a brainstorm that breaks open the case. After collecting Travis, the pair realizes that Toby was forcibly injected with the drugs and murdered. Marks and Mitchell head to the sober house where the killer turns out to be the caretaker who murdered Toby in an attempt to cover-up his own drug relapse. The show ends with Marks and Mitchell in couples therapy again, but communicating much more freely than in the opener. Common Law has all the potential to become a new summer hit for USA Network so it’s definitely worth checking out this Friday night.

-Jaime Anderson

Want your film to show at the New Orleans Film Festival? You still have time!!

2012-05-12T00:02:41Z

It’s not too late for any of you indie filmmakers out there to submit your film to the New Orleans Film Festival, but the final deadline is fast approaching. June 4th will be the last day to submit your film through “Without A Box”.

The NOFF hosts a wide range of categories covering narrative shorts and features as well as documentary, experimental, and animated films. There are even specific categories for Louisiana residents (must be living here since Jan. of 2011) who have films they wish to exhibit. The resident categories offer great opportunities for local small time filmmakers to show some early work on a big screen with a big audience, which if you’ve never done before, can offer a great learning experience. Awards and prizes of cash will be given out to each category.

There are a few things to note though before you begin the process of submitting your film. First off, your film must’ve been completed after July 4th of 2011, it must also not have shown at any festivals in the NOLA area or televised in the U.S. prior to the festival. Contrary to how other film festivals work, your film will not be considered if submitted as a work in progress, so make sure it’s done!

This is an amazing time for local indie filmmakers to really shine in Louisiana. The growing industry is creating a massive community of film enthusiasts in the area, which means that the film festival audiences will only continue to grow larger in the coming years. Get out there now and strike while the iron is hot, or begin planning on your next project for next year’s round of festivals. There are many roads to Rome, and the film festival route has served as a path for many who now have prospering careers in cinema.

For more details on how to submit, go to -‐ New Orleans Film Society and click on the “2012 Film Festival”.

-‐Ben Aaron

From Gloomy Truth to Doomy Laughs

2012-05-07T19:00:06Z

It looks like Brad Pitt has made up his mind on his next project in New Orleans! The
well-seasoned actor is beginning his newest film “12 Years a Slave,” based on the
autobiography of Solomon Northrup, a free man of color living in New York who
was kidnapped, drugged, beaten, and unjustly sold into a life of Southern slavery
in the Red River area. Northrup’s memoir outlines the severe living conditions
and appalling treatment of himself and other slaves under the harsh authority of
Louisiana slave owners.

Golden Globe nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, whose previous acting work includes roles
in “Children of Men” and “American Gangster,” has been cast to play the lead role
of Northrup. Michael Fassbender from “Shame” is also joining the cast, along with
Mr. Pitt himself, although their roles have not been settled as of yet. On May 4, the
rumors of filming production in Louisiana were confirmed, as shooting is set to
begin on June 27 in New Orleans for 7 weeks, according to Louisiana Entertainment.
The film is being co-produced by New Regency Pictures, River Road Entertainment,
and Pitt’s own production company Plan B Entertainment.

On the other end of the Louisiana movie spectrum is doom spoof “The End of the
World” or “Cataclysm” or “The Apocalypse” (producers haven’t made up their minds
on which doomtastic film title they want to use just yet). Seth Rogen will make
his debut as director for the film, inspired by internet short “Jay and Seth vs. the
Apocalype,” where Jay Baruchel and Rogen star as themselves in Rogen’s apartment
attempting to ride out the apocalypse. Along with Rogen, the comedy will star some
of Hollywood’s latest and greatest actors including James Franco, Danny McBride,
Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Emma Watson, Craig Robinson, and David Krumholtz.

The film will be starring actors as themselves, when the apocalypse begins during
a celebrity-filled party at James Franco’s pad in Los Angeles. Rogen says one of the
recurring jokes he wants to emphasize during the movie is having cameos of “dead
famous people.” Filming for “The End of the World” began on April 25 and is set to
shoot until July. Jefferson Parish is hosting the cast and crew of the film, with the
majority of sets on location in the Elmwood area, Old Jefferson, and Harahan.

If you’re interested in becoming part of the “12 Years a Slave” film, e-mail resumes
to twelveyearsnola@yahoo.com or if you’d rather join in on “The End of the World,”
send your stuff to cataclysmresumes@gmail.com.

-Kelley Davis

NOLA
HUFFINGTON POST

Want To Be In Pictures?

2012-05-04T23:33:19Z

Have you been celebrity stalking at your local mall? Accidentally on purpose
driving through movie street sets? Updating your headshots? Of course you have
because lately movie stars and film crews are flocking to the new LA (no periods). It
is marvelous particularly for those of us who longed to be in the film industry, but
lacked the gumption or trust funds to up and move to Cali. Um, this all excellent and
really cool, but what do I do next if I want to be a part of it? Good question! Here are
5 tips to consider if you want to get a foot in the door.

1- Stalk Craigslist like it’s your job. Start of course in the TV/Film/ Video
section, but don’t be afraid to wander off into other sections like writing and/
or part time jobs. Ditto for local newspapers classifieds online. You may even
have some luck checking a local university’s newspaper.

2- Network, network, network. There are always plenty of events going on
around the state. You know we love a party and any excuse to throw one.
Some excellent ones to check out are the Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival
in Lafayette, the New Orleans Film Festival, or the 3rd Street Film Festival in
Baton Rouge. Don’t stop there though. Buzz through a local art, culture, or
music festival while you’re at it.

3- Dominate your social media. Whether you want to be in front of the
camera or behind it make sure you blog it, tweet it, tell others all about
it. Makeup artist? Give awesome tutorials showing off your skills on your
friends on YouTube. Future set designer? Scour Goodwill, mock up a set, and
show the world your Mad Men-esque salute to the sixties on your blog.

4- Seek out a mentor in your chosen field. Pick someone you can cultivate
a personal relationship with. Don’t be afraid to shoot your favorite local
producer or cameraman e-mail. Tell them how much you admire their work
and that you’d love to do the same someday.

5- Keep learning about whatever it is you want to do. Even if you don’t
get paid for it, find time to hone your craft. You can do this by perfecting
your Training Day soliloquy, nailing the perfect cat’s eye for a fictional
Cleopatra, getting the perfect light in your documentary on famous Louisiana
cemeteries. Take classes when you find them; then turn around and teach
those skills to someone else.

Lastly, check out 225Alive.com. It is your Louisiana entertainment industry
bible. We keep you plugged in to all the latest industry happenings in and around
Louisiana.

J. Anderson is a writer who has lived all over LA but is now currently based in the 225.She loves pop culture and etymology.

Follow her @justjaimeand.

Olympus Has Fallen in Shreveport

2012-05-04T23:12:01Z

Calling all Gerard Butler fans! For all you Gerry-‐heads out there who still have man-‐

crushes on him since “300”, you can catch Gerard Butler in Shreveport this summer shooting his new action flick, “Olympus has Fallen”. Butler will be teaming up with legendary action/drama director, Antoine Fuqua, who has previously directed some really great films like “Training Day” and “Tears of the Sun”.

The plot to “Olympus has Fallen” however indicates that it probably won’t be on the same tier as Fuqua’s previous films have been, in terms of original story of course. While “Tears of the Sun” and “Training Day” are great action films, they also transcended their own genres so to speak by touching on controversial issues that exist within our own country and abroad.

“Olympus has Fallen”, which promises a big budget and a lot of action, won’t be

doing any of that, the plot seems to be bit “standard”. With producers calling the film

a throwback to earlier action films, the story revolves around Gerard Butler, an ex-‐

Secret Service agent who just happens to be the President of the United State now (it

should go on record that this may be the first Scottish Hollywood President we’ve

had). One day President Butler finds himself as America’s only hope when a group of

terrorists invade and take over Air Force One…. Did I say Air Force One? I meant The

White House.

The film will likely begin production around the month of July and shoot through

August within the Millennium Films studio in down town Shreveport, which just

completed construction on it’s new $10 million dollar, 70,000 studio space. The film

is set to release in 2014.

“Olympus has Fallen,” will have all the stuff a big action movie typically comes with.

So if you’re a filmmaker and would love a hand in making this project or just really

love Gerard Butler, you can spear throw your resumes towards this link-‐

olympushasfallen.resumes@gmail.com.

-‐Ben Aaron

The Big Biz in the Big Easy

2012-05-01T06:13:05Z

Moving along to the newest filming addition in the lovely state of Louisiana is the Hurricane Katrina suspense drama, “The Hours.” The film stars Paul Walker, who plays a newly widowed father struggling to keep his prematurely born baby alive in a New Orleans hospital amongst aftermath of storm based power outages, tumultuous survival conditions, and, of course, the rising floodwater. However, the filmmakers are more interested in focusing on the indestructible bond Nolan feels for his child, rather than concerning themselves with another Katrina story. As the film’s director and screenwriter, Eric Heisserer says, “It’s about parenthood.” Heisserer claims the film is meant to illustrate the ultimate connection between parent and child. Walker stars as the grief-stricken father Nolan in “literally every scene,” according to film producer Peter Safran. The handsome actor admits that he was drawn to the film due to the affection he feels for his own daughter, now thirteen years old. Some of Walker’s previous films include: “The Fast and the Furious,” “Into the Blue,” “Flags of Our Fathers,” and “Varsity Blues,” all films just a tad different from the gripping yet intimate story of “The Hours.” Production for “The Hours” began the week of April 25 and will continue through the next month. The film is expected to premiere at the Sundance festival in January of next year. In addition to “The Hours,” “The Tomb,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone has also been filming in Louisiana. Even director Quentin Tarantino is shooting his newest film “Django Unchained,” starring Leonardo Dicaprio, Jamie Foxx, and Samuel L. Jackson, in the Bayou state. The Louisiana film industry seems to be buzzing with life these days. Whether it’s an action packed blockbuster or the admirable story of sheer determination during disaster, the Big Easy and everywhere around the rest of Southern Louisiana is shaping up to be preferable filming location for Hollywood producers, writers, and directors.

Washington Post

-Kelley Davis

New Orleans makes way for "2 Guns."

2012-04-27T16:49:21Z

Universal Studios is set to begin production on the graphic novel based crime
thriller, “2 Guns”, in Louisiana during June. The film will star Mark Walberg, Denzel
Washington, and Paula Patton. Director Baltasar Kormakur will be re-‐uniting with
Walberg after the successful action film, “Contraband” a film that was also shot in
New Orleans.

As you may have already guessed the “2 Guns” will be played by Markey Mark and
Denzel. For those unfamiliar with the graphic novel written by Steven Grant, the
story revolves around a Navy intelligence officer and a DEA agent who have both
been charged with the task of investigating one another while each one secretly
attempts to steal money from the Mob, only to find they have both been set up in a
scheme run by the very ones their attempting to steal from. At this point it is
unknown which of the roles the actors will be playing.

The film has an estimated budget of around $90,000,000 and is one of the latest big
budget film projects to be announced here in Louisiana. The production locations
will be split between Louisiana and New Mexico. The film has been set to release in
2013.

“2 Guns” is another fine addition to Louisiana’s rising movie industry, the continuing
growth of big budget action movies being shot in New Orleans will only help in
establishing Louisiana as the “Hollywood of the South”. The film is set to begin
shooting on June 11, 2012 through August 14, 2012 in the NOLA area. Interested
professional filmmakers can direct their resumes to
twogunsmovieresumes@gmail.com.

-Ben Aaron

Louisiana's Latest Film Production Hotline

2012-04-19T12:00:00Z

Courtesy of LouisianaEntertainment.gov

For up-to-the-minute opportunities, follow Louisiana Entertainment on Twitter (@louisianaentbiz) and Facebook. Call 225.342.FILM to access the hotline by phone, or download a copy.

Cutter

One Eyed Dog Films' feature film Cutter will start shooting summer 2012 for 10 weeks in Baton Rouge. Please direct resumes to lana@one-eyed-dog-films.com.

Thunder Run

Freedom Films’ feature film Thunder Run starring Gerard Butler, Sam Worthington, and Matthew McConaughey will shoot May 1, 2012 to July 15, 2012 in Baton Rouge. Please direct resumes to info@freedomfilmsllc.com.

Django Unchained

Weinstein Company’s feature film Django Unchained starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jamie Foxx is shooting February 28, 2012 to June 2012 in New Orleans. Please direct resumes to djangoprodoffice@gmail.com or supercoolresumes@gmail.com.

LAFO's 2012 Director's Competition

2012-04-18T12:00:00Z

For all those out there who've always wanted to make their own movies, the first step has arrived. The Baton Rouge based Louisiana Arts and Film Organization is currently holding its 2012 Directors Competition for those aspiring to sit in the director's seat.

The winner will get to direct a music video for Baton Rouge local band Our First Fight. According to Valerie Black, the coordinator of the LAFO, in an attempt to open the competition to each kind of creative type; applicants are able to submit their ideas in written form, drawn story boards, or video formats. The deadline to apply is May 11, 2012.

- Dorian Wright

Oscar Winning VFX Company Comes to “The Red Stick”

2012-04-17T12:00:00Z

German based visual effects company; “Pixomondo” has announced that it will be establishing a new studio in the heart of Baton Rouge’s Celtic Media Centre. Expected to open in May, the $1.2 million complex will provide visual effects services for film and commercial productions on both local and international scales.

Since 2005, the production company has worked on a plethora of Hollywood features like “The Hunger Games”, “Green Lantern”, and “Super 8”. The company even took the visual effects helm for the 2011 Academy Award winning film “Hugo”, winning an Oscar in the process. Pixomondo is expected to provide at least 75 job openings ranging from animators to modelers.

It’s no secret that Louisiana’s generous tax incentive is what helped draw this big fish into town, and with developments such as this it’s exciting to see what the future may bring to Baton Rouge’s film industry. Interested applicants can have a look at the job requirements on Pixomondo’s website, www.pixomondo.com

‐Ben Aaron

State Entertainment Group Changes Name, Refocuses Efforts

2012-02-21T05:30:25Z

The Louisiana film and entertainment leaders recently went through a strategic planning process and have refocused their efforts. During that process the industry leaders voted to change the name of the organization from the Louisiana Industry for Film and Entertainment (LIFE) to the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association (LFEA). The new name reflects the organization’s mission to ensure continued long-term growth of an industry which now helps employ thousands throughout the State of Louisiana.

TOM CRUISE & JOSEPH KOSINSKI HEADLINE LOUISIANA'S LATEST FILM

2012-02-08T05:28:33Z

Joseph Kosinski, the director of TRON: Legacy, will direct the latest Tom Cruise film.

Tom Cruise stars in an upcoming action adventure film directed by Joseph Kosinski (TRON: Legacy).

The movie will be filming in Baton Rouge and New Orleans from March to May.

Click here for casting opportunities for this project.

Baton Rouge presents, the Third Street Film Festival

2011-09-25T17:25:10Z

Now Accepting Film Submissions

Baton Rouge is pleased to host the Third Street Film Festival, giving everyone who is interested in film making a chance to have their work seen by the general public and other film makers.

The Third Street Film Festival, which is premiering on December 30, 2011, is now accepting submissions. Being a Louisiana based film festival, they are asking for films only produced and filmed in Louisiana. If you are trying to get into the film industry, this is definitely a way to start.

The mission of the Third Street Film Festival is to encourage, foster, and unite Louisiana’s talented independent filmmakers by providing a state of the art venue to showcase their artistry. It is these artists who will play a critical role in the future of Louisiana’s film industry. The festival will showcase the work of select talented independent filmmakers whose work has been produced and filmed in Louisiana.

Additional information regarding the Third Street Film Festival, and submission guidelines at www.LAFilmSpot.com

News

Common Law Episode 1.2- Ride-Along

King Dog set to begin soon in Baton Rouge.

Common Law- Should You Try It?

Want your film to show at the New Orleans Film Festival? You still have time!!

From Gloomy Truth to Doomy Laughs

Want To Be In Pictures?

Olympus Has Fallen in Shreveport

Calling all Gerard Butler fans! For all you Gerry-­‐heads out there who still have man-­‐

The Big Biz in the Big Easy

New Orleans makes way for "2 Guns."

Louisiana's Latest Film Production Hotline

LAFO's 2012 Director's Competition

Oscar Winning VFX Company Comes to “The Red Stick”

State Entertainment Group Changes Name, Refocuses Efforts

TOM CRUISE & JOSEPH KOSINSKI HEADLINE LOUISIANA'S LATEST FILM

Baton Rouge presents, the Third Street Film Festival

Now Accepting Film Submissions

Calling all Gerard Butler fans! For all you Gerry-‐heads out there who still have man-‐