Dallas Producers Association

DPA Member News: Black Eagle Force

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

We wish to announce the release of our new novel, BLACK EAGLE FORCE: Eye of the Storm, by Buck Stienke and Ken Farmer, yesterday on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Eagle-Force-Eye-Storm/dp/1617779644/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329324063&sr=1-1

The print version is up and the E-Book version will be available in a few weeks. Print version is also available at our our web site:www.blackeagleforce.com

Autographed ARC of the sequel, BLACK EAGLE FORCE: Sacred Mountain, also available at our web site.

5 of 5 Star Rating

"REMINISCENT OF CLANCY'S BEST, BUT WITH MORE ACTION!"

High-Tech Secret Special Ops Force Defends American Shores in New Military Action Thriller novel series by Buck Stienke and Ken Farmer.

A clandistine Special Ops force comprised of patriotic former US military men and women pilots and special forces members contracted to the Department of Defense. Their motto is: Semper Paro Bellum. They are the BLACK EAGLE FORCE.

The screen play for Eye of the Storm is also complete.

It won't hurt our feelings if you wish to forward this email to your friends, too.

Semper Fi,

Ken & Buck

Some Folks We Lost in 2011, Pt.2 (July-Dec)

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:37:00 +0000

SEE #4 AND #18 ^

CLIFF ROBERTSON AS JFK

WRITTEN BY JIMMY SANGSTER

STARRING CYNTHIA MEYERS & CHARLES NAPIER

DIRECTED BY KEN RUSSELL

We lost so many great talents in our industry in 2011, I broke the list up into two parts, and it was tough to keep it to 20 just for the second half. This is just some of the actors, musicians, directors, writers, producers, from the famous to the cult figures, that passed from July to December 2011. We'll see you at IT CAME FROM DALLAS: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVENTH, on February 23rd at Studio Movie Grill-Dallas, where we'll also do more on the local greats we lost. Be there or be square!

1. SHERWOOD SCHWARTZ (7/12, age 94)

Prolific TV writer/producer to whom baby boomers and standup comics owe endless thanks for having created Gilligans Island in 1964, and The Brady Bunch (and its endless offshoots) in 1969. (why did they bring a year's worth of clothing for a three hour tour? One of life's little mysteries...)

2. AMY WINEHOUSE (7/23, age 27)

Of the many music greats who died in 2011, Winehouse may have been the most tragic. Lots of performers have gone through rehab, but not many had a hit single about it. The Brit jazz/rocker was a five-time Grammy winner, was nicknamed "Wino", and died of alcohol poisoning. Her music was heard on many US and UK movie/TV soundtrack. Also dead at 27: Janis Jopin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Kobain.

3. G.D. SPRADLIN (7/24, age 90 )

Character actor since the '60s whose name may not ring bells but his face sure will -- the corrupt Senator in GODFATHER PART II, the general who sends Martin Sheen on his mission in APOCALYPSE NOW, the Tom Landry-ish coach in NORTH DALLAS 40, and many more.

4. POLLY PLATT (7/27, age 72)

When she came to North Texas as Production Designer on THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (arguably the greatest Texas film) in 1971, Platt was married to the director, Peter Bogdanovich. He dumped her for his star discovery, Cybill Shepard, yet they collaborated on later films, including PAPER MOON and WHAT'S UP DOC? She was Oscar-nominated for her work on TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (Houston), and became a renowned producer herself on its sequel THE EVENING STAR, SAY ANYTHING, BROADCAST NEWS, and BOTTLE ROCKET (Dallas), and wrote screenplays, too. First female member of the Art Directors Guild. Platt had ALS.

5. JIMMY SANGSTER (8/19, age 83)

If you make horror flicks, you owe a debt to this British screenwriter. His screenplays for CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN ('57) and HORROR OF DRACULA ('58) started the horror factory at Hammer Studios. Those and the movies that followed revolutionized the genre with sex, gore and vibrant color (the last surviving star of this new wave is Christopher Lee, still kickin' it at 89 in HUGO). Sangster later moved to Hollywood and wrote lots of TV movies and episodes -- the same guy who wrote the above flicks also wrote episodes of B.J. and the Bear and the cult TV classic Kolchak: The Night Stalker.

6. CLIFF ROBERTSON (9/10, age 88)

How odd that this veteran actor, who made his film debut in 1955's PICNIC, is now remembered by many for his last role, as Uncle Ben in SPIDER-MAN ('02), who sez the iconic line "With great power comes great responsibility". Won the Best Actor Oscar for 1968's CHARLY, a role he first played on TV in 1961. In '63 he was first in a never-ending line of actors to play John F. Kennedy, in PT 109 (the first time a sitting president was the main subject of a movie). Among his many credits were classic episodes of Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. Victim of a swindle by Columbia Pictures head David Begelman in the '70s, which sadly hurt him more than it did Begelman.

7. JERRY HAYNES (9/26, age 84)

In addition to playing one of America's greatest childrens' show hosts, Mr. Peppermint, from 1961 to 1996 on WFAA-8 (a US television record, and he beat Capt. Kangeroo in ratings), Haynes also hosted the Dallas edition of American Bandstand and was present at JFK's assassination -- he was the first person interviewed on WFAA TV on 11/23/63. On the big screen he was the inventor of ROBOCOP's nemesis ED 209, deputy sheriff in PLACES IN THE HEART, and judge in BOYS DON'T CRY, among many others. Thanks, Jerry. His son Gibby was lead singer for The Butthole Surfers.

8. CHARLES NAPIER (10/5, age 75)

Maybe the only actor to go from Russ Meyer's stock company to a mainstream movie career, Napier became very familiar as blowhard generals and cops in RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PT. 2, the AUSTIN POWERS flicks, lots more. For director Jonathan Demme he was the unfortunate guard in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and the judge in PHILADELPHIA. Also in THE BLUES BROS. Before starring in Meyers' X-rated CHERRY HARRY & RAQUEL and BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, Napier was in the infamous 1969 "space hippies" episode of Star Trek, "The Way to Eden", wherein he sang the unforgettable ditty "Gonna crack my knuckles and jump for joy, got a clean bill of health from Dr. McCoy!" Napier did a lot of animation voices, including a regular character on The Critic.

9. STEVE JOBS (10/5, age 56)

The man who made it possible for most of you to read this and work every day was also a pioneer in computer-animated features. He developed Pixar in the late '80s and was executive producer of TOY STORY (95). After that came TOY STORY II, MONSTERS INC, FINDING NEMO, WALL-E, UP... not bad for a college dropout. A Buddhist, Jobs was once investigated by the FBI when he was up for a White House position under Bush Sr. Their file on him was made public last week.

10. DIANE CILENTO (10/6, age 78)

Australian actress who was Mrs. Sean Connery from 1962-73, Oscar-nominated for TOM JONES ('63). Also in HOMBRE with Paul Newman, THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY with Charlton Heston, and the horror classic THE WICKER MAN (not the lousy 2006 Nic Cage remake).

11. DALE BERRY (10/23, age 83)

Dallas character actor, musician, rodeo entertainer, and a frequent guest at Western conventions. In the mid-'60s Berry directed some drive-in exploitation flicks with such titles as PASSION IN THE SUN, HIP HOT AND 21, and HOT-BLOODED WOMAN. Thanks to DVD they have acquired world-wide cult followings. He was a frequent guest at our "It Came From Dallas" show where we showcased his work, including his appearance in the 1962 Dallas episode of Route 66.

12. RICHARD GORDON (11/1, age 85)

B-movie producer whose product was very popular with TV horror host shows in the '60s and '70s. Most famous for 1959's FIEND WITHOUT A FACE, the one with the flying brains trying to break into the house (there's an in-joke to it in BEETLEJUICE).

13. CYNTHIA MYERS (11/4, age 61)

Another Russ Meyer star to pass in 2011 (along with Napier and Tura Satana), she was a model and 1968 Playmate whose foldout was hugely popular with Vietnam soldiers. She starred with Napier in 1970's BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS.

14. KEN RUSSELL (11/27, age 84)

The bad boy of British film directors, Russell started on the BBC and was Oscar-nominated for WOMEN IN LOVE ('70). His films were known for their outrageous-ness, which made him a natural to direct TOMMY ('75). ALTERED STATES ('80) was the only hit of his few American films. THE DEVILS was rated X in 1971, and much banned and censored.

15. PATRICE O'NEAL (11/27, age 41)

A rising stand-up comic from Boston, O'Neal appeared onstage, radio, television, and movies (THE 25TH HOUR, HEAD OF STATE, FURRY VENGEANCE). His last appearance was on Comedy Central's Roast of Charlie Sheen last September. O'Neal had a stroke and had long suffered from diabetes.

16. BILL MCKINNEY (12/1, age 80 )

Great Tennessee character actor forever remembered for doing nasty things to Ned Beatty, and later having one of the all-time great death scenes, in DELIVERANCE ('72). Also in THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES, THE GREEN MILE, BACK TO THE FUTURE 3, many more. "Come on boy...squeal like a pig!"

17. HARRY MORGAN (12/7, age 96)

Thanks to perpetual reruns of MASH (it probably reruns on Heaven's CCTV network), he's one of the most seen actors ever. The world knows him as Col. Potter ('74-'84), but Morgan (from Detroit) was a character actor since 1942 and starred in at least six other series -- the next most famous was the second Dragnet series ('66-'70), as straight man to even-straighter Jack Webb. And a lot of western and military film roles. Catch him on TCM with Henry Fonda in THE OXBOW INCIDENT and John Wayne in THE SHOOTIST. Until the late '50s he was billed as Henry Morgan, which he had to change because of a TV comic with that name.

18. BERT SCHNEIDER (12/12, age 78)

Producer of some of the most influential films of the '60s and '70s, prime among them EASY RIDER ('69) and THE LAST PICTURE SHOW ('71, Archer City). Also FIVE EASY PIECES, DAYS OF HEAVEN (by TREE OF LIFE director Terrence Malick), et.al. Schneider won an Emmy for the TV series The Monkees and an Oscar for the 'Nam doc HEARTS AND MINDS ('74).

19. NICOL WILLIAMSON (12/16, age 75)

Scottish character actor who was memorable as Sherlock Holmes in THE SEVEN PER CENT SOLUTION ('76) and Merlin in EXCALIBUR ('81). Last film was SPAWN ('97).

20. ROBERT EASTON (12/16, age 81)

"The Man of a Thousand Voices", Easton was master of accents and dialects who trained many Hollywood actors, especially in western, southern and country roles. Coached Forrest Whitaker to an Oscar for THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND. He played many, many hicks and long-haired country boys, starting in 1951. Also the Klingon judge in STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY ('91). A 1949 grad of UT Austin.

DPA Member News: Mondell's Shoe Confessional Returns to DMA this weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:26:00 +0000

As part of the SOLE SISTERS film project, award-winning filmmaker Cynthia Salzman Mondell will be filming women’s stories LIVE with her interactive SHOE CONFESSIONAL at the Dallas Museum of Art. The SHOE CONFESSIONAL is a booth where women are free to share their shoe stories and divulge their secrets.

Bring your friends and family to be part of a socially conscious documentary about women’s issues. And have fun!

Saturday, February 11 1:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, February 12 Noon-3:30 PM

Several DPA members are working on this project: Allen Mondell, Phil Allen, David Friedman, Danny Redd and Replicopy

https://www.facebook.com/events/136386049815192/

http://www.solesistersfilm.com/share-your-story-show-off-your-shoes

Killer Shrews Invade Texas Theater!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:46:00 +0000

On Saturday afternoon, February 18, DPA presents a couple of rarely-screened ICFD! cult classics at the Texas Theater to get you guys psyched for the 2012 edition of "It Came From Dallas: The Magnificent Seventh!", happening Thursday February 23rd at The Studio Movie Grill-Dallas, at 7pm. We've cross-bred the two most famous made-in-Dallas drive-in double bills, 1959's THE GIANT GILA MONSTER/THE KILLER SHREWS and 1960's BEYOND THE TIME BARRIER/AMAZING TRANSPARENT MAN to create our own monster double-dose of black-and-white Dallas dementia. I'll be there with to talk about the big show and add some running commentary, plus fun trailers and shorts, all from Gordon's Vault. Tickets are $2 for each flick, or $3 for both. The matinee double feature starts at 4pm with:

BEYOND THE TIME BARRIER, from producer/star Robert Clarke (who gifted us the previous year with THE HIDEOUS SUN DEMON). He's an astronaut zapped into the future of 2024 after a 1995 war left the world sterile (and no one told you!) Guess what he's called upon to do. And you thought ROBOCOP was the first time Dallas played a future city! Of course there's a mutant attack scene! Shot at the State Fairgrounds and Dallas airports by legendary B-movie director Edgar G. Ulmer (famous for 1934's THE BLACK CAT with Karloff and Lugosi).

At 5:30, we're invaded by giant KILLER SHREWS (actually agitated dogs wired up with bath mats and hand puppets for the closeups). James Best (The Dukes of Hazzard's Sheriff Coltrane) stars with Miss Sweden 1956 Ingrid Goude, Gunsmoke's Ken Curtis (also co-producer) and Dallas radio pioneer Gordon McLendon, exec producer of this and co-feature GIANT GILA MONSTER (SHREWS is more fun!) Monster-animal-attack madness that predated THE BIRDS and in some ways, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. Best starred in a sequel last year! Lake Dallas never had it so good.

So please drive in slowly, remember to replace the speaker when you leave, and don't think we don't know about the guy you're hiding in the trunk. For more details, click here:

Texas Theater Classic B-Movie Double Bill

See you on the 23rd!

-Gordon K. Smith

DPA Member News: StormStock pleased to be associated with Oscar nominee “The Tree of Life”

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:22:00 +0000

January 24, 2012

ARLINGTON, Texas – Oscar nominees for Best Picture 2011 wererecently announced and include the Texas-shot movie “The Tree ofLife” which stars Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. During production,Prairie Pictures producer and cinematographer Martin Lisius worked with thefilm’s producer Sarah Green and director Terrence Malick to help visuallyrecreate the deadly 1953 Waco, Texas tornado. StormStockimagery shot by Lisius on 35mm, including tornadoes, storm clouds andlightning, was selected to combine with locations filmed by the production in Austin.

Prairie Pictures is a member of the Dallas Producers Association. www.dallasproducers.org

About StormStock: StormStock is a collection of dramaticweather footage shot on premium formats and is licensed to producers worldwidefor use in theatrical features, commercials and television programs. Footage can be viewed, licensed and downloaded from www.stormstock.com .

The Clock is Ticking... ICFD7

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:20:00 +0000

It Came From Dallas - The Magnificent 7th!

Thursday, February 23, 2012
7:30 PM (doors open at 6:30)
Studio Movie Grill (Dallas)
Royal Lane @ Hwy 75

Please go to www.itcamefromdallas.com, click on the Become A Sponsor link and look at the various sponsorship packages. There are some attractive incentives at all levels. Please note that Sustaining and Supporting sponsor levels include URL hyperlinks for your business on the footers of all DPA Listserv emails. Depending on level, this translates to those sponsors having the opportunity to reach more than 1200 readers with each message posted on the DPA Listserv.

Complete details are available on the It Came From Dallas website. Everything you need to apply and pay on-line to be a sponsor is there for you. It’s easy.

You'll also see a list of those companies and individuals who have stepped up to be sponsors for this year's show.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me @ 847-281-7144.

Thanks for your time and I look forward to seeing you on February 23rd.

Bob Dauber,
Chairperson
It Came From Dallas – The Magnificent 7th

SAG Awards benefit for TXMPA Sun. Jan 29th

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:58:00 +0000

Celebrate the SAG Awards with the Texas Film Community

WHERE: Austin, Dallas and Houston
WHEN: Sunday, January 29, 2012

5:30 p.m. - Preshow Mixer
6:00 p.m. - Red Carpet
7-9:00 p.m. - LIVE Broadcast

Lights! Camera! Action! Join industry professionals from across Texas as we unite Sunday, January 29 to watch the 18th Annual SAG Awards with TXMPA. This is the second year TXMPA welcomes the public for a viewing party and celebration of the thousands working in the media industries in Texas.

Dress for the occasion and prepare to mingle with industry professionals from all sectors of the Texas media industry. The event features food, drinks, "pick the winner" contests, door prizes plus surprise guests throughout the night. Austin, Dallas and Houston will stream their parties online, demonstrating our statewide reach. Last year, viewing parties welcomed 400+ professionals and raised over $9,000 for the organization. Let's make this year bigger and better!

For tickets and locations visit www.txmpa.org

A special thanks to our co-hosts, sponsors and venues:
AFTRA Texas
Austin Actors Conservatory
Austin Film Society
Dallas Producers Association
Lakewood Theater
Linda McAlister Talent
ND @ 501 Studios
Mack's Yasgur Productions
Screen Actors Guild—Texas Branches
Spiderwood Studios
Spontaneous Films
Studio Movie Grill City Centre
Women In Film—Dallas
41 Entertainment

Thin Line Film Fest: February 10 - 20, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:52:00 +0000

Thin Line Film Fest: February 10 - 20, 2012 in Denton, TX

Thin Line Film Fest is an international documentary film festival held in Denton, Texas - just north of the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex. The fifth annual festival is February 10-20, 2012. That's 11 days! Submissions this year were up 50% and that meant we could program more quality films than ever before.

In competition there are 21 Feature films and 43 Short films. There are 8 Special Presentations and there will be 10 docu-race films for a grand total of 82 documentaries which will screen over 11 days in downtown Denton, Texas.

Another first in 2012 is the Docu-Denton 7K, a documentary video race in which teams have approximately 7,000 minutes to make a short documentary on a randomly drawn topic! Anyone can participate and each documentary will be shown on Feb 18th at the Campus Theatre.

We've also added a venue: The Square Donut Theater! We're converting the 2nd floor of Denton Square Donuts to a high-quality theatrical venue. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy a world premiere documentary in the square donut.

http://www.thinlinefilmfest.com

Texas Black Film Festival Feb 1-4

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:34:00 +0000

Sixth annual festival: Feb 1-4, 2012 at Studio Movie Grill-Dallas

The Texas Black Film Festival will host three (3) full days of entertaining and insightful films, workshops, and events. Programmed for family entertainment and inspired by the African-American experience, this festival will provide film makers an opportunity to reach audiences with films seldom recognized through major theatrical release.

http://www.texasblackfilmfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-Black-Film-Festival-Official/170807930861

Share Your Story in Sole Sisters’ Shoe Confessional

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:22:00 +0000

SHARE YOUR STORY IN SOLE SISTERS’ SHOE CONFESSIONAL

WHAT: SOLE SISTERS-Shoe Confessional Debut

WHEN: January 20, 2012 from 6:30-11 p.m.

February 11-12 from 7-11 p.m.

WHERE: Dallas Museum of Art, 717 N Harwood St., Dallas, 75201

As part of the SOLE SISTERS film project, award-winning filmmaker Cynthia Salzman Mondell, will be collecting women’s stories with a cutting edge interactive SHOE CONFESSIONAL that invites audience participation and raises awareness for the film. The SHOE CONFESSIONAL is a booth made by a group of designers, artists and craftspeople - where women will divulge their stories about their shoes. SOLE SISTERS invites you to experience the new era of storytelling.

A story is more powerful if the storytellers can create a story architecture that invites you and your friends to participate with you. SOLE SISTERS invites you to experience the new era of storytelling with our multi-media Shoe Confessional.

The SOLE SISTERS Project empowers women through shared story telling and community based projects. To learn more about the feature film, go to http://www.solesistersfilm.com or share your story at #shoeconfessional and

https://www.facebook.com/events/291300910917405/

For more information about the Shoe Confessional, contact Valen Chavez at 214.826.3863 or valenc@mediaprojects.org.

Some Folks We've Lost Jan-June 2011 (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:41:00 +0000

YVETTE VICKERS

STARRING MICHAEL GOUGH

Soon to be remade by Quentin Tarantino...

^Dolores Fuller and Ed Wood in GLEN OR GLENDA

We said goodbye to so many great talents in 2011 I decided to wait until the end of the year to do my usual obituary, in two parts, and even then it was hard to narrow the list down of the famous, the not-so-famous, and the cult icons in our industry. I also decided to start doing this as a real blog, which I shall continue to keep you all reminded of this year's "It Came From Dallas: The Magnificent Seventh!", which happens Thursday, February 23rd at the Dallas Studio Movie Grill (that's 10 months before the Mayan Curse kicks in, so you have no excuse.) We postponed it from last October to do some retooling on the show. Be there or be square! Now on to the list, and Part 2 is coming next week.

-Gordon K. Smith

FOLKS WE LOST IN 2011, PART ONE! (thru June)

1. PETER YATES (1/9, age 81)
British director who started on the old "Secret Agent" series in the early '60s, went on to score a big hit with his first US film, 1968's BULLITT, which redefined how car chases and action films in general are shot, directed and edited. He was Oscar-nominated for BREAKING AWAY and THE DRESSER.

2. JOHN BARRY (1/30, age 77)
If you went home from almost any 007 thriller up through VIEW TO A KILL humming the score, Barry was the man to thank. (to this day I can't get the music from YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE out of my head). He was probably second only to John Williams for rich, orchestral scores; try to imagine OUT OF AFRICA or DANCES WITH WOLVES without his Oscar-winning soundtracks. He also won Academy Awards for BORN FREE and THE LION IN WINTER.

3. TURA SATANA (2/4, age age 72)
Model, stripper and martial artist forever etched in cult movie stone as the star of Russ Meyer's unforgettably titled FASTER PUSSYCAT, KILL KILL! (1965). She also appeared in IRMA LA DOUCE and minor drive-in classic ASTRO ZOMBIES, among others. Did a lot of convention shows.

4. BETTY GARRETT (2/12, age 91)
Broadway and film actress, singer and dancer, outstanding in ON THE TOWN and TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME (both '49). Then her career was derailed by the House Un-American Activities Committee, which was gunning for her husband, Larry Parks, a former Communist. They were blacklisted for years and worked in small live venues. Betty re-emerged as a TV star in the '70s; you might remember her as a semi-regular on "All In The Family" and as Edna on "Laverne and Shirley".

5. JANE RUSSELL (2/28, age 89)
If you saw Scorsese's THE AVIATOR, you know something of the sensation Howard Hughes created when he cast Russell, a former dental assistant, in his scandalous 1942 western THE OUTLAW (Cleavage! Hay-romping! And that poster! OMG!) Hughes held up the release for 2 years to build up the PR, and it was still banned in places. Russell survived by becoming a hugely popular pin-up during the war and a talented singer, dancer and actress in her own right, even when she was the object of endless jokes and winking film titles (e.g. DOUBLE DYNAMITE). After the '60s she mostly turned to live performing and Playtex commercials; in her final years she was a popular right-wing activist. Her best work is SON OF PALEFACE, HIS KIND OF WOMAN and GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES. I did the official video for her final public appearance (weeks before her death) in Ft. Lauderdale.

6. MICHAEL GOUGH (3/17, age 94)
Many only knew him as Alfred The Butler in the Tim Burton-produced BATMAN flicks, but this veteran Brit actor was also a major horror star in his own right from the late '50s into the '70s, perhaps most famously for HORRORS OF THE BLACK MUSEUM ("In Hypno-Vista!!!") A Tony Award winner, he was also in OUT OF AFRICA, AGE OF INNOCENCE and Burton's SLEEPY HOLLOW and ALICE IN WONDERLAND.

7. ELIZABETH TAYLOR (3/23, age 79)
The last great star from the "studio system" and one of the 20th Century's most beautiful women was born in London to American parents who moved back to the US in 1939 to escape the war. She made her debut at age 10 in THERE'S ONE BORN EVERY MINUTE ('42), and was quickly picked up by MGM where hit stardom with NATIONAL VELVET ('47) and A PLACE IN THE SUN ('51) and remained under contract for many years. She was Oscar-nominated 4 years in a row, starting in '57 with RAINTREE COUNTY, then CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER and BUTTERFIELD 8, for which she won largely on a sympathy vote (she'd recently had a life-saving emergency tracheotomy). With CLEOPATRA ('63) Liz became the first actress to get $1 million for a role, and won another Oscar 3 years later for WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Her costar was Richard Burton, who was 2 of her 8 husbands (married twice). They made 11 films together.   Liz's lifelong health problems made her uninsurable later, so she gave up acting to sell perfume and raise money to fight AIDS. Her last big-screen role was as Wilma's mother in THE FLINTSTONES ('94). Taylor's immortal contribution to Texas cinema was as Leslie Benedict in GIANT ('56, Marfa). She was 23 when she made it, and ages 25 years in the film.

8. KEVIN JARRE (4/3, age 56)
Screenwriter, he wrote only five major features, but that includes TOMBSTONE ('93, which he also started directing but was replaced) and GLORY ('89), for which he should have been Oscar nominated (he also played the doubting Union soldier who yells "Give'em hell, 54th!" at the climax). Others include THE MUMMY ('99) and THE DEVIL'S OWN. His stepfather was Maurice Jarre, the composer of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. Had a heart attack. "If this man should fall, who will lift up the flag and carry on?"

9. FARLEY GRANGER (3/27, age 85)
Granger was a star of the '40s and '50s, most famously in Hitchcock's ROPE and STRANGERS ON A TRAIN and the influential noir THEY LIVE BY NIGHT. By the '60s he was doing a lot of TV (including soaps) and obscure B movies, plus returned to Broadway. In his memoirs he described himself as a bisexual who dallied with many famous Hollywood men and women.

10. SIDNEY LUMET (4/9, age 86)
Prolific director whose output was hit and miss, but the hits included TWELVE ANGRY MEN, FAIL-SAFE, THE PAWNBROKER, SERPICO, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, DOG DAY AFTERNOON, NETWORK, and THE VERDICT -- not a bad record. He mostly worked out of New York, but came to Texas in '74 to make LOVIN' MOLLY in Bastrop. After five nominations Lumet got an Honorary Oscar in 2005. Lena Horne was his mother-in-law for many years (he cast her in THE WIZ).   "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

11. MICHAEL SARRAZIN (4/17, age 70)
Canadian actor had a good run in Hollywood in the '60s - '70s in THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY?, SOMETIMES A GREAT NOTION, FOR PETE'S SAKE, and the cult TV movie "Frankenstein the True Story".   He very nearly played Joe Buck in MIDNIGHT COWBOY.   Sarrazin went back to Canada for the last part of his career. Had cancer.

12. TIM HETHERINGTON (4/20, age 40)
An award-winning British photojournalist/filmmaker, who was killed in battle in Libya. He was Oscar-nominated last year for the Afghanistan war documentary RESTREPO. Tim came to Dallas in summer 2010 to talk about making that extraordinary film. I was one of many local writers to interview him, and he was a most impressive and heroic man.

13. HUBERT SCHAFLY (4/20, age 91)
Electrical engineer who invented the teleprompter in 1950, for live TV. Lucy & Desi and soap opera actors were the first to use it. The computerized version came along in 1982. Where would we be without it?    And what would politicians do without it? (ask Rick Perry...)

14. YVETTE VICKERS (4/27, age 81 or 82)
Late '50s early Playboy Centerfold and B-movie starlet who starred in ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN ('58, not as Her Highness but as the "other woman") and ATTACK OF THE GIANT LEECHES ('59). She also had a small part in the Texas classic HUD ('63). Her mummified body was found in her home by a neighbor, she'd been dead a year. Giant leeches were questioned but released by LAPD.

15. OSAMA BIN LADEN (5/2, age 54)
Middle Eastern upstart who made annoying sporadic broadcasts. No truth to the rumor that, shortly before dying from a sudden attack of lead poisoning, he was seen reaching into his pocket and saying, "Okay guys, what's it gonna take to make this go away?"

16. JACKIE COOPER (5/3, age 88)
A movie/TV star from early childhood, he teamed with Wallace Beery in THE CHAMP (1933) and TREASURE ISLAND and was Perry White in the Christopher Reeve SUPERMAN flicks among many others. He was also a highly decorated lifetime Navy man and WWII vet. Series: "Hennesey".

17. DANA WYNTER (5/5, age 79)
Gorgeous German-born British actress who would have given Liz Taylor a run for her money if she'd gotten better roles. Despite years as a contract player for Fox, she'll be always remembered for her lead in a B-movie, sci-fi-noir classic: 1956's INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (recently remade as INVASION with Nicole Kidman). Her final scene with costar Kevin McCarthy (who died in 2010 at age 96) is one of the greatest shock endings ever.   Also in AIRPORT, THE CRIMSON PIRATE, SINK THE BISMARK! and a lot of '60s and '70s TV.

18. DOLORES FULLER (5/9, age 88)
Longtime girlfriend of cinematic genius Ed Wood, she appeared in GLEN OR GLENDA? ('52), JAIL BAIT ('54) and BRIDE OF THE MONSTER ('55).   She gave up on "acting" and became a prolific songwriter and music producer, writing many tunes for Elvis Presley including "Rockahula Baby". Sarah Jessica Parker played her in ED WOOD ('94).

19. JAMES ARNESS (6/3, age 88)
In 1955, the creators of the very long running (20 yrs) TV western "Gunsmoke" consulted John Wayne for an actor to play Marshall Dillon. He recommended his pal Arness, who'd acted with Duke several times (HONDO, THE SEA CHASE, BIG JIM McCLAIN et. al). Wayne introduced Arness on the premiere of "Gunsmoke", and the 6'6" Minnesotan went on to do 635 episodes, a record for one role (Kelsey Grammar ties him for the number of years). Afterward, Arness did a brief cop series ("McClain's Law", '84), the rest was TV westerns, including several "Gunsmoke" TV movies and 1987's Bracketville-filmed "ALAMO: THIRTEEN DAYS TO GLORY" (as Jim Bowie, alongside Alec Baldwin as Travis). Sci-fi geeks revere him as cinema's first rampaging alien veggie in the original THE THING ('51) and fighting giant ants in L.A. as the hero of THEM! ('54). Arness' kid brother Peter Graves died last year.

20. PETER FALK (6/23, age 83)
The whole world knew him as absent-minded Inspector Columbo, a role he played from 1968 (starting with the TVM "Prescription Murder") to 2003 (4 Emmys). But the New York actor was highly acclaimed long before that, and early on won back-to-back Oscar noms, for MURDER INC. ('60) and POCKETFUL OF MIRACLES ('61). He was also known for his many collaborations with actor/director John Cassavetes, especially A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE ('74). Film debut: WIND ACROSS THE EVERGLADES ('58); others included IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD, THE GREAT RACE, CASTLE KEEP, WINGS OF DESIRE and THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Falk had an tumorous eye removed at age 3. "Oh, excuse me... but there's just one more thing..."

TO BE CONTINUED!!!

DPA Member News: Announcing the rebranding of Magic Video, Inc into Magic Production Group

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:30:00 +0000

The newly rebranded Magic Production Group (formally MagicVideo, Inc) has been supporting the local Dallas video community for overtwenty years.

Magic Production Group’s president Massoum Mirzaei decided achange was needed in order to emphasize that the company’s capabilities went farbeyond simply video. Whether through its leading-edge productions, soundstagerental, or dynamic corporate events, Magic Production group has worked withboth agencies and Fortune 500 companies to build an outstanding reputationwithin the community.

When not guiding his team in making their clients’ vision areality, Massoum also serves as a board member on the Dallas ProducersAssociation.

Creative content. Superior productions. Dynamic events. Whenit all comes together – it’s pure magic.

Filmmaker Alex Cox in person at the Texas Theatre this week!

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:04:00 +0000

Renegade filmmaker Alex Cox (REPO MAN, SID & NANCY) will be at the Texas Theatre this Thursday and Friday to present three of his "less seen" films.

Thursday night - WALKER (1988) - 35mm archival print

Friday night - HIGHWAY PATROLMAN (1991) 35mm restored print and STRAIGHT TO HELL RETURNS (1987) digital restoration.

http://www.facebook.com/events/168572329895436/

Alex will be doing Q/A's and signing autographs both nights. Alex is a hugely influential filmmaker who started his career doing off the cuff Hollywood funded films, but then moved into DIY independent films. He's had a long, interesting career!

http://alexcox.com/

Barak Epstein
http://thetexastheatre.com

TXMPA Auction Nov 25-Nov 28

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:57:00 +0000

TXMPA Winter Blitz Auction - Coming Soon!

After the success of our fall auction, TXMPA invites you to participate in our Winter Blitz online auction from Black Friday, November 25 thru Cyber Monday, November 28.

Bidding for Good will host the event and all proceeds will go to TXMPA and the advocacy of the media production industry in Texas. This fundraiser comes just in time for the holidays, and promises items from across the state for everyone on your shopping list. Check Bidding For Good often as we are adding items daily.

DPA member article on Creative Cow

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Shooting a feature in digital raw by Jonny Revolt

Hey indie film makers I wanted to post an article I just did about shooting with the Sony F3 in S-LOG for Creative Cow, this is a much more affordable solution than say ARRI or Panavision. Red and Canon have now just joined this market.

I hope you enjoy it. Go Texas FILM!

http://magazine.creativecow.net/article/sony-f3-with-slog-shoots-ghost-of-goodnight-lane

Be well,

Jonny Revolt

DPA Member News: AMS Pictures Announces Television Premiere

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:26:00 +0000

AMS Pictures is excited to announce the production of How Sweet The Sound: The Road To The Finale - a two hour documentary special for GMC and Verizon Wireless. Premiering November 26th, this program follows gospel choirs who have entered the annual "How Sweet the Sound" competition as they vie for prize money and the honor of being named the Best Church Choir in America.

Hosted by Michelle Williams, a former member of Destiny's Child, How Sweet The Sound: The Road To The Finale spans over nine major cities including Dallas, Los Angeles, Oakland, St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Charlotte, Washington DC, and Atlanta. This program tells the collective backstory of these church choirs and their journey to the upcoming finale airing in early December. From the extensive composition writing and long rehearsals to the backstage anxiety and unforgettable gospel performances, this documentary experience encapsulates the hard work, passion, and drama of each group as they compete on the national stage.

Click Here for the Full Story

DPA Member News: AMP casting notice for cooking show

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 23:32:00 +0000

AMP Productions is casting hot, single foodies from around the Metroplex for a new cooking show that combines the lust for food with the lust for love. If you think you’re the perfect ingredient for that mix, then e-mail us a photo, a bio, and a brief description of what you’re looking for in the ideal meal, and the ideal mate, all to casting@amediapro.com. We will be making selections in mid to late November.

Russ Johnson - Producer- Abernethy Media Professionals
russ@amediapro.com | O: 214.660.4444 | C: 469.544.0934

THE WIF.D 2011 TOPAZ AWARDS

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:27:00 +0000

DPA community partner Women in Film.Dallas holds Topaz Awards Tuesday November 15th

Please join WIF.D for a festive night of delicious cocktails and hors d'oeuvres for the 2011 Topaz Awards at the Ghostbar as they honor three distinguished women who have made significant contributions to the film industry in Dallas! Our honorees include Rogers Hartmann (Humanitarian Award), Meredith Stephens (Spirit Award), and Melina McKinnon (Achievement Award). The evening will be hosted by Amy Vanderoef of Good Morning Texas, and catered by Pam Rader of Personal Chef.

2011 TOPAZ AWARDS

Cocktail Reception

Tuesday, November 15, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Ghostbar at the W Hotel, 2440 Victory Park Lane, Dallas

Business or Cocktail Attire

Cost: RSVP HERE

Members: $20 pre-registration, $25 at the door

Non-Members: $30 pre-registration, $35 at the door

Space is limited, please purchase your tickets today! Pre-registration ends November 14.

Women in Film.Dallas established the Topaz Award in 1984 to honor distinguished Texas women and men who, through their own vision, have made outstanding contributions to the film and television industry. Past recipients are a veritable "Who's Who" of achievement. Click here to learn more about the Topaz Awards and past recipients.

OUTSTANDING DPA SHOWCASE!

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:25:00 +0000

Thanks to all DPA members who participated in last week's showcase meeting.

1) Dallas Audio Post Group: Rene Coronado & Brad Dale - clips featuring their music & sound design
2) DDTV2: Bob Dodd - direct response spots
3) Media Projects, Inc.: Allen Mondell & Phil Allen - documentary "Waging Peace"
4) Studios 121: Paul Leone - corporate video & spots
5) Film & Video Direction: Scott Hadden - time lapse corporate video
6) Awakened Heart Productions: Melody Brooke - teaser for feature
7) Big B Creative: Christopher Bigbie - corporate videos featuring motion control
8) CREW Media: Scott Peterson - documentary "Weekend Railroaders"
9) Andrew Disney - writer/director of feature "Searching for Sonny"
10) Element X Creative: Chad Briggs & Brad Herbert - AICP Southwest Sponsor Reel

'SEARCHING FOR SONNY' @ LSIFF – SAT NOV 12

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:24:00 +0000

DPA members Andrew Disney and Red Productions new feature film Searching for Sonny gets its hometown premiere at Lone Star International Film Festival Saturday November 12. Dallas Producers Association is co-hosting this screening. Join us at 7:30pm at AMC Palace 9 in Ft. Worth. Get tickets here.

DPA is also co-hosting the screening of Slacker 2011 at 4:15pm on Saturday November 12th. More info about both films and links to purchase tickets can be found on the DPA website: http://dallasproducers.org/lsiff2011.htm

Some Folks We've Lost Jan-June 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:19:00 +0000

YVETTE VICKERS

STARRING MICHAEL GOUGH

Soon to be remade by Quentin Tarantino...

^Dolores Fuller and Ed Wood in GLEN OR GLENDA

It Came From Dallas 5

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Traipsing down memory lane, here are posters for the first four It Came From Dallas events. It Came From Dallas 5 offically title "Curse of It Came From Dallas - Taking the Fifth!" will be held Thursday October 15, 2009 at Studio Movie Grill-Dallas. More info on the event and sponsorships for ICFD5 can been found at http://www.dallasproducers.org/icfd/

August 2009 DPA Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Come one, Come ALL, to our upcoming DPA August mixer! We'll have some delicious appetizers, wine and drinks (cash bar will be available) at Times Ten Cellars. DPA Mixers and Networking events are great opportunities to learn more about other local area producers and support companies, network for production opportunities and build relationships with key industry professionals.

This mixer is FREE to DPA Members. Guests are welcome but will pay a modest $15 cover (DPA Membership has its privileges).

WHEN
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
6pm to 9pm - Networking
DPA Members – FREE
Guests – $15

WHERE
Times Ten Cellars
6324 Prospect Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75214
214-824-9463

Seeking Designers for Newsletter Cover Art

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:53:00 +0000

Attention Graphic Artists! Interested in putting your own spin on the cover of the DPA's newsletter THE REEL? Each quarterly issue of the newsletter will feature original cover art from a DPA member designer. The deadline for the next issue is August 15th, so contact us immediately for details if you're interested. Find more info at http://www.dallasproducers.org/newsletter

DPA Newsletter Seeking Press Releases & Articles

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:28:00 +0000

Seeking Articles, Press Releases, Photos & DPA Member News Items for the DPA's quarterly newsletter, THE REEL. Deadline is August 15th for the September issue. Have news to share? Find out more at http://www.dallasproducers.org/newsletter