Dallas Producers Association

3 Master Cinematographers, And Others We've Lost

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 05:34:00 +0000

GEORGE KENNEDY (L), Leslie Nielsen (R)

DOUGLAS SLOCOMBE

HASKELL WEXLER

VILMOS SZIGMOND

LIZABETH SCOTT

DAVID BOWIE

ROBERT LOGGIA attended the 2007 AFI-Dallas Film Festival

CHRISTOPHER LEE

DIRECTED BY WES CRAVEN...AND FILMED IN DALLAS!

LEONARD NIMOY, IF YOU NEED TO BE TOLD.

OMAR SHARIF

Dallas-schooled YVONNE "BATGIRL" CRAIG

ALBERT MAYSLES

ALAN RICKMAN

STARRING JAMES BEST...AND FILMED IN DALLAS!

STARRING ROD TAYLOR

MAUREEN O'HARA

Well Producers, this started out as my annual informative article on some industry-at-large giants we lost in the last year, up through last month, starting with the three Master Cinematographers who died in quick succession starting December 27. Well, just as I was finishing it, I tried to remove one photo and all my text vanished, and I couldn't undo. Not a clue why, suggestions welcome. Anyway, at least here's the pics of these distinguished actors, directors and DP's, two of whom were involved with classic Dallas cult movies. If you don't know them, look them up! You'll be glad you did, they were all fascinating.

-- by Gordon K. Smith

ICFD9 IS ALMOST HERE! AND A LAST LOOK BACK AT 2014!

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 21:47:00 +0000

MATCH THE STARS TO THEIR OBIT! MOST SHOULD BE EASY!

Give up on this one? See #4.

The long-awaited return of "IT CAME FROM DALLAS!" is just around the corner, in fact our ninth edition, "THE SHOW WITH 9 LIVES!" is Thursday Feb. 19th at The Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson at 7:30pm (get there early!) Get your industry juices flowing by taking one last look at some of the greats from TV and film we lost in 2014 (we'll pay tribute to those from our metroplex and state at the show). I think you have to go back to 1977, the year we lost Elvis, Groucho, Chaplin, Bing Crosby and Joan Crawford to find a comparable year in which so many greats passed, and this is just a selection. For more on Thursday's show, go to
www.itcamefromdallas.com

Be there or be square!

1. JUANITA MOORE (1/1, age 99)

Moore was the third African American actress to be nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, for 1959's cult fave IMITATION OF LIFE (contrary to popular belief, Susan Kohner, not Natalie Wood, played her daughter. Both were white). She was a very familiar face in movies and TV for decades, started as a dancer and in early black cast films. Moore hosted screenings of IMITATION nearly to the end of her life, including at Dallas and the Turner Classic Film Festival.

2. MAXIMILLIAN SCHELL (2/1, age 83)

Austrian-born actor beat out Paul Newman and Spencer Tracy for the Best Actor Oscar for JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG ('61), in a role he first played on television 2 years before (a first). Also nominated for MAN IN THE GLASS BOOTH and JULIA; you might remember him as the villain in Disney's THE BLACK HOLE. One of the most successful foreign actors.

3. PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN (2/2, age 46)

The extraordinary actor/director made his major feature debut in LEAP OF FAITH ('92, filmed in Dallas and Panhandle locations), the next year in Austin for MY BOYFRIEND'S BACK (aka JOHNNY ZOMBIE). Best Actor Oscar for the title role of CAPOTE ('05); also nominated for DOUBT, CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR, and THE MASTER. Other films include THE BIG LEBOWSKI, TWISTER, NOBODY'S FOOL, MONEYBALL, MAGNOLIA, ALMOST FAMOUS and THE HUNGER GAMES series (there's one left). Never married, he had 3 children from a longtime companion. Heroin overdose.

4. SHIRLEY TEMPLE (2/10, age 85)

The most famous child star ever made her film debut at age 3 in 1932 (Honorary Juvenile Oscar at 6) and left Hollywood in 1949 (even though she was by then quite a knockout, as you can see). She was the #1 box office star from 1935-38 and the first to be a superstar of merchandising. A TV host into the '60s, then became US Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslavakia. At 17 married her first husband, WWII hero/actor John Agar, lasted 5 years. They costarred in FORT APACHE. Later Agar appeared in the Dallas “B” classics ZONTAR THING FROM VENUS, CURSE OF THE SWAMP CREATURE, NIGHT FRIGHT and HELL RAIDERS.

5. SID CAESAR (2/12, age 91)

Comedy genius actor/writer/musician who was huge on '50s TV (1982's MY FAVORITE YEAR is based on his “Your Show of Shows”). Movies: IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD, SILENT MOVIE, GREASE. Hosted SNL in '83.

6. HAROLD RAMIS (2/24, age 69)

Comedy director, writer and actor. “Spengler” in (and writer of) GHOSTBUSTERS. Director/writer of GROUNDHOG DAY, ANALYZE THIS, STRIPES, and CADDYSHACK. Writer of ANIMAL HOUSE, many others..

7. MICKEY ROONEY (4/6, age 93)

Rooney's career started in the silents at age 4 and lasted until NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB (2014), which also featured the last major-release appearance of Robin Williams. That's a span of 89 years, a record matched only by Carla Laemmle (see below), and Rooney's was nonstop. Famous first for the MICKEY MCGUIRE comedy shorts (that spanned the silent and sound eras), then the musical teamings with Judy Garland (BABES IN ARMS, etc), then as awkward teen Andy Hardy in the ANDY HARDY series, then...you name it, in every genre and onstage. Along the way, a special Juvenile Oscar in 1939, four nominations for acting (the last being THE BLACK STALLION, '79) and an Honorary Oscar in '83. Rooney was here for the 2008 AFI-Dallas Film Festival. Films include IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S, NATIONAL VELVET, THE HUMAN COMEDY. The WWII vet had 4 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The first of his 8 wives was Ava Gardner.

8. BOB HOSKINS (4/29, age 71)

British actor Oscar-nominated for MONA LISA ('86), and had a huge US hit with WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBITT ('88). Thanks to his resemblance to Al Capone, Hoskins played many gangsters, and was going to play Capone himself in THE UNTOUCHABLES until Robert De Niro became available (Hoskins took a generous payoff and joked about more roles he could get paid off not to take). Last seen in SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN ('12).

9. GORDON WILLIS (5/18, age 82)

Master cinematographer Willis was nicknamed “The Prince of Darkness” for his groundbreaking low lighting for THE GODFATHER I-III and Woody Allen's films. In fact, that nearly got him fired from THE GODFATHER when Paramount execs thought he didn't know what he was doing. Despite revolutionizing the field in the '70s and '80s, Willis only got two Oscar nominations, for ZELIG ('83) and THE GODFATHER III ('90). Other films included THE PARALLAX VIEW, ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, ANNIE HALL, MANHATTAN and lastly, THE DEVIL'S OWN ('97). Son Gordon Willis Jr. worked in Dallas for several years.

10. HERB JEFFRIES (5/25, age 100)

Part Irish, part Ethiopean, Jeffries was an actor, singer, and calypso singer famous as “The Bronze Buckaroo” in a series of all-black westerns in the '30s and '40s. His comic sidekick in those films was Spencer Williams, later to become the first man in Dallas to make narrative feature films and a future (posthumous) DPA Pioneer Filmmaker.

11. MARTHA HYER (5/31, age 89)

The Fort Worth native was a Hollywood star of the '50s, getting an Oscar nomination for SOME CAME RUNNING (1958). Also in SABRINA ('54 version) and such cult films as FIRST MEN IN THE MOON and THE CHASE ('66), plus many TV shows.

12. RUBY DEE (6/11, age 91)
One of the greatest stars of African-American theatre, TV, and film, Dee was married to actor Ossie Davis for 57 years and costarred with him 9 times, from 1950's NO WAY OUT to 1994's miniseries THE STAND. Also appeared 4 times with Sidney Poitier. She got a long-overdue Oscar nomination in 2007 for AMERICAN GANGSTER as Denzel Washington's mother. She was the second oldest acting nominee ever, at 83.

13. CARLA LAEMMLE (6/12, age 104)
She said the first line of dialog in Universal's original 1931 DRACULA -- making it the first line of dialog spoken in an American horror film, period. Getting cast was a cinch considering she was the niece of Universal founder Carl Laemmle. She also appeared in another Universal horror classic - the silent 1925 PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Carla left movies after 1939, but came back to do some cameos in just the last 5 years -- starting at age 99. That 89-year span matches Mickey Rooney's as the longest in movie history.

14. ELI WALLACH (6/24, age 98)
Despite his Polish-Jewish background, New York-born Wallach played the two most famous Mexican bandits in movie history: Calvera in THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (1960), and, the role for which he was known around the world, Tuco in 1967's THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY ("Hey blondie! Tu madre es un gran puta!"). Wallach went way down south to graduate in 1936 from the University of Texas at Austin, because he couldn't afford New York City colleges (UTA cost $40 then). His classmates included Ann Sheridan, John Connally and Walter Cronkite, a lifelong friend. Eli made his debut in 1956's BABY DOLL (as an Italian), a movie that caused such a scandal that it was condemned by the Catholic Church. He costarred with everyone from Gable to Monroe to Pacino, and played many gangsters in his later years (Don Altobello in GODFATHER III). And, one of the 3 "Mr. Freeze's" on "Batman". At the age of 96 finally got a LONG overdue Honorary Oscar. His wife of 66 years was actress Anne Jackson.

15. PAUL MAZURSKY (6/30, age 84)
Started as an actor in the '50s (BLACKBOARD JUNGLE), co-created "The Monkees" TV hit in 1966. As director/writer/producer, he became a favorite of critics and five-time Oscar nominee for BOB&CAROL&TED&ALICE, HARRY & TONTO, DOWN AND OUT IN BEVERLY HILLS, NEXT STOP GREENWICH VILLAGE, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN and (perhaps his most underrated) MOSCOW ON THE HUDSON, and many others.

16. JAMES GARNER (7/19, 86)

The much-loved TV and movie star (and Korean vet) from Norman, Oklahoma made his film debut in TOWARD THE UNKNOWN ('56), then superstardom as TV's "Maverick" ('57-'62). An even bigger hit was "The Rockford Files" ('74-'80); Garner continued to play both characters in numerous revivals, cameos, and reboots. Best Actor Oscar nominee for MURPHY'S ROMANCE. Last major film was the cult weeper THE NOTEBOOK ('04), but THE GREAT ESCAPE ('63) remains many people's favorite Garner flick.

17. DICK SMITH (7/30, age 92)
All you who make horror flicks - thanks to makeup genius Smith we know what demonic possession looks like - Linda Blair in THE EXORCIST. Smith did all kinds of makeup but he pioneered a lot of the violence/gore/horror effects that have dominated movies ever since. You saw them in THE GODFATHER, TAXI DRIVER, THE SENTINEL, STARMAN.
Oscar winner for AMADEUS, Honorary Oscar in 2012.

18. ROBIN WILLIAMS (8/11, age 63)
It was producer/actor John Houseman who told Williams at Julliard to forget being a serious actor and get into standup comedy. That dramatic training certainly helped his Oscar-nominated performances in GOOD MORNING VIETNAM, DEAD POETS SOCIETY, THE FISHER KING, and GOOD WILL HUNTING (Best Supporting Actor winner). He really did make his debut in a grindhouse comedy called CAN I DO IT UNTIL I NEED GLASSES? ('77); lucky for us all, "Mork & Mindy" came along ('78 - '82). After several bigscreen flops in recent years he tried another series with "The Crazy Ones" ('13-'14) but it was canceled. Both he and Mickey Rooney made their final major feature appearance in NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB last Christmas. His intended last lead role, A MERRY FRIGGIN' CHRISTMAS, was judged so bad it mercifully went straight to video. You haven't seen all of his great performances until you see his most underrated one, in MOSCOW ON THE HUDSON. A true comic genius who battled depression while making us laugh. Thanks, Robin.

19. LAUREN BACALL (8/12, age 89)
Betty Joan Perske was born in New York City to a Polish-Jewish family and as a teenager started a successful modeling career. A Harper's Magazine cover got her cast in Warner Bros.' TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT. She was 19, Humphrey Bogart was 44, and they hit it off, despite the fact he was still married to his third wife at the time. "Bogie and Bacall" married a year later and made a total of 6 films together (THE BIG SLEEP, KEY LARGO, DARK PASSAGE, etc.) After his death in 1957, she did theatre work and was married to Jason Robards (who resembled Bogie then) from '61 to '69. After winning Tonys for "Applause" and "Woman of the Year", she returned onscreen in the '70s. Her only Oscar nomination was for 1996's THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES as Barbra Streisand's mother, which she surprisingly lost to Juliette Binoche for THE ENGLISH PATIENT. She did get an Honorary Oscar (alongside Roger Corman!) in 2010. She was a guest at the 2007 AFI-Dallas Film Festival and returned 3 years later at the Nasher. Bacall redefined sex in American Cinema in her time; if you think old movies are strictly puritan, go now and rent TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT and THE BIG SLEEP. "You know how to whistle, don't you Steve? You just pucker up and blow."

20. LORD RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH (8/24, age 90)
A well-regarded British character actor (THE GREAT ESCAPE, THE SAND PEBBLES), Attenborough switched to directing in 1969. His GANDHI ('82) beat out E.T. for Best Picture and Director Oscars; yet Spielberg revived his acting career by casting him as the head honcho of JURASSIC PARK ('93). You probably never even heard of Attenborough's last attempt at an epic biopic, GREY OWL (2000), starring Pierce Brosnan - because it was considered so dull it couldn't find a single American distributor and went straight to video here - the biggest-budget film at the time to do so (that was a big deal in the home vid biz). Other films he directed included A CHORUS LINE, CHAPLIN and SHADOWLANDS.

21. JOAN RIVERS (9/4, age 81)
Another comic legend we lost in 2014, Joan Molinsky started as a comedy writer for TV, broke into standup, was made first permanent guest host on "The Tonight Show", and eventually into all media. She even got a Tony nomination for a Broadway play. She usually played herself in her film and TV appearances, but she'll be remembered as the voice of Dot Matrix in Mel Brooks' SPACEBALLS ('87). And, like most great comics, she tried at least one straight drama role, in THE SWIMMER ('68). She died from complications during a routine endoscopy.

22. RICHARD KIEL (9/10, age 74)
The world discovered 7'2" Kiel as giant hitman Jaws in THE SPY WHO LOVE ME ('77) and MOONRAKER ('79), but he'd been around since 1961, in such drive-in faves as THE PHANTOM PLANET, THE MAGIC SWORD, THE HUMAN DUPLICATORS and the one-star classic EEGAH! I loved him as Voltaire, the towering sidekick to Michael Dunn's Dr. Loveless on "The Wild Wild West". In addition to appearing on just about every '60s series (memorable "Twilight Zone" episode "To Serve Man", though oddly never on "Star Trek") he faced off with Clint Eastwood in PALE RIDER and did a lot of voice work when his health issues kept him off the big screen. Kiel was here for the Alamo Drafthouse screening of MOONRAKER in 2012.

23. MIKE NICHOLS (11/19, 83)
The Oscar-winning director of THE GRADUATE started his career as a comedian, one of the founders of Second City. His rep as a stage director got him hired to direct WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? ('66), first of four director nominations. The others were for WORKING GIRL and the essential Dallas production SILKWOOD ('83). Nichols' other works include CATCH-22, CARNAL KNOWLEDGE, WOLF, CLOSER, THE BIRDCAGE, CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR (his final feature) and the miniseries "Angels in America".

24. LUISE RAINER (12/30, age 104)
Rainer began making movies in her native Germany in the early '30s, then accepted a 7-year contract with MGM and moved to Hollywood, just in time to escape Hitler's escalating persecution of Jews. She became the first actor/actress to win back-to-back Oscars, for THE GREAT ZIEGFELD ('36) and THE GOOD EARTH ('37), a trick most recently earned by Tom Hanks in the '90s. She was married to leftist playwright Clifford Odets for 3 years, during which she was finally kicked out of MGM for her rebelliousness. Made her last Hollywood film in '43, then did theatre, finally turning up on American TV for one episode of "Combat" in the '60s and a "Love Boat" (!) in the '70s. For years she wore the title of oldest-living Oscar winner, making recent appearances on the telecast and at the Turner Classic Film Festival.

--by Gordon K. Smith

ICFD UPDATE! AND LAST LOOK BACK AT SOME FOLKS WE LOST IN 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:58:00 +0000

SEE #8

ANNETTE IN THE 2-PIECE

SEE #7, #11, & #16.

RAY HARRYHAUSEN WITH MODEL FROM 7TH VOYAGE

JOAN FONTAINE

Okay, we know that you're consumed with two burning questions right now:

1. Why did I bet the rent on Denver?

2. What's happening with the It Came From Dallas show this month?

We can't help you with #1, but the answer to #2 is: nothing. The annual show you can't live without is taking a break in '14 (it's in turnaround, back in development, getting retooled, etc.) Look for it to return, like James Bond, in the first quarter of 2015. We will keep you updated, and in the meantime, we'll feature some highlights from previous shows on upcoming blogs (keep checking back).

Meanwhile, not too late to take our annual look back at some of those entertainment professionals we lost in 2013 -- the famous and not-so-famous-but-notable. The list includes two Hitchcock blondes, a special effects pioneer, a WWII icon, a '60s cult icon, a '70s cult icon, the mack daddy of film critics, and more.

1. PATTY ANDREWS (1/30, age 94)

Last surviving member of The Andrews Sisters, who kept our spirits high during WWII on radio, records, USO appearances, and movies like Abbott & Costello's BUCK PRIVATES and Hope & Crosby's ROAD TO RIO.

"He was the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Company B!!!"

2. DALE ROBERTSON (2/27, age 90)

Oklahoman WWII vet, in movies from '48, who starred in SON OF SINBAD ('55), and countless westerns, including TV series Tales of Wells Fargo (1957-59), Iron Horse ('66-68), and the 1982 season of Dallas.

3. VAN CLIBURN (2/27, age 78)
Time magazine called him "The Texan Who Conquered Russia" when he beat'em at their own game by winning the 1958 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow at age 23. New York gave him the only ticker-tape parade ever for a classical musician. He played for many foreign countries and every president from Harry Truman to Obama. Awards included the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His Van Cliburn Foundation in Ft. Worth holds the Quadrennial Competition. Cliburn had bone cancer. For another DFW notable see #19.

4. ROGER EBERT (4/4, age 70)

Before hosting Sneak Previews with Gene Siskels on PBS and its later incarnations ('78-'06) and winning the first Pulitzer Prize for Film Criticism, Chicago-based Ebert wrote X-rated screenplays for Russ Meyer-- BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS ('70), UP! ('76) and BENEATH THE VALLEY OF THE ULTRAVIXENS ('79). He bridged the gap between high-brow film analysis and the populist kind with his upraised thumb, which he actually trademarked. He kept writing even after losing his jaw to cancer; his last reviews were of MUD and TO THE WONDER. Ebert did a lot to create the cults for such films as NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, INFRA-MAN and THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (which was odd considering his later rants against movie misogyny). One of his trips to Dallas was the 1981 USA Film Festival.

5. ANNETTE FUNICELLO (4/8, age 70)
Before Britney, Justin, and Ryan, there was the first Mousketeer superstar, who went from Disney Tv shows and movies starting in the late '50s to American International Pictures' BEACH PARTY series, with Frankie Avalon and guest stars like Buster Keaton and Vincent Price. Walt insisted to AIP boss Sam Arkoff that Annette always wear a one-piece (note the compromise). After shows like Fantasy Island and 1988's reunion flick BACK TO THE BEACH with Avalon (and a Stevie Ray Vaughn cameo) Annette retired, later announcing her struggle with MS. She lost it last year. Thanks, Annette.

6. JONATHAN WINTERS (4/11, age 87)
Hugely influential comedian who did his best work on TV but still fondly remembered for IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD and THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING... in the '60s.
Robin Williams considered him a mentor and got him cast in Mork & Mindy as his dad. Winters did commercials in Dallas; his 1956-58 TV variety show was the first series shown via videotape.

7. DEANNA DURBIN (4/20, age 91)
Universal Studio's answer to MGM's Judy Garland. Durbin was immensely popular as America's favorite singing daughter from 1937's THREE SMART GIRLS. She grew tired of Hollywood and walked away from a smashing career in 1948 to settle in France. In the years since she only granted one interview.

8. RAY HARRYHAUSEN (5/7, age 92)
Almost impossible to overestimate this genius' vast influence on the cinematic special effects that dominate modern movies. Ray didn't invent stop-motion animation, but what an art he took it to! He called his complex and painstaking integration of live and animated footage "Dynamation". He started animating WWII propaganda films, then George Pal's Puppetoon series, then teamed with his mentor Willis O'Brien on 1949's still-impressive MIGHTY JOE YOUNG. He shared an FX Oscar with O'Brien for that (although he did most of the work), and amazingly was never nominated again, finally winning an overdue Honorary Oscar in 1992 for his body of work. That body includes BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS, EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS, IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA, 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH, SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD (the first in color), MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS (arguably his masterpiece), ONE MILLION YEARS BC, GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD and more, ending with the original CLASH OF THE TITANS ('81). References and in-jokes to his films, many of which he also produced/wrote, still abound, especially in Pixar films. Harryhausen did a Dallas showcase/booksigning in 2006. Thanks, Ray.

9. JEAN STAPLETON (5/31, age 90)
Famous as Edith Bunker on All In The Family ('71-'78, multiple awards), Stapleton was a serious New York stage actress who made her film debut in 1958's DAMN YANKEES! Norman Lear saw her repeat the role in a 1970 TV redo, and the rest was history. Her other film appearances included KLUTE ('71), and MICHAEL ('96, Austin).

10. ESTHER WILLIAMS (6/6, age 91)
Swimming champion turned stunning queen of MGM's water-ballet musicals -- ZEIGFELD FOLLIES, NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER, MILLION DOLLAR MERMAID, ON AN ISLAND WITH YOU, et.al. She made her debut messing with Mickey Rooney's head in ANDY HARDY'S DOUBLE LIFE ('42). Best of her "dry" roles was '56's THE UNGUARDED MOMENT. Quit movies in the '60s to sell her swimsuit line and support the Republican Party. Husband #2 was Fernando Lamas, famously parodied by Billy Crystal.

11. JAMES GANDOLFINI (6/19, age 51)
You might have first noticed this New Jersey actor beating up Patricia Arquette in TRUE ROMANCE ('93) or getting thrown down a flight of stars by John Travolta in GET SHORTY ('95). But everybody noticed him as wiseguy-with-a-heart Tony in The Sopranos ('99-'07). He won 3 Emmys and a Golden Globe for the role, but wanted to expand afterward, as Leon Panetti in ZERO DARK THIRTY (2012) and the romantic comedy ENOUGH SAID (2013). That last was released posthumously, as will be his final appearance in THE DROP this year. Died of a heart attack in Italy. Film debut: THE LAST BOY SCOUT (1991).

12. RICHARD MATHESON (6/23, age 87)
Pop quiz - what do THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN, I AM LEGEND, SOMEWHERE IN TIME, REAL STEEL, DUEL, THE BOX, and many classic episodes of Twilight Zone have in common? They were all based on stories and/or screenplays by this prolific writer of novels, short stories and film/TV scripts. If you're a baby boomer, you read or watched scores of them. LEGEND was the third official version of Matheson's influential 1954 novel (Charlton Heston's OMEGA MAN is another); its countless rip-offs and derivatives include NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and much of today's vampire and zombie fiction.

13. JIM KELLY (6/29, age 67)
Martial arts star of 1973's ENTER THE DRAGON (with the huge Afro) and other '70s exploitation/blaxploitation flicks like THREE THE HARD WAY and BLACK BELT JONES.

14. CORY MONTEITH (7/13, 31)
Finn Hudson on 88 episodes of TVs Glee (like the other "kids", a bit past 18), Monteith struggled with drug addiction for years and died, after mixing booze and heroin, in Vancouver (he was born in Alberta). Films include FINAL DESTINATION 3 ('06) and MONTE CARLO.

15. DENNIS FARINA (7/22, age 69)
Former New York cop who went from set security to on-screen actor with THIEF (1981), specializing in cops and wise guys. He had his own series with Crime Story ('86-88) and replaced Jerry Orbach on Law & Order. Memorable in MANHUNTER, MIDNIGHT RUN, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, SNATCH, THAT OLD FEELING, OUT OF SIGHT,
and especially GET SHORTY ("I.e., e.g., ____ you!). Heart attack.

16. EILEEN BRENNAN (7/28, age 80)
Great character actress who started in Laugh-In ('68) and was memorable as Genevieve the waitress in THE LAST PICTURE SHOW ('71) and Oscar-nominated as Goldie Hawn's D.I. in PRIVATE BENJAMIN ('80), and the subsequent series. Also in TEXASVILLE, THE STING, CLUE, MURDER BY DEATH, many TV roles.

17. MICHAEL ANSARA (7/31, age 91)
Character actor of Syrian descent who was one of those all-purpose ethnics in Hollywood movies and TV from the early '50s, playing scores of American Indians, East Indians, Asians, Latinos and Middle Easterners. Known for playing Cochise in series Broken Arrow (56-58) and as the Vulcan leader Kang in Star Trek episode "Day of the Dove", which he repeated many years later on ST: Deep Space 9 and ST: Voyager. His wife from '58 - '74 was Barbara Eden.

18. KAREN BLACK (8/8, age 74)
Cult actress since the '60s who was Oscar-nominated for FIVE EASY PIECES ('70). Made her film debut in Coppola's YOU'RE A BIG BOY NOW ('66), went on to EASY RIDER, AIRPORT '74, DRIVE HE SAID, NASHVILLE, DAY OF THE LOCUST, FAMILY PLOT ('76, as the final Hitchcock blonde), many others. Since the '80s she appeared in countless low-budget horror, exploitation and indie films, including a cameo in Rob Zombie's HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES.

19. AUGUST SCHELLENBERG (8/15, age 77)
Canadian-born half-Mohawk actor who settled in Dallas for the last phase of his career. Emmy-nominated as Sitting Bull in HBO's BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE (2007). Movies and TV from early '70s, including BLACK ROBE ('91), MISSIONARY MAN (Dallas) , THE NEW WORLD, FREE WILLY, Walker Texas Ranger, many more. At our next ICFD show, we'll commemorate other local industry folks we lost since our last show.

20. ELMORE LEONARD (8/20, age 87)
OK, now what do JOE KIDD, 3:10 TO YUMA, JACKIE BROWN, OUT OF SIGHT, GET SHORTY, and the current series Justified have in common? All adapted from the works of prolific pulp writer Leonard, famous in the '50s for his westerns, and in recent decades, darkly funny crime/noir fiction, and that's just some of 'em. Check out the 1957 original 3:10 TO YUMA sometime, with Glenn Ford.

21. JULIE HARRIS (8/24, age 87)
An acclaimed stage actress who made some notable film appearances, in MEMBER OF THE WEDDING ('52, Oscar nomination), as James Dean's girlfriend in EAST OF EDEN ('55), and the psychic in the original THE HAUNTING ('63). Also was the cinema's first Sally Bowes in I AM A CAMERA ('55, remade 17 years later as the musical CABARET). TV series: Knots Landing ('79).

22. TOM CLANCY (10/1, age 66)
Although not a military veteran, Clancy's espionage novels were acclaimed bestsellers and became the Jack Ryan film series -- HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER ('90), PATRIOT GAMES, A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS (also ex.producer), and current JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT. He also wrote and produced a successful video game series.

23. HAL NEEDHAM (10/25, age 82)
Hal started as a TV/movie stuntman/stunt director in the 1950's, then moved up to director in the '70s, scoring big with action comedies -- SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT, THE VILLAIN, HOOPER, MEGAFORCE, et. al.

24. PAUL WALKER (11/30, age 40)
A star worldwide for the FAST & FURIOUS series, Walker started as a child actor and model. Minutes after leaving an event for his charity Reach Out Worldwide, he and pal Roger Rodas hit a tree less than a mile away at about 120 mph in the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT Rodas was driving. Both died instantly. He first came to notice in such early hits as SHE'S ALL THAT, PLEASANTVILLE and VARSITY BLUES (1999, Austin). Walker was halfway through filming F&F #7 and has two other posthumous films coming out. Expect some CGI work to "complete" his role, as it will for Phillip Seymour Hoffman's final HUNGER GAMES role.

25. ELEANOR PARKER (12/9, age 91)
When this beautiful actress, famous as The Baroness in THE SOUND OF MUSIC ('65) passed away, there were quips that she must have watched NBC's live TV version the week before. She was Oscar-nominated for CAGED ('50, the prototype women-in-prison flick), DETECTIVE STORY and INTERRUPTED MELODY, and was memorable in MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM and THE NAKED JUNGLE.

26. TOM LAUGHLIN (12/12, age 82)
Actor/director/producer/indie maverick Laughlin had small roles in such '50s films as SOUTH PACIFIC and TEA AND SYMPATHY, and starred in Robert Altman's first feature, THE DELINQUENTS ('57). By the '60s, he was directing and starring in his own independent features. One of those was 1967's BORN LOSERS, in which he debuted the character of Billy Jack. It was the 1971 hit sequel, BILLY JACK, that made Laughlin a bona fide cult star of the '70s. He sued Warners to gain complete control over the film and won, re-releasing it himself in '73 and raking in $40 million -- making it one of the most successful indies ever. 1974's TRIAL OF BILLY JACK followed, then BILLY JACK GOES TO WASHINGTON (which really exists, although never released). Laughlin dropped out of sight soon after, though he tried for a comeback in 1986 with RETURN OF BILLY JACK (never completed). He distributed the JACK quadrilogy himself on home video, and was a published/web psychologist, Jungian philosopher and Montessori educator. Delores Taylor, his costar in JACK, was his wife for 60 years. BTW, his hapkido moves in JACK were doubled by Master Bong Soo Han. "I...just...go...BERSERK!!!"

27. PETER O'TOOLE (12/14, age 81)
Irish-born O'Toole was an unknown when he was cast in the lead of 1962's LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, and had that not been the year of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, he would have won the Oscar hands down for his complex portrayal (try to imagine Brando in the role. Nearly happened). He was nominated seven more times (GOODBYE MR. CHIPS, THE RULING CLASS, MY FAVORITE YEAR, etc.) and never won -- the most acting noms without a win -- but was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 2003. Here's another O'Toole trivia gem -- he was the only actor to date to be nominated twice for playing the same character in otherwise unrelated films -- as Henry II in BECKET ('64) and LION IN WINTER ('68). He has two posthumous releases this year. Dallas connection: one of his all-time best, 1980's THE STUNTMAN (required viewing for our industry), was "discovered" at that year's USA Film Festival (2 years after production) and went on to cult-movie glory and 3 Oscar noms.

28. JOAN FONTAINE (12/15, age 96)
When she won the Best Actress Oscar in 1942 for SUSPICION (the only acting Oscar awarded a Hitchcock film), Fontaine's main competition was her sister Olivia de Havilland for HOLD BACK THE DAWN. This cemented a lifelong and highly publicized feud between the two, who were born in Tokyo to British parents who later moved to California. Fontaine had been nominated the year before for Hitch's REBECCA, and again 2 years later for THE CONSTANT NYMPH. Her last feature was the 1966 horror THE DEVIL'S OWN (one of the '60s fad of casting older name actresses in horror--Olivia had a hit with HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE), but she continued in TV until 1994, including a soap opera stint on Ryan's Hope. Olivia is still kickin' at 97, the last surviving major star of GONE WITH THE WIND. Weird trivia fact: Fontaine sued Blockbuster Inc. in 1996 because she didn't like the VHS box blurb written by yours truly for ORSON WELLES' OTHELLO. Eventually dismissed.

--by Gordon K. Smith

Some Folks We Lost in 2012 (July - Dec)

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:01:00 +0000

CELESTE HOLM

ANDY WILLIAMS

Now that our 2013 edition of IT CAME FROM DALLAS is done, to the immense enjoyment of everyone who was involved and those who came out to see it on Februrary 26 (and thanks to you all!), finally got time to finish our select salute to those folks in TV, Film, Music and Entertainment we lost in the second half of 2012 (July through December). A bit late, perhaps, but never too late to give'em their props, especially those who were ignored during the Memoriam segment of the Oscar telecast (and no, it's not a complete list either. A quick bow to Marvin Hamlisch, Sherman Hensley, Turhan Bey, Sylvia Kristel, Russell Means, Susan Tyrell, Gerry Anderson...)

1, ANDY GRIFFITH (7/3, age 86)

From North Carolina, Griffith was a very popular hick-shtick standup comic on mid-50s television when he was cast in Elia Kazan's A FACE IN THE CROWD in 1957. Those who only know him from his two main series The Andy Griffith Show (1960-68) and the even longer-running Matlock (86-95) might be surprised at how impressive he was in his first and best film, a still-timely satire of television politics. Instead, he became a TV icon, and went back to movies briefly in his final years (WAITRESS and PLAYING THE GAME). Also in NO TIME FOR SERGEANTS, ONIONHEAD, HEARTS OF THE WEST, SPY HARD. Bye, Sheriff Andy. "Now what it was, was football!"

2. ERNEST BORGNINE (7/8, age 95)

Great and much-liked character actor who made his film debut in 1951 and was still going strong in his '90s. Just some of the films of which he was a cast member: FROM HERE TO ETERNITY, BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK (wherein he receives the cinema's first karate chop), JOHNNY GUITAR, THE VIKINGS (as Kirk Douglas' father--they were the same age), THE DIRTY DOZEN, THE WILD BUNCH, THE BLACK HOLE, RED, and MARTY, which landed Borgnine the 1956 Best Actor Oscar. The WWII veteran ignored his agent's advice and starred in a sitcom, McHale's Navy (1962-66), a huge hit. He came to Dallas to shoot Wes Craven's DEADLY HARVEST in 1980 and again for Texas Frightmare Weekend in 2012, just 2 months before his death. One of Ernie's five wives was Ethel Merman -- for 32 days in 1964.

3. CELESTE HOLM (7/15, age 95)
And like Borgnine, she also kept working up to the end. Fine character actress who starred in "Oklahoma" on Broadway, made her film debut in 1946, and won an Oscar for her second film, GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT ('47). Nominated again for COME TO THE STABLE and ALL ABOUT EVE ('50), and should have been for CHAMPAGNE FOR CAESAR that same year. A regular on Promised Land ('96-'99); her numerous other TV roles included The Fairy Godmother in the 1965 Cinderella.

4. LUPE ONTIVEROS (7/26, age 69)
From El Paso, a former social worker who switched careers in mid-life and became a very successful actress, although she probably played more maids than anyone else. Famous for THE GOONIES (1985), SELENA (as Selena's killer fan club president), AS GOOD AS IT GETS, and as Eva Longoria's mother-in-law on Desperate Housewives.

5. GORE VIDAL (7/31, age 86)

Novelist, playwright, screenwriter, actor, political pundit, gay activist, Vidal was related by blood or marriage to Al Gore and Jackie Onassis, among others. He cowrote the screenplay to BEN-HUR (1959) without credit (he sued to get it back, unsuccessfully), as well as CALIGULA (1980), also without credit (he sued to have it removed). As an actor, he appeared in BOB ROBERTS, GATTACA and WITH HONORS, among others. Most famous play, "The Best Man", was filmed in '64 and revived last year.

6. PHYLLIS DILLER (8/20, age 95)
Pioneering female stand-up comic who made her first of countless TV appearances in 1955. One of her early joke writers was Joan Rivers. Diller made several bad comedies with Bob Hope and others, but her film debut was a serious role in a classic film, SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS ('61). She was even a regular on the daytime soap Bold & The Beautiful ('99 - '04). She also did a lot of voice work, including for the Dallas-based Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. When I took a tour of Branson, MO in 1999, the guide made a point of telling us that Diller was denied a club license there because "she wanted to paint the air blue."

7. MICHAEL CLARKE DUNCAN (9/3, age 54)
"Big Mike" was a former bouncer and bodyguard to Notorious B.I.G. - when Biggy was murdered on someone else's watch, he decided to switch to acting. His ARMEGGEDDON costar Bruce Willis recommended him to Frank Darabont for the role of John Coffey (note the initials) for Darabont's THE GREEN MILE; the result was a touching performance that earned Duncan a Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. Also in THE WHOLE NINE YARDS, PLANET OF THE APES, THE SCORPION KING, DAREDEVIL, many more. Died two months after a heart attack.

8. ANDY WILLIAMS (9/25, age 84)
Squeaky clean but highly successful singer and King of Branson, who just about invented the TV Christmas special and bad Christmas sweaters. He started as a singing group with his brothers in the '40s and sang backup to Bing Crosby's recording of "Swingin' On a Star". Although he only tried feature film acting once (I'D RATHER BE RICH, 1964), his hits "Most Wonderful Time", "Moon River", etc., have been used in movies for decades. For years he claimed that at age 14 he dubbed Lauren Bacall's singing in TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT (1942), but that has been disputed by others.

9. LARRY HAGMAN (11/23, age 81)
Born in Fort Worth and died in Dallas, Hagman was the son of Mary Martin (TV's "Peter Pan"). He made his TV debut in 1957, and his film debut in 1964, giving an excellent performance in FAIL SAFE. The next year he played his first memorable TV character, Major Nelson, in I Dream of Jeannie ('65-'70). Then came J.R. Ewing, the most recognized TV character in the world: 356 episodes of Dallas ('78 - '91), 5 episodes of Knots Landing, two Dallas TV movies, and 17 episodes of the sequel series which is still going on. If that's not a record, it's close. In between he was memorable in NIXON, PRIMARY COLORS, HARRY AND TONTO...and few remember his cameo in SUPERMAN (1978 - try and find him).

10. CHARLES DURNING, JACK KLUGMAN (12/24)
Two great character actors died on Christmas Eve, and both had Texas connections. Durning, age 89, made his debut in 1965 and was Oscar-nominated as "The Governor" in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS ('82, written by Larry L. King, who also died in 2012). Also nominated for TO BE OR NOT TO BE the next year, and well remembered for THE STING, TOOTSIE, O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU?, and the Burt Reynolds sitcom Evening Shade (90-94). Klugman, age 90, made his film debut in an obscure 1952 western called GRUBSTAKE, the first film directed by Dallas legend Larry Buchanan (lost, but I'm on the trail). More famous as a TV star, in The Odd Couple ('70-'75) and Quincey ('76-'83), but also outstanding in 12 ANGRY MEN ('57) and DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES ('62).

--by Gordon K. Smith

Some Folks We Lost Jan-June 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 03:54:00 +0000

WRITTEN BY NORA EPHRON

FROM A STORY BY RAY BRADBURY

STARRING DICK CLARK

SOME FOLKS WE LOST FIRST HALF OF 2012

Okay, you who've been in your fallout shelter since December 21 (HA-ha), time to get out and get ready for the next World Shaking Event, namely the Eighth Edition of IT CAME FROM DALLAS!, coming to The Studio Movie Grill in Dallas on Thursday February 21st. We've found all-new long-unseen treasures from the vault of offbeat film and television made in DFW. And, as a special feature this year, we'll take a tour of cinematic gems from Austin, Houston, and other Texas regions. Plus, more industry players and celebs on their favorite Dallas movies and production anecdotes, and our yearly tribute to local personalities we lost in 2012. More on this year's show to come, in the meantime, a look back at various personalities of film, TV, music and media we lost in the first half of 2012 -- some famous, some not, some you never heard of but will find interesting.

1. FREDERICA SAGOR MAAS (1/5, age 111)
Yes, age 111 (third oldest person in California at her death). Screenwriter and producer of the silent era who wrote screenplays and stories for Greta Garbo, Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford and many others. One was Bow's big hit, THE PLASTIC AGE (1927). Bow was a close friend, 5 years younger, and died 46 years before she did. Maas' career faltered the sound era, her last credit being THE SHOCKING MISS PILRIM, a Betty Grable musical. She left Hollywood in 1950, but wrote her autobiography in 1999 (in which she claimed others stole many of her writing credits) and made public appearances at silent film festivals.

2. JAMES FARENTINO (1/24, age 73)
Actor who was all over TV in the '60s, '70s and '80s. His many series included The Bold Ones and Dynasty, and occasional movies such as THE FINAL COUNTDOWN and BULLETPROOF. His career suffered from booze and drug problems and being charged with stalking Tina Sinatra (daughter of Frank), which led to many jokes about daddy Sinatra being a poor choice of people to piss off...

3. DON CORNELIUS (2/1, age 75)
Former Chicago cop who created and produced Soul Train in 1971, which he hosted for 22 years, and the Soul Train Awards shows. He came to Texas in 1980 to act in ROADIE, one of his 3 film roles. Cornelius committed suicide with a shotgun. "We're wishing you Love, Peace, and SOULLLL!!!!!"

4. BEN GAZZARA (2/3, age 81)
Actor's Studio grad who made a big impression in ANATOMY OF A MURDER ('59) but had his biggest success on Broadway, TV and niche films. Known for 3 films with Peter Bogdanovich (SAINT JACK etc.), 5 with pal John Cassavetes (KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE etc.) and for playing a lot of gangsters, especially in THE BIG LEBOWSKI and ROADHOUSE. Series: Arrest and Trail, Run For Your Life.

5. WHITNEY HOUSTON (2/11, age 48)
In addition to her record seven consecutive #1 records and her multiple Grammys and other entertainment awards, Houston could have had a long career in movies if her personal problems hadn't gotten in the way. She made five films, the last being 2012's remake of SPARKLE, released after her death and 15 years after her previous film (WAITING TO EXHALE).

6. DAVY JONES (2/29, age 66)
From Manchester, England, he was a child star on Broadway in "Oliver!", as The Artful Dodger, in the early '60s. On 2/9/64, he performed a musical number from "Oliver!" live on The Ed Sullivan Show. Later in the same episode, a British rock group called The Beatles made their first live American TV appearance. Two years later he was cast in NBC's answer to The Beatles, The Monkees (1966-'68), with Peter Tork, Mickey Dolenz and Dallasite Michael Nesmith. Jones was the breakout star of the surprise hit, and surprise again, these guys really could make music and turn out some hit records for RCA. The novelty had worn off by the time of the 1968 Monkees feature film HEAD (co-written by the boys and Jack Nicholson), but it, and the series, later gained a huge worldwide cult following through endless TV showings. Jones appeared in many Monkees live and TV reunions, and died in Stuart, Florida.

7. ROBERT B. SHERMAN (3/5, age 86)
The man you want to thank for all those Disney songs that stuck in your head as a kid, which he cowrote with brother Richard. They won Oscars for the score, and the song "Chim Chim Cheree", from MARY POPPINS, plus numerous nominations for songs for other Disney (and Disney-ish) flicks.

8. MIKE WALLACE (4/7, age 93)
The co-host of 75 episodes of 60 Minutes was an announcer in the earliest days of television for such shows as Sky King, did scores of commercials, and even acted a few times. He was sued by General William Westmoreland in 1982 and settled out of court. He greatly disliked Christopher Plummer's portrayal of him in THE INSIDER (1999).

9. JONATHAN FRID (4/13, age 87)
The Canadian actor who became a TV icon as Barnabas Collins on the TV horror soap Dark Shadows from '67 to '71, made his final appearance in a cameo in Tim Burton's DARK SHADOWS, starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas. Also appeared in the first DS film, HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS (1970) and Oliver Stone's directing debut, SEIZURE ('74).

10. DICK CLARK (4/18, age 82)
Did anyone do more for the American pop music industry? In addition to creating and hosting American Bandstand for 20 years, he produced game shows, award shows, TV movies, feature films, hosted the New Year's Eve show...and acted. Yep, from time to time he tried some serious acting, in BECAUSE THEY'RE YOUNG, THE YOUNG DOCTORS, KILLERS THREE, and the final episode of Perry Mason among others. He did spots for Dr. Pepper in our fair city, and no doubt much more.

11. DONNA SUMMER (5/17, AGE 63)
THE disco diva of the '70s, Summer won an Oscar for Best Song for 1979's THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!, 2 years after the Academy failed to nominate the Bee Gees for anything for SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER. She made her performing debut in Germany in "Hair", where she hooked up with Giorgio Moroder. Her music, like Houston's, was heard on many film soundtracks. Summer had cancer. See below.

12. ROBIN GIBBS (5/20, age 62)
Twin brother of fellow Bee Gee Maurice, and writer of "Stayin' Alive", both a great movie song and probably the most over-used song in movie history. He lost a long battle with cancer.

13. RICHARD DAWSON (6/2, age 79)

British actor and comedian who hosted Family Feud from 1976 to 1985. and again in 1994. Before that he was a regular on Laugh-In ('70 - '73) and Hogan's Heroes ('65-'71). He made his film debut in THE LONGEST DAY ('62) and was quite effective in KING RAT ('65), THE RUNNING MAN ('87), and a memorable episode of the original Outer Limits ("The Invisibles", 1964).

14. RAY BRADBURY (6/5, age 91)
Wonderful writer of fantastic fiction in stories, screenplays, novels, stage plays, and he wrote other genres as well. His stories and screenplays became IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE, THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS, FAHRENHEIT 451, THE SOUND OF THUNDER, THE ILLUSTRATED MAN, SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES, The Ray Bradbury Theater, The Martian Chronicles and episodes of The Twilight Zone. John Huston was so impressed with his writing that he hired him to script MOBY DICK in 1956. After witnessing a gruesome car crash as a teenager, Bradbury never learned to drive. Remakes of ILLUSTRATED MAN and 451 are in the works.

15. ANN RUTHERFORD (6/11, age 94)
MGM contract star who played Scarlett O'Hara's sister Carreen in GONE WITH THE WIND. Her other films included PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, THE ADVENTURES OF DON JUAN, the ANDY HARDY series, and many TV roles. Olivia de Havilland, who played Melanie in GWTW, is still kickin' at 96, the last living leading cast member.

16. NORA EPHRON (6/26, age 71)
The screenwriter of WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, the Dallas-filmed SILKWOOD, the Austin-filmed MICHAEL, YOU'VE GOT MAIL JULIA AND JULIA, and many more, she reinvented the rom-com. She also directed SLEEPLESS, MICHAEL, MAIL, and JULIA. And she said one of my favorite showbiz quotes. When asked how she would feel if SLEEPLESS was not nominated for a Screenplay Oscar, she answered, "On the list of the world's great injustices, it doesn't make the top million". Turned out it was anyway, as was SILKWOOD and WHMS. Meryl Streep played her in HEARTBURN ('86).

Stay tuned for Part II, covering July-December 2012, and see you on the 21st!

---Gordon K. Smith

DPA Member News: Cynthia Salzman-Mondell honored at Lois Weber Film Festival Oct 19

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 15:43:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

Grand Prairie Public Library System

Dallas independent filmmaker Cynthia Salzman-Mondell will be honored for her body of work at the 2nd Annual Lois Weber Film Festival. The Film Festival, which screens movies and documentaries by female directors, is hosted by the Grand Prairie Public Library and held at Grand Prairie’s historic Uptown Theater.

At 7:30 pm on Friday, October 19, the Library will award Salzman-Mondell the Lois Weber Award, for her impact on the Texas motion picture industry. Her movie The Ladies Room will be screened.

The Ladies Room takes you where no man has gone before … a hilarious 42-minute documentary about what really goes on behind closed doors. Women share stories of love, sex, marriage and divorce, and comment on everything from body image to their mothers … all the while fixing their hair and makeup.

Cynthia believes that films do make a difference in people's lives. This motivates her to marry her love for film and commitment to social change. She is now working on a film Sole Sisters, a fascinating exploration of women's identity told and seen through the intimate relationship between a woman and her shoes. Learn more at www.solesistersfilm.com.

She is co-founder with her husband Allen Mondell of award-winning film production and distribution company Media Projects, Inc. www.mediaprojects.org.

The festival continues on Saturday, October 20.

11 am: Kung Fu Panda 2, by director Jennifer Yuh. 90 min. Rated PG. A murderous villain with a secret weapon that could end kung fu threatens Po, now the Dragon Warrior.

1:30 pm: Louie Louie, by director Cynthia Salzman Mondell. 29 min. Unrated. From the director: this portrait of a man living with Parkinson's disease provides an extremely insightful look into the physical and psychosocial challenges of this illness and the human will to survive.

2 pm: Christopher Strong, by director Dorothy Arzner. 79 min. Stars Katharine Hepburn as Lady Cynthia Darrington, a record-setting aviatrix who falls in love with a married Member of Parliament.

3:15 pm: The Sari Soldiers, by director Julie Bridgham. 92 minutes. Unrated.

From the studio: Filmed over three years during the most historic and pivotal time in Nepal’s modern history, The Sari Soldiers is an extraordinary story of six women’s courageous efforts to shape Nepal’s future in the midst of an escalating civil war against Maoist insurgents, and the King’s crackdown on civil liberties. When Devi, mother of a 15-year-old girl, witnesses her niece being tortured and murdered by the Royal Nepal Army, she speaks publicly about the atrocity. The army abducts her daughter in retaliation, and Devi embarks on a three-year struggle to uncover her daughter’s fate and see justice done.

The Sari Soldiers intimately delves into the extraordinary journey of women on opposing sides of the conflict, through the democratic revolution that reshapes the country’s future.

5 pm: The Savages, by director Tamara Jenkins. 114 min. Rated R.

Stars Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Two siblings still recovering from the abuse inflicted by their estranged father are forced into caring for him as his dementia increases.

Tickets each day for the festival are $5, or $3 with a Grand Prairie Library card. They are available at the Theater Box Office. The Theater and box office are located at 120 E. Main Street.

The Grand Prairie Main Library is the site of the Lois Weber Collection, a circulating collection of more than 300 films directed by women, from all time periods and many countries. Library cards are free, even to non-residents. The Main Library is located at 901 Conover Drive, in Grand Prairie. Visit www.gptx.org/library for more information.

DPA Member News: WEEKEND RAILROADERS documentary screenings

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:25:00 +0000

DPA member Scott Peterson's documentary film "Weekend Railroaders" will be featured during the 7th Annual Cotton Belt Railroad Symposium held at Texas A&M University-Commerce. The film will screen on Friday, October 5, at 6:30pm at the Sam Rayburn Student Center and again on Saturday, October 6, at 1:45pm followed by a Q&A session with the filmmaker.

About the Film:
A unique documentary film about railroad motor car excursions and the people participating in them, Weekend Railroaders explores the excitement, satisfaction and camaraderie of railroad enthusiasts through personal interviews and action footage from rail cars during speeder runs. Featuring author and historian Leon Sapp, relive the history of railroad motor cars through their restoration and rebirth in the hands of hobbyists. A must for all rail fans, experience a weekend ride on working freight railroads with a colorful cast of riders.

Filmed at various locations in Texas, including Rockwall, Llano, Dallas, Carrollton, Greenville, Commerce, and Sulpher Springs. Additional footage was shot in Wilburton, OK.

About the Filmmaker:
Scott Peterson is a commercial producer and director specializing in corporate video and animation through his company, CREW Media. He is a member of the Dallas Producers Association and serves on the Board of Directors of the Rockwall County Alliance for the Arts.

Links:
http://faculty.tamuc.edu/jdavis/railroad/symposium/symposium/
http://www.weekendrailroaders.com
http://www.crewmedia.com

DPA Partner Event: 24-Hour Video Race

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 15:24:00 +0000

The 11^th Annual 24-Hour Video Race, presented by The Video Association of Dallas, will commence at the Angelika Film Center in Mockingbird Station at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 4, and end 24 hours later at 12-midnight on Saturday, May 5. The Angelika Film Center is at 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln. To register, visit http://www.24hourvideorace.com or call 214-428-8700 or email videorace@videofest.org. Texas Commission on the Arts, Dallas Film Commission and Office of Cultural Affairs City of Dallas are sponsors of this event. Brainfood.com is the web sponsor. AMS Pictures is the Race Angel.

The screenings of the work of all the entrants will be Tuesday-Thursday, May 8-10 with the finalists screened on Monday, May 14 at the Angelika Film Center. The winning videos will be shown at the 25th annual VideoFest in Sept. 27-30 at the Dallas Museum of Art and also on KERA –TV Channel 13’s program “Frame of Mind” and on You+Media Dallas. Team members should bring Race lanyards for admission to the screenings. (This includes teams who did not finish the Race.) Members of the general public can also attend. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. The screening schedule will be posted the Monday after the race.

Dallas film and video makers of all levels of experience are invited to participate in the race, both creatively and literally. Teams that do not make it to the finish line at midnight will not be included in the judging, All teams will be assigned four critical elements: one theme, one prop, one location and one line of dialogue. This year’s race participants will use H264 QuickTime files on USB drives.

Anyone with a camera and the willingness to race can participate. Past teams have included elementary school students to professional filmmakers. Student teams compete against other student teams and adult teams are categorized by team size rather than skill level.

Team Categories & Fees:
The 2012 24 Hour Video Race is limited to 100 teams. Teams are not registered until paid in full. You are strongly encouraged to field the size of team. After you register, you will be prompted to pay by PayPal, so get your credit card ready!

Pixelvision Division: K-High School: no limit on size.$75 per team + $5 per team member. Team captains must be 18 years of age or older, or adult mentor must register and supervise team. Team captain is responsible for providing VAD with written evidence that each participant under 18 has obtained the prior written consent of a parent or legal guardian to participate in the 24 Hour Video Race.

Futurevision Division: College; no limit on size

$75/team + $5/team member

Auteur Division: 1 or 2 members
$50 each member

Guerilla Division: 3-5 members
$150/team + $5/team member

Hollywood Division: 6 or more members
$200/team + $5/team member

ABOUT VIDEO ASSOCIATION of DALLAS:

The mission of the Video Association is to promote an understanding of video as a creative medium and cultural force in our society, and to support and advance the work of Texas artists working in video and the electronic arts.

The Video Association of Dallas (VAD) is a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated on April 25, 1989. It began in 1986 as a weekend event, “Video As A Creative Medium”, presented at the Dallas Museum of Art by independent curators Barton Weiss and John Held. That first event, which included two nights of video by selected local and national video artists, was a great popular success, which led to the founding of the Dallas Video Festival (DVF) in 1987. Video Association of Dallas presents the 24 Hour Video Race and other programs throughout the year.

For press information, please contact Lisa Taylor at 214-914-1099.

NEW DPA CONTEST! WIN STUFF!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Producers Association) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:44:00 +0000

Okay, DPA members, here's how to win a free breakfast at the next Third Thursday Breakfast Club get-together, plus your own DPA T-shirt. If you were at our "It Came From Dallas: The Magnificent Seventh" show on February 23rd (and we hope you were), you saw our opening piece, "Dallas-O-Rama", a 3.5 minute montage featuring eleven classic movie moments in which our fair city is mentioned. Here it is again if you missed it:

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to identify each one of these clips, in order. We need exact titles, not just "Three Stooges" or "John Wayne movie". The first entry with all correct answers, or the entry with the most correct answers at the deadline time, wins. The deadline is April 15. Email your responses, with your contact info, directly to me at:

gksmith@earthlink.net

put "DPA CONTEST ENTRY" in the subject line.

No purchase required! Open to DPA members only. Contest void in Wisconsin.
Second Prize: the "It Came From Dallas" game, home edition!
Third Prize: Rice-a-Roni, The San Francisco treat!
(okay, kidding about those last two. There's only first prize).

So, unleash your inner movie trivia nerd for grub and swag, and watch for future postings of some of the most-requested segments from this year's show, coming soon.

-Gordon K. Smith/Altair IV Productions

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 were recently announced and include the Texas-shot movie “The Tree of Life” which stars Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. During production, Prairie Pictures producer and cinematographer Martin Lisius worked with the film’s producer Sarah Green and director Terrence Malick to help visually recreate the deadly 1953 Waco, Texas tornado. StormStock imagery shot by Lisius on 35mm, including tornadoes, storm clouds and lightning, 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 dramatic weather footage shot on premium formats and is licensed to producers worldwide for 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 Magic Video, Inc) has been supporting the local Dallas video community for over twenty years.

Magic Production Group’s president Massoum Mirzaei decided a change was needed in order to emphasize that the company’s capabilities went far beyond simply video. Whether through its leading-edge productions, soundstage rental, or dynamic corporate events, Magic Production group has worked with both agencies and Fortune 500 companies to build an outstanding reputation within the community.

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

Creative content. Superior productions. Dynamic events. When it 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