LOS ANGELES— Kim Ray, co-writer of the 2006 Oscar Award winning short film, WEST BANK STORY, will headline the University of Michigan Entertainment Coalition’s 4th Annual Short Film Festival.
Ray will be the guest of honor at a June 15 evening of screenings, during which she will receive the Reel Wolverine Award. Showcasing 2007’s best University of Michigan alumni and student short films, the event will unfold at the Clarity Screening Room in the heart of Beverly Hills, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 7 pm. Presentation of the selected films will be followed by a gala reception courtesy of the University of Michigan Alumni Association.
Ray is the third recipient of the Reel Wolverine Award, established by the University of Michigan Entertainment Coalition (UMEC) to honor Michigan alumni who’ve made outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and who uphold the highest standards of artistic and professional excellence in their work. Past recipients are Lawrence Kasdan and Peter Benedek. UMEC is a nonprofit organization comprised of University of Michigan alumni working in the field of entertainment.
The film festival’s top alumni and student filmmakers will each receive $1,000 in motion picture film stock donated by Fuji Film. A $500 film stock award will be given to the viewer’s choice.
Seating is limited, thus advance ticket purchase is required for this exclusive event. Tickets are $12 for UMEC members and $15 for non-members. This price includes parking validation and access to the Alumni Association reception. Tickets are available by pre-sale only and can be purchased via Pay Pal, visit www.PayPal.com, and click on the "Send Money" tab. E-mail your payment to
. Please indicate on your PayPal submission that you are paying for Film Festival Admission and indicate whether you are a member or not.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION & INDUSTRY COMPS, CONTACT:
Jacqui Colston, Ted Houser
Festival Co-Directors
University of Michigan Entertainment Coalition (213) 703-5643, (310) 923-3369
Actors, Screenwriters, Directors, Producers, Composers, Cinematographers, Make-up artists, Graphic Designers, and anyone involved in the filmmaking process...
Find everything and everyone you need to MAKE YOUR MOVIE.
Organic Cinema is a community web site for independent filmmakers. The community allows anyone to collaborate in the film production process. From actors to screenwriters to camera supervisors, the community encompasses the broadest diversity of talent in the film industry. The spirit of the community makes the transition from independent filmmakers to Organic filmmakers possible.
Organic Cinema is for everyone involved in filmmaking:
• Actors who want to find the perfect casting call • Screenwriters who want to post their latest ideas • Directors searching for a bright new talent • Producers looking for experienced crew • Cinematographers framing shots • Composers who want to write a Reggae original score • Sound Mixers, Musicians, Make-up, Grips, and even Extras
One---- Create a user account Two---- Customize your profile page, including photos, movies, resumes, and references. Three-- Post ideas, enlarge your network, begin production Four--- Launch marketing campaigns through Organic Cinema, distribute your film, and get into movie theaters. Five--- Make vast contacts to take your filmmaking career in new directions
please contact Joel Kort with any questions at 818-613-5792 or
We would like to thank everyone who submitted scripts to the 2006-2007 UMEC Screenwriting Competition. The response to our call for entries was overwhelming, and it was great to see so many Wolverines submitting such strong writing. Our judges thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the screenplays, and we have collected their comments on the scripts which we will email to each individual entrant. I would personally like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to read the scripts, and a special thanks to the alumni who will be reading the winning scripts and providing their feedback.
And the winners are...
ALUMNI CATEGORY: Paul Malewitz and Amol Paruleka for "Fate, Inc." $500 prize Script will be read by celebrated alums in the industry
STUDENT CATEGORY: Daniel June for "Stone Eyes" $300 prize Script will be read by celebrated alums in the industry
Thanks again to everyone who participated in, or assisted with, the UMEC Screenwriting Competition!
Zach Evans UMEC Vice President Screenwriting Competition Co-Coordinator with Lisa Kwong
--Must spend at least $200,000 in Michigan to be eligible.
--Graduated scale for credit:
--between $200,000-$1 million, production company receives up to12% refund
--between $1 million-$5 million, production company receives up to 16% refund
--between $5 million-$10 million, production company receives up to 20% refund
--anything over $10 million only receives 20% on first $10 million
--Company must submit the Application to film office and Treasury; and be pre-approved before becoming eligible.
--Application must include: estimated Michigan expenditures, project type, Michigan production days, local hires and more. The company must send a script/storyboard, insurance documents, the budget, any confidential information requirements and the application fee. The project must commence filming within 90 days of approval.
--$7 million total limit available each tax year (tax year runs 10/1-9/30).
--If the Film Office and Treasury agree that the production company has complied with the law and their agreement, and after all post-production paperwork has been completed and approved (an audit may in some instances be required), a post-production certificate shall be given to the company. This certificate will be submitted to Treasury for the rebate.
--Commercials, documentaries and TV series are also eligible.
Companies are not eligible if they owe the state any money, guaranteed loans etc or if owned by a company in default with the state.
This incentive became effective in January 2007. Please call or email the Michigan Film Office for application information and details or go online at www.michigan.gov/filmoffice.
USA Today best-selling author releases novel lauded as “hilarious”RADIO STORY PITCH:MOTHERS FROM HELL
Like mother, like daughter?Like hell, says Lucy Klein, the protagonist in the upcoming release, The Queen Gene (Kensington, Feb 2007).Lucy is trying to be a great mom and wife, but her drama queen mother, Anjoli just can’t seem to stop causing trouble.
Jane Krull, active UMEC member and leader, accepts current UMEC President Jacques Habra's appointment to Presidency!
"I moved out of the LA area last month and knew that to keep the momentum of UMEC going strong, we needed to have a local President," explained Habra. Jacques met with Jane Krull before making the move and discussed the opportunity, role, and responsibilities of the UMEC Presidency.
"Jane's enthusiasm can be felt each time you sit down and chat with her; UMEC is lucky to have her as President," Habra stated.
Jane's leadership and experience in a wide range of entertainment related areas makes her an ideal choice for UMEC President. As Jane takes on more responsibilities and Jacques finalizes the transfer, you will hear about some new ideas and concepts. Stay tuned for more as the story develops...
Pictured below is Jane Krull, UMEC President Mary Sue Coleman, and Jacques Habra:
