News - Sunscreen Film Festival 2009

Broadway and Beyond: Songs from Stage and Screen

What:

The musical group Broadway and Beyond will perform songs from stage and screen.

When:

June 20, 2009 8PM. Doors open 7:30PM.

Where:

Ft. Harrison Hotel. 210 S Ft. Harrison Ave.

What:

Tickets are $20 and include coffee and dessert. Cash bar.

Proceeds benefit the 501(c)3 non-profit Sunscreen Film Festival

Date: 05/31/2009 Posted By: Tony Category: Events

Summer Camp Film School

Sunscreen Film Festival presents Summer 2009 Camp for Young Movie-Makers

The modern technological revolution has created greater accessibility for movie making equipment to the general public and that includes kids.

Why not learn to make good movies?

This summer, the Sunscreen Film Festival Film School will present a two-week summer camp. Participants will script, shoot and edit as many as four films, which they will present at their own festival at the end of the camp.

The Program

The camp focuses in the beginning, as all good movies must, on storytelling. Kids will learn to craft the events of stories into compelling sequences that build tension and suspense and plant vital questions in the viewers' minds. Then everyone will write a short script employing what they've learned.

Concurrently, campers will get a good overview of cinematography, with industry experts using the same equipment the campers will be using. These experts will demonstrate shots and camera angles along with sound and lighting principles essential for good filmmaking.

At the end of the first week, the faculty will choose up to four of the campers' original films for actual production. It will then divide the campers into production teams in preparation for the next three days during which they will shoot the scripts.

The last two days of camp will be devoted to post-production during which the movies will be edited, music added, credits appended and whatever other creative touches the campers devise.

Finally, the completed films will be shown at a Sunscreen Film Camp Festival on the last day of camp.

When?

July 6 - July 17 Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm. The Camp Film Festival where campers show their films to parents and friends will be on Friday July 17 from 6:30 pm until 9.

Where?

The camp will be held at Studio620 in downtown St. Petersburg.

Who is eligible to participate?

Kids ages 14-18. Some exceptions to age requirements will be made based on prior experience and interest level after an evaluation by the Sunscreen Film Festival staff. Please note: movie making is a collaborative effort in which each member of the production team relies on everyone else. Your child's camping decision should be grounded in a genuine desire to learn the movie-making art. How much? The two-week, 9-5 camp is $500.00.

What equipment is required?

Four campers will be expected to volunteer laptops for editing the movies. If you have family equipment, like a camcorder, and want to learn to use it more effectively, you are encouraged to bring it. Otherwise, Sunscreen will provide the equipment.

Who is the faculty?

The program head is Dave DeBorde and he is also the main teacher. His bio is listed below. He will be assisted by two college-age proctors who are experienced movie makers. In addition, guest speakers, like professional cinematographers will also contribute.

How do I sign up?

In filling out the application please bear in mind that we are above all else seeking commitment from our campers. Movie making is a very satisfying endeavor, but it requires discipline and determination.

What about lunch and snacks?

Campers are required to provide their own meals and snacks. Studio 620 is in downtown St. Petersburg and lots of restaurants are within walking distance.

Questions?

Email harryc@harryc.net or call Harry Chittenden at 727-420-0566.

Dave DeBorde - Instructor

Dave DeBorde is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has screened at over 60 film festivals, domestically and internationally, and has garnered over 27 major awards. His film experience is long and varied, including a film project called Potluck: three short, yet poignant films now in distribution for the Christian media market. One of the films, "Success Story, part I," was selected for competition at France's Cannes Film Festival. For a time, DeBorde worked on an animated web series as the primary writer and has consulted on several film projects and companies from Florida to California, including Bella, which won the Toronto Film Festival and had a national theatrical release.

DeBorde initially learned his producing skills while working on a feature film starring Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ, Count of Monty Cristo) working as co-producer with legendary Hollywood Producer, William S. Gilmore (Jaws, A Few Good Men, etc.). The lessons learned on that film put him in a position to earn his stripes in 2001' as one of the producers of "The Least of These." That remarkable 35mm short won numerous awards, including a Crystal Heart from the Heartland Film Festival and a CINE Special Jury Award; TLOT is in DVD distribution, cable and air travel.

In Fall of 08', student filmmakers at SEU enjoyed their first official semester in the newly formed film department, which DeBorde was hired to create from scratch. Dave reminds his students of the high responsibility they have as filmmakers and storytellers, "Storytellers will always define the culture and the way we think about the past. The medium-which is film in this generation-may change, but the importance of storytellers will never change."

DeBorde is currently working on post-production for a new series of potluck short films, and a feature film, Lakeland Love Comedy" which he will premiere in September 2009'. LLC is a Cohen Brothers-esque comedy about a loveable loser who goes to extraordinary lengths for his dying mother so she can see him finally get the girl. In keeping with his busy slate, DeBorde also has a low-budget feature in development which is the result of a partnership with the website, audioholics.com. He is slated to shoot that feature comedy in Summer 09'.

Date: 05/08/2009 Posted By: Tony Category: Announcements

Patrick Wilson, Opening Night April 29th

Patrick Wilson will be presenting his film "Passengers" at the Opening Night of the Sunscreen Film Festival Wednesday April 29th.

The film starts at 7:30, immediately following the film he will do a Q&A with the audience.

Around 9PM, following the film and Q&A he will then be hosting the Opening Night Party at the Museum of Fine Arts at 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.

Currently the only way to attend the film and Party are with a VIP Pass. Passes are $175 and can be purchased by clicking here

If seats are still available at the time of the film screening individual tickets for the film only will be sold, however the only way to guarantee a seat is with a VIP Pass, and these are selling out quickly.

A VIP Pass gets you access to all 70 Films over the 5 day festival, all Panels & Workshops, the Opening Night Party, the Filmmaker Party, and the Awards Ceremony and VIP Party. All for only $175.

Additionally Patrick Wilson has been added to the Actors' Workshop and will be teaching part of the class, so signup now and get a VIP pass included! Click Here to signup!

Date: 04/13/2009 Posted By: Tony Category: Announcements

The Sunscreen Actors' Workshop

Sunscreen Film Festival Actors' Track: April 30th and May 1st, 2009

LEARN FROM HOLLYWOOD CASTING DIRECTORS!

AUDITION FOR HOLLYWOOD FEATURE FILMS!

GET NOTICED BY BIG NAME CASTING DIRECTORS!

MEET TALENT AGENTS!

Patrick Wilson has been added to the workshop and will be teaching part of the class, so signup now!

Space is limited so sign up now

Special Advance Purchase Pricing. Get an All Access Films Pass or VIP Parties and Films Pass Free with workshop signup now!

If you have any questions, please contact the Actor's Track Supervisor, Dave DeBorde: dave@potluckmovies.com

This is THE premiere showcase of screen acting talent in the Southeast, the Sunscreen Actor's Track (S.A.T.) is the best acting/auditioning workshop outside of L.A.

Learn and work with these prestigious instructors:

P. Wilson

Patrick Wilson:

Actor of Stage (Broadway and O-Broadway) and Screen Work includes: Watchmen (2009), Passengers (2008), Little Children (2006), Hard Candy (2005), The Alamo (2004) and The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

J. Jackson

John Jackson:

Well connected and longtime casting director of Sideways, About Schmidt, Election, and Citizen Ruth. As his interest in acting diminished, his work in casting grew. Current casting projects include feature films: The Objective with writer/director Daniel Myrick (Blair Witch Project) and Shoe At Your Foot with French film maker Jennifer Devoldere. Recent films include Expired, American Zombie, The Host, Humboldt County and Otis.

Marc Durso

Mark Durso:

Miami based longtime screen-acting guru,Marc teaches private workshops throughout the United States and Europe. His students are working SAG, AFTRA and AEA members with film and TV starring and co-starring roles, national tours and commercials to their credit.

Latanya Potts

Latanya Potts:

veteran L.A.-based television and film casting director for independent features with a variety of actors from, Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac, Louis Gossett Jr., Samuel Jackson and Snoop Dogg. Her credits include, Moesha, The Steve Harvey Show, and Soul Men. www.latanyapottscasting.com

Guest Celebrity Actors Participating in the workshop include:

Michael Rooker:

TV and Film Actor Work includes: Jumper (2008), Days of Thunder (1990), The Bone Collector (1999), Clihanger (1993) Tombstone (1993), JKF (1991)- also famous his portrayal in “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” AT FESTIVAL FOR HIS ROLE IN “THIS MAN’S LIFE” - part of the Ties that Bind short-lm block.

Bill Cobbs:

TV and Film Actor Work includes: Night at the Museum (2006), CSI: Miami (2008), Air Bud (1997) - Tons of TV like: The Drew Carey Show, JAG, NYPD Blue, The West Wing, etc... AT FESTIVAL FOR HIS ROLE IN “THIS MAN’S LIFE” - part of the Ties that Bind short-lm block.

Maddy Curley:

A native Florida girl and now a busy Hollywood actress - co-starred with Jeff Bridges in "Stick It", lead roles in several independent films, guest roles on tv shows CSI, The Office, and the 2-week season finale of "Cold Case" this May.

Because of the overwhelming response to last year's S.A.T., Sunscreen has expanded it to two days in order to give actors more opportunity to learn from the best in the business. Additionally, we have invited some producers and directors who are getting ready to cast some feature projects, so the audition slots would not only be for getting notes from working professionals on your performance, but also getting the opportunity to audition for real productions that will be shooting in the next year.

As an example of the fantastic opportunity S.A.T. provides, Latanya Potts herself is actually casting for a film to be shot in May and is looking to cast some secondary characters from the Florida talent pool. As many of you already know, it's very difficult to even get into an audition for union work in Florida and this will be an opportunity to go after a large, career-launching production.

Meet Talent Agents:

Additionally several talent agencies will be recruiting actors as well.

The Schedule:

April 30th, Thursday: The actor's track will begin on Thursday morning, April 30th with the Screen Acting panel discussion which will include all of the instructors, plus some surprise guest screen actors (names cannot be released yet), and the SAG South Region Executive for central and northern Florida, Dave Fazekas, to go over SAG related issues.

After the panel concludes, participants will sign up into groups and (time permitting) will rotate through afternoon sessions for workshops:

John Jackson's legendary cold reading workshop -learn the techniques of effective cold read auditions. It will also include good overall auditioning techniques and protocol. John will determine what sides you will audition with the following day based on your work in this workshop.

Marc Durso's renowned intermediate acting class - if you visit his site, you will get a taste of his acting philosophy, which prepares you for auditioning and methods for success if you are cast in a movie.

Latanya Potts will be hosting auditions for the Miami film and will give tips on how to better your auditioning techniques.

May 1st, Friday: S.A.T. cranks up the intensity.

John Jackson will hold auditions for every S.A.T. participant and give immediate feedback. After receiving the initial critiques, the participants (you) will have an opportunity to play your scene again after his first suggestions and then he will give another round of immediate feedback. His feedback was rated the #1 overall aspect of last year's festival -including the films - that's how good this casting director is!

Marc Durso will take his intermediate acting class and transform it into an advanced acting class. If you like intense, no-holds-barred acting training, then this is a can't-miss class. If you're paying attention during the workshop, you WILL take away something that will enhance future performances.

Latanya Potts will see some more actors for initial auditions, but will also hold some callbacks from the previous day (by request only).

If you are a serious actor, agent, manager, director, producer or casting director, the Sunscreen Actor's Track represents two days that you cannot afford to miss.

Questions?

Contact the Actor's Track Supervisor, Dave DeBorde: dave@potluckmovies.com

Space is limited so sign up now!

Special Advance Purchase Pricing. Get an All Access Films Pass or VIP Parties and Films Pass Free with workshop signup now!

Audition for the Feature Film "GET LIFTED"

This film is an action drama in the vein of the Fast and Furious movies but in a Miami setting. The ONLY central Florida auditions for this Hollywood feature film will happen at the Sunscreen Film Festival's Actors' Track.

Story synopsis:

Get Lifted "King Of The Street" is a full length feature film about Carlos "Quarter Mile" Diaz. A Cuban American Donk street racer, who retires after his best friend dies in a street race and has to find his way out of a deep depression and back into society and racing after mentoring an aspiring young Donk street racer (Ant), who comes to him to escape the gritty streets of Miami.

The character breakdowns are listed below. Please be aware that space for the Actors' Track is limited, so the sooner actors sign up, the better.

Director/Writer: Imani Shakur Story by: Imani Shakur, Felix Arugelles and Amber Howard Casting Director: LaTanya Potts Start Date: May 2009 Location: Miami Interviews: (LA, NY and Miami)

[CARLOS "QUARTER MILE" DIAZ] In his late 20s, Cuban American, he's a tough, troubled, but kind-hearted street racer who took over his father's engine performance shop, Go Fast Industries, after his father died. His nickname comes from the fact that he's so fast that "nobody can get with him at a quarter mile." Last year, Quarter's best friend D.O. died in a street crash, sending Quarter into a six-month-long depression that nearly cost him his wife and two young kids. But with the appearance of young Ant, a 20-year-old ex-car thief and eager racer who reminds Quarter of D.O., Quarter sees a chance to make a difference in someone's life and maybe start over. Against the wishes of his longtime pals Laz and Hector, Quarter gives Ant a job at Go Fast, and quickly finds himself back in the dangerous racing game again...LEAD (1)

[ANTHONY "ANT" GATES] 20 years old, African American, he's an upbeat and eager kid, an ex-car thief who's done time in prison but still retains hope and optimism. He comes from the ghetto and dreams of earning enough money to escape his situation and attend technical school. His mother died of AIDS and his father is a heroin addict, but Ant has managed to teach himself auto repair and his skills are very impressive. He idolizes Quarter and longs to work for him at Go Fast, but when Quarter hesitates to teach him how to street race, Ant is lured away by Quarter's rival, Block, and gets in way over his head...LEAD (2)

[LAZ] In his 30s, Cuban American, an ex-drug dealer who's gone straight, he is old pals with Quarter and works as a manager at Go Fast. He's been bugging Quarter to come back to work and he's thrilled when things at the shop seem to be returning to normal. At first, Laz doesn't trust Ant, but he grows to empathize with the younger man and tells Quarter to give Ant a second chance...LEAD (1)

[HECTOR] A Colombian guy in his 20s to 30s, he's an old pal of Quarter's who used to steal cars but has been clean for a long time and now works at Go Fast Industries. Like Laz, he wants nothing to do with Ant at first, and makes life tough for him, but eventually comes to see Ant as family. He, Quarter and Lax help Ant prepare for his street race...LEAD (12)

[BLOCK] A cocky, grandstanding and dangerous African American man in his mid 20s, he's a street racer and drug dealer who can't resist showing off at street races, tossing money into the crowds. Block runs Real Motors auto shop, but it's just a money laundering front for his brother Real's cocaine business. With Quarter out of the racing scene, Block is winning all the races, but he knows he'll never be considered King of the Street until he strips Quarter of his title...LEAD (13)

[KYRA] In her mid to late 20s, African American, she's an attractive, charming, young woman who works at a bank and goes after what she wants, and right now what she wants is Quarter. Despite her corporate trappings, she's a huge fan of the local racing scene and even has her own crew. After several months of dating Quarter, she grows frustrated that he hasn't divorced his estranged wife, and she's sick and tired of waiting for him to choose her. Eventually she switches sides and joins up with Quarter's rival, Block...SUPPORTING (24)

[DENISE] Quarter's estranged wife, and the mother of his two young kids, she felt abandoned when Quarter moved back home with his mother and stopped going to work for six months while he dealt with the loss of his friend D.O. Despite his assurances that he's back on track now and wants to be a better husband and father, she doesn't trust him yet to make good on his commitments. As time passes as she comes to believe he's changed, and asks Mama Diaz for advice on getting him back...SUPPORTING (33)

STORY LINE: CARLOS "QUARTER MILE" DIAZ, known in Miami as the King of the Streets, gave up street racing after the death of his best friend in a crash last year, but now, in order to save his protege ANT's future, he must once again enter the arena that has caused him so much joy and pain...

Dave DeBorde - Workshop Coordinator

Dave DeBorde is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has screened at over 60 film festivals, domestically and internationally, and has garnered over 27 major awards. His film experience is long and varied, including a film project called Potluck: three short, yet poignant films now in distribution for the Christian media market. One of the films, "Success Story, part I," was selected for competition at France's Cannes Film Festival. For a time, DeBorde worked on an animated web series as the primary writer and has consulted on several film projects and companies from Florida to California, including Bella, which won the Toronto Film Festival and had a national theatrical release.

DeBorde initially learned his producing skills while working on a feature film starring Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ, Count of Monty Cristo) working as co-producer with legendary Hollywood Producer, William S. Gilmore (Jaws, A Few Good Men, etc.). The lessons learned on that film put him in a position to earn his stripes in 2001' as one of the producers of "The Least of These." That remarkable 35mm short won numerous awards, including a Crystal Heart from the Heartland Film Festival and a CINE Special Jury Award; TLOT is in DVD distribution, cable and air travel.

In Fall of 08', student filmmakers at SEU enjoyed their first official semester in the newly formed film department, which DeBorde was hired to create from scratch. Dave reminds his students of the high responsibility they have as filmmakers and storytellers, "Storytellers will always define the culture and the way we think about the past. The medium-which is film in this generation-may change, but the importance of storytellers will never change."

DeBorde is currently working on post-production for a new series of potluck short films, and a feature film, Lakeland Love Comedy" which he will premiere in September 2009'. LLC is a Cohen Brothers-esque comedy about a loveable loser who goes to extraordinary lengths for his dying mother so she can see him finally get the girl. In keeping with his busy slate, DeBorde also has a low-budget feature in development which is the result of a partnership with the website, audioholics.com. He is slated to shoot that feature comedy in Summer 09'.