Audition News

CASTING TIDBITS:

EYDE BELASCO in Los Angeles is casting the mod-low budget feature UNTITLED HOMESCHOOL COMEDY, a coming-of-age story about a young girl who finds the resolve to break away from her controlling mother in order to seek a better life for herself.

Casting feature film shooting in Nashville from Nov 28 thru Dec 6th. Casting 2 day player roles for character actors. Need male (25 - 35) for supporting role, love interest of lead actress. Also need mature male (45-60) to play owner of a bar/lounge. Also looking for males and females (24-35) to play bar/lounge scene patrons. Speaking roles, improv.  This is a No Budget, non-union feature film. There NO PAY but copies, credit, transpo, meals, deferred payment provided.  Respond with headshot, resume, or links to work. pholt@1wayoranother.net.

High-energy actors to intern in a fun and creative talent Managers office in LOS ANGELES. You should have great phone and communication skills. You will be communicating with Agents, Actors and industry professionals  while sipping lattes and listening to your favorite music. Must be organized, have a great phone voice enjoy people and talking as well as a self-starter. You will need to be able to work 5-6 hours a day 1-3 days a week.  Email Headshot &  Resume to Info@omniumentertainment.com.


TLC Casting "Freaky Eaters" Season 2
Are you addicted to one food and one food only?
Do your friends or family members think your “picky eating” is getting out of control?
Are you terrified of eating certain foods and the thought gives you anxiety?
If you or someone you know needs help with their food issue, we want to hear from you!
This is a serios show for ADULTS who genuinely would like to help to deal with the psychological root causes of why they cannot eat or try new foods.
For more information or to be considered, please call (323) 904-4680 or email at freakyeaters@shedmediaus.com with the following information:
First and Last Name / Age / City, State / Phone Number and Email / Photo and/or link to your Facebook or Myspace / A brief paragraph about your eating habits and what makes they "extreme".


The November Casting Assignment List for Now Casting.


Wendy is looking for a REAL CATHOLIC PRIEST to work as an advisor for a catholic funeral scene in her new movie. If you are a real priest and would like to participate, please call Wendy at (818) 260-3951.


KARI KURTO is casting the mod-low budget feature GEEZERS!, a mockumentary about an actor who follows senior citizens in order to research what it's like to be old for an upcoming role.

"The Gold Rush" at the Cedar Lee Theater for only 25 cents

The Cedar Lee Theater will be celebrating its 85th anniversary on Wednesday, December 1st.   It will be showing the Charlie Chaplin masterpiece, "The Gold Rush," for only 25 cents. 

The Cedar Lee is one of the oldest operating theaters in Cleveland, and it remained a single screen until 1983.  Today, it is the premiere Clevaland movie theater for independent, foreign and specialty films. 

Come celebrate a local landmark and watch a great comedy for only a quarter!

Recent Comings and Goings

Christina Grozik is working on her new film, "Dark Before Dawn."

George Clooney plans to shoot his next film, "The Ides of March," in Ohio.

Mark Stolarofff's No Budget Film School provides essential training for indie filmmakers.

The Plain Dealer is running a contest for short holiday films (60 seconds or less).

Check out the "A Christmas Story" convention.

"Dirty Martini and the New Burlesque" features neo-burlesque performers from Columbus.

This article highlights local filmmaker Debra Johanyak's inspirational film,"More Than A Chance."

Where exactly is this $250 million film fund we've heard so much about?

On October 21, we received this e-mail from Tracey Nichols, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Cleveland:

"Sir- Sorry for the delay. Actually you write for a blog, which we consider press. Andrea Taylor is our press person and she is copied here."

This was in response to our initial comment that no city officials were answering our queries. We never did hear from Andrea Taylor.  Ken Silliman's office eventually did contact us, and here was their request:

"Can you send me 1 e-mail with your questions, as opposed to what you sent me before? Most reporters send a list of questions, we answer, get follow-up questions, etc. Thanks!"

Here is a specific question we submitted for Mr. Silliman, the Mayor's Chief of Staff, and we let him know that his answer would be posted on our blog.  As of now, we have heard nothing from Mr. Silliman on this issue. The question?  Here it is:

"Larry Meistrich of Nehst Studios continues to mention an alleged $250 million film fund (see the quotes from 10 separate sources below). If this film fund actually exists, then why are public institutions in Cleveland providing financial assistance to Nehst Studios?

If it does NOT exist (and numerous sources have told us that is the case), then why are you allowing this potential business partner, Larry Meistrich, to continue to deceive and mislead his customers and the citizens of Cleveland by promoting a non-existent film fund?"

With an announced film fund of 250 million dollars, Nehst is actively and exclusively casting for its projects on screentest.biz.


We will only accept roles from qualified casting directors, and these must be greenlit, funded projects. Nehst Studios has a major film fund to produce features, television, and web content and is casting exclusively through Screentest.biz.


NEHST STUDIOS’ CEO Larry Meistrich (Producer of Sling Blade, You Can Count on Me, Belly, Croupier, as well as many other films) and his executives have raised a $250 Million film fund and have already made 20 deals through this Pitch program, so get over to PitchNehst.com to sign up.


NEHST Studios will train Toronto area aspiring filmmakers and writers looking for their first big break, and company executives will be on hand seeking new ideas and talent for a $250 Million film fund slate of projects coming up.


Last October, seven months after cofounding Nehst Studios, Meistrich told The Hollywood Reporter that he'd partnered with Lexicon Filmed Entertainment and Machine Made Media to share a privately financed $250 million film fund, and that Nehst was open for business to back films budgeted up to $50 million.


NEHST studio leads a $250M film fund and believes fully in providing more open access to the film industry.


Made possible by a $250 million film fund, NEHST Studios will showcase innovations in technology and distribution throughout the year.


Keys is one of the founders of the dynamic NEHST Studios, and President of the NEHST-Out Distribution Group charged with releasing content from Nehst's recently announced $250 million film fund.


Veteran Hollywood Producer’s Joe Carnahan and Larry Meistrich Offers Opportunity of a Lifetime to Learn the Trade and Pitch Ideas to be produced from a $250 Million Fund


Veteran Hollywood Producer Larry Meistrich Offers Opportunity of a Lifetime to Learn the Trade and Pitch Ideas to be Produced from a $250 Million Fund

Report: Film tax credits not a good investment

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released a report stating that film subsidies "benefit mostly non-residents, especially well-paid non-resident film and TV professionals. Some residents benefit from these subsidies, but most end up paying for them in the form of fewer services — such as education, health care, and police and fire protection — or higher taxes elsewhere."

The major contentions of the report are:

• State film subsidies are costly to states and generous to movie producers.
• Subsidies reward companies for production that they might have done anyway.
• The best jobs go to non-residents.
• Subsidies don’t pay for themselves .
• No state can “win” the film subsidy war .
• Supporters of subsidies rely on flawed studies. 

Here is their explanation on how Ohio's "refundable film tax credit" works:

"If a producer lacks sufficient tax liability to use all of a refundable film tax credit, the state pays the producer the whole credit anyway, in effect giving the producer an outright cash grant. For example, suppose that a producer is awarded a film tax credit of $100,000 but has a pre-credit tax liability of only $50,000. A non-refundable credit would reduce the producer’s tax liability to $0 but leave it with $50,000 in unusable credits. If the tax credit is refundable, the state pays the producer $100,000, including the $50,000 in credits it otherwise could not use."

Jeremy Henthorn, the Director of the Ohio Film Office disagreed with the findings of this study.

“Our intent to is create an infrastructure (for film-making),” Henthorn said, “and not simply bring in films for six weeks.”

Heyman Talent of Columbus- Film Project Updates

We received this update from our friends at The Heyman Talent Agency in Columbus.  Be sure to check in with them for current and future casting opportunities.

"This has been a very busy film season for the Heyman Talent Agency! It is very exciting to have so many projects shooting in the Tri-State area, and these are excellent opportunities for aspiring and professional actors to gain feature film experience.

Here is a quick recap on some of the projects we have been working on.  We booked speaking, feature, and lead stand-in roles for the Disney feature "Secretariat," released to theaters early October. It was so exciting to see the horseback riding skills that our talent living all over the Midwest had to offer the casting team!

Heyman also worked on "Numb," shot in 2010, "No More Blood," and "Black Dove," all locally shot indie projects. Independent film in this area is interesting, exciting, and provides a constant flow of lead roles for actors just getting started. We also placed an actor opposite Russell Crowe in the film "Next Three Days," and we are proud to see local talent on the big screen!

We booked talent on a pitch video to Lionsgate films, entitled "The Wrong Guys For The Job" and principals and extras on the feature films "Shelter" and "Freerunner." We also provided talent for "Civil War Film," "FX LawMan," and "Adventures of Will Phoenix."

Heyman Talent also continues to work on the Lifetime show, Army Wives, casting supporting and extra roles.

Currently, Heyman has talent scheduled for callbacks and also set to shoot for "God Don’t Make the Laws," "A Wish for David" from of Escape Pictures, and "40 Miles" from Star Com Productions.  additionally, we take part in short films and have booked many talent for a series of SAG short films shooting here in Columbus.

Please follow our film action on our website, and be sure to find us on Twitter and Myspace!"

The deceptive "casting" site, Screentest.biz

Screentest.biz is a "pay-to-audition" website which is owned and operated by Larry Meistrich and Nehst Studios. The site still brags of a "$250 million film fund" which, according to many sources, does not exist (and possibly never existed).  Numerous acting roles were listed on this website that have been subsequently removed.  Any actor or aspiring actor who sent money in for roles that no longer appear on screentest.biz apparently paid for nothing. 

The Cleveland Plain Dealer published an article by Julie Washington on January 29, 2010 specifically addressing how unsavory this Nehst website really is:

"Larry Meistrich's Nehst Studios is asking actors to pay to get a role in his movies being made in Northeast Ohio, something that the Screen Actors Guild frowns on and might investigate."

Timothy E. Rhys, publisher of MovieMaker magazine, allegedly provided a quote for the article which was supportive of the Screentest.biz website. When we contacted Mr. Rhys for comment, this was his response:

"Frankly I don't recall giving those quotes and in concept I also generally frown on the idea of paying for auditions or interviews."

More importantly, we contacted the SAG office in Chicago, which has jurisdiction over any union activities in Ohio. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) has repeatedly warned its members to NEVER pay for a film role or audition.

The SAG official informed us that "requiring an applicant to pay for a job interview" is illegal in Illinois and many other states. She instructed me to contact the Ohio Attorney General's office to find out if this practice is also illegal in Ohio. She also stated that, as a former member of the Illinois Film Commission office, she would not have never allowed a website like this to operate in her state.

We asked to Ivan Schwarz, the Director of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, to comment on the Screentest.biz website and the remarks from the SAG official. As he has on many other occasions, Mr. Schwarz ignored our request for comment. 

As the head of the Cleveland Film Commission, Mr.Schwarz should be serving the best interests of the Cleveland (and Ohio) entertainment industry. This includes being outspoken against schemes like Screentest.biz.  Apparently Mr.Schwarz has no problem with his acting community being subjected to these deceptive practices. 

We would like to hear from anyone who has paid for any roles listed on screentest.  We definitely want to hear about any experiences, both good and bad, that our readers have had with this website.

Documentary Production Internship Available

DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP

A Part-Time Unpaid Internship Position is available with Creative Filmmakers Association, an award winning documentary production company based in Cleveland, Ohio.

  

Creative Filmmakers Association (CFA) was incorporated in 1992 by its founder Laura Paglin. CFA’s documentary and narrative productions have aired on public television and HBO/Cinemax, been distributed internationally to the educational market and have been shown theatrically in the US and Canada. They have screened at prestigious national and international film festivals – including Sundance – and have won national and international awards.

This is an enormous and exciting opportunity to work with seasoned professionals on an intense social issue documentary for national broadcast. Depending on his or her skills, the intern will have the opportunity to assist on all aspects of production – from shooting to editing.

Applicant must:  

• Be completely reliable (show up on time, answer messages promptly)
• Be trustworthy
• Have a flexible schedule
• Have access to a car
• Have excellent social skills (be a team player who can go with the flow)
• Be physically fit (able to carry equipment when necessary)
• Have some production background – but we will train on the specifics.

Please send a letter, resume and/or a list of skills and work experiences you think would be relevant to documentary production, including any equipment you’ve worked with. Please include references.

Send to: lpaglin@en.com and lpaglin@sbcglobal.net

CFN Plug #1...The Karaoke Station

Here is the very first commercial plug from The Cleveland Film News.  We know the owners, and this is a great source for family entertainment in Cleveland and Akron. 

The Karaoke Station offers two themed karaoke rooms and a large karaoke cafe for rent.  It's a great place for birthday parties, kids' parties or an opportunity to sing and have fun. 

They also carry the latest equipment and music CDs from top manufacturers.  You can rent complete karaoke systems for your own parties and gatherings at home.

The Karaoke Station was ranked #1 on Fox8's 2009 Best Of list, and it is a family run business and a local success story.  They created the first karaoke rooms in Ohio, and there is no other place like it in Northeast Ohio. 

You can find it at:

153 East Aurora Road (Route 82)
Northfield Center, Ohio 44067
Exactly One (1) mile West of I-271 on Rte. 82
(Across from Gambitta's Party Center)

(330) 468-0450
info@thekaraokestation.com

Spotlight on... Actor Mark Irvingsen

Mark Irvingsen is a former Ohioan (and graduate of Walsh Jesuit and The University of Akron) who is a working actor in Los Angeles. In addition to talent and a passion for their art, actors must have drive and perseverance. Mark has definitely earned the accolades he's received.

The CFN blog personally saw Mark's tour de force performance as the star of the indie film "Chainlink." It won the Audience Award at the 2008 Method Fest in California.

Recently, Mark appeared in Steven Seagal's new TV show, "True Justice." He also acted in the first episode of the 2nd season for Timothy Olyphant's "Justified."  Mark followed his dream, and he’s a shining example of someone who has stayed true to his love of acting.  

Like many industries in the US, the film and television industries have taken a big hit from the economic downturn which started in 2008. Since then, the number of acting roles has shrunk dramatically, so Mark’s success is impressive and should serve as an example for others who seriously want to pursue a career in television or film.

A review of "Running America"

We here at Cleveland Film News blog cover current  news and local events, but we also have a passion for film.  If you have a local film that will be screened or one that is available that you would like reviewed, drop us a line!

I recently had the opportunity to catch "Running America" during its week-long run at Solon Cinemas.

Running America, a documentary about two men attempting a literal cross-country run from San Fransisco to New York, was a touching and entertaining documentary film by locally-based director, Kevin Kerwin, and produced by his wife, Kate O'Neil. It follows Charlie Engle, who is in his mid 40s, and Marshall Ulrich, who is nearing 60. Each man has had some hardships (whether it was battling alcohol and drugs for Charlie or for Marshall losing his wife to cancer at a fairly younger age), that drives these men to to run, and it seems to be something that liberates and helps them cope with their inner demons.

The toll of the journey for these men hits them hard and fairly early.  Both incur injuries that affect a portion of the run, but they each have support teams to help them and all of this is documented very well. The one element that really struck me about this film was the addition interviews with people along the way.  The film is not necessarily about just running, but also covers the state of our of country at the time and people's uncertainty about the future.  It is all captured quite well in this documentary.

The financial collapse and presidential election of 2008 was occurring at same time as Charlie and Marshall's run, and Kerwin intermixes the running and interviews with sound bytes from the news, Bush, McCain, and Obama.  I won't spoil what the outcome of the race was, but I felt that it was a nicely crafted film.  I was also pleased to see several familiar Cleveland-based crew names as part of the production, and they should be proud of this film!

Cleveland Officials guarantee new films

In our previous post, we received confirmation from Ken Silliman that three Nehst Studios films have definitely been greenlit and will start production by Spring of 2011.  The funding for Nehst Studios apparently is fully in place, and Mr. Silliman stated that the only remaining obstacle for the projects is Larry Meistrich trying to work out a schedule for the lead actors.

Ken Silliman is the Chief of Staff for Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson.  He was one of the forces behind the loan guarantees and bond issue provided for Nehst Studios.   The information we received directly from Mr. Silliman confirms a statement sent to us from Garth Woodson, a Port Authority official, last month.  Port Authority is serving as a conduit issuer for a $5.2 bond issue to provide partial funding for these films.

Mr. Silliman and Tracey Nichols, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Cleveland, were instrumental in the establishment of these loans that are guaranteed by the local government.  Apparently, their efforts have resulted in these three films being shot in Cleveland next year:

Strangeland: Disciple
- Directed by and starring Dee Snider

Cleopatra Smiles
 - Starring Vivica A. Fox and directed by Sidra Smith

The Kid Who Only Hits Homers
 - Directed by Wayne Chesler

We have sent inquiries to Mr. Silliman, Ms. Nichols, Mr. Woodson, and the representatives for Mr. Snider, Mr. Chesler, Ms. Fox and Ms. Smith.  We also contacted Ivan Schwarz, the Director of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and Jeremy Henthorn, the Director of the Ohio Film Office.  We have asked each of them them to provide any corrections and any additional information that  pertains to the confrrmation of the greenlit status of these three film projects. 

Numerous sources had reported to us earlier that Nehst Studios did NOT have the necessary funding to start these films, but, according to these comments from city officials, this information may have been erroneous.  We were also told earlier that Larry Meistrich had asked all three directors to take major salary cuts due to his severe funding issues.  This must have been resolved since these projects are now officially moving forward.

We are certainly taking Mr. Silliman (and Mr. Woodson) at his word. We have no reason to believe that this information is either false or purposely misleading. We trust that these officials are truthful in providing these updates.  They are here to serve the best interest of Cleveland and its citizens, so we will presume that they wouldn't make a concerted effort to deceive their own people.

"Nehst films will start Spring of 2011" - per Ken Silliman

Here is an official statement we received from Ken Silliman, Mayor Jackson's Chief of Staff:

“The Nehst film projects consist of the financing and production of three feature films to be produced in Cleveland. These feature films are separate and apart from two film projects Nehst has already produced in Cleveland. The financing for the three pending film projects is a combination of public and private funds.

The Nehst film projects have started pre-production in Cleveland. Production and photography has been delayed from its original timeframe and will begin in the first quarter of 2011. The issues relating to the timing have revolved around the ability of Nehst to schedule the necessary talent for the films. It is our understanding that these projects will be filmed one after the other to maximize use of Ohio film crews.” - Ken Silliman, Chief of Staff

This is very similar to the response we received from Garth Woodson of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority on October 1, 2010:

Thank you for your interest in the Port Authority and the Nehst Creation, LLC film projects. To better answer your questions, here is some background:

The Nehst film projects consist of the financing and production of three feature films to be produced in Cleveland. The financing for these projects is a combination of public and private funds.  The Nehst film projects have started pre-production in Cleveland. Production and photography has been delayed from its original timeframe and will begin in the first quarter of 2011. The issues relating to the timing have revolved around the ability of Nehst to schedule the necessary talent for the films.

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority will be a (non-recourse) conduit issuer of a short-term taxable revenue note in an amount up to $5.2 million that will represent approximately 45% of the total project financing. The equity contribution by Nehst is expected to be approximately $6.5 million, which represents the remaining 55% of the estimated total project cost of $11.7 million. Please note the Port Authority was the conduit issuer of the bonds, and has no obligation for its repayment and did not investment any of its own funds in the project. 

The debt financing closed June 24, 2010 and the funds reside with the bond trustee. According to the Trust Agreement, project funds will not be released until equity funds and completion bonds are secured and in place. The City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County guarantees will not be enforceable until the equity, debt and completion bonds are all on hand with the trustee. 

We are confident in Nehst’s commitment to complete the three films included in this financing.

Garth E. Woodson
Assistant Vice President, Development Finance
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority

10 QUESTIONS with....Actor/Director Corbin Bernsen

1.  A few words about your latest projects:

Most of the films are now either faith-based or meant for family audiences.  There is a need for these kinds of films that expose the “better part” of a man.  “Rust” was the first movie for me in this new direction and is now in release via Sony Home Entertainment.  “25 Hill” is the second film and should be fully edited by the end of the year.  A final film in a trilogy of films on the subject matter is called “Barlowe Mann.”  That will be shooting next March in Canada and done in a similar way to “Rust” by bringing a small community together to make the film.

2.  As a Producer/Director, what has attracted you to the recent films you’ve made?

On all levels I’ve been attracted to the need for inspirational films.  Films have always, to some degree, been a form of escapism.  Right now the world is upside down; Economically,Morally and Politically.  We need films that demonstrate the better part of our beings.

3.  What motivated you to get involved with “25 Hill” and the All-American Soap Box Derby?

I read an article about how the Derby was on the brink of extinction.  It occurred to me that this fantastic American tradition is only 75 years and we are way too young to be abandoning what few traditions are truly ours.  Also the values that are associated with the Derby, bringing family and communities together, are what I believe to be mandatory to right all that is wrong with today’s society.  They won’t solve the problems but can certainly help us get on the road to solutions.

4.  How difficult is it to balance your directing and producing responsibilities with the demands of your role on “Psych?”

I love multi-tasking, so balancing all the responsibilities is somewhat of a great challenge that I fully enjoy.  It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle; lots of pieces but so gratifying when it’s done!

5.  Describe your experience of filming in Ohio and would you be interested in shooting here again?

Shooting in Ohio and Akron specifically has been fantastic.  The generosity of the people, the town, the neighborhoods has not only made this film possible, but given it a feeling that I so badly wanted where the idea of community plays a major role.  The crews too and the film commission have been extraordinary in their making this project happen.  Yes, I’d shoot here again in a heartbeat and in fact have several films in mind.  Anyone want to finance them?  You know where to find me!

6.  While filming “25 Hill” in Akron were you bombarded with “Dorn” comments or quotes from “Major League?”

I always get Dorn stuff wherever I go because “Major League” was such a success for those who like that kind of film.  I’ve heard about every reading  possible for most of Dorn’s lines, so nothing really catches me off guard anymore.  But, yes, lots of Dorn “sightings.” Didn’t help that I took in a few Indians games and threw out the first pitch at one – wearing a Dorn jersey.  Long live the Tribe!

7.  Are you surprised at the continued appeal of the horror film “The Dentist?”

Actually I’m not surprised by the ongoing appeal of “The Dentist.”  People hate the dentist; what a perfect villain for a horror film.  Stay tuned, I have more on the horizon for that one.

8.  What role did the Ohio Film Office and Greater Cleveland Film Commission play in helping you bring “25 Hill” to Akron?

Both didn’t play a role in getting me to come to Ohio.  That was my choice for the beginning and actually had to happen as the film takes place at the Soap Box Derby and that is Akron.  They did however make it more viable to actually do the film at our budget and, therefore, you could say they helped make it happen.

9.  As a father and a husband, in what ways does your family influence the projects you choose?  It must be attractive to work on projects close to home.

To be honest, while I have my family and children in mind, I’m more concerned about the state of the world and the life they are going to inherit, but I don’t do what I do just for them.  I’m concerned for all of us – for our legacy, for our ability to keep this planet going.  We have such an incredible gift that we have been given, this journey of life…here on Earth – a dominion of wonder and awe.  I want to do whatever I can to make sure we preserve it and pass it on to the future as God intended it, in all its glory.

10.  Can you lend any credence to the rumors of another "Major League" sequel?

I have definitely heard they are planning and have scripted another “Major League” but not included Dorn in the story!  End of story!  Write the folks at Morgan Creek if this is as odd to you as it is to me.  Oh well.. there’s always my zombie baseball movie I’m developing…”3 Strikes and You’re Dead!”