FilmEast.net : News http://www.filmeast.net/portal/ Welcome to the Eastern North Carolina Film Commission en-gb This site is powered by e107, which is released under the terms of the GNU GPL License. no_reply@nospam.com (Administrator) no_reply@nospam.com (Administrator) Sat, 19 May 2012 13:59:36 -0400 Sat, 19 May 2012 13:59:36 -0400 http://backend.userland.com/rss e107 (http://e107.org) hourly 1 60 FilmEast.net : News http://www.filmeast.net/portal/e107_images/button.png http://www.filmeast.net/portal/ 88 31 Welcome to the Eastern North Carolina Film Commission "Certain Proof" selected for 2011 Vail Film Festival http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.38.7
Over the course of two and a half years, filmmakers followed three children living with cerebral palsy on a journey to prove (despite communication and physical disabilities) that they are able to learn and deserve to be taught.  Facing relentless barriers to a meaningful education, their mothers fight to give them a voice.  Between the question of worth and the quality of their future, three young lives hang in the balance.

www.certainproof.com

Directed by videographer and cinematographer Ray Ellis and produced by creative director Susan Ellis, "Certain Proof:  A Question of Worth" is a production of Footpath Pictures, a company dedicated to make a difference through film by shining a light on stories that may otherwise not be told.

www.footpathpictures.com

The Vail Film Festival, named as one of the top 10 in the world by MovieMaker Magazine, is hosted by the Colorado Film Institute.  The festival regularly draws more than 14,000 attendees and filmmakers from around the world.

"Certain Proof" preview, ticket information, and showtimes in Vail:  http://vailff.slated.com/2011/films/certainproofaquestionofworth_rayellis_vailff2011

"Certain Proof" will premiere in North Carolina in the fall of 2011.

March is National Cerebral Palsy Month.  Please consider sharing this Press Release with your friends, on your Facebook page, and your website.  Thank you!

Contact:

Susan Ellis, Producer
Footpath Pictures
susan@footpathpictures.com
(mobile) 919.600.2434
(office) 919.833.1455

Ray Ellis, Director
Footpath Pictures
ray@footpathpictures.com
(mobile) 919.219.0672
(office) 919.833.1455
]]>
Over the course of two and a half years, filmmakers followed three children living with cerebral palsy on a journey to prove (despite communication and physical disabilities) that they are able to learn and deserve to be taught.  Facing relentless barriers to a meaningful education, their mothers fight to give them a voice.  Between the question of worth and the quality of their future, three young lives hang in the balance.

www.certainproof.com

Directed by videographer and cinematographer Ray Ellis and produced by creative director Susan Ellis, "Certain Proof:  A Question of Worth" is a production of Footpath Pictures, a company dedicated to make a difference through film by shining a light on stories that may otherwise not be told.

www.footpathpictures.com

The Vail Film Festival, named as one of the top 10 in the world by MovieMaker Magazine, is hosted by the Colorado Film Institute.  The festival regularly draws more than 14,000 attendees and filmmakers from around the world.

"Certain Proof" preview, ticket information, and showtimes in Vail:  http://vailff.slated.com/2011/films/certainproofaquestionofworth_rayellis_vailff2011

"Certain Proof" will premiere in North Carolina in the fall of 2011.

March is National Cerebral Palsy Month.  Please consider sharing this Press Release with your friends, on your Facebook page, and your website.  Thank you!

Contact:

Susan Ellis, Producer
Footpath Pictures
susan@footpathpictures.com
(mobile) 919.600.2434
(office) 919.833.1455

Ray Ellis, Director
Footpath Pictures
ray@footpathpictures.com
(mobile) 919.219.0672
(office) 919.833.1455
]]> 2011 Administrator Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:52:18 -0400 http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.38.7 Lost film tells tale of the Lost Colony http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.37.1

But that year, North Carolina's state government spent the hefty sum of $3,000 filming the story of the Lost Colony using local actors and Outer Banks sets. It was the first movie ever shot in North Carolina. Townsfolk dressed in the plumed hats of English colonists and the headdresses of Indian tribes, putting their stamp on the new marvel of cinema.

That film was quickly eclipsed by the popular outdoor drama "The Lost Colony," still staged in Manteo, and the film fell into obscurity until last month, when a nearly pristine copy was discovered in the play's offices.

Read more:  http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/03/21/1068763/lost-film-tells-tale-of-the-lost.html
]]>

But that year, North Carolina's state government spent the hefty sum of $3,000 filming the story of the Lost Colony using local actors and Outer Banks sets. It was the first movie ever shot in North Carolina. Townsfolk dressed in the plumed hats of English colonists and the headdresses of Indian tribes, putting their stamp on the new marvel of cinema.

That film was quickly eclipsed by the popular outdoor drama "The Lost Colony," still staged in Manteo, and the film fell into obscurity until last month, when a nearly pristine copy was discovered in the play's offices.

Read more:  http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/03/21/1068763/lost-film-tells-tale-of-the-lost.html
]]> Misc Administrator Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:05:08 -0400 http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.37.1 North Carolina Black History Film Premieres Online http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.36.6 “Memorial” is a 30-minute documentary that can now be viewed on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OECtRSVrcbw

Tom Swift, co-executive producer and writer/director of “Memorial,” has been working on “Freedom Lost: Restoration” for five years. Swift began researching this subject in 2001 while working at an ABC news affiliate as a videographer. “This is an area rich with Black History but has been overlooked and deserves more national attention,” Swift said. “I discovered that an incredible piece of history was right in my backyard, and I knew it had to be told.”

Swift points out that since the city of New Bern has just celebrated its 300th Anniversary, the film’s release date is “very timely,” especially in a day when people are even more interested in African American history since the election of the first African American U.S. president in 2008. “Successful filmmaking is all about timing,” said Swift. “And I believe without a shadow of a doubt that this is the right time to release “Memorial.”

James City traces its roots to a North Carolina settlement in the 1860s.  The town, which became a sanctuary for thousands of slaves, was established by the Union army when they took the city of New Bern (itself known historically as a haven for Free Blacks). After the Civil War was over, James City became a self-sustaining community of former slaves. But growing hostilities from white citizens of  a wounded and bitter South, and the loss of protection from the Union victors, allowed for the birth of Jim Crow laws, and other institutionalized prejudices, forcing this promising and thriving community to fight desperately to keep its hard-won freedom.

“Freedom Lost: Restoration” explores how far this community has come after freed slaves once more lost their freedom near the dawn of the 20th Century.   This project is first and foremost about sharing history to bring healing. 

“Memorial” is the first part of this series and showcases the lives of three African-Americans (Sharon Bryant, Bernard George, Ben Watford) who are making a positive impact in their community by sustaining remembrance of past events.

Sharon Bryant is the African-American Outreach Coordinator for Tryon Palace.  She conducts Black History tours in New Bern. Bernard George is an eastern North Carolina historian who has been working for years at preserving an Oral Black History in New Bern.   Ben Watford, a historian from the James City Historical Society, oversees the Crocket Miller Slave Quarters and Memorial in James City.  “Memorial” teaches an important life lesson that can be summed up thusly:  “In order to know where you're going, you have to know where you've come from.”

Currently in development is “City of Refuge: The James City Story,” a narrative feature film that focuses on a slave (played by Scott Nunnally from the “Mothman Prophecies”) who flees to New Bern during the Civil War.  The filmmakers hope that releasing “Memorial” at this time will draw more attention to the feature film production.  This docu-drama, “City of Refuge,” is based on the book “James City: A Black Community in North Carolina (1863-1900)” by Joe A. Mobley.  Swift says he is also excited to have had the opportunity to work with the North Carolina Office of Archives and History, who gave permission to base the project on the book. “They have been very gracious to us and extremely helpful throughout the entire process.”

Scott Nunnally, who runs the film company Executor Arts Media in Pittsburgh, PA, is also the Co-Executive Producer of “Freedom Lost: Restoration.”  Bill Hand serves as the historical advisor and producer for the series, along with Angela Swift and Dan O'Connell, who serve as Co-Producers. 

While the First Film: “Memorial” is streaming online, it is also available to schools, universities, churches, and other organizations to obtain an affordable license for public screenings. Swift is currently working on releasing it on DVD in the near future. 

For more information, visit the official website at www.awakenpictures.com/restoration.html where you can also find the link to watch the documentary.  Visit the Freedom Lost blog at:
http://www.freedomlostproject.blogspot.com.

For more information about Awaken Pictures, Inc., please visit the website at www.awakenpictures.com.]]> “Memorial” is a 30-minute documentary that can now be viewed on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OECtRSVrcbw

Tom Swift, co-executive producer and writer/director of “Memorial,” has been working on “Freedom Lost: Restoration” for five years. Swift began researching this subject in 2001 while working at an ABC news affiliate as a videographer. “This is an area rich with Black History but has been overlooked and deserves more national attention,” Swift said. “I discovered that an incredible piece of history was right in my backyard, and I knew it had to be told.”

Swift points out that since the city of New Bern has just celebrated its 300th Anniversary, the film’s release date is “very timely,” especially in a day when people are even more interested in African American history since the election of the first African American U.S. president in 2008. “Successful filmmaking is all about timing,” said Swift. “And I believe without a shadow of a doubt that this is the right time to release “Memorial.”

James City traces its roots to a North Carolina settlement in the 1860s.  The town, which became a sanctuary for thousands of slaves, was established by the Union army when they took the city of New Bern (itself known historically as a haven for Free Blacks). After the Civil War was over, James City became a self-sustaining community of former slaves. But growing hostilities from white citizens of  a wounded and bitter South, and the loss of protection from the Union victors, allowed for the birth of Jim Crow laws, and other institutionalized prejudices, forcing this promising and thriving community to fight desperately to keep its hard-won freedom.

“Freedom Lost: Restoration” explores how far this community has come after freed slaves once more lost their freedom near the dawn of the 20th Century.   This project is first and foremost about sharing history to bring healing. 

“Memorial” is the first part of this series and showcases the lives of three African-Americans (Sharon Bryant, Bernard George, Ben Watford) who are making a positive impact in their community by sustaining remembrance of past events.

Sharon Bryant is the African-American Outreach Coordinator for Tryon Palace.  She conducts Black History tours in New Bern. Bernard George is an eastern North Carolina historian who has been working for years at preserving an Oral Black History in New Bern.   Ben Watford, a historian from the James City Historical Society, oversees the Crocket Miller Slave Quarters and Memorial in James City.  “Memorial” teaches an important life lesson that can be summed up thusly:  “In order to know where you're going, you have to know where you've come from.”

Currently in development is “City of Refuge: The James City Story,” a narrative feature film that focuses on a slave (played by Scott Nunnally from the “Mothman Prophecies”) who flees to New Bern during the Civil War.  The filmmakers hope that releasing “Memorial” at this time will draw more attention to the feature film production.  This docu-drama, “City of Refuge,” is based on the book “James City: A Black Community in North Carolina (1863-1900)” by Joe A. Mobley.  Swift says he is also excited to have had the opportunity to work with the North Carolina Office of Archives and History, who gave permission to base the project on the book. “They have been very gracious to us and extremely helpful throughout the entire process.”

Scott Nunnally, who runs the film company Executor Arts Media in Pittsburgh, PA, is also the Co-Executive Producer of “Freedom Lost: Restoration.”  Bill Hand serves as the historical advisor and producer for the series, along with Angela Swift and Dan O'Connell, who serve as Co-Producers. 

While the First Film: “Memorial” is streaming online, it is also available to schools, universities, churches, and other organizations to obtain an affordable license for public screenings. Swift is currently working on releasing it on DVD in the near future. 

For more information, visit the official website at www.awakenpictures.com/restoration.html where you can also find the link to watch the documentary.  Visit the Freedom Lost blog at:
http://www.freedomlostproject.blogspot.com.

For more information about Awaken Pictures, Inc., please visit the website at www.awakenpictures.com.]]> 2010 Administrator Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:42:50 -0500 http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.36.6 Lyons to lecture as visiting scholar at ECU http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.35.1
Linda Kean, director of the School of Communication, has been working with Phillip Horne of the IBX Development Foundation and Frank Dooley of the Eastern North Carolina Film Foundation since the summer coordinating Lyons' visit. The famed critic is to begin teaching on Tuesday for instructor Charles Twardy's feature writing class, which is geared toward arts and culture reporting. There, Kean said Lyons probably will discuss his career, tell students how he broke into the industry, and show interview footage and article clippings.

Read more:  http://www.reflector.com/news/lyons-lecture-visiting-scholar-ecu-162540
]]>
Linda Kean, director of the School of Communication, has been working with Phillip Horne of the IBX Development Foundation and Frank Dooley of the Eastern North Carolina Film Foundation since the summer coordinating Lyons' visit. The famed critic is to begin teaching on Tuesday for instructor Charles Twardy's feature writing class, which is geared toward arts and culture reporting. There, Kean said Lyons probably will discuss his career, tell students how he broke into the industry, and show interview footage and article clippings.

Read more:  http://www.reflector.com/news/lyons-lecture-visiting-scholar-ecu-162540
]]> Misc Administrator Mon, 01 Nov 2010 03:40:34 -0400 http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.35.1 Job Opening: Planning Editor Intern http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.34.6
Application
Please send a resume to Jodi George at jodi.george©comcast.net.
]]>
Application
Please send a resume to Jodi George at jodi.george©comcast.net.
]]> 2010 Administrator Tue, 05 Oct 2010 06:20:31 -0400 http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.34.6 Call for Submissions http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.33.6 Sponsored by Magnolia Arts Center and the ENC Film Commission

The Blu Moon Independent Film Festival seeks submissions for its 2010 installment. Professional, Amateur, and Student filmmakers of all ages, skill levels, and genres are welcome to submit for awards and cash prizes. Submissions are free but limited to one per filmmaker or group.

All submissions are encouraged to be 10 minutes or less and must be received by October 1, 2010. Pre-screening will take place October 8th through the 9th for judges. The red carpet final screening will be held on October 10th at 7:00 PM at the Greenville Museum of Art. The top 10 films will be shown as finalists at the awards ceremony. These films will then compete for a grand prize, viewer’s choice award and additional category prizes including:

  • Comedy
  • Documentary
  • Drama
  • Grades K-12
  • 48-Hour Contest*

*This is a special category assigned for participants in our 48-Hour Film Contest. You must be registered for that contest to be considered for this category.

Additionally, due to comments from previous years we are experimenting with two new categories. Filmmakers may designate these categories, but we will not be awarding prizes for them:

  • Experimental: Animation
  • Experimental: Art
  • Experimental: Horror

Please complete our submission form, and send your submitted DVD entries to
Blu Moon Film Festival
1117 Bryson Drive
Greenville, NC 27834

]]> Sponsored by Magnolia Arts Center and the ENC Film Commission

The Blu Moon Independent Film Festival seeks submissions for its 2010 installment. Professional, Amateur, and Student filmmakers of all ages, skill levels, and genres are welcome to submit for awards and cash prizes. Submissions are free but limited to one per filmmaker or group.

All submissions are encouraged to be 10 minutes or less and must be received by October 1, 2010. Pre-screening will take place October 8th through the 9th for judges. The red carpet final screening will be held on October 10th at 7:00 PM at the Greenville Museum of Art. The top 10 films will be shown as finalists at the awards ceremony. These films will then compete for a grand prize, viewer’s choice award and additional category prizes including:

  • Comedy
  • Documentary
  • Drama
  • Grades K-12
  • 48-Hour Contest*

*This is a special category assigned for participants in our 48-Hour Film Contest. You must be registered for that contest to be considered for this category.

Additionally, due to comments from previous years we are experimenting with two new categories. Filmmakers may designate these categories, but we will not be awarding prizes for them:

  • Experimental: Animation
  • Experimental: Art
  • Experimental: Horror

Please complete our submission form, and send your submitted DVD entries to
Blu Moon Film Festival
1117 Bryson Drive
Greenville, NC 27834

]]> 2010 Administrator Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:42:58 -0400 http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.33.6 Youngsters learn manners http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.32.6
“Look, children, so you’ll learn,” she says, drawing out velvety North Carolina vowels. And the trio with first names right out of a sleepy Southern novel – Smedes, Jack and Hazen  – leans in attentively as Miss Nancy wads a bit of tissue and shows them how to wipe a stray dab of toothpaste right out of the bowl.

Read more:  http://hamptonroads.com/2010/08/youngsters-learn-manners-ettiquete-summer-camp#rfq
]]>
“Look, children, so you’ll learn,” she says, drawing out velvety North Carolina vowels. And the trio with first names right out of a sleepy Southern novel – Smedes, Jack and Hazen  – leans in attentively as Miss Nancy wads a bit of tissue and shows them how to wipe a stray dab of toothpaste right out of the bowl.

Read more:  http://hamptonroads.com/2010/08/youngsters-learn-manners-ettiquete-summer-camp#rfq
]]> 2010 Administrator Wed, 11 Aug 2010 07:41:22 -0400 http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.32.6 The Jailhouse Released in Ten States on May 4 http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.30.6
Galvanized Films and 3L Productions are proud to announce that the independent film The Jailhouse, starring C. Thomas Howell, will be theatrically released in ten states and at least 16 theaters on May 4th, 2010.  The film is a psychological thriller set in the fictional rural town of Colton, NC.  Tickets are specially priced at only $5 each, regardless of time.  The film will only be shown twice a day, Tuesday (May 4th), Wednesday (May 5th), Thursday (May 6th) and Sunday (May 9th).   Show times are to be announced soon.

The Jailhouse stars C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders, Red Dawn, The Hitcher, Soul Man), Rey Valentin (Generation Kill, NCIS), Lindsey Mckeon (One Tree Hill) and Darren Dalton (The Outsiders, Red Dawn).

The Jailhouse was shot in Burgaw, North Carolina.  The film and Mr. Lewis are currently represented by Los Angeles-based American World Pictures.  The Jailhouse has been sold in a number of overseas markets, including Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and the Middle East. 

The Jailhouse official website:  http://www.thejailhousemovie.com

The Jailhouse is scheduled to be screened in the following U.S. cities:

Royal Palm – Bradenton, FL
Island 7 – Fernandina, FL
Wynnsong 15 – Durham, NC
Carmike 12 – Greenville, NC
Carmike 14 – Hickory, NC
Carmike 16 – Wilmington, NC
Wynnsong 12 – Winston-Salem, NC
Broadway at the Beach – Myrtle Beach, SC
Chapel Hills – Colorado Springs, CO
Carmike 14 – Ft. Smith, AR
Carmike 9 – Minot, SD
Carmike 12 – Kennewick, WA
Oakwood 12 – Eauclaire, WI
Carmike 15 – Apple Valley, MN
Wynnsong 15 – Moundsview, MN
Horizon 10 – Traverse City, MI

Synopsis:  Throughout the 1900's, a jailer and his family occupied the first floor of the jailhouse in Colton, NC while criminals loomed above on the second floor.  Certain events 30 years ago led to its closure.  Present day, the Colton Sheriff allows new deputy Seth Delray (C. Thomas Howell) and his family to live rent-free at the old jailhouse while their house is being remodeled.  Shortly after the Delray's move in there is a fire at the current jail forcing the Sheriff to make the tough decision to house six inmates back at the old jailhouse.  Within a matter of days, Seth Delray's life changes forever.

The film’s producers will be giving away tickets to see the film to Facebook fans.  Facebook users are encouraged to become a fan, which will automatically give them the chance to win tickets.  User can join by searching for ‘The Jailhouse’ on Facebook.

For more information:
Heath Franklin
910.620.7671
]]>
Galvanized Films and 3L Productions are proud to announce that the independent film The Jailhouse, starring C. Thomas Howell, will be theatrically released in ten states and at least 16 theaters on May 4th, 2010.  The film is a psychological thriller set in the fictional rural town of Colton, NC.  Tickets are specially priced at only $5 each, regardless of time.  The film will only be shown twice a day, Tuesday (May 4th), Wednesday (May 5th), Thursday (May 6th) and Sunday (May 9th).   Show times are to be announced soon.

The Jailhouse stars C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders, Red Dawn, The Hitcher, Soul Man), Rey Valentin (Generation Kill, NCIS), Lindsey Mckeon (One Tree Hill) and Darren Dalton (The Outsiders, Red Dawn).

The Jailhouse was shot in Burgaw, North Carolina.  The film and Mr. Lewis are currently represented by Los Angeles-based American World Pictures.  The Jailhouse has been sold in a number of overseas markets, including Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and the Middle East. 

The Jailhouse official website:  http://www.thejailhousemovie.com

The Jailhouse is scheduled to be screened in the following U.S. cities:

Royal Palm – Bradenton, FL
Island 7 – Fernandina, FL
Wynnsong 15 – Durham, NC
Carmike 12 – Greenville, NC
Carmike 14 – Hickory, NC
Carmike 16 – Wilmington, NC
Wynnsong 12 – Winston-Salem, NC
Broadway at the Beach – Myrtle Beach, SC
Chapel Hills – Colorado Springs, CO
Carmike 14 – Ft. Smith, AR
Carmike 9 – Minot, SD
Carmike 12 – Kennewick, WA
Oakwood 12 – Eauclaire, WI
Carmike 15 – Apple Valley, MN
Wynnsong 15 – Moundsview, MN
Horizon 10 – Traverse City, MI

Synopsis:  Throughout the 1900's, a jailer and his family occupied the first floor of the jailhouse in Colton, NC while criminals loomed above on the second floor.  Certain events 30 years ago led to its closure.  Present day, the Colton Sheriff allows new deputy Seth Delray (C. Thomas Howell) and his family to live rent-free at the old jailhouse while their house is being remodeled.  Shortly after the Delray's move in there is a fire at the current jail forcing the Sheriff to make the tough decision to house six inmates back at the old jailhouse.  Within a matter of days, Seth Delray's life changes forever.

The film’s producers will be giving away tickets to see the film to Facebook fans.  Facebook users are encouraged to become a fan, which will automatically give them the chance to win tickets.  User can join by searching for ‘The Jailhouse’ on Facebook.

For more information:
Heath Franklin
910.620.7671
]]> 2010 Administrator Fri, 30 Apr 2010 04:44:12 -0400 http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.30.6 New Internet-Exclusive Comedy Series http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.29.5
NEW BERN, N.C. (October 22, 2009) - Awaken Pictures, Inc., an emerging movie, television, and documentary production company based in North Carolina’s Inner Banks is streaming a new comedy web series called "The Expert" on the Internet every Monday for five weeks.

"The Expert" was filmed North Carolina and follows the misadventures of a frustrated man named Gregory (played by Chris Hemeyer), who goes from job to job and embarks on a hilarious quest to find his expertise.  The laughs begin when he stumbles at everything from walking the dog and being a handyman to babysitting his nephew Charlie (played by Zerah Swift), an energized toddler who’s more than a handful.  "The Expert" is a comedy that teaches us that we need to laugh at our own shortcomings to make it through this journey.
"The Expert" empowers its audience with these words in its preview: “We all have the potential to be experts at something. Sometimes we have to go the distance to find it.” Swift says, "One thing you'll find about the main character is that he never gives up.  Underneath all of his clumsiness, failures, and shortcomings is a strong character trait of perseverance.  That's something that can give hope to someone especially when Murphy's Law seems to be working against them."

Each webisode runs under five minutes, making it perfect to watch during a coffee break.   Webisode One begins streaming on Monday, October 26th.  The first webisode is streaming on the company's Youtube Channel and the rest of the webisodes will be streaming directly at www.awakenpictures.com.

"The Expert" stars Chris Hemeyer, who met Swift when he served as a reporter at an ABC news affiliate years ago.  It was there that Swift, who was then a videographer, discovered that Hemeyer had a hidden talent for comedy.    Swift says "He made me laugh all the time when I turned on the camera. He'd start making jokes as I was getting ready.  He was absolutely hilarious.  I knew Chris would be perfect for this project when I began developing it."

Hemeyer says  "It was a pleasure working on this project, although I hesitate to say work because it was so much fun.  The real stars of the show are the children, they really make the comedy happen."  Those kids he referenced are two of Swift's small children who he and his wife decided to cast in "The Expert" and says they shined by just being themselves.   "All my kids really know how to make my wife and I laugh every day - they're such a blessing."

The cast and crew of "The Expert" all reside in North Carolina, bearing witness to North Carolina' strong film community. North Carolina has been known for years as the 3rd largest state for filming in the US.  Swift's wife, Angela Swift serves as a co-Executive Producer on the project with producer Stuart Johnson from Kinston.  Greensboro film composer, Alex Beard brings a humorous, wacky, and touching score to “The Expert.” Beard will be posting and tracks and selling downloads from the music to the series on his web site (www.composeralex.com) once “The Expert” premieres.

You can watch a preview to The Expert by going to www.awakenpictures.com and also find out more about Awaken Pictures, Inc and their projects.

About Awaken Pictures, Inc.
Awaken Pictures produces documentaries, movies, television shows, and web content, promoting positive stories of faith, inspiration, and adventure.
]]>
NEW BERN, N.C. (October 22, 2009) - Awaken Pictures, Inc., an emerging movie, television, and documentary production company based in North Carolina’s Inner Banks is streaming a new comedy web series called "The Expert" on the Internet every Monday for five weeks.

"The Expert" was filmed North Carolina and follows the misadventures of a frustrated man named Gregory (played by Chris Hemeyer), who goes from job to job and embarks on a hilarious quest to find his expertise.  The laughs begin when he stumbles at everything from walking the dog and being a handyman to babysitting his nephew Charlie (played by Zerah Swift), an energized toddler who’s more than a handful.  "The Expert" is a comedy that teaches us that we need to laugh at our own shortcomings to make it through this journey.
"The Expert" empowers its audience with these words in its preview: “We all have the potential to be experts at something. Sometimes we have to go the distance to find it.” Swift says, "One thing you'll find about the main character is that he never gives up.  Underneath all of his clumsiness, failures, and shortcomings is a strong character trait of perseverance.  That's something that can give hope to someone especially when Murphy's Law seems to be working against them."

Each webisode runs under five minutes, making it perfect to watch during a coffee break.   Webisode One begins streaming on Monday, October 26th.  The first webisode is streaming on the company's Youtube Channel and the rest of the webisodes will be streaming directly at www.awakenpictures.com.

"The Expert" stars Chris Hemeyer, who met Swift when he served as a reporter at an ABC news affiliate years ago.  It was there that Swift, who was then a videographer, discovered that Hemeyer had a hidden talent for comedy.    Swift says "He made me laugh all the time when I turned on the camera. He'd start making jokes as I was getting ready.  He was absolutely hilarious.  I knew Chris would be perfect for this project when I began developing it."

Hemeyer says  "It was a pleasure working on this project, although I hesitate to say work because it was so much fun.  The real stars of the show are the children, they really make the comedy happen."  Those kids he referenced are two of Swift's small children who he and his wife decided to cast in "The Expert" and says they shined by just being themselves.   "All my kids really know how to make my wife and I laugh every day - they're such a blessing."

The cast and crew of "The Expert" all reside in North Carolina, bearing witness to North Carolina' strong film community. North Carolina has been known for years as the 3rd largest state for filming in the US.  Swift's wife, Angela Swift serves as a co-Executive Producer on the project with producer Stuart Johnson from Kinston.  Greensboro film composer, Alex Beard brings a humorous, wacky, and touching score to “The Expert.” Beard will be posting and tracks and selling downloads from the music to the series on his web site (www.composeralex.com) once “The Expert” premieres.

You can watch a preview to The Expert by going to www.awakenpictures.com and also find out more about Awaken Pictures, Inc and their projects.

About Awaken Pictures, Inc.
Awaken Pictures produces documentaries, movies, television shows, and web content, promoting positive stories of faith, inspiration, and adventure.
]]> 2009 Administrator Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:51:44 -0400 http://www.filmeast.net/portal/news.php?item.29.5