Filmed in Georgia: "Ricochet"

I've had some downtime this holiday season so I decided to clear out my DVR. One of the movies, I had recorded earlier this month was "Ricochet" from TNT. Filmed in Savannah, "Ricochet" is based on the book by Sandra Brown and stars John Corbett, Julie Benz, Gary Cole, and Kelly Overton. The movie highlights some of Savannah's beautiful scenery and is a must see for any Savannah fan. If you missed it when it aired, check your local listings to see if they re-run it again. The movie was shown as a part of a new Mystery Movie Night series on TNT.  

Crew Call: Killing Season

Atlanta and Georgia has been the temporary home for some major actors and actresses over the last few months. But I don't think many of them can compare to Robert De Niro. Fortunately for us, Robert De Niro will be starring in a new film with John Travolta and it will film in Georgia next month. The movie "Killing Season" will be directed by Mark Steven Johnson (most known for Ghost Rider and Daredevil) and is written by Evan Daugherty who wrote "Snow White and the Huntsman." 


De Niro will play an American military veteran who lives in a cabin in the Appalachian Mountains. De Niro strikes up a friendship with Travolta's character, a Serbian solider seeking revenge on De Niro. This will be the first time these two film legends will star together. 


If you are interested in applying for a crew position, send your resume to killingseason2012@gmail.com. 

Casting Call: Flight

Want to earn some extra money and appear on the big screen with Denzel Washington? The new Robert Zemeckis film "Flight" will be start production in Atlanta next month and they are now casting for extras.  Currently, they are seeking paid extras of all ages, types and ethnicities to work in the Atlanta are in mid-October. If you are interested, please send an recent photo to flightextra@gmail.com and include: name, phone number, age, height, weight, clothing sizes, shoe size, any pets you may own and the color, make and model of your vehicle.
 

This this action movie set around an airline pilot, played by Denzel Washington, who saves a plane from crashing. Its no wonder they chose Atlanta to film here since we are the home to one of the country's busiest airports. I'm sure its will be a big summer hit. 

Georgia Natives Win 2011 Emmy Awards

Last night, Georgia native Kyle Chandler picked up his first Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Coach Eric Taylor on "Friday Nights Lights." Kyle was nominated along with Steve Buscemi for "Boardwalk Empire," Michael C. Hall for "Dexter," Jon Hamm for "Mad Men," Hugh Laurie for "House," and Timothy Olyphant for "Justified." Earlier this summer, I wrote a post on Kyle about his role in "Super 8."  

It has been an exciting summer for this Georgia native. Even though we won't be seeing him and "Friday Night Lights" any TV, I hope with this Emmy win this talented actor will be back in our living rooms sooner rather than later. 


Also, here Kyle is on "Late Night with David Letterman" a few months ago. Its a great interview and he talks about Friday Night Lights and growing up in Georgia. 

Another Georgia talent from behind the camera is Dwayne L. Shattuck. Dwayne was born in Atlanta and is the Unit Production Manager and a producer on "Mad Men." Dwayne has won an Emmy for Best Drama Series two years running. 


Congrats to both Kyle and Dwayne!

Atlanta Filmed TV Series Updates

Over the last few years, Atlanta has been the backdrop for many of today's top TV series including "The Walking Dead," "The Vampire Diaries," "Teen Wolf," and "Necessary Roughness." As new fall shows premiere and the summer series wrap-up, Atlanta is in the spotlight this week. 


I don't know if its the popularity of the Twilight books/movies that has contributed to the vampire craze but the CW has found an audience with "The Vampire Diaries." Tonight the third season of the show premieres and from what I can tell it will be a good one. 


Last night, the first season ended for USA Network's "Necessary Roughness." The show will return for a second season but they haven't announced when it will be back on the air. Since Atlanta stands-in for NYC, most of this show is filmed downtown and of course at the Georgia Dome. 


The third season of Lifetime's hit series "Drop Dead Diva" is also winding down. Normally, the production for this show is based in Peachtree City.  But from a few of the promos I've seen for this week's show, it looks like they also filmed out at the Medieval Times in Duluth. 

Filmed in Georgia: "Contagion"

The number one movie this weekend at the box office was the pandemic thriller, "Contagion" directed by Steven Soderbergh. The movie's cast includes Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Scenes from the movie were filmed in Atlanta at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention back in January as well as around the Emory and downtown areas.   

Call for Entries: Atlanta Film Festival 2012

I don't know about you but this year has flown by. It seems like the 2011 Atlanta Film Festival just wrapped up but the truth is that was over four months ago. The Atlanta Film Festival is gearing up now for the 2012 event scheduled for March 23-April 1. Deadlines for entries are:



Feature Films (Running Time over 40 minutes)
…………………………Regular Entry Fee…….WAB Entry Fee
Earlybird Deadline
September 2, 2011…………..$40.00…………....$35.00
Regular Deadline
November 4, 2011…………...$55.00…………....$50.00
Late Deadline
December 9, 2011……….......$65.00…………....$60.00
WAB Extended Deadline
December 16, 2011………….$80.00…………....$65.00


Short Films (Running Times 40 minutes and under)
…………………………Regular Entry Fee…….WAB Entry Fee
Earlybird Deadline
September 2, 2011…………….$30.00…………..$25.00
Regular Deadline
November 4, 2011…………......$40.00…………..$35.00
Late Deadline
December 9, 2011…………......$50.00…………..$45.00
WAB Extended Deadline
December 16, 2011…………….$70.00…………..$55.00

Atlanta: The Hollywood of the South

One of Atlanta's top newscast NBC's 11 Alive ran a story this week on the television and film production in Atlanta and Georgia. With the new tax incentives, the state is seeing an increase in revenue. Currently, "The Walking Dead," "The Vampire Diaries," "Necessary Roughness," and "Drop Dead Diva" are the television shows in production in the Atlanta area. This summer, "American Reunion," "Jayne Mansfield's Car," and "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" are the feature films that have been production around town. Check out the story on 11Alive.

Crew Call: "Us and Them"

Billy Crystal's decade-long break from the silver screen is coming to an end this fall with a new project and it just so happens that Atlanta will be the backdrop. Scheduled to film late September to late November, the family-friendly feature "Us and Them"is about grandfather who struggles with the "new" rules of parenting while taking care of his grandkids for a week.  Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of information out yet about the project but as soon as I find out more I will update you. If you are interested in a crew position, please e-mail your resume to cmaprods@gmail.com. 

Crew Call: "Flight"

Director Robert Zemeckis will return to directing live action with this fall's feature film "Flight." Zemeckis is best known for directing blockbusters such as "Back to the Future," "Forrest Gump," and "Cast Away." He also directed the animated/stop motion hits "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and "The Polar Express." Even though its early, Denzel Washington is rumored to starred in this action movie set around an airline pilot who saves a plane from crashing. John Gatins is the screenwriter for this project and he is best known for having penned "Coach Carter."

"Flight" is currently accepting applications for all crew positions. The film will be shooting this fall in Atlanta from late September to early December.  Please send your resumes to flight.production@gmail.com.

Reality Show Casting Call: Double Life

Personally, I am fascinated by people who can and are living a double life. Just the idea of having a secret life is intriguing to me. When I heard about this new series from the Executive Producer of "Intervention" I will be tuning in. For now the producers are looking for people who are living a double life and want to come clean with their friends and family. 


If you are interested in learning more about this casting call, visit the Help Wanted section of the Georgia Film & TV Production web site. 

Crew Call: Independent Foreign Film

Atlanta is fast becoming the "it" destination for Hollywood productions and now a foreign film is scheduled to be filmed here this fall. An independent film company is looking for crew members to work on a low-budget union foreign film. Production will be in Atlanta mid-September through October. If you are interested in working on this production, please e-mail your resume to production.papa@gmail.com. 

Filmed in Georgia: "The Change Up"

I must confess that I'm a huge Jason Bateman fan. I remember watching him on TV when I was a kid. I loved him in "Arrested Development" and I'm glad to see that his career is now taking him to the big screen. This summer he has two big movies out "Horrible Bosses" and "The Change Up."


"The Change Up" was filmed in Atlanta last year so you might recognize a few of the places in the trailer. This updated version of switching bodies comedy has been done before but I hope with Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds in the leads this one will be a big hit. Opening this weekend, "The Change Up" is looking to be a great, light hearted, and funny film with a great cast. 

Casting Call: NBC's "The Voice"

All you singers out there need to get your vocal chords warmed up. NBC's hit show "The Voice" will be holding auditions in Atlanta next weekend for season 2. If you are lucky and talented enough to make it onto the show you will get a chance to be mentored by top recording artists including Atlanta native Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton. 


Auditions will be help August 5 and 6 at the Atlanta Convention Center at America's Mart. You will need to register online to receive an "Artist Audition Pass" with a scheduled audition time. Sign-up online to get your "Artist Audition Pass" today.  You will also need to share personal stories about your life and your passion for music. Applicants must be 16 years or older and a legal U.S. resident to apply. 


Good luck! 

Behind the Scenes: Changes Coming to "The Walking Dead"

Last week at Comic-Con all looked rosy in the world of "The Walking Dead" but this week it is a different story. Many industry news source reported this week that showrunner and show creator Frank Darabont is being replaced with Glen Mazzara. Glen Mazzara wrote an episode for Season 1 as a freelancer before joining the show full-time in Season 2 as Frank's right hand man. He also serves as an Executive Producer on the show. Before joining "The Walking Dead" he worked on "The Shield" and was the showrunner on the first season of Starz's "Crash" and Season 2 of Atlanta-based TNT Network's "HawthoRNe."


I just hope Glen is enjoying his time in Atlanta and is making plans to return with "The Walking Dead" Season 3 next year. 

Filming Updates for "American Reunion," "The Walking Dead" and "What to Expect When You Are Expecting"

According to On Location Vacations, "American Reunion" is filiming in Monroe, Georgia this week. The fourth installment in the "American Pie" movie franchise reunites the cast at their high school reunion. Allyson Hannigan, Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Tara Reid and Mena Suvari are set to revive their iconic characters. 


Next week, "The Walking Dead" is heading over to Sharpsburg. The season two production of "The Walking Dead" has been all over the Atlanta area. From Peachtree City to the Cobb Galleria area to Newnan High School. The show is set to return to your living room just in time for Halloween on October 16. 


The feature film "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" has started production in Atlanta and they were seen filming in midtown last week. Dennis Quaid has just joined Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez in this ensemble-cast romantic comedy. Dennis Quaid has been spending some time in the Atlanta area since he was here last year filming the remake of "Footloose."

"The Walking Dead" Season 2 Trailer

Yesterday at Comic-Con in San Diego, AMC premiered the trailer for season two of "The Walking Dead." The post-apocalytic zombie series has been filming in Atlanta this summer and many of the city's landmarks can be seen in the trailer. The show is set to return to the small screen on October 16. I know fans are anxiously waiting to see what will happen for now you will have to settle for the trailer. 

The Jersey Shore Meets Moe, Larry & Curly

"The Three Stooges" film production just wrapped up.  Before they left the cast of MTV's reality show 'The Jersey Shore" came to town to shoot a scene for the movie. I'm sure there is a good Snooki/Situation/Moe/Larry joke here but I've never seen an episode of "The Jersey Shore." There's not much information on what kind of role they had but I can see the Jersey Shore kids getting a knuckle sandwhich from Sean Hayes. 

Casting Call: "What to Expect When You Are Expecting"

The new Cameron Diaz comedy, "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" started filming in Atlanta this week and the production is in need of extras. An open casting call is scheduled for Sunday, July 24 from 1 pm - 5 pm at the Hilton Hotel, 225 Courtland Street. They are looking for individuals 18 & up. If you want more information about the casting call, contact Christopher Gray Casting (678) 894-3863 ext. 400. 


If you are unable to attend the casting call at the Hilton, e-mail a photo along with your contact information to wtewyecasting@yahoo.com or text your photo to (323) 347-6871. 


The cast for this movie includes Matthew Morrison, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Chace Crawford, Chris Rock, Brooklyn Decker, and Joe Manganiello.

Foodie Casting Call: "Eat It and Like It"

Do you love to cook? Is dining at Bacchanalia on your bucket list? If so then this casting call is perfect for you!  There is a new food show, "Eat It and Like It," and they are looking for people of all ages to talk about food. All you need is a love of food and the South. Anyone with something to say about food can submit their contact information and a summary of what they have to say at the online application. 

Casting Call: The Biggest Loser

NBC's hit reality/competition series, "The Biggest Loser  is gearing up for its next season and is looking for new contestants.  The show is looking for individuals or pairs who each need to lose at least 85 pounds, are over 18 years of age, and a legal resident of the U.S. Auditions will be held from 9 am - 5 pm on August 6 at the Hard Rock Cafe, 215 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia. For additional details, visit www.thebiggestlosercasting.com. 

Atlanta Hot Spots for Celebs

This summer Atlantans are seeing stars everywhere. With the production of "Drop Dead Diva," "American Reunion," "The Three Stooges," and "Jayne Mansfield's Car" in full swing the stars are out and dining at some of the top restaurants in town. 


Kathy Griffin, the queen of the D-list, has been in town shooting a guest spot on "Drop Dead Diva" and she's been hitting a few of the highlights in Atlanta. Recently, she has been spotted at both Buckhead Diner and Waffle House. Who doesn't love homemade Maytag Blue Cheese chips and a pecan waffle?


The Buckhead Life Restaurant group is a favorite with celebrities. Billy Bob Thornton, Robert Duval, Kevin Bacon, Ron White, Peter Farrelly, Larry David, and Chris Klein have all been spotted at Chops Lobster Bar, Buckhead Diner, and Veni Vidi Vici. 


A few other favorites places have been NY Prime for Robert Duval and the Steakhouse at Phipps for Sean Hayes, Kevin Bacon and Billy Bob Thornton. 

Spotlight on Georgia Talent: The Glee Project

One of my guilty TV pleasures is the Ryan Murphy show "Glee." I became a Ryan Murphy fan when a friend turned me onto the show "Nip/Tuck." So I was flipping through the channels one night and stumbled onto the new Oxygen show "The Glee Project." "The Glee Project" gives unknown singers and actors a chance to compete for a guest spot on Glee. One standout competitor is Matheus Fernandes. Matheus was born in Brazil but has lived in Atlanta for the last eight years.  I've seen a few episodes of the show and Matheus has not only an interesting story but he is very talented. Tune into "The Glee Project" to see this fresh talent from the ATL. Who knows in a few months he might just be guest student at McKinley High. 

Coming Soon: Wanderlust

Everyone's favorite friend, Jennifer Aniston, has new film out "Horrible Bosses" - which by the way has nothing to do with films in Atlanta or Georgia.  But Jennifer is out promoting the movie and last night she was featured on "Inside the Actor's Studio." Personally, I like Jennifer Aniston. Even though she's best known for her roles in romantic comedies, I really liked her in the "The Good Girl" and "Office Space."  


Late last year, Jennifer spent some time in Atlanta and Georgia filming "Wanderlust." Produced by Judd Apatow, this movie teams her up again with Paul Rudd. Jennifer and Paul are moving to Atlanta when they stop off at a remote bed and breakfast for the night. But it turns out the bed and breakfast is a hippie commune. The cast includes Alan Alda, Kathryn Hahn, Ray Liotta, and Linda Lavin. 


"Wanderlust" is scheduled to be released this fall but in the meantime you can catch Jennifer on the big screen in "Horrible Bosses." Or you can catch a rerun of "Inside the Actor's Studio."

Casting Call: "What to Expect When You Are Expecting"

Calling all pregnant women and babies...yes, you read that correctly. The movie "What to Expect When You Are Expecting", based on the pregnancy bible, is looking for pregnant extras and babies. An open casting call is scheduled for Saturday, July 9 from 10 am - 2 pm at the Hotel Midtown. If you are interested call 678-894-3863, ext. 400 or e-mail cgcastingatlanta@gmail.com. 


The ensemble cast includes a few big stars that we can expect to see over the next few months so keep your eyes open for Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Rock, Brooklyn Decker, Ed Helms, Isla Fisher, Matthew Morrison, and Anna Kendrick. I will provide updates as soon as production starts. 

"American Reunion" is on the Move

After filming in midtown Atlanta and around the Georgia State University campus, the "American Reunion" cast and crew will be on the move.  Filming will return to the Conyers/Covington area and they are also scheduled to shoot in Monroe.


Newton High School will play the part of East Great Falls High in the reunion-themed fourth installment of the "American Pie" series. They will also be filming in the Olde Town Conyers area as well before moving  the production to Monroe. The Walton Tribune is reporting that Monroe will fill in for Great Falls, Michigan. Monroe's Simply Southern Bake Shop will be transformed into a Starbucks. Filming will also take place at Buckles Hardware, a city courtroom, woods near the airport, and a few houses. 


Chad Ochocinco tweeted this photo last week from the set. I'm not sure what kind of role he is playing but it should be interesting.

                                           Photo courtesy of Chad Ochocinco on Twitter

Spotlight on Georgia Talent: "Larry Crowne"

Julia Roberts is probably the biggest "star" to come out of Atlanta in the last 25 years. After graduating from Smyrna's own Campbell High School, Julia moved to New York and never looked back. After appearing in several films, her star making performance in "Pretty Woman" propelled her to A-list status. In the last ten years, Julia has let her film career take a backseat to motherhood. Fortunately for her fans, every few years she finds a great role that calls her back to the big screen. 


This weekend, she will star with Tom Hanks in the movie "Larry Crowne," which is directed and co-written by Tom. Personally, I just love Tom Hanks so I can't wait to see it.  

Casting Call: "Necessary Roughness" and "Drop Dead Diva"

The new USA Network series "Necessary Roughness" is wrapping up production on its first season but before they head back to LA they are looking for extras. Since the show is set in Long Island, they are looking for New York types. In particular, they are looking for people 35-42 years old, of Italian, Greek or Puerto Rican descent.  If you are interested, e-mail your resume, photo and contact information to roughatl@gmail.com with "NY Reunion"in the subject line.

"Drop Dead Diva" is also looking to cast a few extras for a fashion scene set in Milan. They are looking for distinguished, fashionistas to be featured in the audience at an Italian fashion show. So grab your best black dress or suit and scarf for this casting call. To apply for this casting call, complete the application on the DaveFM Casting Couch page.

Silver Screen Destinations: Tybee Island

Recently, I was flipping through the channels and the Nicholas Sparks/Miley Cyrus movie "The Last Song" was on. I won't give a review of the movie - its Nicholas Sparks and Miley Cyrus ... Anyhow, its been about 20 years since I last went to Tybee Island so I tuned in for a bit to see the sights. The movie was filmed on Tybee and at the Georgia Acquarium in Atlanta. 


If you are taking advantage of the long weekend holiday coming up for the 4th and you are headed to the beach, consider visiting Tybee Island. Tybee is highlight of Georgia's golden isles with beautiful beaches, pier and lighthouse. 


An integral part of "The Last Song" movie was a historic church. The church was built just for the movie but the city worked with the studio to keep it on the island. So after you hit the beach, fill up on great seafood, stop by the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel. 

A Summer of Crazy Characters

A few years ago, a friend of mine turned me on to USA Network's original series "Burn Notice" and ever since I've been addicted to my summer fix of Michael Weston. USA Network has taken a cue from Fox by launching new shows during the height of the summer season while everyone else is in reruns. Over the last few years, USA has produced and released a handful of quality shows featuring unique "characters." 


This summer the network is set to launch a new show that was filmed in Atlanta. "Necessary Roughness" stars Callie Thorne ("Burn Notice" fans might recognize her) as a therapist who is hired to help a pro football star get his game back on track. I don't know if the show is going to be set in Atlanta but be on the lookout for city landmarks. "Necessary Roughness" premieres on Wednesday, June 29 at 10 pm. I've already got my DVR set. 

Wanted: Families With Lots of Personality for Family Feud

The newly revamped "Family Feud" game show, hosted by Steve Harvey, is moving the production of the show to Atlanta next month.  The show is now looking for families to compete for $100,000 in prize money. They will be holding live auditions on June 26 where candidates will get to play a mock game in front of cameras. To reserve a spot, e-mail atlanta@familytryouts.com.  


Casting producer Sara Dansby shared a few tips for getting on "Family Feud" with the AJC this week. They are looking for:
- Families with lots of energy and personality so bring your A game for the tryouts. 
- Be entertaining, charming, and joke around with Steve Harvey. They really want families who can interact with the host. 
- Bring six family members, just in case you need a back-up. 


Find out more tips by checking out the article on AJC. 

Deadlines for Georgia Film Festivals

Georgia filmmakers are luck to have a several great film festivals right in their backyard. The Atlanta Film Festival occurs each April but there are several small, niche festivals in the Atlanta area throughout the year. In addition, the Savannah College of Art & Design sponsors the Savannah Film Festival and the Dixie Film Festival is held each year in Athens. 


Deadlines are fast approaching for the Savannah Film Festival and the Dixie Film Festival. You can submit your films through Withoutabox. The late deadline for Savannah is June 30 and the regular deadline for Dixie Film Festival is July 6. 


Even if you don't submit this year, make plans to attend one of these great festivals. The 14th Annual Savannah Film Festival will take place October 29 - November 5 and the 8th Annual Dixie Film Festival is September 23 - 25. 

Baby, You Should be in Pictures!

Ok, so this post doesn't have much to do with the film/tv scene in Georgia but Jodie Foster got her start as the Coppertone baby so here it goes....


There are a couple of photo contests for babies and children with deadlines this week. Parents Magazine is holding their annual cover contest. You can find out more at their web site. 


Gerber is also on the lookout for a new Gerber baby. You can find out more about the contest at their Facebook page. 


Make sure your little ones look a million bucks with in their photos. Check out the great deals Zulily has on children's clothes. 

Celebrities in the ATL

This was an exciting week for celebrity sightings in Atlanta. As usual the Buckhead Life Restaurant group ranks as the top spots for celebs to visit when they are in town. Sightings for the week include: Ryan Reynolds at Chops Lobster Bar, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were also spotted at Chops Lobster Bar this week too, and Alyson Hannigan of American Pie and "How I Met Your Mother Fame" has been seen at the Buckhead Diner. 


Personally my only celebrity sighting in Atlanta has been Tyler Perry last summer at the Flying Biscuit so good luck and keep your eyes open!

The Summer Return of the Diva

Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva" is set to return to your living room this weekend. Season 3 kicks off on Sunday, June 19 with an all-star cast of guest stars including Paula Abdul, Wanda Sykes, Brandy, Kathy Griffin, Lance Bass, Clay Aiken and many more. "Drop Dead Diva" has been filming in Peachtree City since the beginning so its a great show for us to support!


Also if you are like me and are behind on your "Drop Dead Diva," you can catch up with the Season 2 Marathon on Saturday, June 18 starting at 11 a.m. 

Ready, Set, Write

Do you dream of writing Hollywood's next be hit? Is your film idol Woody Allen or John Hughes? If that's you then get out your notebook and start writing. The Atlanta Film Festival 2011 Screenplay Competition is now taking submissions. For over 40 years the Atlanta Film Festival has been discovering and nurturing new filmmaker talent. Winners of the screenplay competition have a once in a lifetime opportunity to workshop their script with other screenwriters, producers, directors and film industry professionals. 


The earlybird deadline for the competition is June 27 but don't worry if you haven't finished (or maybe haven't started) your screenplay, you can pay a little extra more for the time since the late deadline is September 19. Find out more from the Atlanta Film Festival. 

Jason Biggs Tweets Photos from "American Reunion"

Jason Biggs, known to "American Pie" fans as Jim, has been tweeting a few photos from the set. "American Reunion" the latest installment in the "American Pie" franchise has been filming in Atlanta for the past few weeks. I know of at least one spotting of Tara Reid in Midtown this past weekend. Follow Jason Biggs on  Twitter  for more good photos.  

Coming Soon: The Atlanta Black Women Film Festival

In just a few days, the Black Women Film Network is celebrating 15 years at their Black Women Film Festival. The festival kicks off Friday with a special screening of the 2011 Sundance selectee "Crime After Crime," a documentary about the legal battle of Debbie Peagler who has been in prison for over 25 years due to her connection the murder of the man who abused her. The screening will be at The Woodruff Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. 


The festival will have several great panels about filmmaking including "Reel Business of Filmmaking Workshop," "New Ways to Sell to and Distribute and Finance Your Film," and "How to Market Your Film." These panels will feature experts and filmmakers such as Steve Collins from Mobilfimworks, Jaunice Sills from BET, Saptosa Foster of 135th Street Agency, and filmmaker Nervaina Rhodes.  


I think its going to be a great weekend for filmmakers and talent to connect and network. Check it out to get more details. 

Spotlight on Georgia Talent: "Super 8"

"Super 8," the highly anticipated new movie from J.J. Abrams, hit theaters this weekend and stars a few notable actors with Georgia ties. Kyle Chandler, best known for his role on television's "Friday Night Lights," and Elle Fanning, the younger sister of Dakota Fanning and an actress in her own right. Kyle Chandler was born and raised in Monroe, Georgia and before setting his eyes on Hollywood he wore the red & black at the University of Georgia. Elle Fanning was born in Conyers, Georgia before moving with her family to Los Angeles. I'm hearing great things about this movie and I'm hoping it will top the box office this weekend. 


Check out Kyle Chandler on David Letterman talking about the movie and his days growing up in Monroe. 

Atlanta Extras Get Connected on dave fm

Atlantans can now stay on top of casting calls just by tuning into the radio. dave fm will feature the "Casting Couch" every Tuesday at 11 a.m. with casting director Bill Marinella. Bill Marinella Casting is an extra casting company for films, pilots, series and commercials. Currently Bill Marinella Casting is working with "Drop Dead Diva," "American Reunion," "Necessary Roughness," and "Single Ladies." So tune in to get connected. 

Zombies Are on The Move in Atlanta

Watch out Atlantans the zombies from AMC's hit show "The Walking Dead" are moving north. Normally,  the show films south of the city in Henry County but next week they are moving to Cobb County. The show will film on Monday, June 13 and parts of Cobb Parkway will be closed from 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.. The AJC is reporting the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Riverwood Parkway will be closed. 

Crew Call: "What to Expect When You Are Expecting"

The book "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" is the bible for today's pregnant woman and now its making its way to the big screen. Directed by Kirk Jones of "Waking Ned Devine" and "Nanny McPhee" fame is set to star Cameron Diaz. The script has been rewritten by Shauna Cross (previous credit includes "Whip It") is an ensemble romantic-comedy following four couples as they prepare to welcome their first child. 


Fortunately for Georgia, the movie will be filmed here over the summer. Right now there aren't a lot of details about the production but they are now accepting resumes for crew positions. If you are interested, send your resume to whattoexpectproduction@gmail.com. 

Casting Call: Tyler Perry's new TV show "For Better or For Worse"

Tyler Perry is at it again and is looking for extras for his new TV series pilot "Tyler Perry's For Better or For Worse." The show will film in Atlanta from June - July and they are currently looking for male and female non-speaking extras of all ethnicities. If you are interested, please send your color photo, direct phone number (do not send your agent or manager's contact info), height, weight, and city and state. If you have an actors resume, please attach it in a PDF or Word Document. You should also include the color, year, make and model of your car and use "TPS FBOW EXTRA" in the subject line of the e-mail.

Please e-mail your submissions to the e-mail address or mailing address listed below and only submit once! Thank you for your cooperation.

FEMALES please send your submissions to: FBOWEXTRAS1@gmail.com

MALES please send your submissions to: FBOWEXTRAS2@gmail.com

Mailing Address:
TPS / Extras Casting Department
Attn: TPS FBOW
Heather H. Bivens/Emily Mask
541 10th Street # 172
Atlanta, G.A. 30318

Filmed in Georgia: "X-Men: First Class"

Today, the summer blockbuster movie season starts today with the release of "X-Men: First Class." The fourth movie in the "X-Men" franchise goes back to the beginning of the creation of the X-Men group and it chronicles the early friendship of Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the movie stars James McAvoy, Kevin Bacon and Jennifer Lawrence. Parts of the movie were filmed in Brunswick and Jekyll Island. 

Crew Call: "Jayne Mansfield's Car" is Hiring Crew Members

Billy Bob Thornton is back to work on his film career and is set to shoot his new movie "Jayne Mansfield's Car" in Georgia. The writer-director is now looking for crew members to work from late June to early August in central Georgia. "Jayne Mansfield's Car" is a comedy-drama follows the lives of three brothers on a large cattle ranch in western Alabama. So far Dennis Quaid, Dwight Yoakam and Robert Duval are rumored to be attached to the project. 


If you are interested in applying for a crew position, fax your resume to 404-941-3800. 

"American Reunion" Begins Filming in Atlanta

Ahh, high school reunions just the thought of them brings up feelings of joy or dread depending on the type of person you were growing up: jock or geek? Oh well, I digress... The fourth movie in the "American Pie" series begins filming this week in Conyers. The movie will be based in Rockdale County but will be filming at Heritage High School, Newton County High School, Olde Town Conyers and Costley Mill Park as well as places around the Atlanta area. 


"American Reunion" is about the 10 year reunion for the "American Pie" characters and many of the original cast are returning including Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari, Jason Biggs, Tara Reid, Jennifer Coolidge, Chris Klein, and Thomas Ian Nichols. 


Check out Jason Biggs photo from the set on Twitter. Stay tuned I'm sure we will hear more from the set soon. 

Crafting the Perfect Film Resume

Want to work in the film industry but just don't know where to start? The best start is with a film resume. In June the Atlanta Film Festival is offer a class that is essential for anyone looking to get a job in the film industry. "Creating a Proper Film Resume - How to Get a Job" will teach you how to write a film resume, whether you have experience or not, how to translate your current work experience to the film industry and even how to gain experience. This is a must-attend! Find out more about it the class and costs online. 


The Atlanta Film Festival is a great local organization offering networking opportunities and classes from local film experts. Personally, I think they are invaluable resource for filmmakers, crew and talent so if you aren't a member yet considering joining so you can get access to their events. 

The Queen of Butter is the Queen of Savannah

Today I was flipping through the channels and landed on Paula Deen's show on FoodTV Network. Of course, every dish she prepared on the 30-minute show included BUTTER! She's not one for light dishes but all of her food looks good. I always use one or two of her recipes when entertaining and her dishes are always a hit. 


If you don't know about Paula Deen, she films her show in her beautiful home in Savannah, Georgia. She also owns the now very famous restaurant "The Lady & Sons" with her two sons, Bobby and Jamie Deen. The Deen family is building a culinary empire in Savannah and much of its success is dependent on their FoodTV Network show and specials. I'm just glad that her show is so successful now that she is able to film it in her adopted hometown of Savannah. If you are ever in the Savannah area, stop by "The Lady & Sons" and taste for yourself a few of Ms. Deen's specialties. 

The Farrelly Brothers Return to the ATL

The Farrelly Brothers are returning to Atlanta after filming "Hall Pass" here a few years ago. Their new project is bio-pic of "The Three Stooges" and is currently filming in Cartersville. I know this project has been in the works for some time and its been plagued with casting drama. But for now, the cast includes a hodge-podge of A-listers and some not so A-listers. According to IMDB, Sean Hayes (LOVED him as Jack on Will & Grace), Larry David, Jane Lynch and Sofia Vergara are set to star. Its been awhile since the Farrelly Brothers have had a true hit so I'm hoping that "The Three Stooges" strikes a chord with moviegoers.

It's a Wrap for Alton Brown's Good Eats

Alton Brown, the star and producer of the popular FoodTV network staple Good Eats, announced this week that he is ending the show. Based in the Atlanta-area Alton Brown was one of the first network stars to base his show in Georgia. I always enjoyed watching Good Eats to see which area Kroger or Whole Foods market he would appear. According to the article on the AJC, Alton owns a 15,000 square foot studio in Atlanta so I'm sure its only a matter of time before we see something new from this eccentric foodie. 

Welcome to AtlantaFilm411

Over the last few years, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the East. With the extension of the Georgia state tax incentives for movie and television productions, it is estimated that the entertainment industry will be a driving force in Georgia's economy over the next five years. As an independent filmmaker, I'm happy to see my home state (and adopted hometown) prosper from this new industry. 


I started this blog to be a resource for filmmakers, crew, and talent in Atlanta. My goal is to provide news, crew and casting calls, and highlight all things related to film and television production in Atlanta and Georgia.  So let me know if you are in the film community or if you are a resource, I will be looking for organizations and people to highlight in the next few weeks and months.