Upstate Independents, January 3, 2012

Meeting Agenda

1. Announcements

2. Guest Speaker – Tom MercerTom Mercer will share some insights and lessons learned while producing the cinematic documentary “American General: Benedict Arnold.” He will show some work-in-progress clips from this feature length film and talk about the many challenges he and his partners at Talon Films have had to overcome as they recreate key events of the American Revolution on both land and sea with a literal and virtual cast of thousands. A preview trailer can be viewed at www.talonfilms.comAbout Tom:

   Thomas Mercer studied film at Ithaca College while pursuing a degree in Politics.

   He made his directorial debut with the feature “UnCivil Liberties” currently in national distribution through Ariztical Entertainment. Prior to that he produced “Face of the Enemy” a short film which was showcased at the Claremont- Ferrand Film Festival in France and was subsequently picked up for European distribution by BritShorts of London.

   He co-wrote and co-produced “Women on Parole,” a TV pilot with InFocus Productions, is currently writing and producing “Benedict Arnold: American General” with Talon Films and has co-written three other feature screenplays. He served as associate producer on the official orientation film of the Saratoga Battlefield National Historical Park.
   

3. Networking break – 15 minutes
   
4. Film screenings will be finalized at a later date.
   
   

The Upstate Independents Board:

Kevin Craig West: President

Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President

Rosemary Thomas: Secretary

Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair

Heidi Philipsen: Programming Chair

Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair

Charles Galuski: Web Chair

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at

The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com

Have resumes/references sent directly Deborah Goedeke at dgoedeke@albany.org.

CREW NEEDS:
–A lighting/grip PA to help our Director of Photography (ideally someone with set experience to set up the dolly, help with lighting, etc.) –A key PA/producer’s assistant to help with a variety of tasks throughout the shoot. These will include everything from scheduling to locations to organizing extras and crowd scenes.
–In both cases, the ideal person will be someone who is eager to learn about and be involved in film shoots. A ton of experience is not necessary, but a great attitude and a willingness to jump in where needed is.
–We also will be seeking an additional person for a day or two where we have more complicated shoots and crowd control needs I can go into more detail as we speak.

Our presentation for this meeting was a series of staged readings of scripts written by Upstate Independents members: Deadly Aspirations by Ron Pucherelli (UI Treasurer), Lightman by Jim Brearton, Killer Game by Susan Griswold and Battle of the Bands by Kevin Dobies.

The actors involved were Heidi Philpsen (UI Programming Chair), Rich Lundy, Susan Griswold, Kevin Craig West (UI President), Marie Oppedisano, Eric Oakes, Rosemary Thomas (UI Secretary) and David Bunce.

Click on an image to see it full-sized.

Heidi Philipsen, Rich Lundy, Susan Griswold, Kevin Craig West

Marie Oppedisano, Eric Oakes, Rosemary Thomas, David Bunce

The entire cast

Movies With Out Pictures rehearsals for Hell’s Acres, a community event including actors from Upstate Independents, Action and Walking the Dog as well as actors from New York City and New Jersey, are underway at Space 360 at 360 Warren St., Hudson NY!

Come and see these actors at the reading of Hell’s Acres
on March 2nd at 7:00 at Time and Space Limited
434 Columbia St,. Hudson, NY.

Welcome to the new Upstate Independents web site!

After far too long, our website is back up an running with a great new look, fresh styling, streamlined functionality and more dynamic changes as we move forward.