News from the Virginia Film Office

Posted by: Tony – Jul 05, 2010

GOVERNOR BOB MCDONNELL HISTORIC TAX CREDIT LEGISLATION
On June 14, 2010, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell signed Virginia’s first film tax credit legislation into law. Designed to recruit the production of television, film, documentaries and gaming to Virginia, this legislation is part of the Governor’s jobs and opportunity initiative. Participating in the ceremony were Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, New Millennium Studios founders Tim and Daphne Reid, Senator Louise Lucas, Delegate Roslyn Dance and approximately 100 members of Virginia’s film production community.

INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS RECEPTION
The Community Idea Stations (WCVE) in Richmond is hosting a reception and networking event on Thursday, July 8 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m at the studio, located at 23 Sesame Street. Virginia independent filmmakers and producers of all experience levels will find this a valuable opportunity. Mark Ruppert, creator of the 48 Hour Film Project, will be the special guest for the evening. Also attending will be Jody Kielbasa, director of the Virginia Film Festival. The event is sponsored by the Virginia Production Alliance and the Virginia Film Office. RSVP’s are requested. Call or email John Felton. 804.560.8120.

VIRGINIA FILM FESTIVAL CALL FOR ENTRIES – Free for Virginia filmmakers!
Attention Virginia Filmmakers! The Virginia Film Festival has announced a call for entries for features, documentaries and short films for the 2010 Festival. The Festival wants to encourage and support the state’s film community and has waived the entrance fee for any Virginia entry. Visit the Virginia Film Festival website for more information. The 23rd annual Virginia Film Festival is scheduled for November 4-7 in Charlottesville.

VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS FRIDAY SCREENING SERIES
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is premiering a new Friday Films series, a weekly showcase for a wide variety of filmed entertainment. This series complements the spectacular new renovation and expansion the museum has just undergone. The series premieres on Friday June 2 and each screening costs just $5 for Museum members and $7 for non-members. The series opens with a screening of Fried Green Tomatoes, featuring special guest Virginia-based character actor Raynor Scheine who starred in the film. Other films on the July schedule include Oh, Brother Where Art Thou, Sullivan’s Travels and an evening with Tim and Daphne Reid screening episodes from their ahead-of-its-time television series Frank’s Place. Visit the VMFA website for more information or to purchase advance tickets. Directions.

VIRGINIA FILM OFFICE PARTNERS WITH ROCK AND WRAP IT UP
The Virginia Film Office has joined with ROCK AND WRAP IT UP, a national organization that works to reduce poverty. One of its initiatives is to partner with the film and television industry to green film locations by working so that leftover edible food can be donated to those in need. HBO, Showtime and NBC/Universal currently arrange for food recovery from film and TV shoots. Now, Virginia will join “It’s a Wrap!” to green the state and feed its hungry. For more information on this important program visit the website or email Diane Mandelbaum.