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   Tucson's Favorite Grip Finds Himself in Spotlight We have always counted ourselves lucky to have such a large and talented crew base in Tucson, even more so when our local press discovers this fact, too. Fred Gibson, the go-to guy for Grip work throughout the southwest, was recently profiled in the Arizona Daily Star (registration required). It's local crew members such as Fred--passionate about their craft and driven to make Tucson a non-stop location destination--that make filming in Tucson a win-win proposition. 
Petty Spreads Wings in Vintage VideoThe next time you find yourself sitting through the 4-hour documentary Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Running Down a Dream (helmed by Peter Bogdonovich), pay close attention to the clips showing the music video for the 1991 hit “Learning to Fly” (directed by music lover Julian Temple). The mothballed airplanes upon which the band sits (or, more accurately, upon which the band rocks) are located right here in Tucson, and they make a perfect backdrop for this bittersweet coming-of-age song. Needless to say, the video’s other looks (parched dusty lake bed, deserted roads stretching into the horizon, etc) were all Tucson-area environs as well. 
Filmed In Tucson, Baseball Movie Headed For The Big LeaguesTouching Home, a heartwarming baseball/coming-of-age film made by the talented identical twins Logan and Noah Miller, is gaining lots of momentum as it hits the festival circuit, thanks in large part to the somewhat miraculous casting of Ed Harris. The first-time filmmakers hit their casting home run when they cornered the Oscar-nominated actor after an awards ceremony, giving Harris an impromptu screening of a trailer they filmed in Tucson and earning his commitment to the film on the spot (the early scenes set at minor league training were also filmed entirely in our fair city). The Tucson Film Office is proud to have been a part of this production and congratulates the Miller brothers on a fine writing, acting, directing and producing debut. We look forward to reporting on all the awards this film is sure to haul in, as well as the future efforts of these indefatigable twins. The Slings and Arrows of Outrageous (Tax-Related) Fortune The versatile environs of Tucson have doubled as the American heartland (Oklahoma), the Middle East (Three Kings) and an unnamed post-apocalyptic nowhere land populated by lone mail carriers bringing hope to a correspondence-starved community (The Postman). So why not give some other city the chance to stand in as us? The forthcoming Focus Features flick Hamlet 2 was actually filmed in Albuquerque but all the wacky action takes place in Tucson. Why, you might ask, would this Sundance hit set in the Old Pueblo lens in New Mexico’s largest city? Read our lips: it’s all about the tax incentives. While Arizona’s 2008 tax rebate plan wields a hefty punch, New Mexico’s aggressively competitive incentives have become the industry standard, and it’s no secret that film producers will always go where they save the most money in the easiest manner possible. Although we actually assisted the Art Department of Hamlet 2 with visual research during filming, we are well aware that until we are able to persuade Arizona’s lawmakers to improve our incentives, Tucson’s role with such potential box office juggernauts will always be as the bridesmaid, never the bride. Local Film In European Film Festival Local production Pancho Goes To College is up for competition in the Ojo Cojo Film Festival in Madrid, Spain. The festival focuses on independent productions about immigration and minority communities worldwid. Over 100 films and 20 countries are represented in this film festival, and “Pancho…” is representing Tucson. In order to attend the festival and promote the film, a fundraising screening will be held on Friday, September 12th at 7:00 p.m. at The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress. The Tucson Film Office wishes Pancho and the gang the very best in their next adventure. 
Tucson Film And Music Festival Accepting SubmissionsThe 4th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival, October 10-12, is accepting features, shorts, and music video submissions at their website, Tucson Film & Music Festival, or through www.withoutabox.com. The festival is looking for submissions with an emphasis on music related content, documentaries and narratives; as well as films and filmmakers with a connection to Arizona or the Southwest. The final submission deadline is this Friday, August 1st, while the late extended deadline is August 15. Student and withoutabox discounts are available. Come out and enjoy a weekend full of bands, indie films, cold beer and BBQ. Click here for submission information. Central Phoenix Stands In For Los Angeles S.I.S., recently filmed in central Phoenix to replicate L.A., premieres Sunday, August 24 on Spike TV at 10:00 p.m. The story centers on a police officer who joins an elite investigative team in Los Angeles whose methods come into question.  Curious About Casting? No doubt you've heard the buzz about Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes filming part of his latest feature film in Tucson earlier this month. With projects like Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (Transformers 2) just around the corner, some of you may be looking for information on extras casting and you've come to the right place. While we have not yet been given any casting information from the production company, you can bet that we'll post it here just as soon as we do. Check back often to stay in the loop and get that big casting break. Get Ready For That Next Audition Struggling with auditions? Good Faith Casting, in Phoenix, is offering commercial auditioning classes throughout the fall. Starting August 19th through October 7th - Commercial Auditioning Intensive Classes, a comprehensive workshop series. The next class begins on Tuesday, August 19th and runs every Tuesday through October 7th. Class time is 6:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. Classes on film auditions begin on August 21st. Film Auditioning Intensive Classes, an intensive and comprehensive workshop series. The workshop begins on Thursday, August the 21st and runs every Thursday through October 9th. Class time is 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All classes are taught by Faith Hibbs- Clark, CSA, a full member of the Casting Society of America and owner and head casting director for Good Faith Casting. To register or to ask questions, please email GFCworkshops@gmail.com., or call 480-294-6425. 
Statewide Casting Call & Crew Hiring InfoThe Arizona Film Office has a dynamic new website with current production information and events happening throughout Arizona. If you're a local crew member or actor interested in seeing what is happening in film throughout the state, visit the Arizona Film Office at the Arizona Film Office Hotweb for up-to-the-minute information on crew hirings and casting calls statewide. New Tucson Talent Database Tucson Talent Online is a new database where Tucson talent can connect with other local artists and local entertainment venues for information and resources. The site allows members to post a short bio and upload video, music and photos. Visit tucsontalentonline.biz for more information.  
Evenings Under/With The StarsWhen the earth cools down, Cinema La Placita heats up. The downtown Tucson outdoor film series takes place every Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., May through October, in the La Placita plaza at 110 S. Church Ave. This Tucson tradition is currently in its eighth season. Click here for more information. On July 24th, be sure to catch the Oscar-winning 1963 classic Lilies of the Field which was filmed right here in Tucson. This inspiring movie has captivated audiences for decades and we're proud to say it has the Tucson spirit in every frame. August 28th delivers Oklahoma!, which, believe it or not, was filmed in southern Arizona. Check out our grasslands standing in for the midwest in this classic musical. July 24 Lilies Of The Field July 31 To Kill A Mockingbird August 7 Fantasia August 14 Captains Courageous August 21 The Odd Couple August 28 Oklahoma! |