Groups announce news, events at meeting
The following news about local film professionals, groups, and events was given during the KNIFVES and Idaho Film Advisory Committee meeting held during the Schweitzer Lakedance International Film Festival last weekend:
•Idaho Women in Film Festival at the Song Bird Theater in Coeur d’Alene, October 10-11.This event will feature workshops, shorts and documentaries that are written, produced, directed and acted by and/or about women according to theater owner and screenwriter Sherry Stone. The event includes a sit-down dinner with guest of honor Anna “Patty Duke” Pearce. Cost is $35 or $75 (includes dinner and movie with Pearce). All proceeds will benefit the Women’s Center in Coeur d’Alene. For reservations: 664-9303 or 664-3672.
•KNIFVES. The group is a network of creative and technical professionals working or aspiring to work in film and media production industry, according to spokesman and writer-producer Grant Smith of Rathdrum. They, and their southern counterparts, Idaho Media Professionals, advocate for legislation that is supportive to the film industry and promote workshops and lectures on media production topics in an effort to develop a professional workforce through education and job opportunities throughout the state. KNIFVES currently has about 100 members. To join: www.knifves.org
•Northwest Film Institute. Mitchell Fullerton and David Hussey shared information on the establishment of a hands-on film school in Sandpoint, whose faculty “will be loaded with professionals.” Currently in the feasibility phase, all indicators are pointing toward a positive report that will give impetus to continue with the project.
•“Raising Lucy.” KNIFVES member and local film maker Chad Christensen recently completed his film, “Raising Lucy,” a 28-minute film about a Canadian goose who adopted a Coeur d’Alene family. The film has garnered awards on the 2008 film festival circuit, including three Tellys and three “Eagle” awards for Best Documentary, Best North Idaho Film and Best Idaho Film at the Schweitzer Lakedance Festival last weekend. www.raisinglucy.com
•Sandpoint Films. Pat Ficek reported Sandpoint Films, a nonprofit, volunteer organization is busy making short films in the Sandpoint area. Organized three years ago, the purpose of the group is to educate, produce and promote film making in North Idaho through hands-on educational opportunities. Last year they produced 10 short films and PSA’s (Public Service Announcements.) www.sandpointfilms.com
•Screenwriting Workshop, “Screenplays: Bold, Told Sold,” presented by Lance Thompson, Sept. 20-21 at the Song Bird Theater in Coeur d’Alene. Learn the fundamentals of story structure, character, dialogue, scene construction and some tricks of the screen writing trade from script doctor Lance Thompson. Thompson has written for movies and television and contributed to more than 500 motion picture ad campaigns. Cost is $75 for KNIFVES members, $90 for nonmembers. Reservations can be made at www.filmidaho.com, or call the Idaho Film Office: (800) 942-8338.
Mary Jane Honegger