MCFC Press Release Blog

N E W S / Monterey County Film Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2010
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand, 831-646-0910
karen@filmmonterey.org

One Fast Move or I’m Gone: Kerouac’s Big Sur – Coming Home
Aug. 14 event planned for Henry Miller Library

An outdoor dinner, concert, and screening of the feature length documentary, One Fast Move or I’m Gone: Kerouac’s Big Sur (Kerouac Films/Atlantic Records), is set for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at Big Sur’s Henry Miller Library.

The movie, a seminal film about beat generation writer Jack Kerouac, was filmed in part in local Big Sur settings.  The Monterey County Film Commission assisted the production company with film locations and local resources.  The film features Tom Waits, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Sam Shepard and Patti Smith.

A concert by recording artists/musicians Jay Farrar and Benjamin Gibbard, who collaborated to create the film’s soundtrack, will precede the screening.

Grapes of Wrath will cater a buffet dinner, promising some of the best food the coast has to offer, served by the firm’s owner Dana Godbe who appears in the film and was a neighbor of Kerouac when he spent time in Big Sur.

“No doubt this will be the event of the season for the Henry Miller Library,” said Magnus Torén, executive director of the Henry Miller Library. “The idea to get together to play music, share food, and present the film, One Fast Move or I’m Gone: Kerouac’s Big Sur, has its genesis in the love of literature and music, and the urge to bring the film ‘home’ to Big Sur.”

Attendees will enjoy the company of many people involved in making the film, such as producers Jim Sampas, Gloria Bailen, Orian Williams, and director Curt Worden, plus musicians Farrar and Gibbard.

The event will be a memorable night under the stars.  The Henry Miller Library is an ideal venue for the evening, with its natural amphitheatre surrounded by redwoods, and its deep Big Sur art and literary history.

Tickets are limited, and may be purchased at: http://www.henrymiller.org/OneFastMove.html

Contact:  Magnus Torén, 831-667-2574, magnus@henrymiller.org

Sponsored by: Kerouac Films / One Fast Move

Grapes of Wrath Catering / Monterey County Film Commission

NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission
March 30, 2010
info@filmmonterey.org
www.FilmMonterey.org

FILM COMMISSION PRESENTS WALK OF FAME LEVEL AWARDS
TO CORPORATE SPONSORS OF ‘WHAT A NIGHT!’ BENEFIT

The Monterey County Film Commission presented “Walk of Fame” awards this week to Cannery Row Company and the Cypress Inn.  The award recognized corporate support at the March 7 “What a Night!” event, which celebrated the Academy Awards.  This year the gala benefited two local nonprofits, the Monterey County Film Commission and the American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Area Chapter.

The awards are authentic replicas of the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame stars created by the artist who produces the plaques given to celebrities at the actual Walk of Fame ceremonies on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood.

Joe Fletcher, director of development and operations at the Monterey County Film Commission, presents Cannery Row Company’s Ted Balestreri Jr. with a Walk of Fame sponsor award.

Joe Fletcher, director of development and operations at the Monterey County Film Commission, presents Cannery Row Company’s Ted Balestreri Jr. with a Walk of Fame sponsor award.

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News / MONTEREY COUNTY FILM COMMISSION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2010
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand
karen@filmmonterey.org
www.FilmMonterey.org

FILM COMMISSION SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS

The nonprofit Monterey County Film Commission is currently accepting applications for members to serve on its board of directors.

The film commission was formed by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors 23 years ago to promote Monterey County for film and related media industries.

The volunteer board members work on committees, planning fundraising and educational events, movie screenings, lectures, and mixers. Members are expected to attend a monthly board meeting. Persons with business experience, leadership skills, community involvement and an interest in furthering the goals of the organization are encouraged to apply.

Contact Phyllis Decker at 831-626-3152 or pjdeck7777@aol.com for an application and more information. For more information on the film commission, visit www.filmmonterey.org.

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News / MONTEREY COUNTY FILM COMMISSION
March 26, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand,
Director of Marketing & Film Production
831-646-0910 / Karen@filmmonterey.org

Monterey County Film Student $1,000 Scholarship & Awards Program
Now Open for Monterey County Applicants

The deadline for film students to apply for the third annual Monterey County Film Commission Film Student Scholarship & Awards Program is April 30, 2010.

The winner of the $1,000 award (or two $500 awards) will be announced in May.

Eligibility information and application forms may be downloaded at www.FilmMonterey.org, or contact the film commission office at 831-646-0910 or info@filmmonterey.org.

The scholarship program was created to provide financial aid and incentive to students of film and beginning filmmakers who reside in Monterey County, or who are currently enrolled in a community college or university in the county.  The fund was established as a permanent endowment with the Community Foundation for Monterey County.  It is designed to help a film student work towards a career goal, with the funds going directly to the student to be used for Capstone or other film projects.

“Establishing a film student scholarship program was a long-time dream of those on the Monterey County Film Commission board of directors,” said Phyllis Decker, chairperson of the scholarship committee. “Thanks to generous donations from the community, the program continues to help film students follow their creative dreams.”

Last year’s winner was Juan Ramirez, who graduated from Cal State University, Monterey Bay, and was in the Teledramatic Arts and Technology department.  His documentary, “Letters From Within,” featured stories of young people in the Salinas juvenile hall.

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NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission
For immediate release: March 8, 2010
831-646-0910   Media contact:  Karen Nordstrand
Karen@filmmonterey.org www.FilmMonterey.org

“That Evening Sun” film to have local premiere at Monterey’s Osio Cinemas this Friday, March 12

Monterey County audiences get a chance to go to the local premiere screening of  “That Evening Sun,” the critically-acclaimed and award-winning classic drama starring legendary actor Hal Holbrook, at Monterey’s Osio Cinemas on Friday, March 12, starting at 7:15 p.m.

The audience also will get a chance to meet the movie-makers, director Scott Teems and cinematographer Rodney Taylor, following the screening, at a “Focus on Film” question-and- answer session.

Tickets for full-time students will be half-price, and current members of Reel Friends of the Film Commission will receive complimentary tickets for the 7:15 p.m. premiere screening, courtesy of the Monterey County Film Commission and support from a grant from the Arts Council for Monterey County.

“That Evening Sun” is based on the short story, “I Hate to See that Evening Sun Go Down,” by acclaimed Tennessee author William Gay. Holbrook plays Abner Meecham, an aging Tennessee farmer who returns to his farm to reclaim what is rightfully his. A ruthless grudge match begins when the tenants in possession of the lease and farm refuse to give up the land.

“That Evening Sun” has had successful runs in New York City, Los Angeles and other cities.  The film has won top prizes at 11 film festivals including Austin’s South by Southwest, Nashville, Atlanta, Sarasota, Little Rock, Newport, Indie Memphis, Sidewalk, Secret City, New Hampshire and Naples International Film Festival. The film also received the Wyatt Award from the Southeastern Film Critics, presented for the film that best represents the South.

“That Evening Sun” stars Hal Holbrook, who has also appeared in “Into the Wild,” “All the President’s Men,” “The Firm,” and “Wall Street.”   Other actors include Ray McKinnon (“The Blind Side,” “O’ Brother Where Art Thou?”, “Deadwood”); Walton Goggins (“The Shield”); Mia Wasikowska (“Defiance,” Tim Burton’s “Alice”); Carrie Preston (“True Blood,” “Sex in the City,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” “Duplicity”); Dixie Carter (“Designing Women”); and Barry Corbin (“No Country for Old Men,” “The Closer,” “Northern Exposure”).

The Monterey County Film Commission is a nonprofit organization, working to increase economic development through on-location filming in Monterey County.  It also presents film industry educational programs, and sponsors a film student scholarship and awards program.

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“That Evening Sun” is distributed by Freestyle Releasing. For a press kit or more information contact Raul Celaya at

(323) 318-9046.

For more information:

NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 3, 2010
831-646-0910  Media contact:  Karen Nordstrand
Karen@filmmonterey.org www.FilmMonterey.org

American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Area Chapter,
to partner with Monterey County Film Commission
for its “What a Night!” Gala on March 7, 2010
Film Commission’s 20^th annual fundraiser celebrates the Academy Awards®
and now benefits two worthy local nonprofits

(Monterey, Calif.) — When the red carpet rolls out this year for the “What a Night!” gala celebrating the Academy Awards®, two local nonprofits will benefit from the fundraising event.

For the first time, the American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Area Chapter, will join the Monterey County Film Commission at its 20^th annual salute to movie-making on Sunday,

March 7, 2010, at the Inn at Spanish Bay at 2700 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, starting at 4:30 p.m.  From the red carpet entry to multiple big screens showing the live telecast of the 82^nd Academy Awards® presentation, the glamorous gala will make attendees feel like they’re a part of the big Hollywood event.  The black-tie evening includes champagne, hors d’oeuvres, sit-down dinner, Cima Collina wines, and a silent auction.

Tickets are $195 per person or $185 for members of Reel Friends of the Film Commission.  Table discounts are available.  For reservations or to join Reel Friends, call the film commission at 831-646-0910.  Business sponsorships are available.

Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Chapter as well as the Monterey County Film Commission.  The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  The Monterey County Film Commission works to enhance economic development in the county through the film industry, and provides educational programs and an annual film student scholarship.

This year’s gala theme of “What a Night!” is based on an exclamation made by actress Louella Parsons at the 1958 Academy Awards® presentation in Hollywood.

For more information:  www.FilmMonterey.org, email info@filmmonterey.org, or call 831-646-0910.

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email info@filmmonterey.org, or call 831-646-0910.

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N E W S / Monterey County Film Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 6, 2010
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand
karen@filmmonterey.org 831-646-0910
www.FilmMonterey.org

Film Commission Presents
“Flying Downhill with Bode Miller: The Early Years”

“Focus on Film” screening and presentation by
Movie Director William C. Rogers scheduled for Jan. 20

The Monterey County Film Commission plans its next “Focus on Film” event on a winter sports theme, screening the

“Flying Downhill with Bode Miller: The Early Years”

documentary, “Flying Downhill with Bode Miller: The Early Years” at Carmel’s Sunset Center, on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.

The film spotlights one of the legends of sports—two-time Olympic medalist and potential Vancouver Olympics contender Bode Miller–whose hair-raising downhill ski racing and biography make for a fast-paced, visual experience. The skier has won 31 World Cup competitions, six World Championships and two Olympic Silver Medals.

Prior to the screening the movie’s director, William C. Rogers, will introduce the film and give a presentation on the challenges of making the movie, and will answer audience questions.  He will also be on hand to meet attendees at a 6 p.m. reception at the Sunset Center.

Tickets are $15 for the general public; $12 for members of “Reel Friends of the Film Commission,” and $7 for full-time students.  Tickets go on sale Jan. 8 at the Sunset Center box office at San Carlos and Ninth Street in Carmel, or by phone at 831-620-2048 and online at www.sunsetcenter.tix.com.

The event is co-sponsored by the Monterey County Weekly, Monterey Ski and Social Club, Monterey County Young Professionals Group, and Sunset Center.

For more information, contact the Monterey County Film Commission at 831-646-0910 or email info@FilmMonterey.org.  The web address is www.FilmMonterey.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 8, 2009
831-646-0910
info@filmmonterey.org
www.FilmMonterey.org

American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Area Chapter,
to partner with
Monterey County Film Commission
for its Gala on March 7, 2010
“What a Night!”

The Film Commission’s 20^th annual fundraiser celebrates the Academy Awards®
and now benefits two worthy local nonprofits

(Monterey, Calif.) — When the red carpet rolls out this year for “What a Night!” celebrating the Academy Awards®, two local nonprofits will benefit from the fundraising event.

For the first time, the American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Area Chapter, will join the Monterey County Film Commission at its 20^th annual salute to movie-making on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach.  From the red carpet entry to the two big screens showing the live telecast of the 82^nd Academy Awards® presentation, the glamorous gala will make attendees feel like they’re a part of the big Hollywood event.  The black-tie evening includes champagne, hors d’oeuvres, sit-down dinner, wine, and a silent auction.

For ticket prices and reservations, call the film commission at 831-646-0910.  Business sponsorships are available.

Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Chapter as well as the Monterey County Film Commission.  The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  The Monterey County Film Commission works to enhance economic development in the county through the film industry, and provides educational programs and an annual film student scholarship.

This year’s gala theme of “What a Night!” is based on a comment made by actress Louella Parsons at the 1958 Academy Awards® presentation in Hollywood.

NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 10, 2009
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand
karen@filmmonterey.org
831-646-0910
www.filmmonterey.org

Monterey County Film Commission Names Joe Fletcher
as Director of Development and Operations

(Monterey, Calif.) – The Monterey County Film Commission has named Joe Fletcher of Carmel Valley as its director of development and operations.

Joe Fletcher Director of Development and Operations

Fletcher joins the film commission after 25 years in the entertainment business.  He has worked in film production, including Madonna’s “Who’s That Girl” and “What About Bob?”.  He produced over 900 major concert events throughout the world for such artists  as Beyonce, Jay Z, Elton John, James Brown, Van Halen, Jackson Browne, Kelly Clarkson, Bill Cosby, Jessica Simpson, 50 Cent, Maroon 5, Eminem, Tim McGraw and many others.

In 2008 he was invited to work on fundraising events for the Obama for America campaign, both on the Monterey Peninsula and in Washington, D.C.  After the election Fletcher produced the Obama Inaugural event, “Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball,” at the Smithsonian Museum. It featured Anita Baker, Keb Mo, Kool & The Gang and more, with proceeds benefiting the Smithsonian Museum.

Fletcher is a graduate of Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass., with a bachelor’s degree in economics.  In his earlier career he ran U.S. Abroad, an import-export company focused on promoting American consumer electronics throughout Europe. He was based in London overseeing operations there and later participated in the company’s expansion to Western Africa.

“I am extremely excited to put my energies into the Monterey County Film Commission,” Fletcher said.  “I look forward to joining the efforts to attract film business to the region and grow the organization.”

The Monterey County Film Commission is a nonprofit organization working to bring about economic development in the county through the film industry.  The commission was created in 1987 by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.

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