SWAK Productions, friends of Playmaker Motion Pictures is currently seeking folks interested in joining the film crew.
Here is the posting...
A CALL FOR FILM CREW (please share with anyone you think may be interested)
Crew Call for "The Barbara Blackwood Movie" (aka Untitled Doreen Brownstone Project)
Written and directed by Angus Kohm.
Produced by Stefanie Wiens and Warren Nightingale; Director of photography--Andrew Luczenczyn; First AD--Crystal Staryk.
"Legendary 90-year-old B-movie star, Barbara Blackwood, investigates the mysterious goings on in her apartment building while trying to revitalize her fading career."
We are looking for crew members to join the team on this micro budget feature being filmed under the low budget ACTRA AIP, starring remarkable Winnipeg actor Doreen Brownstone.
Positions we still need to fill include: Script Supervisor; 2nd AD; Camera Assistant(s); Grip(s); art department members; Drivers with their own vehicles (modest honoraria available), and volunteer Production Assistants.
Filming will take place intermittently starting August 17, until Sept 2nd, resuming after the September long weekend.
Please email Stefanie Wiens at dbrownstonefilm@gmail.com with your expression of interest (or for more information).
Please include the position you are interested in, your resume (or a description of your experience and interests), and your availability.
This is a unique opportunity to get a credit on a film featuring many of Winnipeg's finest actors, and starring, and celebrating, a local legend.
Playmaker Motion Pictures is pleased to announce the advanced screening of Mockingbird on Friday June 12th at The Park Theatre. The film will be screened as part of the event Cinema Carnival: Frightmares, an evening of awesome horror short films.
Mockingbird is a twelve-minute psychological short horror film that was shot on location in the Gladstone area, Neepawa and Winnipeg. The film stars Jean Foresman as Catherine, an aging widower who keeps the memory of her husband alive by talking to his photos and visiting his gravesite. Now she hears him talking back…calling her to the nearby forest. The film is an allegory for the challenges of dementia.
For more information about the short film, check out our productions section.
Tickets for the event can be purchased either at The Park Theatre Box Office or at the Cinema Carnival Web site.
The beginning of summer signifies the start of the blockbuster season. However, if you are in the mood for a subtle cinematic experience, there are many gems on Netflix that make for fun summer viewing. From the nostalgic to the subdued, here is a list of five films worth checking out this sunny season.
The Way Way Back (2013) PG-13 | 103 min | Comedy, Drama | USA
Directed by Nat Faxon, Jim Rash Starring Liam James, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney Mood: Fun, Nostalgic, Simple
The Way Way Back is a coming-of-age story about a shy 14-year-old boy, Duncan, over the course of his summer break. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of a local water park.
Unlike most summer movies filled with big action scenes or special effects, this film captures a different side of summer. Particularly that awkwardness of being a teen, excited to have the summer break, but not knowing where to fit in or what the future may bring. The film is sharply written with identifiable characters, which makes this film feel rooted in an 80’s teen movie and fun to watch.
Tracks(2013) PG-13 | 112 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama | Australia
Directed by John Curran Starring Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver Mood: Poetic, Cinematic, Relentless, Emotional
A superbly acted, visually stunning telling of the true story of Robyn Davidson’s 1,700 mile journey across the Australian desert in the mid-seventies.
Wasikowska gives a truly compelling performance as her character deals with the massive physical and mental toll of the journey. Thematically the film is a naturally pairing with The Wild (2014) and cinematically its visual realism is a nice contrast to the stylistic Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), where the imagery of deserts is just as picturesque, beautiful and harsh. For this summer viewing, don’t be far from the comforts of air conditioning and frosty beverages.
The Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014) 73 min | Documentary | Netherlands
Directed by Chapman Way, Maclain Way Starring Todd Field, Kurt Russell Mood: Rebellious, Fun, Sporty
Baseball is summer’s game, and this Netflix original is a well-crafted documentary on Bing Russell and the Portland Mavericks.
Bing Russell, best know as Deputy Clem on the TV show Bonanza (1959) and father to Kurt Russell, ran the only non-MLB affiliated baseball team of its era. The film is much more than just an interesting baseball footnote, and will be enjoyed by sports and non-sports fans alike for its celebration of the unorthodox and blue-collar spirit. Filmmaker’s Chapman and Maclain Way, Bing’s grandchildren, handle the story with care presenting interviews, archival footage and much love for the rag-tag team know as the Mavericks.
World’s Greatest Dad (2009) R | 99 min | Comedy, Drama | USA
Directed by Bobcat Goldthwait Starring Robin Williams, Darryl Sabara Mood: Sombre, Lonely, Dark, Juvenile
July 21st will mark the anniversary of the passing of Robin Williams. There are many films that can be called upon to commemorate the incredible talents of the gifted comic. There are also some great dramatic performances as well. One that I personally considered an unsung gem of tenderness and compassion is William’s portrayal of Lance, a father dealing with the aftermath of losing a son. While the film may not be for everyone’s taste, as some of the humour is dark, and the subjects and dialogue are taboo. Those who connect to it will likely enjoy it a lot.
Director/writer Bobcat Goldthwait demonstrates that he has much more emotional depth beyond his onstage screaming persona turning out dialogue gems like “I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone.” The film is also earnestly crude which adds a layer of uneasiness and honesty.
Drive(2011) R | 100 min | Crime, Drama | USA
Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn Starring Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston Mood: Melodic, Stylised, Voyeuristic, Explosive/Violence
Beautifully crafted and visually compelling film about a getaway driver who falls for his neighbour--a single mom whose husband is incarcerated. Drive is a cinematic story, short on dialogue and heavy on compositions and motifs. Ryan Gosling strikes the right tone with the main character that literally has a scorpion on his back in the form of a racing style jacket.
The film features car chase sequences that rival Bullitt (1968) and French Connection (1971). The soundtrack is hypnotic and complements the neon palette that strikes the shadowy dim lite night of the film’s setting making a fun watch for a summer’s evening.
Just when the film settles into a world of passive moments of tenderness it then bursts violently on the screen. Drive is a very memorable watch that is in my opinion, worth multiple viewings.
Warren Nightingale
