Monday, November 30, 2009

Join us at Crossroads Entertainment and Arts Experience 2009

IMPA is proud to announce our sponsorship of the Crossroads Entertainment and Arts Experience on December 3rd and 4th in Des Moines. Crossroads will offer the Iowa Film Community an opportunity to network, learn and celebrate our accomplishments.  The two days will be packed full of seminars and showcases featuring the finest talent in music, film, theatre, art, food and beverage.

The focus of December 3 is Film and Theatre.  All events on December 3rd are FREE! Here are the events that are geared to our industry:

How Film is Made Workshop - 9 am @ 4th Street Theatre
Tom Whitus,  writer, director and producer, and George Maranville, editor, of “Sam Steele  and the Junior Detective Agency.” In their workshop, Mr. Whitus and Mr.  Maranville will share information on the Silverhills Pictures business model,  including financing, distribution and production.

Working in Film Roundtables - 11 am @ West End Architectural  Salvage
Multiple tables for you to rotate between and speak directly to film professionals about how to break into professional film.

“Sam Steele and the Junior Detective Agency” Screening - 3:30 pm  @ Des Moines Social Club
The Iowa premier of Sam Steele and the Junior Detective Agency. Starring Luke Perry (Beverly Hills 90210), M. Emmet  Walsh (Christmas with the Kranks), Jacob Hays (Disney's Really Short Report).   Featuring many high profile locations including DM Art Center,  Salisbury House, Meredith Corporation, DM Police Station.

Film and Theatre Showcase - 6 pm – 12 am @  Des Moines Social Club
6 pm  -  8 pm    Open Networking and Information Booths

  • Iowa Motion Picture Association
  • Iowa Film Commissions
  • 48-hour Film Project
  • Advocacy Station – Record your Iowa Film Story for IMPA’s YouTube channel and sign up to become a Film Industry District Leader, part of our grassroots efforts
  • Casting Room - Meet three professional casting directors; have your head shot and resume reviewed; and have a picture taken for the Iowa Casting Association files.

8 pm – 9 pm Iowa Film Presentation
Presentation that includes film trailers and industry stats and address by IMPA and DM Film Commission

9:30-10:00 pm    2009 48HFP Presentation
2009 participants took it up a  notch, proving the Iowa’s indie scene is thriving. Come enjoy a showcase of  films from 2009 and a look ahead to the 2010 event with Sam Tuomi, 48 Hour Film Project Producer.
                                         
Full details on the conference can be found at http://www.crossroadsiowa.com/

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Suspension Lifted for Films with Contracts and Approval

Yesterday, Attorney General Tom Miller announced that the suspension of the Iowa Film Promotion Program had been lifted by Governor Chet Culver. The state plans to award tax credits to productions under contract after proper documentation has been submitted and reviewed and will enter into contract discussions with productions who received approval prior to the suspension. No new productions will be allowed to apply until after the Governor and the legislature have a chance to review the program during the next session

The Iowa Motion Picture Association has actively advocated for the suspension to be lifted and is pleased with the Governor's decision and that the program will be reinstated with increased oversight. We continue to be optimistic about the future of the program and will advocate for a program that provides a net economic gain to the state of Iowa and encourages growth of the Iowa Film Industry.

Links to News Stories
Des Moines Register
KCCI - TV
WOI - TV

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Industry Update Meeting

The IMPA invites the public to tomorrow’s Industry Update Meeting that will take place prior to the opening of the Wild Rose Independent Film Festival (WRIFF) at the Iowa Historical Building at 5 pm.  There is no cost to attend the meeting but all events following the meeting require the purchase of a pass.

Along with the IMPA, the Iowa Scriptwriters Alliance and the Iowa Casting Association will share the latest news concerning the suspension and our associations’ future plans to help foster the Iowa Film Industry with or without the tax incentives.  There will also be time for you to ask questions and share your ideas.

The IMPA will also be hosting an information and interview booth. Please stop by to say hi and sign up to share your Iowa Film Story for the IMPA YouTube channel.  For more information on our YouTube campaign, please visit http://tinyurl.com/ydzg9hq .

Due to our sponsorship of the WRIFF, IMPA members who purchase a full festival pass on Thursday will receive a discount rate.  The WRIFF Full Festival Pass covers admittance to all of the screenings, but not the workshops or seminars.  This pass in normally $75 but IMPA members who purchase the pass on Thursday will receive the pass for $50, a $25 dollar savings.  This rate is only available for purchases made on Thursday.  A full listing of films and the screening schedule can be downloaded here, http://tinyurl.com/ycmzau7 .

IMPA’s YouTube Channel - Share Your Iowa Film Story

IMPA has created a YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/impadottv and we need your help to provide content.

There have been many news stories concerning the Iowa Film Promotion Program in the press, but there are many more personal stories that are not being told.  IMPA is asking you to help us by sharing your experiences in the Iowa Film Industry and the positive impact the Iowa Film Promotion Program has made in your life and community.

Visit http://tinyurl.com/ydzg9hq to download full details on how to submit your personal Iowa Film story and have it included on our YouTube channel.