Saturday, October 29, 2005

Event: Feature Film Fundraiser Halloween Party

Sorry for the late notice (I've been incredibly busy) but if you're in Calgary and want something fun to do tonight, head over to the Prizefighter Films Feature Film Fundraiser Halloween Party!

Prizes for costumes have been donated from Casablanca Video, Kaffa Coffee, Panda Flowers, Chicago Deep Dish Pizaa, Chicken on the Way, Tim Horton's and more!

Money raised will help these Alberta filmmakers and the event promises to be a great time!

LOCATION/TIME:
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Edinburgh House
12th Ave. and 12th St. SW
Calgary, Alberta
Doors open: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20.00 in advance/at door

CONTACT:
Todd: (403) 451-6650
Jeremy: (403) 605-4295
E-mail: prizefighterfilms@gmail.com

Photos of Brad Pitt as Jesse James

For those of you following the production, Hollywood North Report has some new candid photos of Brad Pitt as Jesse James from the set in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

A large part of 'The Assassination of Jesse James' was shot in Calgary, Edmonton, and other parts of Alberta.

Update: Joblo.com has posted a different set of photos at this link and even more at this one as well. They also include photos of Casey Affleck as the Coward Robert Ford. The costuming really does look quite good.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Oliver Stone Production Scouts Alberta

The Calgary Sun reports that Award-winning director Oliver Stone may possibly film his next epic in southern Alberta in 2006.

'Son of the Morning Star' would feature the story of General George Armstrong Custer who fought against the Plains Indians in 1876. It's based on the book 'Son of the Morning Star: Custer and the Little Big Horn' by Evan Connell.

Producers have already scouted the province for locations and Alberta appears to be their first choice, probably due in large part to its panoramic vistas and diverse scenery.

Monday, October 17, 2005

Film Commission Asks for Pitt's Privacy

Alberta Film Commissioner Dan Chugg stressed the importance of respecting the privacy of stars like Brad Pitt when they are here filming in Alberta. He commented to CBC News:
"Whenever there is a situation that makes their stay less than what they experienced, or if they have any negative parts of that, obviously that affects relationships and it can affect long-term implications for our industry," Chugg said. "Actors have a very major impact on decisions on where projects are shot."

The article goes on to state that many local film people and extras are employed by these productions and that at least 150 technicians are working on 'The Assassination of Jesse James' which is expected to complete filming in early December.

You can read the full article at this link.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

2005 Banff Mountain Film Festival Finalists

Marko Prezelj Photo

The Banff Centre announced the finalists for the 2005 Banff Mountain Film Festival.

The 56 films that will screen at the festival include 'Sur le fil des 4000' which tells a French moutaineer's story as a climber, his unique approach to the sport, his final challenge, and tragic end.

'Off Road to Athens' follows the individual stories of 8 professional mountain bikers and their hopes of making the 2004 Olympic team.

Canmore, Alberta filmmakers Pat and Baiba Morrow return to the festival with 'The Magic Mountain.' The film is an inspirational story of the "indefatigable educator and public health advocate" Cynthia Hunt as she endures difficult conditions in the northwest region of Ladakh.

'What Remains of Us' by Canadian filmmakers Francois Prevost and Hugo Latulippe features the fascinating story of a young Tibetan woman, Kalsang Dolma, and her smuggling of a videotaped message from the Dalai Lama into Tibet.

Other films include:
  • 'Unconquerable Summit'
  • 'March of the Penguins' and the documentary 'Of Penguins of Men'
  • 'Grizzly Man'
  • 'Flying Downhill: The Art of Bode'

  • The full list of finalists is available at The Banff Centre Mountain Culture Website.

    The festival runs from October 27 to November 6 at The Banff Centre.

    Saturday, October 01, 2005

    Cinematographer Douglas Munro Honoured

    The Calgary Sun has a story on Alberta-based Cinematographer Douglas Munro including his honouring by the Alberta Motion Pictures Industries Association.

    Doug Munro Photo from Sun Media
    Currently his crew is working on 'The Assassination of Jesse James', starring Brad Pitt, Daughters of Joy with Robert Duvall and The Ron Clark Story, featuring Matthew Perry — to name just a few.

    “This is the busiest month in the history of our business. There is a surge this month for sure — everybody in Alberta is busy. People are doing positions that they are hardly trained for,” he says.

    To add to that, Munro’s new project Paydirt, a documentary on the Alberta oil sands, premiered in Calgary Sept. 29.

    He is also being honoured today with the Alberta Motion Picture Industries Association David Billington Award.

    “It was really unexpected,” he says. “I mean, ‘Are you sure you got the right guy? I haven’t done that much.’ ”

    Check out the link above for the full story.

    Congratulations to Mr. Munro for his work and achievements!

    Photo courtesy of Sun Media.