I believe that it is safe to predict that since this is a presidential election year, the economy will perk up some for the sake of all incumbents everywhere. It appears though, that at this time, technology is safer to predict than the economy, and most of our prognosticators are sticking to what they know best rather than venturing into the minds and myths of non-practicing venture capitalists. I do predict, however, that major efforts will be offered to keep the important commercial work of our New England corporations here in New England.
Around Boston, if it weren’t for the “reality” TV show craze, there would be very little work at all save for an anemic commercial production continuance. But, I remain mostly optimistic. Actually, Christy Scott Cashman says I am the most optimistic person she knows. And I still believe she is our rising star, our meteor of potential. This is the 6th year that she appears on the cover of the December-January issue of IMAGINE. It is always our most popular issue, which goes to Sundance and Slamdance Film Festivals and to NATPE in Las Vegas for extensive bonus distribution. Already we are plotting what she will do on the cover next year. We never run out of ideas for her.
Last week Christy Scott and I hosted a reception in her home for Representative Brian Wallace with supporting members of the industry attending. The evening was a great success. Thank you to all who helped. We are all so thankful that Brian filed H.303 for us to forward the reconstitution of a Massachusetts Film Office that carries the meaningful imprimatur of the state to Hollywood and beyond. It’s this status that will be required to let studios and major producers know that we are seriously open for business and will be both professional and competitive. A great deal of support exists for this effort, including the unanimous support of the Joint Committee on Commerce and Labor, the H.303 sponsors, and others both inside and outside government. When you read readers’ predictions in this issue, you will see that many are hopeful and expecting a general turn-around for our industry.
State supported Film Offices in New England are continuously examining their production incentives to entice more work here. I believe we will see more attention paid to improving our attraction of filmmakers and producers everywhere using innovative state incentives, as well as our natural resources and highly educated and trained work forces. We are currently enjoying the benefits of MYSTIC RIVER being in release. In early December, MYSTIC RIVER, Clint Eastwood's adaptation of Dennis Lehane's novel about a tight-knit Boston community, was named best film of the year by the National Board of Review. Sean Penn, who stars in the film as an ex-con whose daughter is missing, was named best actor for both MYSTIC and 21 GRAMS. The best guess is that this is the first of many nominations and accolades for MYSTIC RIVER with the film getting much attention most likely through the Academy Awards in March. During this time, Boston will be getting attention as the filmic backdrop. So while the sun is shining, we should be making hay.
Also from the National Board of Review, Errol Morris' THE FOG OF WAR a study of former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara was named best documentary. Best film and best documentary from the hub of New England strikes me as a good omen.
EMPIRE FALLS prop department sold off mountains of props including automobiles, dishwashers, furniture, vintage clothing after wrapping the HBO film in Waterville and Skowhegan, Maine. According to Maine actor, Tim Ryan who scored a juicy speaking part, “There is (was) a TON of stuff. I can't begin to describe what is (was) there for prop items. Lots of vintage stuff from the flash back scenes like 40's & 50's era telephones, cameras, typewriters, luggage, beach apparel, appliances. You name it…some very nice vintage bicycles as well.”
Imagine a truckload of items used by Ed Harris, Joanne Woodward, and Helen Hunt all for $200! His kitchen now has chairs that were used in the Callahan bar scenes! Now that’s a thrill, particularly since Tim had scenes with Ed Harris there. He also acted in one scene with Paul Newman. It’s his first film and says that nobody believes him when he tells them about it. IMAGINE has arranged to interview Tim Ryan and we’ll bring you his thrilling story in our February issue. He believes that when we publish his story, his friends will believe it. On the set 11 days, Tim kept a journal and told IMAGINE that Ed Harris taught him a lot.
Congratulations are in order for filmmaker John Farrell. The North American home video and DVD rights for his film, RICHARD THE SECOND, has been acquired by Sub Rosa, distributor of underground horror classics such as SCRAPBOOK and TRUTH OR DARE. Sub Rosa Studios will release RICHARD THE SECOND in the summer of 2004 on its Sub Rosa Platinum line. Filmed on location at an abandoned fort on an island off Boston, RICHARD is a modern-dress version of the classic tragedy of a king whose inability to please allies and contain adversaries leads to his downfall and death.
Again this year, IMAGINE will host its New Year Industry celebration the second week in January (Tuesday the 13th). I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there. This year the party will be at EPIPHANY Restaurant and Lounge. We’re calling it HOTSHOTS and you won’t want to miss it this year. Last year we sold out, so make your reservations early. You can do that directly online. The price of your admission also covers your new or renewed subscription to IMAGINE. Several photographers will be present to take “hotshots” of all our guests, which we will post online and use throughout the year in the pages of IMAGINE. It’s a cool way to build our own archives. The first hour of HOTSHOTS served by Triple Eight Vodka, Nantucket Vineyards, and Cisco Brewers will be complimentary so you’ll want to arrive promptly at 7 PM! Gather up your friends and make plans to attend what many have called one of the best industry parties of the year! EPIPHANY is just a short distance from Boston’s South Station, so taking a train or the T is a handy idea.
My best wishes for a Happy Holiday and Prosperous New Year to everyone! Let’s be hopeful for what 2004 will bring. I predict we will have some great things to report to you in 2004. “Two” and “four” are my lucky numbers!
Carol Patton
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