12/14/09

The Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office (SCFEO) "Holiday Mixer" at the gorgeous Longboat Key Club & Resort included tables of delicious foods, attendees that ran the gamut from filmmakers, TV and video producers, videographers & cinematographers, directors and producers, to actors, government officials, infrastructure & sound stage experts, to educators and more.  Plus, a panel of diverse and interesting filmmakers of many types held everyone's attention, elicited laughter and incisive questions, and helped to educate and inform while being entertaining.  Sam Logan, who has produced films with stars such as Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck, Fantastic Four) and Chazz Palminteri, spoke about the logistics of keeping everyone on time and on track; Rob Sterrett discussed his recently wrapped full length indie movie,  Immortal Island, which transformed from horror to thriller genre as the budget shrunk and became a better film for it; Wes Roberts shared the fun and the pitfalls of doing competition short films with a 48 hour turnaround (!); and Maurice & Nicki Lynch covered the bases from his indie scripts and documentary to their company, Righteous Entertainment, producing an ongoing weekly television show featuring Hip-Hop artists that bring positive messages to the audience.  Feedback from attendees was unanimously positive and included location managers who connected with future projects to TV pilot writer/producers who made inroads with possible distribution.  Good people, good conversations, good work!  Thank you everyone who attended and participated.

For more info - http://www.filmsarasota.com