NEW
Out-of-state Film Festivals, Film Contest, News, Etc.
1/29/10
- ‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’ WANTS TO KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO IN 90
- SECONDS: AUDITION CITIES FOR SEASON 5 ANNOUNCED FOR 2010!
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1/20/10
The Student and Filmmaker Alliance presents: Tubes and
Wires.
Get the chance to make a film based on winning essays written by Burns Middle
School students.
This is how it works:
Students from Burns Middle School's seventh and eighth grade writing classes
will produce essays or narratives for their annual mock writing assessment for
the Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing (ADAW), given this prompt: "It was
the strangest thing I had ever seen, with tubes and wires…"
The top 25 essays from the seventh and eighth graders writing assessment will
be entered into a random drawing for participating filmmakers. The drawing
will occur at Satori Coffee House on February 18th at 6pm in the back room.
Filmmakers will draw two essays and decide from which essay they will create a
short, 5-minute film/video. All projects are due back on March 15th at 6pm at
Satori Coffee House.
Please keep in mind that these films will be shown at Burns Middle School
during an assembly and may be partially shown on local television stations.
Please do not submit films or videos that have nudity, gore, violence, or
obscenities. All films should be at a PG rating level.
Students from Burns Middle will vote for their favorite film and favorite
writer. The filmmaker and writer with the most votes will win a monetary prize
and will be announced after the assembly.
If you plan to participate, or have any questions concerning the competition,
please contact Renae Brewer Cox at 251-604-3635 (email:
naemebe@gmail.com), or Margaret Broach at 251-709-4282 (email:
margo796@gmail.com).
You can also receive updates by checking out the Mobile Film Group's page on
Facebook.
You do not have to be from Mobile to participate. Please contact us so
we can arrange for someone to randomly draw your script options. Just make
sure your project makes it in before the deadline.
The goal for this competition is to encourage students to become involved in
their community, to enhance their writing abilities, and for filmmakers to
have an opportunity to work with creative pieces that young students have
made.
1/6/10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Contact Information:
- Joann Maxwell
- Film Commission of Northwest Alabama
- joannm@shoalschamber.com
- 256-764-4661
FILM PLANNED FOR SPRING PRODUCTION
FLORENCE, AL—Mitesh Kumar Patel is the latest film maker to begin production in Northwest Alabama. His film “The Man in the Maze” is about a group of college friends going into the woods to do research. While doing their research, they find a mysterious and troublesome trail. According to Patel, it is a mystery, horror and adventure movie.
Patel, whose production company is Applied Art Productions, will be filming in Florence and the Waterloo area beginning in mid February 2010 and conclude in May 2010. He is producer, director and story writer for the film. He was born and raised in India and says he is passionate about photography and film making.
“I have an obsession for detail and plan to touch many themes and genres,” he said. He learned film production from the Alabama Film Co-op in Huntsville. Following his earning his BS degree in Fine Arts in 1996, he owned a designing and advertising business.
Lead actor in the film will be Andrew Roth who has worked both in front of and behind the camera on more than 25 feature films. “Whether it’s directing, producing or acting, Andrew brings an intensity and professionalism to each production,” according to Patel.
Liana Werner-Gray, of Australia, is the lead actress. Werner-Gray is a model, actress, beauty queen, television host and environmentalist. She represented Queensland in Miss Earth Australia in 2009 and received the People’s Choice Award. She is the founder of I Love Earth, an organization designed to educate school children worldwide on reducing the carbon footprint.
Additional crew already selected include Michael Mitchell, Script Writer and Director of Photography. He has been involved in more than 60 film projects.
Don Tingle, Associate Producer, has been Workshop Director for the Alabama Filmmakers Co-op for six years. Jurian Isabelle, known as “Veils of Color” filmmaker is also a Director of Photography, and Matthew Ranalli, owner of “Crash Boom Bang” Theatre in Huntsville, is a Music Director.
For those who would like to participate in the production, contact: info@appliedartproductions.com.
12/22/09
History channel shoots teasers here
Published Friday, December 18, 2009
Clanton made history Thursday when film crews from The History Channel shot a promo for an upcoming show.
History in the making: The History Channel crew film Thursday at Bo Mart Tire and Service Center.
Filmmakers shot commercials and teasers for the show “American Pickers” at Bo Mart Tire and Service Center on Highway 145. The crew also spent time at a farm in Alabaster.
The reality show follows two longtime friends that are antique collectors.
The show’s organizers chose the locations because they provided a snapshot of rural America and fit the show’s theme.
“The Alabama scenery is great. It’s totally rustic and Americana,” said Matt Neary, director and producer.
“American Pickers” will feature Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they travel across the country and search for “hidden treasures,” Neary said.
“They travel across the country and search through people’s houses, garages and things like that to try to find what we call rusty gold,” Neary said. “Then they buy the things from the owners and sell them to antique dealers.”
“American Pickers” is scheduled to air its first episode Jan. 18. The scenes from Clanton will be shown sometime after Jan. 1.
Neal Wagner of the Shelby County Reporter contributed to this report.
12/10/09
Noccalula set to start filming
SP Entertainment's latest feature film "Noccalula" directed by Steve Pridmore is set to start shooting 12/27/09 in the greater Birmingham, Alabama area.
For_Immediate_Release:
December 10, 2009 --
SP Entertainment's latest feature film "Noccalula" which is a thriller based off the legend of Cherokee Indian Princess Noccalula.
Noccalula was the beautiful daughter of a powerful Cherokee chief and was deeply in love with a brave from her own tribe. Her lover was banished from the tribe, and Noccalula was forced to ready herself for the arranged marriage. Noccalula quietly slipped away and wandered through the forests of her childhood, coming eventually to the beautiful waterfall near her tribal home. Rather than subject herself to a loveless marriage, she jumped from the precipice near the falls and ended her life on the rocks below. Now her spirit inhabits the woods of the falls. As a group of 3 couples set off on a research expedition they are tormented by the spirit of the fallen princess.
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It is set to start shooting 12/27/09 in the greater Birmingham, Alabama area. It will be directed by Steve Pridmore. The Cast includes Michael Gordon, Alana Jordan, Ben Goertz, Ashlie Roberson, J. Ashley Renfroe, Caroline Davis, Nadia Michelle Perry, Emma-Lilita Hunter.
11/30/09
BIG WISE PRODUCTIONS presents the documentary film A TALK WITH THE ELDERLY.
There will be two showings at the Capri Theatre/1045 E Fairview Ave. on March 27, 2010 at 2:00 and 4:00 P.M.
Tickets are $5.00, part of the proceeds will go to charity.
For more information call, 334-832-4343 or the Capri Theatre 334-262-4858
9/24/09
For immediate Release
- Contact: Jurian Isabelle
- Tel. 256.468.2839
- Email: jurianisabelle@gmail.com
September 20, 2009 – Huntsville, AL
Huntsville director’s film “Veils of Color” is selected for the International Black Film Festival in Nashville
Huntsville independent film director Jurian Isabelle’s hour-long drama, “Veils of Color”, has been selected for the International Black Film Festival in Nashville which runs September 30-October 4th. It is to be held at the Regal Opry Mills Imax 20 in Nashville, Tennessee. Isabelle’s film “Veils of Color” will be screened Friday October 2nd, at 6:30 PM. The cast and crew are composed entirely of Alabama actors and crew members and Isabelle, a native of Huntsville, wrote, produced, edited, directed and stars in the film.
“Veils of Color” centers around an older well-to-do lady in ill-health named Catherine. When she suffers a mild heart attack, her son, Johnathon, returns home to Alabama to find a caretaker to look after her. Fireworks fly when Johnathon hires a young black college graduate to fill in as caretaker for his callous mother in this realistic, yet humorous riot about the struggle for us to look beyond the veils of color that blind us from seeing each other’s true character.
The film was shot in and around Madison County including the city of Huntsville and in 3 million dollar home in the Cherokee Ridge Club in Union Grove. “Veils of Color” marks Jurian Isabelle’s directorial debut. This is the second festival that “Veils of Color” has been selected for with the first being The Montgomery Black Film Festival which was held August 25th. Jurian Isabelle is a college graduate of Alabama State University where he majored in Communications with a concentration in TV/Radio. He also studied film in Los Angeles at California State University, Los Angeles.
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If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Jurian Isabelle and other cast/crew members, please call (256)468-2839 or e-mail Jurian at Jurianisabelle@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wade Kwon
Sept. 15, 2009 205-724-9233 / wade@wadekwon.com
- ‘INTERPLANETARY’ MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT
- AT BIRMINGHAM’S SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL
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Crewless Productions, 5008 12th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35222, 205.427.2850, chance@crewless.com
Movie shoot lifts town profile
Published Tuesday, September 8, 2009
MONTEVALLO — Cops blocked off Valley Street in Montevallo Sept. 2 as cameras rolled down the street shooting one of the last scenes for the independent feature-length film "Lifted."
The crew shot a funeral scene earlier in the day at the Alabama National Cemetery and moved on to shoot a carpool scene at Montevallo High School that afternoon.
Alan Hunter, owner of WorkPlay in downtown Birmingham, and his brother Hugh co-produced the film. Hunter said Montevallo stood in for 'Any Town, America,' because it is so picturesque.
"It's got that great small-town feel," Hunter said. "The cemetery was also perfect for what we needed."
What they needed was a good location to set up a movie with what Hunter said are strong patriotic and family-oriented themes. The movie centers on the story of a young boy, played by Uriah Shelton of Mobile, who shares a love of music with his father, played by Dash Minok. The father encourages his son to pursue his dream of singing by entering an American Idol type event. The boy must still find the courage to do so even after his father is deployed for active duty in Afghanistan.
Production coordinator Michael Walters scoped out locations.
"In this job you have to be creative," Walters said. "You've got to make sure no lawn mowers are running or dogs barking. It's good to work with cities that understand what you are trying to do and are willing to work with you."
Hunter said new tax incentives the state recently put in place for film companies incite an immediate interest.
"We're going to reap the benefits this first go around," Hunter said. "But already the word has gotten out that we are shooting here. Now that they know there's incentives to film here -- I think the door is open."
Towns and cities also benefit from the incentives.
The film involved almost 100 extras and 60-70 crewmembers.
Chamber of Commerce President Mary Lou Williams said businesses couldn't help but get a lift from the day of production.
"There were 60-plus people from the movie who were in town doing business with our merchants," Williams said. "Bringing that many people in town is great news for us."
Two-thirds of the "Lifted" crew hailed from the Birmingham area.
Walters himself lives in North Shelby.
"Predominately I do more commercial work because that's what has always been available," Walters said. "All the incentives help when you're trying to get the most for the money and hopefully they will help us build our local film workforce."
Walters said hiring local crew reduces cost; less money is spent on lodging and transportation. Makeup artist Linda Thacker kept the crew camera-ready, while her husband provided a motorhome for crew to work out of between takes.
Williams said Montevallo was happy to reap the benefits of the money crew members did spend.
"It's a great opportunity for towns like us to benefit from the film industry," Williams said. "Because we have a beautiful historic downtown, a beautiful campus and well-kept schools, we can provide great locations."
Crew began filming Aug. 17 and continued working six days a week for three weeks. Filming wrapped up this past weekend.
Hunter said he hopes it's not long before local residents can see familiar streets and buildings on the big screen.
"The director Lexi Alexander has written a great family-oriented story that is very timely and very patriotic. Now, we just have to find a buyer to distribute it," Hunter said. "A year from now, we'd like for it to be in the theaters."
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August 19, 2009 Governor Riley Announces First Film to Receive State’s Incentives
MONTGOMERY - An independent movie about a talented young singer is the first project to qualify for financial incentives from the Alabama Film Office, Governor Bob Riley announced Wednesday. He signed legislation in March that allows Alabama to grant incentives comparable to those that other states use to attract film productions. “This is a promising start to a thriving motion picture industry in our state,” Governor Riley said. “This movie will employ more than 160 Alabama residents in front of and behind the cameras, and it is very clear from the script that the story is set in Birmingham and rural Alabama.” Veteran Birmingham filmmakers Alan Hunter and Hugh Hunter, along with senior producer Deborah Del Prete of Coronet Films, began filming Lexi Alexander’s script of “Lifted” on Monday. The screenwriter is also directing. It’s a heart-warming story about a father who encourages his son to pursue a dream of becoming a singer despite some difficult circumstances. Alan Hunter expressed his appreciation to Governor Riley for the state’s support of the movie industry. “We are grateful to be the first project to receive incentives and help grow the entertainment industry in the state,” he said. The Hunter brothers previously worked in Birmingham with writer-director Alexander on “Johnny Flynton,” which received an Academy Award nomination in 2003 for Best Short Film. Actor Dash Mihok, who starred as boxer Johnny Flynton, has returned to Birmingham to portray the father in “Lifted.” Uriah Shelton, who recently completed a supporting role in producer Lee Faulkner’s “Alabama Moon,” is cast as Henry, the young singer. Alan Hunter, one of the five original veejays for MTV, has been cast as himself as the emcee of a talent contest. Birmingham’s “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard, is featured as a minister who befriends Henry. The $675,000 film should qualify for a rebate of approximately $153,750, based on the amount of money producers expect to spend in the state, said Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, whose agency includes the film office. The new law allows a production to receive a rebate of 35 percent on salaries paid to state residents and 25 percent on other expenses. “Alabama Moon” producer Faulkner and Scott Lumpkin, two independent producers based in Baldwin County, drew on their experiences filming in other states and provided input into Alabama’s film regulations, said Sentell. The state’s incentive legislation seeks films with budgets under $10 million. “By spreading our incentives among a number of smaller films, we can concentrate on work force development and attract multiple films to give crews more experience,” Sentell said. The regulations are temporary until published by the Legislative Reference Service for comment and the film office holds a public hearing. The legal process is expected to take an additional two months, he said. Alabama’s new incentive program will support the work of local film officials, including Mark Stricklin of Birmingham and Eva Golson of Mobile, in attracting productions to their communities, he said. Senator Del Marsh and Representative Richard Lindsey, two architects of the incentive program, are developing a film curriculum that colleges and universities may use to prepare students for work on film crews, officials said. “We are fine tuning the regulations using ‘Lifted’ as a test case before accepting applications for other projects,” Sentell said. The amount of money that Alabama can rebate to movies being filmed during the 12 months starting Oct. 1 will be $7.5 million, he said, growing to $10 million the following year. |
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7/21/09
Hunter Brothers team with Lexi Alexander for another movie
Posted by Alec Harvey -- The Birmingham News July 19, 2009 12:17 PM
Their "Johnny Flynton" was a film festival favorite and earned an Academy Award nomination for best live-action short film in 2003.
Six years later, they're about to do it again. The feature-length film "Lifted" goes into production at the end of next month in the Birmingham area, marking the second collaboration between Hunter Films and Alexander.
"We figured she'd be off to bigger and better things, and we'd never see her again," says Hugh Hunter. "It was kind of a nice surprise to see that come back on the radar."
Alexander did go on to bigger films -- "Hooligans" with Elijah Wood and last year's "Punisher: War Zone" -- but the LA-based filmmaker was ready to get back down South.
"She's been offered these high-explosion high-action movies like 'Punisher,' and she didn't want to do that again," Alan Hunter says. "About six months ago, she dropped us a note .¤.¤. She wanted to come back to Alabama and try to put the genie back in the bottle again."
"Lifted" tells the story of a young Alabama boy who shares his father's passion for R&B music. Just before he is to sing in a contest in Birmingham, his father is called up for a tour in Afghanistan. Father manages to reunite with son in time for his big performance.
"Think 'Billy Elliott' but in the South, or 'Hustle and Flow' but down in Birmingham," Alan Hunter says.
Already attached to the movie are star Dash Mihok, who also starred in "Johnny Flynton," and hip hop artist Kid Cudi. Casting for principal actors and background extras will take place over the next several weeks. for information on how to audition e-mail liftedmovie@yahoo.com.
"Lexi wrote the whole thing with Birmingham and Alabama in mind, including everything she took in when she was here last time," Alan Hunter says.
Hunter Films plans to use a largely local and regional crew to make "Lifted," which they hope to have ready to enter into next year's Sundance Film Festival.
"We are committed to making this a truly Southern movie with a Southern group," Alan Hunter says.
And that includes the cast.
"We were trying to help her find this kid to star, and we served up (local musician) Todd Simpson," Alan Hunter says. "It turned out he looked a little old for the part .¤.¤. but she'd still love to use him in some way, as well as other well-known people from the area."
After "Johnny Flynton," both Hunter Films and Lexi Alexander went on to other projects, but they were eager to reunite. Now -- with hopes that they'll be among the first to take advantage of newly approved tax incentives for filmmakers in Alabama -- was the right time.
"It's perfect timing," Alan Hunter says. "The state is primed for some
good quality company like ours to take advantage of the incentives," he
adds. "And we're all just glad to be working with Lexi again. It's a sweet
reunion, I would say."
7/15/09
Art on the Square is pleased to announce the inaugural
Southern Shorts Film Festival 2009
Showcasing Local Independent Film
Call for Entries:
? Two categories youth (17 and under) adult (18 and up)
? All films should be less than 15 minutes in length including credits
? All films must be in digital format, if you are not shooting your film in digital it must be converted to NTSC format.
? All genres are accepted.
? No explicit material accepted.
? All entries must be accompanied by a completed and signed entry form, downloadable on this website.
? All films are juried.
? Entry fee for both categories is $15 with a $10 jury fee.
? All films must be received by October 1st.
? Festival schedule will be posted on the AOTS website October 7th.
? If your film is chosen you will receive two complimentary tickets to the festival.
? See additional rules on the Entry Form.
Two themes:
Secret Athens: any film about an unknown aspect of Athens or individuals past or present.
Open: this no-themed category allows for maximum creativity on any subject.
Youth First Place $200 prize
Adult First Place$200 prize
Best Of Show $300
There will also be second and third place prizes to be announced.
All entries may be mailed to Art On The Square,
checks may be made to AOTS or Art On The Square
PO Box 1560
Athens, AL 35612
For more information you may email Alissa Rose-Clark at alissarc@aots-athens.com
Or call AOTS office at 431-6133
6/23/09
- South Alabama Film Festival
- Post Office Box 850968
- Mobile, Alabama 36685
- USA
- Phone: 251-490-4356
info@soalfilmfest.com
www.SouthAlabamaFilmFestival.org
OPEN CALL FOR ENTRIES
Feature-Length Narrative - Fiction films more than 60 minutes in length.
Feature-Length Documentary - A nonfiction film more than 60 minutes in length.
Short Narrative - Fiction films, animated or live, that are less than 30 minutes.
Short Documentary - A documentary, animated or live, that is less than 30 minutes.
Student Films - Short films, under 5 minutes, submitted by students enrolled in high school.
(More information to follow on student contest rules.)
MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The South Alabama Film Festivalʼs mission will be to showcase and educate the community about filmmakers and their creations. To accomplish this mission it will hold an annual film festival with seminars and workshops. During the festival attendees will have the opportunity to see films that may not have large distribution and have the chance to meet and discuss these films with filmmakers. The group will also be planning events throughout the year promoting local filmmaking and encouraging the art of filmmaking in our local schools.
The goal is for the South Alabama Film Festival to become an annual event anticipated by the entire community.
The South Alabama Film Festival wants to bring filmmakers and their products to the Mobile community. The group is not searching for major motion pictures or stars, but for films that might not otherwise be seen in our area. Over a three-day period the festival hopes to show twelve to twenty-four features, plus short films, and host several social events and workshops.
This film festival will be open to the general public
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The South Alabama Film Festival (SoAL Film Fest) seeks to showcase and educate the community about filmmakers and their creations, while welcoming all who enjoy the medium. One of the nation’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Mobile will alight with the cinematic arts throughout 2009, culminating in November’s three-day festival.
In addition to feature-length and short films, SoAL Film Fest will offer seminars and workshops for adults and school children, to further its goal of educating – as well as enchanting – the growing regional film community. In its first year, and for many more to come, SoAL Film Fest strives to be the yearly event in Southern Alabama for all who love, and create, film.
The festival is scheduled for November 6-8, 2009. The full-time venues are the Crescent Theater, the Five Rivers Delta Center, and Bernheim Hall. Limited venues include The Gulf Coast Exploreum and many others.
ORGANIZERS
Hailee Kuntz (Executive Director), Mike Dumas (Assistant Director) and Gideon Carson Kennedy (Program Director)
FEES
Feature Length Films
$30
Short Films
$15
Student discount is $5 with current student identification.
All fees are nonrefundable.
GENERAL RULES
Submissions must have been completed after December 1, 2007 and may not be publicly screened in Mobile County or Baldwin County, Alabama prior to the 2009 festival dates (excluding other South Alabama Film Festival screenings and collaborations).
Submissions will be notified of their selection status on or around Sept. 15, 2009. If accepted, two additional DVDs of the final film must be provided to the South Alabama Film Festival for jury screenings, media requests and the festival archive. Selected festival films must also provide updated contact information, a digital and non-digital press kit, and one exhibition copy of the film in the format we will determine at the time of selection.
South Alabama Film Festival may deny acceptance of any film at its sole discretion, or waive rules for any submission it deems appropriate for the festival. If accepted, the screening schedule (including venue, time and number of screenings) is at the sole discretion of South Alabama Film Festival.
The festival encourages filmmakers to accompany the film to represent it and participate in a Q&A sessions following the screening to share their experience of making of the film.
The entrant guarantees that they have legal right to submit their film and have obtained all necessary rights and clearances to screen the work at the South Alabama Film Festival.
Submission of work confirms that the South Alabama Film Festival has permission to exhibit it (and any moving image excerpts or reproduced stills) during the festival and for any festival publicity or promotion.
Every precaution will be exercised in handling entries and exhibition copies of submitted films, but the entrant agrees to hold the festival, its organizers, employees, volunteers, sponsors, and partnering organizations harmless for damage to or loss of materials submitted.
FILMS
The South Alabama Film Festival is looking for 12 to 20 feature length films, and 8 to 16 short films. The festival plans to show all films multiple times. We wish to show both fiction and nonfiction films.
Special consideration will be given to films made in or around Mobile, Alabama; in the state of Alabama; and in the American “South.”
The festival is also searching for films that celebrate the outdoors, and the spirit of exploration and conservation. These films will be screened at the wonderful Five Rivers Delta Center.
TO SUBMIT A FILM:
Send a DVD copy of the film. Please label the DVD with the film name, your name, and the film running time. Include a one page description of the film with any important personal information. Also include your application fee.
2/25/09
Jordans 'thankful' for
area's generosity They had just begun to settle into their new "Extreme" home in Montgomery. But Tuesday, the Jordans, recipients of the Montgomery "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" house, learned that the two-story luxury home was only the beginning. Volunteers built the home for them over the past week, and it seems this community just keeps on giving. Six area universities presented the family a total of 11 scholarships to Miles, 15, Shan, 14, and Keiunta, 11 -- plus a scholarship giving Monica Jordan the opportunity to pursue her dream of obtaining a law degree. And for this family, whose story will be told in an episode of the ABC series "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" that will air this spring, there was even more to come, including a pre-paid homeowner's policy and savings accounts for each of the Jordan children. No one was left out -- there was even a new, custom-built doghouse for the family dog, Wishbone. Monica Jordan couldn't hold back the tears as she held hands with her husband. They sat on their freshly sod front lawn. Behind them stood their grand new home that sprang up in just four days -- a gray-and-white, two-story structure with a bright red front door, spacious bedrooms for everyone and a gourmet kitchen for Monica Jordan. It is double the square footage of their previous house. The house may be impressive, but it is the community that built it that left the Jordan's speechless. After the gifts came one by one, Monica Jordan was moved to speak, but did not know where to begin. "What do you say when you have been so blessed and humbled by so many people? You cry," she said. "God has put beautiful people in our lives and continues to bless us every day with all your generosity, all your kindness and your love. This house is a house of love. We see all that love. 'Thank you' is so inadequate. Withstanding hard times The Jordans' story is what moved "Extreme Makeover" to select them. In 1995, their daughter Falashada was killed in a domestic violence incident. Eight years later, a drunk driver killed their son, William. Since then, the couple has balanced raising their three grandchildren with serving the community, regularly opening their home to more than 100 youngsters who need a safe haven. Monica Jordan, who loves to cook for those kids as well as for neighbors and church members, is an outspoken member of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and also reaches out to victims of crime. Their old house in the Southlawn neighborhood had gone without repair for years. A bathroom leaked into the kitchen, and some of their siding had blown off. The kitchen was falling apart, with no overhead light, rotting counters and a stove that barely worked. The Jordans always had dreamed of improving the condition of their home, but that commitment would have meant putting an indefinite halt to spending their time and money helping others. They decided it just would have to wait. Until the "Extreme" arrived on their lawn Feb. 16 to announce they'd been chosen for the show. Giving back At the news conference, the Jordan family, including the grandchildren and Brittany, a senior at the University of Alabama, sat in a line of chairs opposite community leaders and representatives from schools and area businesses, including Aronov Homes, the local builder that constructed the home. Aronov Realty Management CEO and Chairman Jake Aronov praised the Jordans' generosity, even as they experienced devastating personal loss, and their "just plain goodness." The home came together through a massive undertaking of more than a thousand local volunteers, the city of Montgomery, and donations from 245 businesses that provided structure materials, highly skilled labor and an array of services, all free of charge, Aronov said. "Every component -- every stick, every brick of this house -- was donated, and there were over 900 skilled construction people working shifts, 24 hours a day for four days, without any compensation other than the enormous gratification they got from contributing their skills to this very worthy project," he said. One by one, representatives from the schools and businesses presented the family with surprise gifts, often following with hugs. Aronov also announced something the Jordan family had learned during the new home's "reveal" Monday: The company will pay off the mortgage on this property so the family will be able to move into their new home debt-free. Montgomery Interim Mayor Charles Jinright said the generosity of the Jordan family over all these years brought the community together in a way that may not happen again. "It makes me feel really, really good that I happen to be the mayor when all this happened, so thank you for making me look good," Jinright said, followed by laughter from the crowd. First night As the Jordans prepared to spend their first night in their new home, they still were raving about it. "It's just beautiful, beautiful -- gorgeous," Brittney said, adding that her own bedroom made her feel like "pure royalty." Her brother, Keiunta, wearing a Disneyland sweatshirt from the family's California trip, said his bedroom was "everything I wanted." But what got to Brady Jordan the most was the generosity the community shared, not just in the past week, but on this night. "It makes me want to go back to college -- but I'm getting ready to retire," he said, laughing. Asked what he would say to the community -- volunteers, businesses and schools alike -- that gathered to help his family, Brady Jordan put it as simply as he could: "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
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2/23/09
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Jordans get first look at
new home today Lakita Jordan couldn't help but get teary eyed Sunday afternoon as she watched furniture being moved into her family's new two-story gray-and-white home on Ira lane. The once small front and back yards had been expanded and planted with beautiful trees and colorful landscaping. Large windows decorate the front of the house, which now boasts a bright red front door. Cindy Scott, public relations spokesperson For "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," said the show will climax when they hand the keys over to the Jordans sometime between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. today. The exact time would depend on how quickly the designers finish their work. "We would like for tons of people to come out and to see the Jordan's get their new home," she said. "They are such a sweet family. I can't wait to see the look on their faces." Lakita Jordan already was overwhelmed the day before the big reveal. "Excited is an understatement," she said. "I don't have the words to explain how I feel." Jordan, who lives a few minutes away from her mom's home, has been deeply moved by the support from the Montgomery community for the remodeling of the home by hit TV show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Sunday the Aronov Homes Construction Co. handed over the keys to the network TV designers to begin the process of transforming the newly finished house into a home. As large Rudd Furniture trucks made their way up the small street, hundreds of people cheered, some yelling, "Move that furniture!" Lakita Jordan said her parents will celebrate their 29th anniversary by coming home to what she said was a divine blessing. "It's such an honor to have people come out and celebrate my mother and the rest of the family," she said. "This is the best anniversary gift the Lord could have blessed them with. It's such an honor to be chosen out of thousands of people." The day before the big reveal, volunteers and other workers moved quickly, attending to last-minute painting and cleaning. Construction on the home began last week and builders said it's been hectic as they fought the clock to finish the work in such a tight time frame. The "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" team pledges to finish the home in seven days. Donnie Summerlin, director of production for Aronov Homes who also has been sleeping on site, said it's been "crazy" but well worth it. "It's been great, just to see people who don't know each other come out to volunteer (and) also seeing companies who are in competition with each other working together." Summerlin said he'll never forget and always cherish the experience. "They are very deserving and will take care of it," he said about the Jordan family. Summerlin said he plans to have a front seat to watch the family's reaction. "Nobody, no matter how mean, could keep me away," he said smiling. Also in an upbeat mood was 9-year-old Nathan Ashnel. His mom works with Aronov, so Nathan has had a background peek at the team in action. He found a vantage point where he could get a peek at the furniture being moved into the home. There were traditional and contemporary pieces, many stained in a dark cherry wood, along with a beige designer couch, throw pillows with ruffled edges and colorful mosaic patterned lamps. Nathan, like many spectaTors, couldn't help but notice how the new home dwarfed the others in the neighborhood. "It's really big and looks weird with the other houses," he said. "But it's nice."
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2/17/09
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Family's story brings
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" to Montgomery For the Jordan family, it was a beautiful -- but chaotic -- day in their Southlawn neighborhood. Early Monday morning, the crew from "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" knocked at the door of Monica and Brady Jordan's home on Ira Lane with the news that they would be getting a brand-new home, courtesy of the hit ABC show. Soon, vans, trucks and an enormous tour bus carrying the design crew lined the streets. It was just a hint of what the show likes to call the "organized chaos" that is to come. In the next seven days, the show's crew, designated builder Aronov Homes of Montgomery, hundreds of local subcontractors and thousands of local volunteers will demolish the Jordans' 1970s-era ranch house and build a new home from scratch. As the sun set, a Ford Excursion limousine pulled up to the house to whisk the family -- Monica and Brady Jordan, their daughter Brittany, grandsons Miles, 15, and Keiunta, 11, and granddaughter Shan, 14 -- away. Their destination is Disneyland in California, where they will stay as the production crew and volunteers transform their home into something perhaps even more magical than Cinderella's castle. As she walked toward the limo, Monica Jordan tried to recall the day behind her. The family members had known they were one of five local families under consideration by the show. They were dressed and ready at 7 a.m., in suspense, anxiously waiting for the knock on the door that might or might not come. It came. Monica Jordan hadn't slept all night. When celebrity host Ty Pennington appeared at her door, she said, "I believed I was dreaming that that was Ty with a megaphone." As regular viewers know, every family featured on the show has an emotionally wrenching story. The Jordans are no exception. In 1995, their daughter, FalaShada, was killed in a domestic violence incident. Eight years later, their son, William, was killed by a drunken driver. The couple is now raising their three grandchildren. What's most surprising to friends and neighbors is the way the Jordans have responded to their hardships -- with passionate service to their community. They regularly open their home to more than 100 youngsters, providing a safe place for them to hang out. Monica Jordan began working for the State of Alabama's Crime Victims Commission and later became a prominent speaker for M.A.D.D. by holding meetings in the family's home. That passion to help the community has been passed down to Brittany, a senior at the University of Alabama, who aspires to be a pediatrician and volunteers at a rape crisis center. At its core, the family is about giving to and enriching the community, Monica Jordan said. "My family was what kept me going -- that's what I was about and they were about," she said of surviving double tragedies. Her two late children "were very much a part of this community. So many other people that were out here in the community loved them and showed me love, so it was natural to give back." Longtime neighbors of the family shared in the excitement. On Daman Drive, just a couple of blocks over from the commotion, Betty Stringer, a 30-year Southlawn resident, stood outside her house, watching the vehicles arrive and the barricades go up. "No one is more deserving than she is," Stringer said of Monica Jordan. "My daughter and her son that passed away, they were good friends. I have heard that a lot of kids are always around there. She's a good person." Mikesha Parks and her dad, Michael Parks, stood on a nearby corner sidewalk, with Mikesha taking one snapshot after another of the trucks, the crew, the tour bus -- whatever action she could catch. Michael Parks said the show posted fliers on neighbors' doors a week ago telling them of the excitement to come. When he told his daughter, who was visiting from UAB this long weekend, she was ecstatic. "It's always exciting to see someone be blessed like this and have a little joy in their lives," Mikesha said. "I said, 'Dad, we've got to go down there and see what's going on!' Your heart just goes out to them, because it could be you in that situation." For the design crew, one of the biggest highlights of the show is "door-knock day," said Tracy Hutson, a designer who has been with the show since its debut in 2003. "There's all this anticipation on the bus, and Ty is explaining what the family has been through, and then we pile off the bus and get to wake them up," Hutson said. "You can tell that they're just this wonderful family and they've really been through a lot." Lack of space and progressive deterioration are the biggest challenges in the family's current home, she said. "This house is old, it's not big enough for this family, it's falling apart at the seams. They have flooding problems, the paint's chipping off and cabinets are falling off," Hutson said of the house the Jordans have occupied for 32 years. "It's just seen better days. It's a well-loved house." Around noon, the Jordans' grandsons, Miles and Keiunta, had enjoyed a game of hoops with design crew members Eduardo Xol and Paul DiMeo -- likely the last action the boys would see on that particular stretch of pavement. By sundown, vans and local camera crews converged in front of the home. When the limo pulled up, the "Extreme Makeover" crew members had already invaded the yard and house, prepping for today's mission of getting everything, including furniture, appliances and clothing (which the show will have dry-cleaned) out of the structure before Wednesday's demolition. By Monday, "Reveal Day," the new house will be finished. It seems impossible to many that a house can be built in seven days. But Aronov Realty Management CEO and Chairman Jake Aronov, on site with a group of Aronov representatives, said that with hundreds of local businesses donating work and supplies and thousands of local volunteers (so many that thousands had to be turned away), success would be a sure thing. Minutes before taking off for California, 14-year-old Shan envisioned a big new bedroom of her own. Miles imagined something "big, with a lot of space and a new kitchen for her," he said, gesturing to his grandmother. Monica Jordan loves to cook, not just for the family but for her neighbors. "I guess everybody knows that now," she said, laughing. "I like to feed everybody -- in my family, in my neighborhood, in my church -- everybody." Although the existing house and yard seem small, designer Hutson, who estimated that the show featuring the Jordans will air in the next six to eight weeks, said the crew is up to the challenge. "You'll be surprised," she said. "Their lot is a decent size, and we're creative. Don't you worry -- we'll come up with something." |
1/23/09
Press Release
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Contact: Eva Golson
Telephone: 251-438-7102
- LOCATION: The West Mobile Gym A.K.A. Elite Fitness
- 1121 Dawes Rd.
- Mobile, AL 36695
Veteran film maker David A. Prior, who has made 18 films in Mobile is partnering with local businessman John Graham, (a retired City of Mobile police officer and former County Commission candidate), to form a new motion picture company called “Gulf Coast Films” here in Mobile. There are plans to shoot three movies or more per year in the Mobile area and utilize as local talent for both the cast and crew as possible.
David and John have known each other for nearly twenty years and have worked together on many of David’s previous movies.
The first movie titled “Fighting Chance”, is a story idea by John Graham about Don Chance, an economically down trodden young man who trains in a very unique way, for a Mixed Martial Arts competition in an effort to better his station in life.
The combination of John’s life-long experience in the art of Kung Fu combined with David’s nearly 30 years of film making will help make a very strong movie.
Current plans are to feature karate super star Bill “Super Foot” Wallace, with shooting to commence in and around the Mobile area in April or May.
For more information, please contact John Graham at his West Mobile Gym on Dawes Road. or call him at (251)633-2765
1/7/09
"Rammer Jammer" book optioned by film company
Posted by Bob Carlton -- The Birmingham News January 07, 2009 12:23 PM
Half Shell Entertainment, a production company that develops movies for HBO, has optioned the rights to Birmingham native Warren St. John's 2004 book "Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer," St. John said today.
The production company has the rights to develop the book into a screenplay. St. John's book follows fanatical Alabama football enthusiasts as they travel from game to game during the 1999 season.
The book's title springs from the "Rammer Jammer" cheer Alabama fans chant following a win.
"I thought going in that these people made a fairly substantial effort to follow their team," St. John said in a 2004 interview. "But until I did this for a season, I had no understanding of what an incredible effort they make. They schedule their lives around football."
Associated
Press
Warren St. John in Times Square in 2004. A production company has optioned rights to the Birmingham native's "Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer."