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STARS SHINE AT THE FILM FESTIVAL GALA
WPB- February 6, 2000
Co-hosted by local television anchorman, Bob Nichols and the beautiful, Delta Burke, the 5th annual Palm Beach International Film Festival kicked off with a star studded extravaganza at the Kravis Center.
Oscar winner Tommy Lee Jones, French favorite Anouk Aimee and eclectic director William Friedkin all received lifetime achievement awards at the resplendent gala. Samuel L. Jackson presented his longtime friend, Jones with the award.in which the proceeds go to such a worthy cause. Palm Beach County is a leader in educating their youth in the arts," Jackson commented prior to the show.
Flying in from London specifically to present Willam Friedkin with his award, producer Richard Zanuck praised the festival for the great good that comes out of it.(PBIFF donates all of its net proceeds to film and television education in Palm Beach County.)
French director/producer, Elie Chouraqui, billing himself as the "other
French connection," described Anouk Aimee's international draw when presenting her award. Ms. Aimee implored the audience to bridge the gap between "American" and "foreign" film, thus creating a global film community.
For the finale, Ben Vereen's performance lit up the stage.
Space Games Return
Space Games returned to Palm Beach County January 28th - February 6. It is the second in a series of extreme sports programs presented by Skydive America at Pahokee Airport. Larry Kerschenbaum, president of Skydive America, declared the event a success! "The Glades/Pahokee area is ideal for this event. The community support and enthusiam as well as the caliber of participants made this Space Games the best one yet." he says.
Over 150 competitors represented 17 nations in the competition. With so many world class athletes training here, Space Games is becoming synonymous with Western economic boom.
New Tribe Entertainment, a Palm Beach County based production company previously filmed Space Games VII and also filmed Space Games VIII. Space Games VII was distributed through Sony's AXN Extreme Sports Network to over 44 million households in the Latin American market.
Space Games VIII (SG8)demostrates the reality of Pahokee as a unique and popular playground gaining international recognition. Skydive America is successfully delivering that message with the Space Games series," says Palm Beach County Commissioner Tony Masilotti.
1999: Largest Production Year Ever
The Palm Beach County Film &Television Commission reported record breaking year end numbers for 1999. Overall, Palm Beach County saw a 21% increase in production revenue, bringing over 92 million dollars into the county.
NATPE Trip a Success
The Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission attended the NATPE convention in New Orleans the last week in January. The Los Angeles liason, Don Tillman introduced film commissioner, Chuck Elderd to major network representatives and various production companies. Don Tillman is contracted to attract production from his vantage point in Los Angeles.
The network representatives and producers with whom they met all requested more information about Palm Beach County for future projects. One major network series expressed serious interest in Palm Beach County as a location for this year.
The emerging e-commerce and e-entertainment industries were a major theme at the convention. There was heavy emphasis on these factions as the business of today, not just the business of tomorrow. Syndicated television series are incorporating digital as well as interactive medium in their distribution plans. Mr. Elderd spoke with many of the "silicon producers" and was pleased with the interest they expressed in Palm Beach County. All in all, the convention was a success. "NATPE continues to be one of the best venues for Palm Beach County for both attracting production and selling product," the film commissioner declared.
Location Spotlight
Crowne Plaza Hotel
The central location and film friendly atmosphere are just a few of the qualities that make the Crowne Plaza Hotel in West Palm Beach a location worthy of the spotlight. The Crowne Plaza is situated across the street from Palm Beach International Airport, minutes away from Palm Beach Ocean Studios, downtown and several golf courses. considerable amenities and flexible attitude support their resolve to support film and television production in Palm Beach County. The hotel offers over 100 suites, his/her saunas, a fitness center and a world class swimming center. In addition, the already beautiful plaza is in the midst of a $3.5 million renovation that should be finished by July 2000.
Ian Black, Director of Group Sales, comments, "We know the cast and crew are going to be here awhile and we try to make the accommodations more like home than a hotel." has sponsored many industry events. The hotel offers competitive rates and is willing to work with production companies. "Everybody has a budget and we try to accommodate. We try to be flexible, " says Ian Black.
The Librarians
Start Shooting Librarians, an action picture starring William Forsythe. Kirton's last picture, The Last Marshall starred Scott Glenn and is in video stores
now. Boynton Beach production company to finance the film. For the first time in county history, a local company reached out to investors all over the country to raise the financing needed to keep the movie in Palm Beach County.
The Librarians is the first in a five picture deal, all slated to film right here, in Palm Beach County. "Palm Beach County is a great place to make movies," comments producer, Rob
Nittolo. Last fall, students of Lynn University's International Communications Program, started up a new show. Boca Central is a 30 minute, news magazine produced entirely by the students. The show features segments on everything from fluoride in the water to day trading. The slick, professional appearance is no accident; the staff of Boca Central may be students, but they treat this like a job.
Lynn University's state of the art production facility and equipment gives the students the opportunity to produce a polished product. Dawn Donnelly, Director of Communications and faculty advisor on Boca Central is extremely proud of their production. "It's s a pleasure to work with students that are so talented and hardworking. It's a fantastic way for the students to experience production from conception to completion and the community reaction has been fantastic. The bottom line is; the show's a success" says Ms. Donnelly.
Adelphia Cable airs Boca Central as an opener for its own show, Around Our Town. Sid Snyder, Adelphia Cable's Community Relations Co-ordinator, commented "Working with the students on Boca Central has been one of the best partnerships we've had. The kids do their homework and put out a professional quality work. By producing Boca Central, students receive practical experience while earning their degree. When they graduate, the staff of Boca Central will be prepared for professional production.
Local Film Schools Receive $75,000 at the Palm Beach International Blue Lake Student ShowcaseAaronson and co-chairman George Elmore presented checks of $25,000.00 to Palm Beach Community College, Palm Beach Gardens High School and the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. The Palm Beach International Film Festival is one of the only festivals in the United States to donate its proceeds to education. The festival was founded to heighten the entertainment community's awareness of Palm Beach County and most importantly to put dollars into film and television education in the county. Commissioner Burt Aaronson, told the students, "I am so proud of everything that you have accomplished. Now, I must insure that we bring the industry to Palm Beach County and make sure that everyone of you is working in our county in your field!
Mary Hinton, Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission Chair, served as chairman of the Student Showcase this year. During her speech, she expressed her intent to continue educating students in film and television. She commented on the incredible quality of the films entered. divided into three categories, high school, community college, and university. Local judges evaluated the films and chose three winners in each category.
The Showcase on February 4 was directed by Marcello Rollando and produced by Michelle Hillery, FTC Director of Operations. Blue Lake Corporate Center Executive Vice President, Ned Siegel announced the winners.
Palm Beach County Wows Sundance Filmmakers
Palm Beach County native and L.A. motion picture and music producer, Jan Rhees, created a stir at Sundance while representing the county. She made contact with over 70 film producers, directors and actors. In fact, one filmmaker committed to bringing his film to Palm Beach County before year's end. "The trip was a tremendous success. We are educating the industry on Palm Beach County," says Jan Rhees. Her position in the filmmaking community creates the opportunity to reach filmmakers on a unique level.
Florida Atlantic University and the FTC sponsored a breakfast for filmmakers. Over two hundred filmmakers attended and inquired about Palm Beach County. The response was extremely encouraging. It looks like Palm Beach County can expect to see a lot more film crews in the area.
Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners
Chairman
Addie Green, Burt Aaronson, Karen T. Marcus, Tony Masilotti, Mary McCarty, Warren Newell, Jeff Koons |
