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The morning dawned crystal clear and blue skies beckoned as filmmakers arrived eager for their sessions targeted to either television, feature film or documentary; each was held in a separate room with executives who specialized in that area of entertainment. The primary focus of Film-Com is putting filmmakers together with the right executives, those who are not only interested in that specific niche (film, TV, doc) but have the credentials and contacts to help filmmakers reach their goal of seeing their project become a reality.

A savory catered lunch at the CMHoF (Country Music Hall of Fame) was served by a professional staff in picturesque surroundings while area buzzed with conversations about (I’m guessing) plans for the next film, television series or documentary.

Adjourning to the first session of the Film Business Seminars (Studio vs. Independent Financing) we were taken behind the fabled Hollywood curtain as Michael Uslan – Branded Entertainment, Christa Zofcin – River Road, Dan Stutz – Exclusive Media Group, Diego Martinez – Nu Image / Millennium, Nikki Levy – Wedgework / Fox and Chevonne O’Shaughnessy – American Cinema International spoke with candor about taking an idea and turning it into reality. It might not be for the faint of heart, but for those willing to “go the distance”, the panel outlined the process.

Session Two, moderated by Susan Hahn of FilmWorkers Club delved into areas where many of live, or at least strive to, creative financing. If you don’t have studio financing (or a rich uncle) is it still possible to get a film made? Hint, this is a new era and the Internet has opened avenues not available to our predecessors. Today all of us (if we have the passion) can show our projects to the world, and with the right amount of social buzz (facebook, twitter, youtube, vimeo) get noticed no matter where we call home. The panelist Kevin Cninoy – Freestyle L.A, John Crye – SharpeCrye, Todd Sharpe – The Mayhem Group, Roxanne Benjamin – Collective L.A., Seth Willenson – Willenson Film Consulting, Tim Tortora – ASA Management, held the audience in rapt attention. In fact the Q&A session might still be going on if we weren’t on a schedule.

Next up, “The Boy Who Loved BatMan”, a book signing by Michael Uslan at The Great Escape, with “The Nashville Scene” editor Jim Ridley asking the questions, but not before a long line of avid fans stood patiently as Mr. Uslan penned his name (adorning his signature with a Bat Sign) to everyone in line.  If there was one thing (but there were many) that could be taken away from this session it would be this, never, never, never, never, never give up on your dreams. If they aren’t happening the way you imagine them, don’t wait for FATE to step in, step in yourself and MAKE IT HAPPEN. This was exactly what he did years ago when teaching the first accredited course on the serious study of comic books. Taken a gander at the Wikipedia article, it’s fascinating.

The session ended with a very gracious Michael Uslan saying he would not leave till every book was signed, and he didn’t, I know, I was near the end of the line.

Nashville Morning

Wednesday morning dawned bright and clear and promised to be a day filled with expectation, sessions, panels, music and to cap the evening, the “New Project Expo”.  If an expression could suffice, it might be, “This is what we’ve been training for”.  One of the things that make Film-Com unique are the networking breakfast and direct presentations where filmmakers can speak directly to those with the ability or connections to “Green Light” a project or put the person in touch with someone who can.  The signup area (2nd floor AT&T building) filled with expectant filmmakers realizing the next session could possibly dictate the path of the next few years of their lives.  Check-ins were sorted based on “Faith-In-Film”, “Feature Film” and “Television” and were handled smoothly by the Film-Com staff (thanks to all of them).

Direct Presentations

While I can’t say exactly what happened in the direct presentation rooms, the sheer variety of projects was impressive crossing multiple genres showing a true creative spirit.  Each team was escorted to their respective rooms by Film-Com staff minutes before their sessions were to begin, they strode in confidently (some in costume) ready to make their pitch.  And while I don’t know (I really don’t) exactly what transpired, I saw many exiting with a smile on their face; whether that was from a kind word, a potential deal or a connection to a distributor or financier, they would have to say.

Television Business Panels

Next up were the afternoon panels at the Ford Theater, Country Music Hall of Fame, with the panels broken into two session, unscripted and scripted.  Moderated by Cary Burch (My Own Shingle) with panelists, Collin Reno (William Morris Endeavor), Dee Haslam (Rivr Media), Max Baxt (Tru TV), Brad Holcman (A&E) and Jennifer Andrews (Lionsgate) didn’t disappoint.  Years of experience and tricks of the trade were laid out for the expectant audience, they didn’t promise an easy path, but they did point out the road signs along the way, and how those with the passion and dedication to ‘stick-to-their-guns’ should never give up on their dreams of seeing their unscripted project on the air.

Session two dealt with scripted television and panelists Maura Dunbar (Odyssey Network), Rosemary Tarquinio (CBS), Elana Barry (Anonymous Content), Stuart Goodman (Producer) and Steve Peros (Writer/Director) spoke with vision and clarity about what it takes to pitch an idea and get that all important pilot made.  One element that seemed recurring was simply this, you MUST have representation, especially if you are new to the game, and DO NOT send a pitch via email, it will be deleted un-read (that’s for legal reasons).

Music in Film - OnStage

As the sessions ended (we were on a tight schedule) next up was Music-In-Film On Stage which ran from 5-7pm at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and remains a highlight of Film-Com.  The spacious lobbies filled with execs, filmmakers and guests who were able to decompress with a glass of wine, an assortment of Hors d’oeuvres and the expectation of hearing a world class orchestra. When the bell chimed we were ushered into the Grand Hall , which is room as close to acoustically perfect room as engineering can deliver.  Robert Swope (SunRise Entertainment) produced the event and introduced Kelly Corcoran a young woman whose passion for the arts is evident and knowledge of “music in film” impressive. Together with the ensemble, she transported us into a world of music and showed us (visually on screen) how classical music could dramatically influence a scene and set the mood desired by the director/producer.

New Project Expo - Stadium Club

While it would have been easy (and enjoyable) to spend the evening listening to the melodious melodies of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and others, Film-Com is about allowing filmmakers to showcase their works and next on the agenda was the New Project Expo held at the Stadium Club inside Titans Stadium.  A quick sojourn across the river brought us to the venue and honestly words fail to describe what this talented group of filmmakers had accomplished.  While I knew the area would be filled, my imagination stopped short of what they had accomplished.

Watch Video Slide Show

Watch Video Montage

The evening was professionally catered, the bar well stocked, the band (The Dave Webb Quintet) enthusiastic and the filmmakers dazzling.  Costumes, displays, multi-media, handouts, Elvis look-a-likes, Gherm Guys, twinkling city lights as a back drop, this was a New Project Expo for the record books.  The Step and Repeat was in almost perpetual motion as our photographer Ashley Gillum worked diligently to keep up with the requests.

Andy VanRoon GM Film-Com

When the mayor arrived the question was, “How will we get everyone to quiet down, and listen for a few minutes”?  Not to worry, this part had been well thought out as our GM, Andy VanRoon sounded the gong (yes, a literally gong) the sound reverberated through the hall and could not be ignored.  The Mayor spoke briefly but encouragingly about film, Tennessee and his appreciation of the arts and expectation for the future.

Hear Mayor Remarks

To say this was a full day would be an understatement.  Full, fulfilling and fantastic if you’ll forgive the alliteration, okay all, night for now, tomorrow is another day at Film-Com

Video Courtesy Flick Wiltshire -  Vintageflick@comcast.net

Video Courtesy Flick Wiltshire -  Vintageflick@comcast.net

Tuesday was supposed to be a light day, but wow… we’re we ever wrong.

Faith in Film

Faith-in Film has definitely touched a nerve, the place was packed to the brim with both Christian and secular film-makers learning from those who have trod the highways of filmmaking.  Moderated by Mitchell Gailin, the panel was filled with men and women who have WALKED the road, overcome the obstacles and taken them where their faith (and good business acumen) has led.

In attendance were visitor’s from Australia, Singapore and Romania, Film-Com is becoming a true International event and we welcome it.  Nashville may have its roots in country music, but the city has grown to become an entertainment mega center, boldly reaching into the highway and byways of international entertainment, appearing more often than one might think in variety of film and television projects worldwide.

View from Adams and Reese

As Faith-in-Film wound down, we carefully threaded the inner working of the megalith at 4th and Church, down one elevator, up another, down this hallway and that one, and then we arrived (having stayed dry on a rainy day) at the offices of Adams and Reese, LLC.  a prestigious law firm serving entertainment mega projects (both music, film and TV) worldwide.  The place was breathtaking (I’d missed the scouting trip) and boasts the highest outdoor patio open to the public in the city.  Since I’d arrived early to setup, I was granted an unadorned view of the city.  Later in the evening, as the crowd gathered and the sun turned a deep red, the city lights glowed against a painted twilight and truly (forgive my romantic side) it was an enchanting moment.

The spacious lobby filled, an array of finger foods were served and the area (which could easily have been a movie set) buzzed with filmmakers, entertainment moguls and future (if not presently) entertainment superstars.  Then all became quiet (not sure how that was accomplished) as Dick Brown introduced the chairman of Adams and Reese, Gif Thornton who welcomed one and all.  It was a quick and appropriate interlude and ushered in TN Representative Harry Tindell and Jennifer Cole, Executive Director Nashville Arts Commission.

Rebecca and Cassie Parton

Of course the most fun (and greatest entertainment) came from the Cassie Parton, her daughter Rebecca and their quick discussion of “Parton Ways”, a new reality series about growing up Parton (and yeah…. we are talking about Dolly’s sister).  Cassie was filled with charm and wit (as was her gorgeous daughter Rebecca) and you can easily see that while Dolly may claim the majority of the spotlight, her charisma genes run throughout the clan.

The songwriter’s forum at Douglas Corner kicked off with owner Mervyn Laugue introducing the host, legendary actress/producer Jennifer O’Neil.  While the event started a little late (I understand Mrs. Obama was in town) based on traffic problems (not normally an issue but stay out of Green Hills at 5pm) the place was packed and few of us (including yours truly) knew what to expect.

Songwriter's Forum -Douglas Corner

Opening remarks from Ms. O’Neil brought a hush (well, close to a hush) as she introduced Hank Locklin, Director of Music for the Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission. And then the songwriters began to fill the stage.  Special note, while Nashville is home to a multitude of talent, the criteria was that these guys had songs/music in movies or TV (it was Film-Com after all), and boy did they deliver the goods.  I’m not going to mention names (well one in a moment) since I’m sure to leave someone out, but rest-assured that Nashville IS in the movies and you’re hearing the melodic melodies of Nashville talent much more often than you might think.

Each artist was allotted a slot for one song only (or we’d still be there) and the highlight of the evening (for me and at least one admirer in the audience) was Ronnie McDowell singing “Love Me Tender”. His prelude was the story of how he was named the official “Voice of Elvis”.  A special thank you to Douglas Corner for hosting the songwriting forum, a night to remember, and something we hope will become a Film-Com tradition.

Okay guys and gals… that rounds out the day.  Tomorrow (actually today as I write this) begins the direct presentations and panels held at the AT&T tower and CMHoF (Country Music Hall of Fame).  Till tomorrow then.

Film-Com staff