KANSAS CITY, MO – With a nod to the feisty Elvis Costello song, “Radio Radio,” Kansas City filmmaker Kevin McKinney wants to know: Why is so much of FM radio in the hands of fools trying to anesthetize the way that we feel?

McKinney digs for the disturbing answer in his locally produced feature-length documentary, “Corporate FM,” which will be shown at 8:30 p.m. May 25 and 26 and 2:30 p.m. May 27 at the Screenland Crown Center Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors (all seats $6 before 6 p.m.).

“Corporate FM” was named Best Documentary Feature at the 2012 AMC Theatres Kansas City FilmFest. Featuring insightful interviews with radio industry insiders, the film traces how commercial FM radio stations in Kansas City and elsewhere were systematically consolidated for the profit of faraway owners and simultaneously ruined for loyal local listeners – and what the ripple effect of that loss means to our communities.

“I started making this film seven years ago, when I realized that something about radio was dying,” McKinney says. “Commercial radio had stopped providing new music – local or national – in regular rotation, outside of a tired market-researched re-warming of old trends. Commercial radio everywhere was no longer building critical mass behind local bands.”

McKinney wondered what other parts of his city were being ignored by radio stations increasingly being operated by remote control and replacing live local voices with prerecorded and satellite programs, thereby ending the traditional symbiotic relationship between radio and the community. He realized that not only emerging bands were being held back, but also the emergence of new ideas on a local level.

“With the help of many friends, deejays and experts, we put together the whole story of what happened to locally owned commercial radio and how to get it back,” McKinney says. “I never dreamed that we would uncover a financial shell game that doomed radio from the moment it started consolidating.”

For more information about “Corporate FM” and to see a trailer for the film, go to fmfilm.com.

For more information about CinemaKC, a not-for-profit organization that supports filmmakers in Missouri and Kansas, go to cinemakc.com

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CinemaKC’s Strategic Partners include ArtsKC, Film Commission of Greater Kansas City, Blackberry Castle Productions, Film Society of Greater Kansas City, Independent Filmmaker’s Coalition, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, Kansas City FilmFest, Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee, Kansas City Fringe Festival, Kansas City Screenwriters, Kansas City Urban Film Festival, Kansas City Women in Film and TV, Kansas Film Commission, Kansas International Film Festival, Missouri Film Commission, Missouri Motion Media Association, Reel Spirit, Tallgrass Film Festival, Thank You Walt Disney, UMKC Film Department, University of Kansas Film and Media Studies, Variety the Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City and Women of the Motion Picture Industry.

CinemaKC’s Business Alliance includes Allied Integrated Marketing, Allied Theatre Craft, American Heartland Theatre, Bazillion Animation, BicMedia, Haywood Marketing Communications, Kansas City Area Development Council, KC Stage Magazine, KC Studio, Mile Deep Films, Print Tekk, Prizm Productions, Screenland Armour, Screenland Crossroads, Screenland Crown Center, StagePort KC, Substream Music & Sound Design and T2.

The second season of “CinemaKC” will feature a fresh batch of Kansas City area filmmaking talent beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 28, on KSMO-TV, Channel 62.

A slate of 13 new weekly half-hour programs is scheduled.

“CinemaKC” spotlights the short films of local filmmakers who show and tell about their diverse live-action and animated cinematic projects encompassing drama, comedy, romance, science-fiction, horror, documentary and more.

The first season of “CinemaKC” proved to be a “successful experiment” by receiving encouraging viewership and critical approval, says Jerry Rapp, co-creator and co- executive producer of the show.

“The goal is to create a space for members of our growing film community to facilitate communication and collaboration,” Rapp says. “This year, we’ll deliver even stronger in our look and variety. And, as always, we’re keeping it local.”

Shot on a newly designed set at Outpost Worldwide Studios in Lenexa, Kan., episodes of “CinemaKC” will be co-hosted by filmmaker, actress and “CinemaKC” co-executive producer Michelle Davidson-Brachter and actress and “CinemaKC” co-producer Erin McGrane, who also makes up half of the local “antique pop” music duo Victor & Penny.

“I love being on set with my friend, Erin, and interviewing filmmakers that I admire,” Davidson-Brachter says. “It doesn’t feel like work when you have this much fun.”

“Michelle is a joy,” McGrane says. “She’s talented and funny, and I learn from her experience every time we shoot. I’m grateful to be collaborating with her and this group of people who have a deep passion for film and the arts.”

The show’s local commitment will include original segments about the history of Kansas City films and filmmakers, although Davidson-Brachter emphasizes: “We remain focused on showcasing the best of new independent filmmaking in Kansas City. And we’ve got some great talent here.”

The season-two debut of “CinemaKC” will draw attention to visual storytelling by T2 + Back Alley Films, which won a 2012 Kansas City Addy Award in the “Special Effects, Video or Film” category for its opening title sequence for “CinemaKC.”

Teri Rogers, Claudia Chagüi and Garrett Fuselier of T2 + Back Alley Films will discuss their recent participation in:

• Experimental multi-screen projections for the grand opening gala of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, in which slow-motion video and custom software were used to build an immersive environment of graceful performers and potent graphics that moved to music.
• “Art of the Heart,” an interactive installation for St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis, which invited passersby in a mall to “paint” works of art by waving their hands to make brushstrokes on a 13-foot-tall heart-shaped screen, the results of which could then be uploaded to an online gallery.
• “The Next American Dream,” a documentary seen by 9.3 million people on 182 PBS stations in 27 states, which examines how neglected American downtown areas will change and grow in the decades ahead.

For more information on T2 + Back Alley Films, go to t2.tv.

Future programs in the second season of “CinemaKC” will explore an array of films and other projects created by Kansas City area filmmakers, as well as such related topics as film casting and composing film music.

Stay tuned!

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CinemaKC is an initiative of the Film Society of Greater Kansas City which is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that has been connecting with movie lovers since 1991.

CinemaKC’s Strategic Partners include ArtsKC, Film Commission of Greater Kansas City, Blackberry Castle Productions, Film Society of Greater Kansas City, Independent Filmmaker’s Coalition, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, Kansas City FilmFest, Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee, Kansas City Fringe Festival, Kansas City Screenwriters, Kansas City Urban Film Festival, Kansas City Women in Film and TV, Kansas Film Commission, Kansas International Film Festival, Missouri Film Commission, Missouri Motion Media Association, Reel Spirit, Tallgrass Film Festival, Thank You Walt Disney, UMKC Film Department, University of Kansas Film and Media Studies, Variety the Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City and Women of the Motion Picture Industry.

CinemaKC’s Business Alliance includes Allied Integrated Marketing, Allied Theatre Craft, American Heartland Theatre, Bazillion Animation, BicMedia, Haywood Marketing Communications, Kansas City Area Development Council, KC Stage Magazine, KC Studio, Mile Deep Films, Print Tekk, Prizm Productions, Screenland Armour, Screenland Crossroads, Screenland Crown Center, StagePort KC, Substream Music & Sound Design and T2.

The countdown begins! Just one week until the opening night of the Kansas City FilmFest and there’s plenty of posts up oTn their site to explore and find out more. Here’s several you can check out.

• AMC Theatres Kansas City FilmFest Movie and Workshop Passes Available Online
• The Wholesome Horror of Patrick Rea and NAILBITER
• KCWIFT & AMC Theatres® KC FilmFest Short Screenplay Staged Reading at the Nelson
• 2012 AMC Theatres Kansas City FilmFest – Trailer and commercial
• Foreign Showcase Series Highlights Four Films

Remember, the FilmFest runs from April 11 – 15 at the AMC Mainstreet 6 and the newly renovated AMC Ward Parkway 14.

Get your tickets today by clicking this link!

Premieres of Cara Myers’ “Anela En Rouge,” Meagan Flynn’s “The Etiquette of Impotence,” Michelle Davidson’s “A Senior Moment,” and Misti Boland’s “Good Night Jane” are featured in the Kansas City Women in Film & Television Showcase at 7:30 p.m. March 15 at the Screenland Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd.

A social mixer begins at 6:30 p.m. A Q&A with attending filmmakers will immediately follow the showcase. Tickets are $8 ($5 for Kansas City Women in Film & Television and Independent Filmmakers Coalition of Kansas City members with ID).

“A personal story told through dance…seniors sexting…etiquette for ED – there’s something for everyone in this showcase,” says Michelle Davidson-Bratcher, president of Kansas City Women in Film & Television. “We have such a talented group of filmmakers and journalists in our organization. Our members are funny, imaginative and passionate, and it shows on the screen.”

Also featured will be a documentary look at Kansas City Women in Film & Television by Stacy Rich, Mary Adriano and Ben Meade, and the announcement of five finalists in the KCWFT AMC Theatres Kansas City FilmFest Short Screenplay Contest.

“These scripts represent an incredible diversity in genre, style and location of filmmaker,” says Meagan Flynn, screenplay contest chairwoman. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support the female screenwriter in her craft.”

The evening of female-driven film screenings and networking opportunities is presented by CinemaKC, a non-profit organization connecting groups devoted to film in Missouri and Kansas.

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CinemaKC’s Strategic Partners include ArtsKC, Film Commission of Greater Kansas City, Blackberry Castle Productions, Film Society of Greater Kansas City, Independent Filmmaker’s Coalition, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, Kansas City FilmFest, Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee, Kansas City Fringe Festival, Kansas City Screenwriters, Kansas City Urban Film Festival, Kansas City Women in Film and TV, Kansas Film Commission, Kansas International Film Festival, Missouri Film Commission, Missouri Motion Media Association, Reel Spirit, Tallgrass Film Festival, Thank You Walt Disney, UMKC Film Department, University of Kansas Film and Media Studies, Variety the Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City and Women of the Motion Picture Industry.

CinemaKC’s Business Alliance includes Allied Integrated Marketing, Allied Theatre Craft, American Heartland Theatre, Bazillion Animation, BicMedia, Haywood Marketing Communications, Kansas City Area Development Council, KC Stage Magazine, KC Studio, Prizm Productions, Screenland Armour, Screenland Crossroads, Screenland Crown Center, StagePort KC, Substream Music & Sound Design and T2.
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This Saturday and Sunday at the Nelson Atkins and Kansas City Art Institute, the Greater Kansas City Japanese Film Fest will be held to benefit the victims of last year’s devastating earthquakes and the subsequent tsunami that followed.

Contributions will be accepted in lieu of admission and seating is limited. No reservations will be taken.

Japanese Bento meals will be available to order.

For more info, please visit their website.

The Independent Filmmaker’s Coalition of Kansas City is looking for people to participate in their next Fantasy Film Draft. Specifically, they’re in need of a lot more actors than they currently have.

Check out their press release and don’t be shy! If you’re interested, please participate. The IFCKC welcomes filmmakers and aspiring actors of all skill levels!

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While there may be many “fantasy” leagues out there for avid sports fans, the Independent Filmmakers Coalition of Kansas City (IFCKC) is the only film organization in the United States to run a fantasy filmmaker draft. Beginning in February and culminating in a feature screening on March 31, 2012 at MOD Gallery, what makes the event completely unique is that instead of the draft being a competition based on existing Hollywood players, for example a Spielberg vs. a Scorsese, or other established producers, directors, writers, and talent, the IFCKC’s Fantasy Filmmaker Draft uses real people as team participants.
The way the Fantasy Filmmaker Draft works is that contestants who want to serve as a team captain enter their names into a drawing. Since there are five teams, five names are chosen. These people become team captains and can fulfill a role as a producer, or director or writer for his or her team. The team captain must then draft two more team members to fulfill the remaining roles. Teams then draft players to serve as talent (actors, actresses) and crew members.

An important aspect of the competition is creating a comprehensive narrative that spans across five different teams with five different sets of filmmakers. Beginning with Team A (the first team), each team writer has one week to complete one-fifth of the script, but there is a catch. Each part must have the same four primary characters (two male and two female) and the narrative must be a continuous story. Furthermore, different actors will play the same parts across the production and must wear identical costumes, thereby ensuring continuity. For example, if in Script A, a character wears a blue shirt and white hat, the same costume must be worn by the character in each succeeding part from Script B through Script D.

The draft for actors, actresses occurs on March 7, 2012 at the IFCKC meeting, which takes place at the Westport Coffee House at 7:30 PM. The same evening crew members will be selected, including the
Directors of Photography and editors. Filming can begin March 7, but must be completed and submitted by March 21, 2012 at 9:00 PM at the IFCKC meeting.

The result will be screened on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the newly remodeled Mod Gallery, which is a premier gallery space in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. Doors will open at 7:30 PM followed by the screening at 8:30 PM. Admission is $5 for IFC members, $8 for non-members. The screening will also be a chance for the public to have a sneak peak of the remodel in advance of the Mod Gallery’s official grand (re)opening on Friday, April 6th.

The Independent Filmmakers Coalition of Kansas City (ifckc.com) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting regional independent film, video and media production within the community via education, celebration and collaboration. Founded in 1993 by KC-based professional and amateur filmmakers, the IFCKC holds meetings every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM at Westport Coffee House in Kansas City, MO. Dedicated to the mantra of “making more films and betters films”, the IFCKC hosts film-related events throughout the year, including the annual One Night Stand competition – a 10-hour shoot and edit film challenge – and Fantasy Filmmaker Draft.

The Mod Gallery is a premier gallery located in the Kansas City Crossroads Arts District at 1809 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. The gallery features innovative art by artists including painters, mixed media artists, photographers and performance artists.
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How to get a kid to open up a book and along with it a new world?

Rouse a youngster’s literary curiosity with a screening of the 70-minute feature film, “Micky Mcgee and the Magic Library,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at the Screenland Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd. Mixer starts at 1 p.m. and library cards will be handed out by the film’s creators at 1:45 p.m. in the theater lobby. Tickets at $5 at the door.

Produced by Denny Dey Independent Film Production and shot entirely at the Johnson County Library’s Leawood Pioneer branch, “Micky Mcgee and the Magic Library” follows the eye-opening adventure of reluctant reader Micky as he is astonishingly transported to the library.

Micky summons the Spirit of the Library and a flock of famous authors from the past to save all of the library’s books from being destroyed by the dour Dr. Meanandevil and his mischief-making sidekick Simpleton.

This significant screening to encourage childhood reading is promoted by the Johnson County Library, the Kansas City Public Library and the Mid-Continent Public Library in cooperation with the Screenland Crown Center and CinemaKC, a non-profit group that supports Missouri and Kansas filmmakers.

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CinemaKC’s Strategic Partners include ArtsKC, Film Commission of Greater Kansas City, Blackberry Castle Productions, Film Society of Greater Kansas City, Independent Filmmaker’s Coalition, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, Kansas City FilmFest, Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee, Kansas City Fringe Festival, Kansas City Screenwriters, Kansas City Urban Film Festival, Kansas City Women in Film and TV, Kansas Film Commission, Kansas International Film Festival, Missouri Film Commission, Missouri Motion Media Association, Reel Spirit, Tallgrass Film Festival, Thank You Walt Disney, UMKC Film Department, University of Kansas Film and Media Studies, Variety the Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City and Women of the Motion Picture Industry.

CinemaKC’s Business Alliance includes Allied Integrated Marketing, Allied Theatre Craft, American Heartland Theatre, Bazillion Animation, BicMedia, Haywood Marketing Communications, Kansas City Area Development Council, KC Stage Magazine, KC Studio, Prizm Productions, Screenland Armour, Screenland Crossroads, Screenland Crown Center, StagePort KC, Substream Music & Sound Design and T2.

At the recent 2012 Kansas City ADDY Awards, CinemaKC, T2 and Back Alley Films picked up an award in the “Special Effects, Video or Film” category for their “Show Open for CinemaKC.”

Congrats to everybody for this fantastic achievement! Check out the video below…

Show Open


Show Package and explanation of the graphics

Local filmmaker Gary Huggins is set to make his first feature film in 2012 and he needs your help raising $70K by April.

Visit his Kickstarter page to find out about all of the fun incentives from the film you get when you donate, including…

• REAL LIFE OFF-DUTY SUPERCOP Santiago Vasquez will call at an inconvenient hour and read your Miranda Rights to you over the phone.
• Receive, via Skype, a private ten-minute lesson in top-secret kill techniques from REAL LIFE KARATE MASTER Santiago Vasquez!
• You get a full-color photo of REAL LIFE SUPERFREAK Santiago Vasquez holding a paper with your name on it while doing the splits between two chairs PLUS an autographed DVD of the finished film.

We’ll have more updates as they become available!

This exciting news just in from Missouri Citizens for the Arts!

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The House Appropriations Committee for Economic Development approved the Governor’s recommendation ($600,000) and added a $100,000 increase to the Missouri Arts Council’s FY13 appropriation!!

Thanks to all arts advocates who made calls and visits with your legislators to help get us through this round of the funding process.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Representative Thomas Long offered the amendment for the increase, along with Chairman Denny Hoskins. Representatives Sharon Pace, D-North St. Louis, Ed Schiefer, D-Troy, and Bill White, R-Joplin, all spoke in favor of increasing the arts funding and stressed how important the arts are to our economy.

Please thank members of the committee for supporting the Arts. They also approved $200,000 to restore the Film Commission.

Now we go to the House Budget Committee for approval. Make sure your Representative knows to support MAC’s funding in House Bill 2007, at the $700,000 level with full spending authority. Please find your Representative here.

HOUSE BUDGET MEMBERS:
Silvey, Ryan, Chair
Stream, Rick, Vice Chair
Allen, Sue
Asbury, Randy
Burlison, Eric
Carter, Chris
Cauthorn, John
Flanigan, Tom
Grisamore, Jeff
Guernsey, Casey
Haefner, Marsha
Hoskins, Denny
Hough, Lincoln
Keeney, Shelley
Kelly, Chris
Kirkton, Jeanne
Lair, Mike
Lampe, Sara
McCann Beatty, Gail
McManus, Kevin
Montecillo, Genise
Nasheed, Jamilah
Parkinson, Mark
Rizzo, John
Sater, David
Scharnhorst, Dwight
Schatz, Dave
Shively, Tom
Thomson, Mike