The AFCI has announced its Board of Directors for 2014.
Pam Haynes, West Virginia Film Office has been elected to a one-year term.
Elected to two-year terms were Walea Constantinau, Honolulu Film Office; Hans Fraikin, Quebec Film & Television Council; Ana Ilic, Serbia Film Commission; Kevin “KJ” Jennings, Film Otago Southland; and Ingrid Rudefors, Stockholm Mรคlardalen Film Commission.
Continuing their terms are Lucila Bortagaray, Uruguay Film Commission; Jeanne Corcoran, Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office; George David, Royal Film Commission – Jordan; Drew Mayer-Oakes, San Antonio Film Commission; and Mikael Svensson, Oresund Film Commission.
“The success of the AFCI thrives on hands-on involvement of members to set the direction of our organization, provide superior leadership, and exemplify the excellence in service that the AFCI brand signifies,” said George David, president, AFCI Board of Directors. “We are proud of the diversity of our Board—with representatives from eight countries on five continents—and look forward to continuing our focus on providing unique education, events and services to each member film commission.”
The AFCI is a non-profit educational association and professional organization for film commissioners, with 300+ members from 6 continents. AFCI members assist film, television, digital and interactive production for their respective city, county, state, regional, provincial or national jurisdiction.
Dayan elected CFC Board Chair
The California Film Commission Board of Commissioners has elected Steve Dayan of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 399 as chair for the 2014 term.
Dayan, who has been on the Film Commission’s board since 2008, will begin serving in his new post on January 1. He replaces outgoing chair Keith Weaver of Sony Pictures Entertainment, who will remain on the board.
Dayan has been a Teamsters member for more than 28 years. He served as Local 399’s business agent and organizer before his election last month to the top leadership post of secretary-treasurer. Local 399 represents more than 4,500 drivers, location managers, animal wranglers and casting directors.
Other changes to the Film Commission’s Board include the election of documentary film producer Hillary Armstrong as vice chair, and TV executive Lindy DeKoven as secretary.
“Steve is a passionate advocate who has devoted his career to helping support film and TV production jobs in California,” said CFC executive director Amy Lemisch. “He’s also an exceptionally strong leader with the experience, expertise and determination to get things done.”
New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase honors 9 winners
Nick Maniatis, director of the New Mexico State Film Office, announced the winners of the 2013 New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase. The following winners, all local filmmakers, were announced in nine categories:
Best Webisode: Canyon Road pilot “The Fire” (30 minutes) directed by Christopher Wright. Canyon Road will be a series containing the episodes that highlight the varied cultural and eclectic characters who inhabit Canyon Road.
Best Music Video: “Red Dog” (three minutes) written and directed by Tyler Green and Dustin Deen. A wheelchair bound man awakens in an alley with a thirst for Red Dog beer.
Best Experimental: Weird (17 minutes) written and directed by Miguel Arambula. An exploration of the haunting aspects of life.
Best Documentary: The Chile Film (26 minutes) directed by Kelly Urig. In New Mexico, nothing is as precious as our red and green chile.
Best Drama: Matanza (22 minutes) written by Morse Bicknell. A weekend camping trip starts out happily enough for a group of college kids, but a dark shadow is cast when two outsiders are invited at the last minute.
Best Comedy: Zombiewood (14 minutes) directed by Lauren Petzke. A zombie named Harry thinks the answer to his “undead” life is to get a SAG card. While the world has little use for zombies, there is one industry where they fit in very well—Hollywood.
Best Animation: Snowdysseus (six minutes) written and directed by Evan Curtis. Snowdysseus explores the vulnerability in feeling nostalgia for one’s home.
Best Sci-Fi: A Figment of My Imagination (18 minutes) written and directed by Eric Smigiel. This human story chronicles the conflict between an Android and its creator.
Best Wild Card: Quirky View (22 minutes) directed and written by Anne Stirling. Quirky View is a new TV series that reveals the true passions of regular folks with fascinating hobbies, unusual callings and those that have taken the road less traveled. It celebrates anything but the typical.