Jan 29, 2013
(January 29th, 2013) Each year the New York State Governor’s Office for Motion Picture and Television Development creates a pop-up NY Lounge during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT. This year’s Lounge took over the Willie Holdman Gallery and used the unique space to feature NY State Location Images from the Buffalo/Niagara and Rochester/Finger Lakes regions in place of the art.
Every year this Lounge serves as a gathering point for many NY based film professionals and those with an interest in New York Production. Along with consuming New York State produced bagels, cider, and coffee, participants were able to see topical panel discussions, acoustic performances from New York Artists, and speak with New York State Regional Film Commissioners regarding the New York State Film Production Tax Credit and most importantly filming in New York State Locations.
The panel discussions are always heavily attended at the New York Lounge and feature the latest trends and business aspects of film production, with a special focus on New York State. In case you couldn’t get out to Park City to see the panels, the New York State Film Office has them archived at their USTREAM channel of which you can find a detailed listing and links below:
- 1/21/13 Film Finance panel »Experts from EP Financial Solutions and HSBC will discuss the aspects offilm production, film financing, and production incentive financing you need to know.
MODERATOR: John Hadity, EP Financial Solutions
- 1/20/13 Distribution Trends » DESCRIPTION: This panel will feature players from both the traditional and emergingWorld of distribution who will discuss the unprecedented options for Filmmakers to createintegrated platforms tailored to achieve their unique goals.
HOST/MODERATOR: Steven Beer – Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo (FWRV)
- 1/19/13 More Dollars on the Screen: Innovative Tools for Independent Filmmakers »A panel of filmmakers and post-production professionals, including active members of thePost New York Alliance (PNYA), looks into the current state of technological innovation forcinema, and how the latest advances can be used to make the most of today’s productionbudgets. From cameras to tax credits, new tools for filmmakers are appearing faster than youcan say “action.” This discussion will continue a real-world dialogue on how filmmakers cantake advantage of the newest resources to make the most of their budgets, to expand theiraudiences and to bring their stories to the screen.
MODERATOR: Alex Halpern, filmmaker and founder/CEO of Post FactoryNY
- 1/18/13 Empowerment Town Hall »Welcoming industry professionals from both the creative and businessside of film, the Empowerment Town Hall will discuss community challenges, resources, and opportunities available for successful filmmaking in New York and beyond.
HOST/MODERATOR: Steven Beer – Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo (FWRV)
The New York lounge was sponsored this year by the New York Production Alliance, EP Financial Solutions, PostFactory, ARRI, HSBC, Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo (FWRV) and Mandarin Oriental.
Dec 17, 2012
(December 17th, 2012) Patrick Gallo was born and raised in Buffalo. In the 1980s as one of the pioneering Buffalo Skateboarders in the Elmwood Village, Pat started to exercise his creativity through extreme sports, before performing in his first musical at Lafayette High School. It was there that his fate in the arts was sealed before heading off to The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City at age 19 to start his career.
As an actor he has guest starred on numerous shows including Cold Case, ER, NYPD Blue, & Reno 911. As an editor he is working with shows like The Simpsons, Glee, & Dollhouse. His most recent work has included a collaboration with Buffalo’s 1derful films Phil Gangi, Peter Tasca, and Stephen Butler on a documentary which explores the Buffalo Bill’s 1990’s Superbowl Run, and also a guest appearance on this past season of Boardwalk Empire.
Patrick attributes growing up in Buffalo, spending time with the rich and deeply unique characters, inspiring architecture, and vibrant culture as something that he is terribly thankful for. He feels that it’s a huge part of his identity as an artist.
Boardwalk Empire-
BNFC -How’d you land the role?
PG – The casting director, Meridith Tucker became a fan of mine and kept reading me on numerous roles, determined to eventually find a place for me on the show. I read for 5 roles over a 6 months…booked my 6 read.
BNFC– Describe your role and approach to the character I believe he was only known as cousin Franco?
PG– Yes, He was the only known cousin. Franco grew up on the docks, and the fishing trade was a big part of his life. My approach is the same as always, I find his tone in rehearsal, and let it naturally evolve.
BNFC– Why’d he get whacked? How did they bury you in the sand?
PG– He got whacked because he made Gyp feel inferior to him…as you know, it doesn’t take much. The sand gag was done by digging a huge hole and placing a a large plastic container in it where I would sit. Then they cover the top with sand. For the actual shovel to head contact, they used a prosthetic they made of my head.
BNFC– What was your biggest takeway from this opportunity? Observations about the production that could translate to someone writing or producing episodic television?
PG- It’s rare that you get to become a part of an acclaimed show that you actually watch and actually respect creatively…that’s rare and I took from it nothing but how lucky I was to be a part it and getting the opportunity to work with people that are at the top of their game, from hair and makeup, to camera etc etc.
Almost a Dynasty-
BNFC– Talk about your participation in Almost a Dynasty? How did you get Scott Norwood and Bill Polian to participate?
PG – My participation in the film was to help out some guys who had a great idea, but no idea as how to execute a feature documentary.
BNFC– How did you get Scott Norwood and Bill Polian to participate?
PG– Bill Polian was involved through a favor of a good friend of mine who knows him very well…he was wonderful and very happy to be a part of it. Scott Norwood was basically a steal. We heard he was at an event, we went and hoped we could grab some footage…we were lucky enough to make it happen.
BNFC– Did any of the info in the interviews surprise you? If so what?
PG – Yes, it was all surprise to me as I am not a sports fan!
Almost a Dynasty – Trailer
Nov 30, 2012
(PICTURED L-R: Stephen Banko III, Michael Militello, SSG Tommy Rieman, Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder, and JRC Promotions President Joseph Ciffa.)
(November 30th, 2012) U.S. Army Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient SSG Tommy Rieman, a Wounded Warrior from Charlotte, NC along with one of the most highly decorated Vietnam War Veterans in New York State Stephen T. Banko III of Buffalo; local businessman and Vietnam War Purple Heart recipient Michael Militello, and Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder were on hand today at the Seneca Niagara Events Center to announce the Western New York premier of “HALFWAY HOME”. The premier takes place Friday, January 18th, 2013, at Seneca Niagara Events Center.
One of the greatest challenges facing our men and women who served in the United States military are the effects of war known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD).
Finally, someone has documented and told of their plight in a dramatic, eye opening movie documentary called “HALFWAY HOME”, This Polaris Media film by Peabody Award –winning and Emmy – nominated Hollywood filmmaker Paul Freedman and narrated by Hollywood film and television star Martin Sheen, brings to the big screen the truth about what many of our war heroes face when they return home.
OFFICIAL SITE : http://www.halfwayhomethemovie.com/
VIDEO FROM PRESS CONFERENCE: http://youtu.be/bLuI7c_ycL
Jul 27, 2012
(July, 27th, 2012) She’s been described by Horror Movie Magazine Fangoria as the “First Lady of Fear”, but upon her entry to Buffalo City limits this month legendary horror actress Debbie Rochon takes on the role of director with feature film “Model Hunger”. July 10th saw shooting for “Model Hunger” begin at locations in and around the City of Buffalo for what Rochon describes to Fangoria as a “self-aware horror film ”that depicts what can happen when the (modeling) industry pushes one woman too far…”. Buffalo was chosen as the primary location thanks to the efforts of award winning horror author/producer/director and Buffalo resident Greg Lamberson, who shot his feature film “Slime City Massacre” in Buffalo back in 2009. Lamberson takes on the line producer role in Model Hunger. Production wraps up in Buffalo at the end of the July.
(Photo- On the set of Model Hunger- Top Right Frame- McCarthy Park Cheerleader Scene, Top Left Frame – Director Debbie Rochon (Center) sets up a shot with actress Bette Cossette(left) and actor Robert Bozek(right), ;Shooting in downtown Buffalo for a News Report Scene.)
Jun 8, 2012
(June 18th, 2012) In the United States alone over 13.1 million viewers (100 Million Internationally) witnessed the beauty and grandeur of Niagara Falls throughout the world thanks to the ABC News special “Megastunts – High Wire Over Niagara Falls” featuring Nik Wallenda’s death defying high wire walk across the Horseshoe Falls. Additional world wide coverage from over 250 Media members from every major network throughout the world including Australia and China solidified Nik Wallenda’s place in Media history.
With this coverage came jobs for our highly skilled production professionals throughout Western New York as well as business for our hotels, restaurants, and equipment suppliers. The positive exposure for Niagara Falls was priceless and the production itself had and estimated economic impact of over 1.2 Million Dollars according to estimates based AFCI’s standard production matrix.
Along with ABC Networks 48 visiting crew members was the addition of IATSE 52 which saw over 5 Days of production work, with over 19 crew members enlisted, and NABET saw another 20 crew members hired to support the ABC Production which featured over 14 cameras and was switched from mobile production trucks on site featuring talent Hanna Storm, Josh Elliot, and Sam Champion.
Jan 11, 2012
(January 11th, 2012) Director John Dolan was in Buffalo recently shooting footage for a new national TV campaign. With a career spawned in theatre and short film,he’sestablished a unique position in commercial production directing high profile yet edgy creative for clients such as BMW, ESPN, and Volkswagon.
John took time out to give the Buffalo Film Office some feedback following his Buffalo shoot.
Your impression of Buffalo and the locations you chose?
I Loved Buffalo. It reminds me a bit of St. Paul, the city where I was born. There are some great locations there with real character. I especially like the street (Allen Street) where we shot. Great neighborhood with some real characters.”
You used an Arri Alexa to shoot your footage, why? Impressions of this camera? New features that you find useful?
The Alexa is incredible, especially in low light. I shoot almost everything now with it. Technically it produces a flawless image, but more importantly I like the texture and feel of the image. There’s an X-factor that distinguishes it from other digital camera systems. I suppose it looks more like film, which is a good thing.
Advice for aspiring Film Makers?
You don’t have to have great gear to make an inspired film. The best film’s, whether they’re commercials, features, etc. are about great concepts and ideas. About great acting. Concentrate more on the ideas, the writing, than on the technique. Audiences will forgive technique, but they won’t forgive tired or uninspired ideas. Or bad acting.
What inspires you as a Director?
Books. Art. Exercise. Nature. Travel. People. Lot’s of things.
