Seminars for Screenwriters—Saturday, June 4, marks the launch of the New Mexico Screenwriter's Series. Founders Gene Grant and Marc Calderwood hope to bring monthly seminars and extensive quarterly workshops to New Mexico's growing cabal of would-be screenwriters. How to find an agent, how to negotiate a deal and how to sell a spec script over the Internet are just a few of the topics that will be discussed in the coming months. Grant and Calderwood have recruited an impressive roster of professional film talent to run these regular educational seminars. WGA member Deborah L. Smith will helm the very first monthly program, covering the fundamentals of feature scripting. The seminar is scheduled to take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rio Grande Studios (6608 Gulton NE). Cost for the monthly seminar is a mere $10. Future guests will include noted Los Angeles screenwriting teacher Jim Mercurio and celebrated Chicago screenwriter Dan Decker. For more information, log on to www.nmscreenwriters.com.
Reel World
Forest Film—In celebration of the Forest Service Centennial, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (1801 Mountain NW) will host a screening of the film The Greatest Good. The documentary examines the founding of the U.S. Forest Service and its current position, wedged between the interests of environmentalists and the pressures of logging and ranching. The film's writing/directing/producing team of Ann and Steve Dunsky will introduce the film and talk about the two years of production and editing that went into its making. The screening date is Tuesday, June 7. Lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. Film begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children. For reservations, contact Chris Sanchez at 841-2872.
Reel World
Actor Alert!—Auditions for “Love Hurts,” a short comedy film by Black Box Productions, will be held Saturday, June 4, at the New Mexico Film Institute (6921 Montgomery NE) from 1-4 p.m. Producers are looking to cast five men and five women (20s/30s) for featured roles as well as assorted extras. The shoot will be in July. There is no pay, but producers assure “great experience.” For further information, contact Kathy at 363-3952.
Reel World
Learning Can Be Horrific—UNM's Extended University in Santa Fe is offering a summer course in international horror. The class, titled “Italian Giallo Cinema: The Films of Dario Argento,” will be helmed by Liam Lockhart, a filmmaker/television editor recently arrived from Hollywood. The three-credit Media Arts class will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m., June 7-July 28. To enroll, call (505) 428-1234.
