This past Tuesday, Aug. 11, saw the DVD release of a little film called Lonely Street . This information is of special note to Albuquerque residents because it’s based on the book by former Albuquerque Tribune columnist Steve Brewer. It was directed by Albuquerque native Peter Ettinger (whose short “The Phoenix” captured first place in the 2000 Alibi Short Film Fiesta). Part of it was even shot right here in the Duke City. The film is based on the first of Brewer’s popular Bubba Mabry mystery/comedy novels. Lonely Street stars comedian Jay Mohr as gullible Albuquerque P.I. Bubba Mabry, who’s hired by a still-living Elvis Presley (Robert Patrick) to recover some long-lost demo tapes. Order the film from Amazon.com, rent it from Netflix or just head to your local movie retailer for a copy. You can check out the trailer and get more info at www.lonelystreetthemovie.com.
Reel World Motley Crew
Interested in joining New Mexico’s growing film industry but still can’t figure out how to do it? Always wondered what the hell a grip or a gaffer does? The Film Apprentice Programs Inc., a training program overseen by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, is designed to teach students various film crew professions via mentors, safety courses, film history classes and actual on-set work. Individuals with no prior experience in film as well as film professionals looking to update their skill sets are welcome. There is a new set of classes lined up for September, so log on to filmapprentice.org to see what’s being offered in the coming weeks. Classes aren’t cheap, and there’s an application fee just to get into the program, but the idea of actual on-the-job training by trade and craft union mentors is a practical one.
Reel World You Win!
By just about any account, this year’s 48 Hour Film competition was a major success here in Albuquerque. Teams churned out a total of 44 short films over the course of two hectic days. Fourteen of those films made it into the sold-out “Best Of” screening last Wednesday at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. When the dust settled, a ton of awards were handed out. Here are some of the highlights: Best Female Actor (Drama) went to Courtney Cunningham in “The Amniote”; Best Female Actor (Comedy) went to Amanda Machon in “A Bit Off Key”; Best Male Actor (Drama) went to Chad Brummet in “The Amniote”; Best Male Actor (Comedy) went to Jerry Angelo in “Honey and Babe in Christmas Land”; Best Writing was a tie between “Honey and Babe in Christmas Land” and “You Pay For What You Pay For”; Best Directing went to “The Amniote”; Best Film went to “A Bit Off Key.” Congrats to the winners, and a hearty “Job well done!” to all the participants.
