FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 6, 2012
Media Contact: Terrell Sandefur
SoChi Services
478-319-0243

It’s Lucky #7 for the Macon Film Festival

Macon, GA – The 7th Annual Macon Film Festival will launch on February 16th at the Cox Capitol Theatre, The Douglass Theatre and The 567 Center for Renewal in historic downtown Macon. With 125 film submission screenings and 4 special screenings, organizers are gearing up for the biggest event to date. The film festival will continue daily through Sunday, February 19th.

Each year the Macon Film Festival continues to live up to its reputation of being a true filmmaker focused festival with workshops, screenings, and networking opportunities for local and visiting filmmakers. The 2012 festival is proud to be screening 125 independent films from over 15 countries including films made in or produced by Central Georgia filmmakers. Festival audiences will have the ability to watch some of the best in independent film from multiple genres (documentary, narrative short, narrative feature, animation, student, and experimental), and have the opportunity to meet and interact with visiting filmmakers from around the world.

The 2012 Macon Film Festival special guests include actress Beth Grant, who can currently be seen in theaters across the country in the multi award winning and Oscar nominated film ‘The Artist.’ Jay Carson, a Central High School graduate and the inspiration for the Ryan Gosling character in the highly acclaimed “The Ides of March.” Grammy Award winning music video producer, executive producer and Dublin, Ga native Joseph Uliano will be showcasing a collection of his work. Macon native Carrie Preston will appear via Skype for a Q&A following the screening of “That’s What She Said,” which premiered last month at Sundance Film Festival.

The Macon Film Festival was created to celebrate the art and craft of the moving image, and to introduce independent films that rarely appear in Macon, Georgia. Macon Film Festival is dedicated to entertaining, educating, and inspiring audiences and filmmakers alike by offering innovative and imaginative films both mainstream and independent in nature. We also strive to introduce visiting filmmakers and guests to the Central Georgia community, and to promote film production in the area. The festival is open to filmmakers working in all media, genres, and themes.

2011 Macon Film Festival – Special Screenings & Special Guests
Thursday, February 16th @ 8:15p “Wondros Music + Vision” with Joseph Uliano
Friday, February 17th @ 8:15p “The Ides of March” with Jay Carson
Saturday, February 18th @ 8:15p “Donnie Darko” with Beth Grant
Sunday, February 19th @ 7:45p “That’s What She Said” with Carrie Preston via Skype
Q&A Session to follow each special screening with special guests.
*All special guests are confirmed but subject to change.

Macon Film Festival will take place February 16th – 19th at the Cox Capitol Theatre, The Douglass Theatre & The 567 Center for Renewal. Tickets, programs and merchandise will be available at The Opening Act, which will serve at festival headquarters, is located at 567 Cherry Street, in downtown Macon will be open Wednesday – Sunday, February 15 – 19. For ticket information contact tickets.maconfilmfestival@gmail.com or 478.256.3809.

Tickets are available online. Day passes are free to college students with a valid college ID – every day. They do not provide admission to the Special Screenings or After Parties. For more information or to view the full screening schedule, go to maconfilmfestival.com and on Facebook @MaconFilmFestival.
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I’ll admit it. I was out of my element. Lost in the NoChi hinterlands while on a hunt for something new to engulf. I wanted a little strange. The SoChi “Been There, Done That” seemed like sloppy seconds today for some reason. I’m shooting blanks so I decided to pull out my technology and tweet. “Trolling for food! #starving”

Within a matter of secs Priscilla Esser replied. Her tweet simply read: “Ron & Cheng’s Kitchen. You’ll dig it.” I trust her taste. I pulled up to the strip mall’ish location & read the banner hanging out front, “Chinese Food & Home Cook’N” – WHAT? I’m not sure that I’m up for this Funky Food Fusion. Could Priscilla actually “Linda Lovelace” this? Christie Brinkley’s famous line in National Lampoon’s Vacation comes to mind. “Well, are you gonna Go For It?” So, I do. Ron & Chengs Kitchen on Tom Hill Blvd is actually worth the try. A quirky Chinese/Southern Home cooking combo but indeed it is funky enough that I really dug it. 2 meats & 2 Vegetables: Fried Porkchop, General Tso’s Chicken, butter beans, egg roll & cornbread. East met West all on one divided Syrofoam plate. I even “liked” it on UrbanSpoon. Y’all go check it out, 行吗？(OK?) I promise, there is a Happy Ending in store for you.

“Bring It On!” I say when recently challenged to a blind vodka taste test by National Distributing rep Kim Reynolds. Kim, knowing I’m a die-hard Grey Goose fan said she had a brand I was sure to favor over the Goose. Not Likely, I say. It was a Friday afternoon and work was slow so why not have a little fun and prove the little lassy wrong. I know my vodka and I like a sure thing. Kim enters The SoChi Gallery with a stockpile of vodka. She might as well have been wearing a Santa suit because it sure felt like Christmas. She preps for the taste test in the kitchen – out of my sight – then re-enters the scene with 6 numbered cups of vodka. Placing them before me she throws down the gauntlet. “Drink Up! she commands. I oblige. I am instructed to place the ones i like in one area and the ones I dislike in another area. I like vodka. In fact, vodka makes a great chaser for a Starbucks Latte as that was all that was on my stomach. As the tasting continues I ask myself, “Spit or Swallow?” Hell, we aren’t at a fancy Sonoma winery so “Swallow” it is. However the whole BLIND part of the taste test starts to take on a new meaning…will I be able to see once it’s all over? Taking my research seriously, I taste and re-taste them all. At the conclusion I have chosen a winner. In all fairness I must report my findings. Here is how I ranked them. In order of most liked to least liked: #1. Van Gogh Blue #2. Absolut #3. Grey Goose #4. Smirnoff #5. Ketel One #6. Stoli. At the conclusion of the test, she claimed victory stating the the Van Gogh was indeed her brand. Kudos to the girl who took this Out of the Box and into The SoChi Gallery! And the sobering result was that I did choose her hooch over my Goose. She Blinded Me With Science.

Want to be in pictures? Three short films will be filming around Macon during the summer months of July, August and September and they all require extras. The winners of Gateway Macon’s “Macon Shorts” film competition will be here filming. One of these filmmakers is James Kicklighter of Savannah whose last film FOLLOWED was filmed in Macon back in December. He will be here this summer filming “Final Acts” about aging movie star returning to her roots. The second film is entitled “Superhero” which will be directed by Kristin Wright of Atlanta. As you may have guessed ….it involves a costume. The third film is the story of a con artist entitled “The Razzle” by director Joseph Guay of Atlanta. Beware, if some Wise Guy approaches you and asks if you feel lucky – run! He just may be trying to seduce you into playing a board game that you are sure to loose your shirt over. The three films will premiere in November at a red carpet affair in Downtown Macon. For more info on the Macon Shorts film competition or if you’d like to be an extra in one of the films, contact Gateway Macon.

The Macon Film Festival is now accepting entries for the 7th annual festival which takes place February 16-19, 2012. Commonly referred to as a “filmmakers film fest” but perhaps more accurately called the “friendliest little effin’ film festival in the country” by filmmakers from all over the globe. Perhaps the MAGAtini (the festival’s signature cocktail) has a little something to do with that. To submit: Log onto the website and click on “Withoutabox submit your film here” tab.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE BAND

July 23. Heroes Music Festival’s Battle of the Bands. Macon City Auditorium – winner will perform on stage at Heroes MF in Sept at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

July 27. Big Screen Movie Night: School of Rock @ Tattnall Park. 8pm. Free Event.

July 30. Bragg Jam. 36 bands. Multiple venues. $20.
Singer/Songwriters & Bands: Gateway Macon‘s MACON MUSIC PROJECT. One winner receives a $25,000+ music production package.
Deadline for entry: August 15th.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

So-Chi-lize [soh-chee-lies] verb, -ized, -izing. –verb (used with object)
1. The art of mixing and mingling in The SoChi District.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 10, 2011
Media Contact:
SoChi Services
Terrell Sandefur
(478) 319-0243
terrell@thesochicompanies.com

Gateway Macon Announces Macon Shorts Film Competition Finalists

MACON, GA – Lights! Camera! Action! Gateway Macon is pleased to announce the three finalists of their Macon Shorts film competition. Each project will be awarded $3,000 to go toward the production of their 5-10 minute short film.

They are “Superhero” by Kristen Wright (in association with Jeff Shipman) of Atlanta, GA; “The Razzle” by Joseph Guay of Atlanta, GA; and “Final Acts” by James Kicklighter of Savannah, GA.

The selected films will be shot in and around Macon during July, August and September. The three films will be judged by film industry professionals during the month of October. A red carpet premiere will take place in November where the final awards will be presented. The Macon Shorts First Place winner will receive $3,000, Runner Up will receive $2,000 and Honorable Mention will receive $1,000.

A long list of Macon locations will be used in the films. The filmmakers are also looking to cast a number of the parts in the films from Macon’s abundant pool of local talent.

The three finalists will submit their shorts to film festivals
around the country. Credits in the three final films will include an acknowledgement of the Gateway Macon Initiative as a presenting producer, list the gatewaymacon.org website and state ‘Filmed entirely on location in Macon, Georgia – For more information, contact the Macon Film Commission.”

Superhero, Kristen Wright (Atlanta)
Synopsis:
“Superhero” follows the story of Margot, a young girl coping with the death of her parents by wearing a homemade Superwoman costume. She doesn’t know exactly when she started wearing the costume or why it makes her feel better, but somehow it has become her new skin. With the help of a few friends, and a unique comic book club, Margot takes her first steps back into the real world; and finds a new costume to wear.
Biography:
Kristin Wright Is an accomplished director, actor, and published writer with degrees in Theater and Speech Communications from the University of Georgia. She currently pairs filmmaking with her day job at Habitat For Humanity International Headquarters in Atlanta, GA.

The Razzle, Joseph Guay (Atlanta)
Synopsis:
“The Razzle” is a true story about 3 generations of Street Gamblers
with an illegal game, made up of only 8 marbles and a wood box, that generated millions of dollars for street grifters and gambling agents from 1952 until today.
Biography:
Joseph Guay is an Atlanta-based artist and photographer. His large format photography has also been featured in the The American Music Awards, Bravo Television Network and the Farrelly Brothers’ feature Film Hall Pass with Owen Wilson. He has photographed Elton John & Leon Russell for Rolling Stone Magazine, art directed and photographed the rock band Collective Soul’s 8th studio album and has been the assistant-curator of the Sir Elton John Photography Collection for the last three years.

Final Acts, James Kicklighter (Savannah)
Synopsis:
“Final Acts” is the story of a revered actress’ return to her roots as seen through the lens of an aspiring filmmaker, exploring the tenuous relationship between life and performance.
Biography:
James Kicklighter is the Co‐Chairman of JamesWorks Entertainment, recently featured in the Examiner.com’s “Top CEOs Under 25” series, and was a screener for the 2009 International Documentary Association’s Distinguished Feature Award. His most recent film Followed, shot in Macon, Georgia is now on the film festival circuit. The film recently won the Audience Choice Award at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth.

Gateway Macon Initiative’s mission is a community collaboration of 30+ organizations that are collectively promoting Macon, Georgia’s creative edge, uncommon spaces and unique opportunities. Funding of the innovative initiative by the Peyton Anderson Foundation was announced October 1, 2010. A primary goal is to connect efforts to promote Macon to a regional, statewide and national audience. The Gateway Initiative is a multifaceted, highly strategic plan of work that builds on the momentum of existing efforts among the community’s diverse organizations to encourage investment and promote Macon’s sites, events, cultural scene, livability and affordability.

For More Information on the Gateway Initiative Contact:
Beth Dunwody
The Gateway Initiative
577 Mulberry Suite 830
Macon, Georgia 31201
478.314.2231
beth@gatewaymacon.org
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SoChi’s Red Carpet season left me with a bad case of Carpet Burn! The ADDY Awards, Macon Film Festival, Reader’s Choice Awards & The Foodies are all within a 3 week period. All in the midst of organizing a #WINNING film festival.

The 6th Annual Macon Film Festival was a indeed Better, Stronger, Faster thanks to the $6 million dollar team consisting of Tabitha Walker, Elliott Dunwody, Stephanie Shadden, Julie Wilkerson, Diana Sullivan, Sylvia Boykin, Priscilla Esser, Blaine Whittle, Craig Coleman, Tony Long, Tony Long, Jr, BJ Dunwody & Terrell Sandefur (me).

1,500+ attendees, 114 independent films, 6 Special Screenings (“Freedom Riders“,”Black, White and Blues“,”The Fat Boy Chronicles“, “The Kid“, “Get Low” & “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels“), 3 screening venues (The Cox Capitol Theatre, The Douglass Theatre and the Macon Marriott City Center), Workshops @ The 567 Center for Renewal, a first year Festival Headquarters @ 567 Cherry Street, After Parties each night (Le Galerie, The Emerson Brownstone & The SoChi Gallery) where the famous MAGAtinis flowed. (Factoid: The MAGAtini, the signature cocktail of the Macon Film Festival, is known amongst filmmakers throughout the world!)

Over 75 filmmakers from as far away as Los Angeles, New York, Japan, Spain and London made the trek to Macon for the 4 day fest. “It may not be the biggest festival in the world, but it certainly is the friendliest” repeatedly stated by British director, Nick Moran who’s film “The Kid” was Saturday night’s special screening. Moran is better known for his acting roles including his turn as “Eddy” in Guy Ritchie’s “Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels” and “Scabior” in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

Filmmakers call the Macon Film Festival ”The Friendliest Effin Film Festival in the Country” and we work hard at making that tag line a reality. Bottom line, filmmaking is Economic Development. Macon has everything (except a sound stage) to attract filmmakers to consider us a location for their projects. A BIG thank you to all the sponsors, attendees, volunteers & media who participated in this year’s fest … Combined, we all make this place more attractive to the folks who will bring their next film project here.

March is here and SoChi’s Red Carpet Season is now behind us. The Carpet Burns have almost healed.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Pink Decadence Party. March 19th @ The SoChi Gallery.
Cherry Blossom Festival. March 18 – 27.
OMD @ The Loft in Atlanta. March 14th. 8pm
EyeCon-The Vampire Diaries March 25-27
Macon Gardens, Mansions & Moonlight. April 29 – May 1, 2011
Echo & the Bunnymen @ The Masquerade. May 5th. 8pm

Gilroy Garlic Festival. Gilroy, California. July 29 – 31, 2011. The 33rd annual “Ultimate Summer Food Fair”; three days of incredible food, beverages, arts & crafts and live entertainment. 30 miles south of San Jose off Highway 101.

Heroes Music Festival Sept. 8 – 11.

Quip worthy of a Facebook post:
“Go where you’re celebrated, not where you’re tolerated.”

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 25, 2011

MACON FILM FESTIVAL SET TO REEL IN FILMMAKERS & MOVIE BUFFS

Macon, GA – The 6th Annual Macon Film Festival will launch on February 17th at the Cox Capitol Theatre, The Douglass Theatre and the Marriott City Center in historic downtown Macon. With over 100 film submission screenings and 4 new categories of awards, organizers are gearing up for the biggest event to date. The film festival will continue daily through Sunday, February 20th.

The Macon Film Festival was created to celebrate the art and craft of the moving image, and to introduce independent films that rarely appear in Macon, Georgia. Macon Film Festival is dedicated to entertaining, educating, and inspiring audiences and filmmakers alike by offering innovative and imaginative films both mainstream and independent in nature. We also strive to introduce visiting filmmakers and guests to the Central Georgia community, and to promote film production in the area. The festival is open to filmmakers working in all media, genres, and themes.

2011 Macon Film Festival – Special Screenings
Thursday, February 17th @ 7:30pm “Freedom Riders”
Friday, February 18th @ 8:15pm “Black, White and Blues”
Saturday, February 19th @ 10am “Fat Boy Chronicles”
Saturday, February 19th @ 8:30pm “The Kid”
Sunday, February 20th @ 7:00pm “Get Low”
Q&A Session to follow each special screening with special guests.

Macon Film Festival will take place February 17th – 20th at the Cox Capitol Theatre, The Douglass Theatre & the Marriott City Center. 478-257-6391.
For more information or to view the full screening schedule, log on to www.maconfilmfestival.com or Facebook event page @6thAnnualMaconFilmFestival.
Tickets are now available online at www.maconfilmfestival.com/festival/ticket-information
Admission for the Thursday day blocks is free thanks to a grant from the City of Macon administered by Macon Arts Alliance. Free admission to all day blocks for students with a valid college ID.

Terrell Sandefur, Media Contact
terrell@terrellsandefur.com
478.319.0243
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“CityVille” is the latest game craze on Facebook. I’m trying to build the city of my dreams only in Real Life – not on a computer game. Why don’t you?

I think that if people want to build their perfect city, why can’t they do it in reality. That’s all I’m saying. I love the city in which I live. It’s called Macon, Georgia. I work diligently to make her my perfect city. I have created a destination…it’s called SoChi – and it’s Real. It stands for “South of Chichesters.” The SoChi District is Midtown & Downtown Macon.

I love architecture, classic & otherwise. It’s one of Macon’s greatest assets. My home is a 1929 house in the historic district. My wife & I did a massive renovation to it making it perfect for us. I bought a fire ravaged building in downtown and did a complete renovation turning it into what is now The SoChi Gallery.

Building the city of my dreams is my reality. I live it everyday. You are all invited to play!

You can purchase your SoChi Destination Sticker @ Petals Flowers & More, JoeD’s on Ingleside, Caufield’s Vintage & the SoChi Gallery.

If you haven’t yet heard of Groupon, you will. The” group coupon” hits Macon this month. 50% – 90% savings at local businesses.
Membership is FREE! Sign up today and start receiving your “Deal of the Day!” With the economy in the toilet, Groupon could be a savior and coax would-be shoppers to spend.

Have you seen the movie Black Swan? This is one dark bird that swims in a very deep lake. A total must see and not for the faint of mind. This psycho-sexual thriller is about as much a ballerina movie as Mickey Rourke’s “The Wrestler” was a wrestling movie. Both exceptional! Natalie Portman will be nominated for an Academy Award for this one.

The latest zombie flick was filmed in Macon during the month of December. Locations included Wesleyan College, Mercer University, The Terminal Station, Carey Pickard’s house & The SoChi Gallery. For a sneak peek click –> “Followed”

The 6th Annual Macon Film Festival is February 17th-20th. This year’s festival will be “Better. Stronger. Faster.” just like the 6 million dollar man. Films will be shown at the Cox Capitol Theatre, The Douglass Theatre and the Marriott City Center Hotel. I invite you all to participate. Tickets go on sale January 20th.

If you would like to volunteer to work at the festival, email your contact info to: MagaVolunteers@gmail.com

2011 MACON FILM FESTIVAL TICKET INFO

All Access Pass $100
All Access Passes are good February 15 and February 17 – 21 for priority seating at all Daytime and Evening Block Screenings, including Special Screenings and the Awards Ceremony. All Access Passes also include admission to After Parties. All Access Passes do not guarantee admission to any screening. All Pass holders should arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior to the screening for admittance, which is on
a first come / first served basis.

Screening Pass $50
Screening Passes are good February 15 and February 17 – 21 for priority seating at all Daytime and Evening Block Screenings, including Special Screenings and the Awards Ceremony. Screening Passes do NOT include admission to After Parties. Screening Passes do not guarantee admission to any screening. All Pass holders should arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior to the screening for admittance, which is on a first come / first served basis.

Daytime Block Ticket $10
Daytime Block tickets are good for all Daytime Screenings at Cox Capitol Theatre, The Douglass Theatre and The Macon Marriott City Center Hotel. Daytime Block tickets do not guarantee admission to any screening. Ticket holders should arrive 20 minutes prior to the screening for seating after all Pass Holders have been admitted.

*Thanks to the generosity of Macon Arts Alliance, Thursday Daytime Block tickets are free to the public.

Evening Block Ticket $15
Evening Block tickets are good for all Evening Screenings at Cox Capitol Theatre, The Douglass Theatre and The Macon Marriott City Center Hotel, including Special Screenings and the Awards Ceremony. Evening Block tickets do not guarantee admission to any screening. Ticket holders should arrive 20 minutes prior to the screening for seating after all Pass Holders have been admitted.

*The Tuesday evening screening of Bibb County International Film Competition winners is free to the public.

Tickets will be on sale January 20, 2011 at www.maconfilmfestival.com and beginning February 16, 2011 at the Festival Box Office (location and box office hours TBA). For more information or for ticket vouchers and gift certificates, email info@maconfilmfestival.com.

QUIPS WORTH USING AS A FACEBOOK STATUS:
“It’s not what you are that counts, it’s what they think you are.”
— Andy Warhol
“With regards to societal cobwebs and social traps: Be a Spider. Not a Fly.”
– Terrell Sandefur

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!