Red 71 Cast and Crew Premier
Posted on November 9, 2007
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On October 25th, a cast and crew screening for the feature film RED 71 was held at the Crossroads Theater in Tucson, Arizona. Among the attendees was the LAFG’s own Ken Henderson, screenwriter for the film. Several other members of the LAFG were involved in the production including Carol Anne Gayle, Hilary Gayle, Josh Marcantel, Chuck Turner and Scott Waldrop.

The film screened to a full house of the cast and crew along with friends and family. Local attendees also included producers Patrick Roddy, Brian McLaughlin, and Victoria Westover; Brian’s partners in film finance company Emerald Elephant Trudy Brands, Melissa Mitchell and Robert E. Fee; Talent agent Fosi Burritt and her husband Warner; Tucson Film Office Director Shelli Hall and Production Coordinator Peter Catalanotte; Chuck Graham of the Tucson Citizen; Jeff Yanc of the Loft Cinema; as well as several members of the University of Arizona School of Media Arts including Yuri Makina and Lisanne Skyler.

The film was well recieved and the audience cheered, laughed and groaned in all of the right places. After the screening, attendees were invited to a post screening party at local watering hole Olive R’ Twist.
Red 71 has been submitted to the Sundance Film Festival and will be submitted to various festivals around the country in 2008. DVDs of the film should be available for purchase in early 2008.
Red 71
Posted on October 5, 2007
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In June, several members of the LAFG were involved in the filming of Red 71, a modern noir, in Tucson, Arizona. The film is based on a short story of the same name by pulp writer Paul Cain in1932 and is the third film to feature members of the Lake Area Film Group.
Principal photography stretched over 15 days at a variety of locations in and around the city of Tucson. The film starred Nathan Ginn and featured performances from Michelle Belegrin, Ted Parks, Brian Mulligan, Melissa Aguire, Justin Kreinbrink, Howard Allen, Greg Sweet, Jon Proudstar, Ed Keeylocko, Jonathon Northover, Eddie Serrano, Jamarlin Fowler, and Nick “Bear” D’Andrea. It also include performances from LAFG members Hillary Gayle, Josh Marcantel, and Carol Anne Gayle. Cult favorite and horror acting legend Angus Scrimm also appeared in the film.
The film was Directed by our own Patrick Roddy and was written by LAFG member Ken Henderson. Other LAFG crew members included Scott Waldrop - Assistant Director of Photography, Carol Anne Gayle - Production Designer, Hilary Gayle - Set Photographer and Chuck Turner - Grip.
The film’s producers, Brian McLaughlin, Patrick Roddy, and Vicky Westover have announced a screening for cast and crew on October 25th at the Grand Cinemas Crossroads 6 in Tucson. Red 71 is also currently being submitted to major film festivals.
Mercy: From One LA To The Other
Posted on September 17, 2007
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Hollywood, CA – ArchImage Studio, LLC and Amateur Productions, LLC in association with the Lake Area Film Group are pleased to announce that its 2006 feature length film MERCY has been invited to the 2007 Hollywood Film Festival, October 17-22 at the ArcLight Cinemas on Sunset Boulevard. The Hollywood Film Festival and Hollywood Awards were created in 2000 to bridge the gap between Hollywood and the global creative community, while at the same time honoring the established Hollywood professionals.
This year, HFF announced an alliance with Film Threat, who brings their knowledge of genre films to the selection process. “We are honored to have Chris Gore and Film Threat joining us, so that we can recognize the great film contribution of genre filmmakers to the past, present and future of cinema by showcasing their work at the Hollywood Film Festival,” festival founder Carlos de Abreu said.
“Film festivals have always been very supportive of alternative and fringe indies. Unfortunately, genre films of the sci-fi, fantasy and horror genre often get left out of festival programs. How will we discover the next Peter Jackson if festivals do not support young filmmakers who create fantastic visions? Teaming with Carlos de Abreu and the Hollywood Film Festival will be a great way to showcase the best new work from indie genre filmmakers. I am ecstatic that Film Threat is involved in the selection process and is helping get this next generation of filmmakers much needed exposure,” said Film Threat founder, Chris Gore.
Mercy, the four-time Accolade Award of Excellence winner, was shot on a micro-budget in Lake Charles, LA under the production of writer and director, Patrick Roddy. A year after its release, the film continues to gain appeal. The Hollywood Film Festival follows a list of screenings that includes New York City, Santiago, Chile, and Ontario, Canada amongst others. “A Los Angeles screening is an excellent opportunity to garner even more momentum heading into the DVD release on Unearthed Films,†says co-producer, Scott Waldrop. “All of the major media outlets cover the festival, not to mention the 25,000 movie goers who are expected to attend the event.â€
In addition to the film screenings, HFF is honoring actor Casey Affleck (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Gone Baby Gone), screenwriter Christopher Hampton (Atonement), director Brad Bird (Ratatouille) and visual effects supervisor Scott Farrar (Transformers) for their respective work in 2007.
Mercy Update
Posted on August 1, 2007
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MERCY, the LAFG’s first feature length film, has been making the festival circuit. Directed by Patrick Roddy and starring Gary Shannon, the film was shot entirely in Lake Charles and DeRidder, Louisiana. Other cast members include Shelly Farrell, Charles McNeely, Julie Ann Fay, Mike Mayo and Carol Anne Gayle. In addition to the numerous positive reviews MERCY has recieved, the film has also been seen at the following festivals and venues -
In addition, MERCY recieved an unprecented four Accolade Awards of Excellence - Feature Film, Leading Actor Gary Shannon, Art Direction and Direction
Executive Director
Posted on March 16, 2006
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At the March 6th meeting of the LAFG Board of Directors Scott Waldrop was elected as the new LAFG Executive Director. Scott has been a member of the LAFG since its founding and served as the interim Director during the fall of 2005.
In addition Scott was the founder and first President of McNeese State University’s FOCUS club, a member of the National Broadcasting Society and the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters.
As an active member of the LAFG, Scott served as Assistant Director on the LAFG’s first project, the short film Scout’s Honor and also served as Assistant Director on Mercy, an independent feature length film shot last summer in Lake Charles.
Congratulations Scott and welcome aboard!
New Discussion Forum
Posted on March 16, 2006
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Chris Smith, the LAFG Webmaster, has recently launched a new discussion forum for LAFG members and guests. You can visit the forum here.
The new forum includes many new features and is a great way to get to know members of the group and get more information on upcoming events.
LAFG Board Positions Announced
Posted on July 9, 2005
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The LAFG Steering Committee has completed current appointments to the Board of Directors. Terms of both the Board and Steering Committee will be outlined in a future posting. Directorship descriptions and board appointments are listed below.

Executive Director
The Executive Director will oversee the other Directors and various committees in their mission to complete the goals of the LAFG. The Executive Director’s duties include but are not limited to long term goal planning for the LAFG, disciplinary action, fundraising, and the grant application process.
The search for an Executive Director is ongoing, but Scott Waldrop has graciously agreed to fill this position in the interim.
Director of Programming
The Director of Programming will be responsible for producing LAFG’s annual film festival and related events during the year. The duties include but are not limited to reviewing submissions; sending out acceptance and denial notifications to contestants. The Director will establish the event program which will include seminars, guest speakers, and a schedule of films. The Director will be in charge of locating a venue(s) for the scheduled events. The Director will oversee a Program Committee who will assist the Director in the review of submissions.
Carol Ann Gayle has been appointed as Director of Programming.
Director of Finance
The Director of Finance will be in charge of tracking all revenue and expenditures for the LAFG. The Director must have experience and knowledge of bookkeeping practices and working knowledge of software to support these duties. The Director will be responsible for monthly and yearend financial statements, and the preparation of tax statements to various governmental bodies.
Denise McGuire has been appointed as Director of Finance.
Director of Marketing
The Director of Marketing oversees all marketing efforts to complete the mission of the LAFG. The Director’s duties include but are not limited to establishing a marketing plan and budget. Supervising the usage of LAFG’s logo and motto; promotions and promotional events; and sending out press releases. The Director will work closely with the Director of Programming, the Director of Membership and the Web Master.
Julie Ann Fay has been appointed as Director of Marketing.
Director of Membership
The Director of Membership’s job duties include but are not limited to the upkeep of the LAFG membership database, meeting attendance records, newsletters and meeting notification emails.
Vicky Prestridge has been appointed as Director of Membership.
Web Master
The Web Master will work closely with the Director of Membership and the Director of Marketing to maintain and update various LAFG websites. The Web Master will need to be conversant in HTML, ASP, database programming, graphic design, and other related technologies.
Chris Smith has been appointed as Web Master.
For additional information about the LAFG, please visit the Forum or email us at LAFilmGroup@gmail.com.
Recently
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- Red 71
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