Press Releases

VISION FILM FESTIVAL-2007

**NEWS RELEASE**

For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Sandra R. Eubank, President
Blue Ridge SW-VA Film Office Inc.
Vision Film Festival-2007
Program Director
(540) 562-4315 (h) or (540) 309-7555 (c)
Email: SandraEubank@cs.com
Web Site: www.blueridgeswvafilm.org

~ and ~

Margaret Sue Turner Wright, Vice President
Blue Ridge SW-VA Film Office Inc.
Animation/Art Director
Vision Film Festival-2007
(540) 774-1441 (h) or (540) 520-3171 (c)
Email: artzysuzi@hotmail.com

ROANOKE - The Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office Incorporated announce their call for entries for their fifth anniversary event. The 2007 Vision Film Festival will be held on April 19, 20, 21, 2007 in Roanoke, Virginia and surrounding areas.

Submissions will be accepted from November 1, 2006, and will close with a midnight postmark of no later than March 1, 2007. Categories will be accepted and judged by a panel of professionals that either teach film production or work within the film industry.

Entry fee rates are for productions less than twenty (20) minutes only $25.00 per submission and entry running times greater than twenty (20) minutes will be $35.00 per submission.

Categories will be accepted in Animation short films, documentaries, and feature films. Independent productions in short films, documentaries, and feature films. A total of 4 DVD-Videos or 4 VHS tapes complete with headshots of producers/directors, BIO information, brief synopsis of productions submitted are to accompany your entries. Each entry must have entry form which can be downloaded at our website: www.blueridgeswvafilm.org. Entry fees can be paid by Certified Check/Funds, Money Orders or by Visa or MasterCard. All entry materials will not be returned.

Please mail all entries to the BRSWVA Film Office Inc. at 2828 Emissary Drive NW Roanoke, Virginia, attention Program Director, Sandra R. Eubank or Animation/Art Director Margaret Sue Turner Wright.

The 2007 Vision Film Festival theme is "Robots, Science, Salute to the Future!" All entries welcomed! For more information call our film office's hotline at (540) 562-1713.

VISION FILM FESTIVAL-2006

**NEWS RELEASE**

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sandra R. Eubank, President
Chair/ Program Director
(540) 562-1713 Hotline
(540) 309-7555 cell
Email: SandraEubank@cs.com
Web Site: www.blueridgeswvafilm.org

Margaret Sue Turner Wright, Vice President/ Art Director
(540) 520-3171 cell
Email: artzysuzi@hotmail.com

The Vision Film Festival-2006 April 20-22, 2006

ROANOKE - The Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office Incorporated announce their upcoming Vision Film Festival guests, new Host Hotel, new locations for screening of feature films, short films, documentaries, and animation competitions as well as workshops and panel discussions. CALL for ENTRIES deadline extended to March 1, 2006, visit our web site www.blueridgeswvafilm.org for more information or call the film office hotline, (540) 562-1713.

The 2006 Vision Film Festival will Salute our Nation’s MASH Units in cooperation with the Bedford, Virginia’s National D-day Memorial. Our non-profit organizations will honor our service men and women who have given so much of themselves as they fought to save soldier’s lives in Iraq, Desert Storm, Korea, Vietnam, and two World Wars. In keeping with our theme, The 2006 Vision Film Festival Committee and the Blue Ridge Southwest Virginia Film Office Incorporated will honor our Special Guest Star, William Christopher, Father Mulcahy of the hit television show M*A*S*H. Mr. Christopher will be presented The John Payne Lifetime Achievement Award at our fourth annual Film Festival Awards/Animation Gala, which will held at Roanoke City’s historic hotel, The Hotel Roanoke on Saturday evening April 22, 2006. Former recipients of this prestigious award are Academy AwardR winning actors Patricia Neal and Mickey Rooney. At our 2005 event we honored one of Roanoke’s own, David Huddleston.

William Christopher starred on M*A*S*H for eleven years. He made his television acting debut as Pfc. Hummel on Gomer Pyle, U.S. M. C. Mr. Christopher has appeared in numerous television and film productions including the academy award-winning film, The Fortune Cookie, and such television shows as The Andy Griffith Show, Hogan’s Heroes, Murder She Wrote, Love Boat, and Mad About You. William and his wife Barbara, co authored a book about raising their son Ned who has autism entitled, Mixed Blessings.

William Christopher will join the panel discussion, “Fiction verses Reality: MASH the Untold Stories” with Doctor Robert Lewis L. Keeley, Patient Services Medical Surgical Services at Carilion Health System and Doctor James S. Cain, E.A.C.P. of Valley Nephrology Associates on Friday, April 21, 2006 in the Shenandoah Room at the Hotel Roanoke and at Hollins University on Saturday, April 22, 2006.

The Vision Film Festival 2006 event, will premier films such as No Retreat From Destiny, a Lion Heart FilmWorks production by the award winning writer and director, Kevin Hershberger from Richmond, Virginia. Kevin will return and chair the screenwriter’s workshop and producer panels for the fourth year. Also premiering is a dramatic/comedy, Two Fireflies, produced by Mabel Vixen Productions in Purcellville, Virginia and Midnight Film’s director and screenwriter, Adam Meyer. Professor Roger Wilson, of Virginia Western Community College, co starred and is the Executive Producer on the Production. Roger will serve on our Producer Panels.

For the science fiction/ horror fans, the Vision Film Festival 2006 event will showcase a David Stewart Production entitled, Confinement, filmed on location in and around Charlottesville, Virginia. Darkstone Entertainment’s John Johnson will return as we showcase his latest films shot in Virginia. The feature film Skelton Key, a comedy/horror film and Bayne, a dramatic short film. Cullen Studios in Roanoke, Virginia will showcase their short film, The Visit, a puppet tale of the unusual and two feature length films entitled, The Dead Have Risen and Super Badass. Charles Cullen will give his expertise on how he has developed his unique style as a producer/director. John Birmingham Productions located in Roanoke, Virginia will showcase their first horror/comedy feature film, Crazy Animal, produced and directed by John Birmingham. Triple Sticks Productions from New York presents a M. David Lee III hilarious comedy about couples that decide to try, “Speed Dating” in his latest film, Slow Down…You’re Dating Too Fast!

Short films award winning producer Lis Anna from Asheville, North Carolina and her film company, Out Of The Way Productions, will present at our Vision Film Festival, The Joy Café. Caroline Moore of Lynchburg, Virginia composed the Orginial scored music. Caroline chaired our first Composer panel at our 2005 event. Lis Anna will serve on our producer panels. Sail Away Productions located in Nokesville, Virginia and produced and directed by Tom Basham, returns with his short film, The Santa Train, “He does have a red nose, and just look at that belly…he must be…” Submitted from Toronto, Canada, is a short film by Ganymedia Incorporated entitled, The Offering, a dramatic film about the progression and the passing of life written, directed and produced by Paul Lee originally from Hong Kong. From Oxbridge, Maine comes a comedy short story of social discomfort, Faux Pas, directed by Dawn Anderson who makes her movie debut at our Vision Film Festival. From Salem, Virginia comes a short film by SubCreations Productions, Song of the Lesbian Pirates, depicts a pair of hapless but determined artistes…as they embrace their fate as the second coming of Gilbert and Sullivan with, kinky, inept opera about lesbian pirates complete with animated scenes that add to their story telling. SubCreations Productions also weaves a story about love in their short film by Ben Snyder, Watermelon Honey which shows how much of what we do is in us to begin with. More to be announced!

In our documentary category, from Swinging Gate Productions, LLC located in Roanoke, Virginia, Down in the Old Belt: Voices from the Tobacco South, produced, written and directed by James P. Crawford. From Peculiar Productions located also in Roanoke, Virginia is a documentary produced, edited and directed by Janet Lubas, This Will Hurt for a Minute: The Charles E. Cullen Story, A Tale of Savage Independence. From Studio City, California, Dektor Films presents two Documentaries, Fat Cake and Do You Want the Elephant Music? The producer/director, Leslie Dektor, began his career as a still photographer in Johannesburg, South Africa. He immigrated to the United States where he has directed several documentaries, and has produced hundreds of television commercials, garnering 12 DGA nominations and winning director of the year twice. Roanoke’s O. Winston Link Museum will have two documentaries showcased, one from Freehold, New Jersey by Burgess Productions David Dwayne Burgess, O. Winston Link Living History, and from WDBJ Television Incorporated, Ted Stone, What A Picture I Got. From Los Olivos, California is a documentary that every woman should see, What Babies Want, narrated by Noah Wyle who recently completed a decade of award-winning work in his role as Doctor John Carter on ER. Wyle has a strong mission to speak for the well being of babies and children, from Beginnings Film, by Director Debby Takikawa. More to be announced!

Workshops and panel discussions will be held on Friday, April 21, 2006, at the Historic Hotel Roanoke’s Shenandoah Room and on Saturday, April 22, 2006 at Hollins University. “How Do I Become Published?” panel discussion will be chaired once again by national publisher Alexander Books’ founder and CEO Ralph Roberts. Author Stephen Michael Shearer; will introduce his book, Patricia Neal: An Unquiet Life, which is the first biography of the actress in nearly twenty years, following Neal’s personal memoir, As I Am, penned in 1988. Patricia Neal was the first recipient of the John Payne Lifetime Achievement Award at our first Vision Film Festival in 2003. University Press located in Lexington, Kentucky will provide prerelease copies of Patricia Neal: An Unquiet Life for author Stephen Shearer to autograph directly after the Publishers Panel discussions. Hap Houlihan, Publicity Manager for University Press will represent University Press on the panel discussions. Alexander Books from Asheville, NC will unveil Sandra R. Eubank’s first book, Room 409, a collection of short stories about ghostly events in Virginia hospitals wonderfully illustrated by artist Anne Bell. Sandra’s over 35 years of hospital nursing in the Roanoke area and her professional writing skill come together in this collection of well-crafted short stories that both thrill and chill. Illustrator Anne Bell formerly from Roanoke is most noted for her portraits of Federal Judges and former Mayor Noel Taylor. Anne is also a noted sculptor who’s work of historical figures like Andrew Lewis, stands outside of the Salem Civic Center. Alexander Books will have prerelease copies of Sandra’s books for autograph sessions directly after the Publisher’s panels. Vickie L. Holt joins the publisher’s panel this year with her latest book, Vengeance Is Mine. Dragonslair Studio in New Jersey, adapted the novel to audio-play format, and have recorded it for CD and cassette release. Author/director Adam Meyer will showcase his book, The Last Domino, just named by the American Library Association as a Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. More to be announced!

Casting Directors workshops will be conducted by Anne Chapman, Casting Director for LionHeart Film Works, in Richmond since 2000. Anne has cast for such films as No Retreat From Destiny, Wicked Spring, Punchline, Three Men and a Baby, Mosquito Coast, When Harry Met Sally, and Uncle Buck to name a few. Joining Anne will be Jeanne Boisineau, also based in Richmond, Virginia. Jeanne has cast for such films as Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds, Terrence Malick’s The New World, Ridley Scott’s Hannibal, Boys on the Run, Dancing in the Fire, Minority Report, and many regional and national television, radio and print spots. More to be announced!

Judges for the Vision Film Festival competition include Chairman Klaus Phillips who is a graduate of the University of Texas where he obtained his Ph.D. He is a Professor of German and Film at Hollins University in Hollins, Virginia where he also serves as the director of the graduate program in screenwriting and film studies as well as founding director of the Hollins Film and Censorship, and Introduction to Film as Art. Professor Phillips has chaired the judging committee for the Vision Film Festivals over the past three years. Jason Brown returns this year as a judge and is a filmmaker and teacher at the University of North, Carolina at Greensboro. With a Master’s Degree in screenwriting and Film Studies from Hollins University, Jason has taught at Concord University and West Virginia State University. More to be announced!

Animation is a new competition area for the Vision Film Festivals. We are pleased to announce an animation work coming from Datong, Shanxi China, entitled 'Balance', from the Bough Animation Company.

David Baker, founder and director of the Kalamazoo Animation Festival International will be this year’s Special Guest Animator. David is an award winning media producer, animator and educator. Additional Animation Judges will include: Ramin Zahed, Editor in Chief of Animation Magazine, Online Editor/Writer Ryan Ball, graduate of Radford University and former resident of Salem, Virginia; and, Caryl Zaronikos, of Roanoke, Virginia.

The Academy Award® winning visual effects company, Tippett Studio, was founded in 1984 by animation pioneer Phil Tippett. Tippett Studio is an Academy Award® winning visual effects company specializing in a wide range of CG animation and digital effects for feature films and television commercials. The Company has created visual effects for over 50 films including Constantine, Hellboy, The Matrix Revolutions, Hollow Man, Starship Troopers, Dragonheart, and Jurassic Park. Mr. James Brown, Lead Animator will represent Tippett Studio.

Paul Moldovanos, The Clay Man, is an Animation-filmmaker, cartoonist, sculptor, comedy writer and designer living in Vancouver, BC will also serve as an animation judge. Nancy Jacobs of Bent Image Lab located in the New York office is noted for 3D animation and mixed media who’s clients include Kellogg’s, PBS, SNL, and Cartoon Network to name a few.

Local judges include Richard Moore, owner/animator from Cendrick Enterprises in Salem, Virginia and in Roanoke, Virginia, Jamal Millner, President/Animator at M3: Grafixs and Animations, a division of Millner Multi Media LTD, artists Carolyn Moock and Carol Nelms, local videographer/photographer Walker Nelms and Dave Socky, Producer/Director/Owner of Hodag Video Productions.

The Vision Film Festival-2006 event is sponsored by: The Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office Incorporated, the Virginia Film Office, The City of Roanoke, City of Covington, Roanoke County, Carilion Health System, Cox Communications, WDBJ-7 Television, RVTV Channel 3, RP Publishing, Prime Living Magazine, Ginger’s Jewelry, Oakey’s Funeral Service, Colonial Downs, Valley Metro and Smart Buses, Kroger and from Montreal, Canada, Toon Boom. More to be announced!

Venues for showcasing the Vision Film Festival-2006 events are Consolidated Theatre Valley View Grande 16, Buchanan Theatre in Buchanan, Virginia, O. Winston Link Museum Theatre, Hopkins Planetarium of the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and Hollins University Theatre. More to be announced!

The Volunteer Sponsorship organization for the Vision Film Festival-2006 event will be the SIGMA CHI fraternity, ETA LAMBDA chapter at Virginia Tech, in honor of their brother, William Christopher, our Special Guest Star. More to be Announced!

Tickets go on sale March 27, 2006. For ticket information please go to our web site www.blueridgeswvaafilm.org or call our hotline (540) 562-1713.

Sandra Eubank has just announced the publication of her new book "Room 409"! Click here to download the Room 409 press release. ( 27Kb, in Adobe PDF format, will open in a new Acrobat Reader window )

July 16, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office Inc. announces Open Auditions will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2004, at the Clarion Hotel-Roanoke Airport located at 3315 Ordway Drive NW in Roanoke, Virginia. Audition times will be held from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Stormcatcher Films LLC located in Richmond, Virginia will hold auditions for two female lead roles for their upcoming feature film Wolfsbane. Producer Scot Tanner and director Paul Moore will be present at the auditions.

Wolfsbane's principle photography is scheduled for production beginning on August 12th, 2004 through September 4th in the Roanoke and Bedford, Virginia areas. This feature film is a nonunion production and payment will be decided on a per performer basis.

The two female lead roles must be between the ages of 19 to 28 years old and be in good physical condition for the demands of these roles. Interested actresses must bring a headshot/resume, have a one minute monologue prepared that showcases their acting range and abilities. A cold reading will also be conduced by director Paul Moore.

Stormcatcher Films, LLC is a Richmond, Virginia based production company specializing in genre specific entertainment. Formed in 2002 by producer Scot Tanner and director Paul Moore, Stormcatcher Films produces low-budget, high-quality films for release in the Independent marketplace. The Vision Film Festival-2004 showcased their first feature film, Dark Harvest, which has achieved nationwide release through Lions Gate Home Entertainment on April 20th, 2004. Dark Harvest is available at all major retailers and video rental outlets. This film featured our own Bootie Bell Chewning in her first speaking role in a major motion picture.

CONTACT:

Sandra R. Eubank, Co Director
(540) 562-4315h
(540) 309-7555c
Email: SandraEubank@cs.com

'Star power: Chewning and Eubanks in Southern Living', By Jack Christian.
Read Mr. Christian's story at MainStreetNewspapers.com (will open in a new browser window )

April 8, 2004 - Click here to view the article reprint © Copyright 2004, Southern Living. Reprinted with permission.

The Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office Inc.
In Conjunction with
Vision Film Festival-2004
And
Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Announce Winners of the
Film Competition
Vision Film Festival-2004
April 12, 2004

Contact:

Sandra R. Eubank, Co Chair/Program Director
Vision Film Festival-2004
Phone: (540) 562-1713 Hotline
(540) 309-7555 Cell

Wendi Schultz, CFE
Roanoke County Tourism, Events Coordinator
Phone: (540) 387-6078 Ext. 251
(540) 520-5558 Cell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The 2004-Vision Film Festival is proud to announce our first recognition award for producers that have been instrumental in bringing film and television production to the state of Virginia. Our first recipient of The Vision Award for Orginial Film and Television Production was Mr. Tom Naughton, President & CEO, Executive Producer for New Dominion Pictures located in Suffolk, Virginia. Tom has created and produced such television shows as 'The New Detectives', 'FBI Files', 'Critical Rescue', 'Diagnosis Unknown' and many other documentary oriented television productions. Mr. Naughton premiered his documentary The Boys of H Company, which tells the story about the United States Marine Corps 5th Division’s landing on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945.

Best Documentary went to 'Triple Nickels', which is part of the American Legacy Television series produced by Martin Jones of New Millennium Studios located in Petersburg, Virginia. Mr. Jones is General Manager and Partner in New Millennium Studios and was the producer of this documentary. Martin Jones tells the story of the all Black 555th “Parachute Infantry Battalion” also known as the Triple Nickels. This Parachute Battalion was the first and only all Black Airborne unit in the history of the U.S. Army.

Best In Show, Best Comedy, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Original Score for a Short Film and tied for Best Cinematography went to SOLD, submitted by Fudonzemski ‘24 Productions from Aurora, Illinois and produced by Michael W. Meyer. Michael is a graduate of Southern Illinois University’s Cinema and Photography program. The Vision Film Festival-2004 was his first film festival appearance.

Best Drama, Best Director and tied for Best Cinematography went to 'Mystic Motel' produced and directed by Kevin Hershberger of LionHeart Film Works located in Richmond, Virginia. Kevin is founder and Managing Partner of LionHeart Film-Works. He attended the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia where he majored in International Studies. His film Wicked Spring won Best Cinematography at our 2003-Vision Film Festival and has been released on DVD and video by Ardustry Home Entertainment in December 2003.

Best Acting in a Short Film went to Amelia Zontini and Elizabeth Roberts in 'Mystic Motel'.

Best Horror, Best Screenplay Adaptation, Best Scenic Design/Costumes went to 'Monkey’s Paw', Tribal Films Entertainment. The winning principals were Jeremy Habig and Nick Circelli producers, James Henschen Writer/Director and Randy Huggins and Jennifer Berti set design and costumes. Tribal Films Entertainment is located in Orlando, Florida.

Patricia Neal, Academy Awarding actress and first recipient of The John Payne Lifetime Achievement Award along with Clancy Payne, John Payne’s daughter, presented this prestigious award to icon Academy Award winner and Golden Globe recipient, Mickey Rooney, at our Award’s Gala on April 3, 2004 at the Clarion Hotel-Roanoke Airport. Margaret Sue Turner Wright, Featured Artist at this year’s film festival presented Mr. Rooney with her 'Living Portrait' painting showcasing his life and film characters that he has portrayed throughout his lifetime.

The Vision Film Festival’s Co Chair/Program Director Sandra R. Eubank, and D-Day Memorial’s Development Associate Joe Banner, honored Mr. Rooney for his military service during World War II by presenting Mr. Rooney a commemorative plaque from the National D-Day Memorial Foundation on Sunday April 4, 2004 in Bedford, Virginia. Bob Slaughter, D-Day veteran and one of the “driving forces” behind the formation and development of the Bedford D-Day Memorial, had the honor of presenting Mickey Rooney with this award. Anne Bell, Special Guest Artist at our Vision Film Festival and nationally known artist as well as former National D-Day Memorial Founding Board Member, was also on hand to present Mr. Rooney with three portraits, one as his lovable character of Andy Hardy and two depicting his military career. Mickey Rooney was drafted into the Army in 1944 in the European theatre and received a Bronze Star for his heroism. His service included entertaining the troops as a member of the 'Open Jeep' entertainers that went to the front lines to visit with and entertain the soldiers.

Most Valuable Volunteer Awards for the 2004-Vision Film Festival went to Trent Jones, General Manager Consolidated Theatre Valley View Grande 16 and member of the Board of Directors of the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office and to Jonathan Reed, 2004 Committee Member.

Judges for the 2004-Vision Film Festival were Doctor Klaus Phillips, Professor of German and Film at Hollins University Roanoke, Virginia. This is Doctor Phillips second year of chairing this part of our film festival. Michael Mansfield also returned to judge this year’s entries. Michael is Director of Media Services and Instructional Technology at Hollins University. Joining this year’s judging film competition committee is Jason Brown. Jason teaches at Concord College in Athens, West Virginia. He is finishing his Masters in Screenwriting and Film Studies at Hollins University.

For Immediate Release:
April 11, 2004

Announcing the Nominees and Winners of the 2004 Blue Ridge Vision Film Festival

Best In Show

The Nominees are:

Best Comedy

The Nominees are:

Best Drama

The Nominees are:

Best Horror

The Nominees are:

Best Director

The Nominees are:

Best Documentary

The Nominees are:

Best Cinematography

The Nominees are:

Best Screenplay

The Nominees are:

Best Editing

The Nominees are:

Best Scenic Design/Costumes

The Nominees are:

MICKEY ROONEY TO VISIT NATIONAL D-DAY MEMORIAL

Bedford, VA. Renown actor and World War II decorated veteran Mickey Rooney will visit the National D-Day Memorial on Sunday, April 4, 2004 at approximately 2:00 pm. Rooney, who has made over 200 films entered the service in 1944 in the European theatre and received a bronze star for heroism. His service included entertaining the troops and he was in a small group known as "Open Jeep" entertainers that went to the front lines to visit with and entertain the soldiers.

Rooney is in the area for a Guest Star appearance at the Blue Ridge - Southwest Virginia Vision Film Festival being held April 2-4 in Roanoke. According to the Festival’s program director, Sandra Eubank, "Mickey is very excited about visiting the Memorial and considers it the highlight of his trip here. He is looking forward to it immensely."

The National D-Day Memorial Foundation is pleased Mr. Rooney will see the Memorial and has planned a special recognition that will be presented by Mr. Bob Slaughter, D-Day veteran and one of the driving forces behind the creation of the D-Day Memorial.

Mr. Rooney is expected to arrive at the Memorial in Bedford around 2:00 pm on Sunday. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

###

March 25, 2004

Contact: Wendi Schultz, CFE - Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Tourism & Event Coordinator
Telephone (540) 387-6078 ext. 251
wschultz@co.roanoke.va.us

Lights, Camera, Action!
Vision Film Festival Back for Encore Performance

The second annual Blue Ridge Southwest Virginia Vision Film Festival is fast approaching so be sure to buy your tickets early! This year’s festival again showcases films that feature Virginia as their shooting location, as well as focusing on producers, directors, makeup and special effects artists, casting directors and screenwriters from the state of Virginia. This multi-location film festival wraps with 'An Affair to Remember,' a vintage inspired gala complete with awards/dinner ceremony at the Clarion Hotel Roanoke Airport, sponsored by the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office Incorporated.

You will definitely want a front row seat to see this year’s special guest stars, Mickey Rooney, Patricia Neal, and West Virginia’s own Russ McCubbin. Producers, Tom McNaughton and Martin Jones. And just added, a special panel of entertainment lawyers, Kirk T. Schroder, Bennett J. Fidlow and John Anderson.

Tickets are available from Clarion Hotel Roanoke Airport, Roanoke County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, The Brambleton Recreation Center, and Consolidated Theatre Valley View Grande 16. Advance Tickets can also be ordered by phone using Visa or MasterCard at (540) 562-1713. Ticket prices start at $6.00 per single event. You may also purchase a one-day pass for $10.00, two-day pass for $20.00 or three-day weekend pass at the rate of $25.00, which includes admission to all workshops and films. Tickets to “An Affair to Remember” are $35.00 single and $60.00 couple.

For more information on the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office please visit them on the web at: www.blueridgeswvafilm.org.

March 2, 2004

Contact: Wendi Schultz, CFE - Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Tourism & Event Coordinator
Telephone (540) 387-6078 ext. 251
wschultz@co.roanoke.va.us

Vision Film Festival Back for Encore Performance

Putting Virginia films, directors, writers and producers in the spotlight April 2-4.

The second annual Blue Ridge Southwest Virginia Vision Film Festival will be held April 2-4. This multi-location film festival announces "An Affair to Remember," a vintage inspired gala complete with awards/dinner ceremony at the Clarion Hotel Roanoke Airport, sponsored by the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office Incorporated.

The Vision Film Festival once again showcases films that feature Virginia as their shooting location, as well as focusing on producers, directors, makeup and special effects artists, casting directors and screenwriters from the state of Virginia. Meet Tom Naughton, New Dominion Pictures Executive Producer and creator of such Discovery Channel programs as, The FBI Files, New Detectives, Diagnosis Unknown, and Critical Rescue. Martin Jones, Managing Partner for New Millennium Studios and Producer for The American Legacy television series.

Feature films and documentaries will be screened at Consolidated Theatre’s Valley View Grande 16 theatre near Valley View Mall in Roanoke. The festival will also feature student films at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor’s Center located at Virginia’s Explore Park, milepost 115 off the Blue Ridge Parkway on Saturday April 3. Besides screenings, the festival will offer workshops with screenwriters, actors, and other film professionals at Virginia’s Explore Park on Friday, April 2 and the Clarion Hotel Roanoke Airport on Saturday, April 3 and on Sunday, April 4.

Special guest stars scheduled to appear are Mickey Rooney, critically acclaimed actor whose career has extended through many generations. With over 200 films under his belt, Mickey has earned an Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement, five Oscar nominations, one Emmy Award, five Emmy Nominations and two Golden Globes. Academy Award winning actress Patricia Neal, awarded the first John Payne Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2003 Vision Film Festival returns by popular demand! Ms. Neal will present to Mickey Rooney the 2004 John Payne Lifetime Achievement Award at our "An Affair to Remember" award’s gala on April 3. Also joining this year’s festival is West Virginia’s own, Russ McCubbin, who may be best known for his work in Another 48 Hours and Sudden Impact.

Tickets for the Vision Film Festival are available from Clarion Hotel, Roanoke Airport, Roanoke County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, The Brambleton Recreation Center, andConsolidated Theatre Valley View Grande 16. Advance Tickets can also be ordered by phone using Visa or MasterCard at (540) 562-1713. Ticket prices start at $6.00 per single event. You may also purchase a one-day pass for $10.00, two-day pass for $20.00 or three-day weekend pass at the rate of $25.00, which includes admission to all workshops and films. Tickets to "An Affair to Remember" are $35.00 single and $60.00 couple.

The Vision Film Festival is just one way the Blue Ridge Southwest Virginia Film Office works to promote the Blue Ridge area and Southwest Virginia as ideal locations for filming movies and television and a source of acting talent. For more information about feature films, documentaries, and film festival guests please visit the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office web site, www.blueridgeswvafilm.org.

The Blue Ridge Southwest Virginia Vision Film Festival’s sponsors include Roanoke County, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism department, Consolidated Theatre Valley View Grande 16, the City of Covington, the Town of Vinton, Carilon Health System, Clarion Hotel Roanoke Airport, Cox Communications, Roanoke Valley Television, Graphic Information Sciences, RP Publishing, Colonial Downs, Virginia’s Explore Park and The Virginia Film Office.

# # #

Mickey Rooney appears under license authorized by CMG Worldwide, Inc. www.CMGWorldwide.com (will open in a new browser window)

January 19, 2004, For Immediate Release

Bootie and Sandra were featured on the cover of the premier issue of 'Prime Living', an RP Publishing magazine. We are pleased to present a copy of that cover:

Click here to visit the Prime Living web site at www.primeliving.net ( will open in a new browser window )

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2003

Ann Ross Turner, former wife of racecar legend Curtis Turner, gently past away while being sung to by her loving children and family at Carilion Medical Center in Roanoke, Virginia on Wednesday, November 12, 2003. Ann was instrumental in helping Curtis to study and obtain his first pilot’s license. She was a strong support for him throughout the construction of the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte North Carolina and encouraged his racing career as well as his many business ventures. Ann and Curtis had four children. Margaret Sue Turner Wright was born on the day that her father won his first race, August 31, 1947, in Covington, Virginia. The racing legend had converted his talent of running moonshine into a career in professional stock car racing. Sue lives in Roanoke, Virginia with her husband Barry Wright and their five children. Rev. Curtis Ross Turner is their second child and he lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife Kathy and their two children. Their third child is Priscilla Turner Gauldin who resides in Goodview, Virginia with her husband Daniel. Their last child is Tyler Turner who still lives in Vinton, Virginia.

Ann Ross Turner was born in her home in Vinton, Virginia on May 5, 1927 to her parents the late Posey J. and Eleanor Ross. Ann was a graduate of Ferrum Junior College. She worked for the Town of Vinton as a Secretary for several years. Ann Turner was also an accomplished pianist and instructed students in her home for many years. She was a loving and spirited mother and grandmother of seven and one great-grand daughter.

Ann Ross Turner is also survived by her two brothers, Bill and David Ross and her two sisters, Margaret Ross Bird of Florida and Dr. Rebecca Ross.

Funeral services will be conducted at Second Presbyterian Church on Second Street in Roanoke, Virginia on Saturday November 15 at 12 Noon. The Rev. Doctor George C. Anderson will preside at the funeral. Ann Ross Turner will be laid to rest in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens on Airport Road in Roanoke, Virginia.

ANN ROSS TURNER

May 5, 1927-November 12, 2003

Contact:

Margaret Sue Turner Wright

(540) 774-1441 Home

The Film Office invites you to participate in our second annual film festival for Southwest Virginia. Click here for more information

The Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Vision 2003 Film Festival was held on April 24, 25, and 26, 2003. Click here to view the press release ( will open in a new browser window ).

May 11, 2002
Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office, Inc. meets with the Virginia Film Office

On Friday, March 15, 2002, a delegation of government officials accompanied "Bootie" Bell Chewning and Sandra R. Eubank, Co-Directors of the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office to our state capitol. Bill Zimmerman, Vice Mayor City of Covington, John Holpe, Covington City Manager, Alfred "Fred" C. Anderson, Roanoke County Treasurer, and Tom Rotenberry Councilman for the Town of Vinton represented their respective areas in a meeting with our state film office. Rita D. McClenny, Director and Rebecca Albert, Marketing Manager made everyone feel welcome with their warm greetings and genuine hospitality. "Fred" Anderson chaired the meeting and led the discussion for our office.

Goals for this meeting were to establish an ongoing working relationship between our two film offices and to obtain recognition by the Virginia Film Office, as the official film bureau for the areas we represent as well as future governments that are planning to become apart of our jurisdiction. This meeting was informative and successful for both offices.

Andy Edmunds, Location Manager for the state office had the opportunity to bring us up to date concerning locations that were being scouted in and around our region. After our meeting, Rita took us on a tour of the office, which resides on the fourteenth floor. What a breath taking view of historic Richmond!

We also met Mary Nelson, Communication Manager and had the opportunity to discuss our web sites and how our mutual links benefit each other's offices. Please take the opportunity to review our letter of recommendation from the state office and group photograph taken by J. Hollomon, Media Imaging Specialist for the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

The Virginia Film Office and Blue Ridge - Southwest Virginia Film Office, Inc. meeting attendees:
(left to right, seated) Rebecca Albert, Marketing Manager, Rita D. McClenny, Director, Barbara Bell "Bootie" Chewning, and Sandra R. Eubank
(left to right, standing) John Holpe, Covington City Manager, Alfred "Fred" C. Anderson, Roanoke County Treasurer, Bill Zimmerman, Vice Mayor of the City of Covington, and Tom Rotenberry, Town of Vinton Councilman.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 10, 2002

The Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office Incorporated announces their film office's official Web Site and Promotional CD featuring the photographic work of charter Advisory Board Members, Barry Wright and Tommy Firebaugh. Web site design is by Michael Ewing, Webmaster, and Owner of Graphic Information Sciences.

The official spokesperson and welcome address featured on our site is former resident, DEBBIE REYNOLDS, star of stage and screen for over fifty-three years. She began her acting career in 1949 with Warner Brothers' production of "The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady." Debbie's first break came in an MGM musical starring Fred Astaire and Red Skelton, "Three Little Words" in which she portrayed Helen Kane, the "Boop-boop-a-doop" girl of the late 1930's. L. B. Mayer choose her for the leading female role in what became one of the greatest screen musicals of all time, "Singin' In The Rain." Over a ten year period, Debbie Reynolds, made more than twenty-five films including "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" winning her only Oscar nomination.

Barry Wright serves as Locations Photographer for the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office. Barry is president of RP Publishing located in Salem, Virginia. He has been in the marketing, publishing and advertising business for almost thirty years. His first coffee table book, The Greater Roanoke Region, showcases his abilities as a professional photographer.

Tommy Firebaugh also serves as Locations Photographer and has been voted "Best Area Photographer" by the readers of the Roanoker Magazine eight times since 1992. Tommy has been a member of the Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) since 1986, having earned a "Fellow of Photographer" degree in 1996. He is also a member of the Virginia Mountain Crafts Guild (VMCG) and the Virginia-Carolina Classic Crafters. Mr. Firebaugh is retired as a Product Manager from the Norfolk Southern Corporation.

The Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office has the government support and encouragement from leaders from the City of Covington such as, Mayor Temple Kessinger, Vice-Mayor Bill Zimmerman and City Manager John Holpe, all charter members of our Advisory Board.

Mayor Kessinger serves as the Chairman of the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission and Vice-Chairman of the Virginia Association for the Planning Districts Commissions. Mr. Kessinger is President Elect of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce.

Vic-Mayor William (Bill) Zimmerman has a strong interest in economic development and serves on two area economic development committees. Bill has a radio broadcast background starting his career as a radio announcer at WKEY in Covington, later moving on to WXCP in Clifton Forge and WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia. For seven years Bill was part owner of WSLW and WKCL in White Sulphur Springs and Lewisburg, West Virginia.

City Manager John Holpe was appointed to this position in 1996. John holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the West Virginia University. John is a voting member of the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission as well as a member of the Roanoke Regional Alliance Committee.

From the Town of Vinton, Mayor Don Davis and Special Events Coordinator Mary Beth Layman, both have been working in support of the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office and are valued charter Advisory Board Members.

Mayor Davis serves on the board of the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Commission in which he holds the office of Vice Chairman. Don Davis also serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Planning Commission, Roanoke Valley Alliance, Roanoke Valley Alleghany League, and the West Central Virginia Coalition.

Mary Beth Layman serves as the Special Programs Coordinator for the Town of Vinton since 1979. Mary Beth also serves on the Vinton Dogwood Festival, Roanoke Regional Cable Committee, and the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia film Office, Inc. Mrs. Layman has served as the past president of the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation and Officer of the Virginia Festival and Event Association. In her spare time Mary Beth has served as a Coach for the Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination for nine years. Mary Beth Layman is the location's contact for the film office in and around the Town of Vinton.

Roanoke County Treasurer Alfred C. Anderson has held the position of treasurer since first being elected to this position in 1971. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Sciences. Fred Anderson has been a strong supporter of the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office and serves as this organizations' Treasurer for Fund Raising Events. He also serves on the Boards of the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority holding the position of Treasurer for the organization, as well as, Vice-Chairman of the Governor's Commission on National and Community Services.

Elaine Bays Simpson is the Station Manager for Roanoke Valley Television-Channel 3 located in Roanoke, Virginia. Elaine holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bluefield College majoring in Organizational Management. She also holds an Associates Degree from Virginia Western Community College majoring in Television and Radio Productions. Ms. Simpson serves as a Board Member of the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and is a charter member of the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office since its formation. Elaine serves as the Chairperson for the "Film Crew" Contact Committee for the Website.

Teresa Spence serves as the Advisory Board's Secretary and member of the board. Teresa graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Theatrical Arts with a Dance Concentration from Hollins University in Hollins, Virginia. In 2000 she returned to her almamater and obtained her Masters Degree in Humanities.

Elizabeth Matheny Cranwell is a public relations professional graduating from the University of Virginia in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Government and Spanish. In 1996 Mrs. Cranwell obtained her Master of Arts degree in Public Communications from The American University. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Science Museum of Western Virginia where she chairs the museum's marketing committee and is President of the East chapter of the MOMS Club of Roanoke. Cranwell is the former President of the Board of Directors of the Arlington Community Temporary Shelter Inc., is a former member of the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission, and former board member of the New Vista Montessori School in Roanoke, Virginia.

In the area of Lynchburg, Virginia we have two valued charter Advisory Board members and location contacts for the area, Mar Gregory and Bob Lauro. Mar Gregory is a Roanoke native and now resides in the city of Lynchburg. Mar has worked within the film industry as a Production/casting assistant for many years. Mrs. Gregory currently works as a Parent Educator for the Campbell County Social Services Department. Mar has served on the Board of Life Outreach Ministries and is involved in various church ministries' projects.

Bob Lauro is the Executive Director of the Liberty Broadcasting Network (LBN) located in Lynchburg, Virginia and is CO-Owner of Key Lights Film and Video Company with over twenty-five years of broadcasting experience. Bob is a graduate from Boston University Majoring in Broadcasting and Film Production.

The Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office is owned and operated by Barbara "Bootie" Bell Chewning and Sandra R. Eubank.

"Bootie" Chewning is President of the corporate Board of Directors and Co-Director of the film office. Mrs. Chewning is a graduate of Radford College/University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Biology and Drama. She served on the Roanoke County School Board for twelve years and served as Vice Chairperson of their board for eight years. Mrs. Chewning is a member of the Board of Directors of The Mill Mountain Theater and The Miss Virginia Pageant. "Bootie" writes a weekly column, 'People, Places and Things,' which appears in The Vinton Messenger.

Sandra R. Eubank is the Vice President of the Corporate Board of Directors and Co-Director of the film Office. Sandra is a Register Nurse and graduate of the College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, Virginia in 1993 with an Associate Degree in Science in Nursing and holds a Diploma in Nursing from Roanoke Memorial School of Practical Nursing from 1970. As a producer and writer, Sandra has written, produced and directed over 10 three-act plays as well as written several columns and feature articles for area magazines. As a casting director with over fifteen years of experience, Sandra has cast for major films, network and cable television.

For additional information on localities served, the Advisory Board Members and Co-Directors, please explore our website at http://www.blueridgeswvafilm.org.

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