Tag Archives: Deb Havens

And the winner is: The 2017 Eclipse Awards

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The 2017 Eclipse Award winners

It was a night for first-time award winners and a few surprises at the 2017 Eclipse Awards which took place Thursday, May 18, at the CityFlats Hotel in Grand Rapids.

 

The annual awards are designed to celebrate West Michigan filmmakers and the films they create. A call for entries was made at the end of March with judges from around the globe narrowing the entries down to a record number of nominees, which was more than 90. Past Eclipse winners were selected to place their votes for the best contenders in each category with those winners being announced last night.

 

For many, being nominated was a huge accomplishment and, in fact, all the nominees were honored at a special event at the JW Marriot earlier in the week.

 

“For me it is a great honor,” said first-time winner Andy Behm, who tied with Kyle Misak for Best Direction (Feature or Short.) Behm’s film is Hold On, which is about a couple and the trying times they face over a short period of time.

 

“I just graduated from college last week so it is a great way to start a career and for my film hopefully this is the first of many. It is a great honor just to be nominated and then to win is just awesome.”

 

First-time winner Geoffrey Young Haney, whose film Shadows won for Best Narrative Short, echoed the same about being nominated.

 

“This is the first thing I have ever submitted into anything at all,” Haney said, adding that he feels winning will help him to continue to build connections with those in the West Michigan film industry.

 

Deb Havens knows much about building connections as she was one of the leaders behind the development of the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance, one of the sponsors of the Eclipse Awards. Havens was honored for her leadership with the 2017 Hyperion Award.

 

“It is an award that really comes after a number of years of leadership,” Havens said. “But you are not a leader if no one is following or part of what you are leading toward as part of the goal and of the effort put into achieving that goal. And as I have mentioned, we have had over 50 people serve on the board and hundreds who have been members and we couldn’t have done anything without those folks.

 

“As you see tonight with all the people in the room, we made a difference and that is so huge.”

 

Receiving recognition for a film, any recognition, does help a project, said filmmaker Todd Lewis who won for Best Sound Design for the film The Rotation. Lewis said that it was “wonderful to be apart of this community,” but to be recognized in a room full of incredible artists from Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan only added to that honor.

 

Congratulations! And the Eclipse Winners at the 6th Annual Eclipse Awards are:
Best Editing in a Documentary
Rich Jackson for Stuck in Traffic, Modern-Day Slavery in Michigan
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Laura Walczak for Wake
Best Cinema Trailer
Migration – David Huizingh, producer
Best Director in a Documentary
Rich Jackson for Stuck in Traffic, Modern-Day Slavery in Michigan
Best Editor in a a Feature or Short
Cameron Lewis for Mordecai
Best Local & Regional Segments & Promotional Pieces
Gabe – David MacKenzie, Jilaine Snoeyink, Producers
Best Music Video, Original Performance
Private Slum – Zachary Clark, Andy Westra, Producers
The 2017 Hyperion Award
Dr. Deb Havens
Best Sound Design
Todd Lewis for The Rotation
On-Line programs, Segments or Promotional Pieces
Grand Rapids Glossary – Brian Kelly, Producer
Best Director in a Feature or Short
Andrew Behm for Hold On
Kyle Misak for Crazy Carl
Best Original Score
Gregory De lulio for Crazy Carl
Best Cinematography
Ben Wilke for Baxter Community Center
Best Narrative Short
Shadows – Geoffrey Young Haney, Joseph Scott Anthony, Dustin Wilfert, Producers
Best Writing in Documentary & Promotional Piece
Jason Ley for Modern Ahabs
Best Documentary Short
Renardo – Nathan Roels, Producer
Best Local TV & Cable
Modern Ahabs – Ben Wilke, Jason Ley, Producers
Best Feature Documentary
New Heights: Restoring A City – Eric Schrotenboer, Taz Painter, Producers
Best Animation
Erik Sebert for Space Scavenger
Best Screenplay
Harper Philbin and John Dufresne for Lucky Jay 2
Best Actor in a Lead Role
Morlan Higgins for Lucky Jay 2
Best Narrative Feature
Needlestick – Steven Karageanes, Producer

 

Presenters for this year’s event were John Philbin, Jessie Hollett, Sophie Bolen, Josh Reed, Michael McCallum, Mallory Patterson, Randy Strobl, Noah DeSmit, Amy Sherman, David Baker, Glen Okonoski, Anthony Griffin, Girbe Eefsting, Barb Roos, Jen Shaneberger, Rich Brauer, Stephen Tanner, Derk Baartman, Judy Bergsma, Gretchen Vinnedge, Stuart Poltrock, Sherryl Despres, and Todd Lewis.

 

Amy Heckerling, award-winning writer and director, to present at WMFVA’s 2016 Visiting Film Artist Series

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amyheckerlingBy Victoria Mullen

WKTV

 

The West Michigan Film Video Alliance (WMFVA) is bringing award-winning writer and director Amy Heckerling (Clueless, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Johnny Dangerously and Look Who’s Talking) to Grand Rapids for WMFVA’s 2016 Visiting Film Artist Series (VFAS).

 

Heckerling will lead the two-day event with a film screening, Q&A and reception 7-10 pm, September 9 and workshop/lunch 11:30 am-3:30 pm, September 10.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished artist to West Michigan and introduce her to the thriving film and digital media community here,” said WMFVA Chair Deb Havens.

 

“We think she’ll be impressed with the talent and tenacity of our creative community and we are excited to make the connection.”

 

Heckerling has been recognized for her talent and contribution to the industry with several awards: National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Screenplay; Writer’s Guild of America Best Screenplay Written Directly for Screen; Women in Film Crystal Awards; and the American Film Institute Franklin J. Schaffner Award.

 

“Amy Heckerling has made a significant mark in the film industry, creating films with humor and heart that stand the test of time,” said Havens. “She has successfully navigated a notoriously difficult industry and the knowledge and experience she can share with the WMFVA members and others in our community is extremely relevant to today’s challenges.”

 

Celebration! Cinema North at 2121 Celebration Drive NE, Grand Rapids, is the VFAS venue partner for the event, and viewers may expect a state-of-the-art film viewing experience for the Friday evening screening. Saturday’s workshop and luncheon will be held in the venue’s versatile and spacious Wave Room.

 

“We’ve been presenting movies for more than 70 years in West Michigan,” said Emily Loeks, Director of Community Affairs for Celebration! Cinema. “We get to be part of the magic that happens when people laugh and cry and connect with each other through the viewing of a movie.  We love to take opportunities to encourage local filmmakers and are glad to support the WMFVA’s efforts to bring inspiration and resources to students.”

“Her films … are uncommonly intelligent mainstream comedies that are endlessly rewatchable.”
~Metrograph, New York City

The Visiting Film Artist Series debuted in 2015 with accomplished screenwriter Paul Schrader (Raging Bull, Taxi Driver) to a sold-out audience. The event is dedicated to exploring the unique perspectives, experiences and knowledge of professionals who have made a significant contribution to the art and craft of film.

 

WMFVA developed the VFAS as an integral part of professional development opportunities for its members and others who live and work in West Michigan and contribute to its thriving film and digital media community and culture. The series is open to the public; WMFVA members receive a discount and early registration privileges. New members are eligible for the benefits immediately upon joining.

 

The VFAS appeals to the many area universities that offer distinguished film-related programs and provides an important opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and content creators to connect directly with industry veterans.

 

Also instrumental in supporting the WMFVA Visiting Film Artist Series are community partners Meijer, Inc., Grand Valley State University, West Michigan Film Office and Michigan Film Digital Media Office. University partners include Grand Valley State University Film and Video Program in the School of Communications.

 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wmfva.org. Cost for the film screening, Q&A and reception on Friday evening is $10 for WMFVA members and $15 for non-members. The Saturday afternoon seminar/workshop and luncheon is $75 for members, and $85 for non-members. Space is limited. Free parking is available at the venue location.

 

Runaways and Homeless Children Tell Their Stories

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homeless girlsBy: Deb Havens

West Michigan is known as a great place to raise kids, but every year an average of 2,000 young people run away from home. When you’re a homeless child, streets in West Michigan towns are as dirty and dangerous as any in a big city. As the weather gets colder, somewhere around 200 kids will be looking for food and a warm place to sleep every night. Chances are, wherever they land, safety may be a last consideration.

Fortunately, the non-profit organization Arbor Circle provides counseling and support for up to 21 days for young people ages 10 to 20 years old at the only emergency shelter in the community. Jenell Hill, Arbor Circle Community Engagement Coordinator says, “Many people don’t believe it.” So to spotlight these issues in honor of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Arbor Circle, located at 1115 Ball Ave NE in Grand Rapids, will host the Green Light Project in November:

The Green Light Project, Wednesday, November 4, 2015 – 5:30pm–8pm

Young people who have experienced living as a runaway and homeless who found shelter either at The Bridge or homeless kidsother service programs will host facility tours and share their stories. “Sometimes it’s not only therapeutic for young people but they are also a voice for their peers,” adds Hill. “Maybe other young people won’t have the same struggles.”

Without Arbor Circle, homeless, runaway, and street youth often become victims of abuse and neglect, sexual assault or trafficking, and get involved in substance abuse. They also tend to suffer from both physical and mental health issues, failure in school, and trouble with the law. These are the stories that Hill says are often overlooked when people think about the good life in West Michigan.

Hill stresses that all minor youth tour guides participate with permission of their parents, and those under 18 lead tours accompanied by Arbor Circle staff members. Hill says that budget cuts in Washington, D.C. have affected Arbor Circle resources. “We used to have a 15 seat bus to transport kids, but that broke down and we haven’t been able to replace it,” notes Hill. “We also rely on volunteers to help us cook meals.” Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

For more information on services for homeless or runaway children, contact Arbor Circle / The Bridge.

Michigan Sales Tax Arrives Online

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Internet-sales-tax TYPISTBy: Deb Havens

If you’re a heavy-duty online shopper, you’ve already discovered that as of October 1, you’re paying a Michigan sales tax when you check out.

The end of a tax-free zone on the Internet has raised a howl of protest from some who charge that the state is imposing yet another new tax. That’s just not so, says Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce President, Bob O’Callaghan, “Some people are against any kind of taxes, but this is not new. It’s always been a law, it just hasn’t been enforced because there was no good way to track it.”

The original legislation required Michigan residents to keep records of their online purchases and make a tax payment to the state. “But of course no one did,” notes O’Callaghan.  So like many other states, Michigan now requires online companies to collect and forward the sales tax.

Internet-sales-tax AMAZONMichigan Governor Rick Snyder estimates that somewhere around $60 million in new revenue will be added to the state’s treasury.

While O’Callaghan says there is no way to predict how much of that amount will find its way into the Wyoming-Kentwood community, he is an enthusiastic cheerleader for brick and mortar businesses here that must charge sales tax. “I think it’s a great idea,” he says. “Businesses here have the same products, so all things being equal, we want people to shop here because it keeps our tax dollars supporting our community services.” O’Callaghan points out that local taxes are key to essential public services such as police and fire protection, adding that local businesses also provide jobs for residents.

O’Callaghan says people forget that many online businesses are owned or operated outside the state of Michigan or even internationally. That means dollars spent online usually end up far from home, a fact that does not strike Bob O’Callaghan as fair to Michigan business or to other residents. “People who live here and shop here pay taxes here. It’s only fair that if you live here, you pay the same tax if you shop online.”

WKTV Digital Cinema Guild and my family secret – new CJ journal

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Digital Cinema Guild logoI am about to take a very special journey into the past thanks to the new WKTV Digital Cinema Guild that launches at the WKTV Community Media Center on September 29, 2015 and continues every second Tuesday thereafter at 7:00 pm at the station on 5261 Clyde Park Avenue SW in Wyoming. This will be a very personal journey despite the fact that I have worked as a Citizen Journalist Editor for the station, and have shared a number of articles on this website. But the Digital Cinema Guild is an all-new experience.

I’ve always known that WKTV offered everyone in the community access to a vast array of equipment. However, the key word there is “vast,” and it seemed way too complicated to me to get the hang of all that gear. Ironically, for someone in the media business, I actually dreaded to even try making my own film – and by the way, when I use the word “film” I’m really talking digital media in various storytelling formats from long form narratives or shorts, and/or documentaries.

But that was then.

Grandpa
Lyman Adelbert “Del” Havens, age 16, Eighth Grade Graduation, White Creek School, Cedar Springs, MI

A secret about my grandfather came to light a few years ago, several years after his death, and suddenly the WKTV Digital Media Guild was right here, as though the Universe was saying to me, “Do this!” I have the perfect opportunity to actually create a documentary film project exploring this secret and it’s impact on our family with my sister Lynette. We’re going to work/play on this together, but the cool thing is we are not on our own!

For just $20 apiece, we are going to be guided through the film making process under the direction of successful digital film experts and industry leaders using WKTV’s state-of-the-art digital cinema equipment with coaches standing by! Even better, there are three different programs that deal with various aspects of film making:

1) Pre-production & Script writing (developing the story and figuring out how to tell it)
2) Production (using the WKTV gear to shoot the project)
3) Post-production (editing!)

At the end, WKTV will broadcast our finished project to the area communities. WOW!

Helping us along the way are two of the area’s most experienced filmmakers:

Barbara Roos, founder of Grand Valley State University’s Film & Video Program, brings more than 40 years’ experience as a scriptwriter, film maker and professor of film. She joined academia from an award-winning career in public broadcasting, both television and radio.

Girbe Eefsting, film producer for advertising agencies, corporations, governmental agencies, NGOs and NPOs, including ten years with Grand Rapids Community Media Center. In 1996, Girbe founded the Grand Valley Summer Film Program. In 2010, he founded Film Farm, specializing in media production, education and preservation.

Barbara, Girbe and WKTV will also engage established local and national filmmakers to bring their expertise to the program. I can’t wait!

I’ll be sharing my experience with the Digital Cinema Guild as Lynette and I go through the film making experience. But why not join us? We need all the brainstorming buddies we can find as we start imagining how to tell this story…and I’ll let you in on the secret as we go along.

Hope to see you there!

For more information and to register go to WKTV Digital Cinema Guild.