Arizona Daily Star: Tucson filmmaking scene
The Arizona Daily Star ran an article on Tucson Arizona’s growing filmmaking scene.
Tucson hasn’t been a hotbed for spawning Hollywood talent. Actor Garry Shandling was born in Tucson. Oscar-winning screenwriter/producer Diana Ossana owns a home here. Actor Dennis Quaid attended the UA, as did megabucks producer Jerry Bruckheimer. As far as directors, though, only Palo Verde graduate and Oscar-nominated documentarian Kirby Dick has made a national impact from the director’s chair.
During my graduation commencement ceremony, Jerry Bruckheimer received an honorary doctorate from the University of Arizona College of Fine Arts. The applause for Dr. Bruckheimer was thunderous and noticeably louder than Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano’s who also spoke at the ceremony.
The article talks about The UofA’s film school and The Loft’s Monthly Short Film Contest. My former class mate, Jennifer Beatty, gets a mention.
According to the article, “a search of the word ‘Tucson’ on the online video-sharing Web site Youtube.com found 1,034 results.” Hmm…I’m not sure Arizona Daily Star reporter, Phil Villareal, really watched any of those videos. But if he did he must be referring to this awesome Tucson produced music video called “Caitlin sings The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Personally, I’m hype about this amazing trailer for upcoming feature film “Tucson Vice.” From the looks of the Vice trailer, filmmaker layoub42 decided to eschew 35 mm film for not only the cost savings but also the gritty realism of the digital video aesthetic.
I’ve said it before, Youtube is a place for Hollywood to incubate talent. No doubt Dr. Bruckheimer has got these guys on his radar.