http://www.steeltown.org/news/ The News Blog for Steeltown Entertainment. en Copyright 2012 Wed, 16 May 2012 15:28:34 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Congratulations to: Yulin Kuang: 1st Place Winner of the "Ellen Weis Kander Award" Christopher Preksta: 2nd Place Winner Scott Peters & Anthony Poremski: 3rd Place Winners [Read Pittsburgh Post Gazette Article](http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/movies/coming-of-age-comedy-earns-cmu-student-film-prize-635643/) [CLICK HERE to watch the video of the FILM FACTORY finale event](http://www.vivolive.com/filmfactory/ellen-weiss-kander-award)]]> http://www.steeltown.org/news/2012/05/-congratulations-to-yulin-kuan.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2012/05/-congratulations-to-yulin-kuan.php Wed, 16 May 2012 15:28:34 +0000 [**Watch our Film Factory Finalists on "Pittsburgh Today Live" on CBS!**](http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/pittsburgh-today-live/) [**Read the front page article from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette**](http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/movies/steeltown-film-factory-contest-gives-screenwriters-shot-at-funds-for-short-films-631481/?p=0) **[Read the front page article from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette](http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/movies/steeltown-film-factory-contest-gives-screenwriters-shot-at-funds-for-short-films-631481/?p=2)** [Read the Post Gazette Article: Film Notes: Steeltown to unveil film winner, newly named award](http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/movies/film-notes-steeltown-to-unveil-film-winner-newly-named-award-634335/">Announcing Film Factory's Ellen Weiss Kander Award in the Post Gazette http://www.steeltown.org/news/2012/04/film-factory-event-and-the-win.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2012/04/film-factory-event-and-the-win.php 12 Finalists, Chris Preksta, Yulin Quang, Scott Peters, Anthony Poremski, Echo Torch, The Perils of Growing up Flat Chested, Escape from St. Quentin Film Factory Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:23:22 +0000 On April 14th, Chris Moore, Good Will Hunting Producer, joins Ice Age screenwriter Peter Ackerman and Chappelle's Show" director Rusty Cundieff to hear six of Pittsburgh's most talented screenwriters pitch their short films. Learn about the film business from top industry pros and see who will advance to the final round of the Film Factory and win up to $30,000 to turn their short script into a movie. [**Click Here For Tickets**](http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5q11a590e73530e&llr=4khbltcab) **Film Factory: The Producer's Pitch ** Doors Open at 10:30 AM Point Park University (GRW Theater) 414 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 **Announcing the '12 Film Factory Semi-Finalists:** - *Duplex* by Nathan Hollanbaugh - *The Perils of Being Flat Chested* by Yulin Kuang - *Escape from St. Quentin's* by Scott Peters & Anthony Poremski - *Echo Torch *by Christopher Preksta - *Beginning Chemistry* by Mason Radkoff - *Last Will and Laundromat *by Michael Rubino Congratulations to our semi-finalists, we look forward to seeing their production plans at FILM FACTORY:The Producers' Pitch on April 14 [**Click Here For Tickets**](http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5q11a590e73530e&llr=4khbltcab) We would also like to acknowledge all of the hard work and dedication of all of Quarter-Finalists who did a great job. Was a very tough decision and we wish them all the best!]]> http://www.steeltown.org/news/2012/04/announcing-the-12-semi-finalis.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2012/04/announcing-the-12-semi-finalis.php Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:26:28 +0000 The Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
WTAE
KDKA
Hollyburgh [**Hollywood manager's heart never far from his hometown**](http://old.post-gazette.com/pg/12076/1217026-60.stm) Check out Barb Vancheri's great article about Eric Gold, a Pittsburgh native turned Hollywood pro! Learn about his time in Pittsburgh, his advice to budding screenwriters, and Mr. Gold's interest in a musical inspired by Tupac Shakur, amongst other things! [Click here to read more!](http://old.post-gazette.com/pg/12076/1217026-60.stm) **SOLD OUT** [CLICK HERE to Get on the Standby list!](http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5npzch6f57e685b&llr=4khbltcab) **Pittsburgh Meets Hollywood:The Writer's Pitch** Saturday March 17, 2012 11:00 AM (Doors Open at 10:30 AM) The University of Pittsburgh (Frick Fine Arts Building) - $5: Student ID - $15: General Admission Get your SEAT BEFORE WE SELL OUT! (Seating is Limited and ALL events Last Year SOLD OUT!) [CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!](http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5npzch6f57e685b&llr=4khbltcab) *The event will kick off with the Pittsburgh premiere of the charming and funny short film "The Pre Nup", written by and starring Marcy Kaplan and produced by Eric Gold.* As headlines increasingly ask, "Is Pittsburgh the New Hollywood?, come hear about what it takes to make it in the film and television business industry from top entertainment professionals. Watch as the quarter-finalists of this year's Steeltown Film Factory Competition compete to win up to $30,000 to make their short film! [ Click here to see the list of finalists and their scripts!](http://www.steeltownfilmfactory.org/12-quarter-finalists.php) Selected from a record number of submissions, they will pitch their script ideas on stage and face our panel of industry professionals: - Eric L. Gold, a Pittsburgh native who went on to become one of Hollywood's foremost talent managers. Gold has helped guide the careers of Jim Carrey, Ellen DeGeneres and many others. - Marcy Kaplan, who has starred in many TV shows from "Jag" to "Days of Our Lives" and who also ran a highly regarded "talent showcase" in Hollywood for 8 years. - Asher Garfinkel, president of Readers Unlimited, a Hollywood readers service that has worked with many major studios and production companies. Also, read the recent article "4-star film studio coming to Strip District" at the [Post-Gazette website](http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12059/1213070-53-0.stm)!]]> http://www.steeltown.org/news/2012/03/film-factory-pittsburgh-meets.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2012/03/film-factory-pittsburgh-meets.php Asher Garfinkel Eric Gold Filmmaking Competition Marcy Kamplan Pittsburgh Meets Hollwood Steeltown FIlm Factory The Writer's Pitch Finalists Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:20:26 +0000 They're all part of the Pittsburgh-Hollywood connection! Join us at the Heinz History Center on February 26th (Oscar Sunday) at 1:30 for a FREE filmmaking workshop as part of the "Take a Shot at Changing the World" digital media contest. And then stick around for a special screening of Pittsburgh's funny and heartfelt comeback story "My Tale of Two Cities" at 2:30. Both workshop and screening are FREE and open to the public. Please RSVP to Rachel@steeltown.org to reserve your seat! ]]> http://www.steeltown.org/news/2012/02/what-do-zombies-batman-the-fir.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2012/02/what-do-zombies-batman-the-fir.php Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:22:02 +0000 Click Here to Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Article:'Filming here, the next 'Oprah'?: WQED/Steeltown joint venture goes before cameras in January'The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Website. ](http://www.steeltownfilmfactory.org/press/2012/01/two-a-half-men-director-working-on-new-pilot-in-pittsburgh-behind-the-scenes-with-the-anea-show.php) Film Factory adviser and "Two & A Half Men" Director, Jamie Widdoes is working on a new pilot in Pittsburgh as part of Steeltown/WQED incubator. The pilot was tested in early december and focuses on the empowerment of young girls and women. The show will be produced as a collaboration of Pittsburgh and LA talent! The Producers, Jamie Widdoes, Peter Isacksen, and the host Anea Bogue were featured on Pittsburgh Today Live! Check out the Pittsburgh Live Video ]]> http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/12/two-a-half-men-director-workin.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/12/two-a-half-men-director-workin.php Articles About Steeltown Film Factory Pittsburgh Media Incubator Steeltown Two and a Half Men WQED Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:31:42 +0000 ](http://www.steeltownfilmfactory.org/) [ Click here to submit your short film!](http://www.steeltownfilmfactory.org/) The Steeltown Film Factory is a great opportunity for students, faculty, and creative individuals in our community to become part of Southwestern PA's emerging film industry! 12 pages... That's all it takes for the chance could win up to $30,000 to gain access to some of Hollywood's top players, including: -300 producer Bernie Goldmann -Good Will Hunting producer Chris Moore -Lionsgate's John Dellaverson -Two and a Half Men director Jamie Widdoes Steeltown's Film Factory is a nationally recognized filmmaking competition, which has become a driving force connecting Pittsburgh and Hollywood and gives participants the unique opportunity to learn from professionals in the entertainment industry while offering the prize of up to $30,000 to see the winning submission(s) produced in Southwestern PA. This prize is amongst the highest awarded for short filmmaking competitions nationwide! The Film Factory is looking for the next great creative voice... that could that be you! The Film Factory is now accepting submissions! [ Click here to submit your short film!](http://www.steeltownfilmfactory.org/) Regular Deadline: 12/31/11 Standard Fee: $55.00 Student Fee: $25.00 Late Deadline: 1/7/12 Standard Fee: $60.00 Student Fee: $30.00 (Entrants receive free admission to a Film Factory event: Call: 412-622-1325 or email [info@steeltown.org](mailto:info@steeltown.org) to reserve your seat.) We appreciate you spreading the word about the Film Factory competition to others who might be interested! If have any questions please feel free[ to visit our website](http://www.steeltownfilmfactory.org/) or contact us through email at info@steeltown.org. For the latest Film Factory news find us on [Facebook!](mailto:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Steeltown-Film-Factory/163018290802)]]> http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/12/12-film-factory-competition-is.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/12/12-film-factory-competition-is.php Articles About Steeltown Film Factory filmmaking hollywood pittsburgh screenwriting Steeltown Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:06:14 +0000 "The Pittsburgh Innovative Media Incubator" brings in executives from LA to shoot a talk show the local WQED studio! She show is about empowering girls and women.[ Read More!](http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11266/1176881-67.stm) http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/12/the-pittsburgh-innovative-medi.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/12/the-pittsburgh-innovative-medi.php Articles About Steeltown empowering women Steeltown The Pittsburgh Innovative Media Incubator Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:01:42 +0000 The Steeltown Entertainment Project is proud to announce that the feature documentary "The Shot Felt 'Round the World" about Dr. Jonas Salk and Pittsburgh's role in one of the most important medical discoveries of the 20th century is one of ten documentaries chosen to compete at the Napa Valley Film Festival November 9-13. Steeltown executive producer Carl Kurlander will be in attendance as will producer Laura Davis and director-writer-editor Tjardus Greidanus. The film, which is being distributed by London-based Mercury Media, is currently featured in Virgin America's in-flight entertainment.]]> http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/10/the-shot-felt-round-the-world.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/10/the-shot-felt-round-the-world.php Jonas Salk Pittsburgh Polio Movie The Shot Felt 'Round The World Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:33:15 +0000 Steeltown advisor Jamie Widdoes, director of CBS' number one-rated sitcom "***Two and a Half Men***" and co-star of "Animal House", will return to Pittsburgh this December to produce a talk show about women and girls at the Fred Rogers Studio. The project is the first for the Pittsburgh Innovative Media Incubator, a co-venture between Steeltown Entertainment Project and WQED funded by the R.K. Mellon Foundation, a new model for doing television which could be transformative for the region and the industry. In 2003, Jamie, along with director Rob Marshall ("Chicago", "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"), manager Eric Gold (Jim Carrey), producer Bernie Goldmann ("300") and writer Peter Ackerman ("Ice Age") and other Pittsburgh expatriates came home for the "Steeltown Entertainment Summit", where they were part of a film "[Pittsburgh: Hollywood's Best Kept Secret](http://www.steeltown.org/growingpittsburgh.php)" that talked about this city's potential to be a player in the entertainment industry. With "Dark Knight Rises" and the new Tom Cruise movie shooting here and talent like Jamie returning to use their talents, thanks to the efforts of many in this city, the "secret" is definitely out. To read more about the Steeltown/WQED Incubator, check out the links below: [http://currentpublicmedia.blogspot.com/2011/09/two-and-half-men-director-to-produce.html](http://currentpublicmedia.blogspot.com/2011/09/two-and-half-men-director-to-produce.html) [http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11266/1176881-67.stm](http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11266/1176881-67.stm)]]> http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/09/upcoming-event-the-making-of-m.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/09/upcoming-event-the-making-of-m.php Jamie Widdoes Two and a Half Men Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:11:05 +0000 This event is free and open to the public. What is Mercury Men? It is a new online series that will appear on the Syfy Channel with new episodes occuring every day for 2 weeks. It was filmed and set in our very own city in 1975 with an old black and white show appeal. Edward Borman, a lowly government worker, find himself inside a dangerous plot created by the men of Mercury. After his office building is seized, he must pair up with Jack Yaegar, an aerospace engineer from a mysterious organization called "The League," and stop these diabolical men before it's too late. RSVP by emailing us at Steeltownentertainmentproject@gmail.com. Include your name, phone number and amount of guests you will have in the body of the email.]]> http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/07/join-steeltown-entertainment-p.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/07/join-steeltown-entertainment-p.php Articles About Steeltown Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:46:43 +0000 Pittsburgh is the place for kids - where technology, entertainment and learning intersect. http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/03/pittsburgh-is-kidsburgh.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/03/pittsburgh-is-kidsburgh.php kids kidsburgh pittsburgh youth and media Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:35:42 +0000 The Steeltown Film Factory introduced its ten quarter-finalists for the 2010-2011 season to a full house at "The Hollywood Pitch" on Saturday February 19th at the Frick Fine Arts Building on the University of Pittsburgh's campus in Oakland. The panel, which featured "Two and a Half Men" Director Jamie Widdoes, Bob Kusbit, producer of MTV's "Made" and an executive at MTV and Country Music Television, Lauren Elmer, a University of Pittsburgh graduate who works for Sony Classics, and Asher Garfinkel, president of Readers Unlimited and author of "Screenplay Story Analysis," heard pitches from local screenwriters on Pittsburgh subjects, among which parking chairs were a crowd favorite. Be sure to catch the next installment of the Film Factory at "The Producer's Pitch - Saturday, March 26th" at Point Park University, details to be announced. See for yourself what it takes to create a production plan and who will move on to the final round of this year's Film Factory contest. The top 5 semi-finalists will pitch rewritten screenplays along with a proposed production budget and schedule. Panelists will critique the submissions and ultimately decide which 3 move on to our final round April 30 at CMU. Scheduled Panelists include: John Dellaverson - Lionsgate Producer,Executive Producer, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman", Vice Chairman, Film Finances Inc. Bernie Goldman - Producer, "Snow White", "300", "Land of the Dead" Chris Moore - Executive Producer, "The People Speak"; Producer, "The Adjustment Bureau"; Co-Producer, "Good Will Hunting" [Read](http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2011/02/18/two-and-a-half-men-director-discusses-pittsburgh-roots/) the CBS Pittsburgh article on Jamie Widdoes. Visit [Steeltown Film Factory](http://www.steeltownfilmfactory.org/press/events/march-2011.php) for more information. http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/03/film-factory-sells-out-next-ev.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2011/03/film-factory-sells-out-next-ev.php Articles About Steeltown Asher Garfinkel Bob Kusbit Jamie Widdoes Lauren Elmer Pitch Steeltown Film Factory Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:45:13 +0000 The Film Factory Competition is now open, so get your submissions in by 12/31! New to script writing? Visit our resources to master the format. Meanwhile, check out our upcoming events below! Pitch It or Ditch It (February 19, 2011) --This workshop, hosted by the University of Pittsburgh, takes place in a simulated office setting and lets the 10 semi-finalists who have submitted the best short scripts get a sense of what it is like to "take a meeting" and pitch their ideas in Hollywood with panelists giving feedback from their own unique point of view. http://www.steeltown.org/news/2010/12/2011-film-factory-now-open-you.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2010/12/2011-film-factory-now-open-you.php Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:55:45 +0000 Buy your tickets here!]]> http://www.steeltown.org/news/2010/10/film-factory-event---november.php http://www.steeltown.org/news/2010/10/film-factory-event---november.php Articles About Steeltown Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:57:34 +0000