In The News

“Created to help independent filmmakers get their films started or completed, the final Roy W. Dean Grant of 2020 is now open for applications.  Grant winner will receive $3,000 cash as well as approximately $28,000 more in film goods and production services.

“Founded in 1993 by  Carole Dean, President of top rated non-profit, From the Heart Productions, the Roy W. Dean Grant is awarded to filmmakers with a unique film that makes a contribution to society.  It is open to documentaries, features, short films and web series budgeted under $500K. Students are welcome to apply.”

Phase 2 will make available approximately $95 million in remaining funds from Phase 1 and expand access to the program by increasing the number of eligible businesses and non-profits. Under Phase 2, businesses and non-profits that employ up to 250 people will be eligible for grant rewards. Previously, small businesses and non-profits with up to 50 people were eligible. Additionally, licensed childcare and behavioral health organizations will be eligible in this round. The Department of Economic and Community Development estimates that nearly 3,000 more businesses and non-profit organizations will be eligible for grants as a result of the program’s expansion.

“An anonymous donor has contributed $200,000 through the Maine Community Foundation to help 20 community theaters across the state stay afloat during the pandemic.

The Ellsworth-based charitable organization has been working with donors to fund emergency responses to COVID-19, as well as initiatives to build community resilience.”

“Guiding principles include strictly enforced testing regimens and safety protocols, a zone-based system, and diligent use of personal protective equipment,” the unions said. “The new measures will be implemented by employers in order to minimize the risk of transmission. To ensure workers’ livelihoods are not burdened with added uncertainty during the pandemic, the agreement also includes COVID-19 sick leave and quarantine pay.”

The agreement was signed by the Directors Guild of America, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Basic Crafts and SAG-AFTRA with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.”

“As Hollywood crawls toward some version of normalcy amid the coronavirus pandemic, we at Variety have been curious about how the day-to-day work of film and television production would resume. After an invitation from two indie film producers — Maurice Fadida and Eric B. Fleischman — to visit the set of The Knocking”, I was able to observe the meticulous new protocols in action.

However, a major takeaway from my time on the set of “The Knocking,” Fadida and Fleischman’s low-budget horror project from writer-directors Matt Leslie and Stephen Smith, was a fierce commitment to filmmaking in the most unpredictable circumstances. Here are some glimpses from life on a post-COVID film set.”