In The News

Talks between the Motion Picture Association and the Hollywood labor unions have failed to produce an agreement on a new law that would address firearm safety on movie sets. The two sides backed competing proposals earlier this year in response to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust” in New Mexico last October. Both bills would have established a training standard for film armorers — a job that is currently almost entirely unregulated. The union proposal would have been more sweeping, however, establishing the role of a “set safety supervisor” who would have the power to shut down productions.

The Materials Oasis in Los Angeles is a warehouse that looks like a sorting area for the world’s biggest charity shop, but its motley collection of items isn’t for sale. All the goods have been discarded from the film and TV industry and are being offered free of charge to other filming productions, non-profits, schools, or others who can make use of them. EcoSet, the company that runs the Materials Oasis, also provides set services to help productions reach the zero waste standard of 90% of waste diverted from landfill or combustion.

Mark Goldstein, president and CEO of the film production services company Entertainment Partners, says there’s one role in Hollywood that has been in particularly high demand in recent years. “I get a call every day [asking] ‘Can you help me find a production accountant?’” Goldstein said. Opportunities abound for people with an interest in and an aptitude for budgets and filmmaking. And the good news is, you don’t need to be a certified public accountant to get into this lucrative role.

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4), the world’s leading fly fishing film event consisting of films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe showcasing the passion of fly fishing, returns on Saturday, Aug. 6,  at the Lakeside Theater in Rangeley. This event benefits the Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the films starts at 7:30 p.m. Discounted $15 advance tickets can be purchased at the Outdoor Heritage Museum in Oquossoc, or online at outdoorheritagemuseum.org/events. 

The Maine Outdoor Film Festival, promoted as an annual celebration of adventure, conservation and the arts, used to take place at venues across the state before launching a Portland flagship event in 2020. The annual gathering raises money for Teens to Trails, a Brunswick-based nonprofit that connects young people to outdoor activities.