afi member marquee
>>
JUNE 2012
-
STREEP TO PRESENT AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO MACLAINE
Expect plenty of surprises when Shirley MacLaine receives the 40th AFI Life Achievement Award at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City on Thursday, June 7. Alas, those must remain top secret – they're surprises! – but we can disclose that the actress, dancer and author will receive the prestigious award from Meryl Streep, herself an AFI Life Achievement Award recipient in 2004. Streep played MacLaine’s daughter in POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE (1990).
Considered the highest honor given for a career in film, the AFI Life Achievement Award was established by the AFI Board of Trustees on February 26, 1973. The black tie tribute will be broadcast on Sunday, June 24 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on TV Land – be sure to tune in!
This year’s Presenting Sponsor is Hewlett-Packard; Official Sponsors include Audi of America, Deloitte, Verizon Digital Media Services and American Airlines – the official airline of AFI.
-
WALLY PFISTER TO BE HONORED AS ALUMNUS OF THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE
Wally Pfister (AFI Class of 1991) will receive the 2012 Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal at the 40th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Shirley MacLaine. The award is given annually to an alumnus of either the AFI Conservatory or the AFI Directing Workshop for Women, who best embodies the qualities of the late director: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality filmmaking. Established by Schaffner’s widow, Jean, in 1991, the Alumni Medal celebrates the recipient’s extraordinary creative talents and artistic achievements.
Pfister is widely acclaimed for his mastery of cinematography and his passion for storytelling excellence. The cinematographer grew up in Chicago and began working as a news cameraman after graduating from high school. The son of a TV news executive, he covered the United States Congress, the White House and breaking news for a Washington news service in the early 1980s. When Robert Altman needed a real news cameraman to appear in TANNER ’88, he hired Pfister as an actor. The producers saw his footage and brought him on as second unit cameraman, his first exposure to dramatic material.
Pfister pursued his new interest at the AFI Conservatory where he collaborated with classmates on SENZENI NA? (1990), a dark look at apartheid, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. Janusz Kamiński (AFI Class of 1987), the 2010 recipient of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal, saw the film and recruited Pfister to work with Roger Corman and Phedon Papamichael.
Today, Pfister is perhaps best known for his collaboration with director Christopher Nolan, which spans every motion picture Nolan has directed since MEMENTO (2000), including INSOMNIA (2002); BATMAN BEGINS (2005); THE PRESTIGE (2006); THE DARK KNIGHT (2008); INCEPTION (2010), for which Pfister received the Academy Award; and this summer’s THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012). His recent works also included MONEYBALL (2011) and the documentary MARLEY (2012), now in theaters. He has been nominated for four Oscars and was twice nominated for the ASC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography.
Pfister is currently in pre-production on his directorial debut for Alcon Entertainment.
-
AFI SILVER NAMES SILVERDOCS SELECTIONS
Now in its 10th year, AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs Documentary Festival, and its concurrent International Documentary Conference, will be held June 18-24 at the AFI Silver Theatre in the DC metro area.
The 2012 edition of the festival, which honors excellence in filmmaking and celebrates the power of documentary to enhance our understanding of the world, will showcase more than 100 films representing over 40 countries, selected from 2,018 submissions. The festival will also feature over 50 panels, master classes, workshops and pitching forums in its concurrent documentary conference.
This year, the festival’s Guggenheim Symposium will honor filmmaking team Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky. Since their award-winning BROTHER'S KEEPER (1992), Berlinger and Sinofsky have been leading voices in American nonfiction cinema. Among their landmark films are PARADISE LOST: THE CHILD MURDERS AT ROBIN HOOD HILLS (1996), PARADISE LOST 2: REVELATIONS (2000), METALLICA: SOME KIND OF MONSTER (2004), Berlinger's CRUDE (2009) and UNDER AFRICAN SKIES (2012), and their Academy Award nominated PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY (2011).
The Festival will open with Ramona Diaz's DON'T STOP BELIEVIN': EVERYMAN'S JOURNEY, which details the incredible rags-to-riches story of a Filipino karaoke singer who became the unexpected front man for the iconic band Journey.
The concurrent five-day International Documentary Conference, which celebrates the art and business of documentary storytelling, creates an environment that connects filmmakers, educators, broadcasters, business leaders, distributors, private and public media and funders from both established and emerging media markets. Over 1,200 filmmakers and documentary professionals are expected to participate in the conference.
-
MEL BROOKS AND DAVID LYNCH TO BE HONORED AT AFI CONSERVATORY COMMENCEMENT 2012
Mel Brooks, an American comedy icon, and David Lynch, the celebrated surrealist director, will each receive an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree at the 2012 AFI Conservatory commencement ceremony at the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on June 13.
Brooks is the recipient of that rarest of entertainment awards – the EGOT, meaning he has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Sid Caesar hired Brooks as a writer for YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS, where he joined Carl Reiner, Danny Simon, Neil Simon and Mel Tolkin, a veritable Murderer’s Row of comedic talent. He then joined forces with Buck Henry to create the hit television series GET SMART (1965-1970) starring Don Adams as agent Maxwell Smart.
Brooks’ first venture into film was as a voice actor in THE CRITIC (1963), which won the Academy Award for Animated Short Film. He again won the Oscar – this time for Best Original Screenplay – for his first feature, THE PRODUCERS (1968). While best known for film parodies like BLAZING SADDLES (1974), YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974), HIGH ANXIETY (1977), SPACEBALLS (1987) and ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS (1993), Brooks also produced THE ELEPHANT MAN (1980), a dark drama directed by fellow AFI Conservatory honoree David Lynch.
AFI Conservatory alumnus David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970) is an award-winning filmmaker known for his off-kilter vision of American life and an innovator whose murder mystery TWIN PEAKS (1990-1991) broke new ground in series television.
In 1977, his extraordinary debut, ERASERHEAD – which began as his thesis film while attending AFI Conservatory – premiered at FILMEX, the precursor to AFI Fest. Since then, Lynch has continued to craft some of the world’s most beautiful noir dreamscapes. In 2010, Lynch became the first Guest Artistic Director at AFI Fest.
Lynch gained mainstream success with THE ELEPHANT MAN (1980). The Victorian-era story earned Lynch his first Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. His next projects included the sci-fi film, DUNE (1984) and the critically acclaimed crime film, BLUE VELVET (1986). More recent films include TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME (1992), LOST HIGHWAY (1997), THE STRAIGHT STORY (1999), MULHOLLAND DR. (2001) and INLAND EMPIRE (2006).
AFI commencement 2012 marks the first use of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in AFI Conservatory history; previous commencements were held at The Glade on the Institute’s Hollywood Campus. “Holding AFI commencement in this national landmark perfectly embodies the moment we’re celebrating because the Chinese Theatre has always been a place where dreams come to life in the Mecca of the movies,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre opened in 1927 at a cost of $2 million with the world premiere of Cecil B. Demille’s biblical epic THE KING OF KINGS. No word yet on whether today's AFI Fellows will be immortalized in cement as part of the ceremony, but we’re confident some of them will be eventually.
-
AFI DIRECTING WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN SHOWCASE 2012 AT DGA
Eight new films directed by members of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women (DWW) were screened at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) last month in a showcase attended by AFI Premiere Circle members and insiders from the top talent agencies and studios, followed by a reception with the filmmakers.
Guest of honor Neema Barnette (AFI Directing Workshop for Women, Class of 1982) spoke movingly of her journey "from Harlem to Hollywood" prior to the screening. Known for her work in film, television and theater, Barnette has directed three features, 11 network movies and 30 hours of series television, receiving many accolades, including an Emmy Award and a DGA nomination, and was the first African-American woman to direct a television sitcom (WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW!).
The following films, listed with their directors, were showcased: BLACK IRISH from Anika Poitier; LOSING FERGUSON from Trisha Gum; THE MEN'S ROOM from Jane Pickett; OOWIE WANNA from Bridget Palardy; PAST DUE from Denise Plumb; SHE, WHO EXCELS IN SOLITUDE from Mako Kamitsuna; STAKEOUT from Kit Pongetti; and TOWING from Wenhwa Ts'ao.
Each year the groundbreaking, highly selective AFI Directing Workshop for Women program offers eight talented women who have established themselves in film, television and theater a tuition-free training program comprised of classroom learning and hands-on production experience, and the opportunity to direct a narrative short film. These women have had successful careers across the arts – from acting and playwriting to stop-motion animation, film editing and producing – and are linked by their ability to lead.
In a field dominated by men, AFI DWW has become recognized as a prominent launching pad for women seeking careers in film and television while developing their artistic voice. The intensive, tuition-free workshop pairs directors with mentors and master filmmakers who help them hone their craft and create a short film to serve as their calling card as they pursue their careers. Since its founding in 1974, over 250 women have been given the opportunity to participate in this unique training program for tomorrow's directors.
AFI DWW alumnae include Neema Barnette (GILMORE GIRLS, WOMAN THOU ART LOOSED: ON THE 7TH DAY), Tricia Brock (30 ROCK, BREAKING BAD), Jennifer Getzinger (MAD MEN, THE KILLING), Lesli Linka Glatter (MAD MEN, HOUSE), Randa Haines (CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD) and Maya Angelou (DOWN IN THE DELTA), to name a few.
-
JOHN FORD IRELAND SYMPOSIUM DEBUTS IN DUBLIN
The films of Irish-American filmmaker John Ford, who received the very first AFI Life Achievement Award from President Richard Nixon in 1973, will be the focus of the inaugural John Ford Ireland Symposium in Dublin June 7-10. The event will feature an Opening Night Gala Screening of Ford’s silent epic, THE IRON HORSE (1924); a master class with Peter Bogdanovich (THE LAST PICTURE SHOW); free public screenings of THE SEARCHERS (1956) and five other films; panel discussions; and the 60th anniversary screening of THE QUIET MAN (1952) with special guests Dan Ford, the director’s grandson; Maureen O’Hara and producer Redmond Morris.
Over a film career spanning 57 years, Ford directed 136 films, receiving 26 Oscar nominations. The filmmaker, who received America’s highest honor – the Medal of Freedom – always emphasized his Irish roots and paid numerous visits to the land of his parentage throughout his life, including a visit to his father’s birthplace Spiddal, Co. Galway. Ford’s beloved yacht, the Araner, was named in honor of his mother’s birthplace – the Aran Islands. For more information on the symposium, visit johnfordireland.org
-
AFI CLOSEUP: CHRIS MERRILL
The AFI Productions office occupies part of the second floor of the Manor House on the AFI Campus. That’s where we grabbed 10 minutes of Chris Merrill’s time as he began to mobilize the forces for AFI’s most visible event, the annual AFI Life Achievement Award tribute dinner and broadcast. It became clear from his answer to the very first of our 10 questions that he is immersed in the project.
1. Where are you from? I asked Shirley MacLaine the same question and it was a stopper. She said, “In which life?” I was born in Hartford, Connecticut and grew up in Windsor, Connecticut. Because my parents are teachers, we would take three months off and go to Maine every summer where my grandmother lived.
2. Where did you go to school? I went to Boston College for undergraduate school. It was good to get out of a small town and see a city. And then I went to Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School for a Masters in English.
3. What did you do before you came to AFI? I was a teacher for a couple of summers while I was in college. And then, after I graduated, I taught at my own high school. I taught Creative Writing and a film class that I created, which was fun.
4. How long have you been at AFI? I’ve been at AFI 12 years. I’m practically a lifer.
5. What do you do at AFI? I’m the Director of AFI Productions, which produces events and television shows such as the AFI Life Achievement Award. I’ve worked on every one since Tom Hanks in 2002, then De Niro, Streep, Connery, Lucas, Pacino, Beatty, Douglas, Nichols, Freeman and now Shirley MacLaine. I took over as show producer starting with the Warren Beatty show.
6. How does that affect members? I had heard of AFI while living back East from the 100 Years lists. I remember being in Maine, watching 100 Years…100 Stars, which counted down the top 50 Hollywood stars of all time. I knew then that I wanted to do something with AFI. I thought that was just the coolest thing. I never dreamed a year later I’d be working on those same AFI programs. They provide a national voice for AFI. The platform of television is a way of getting into the national consciousness, reinforcing that movies matter, and AFI is here to encourage the dialog on both contemporary and classic films.
7. What was your best day at AFI? I think it’s a three-way tie. Number one, Mike Nichols called me on my cell phone to discuss a comedy skit he was going to film for the Warren Beatty tribute. That’s up there. But it’s a tie with interviewing Neil Simon, one of my heroes, and conducting the final interview of Karl Malden’s life. He was just a sweet guy, an American icon. It was a great day at his house. That was for the Michael Douglas show. You could see that he had fatherly feelings for Michael.
8. What are you working on today? Today I am working on my questions for the upcoming interview with James L. Brooks for the AFI Life Achievement Award tribute honoring Shirley MacLaine.
9. What don’t your colleagues know about you? Though I have an absolute love of film, I have a passion for playwriting and have had a couple small plays produced around Los Angeles.
10. What’s your favorite film? That’s almost impossible to say but, since I’m now in the Shirley MacLaine era, it’s between SOME CAME RUNNING and THE APARTMENT.