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Production began on "Illegal Aliens" a fast-paced action-packed shoot-‘em-up knock-em-dead spoof aliens-from-space caper produced by David Giancola and John James. Anna Nicole Smith and Joanie Laurer (aka “Chyna”) are among the stars. Principal photography is underway in and around Rutland and at Edgewood Studios. For more information, visit http://www.edgewoodstudios.com/. 

Emptyhouse Films and Motion Media Film and Video announced that "MUD," their first feature length drama, is at a full rough cut stage, awaiting a soundtrack.  "MUD" tells the story of the LaPann family, which is struggling through economic hardship, alcoholism, a tainted past and an unknown future. "MUD" was written and directed by Andy Davis ("Beneath the Frost Line") and shot entirely on High Definition by Olin Smith ("Lobsteroids"). The film stars Kenn Woodard ("GUIANA 1838," "The Will to Power") as Kevin LaPann, Comedienne Michelle Violette as his wife Lorette, Stan Grunder ("Vacationland," "Thunder Road") as Robby, and newcomer Ryan Shoos as Jimmy. For further information, email emptyhousefilm@gmail.com.

Feed the Dog Productions in association with Eveningstar Cinema is preparing to produce a television program called "Indie Spirit" that will showcase independent film created by filmmakers living and/or working in the northeast. For more information, questions, and comments, send an e-mail with the words (indie spirit info) in the subject line to: feedthedog@suscom-maine.net

Thato R. Mwaso was named Best Emerging Local Filmmaker at the 2005 Roxbury Film Festival for her directing efforts on her short film entitled " Don’t Tell Me You Love Me." This annual four-day film festival showcased 48 independent films from across America and it is in its seventh year of inception. The film was produced by Ottovonmo Productions, a multimedia production company based in Exeter, NH specializing in film, video, and web production. For more information, please visit www.ottovonmo.com or call 603-778-4700.

The Action/Cut Short Film Competition, based in Los Angeles, announced  its 2005 winners. Action/Cut promotes its winning filmmakers by streaming their films for the world to see at: http://www.actioncut.com/sfc/2005winners.htm  The next Action/Cut Call for Entries is January 15 to May 15, 2006. The affiliated Action/Cut Filmmaking Seminars return to New York on October 22/23 and arrive in Providence, RI on November 12 & 13.

Independent filmmaker and Emerson College professor, Cristina Kotz Cornejo’s latest short film, " La Guerra Que No Fue" (The War That Never Was) premiered at the Boston Latino International Film Festival in October 2004 and has since screened at over 20 festivals nationally and internationally.  The film is scheduled to screen at the Los Angeles International Latino Film Festival in October 2005 as well as the Museum of Modern Art in Bogotá, Colombia in November and the Sydney Latin American Film Festival in Australia in February 2006. For further information: www.wildwimminfilms.com.

MediaNorth announced the launch of the first "Five Minute Flicks" High School Video Competition for the 2005-2006 school year.  The competition is designed to inspire students to showcase their creativity through video. MediaNorth is a film and video collaborative for media professionals and filmmakers  developed to grow the North Shore creative communications industry.  For more information, contact Jay Duchin of Duchin Productions, Inc. at 781-334-5068 or jay@duchinproductions.com

The popular New York City-based Global Entertainment and Media Summit comes to Connecticut for the first time this October. Meet with some of the leading visionaries from the worlds of music, film, media and multimedia.  The event takes place at Tripeg Studios, 2155 State Street, Hamden, CT 06517. For information and how to register, go to http://www.gemsconnecticut.com.

The documentary "Hard Work" about 19th century Maine women factory workers is now available on DVD in addition to VHS. Fore more information, visit http://www.buyindies.com/listing/1128120230031 

The 1st Annual John Ford Film Festival will take place in Portland over Columbus Day Weekend.  The aim of the festival is to commemorate the life and work of legendary filmmaker John Ford (1894-1973), born John Martin Feeney in Cape Elizabeth and raised in Portland.  The festival is being organized by the newly established John Ford Center under the auspices of the Maine Irish Heritage Center.  For more information, please contact the Maine Irish Heritage Center at (207) 780-0118, or visit www.maineirish.com.  

The 12th annual Slamdance Film Festival will be held January 19-27, 2006 in Park City, Utah. Located at the same time and place, Slamdance focuses on unknown and first time filmmakers. The final shorts deadline is October 11th. The final features deadline is October 17th. Go to www.slamdance.com for more information or to download an application.