TopFloorStudios.com, MapPartners.com and AshevilleCourtyard.com present the 16th annual Twin Rivers Media Festival May 24 - 26, 2010 at the Courtyard Gallery in the Historic Downtown Courtyard with International Restaurants in Asheville, NC
SAVE OVER 45% IN FEES by submitting by the end of the day, Feb 26th.
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE February 26, 2010 (postmarked)
Regular Deadline March 31, 2010 (postmarked)
Late Deadline April 30, 2010 (postmarked)
Last Deadline May 14, 2010 (postmarked)
Entry categories: Feature, Short, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short, Experimental, Silent Film, Horror, Animation, Music Video, Soundtrack, Audio Art, Screenwriting
The Twin Rivers Media Festival is open to filmmakers, writers and sound artists working in ALL GENRES, SUBJECTS AND FORMATS.
Web
http://www.TwinRiversMediaFestival.com
Withoutabox
https://www.withoutabox.com/login/2108
Paper Entry Form
http://www.twinriversmediafestival.com/brochure126.pdf
Articles about our Festival
http://www.boldlife.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A68
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Twin-Rivers-Media-Festival-is-Not-Your-Typical-Film-Festival&id=1157353
http://www.mountainx.com/movies/review/twin_rivers_media_festival_short_films
http://www.mountainx.com/movies/articles/twin_rivers_media_festival_2009
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/citizen_times/access/1709321891.html?FMT=ABS&date=May+01%2C+2008
__________________
Carlos Steward
Festival Director
Twin Rivers Media Festival
http://www.TwinRiversMediaFestival.com
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tips for Keeping Your Baby Safe by using Organic Products
If you are a new parent you will quickly learn that newborn babies spend approximately 75% of their early days sleeping. This makes it extremely important to choose the correct mattress for the baby crib. The most important accessory you will need for an infant child is a durable, comfortable and environmentally safe crib mattresses. Babies are exposed to dozens of harmful chemicals even before being born, and in their first year they are exposed to PDDE's and phthalates from basic products designed for them, like bottles, clothing, toys and mattresses. Unfortunately many modern mattresses include artificial dyes, potentially hazardous chemicals and allergenic materials that can irritate a baby's skin and cause discomfort and restless sleep. Vinyl/PVC foam and polyurethane foam are two common materials in many crib mattresses that over time can begin to leak potentially harmful chemicals. To provide high quality comfort with eco-friendly materials give serious consideration to outfitting cribs with 100% organic mattresses.
What about these other baby products? The most common baby products that can be laden with chemicals are mattresses, clothing, drinking items, and toys. These often contain materials like plastic and cloth, which may contain a combination of PVC, phthalates, and fire-retardant chemicals, lurking in these seemingly innocuous baby items. Trying to understand the tags is confusing so often the most effective route is the natural or organic one. Organic baby mattresses and clothing, for example, are made with organic cotton or latex, without PVC, a plastic commonly softened with phthalates. Baby toys and utensils, are also manufactured by natural and organic baby product stores, and these are also often made from, organic cotton, unfinished wood, and natural dyes.
Several manufacturers produce outstanding organic crib mattresses, changing pads, sheets and waterproof covers, bottles, toys and other natural products for the home. One of the most trusted names in baby mattresses is the Savvy Rest Organic Crib Mattress. This is a latex mattress that offers benefits over conventional mattresses while your baby will enjoy superior comfort. All natural latex is non-toxic and 100% free of chemical additives. Latex is also naturally resistant to dust-mite infestation.
Parents choose organic Savvy Rest crib mattresses for several reasons. In addition to being durable and comfortable these mattresses, changing pads and sheets are certified 100% organic meaning no chemicals, dyes or allergenic materials are used in the manufacturing process. This is very important to many families who demand comfort and eco-friendly products for their young ones. The "green" movement is important by providing high quality organic crib mattresses and other baby products will give your baby a head start on living harmoniously with the world around him.
One excellent source for researching and buying environmentally friendly natural products for your baby is NestOrganics's online store. There you can find mattresses, clothing, toys and drinking vessels for your baby. As a benefit you will find organic mattresses and home items for yourself as well!
Tips for Marketing your Independent Film
So you shot your film, spent more months than you care to remember in the editing process and now you are ready to debut the final product. What do you do now to get your labor or love, out to audiences and hopefully to win awards for your efforts?
Here are the key things that matter for your future in to the world of independent film.
1. Alternative Cinemas
Independent films are being screened in many different kinds of venues in a trend which may sweep the world. Digital screens allow art galleries, bars, pizza houses and other non-traditional cinemas to show alternative content.
What does that mean for independent shorts, features and documentaries? Look for these non-traditional outlets and perhaps your film will end up being screened in a pub, with drinks, networking and distribution contacts.
2. Self Distribution
It used to be that self-distribution meant getting your beat up car with a bunch of fly posters, and hitting the road. Sometimes you might have an advance person leaflet the city, and when you arrived, you would do some local radio, screen your film at a local venue, collect the box office (minus the venue's share) sell T-shirts, posters, CD's, collect a few dollars and tank up the van and hit the road again.
It's all changing thanks to social networking websites, new digital opportunities, and the advantages offered by internet distribution.
3. Social Networking
If you don't have a Twitter, Plurk, and Facebook account, get them going now. Find friends with similar interests and professional in the film fields. Don’t hesitate to use social media as your way forward in terms of news, advertising and blatant self promotion.
4. Low Budget Filmmaking
Movies on the web don't need to be the same resolution as movies in cinemas. You can shoot films using lower priced cameras, or even an ultra cheap FLIP camera. Just make sure to save the film in it’s highest resolution so you can make a high quality DVD later.
Meanwhile submit your film to YouTube, Kewego, Motionbox, Truveo and others to promote your film with a trailer. Paramount Studios thinks that Low Budget has a huge future and has launched a low budget division. This is good news for independent filmmakers as more and more outlets become available.
5. Use Internet Optimization Techniques
One of the most important tool filmmakers have in marketing to a niche audience, on the internet, is the understanding and use of key word phrases, and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
The bad news is that SEO is a really time consuming excercise. The good news is that if you are good at it, or become adept at it, you will be able to promote your film on the first pages of Google and other search engines - and sell your film or your film idea.
Develop a blog, podcast or video cast and engage your audience with ideas and controversy. Join in the dialogues of other people’s blogs and forums and become an expert in your field, developing a following for your own efforts.
6. Promote at Film Festivals
Film distributors are increasingly using film festival screenings to promote new releases of films. Using the social nature of festivals to promote contacts, and by eventually getting into the larger festivals, independent filmmakers and distributors can leverage their marketing budgets to the maximum.
For filmmakers seeking distribution, starting the buzz about your film at film festivals is the best place to begin. It's the most direct and easiest way to attract distribution for a beginning filmmaker. There are now hundreds of smaller festivals to get your start in the circuit. A good strategy is to win at one of the smaller festivals so that your film gains credibility and has a better chance of being selected at a larger festival.
A great place to start your quest into the festival world is a festival like the Twin Rivers Media Festival, that accepts, short films and feature films in all genre, as well as scripts and audio projects. This festival is in it’s 16th year and likes the feature and award the works of previously unknown filmmakers. Once you get an award there you are listing in the IMDB database and you are on your way to film fame!
Here are the key things that matter for your future in to the world of independent film.
1. Alternative Cinemas
Independent films are being screened in many different kinds of venues in a trend which may sweep the world. Digital screens allow art galleries, bars, pizza houses and other non-traditional cinemas to show alternative content.
What does that mean for independent shorts, features and documentaries? Look for these non-traditional outlets and perhaps your film will end up being screened in a pub, with drinks, networking and distribution contacts.
2. Self Distribution
It used to be that self-distribution meant getting your beat up car with a bunch of fly posters, and hitting the road. Sometimes you might have an advance person leaflet the city, and when you arrived, you would do some local radio, screen your film at a local venue, collect the box office (minus the venue's share) sell T-shirts, posters, CD's, collect a few dollars and tank up the van and hit the road again.
It's all changing thanks to social networking websites, new digital opportunities, and the advantages offered by internet distribution.
3. Social Networking
If you don't have a Twitter, Plurk, and Facebook account, get them going now. Find friends with similar interests and professional in the film fields. Don’t hesitate to use social media as your way forward in terms of news, advertising and blatant self promotion.
4. Low Budget Filmmaking
Movies on the web don't need to be the same resolution as movies in cinemas. You can shoot films using lower priced cameras, or even an ultra cheap FLIP camera. Just make sure to save the film in it’s highest resolution so you can make a high quality DVD later.
Meanwhile submit your film to YouTube, Kewego, Motionbox, Truveo and others to promote your film with a trailer. Paramount Studios thinks that Low Budget has a huge future and has launched a low budget division. This is good news for independent filmmakers as more and more outlets become available.
5. Use Internet Optimization Techniques
One of the most important tool filmmakers have in marketing to a niche audience, on the internet, is the understanding and use of key word phrases, and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
The bad news is that SEO is a really time consuming excercise. The good news is that if you are good at it, or become adept at it, you will be able to promote your film on the first pages of Google and other search engines - and sell your film or your film idea.
Develop a blog, podcast or video cast and engage your audience with ideas and controversy. Join in the dialogues of other people’s blogs and forums and become an expert in your field, developing a following for your own efforts.
6. Promote at Film Festivals
Film distributors are increasingly using film festival screenings to promote new releases of films. Using the social nature of festivals to promote contacts, and by eventually getting into the larger festivals, independent filmmakers and distributors can leverage their marketing budgets to the maximum.
For filmmakers seeking distribution, starting the buzz about your film at film festivals is the best place to begin. It's the most direct and easiest way to attract distribution for a beginning filmmaker. There are now hundreds of smaller festivals to get your start in the circuit. A good strategy is to win at one of the smaller festivals so that your film gains credibility and has a better chance of being selected at a larger festival.
A great place to start your quest into the festival world is a festival like the Twin Rivers Media Festival, that accepts, short films and feature films in all genre, as well as scripts and audio projects. This festival is in it’s 16th year and likes the feature and award the works of previously unknown filmmakers. Once you get an award there you are listing in the IMDB database and you are on your way to film fame!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Stop Paying Taxes this Year, War Taxes now Exceed 50% of the Tax Load
The IRS has been ridiculed, feared and despised by virtually everyone for over a half century of its existence and for good reason; the code is illogical, inconsistent and incomprehensible to practically everyone including our own Secretary of the Treasury, Tim Geithner.
Geithner testified to the Senate confirmation hearings, that he used TurboTax to prepare his own return and that the tax errors are his own responsibility. The problem with TurboTax seems to stem from self employment issues of the tax code. The Washington Post quoted a tax expert who said that TurboTax has not been programmed to handle self-employment taxes when the user identifies himself as being employed.
Over nine of Obama’s top appointees had tax problems ranging from speaking fees, self employment issues and illegal house employees. But the problem for Obama and the IRS is becoming much bigger.
For one, is there even a law that requires taxpayers to file and pay taxes? It appears that there is no such law. Sure, the IRS as volumes of codes and regulations, but is there a law that requires US citizens to pay taxes on their income? No.
Recently the government has lost critical cases on tax law with Whitey Harrell and Tom Cryer winning their right to not file or pay taxes at all. Further, former IRS agents Joe Banister and Sherry Peel Jackson resigned after not being able to find a law that requires citizens to pay taxes.
Most of the tax controversies arise over the fact that the US government is lying to its citizens about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and organized torture and illegal detaining of so called terrorists. Currently over 54% of all taxes paid by US citizens are going to the war, military efforts and mostly to corporations that are benefiting from the war by creating ridiculously expensive tools, contractors, and equipment for the military.
These government lies result in a “Taxation without Representation” issue as even our corrupt lawmakers are lied to about the reasons to go to war and the cover-up of torture techniques used in secret and non-secret prison facilities around the world. No reasonable American citizen or their representatives would have voted to use tax dollars to buy water boards and professional torturers to create false confessions from detainees in secret prisons.
There is a remedy. Don’t pay taxes this year. If enough people refuse to pay for the illegal programs by our Federal Government, these programs will fail. Tax dollars should be used for the infrastructure of our highways, education initiatives, science and space explorations and other programs that are beyond the reach of individuals and state governments.
For more information about how to resist taxes this year, go to http://www.nwtrcc.org/deathandtaxes.htm For a minimal fee you can purchase there new video that contains 28 interviews with tax resisters that explain their motivations and reasons for resisting taxes.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Asheville's Jesse Barry makes it to Hollywood on American Idol
Photo by Cynthia Potter after painting Jesse's face at the Courtyard Gallery, Downtown Asheville, 9 Walnut St. Subscribe to True Home Podcast here.
It's official: Jesse Barry of Asheville, NC has at least made it to Hollywood on American Idol.
Check out this link of contestants that make it to Hollywood!
AND check out this youtube link of Jesse performing at the Int'l Blues Challenge in Memphis TN. last year with her band Skinny Legs and All.
Congratulations Jesse!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
10 Reasons to Switch to Organic Bedding and Clothing
When Organic food was first presented to the public, there were few choices and some of the products simply did not appeal to the taste buds being bland or too "natural." Now the choices are endless and appeal to almost every palette.
The same was true for Organic clothing and bedding. Initially Organic bedding and clothing was a repertoire of boring color schemes and water shades. Presently, thanks to environmentally induced dyes, there is a wide array of colors available to please even the most discerning adult or child.
The reasons manufacturers are enhancing and promoting the organic market are not too difficult to figure: people have become more aware of health issues and they like their products to be as free as possible from pesticides, fertilizers and additives.
But organic clothing? And bedding? Why would you bother to spend more on the organic products you do not even ingest?
Here are some reasons:
1. You avoid contact with chemical surface treatments. You or your children may be spending a third or more of your life in bed, by switching to an organic mattress and organic bedding will immediately reduce your exposure by that amount. Further, most mattresses that are non organic are treated with boric acid as a fire retardant. Boric acid is also used to kill rats--not a good substance for you or your children to be sleeping with.
2. You support ethical and safer working practices. Farmers working on organic farms are exposed to fewer chemicals. Millions of pounds of pesticides are applied to US agricultural corps, lawns and gardens each year. You can help reduce this practice by buying organic.
3. You support organic farming. By choosing organic clothing, you divert your disposable income towards supporting organic agriculture. Organic growing techniques involve crop rotation, which encourages biological diversity, a healthier ecosystem and a healthier work environment.
4. You support the use of natural color and natural dyed fabrics. Natural dyes are generally much less polluting than synthetics. Dyeing fabrics and yarns consume a great deal of energy and produces toxic waste. You can support the use of natural colour and natural dyed fabrics.
5. You support fair trade practices. Certified organic cottons from other countries are produced to industry standards for labor and free trade. You can support moral and ethical trade practices. Organic clothing and bedding are certified sweat shop free.
6. You reduce the allergens present in the environment. Certified organic cotton is farmed without the use of pesticides, genetically modified seed or synthetic fertilizers and materials. You can help reduce the allergens present in the environment.
7. You save on toxic waste. Organic fabrics can be composted with safely, without contributing to toxins in the soil. You can save on toxic waste and aid provide for better health of our planet.
8. You support global biodiversity. Organic farming aids biodiversity at every level of the food chain, by using crop rotation, fewer pesticides and fertilizers and by adopting wildlife-friendly habitat management techniques.
9. You save energy. Organic farms tend to use less energy, instead focusing on careful ecological management and natural balances to solve pest problems.
10. You can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. What you wear and use says something about you. You don't need to promote the branded products with a cool slogan printed on it!
Further, if you have children, you are promoting better health and lifestyles for them. Organic clothing and bedding is known to create lesser skin rashes and allergies in children. Traditionally manufactured cotton is weakened by excessive use of chemicals and dyes. Organic cotton is untouched by harmful chemicals and thus provides the child with a soft touch with a longer life, saving you money in doctor bills and replacement costs.
Nest Organics in Asheville, NC has a great online store for all your home organic needs, from mattresses, bedding, furniture, organic dining, organic kitchen ware, organic clothing and more. Check them out for a wide array of organic products that can be ordered from the convenience of your home!
Gray Line Asheville's Trolley Charters
Taking the Gray Line Asheville Trolley Tour is one of the best ways to get to know the city that everyone is making plans to visit. This guided tour runs to all the hottest destinations in Asheville, North Carolina including Pack Place, the historic Montford neighborhood and The Asheville River Arts District. With unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges, it’s the only form of ground transportation in Asheville worth considering. No parking hassles, traffic issues or getting lost…you get just to kick back and enjoy everything this amazing mountain town has to share.
Asheville, NC has become known as a cultural mecca, drawing travelers “in the know” for several years now. Quickly becoming hailed as one of the creative centers of the southeast and indeed the nation, Asheville offers something for every personality and walk of life. The famous art deco architecture of downtown set against the backdrop of the ancient and beautiful Appalachian Mountains is truly a sight to take in. The inhabitants of the town and surrounding area are as eclectic as the studios, art galleries, independent restaurants and shops that line Asheville’s streets and avenues.
Gray Line Asheville is the perfect way to organize a summer party or gathering of friends of any kind. Keeping everyone on the same page is easy, as the trolley tour of Asheville makes a continuous circuit throughout the day, and unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges means everyone can find their way back to each other, while enjoying some of the best sightseeing in Asheville. A few can hop off at The Haywood Park Hotel and walk around the shops while others explore the galleries and studios in The River Arts District.
Asheville is a dream destination for any group of folks, whether it’s school group, family reunion or just a group of friends getting together to enjoy the summer. The Historic Biltmore Village area is rich with some of the cultural heritage of the city, and blends nicely with the traditional Appalachian feel. Folk art abounds as this area is famous for it. The newly revitalized Asheville River Arts District is now home to some of the most eclectic and skilled contemporary artists in the area.
An excellent way to plan for a group of party-goers is a fun-filled bus tour of Asheville on a Gray Line Trolley. The Renaissance Hotel, The Grove Park Inn, Biltmore Village and Haywood Park Hotel are all destinations along the way on the Gray Line Asheville schedule. Take the whole trip or get on and off at any of the stops all day and enjoy the many restaurants and events taking place throughout the city.
Private trolley charters are a dream come true for any party planner. Sure and easy ground transportation to all the places in town you need to get to including entire downtown Asheville area, with no hassles about finding a place for everyone to park and keeping the group together. It’s a fun and easy way to get people from one spot to the next or anywhere in between.
A complete page of rates, routes and schedules can be found on the web at www.graylineasheville.com. Making arrangements for a charter is easy and hassle-free, and the kind folks at Gray Line Asheville take great pleasure in being a part of your western North Carolina travel experience. For party charters, historic sightseeing in Asheville, and transportation around the city there really is nothing better than a Gray Line Asheville Trolley Tour.
Posted by jack moe at 7:45 AM
Labels: Biltmore Village, Grove Park Inn, Haywood Park Hotel, Pack Place, Renaissance Hotel Asheville, River Arts District Asheville, trolley tours, trolley tours of asheville
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Asheville, NC has become known as a cultural mecca, drawing travelers “in the know” for several years now. Quickly becoming hailed as one of the creative centers of the southeast and indeed the nation, Asheville offers something for every personality and walk of life. The famous art deco architecture of downtown set against the backdrop of the ancient and beautiful Appalachian Mountains is truly a sight to take in. The inhabitants of the town and surrounding area are as eclectic as the studios, art galleries, independent restaurants and shops that line Asheville’s streets and avenues.
Gray Line Asheville is the perfect way to organize a summer party or gathering of friends of any kind. Keeping everyone on the same page is easy, as the trolley tour of Asheville makes a continuous circuit throughout the day, and unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges means everyone can find their way back to each other, while enjoying some of the best sightseeing in Asheville. A few can hop off at The Haywood Park Hotel and walk around the shops while others explore the galleries and studios in The River Arts District.
Asheville is a dream destination for any group of folks, whether it’s school group, family reunion or just a group of friends getting together to enjoy the summer. The Historic Biltmore Village area is rich with some of the cultural heritage of the city, and blends nicely with the traditional Appalachian feel. Folk art abounds as this area is famous for it. The newly revitalized Asheville River Arts District is now home to some of the most eclectic and skilled contemporary artists in the area.
An excellent way to plan for a group of party-goers is a fun-filled bus tour of Asheville on a Gray Line Trolley. The Renaissance Hotel, The Grove Park Inn, Biltmore Village and Haywood Park Hotel are all destinations along the way on the Gray Line Asheville schedule. Take the whole trip or get on and off at any of the stops all day and enjoy the many restaurants and events taking place throughout the city.
Private trolley charters are a dream come true for any party planner. Sure and easy ground transportation to all the places in town you need to get to including entire downtown Asheville area, with no hassles about finding a place for everyone to park and keeping the group together. It’s a fun and easy way to get people from one spot to the next or anywhere in between.
A complete page of rates, routes and schedules can be found on the web at www.graylineasheville.com. Making arrangements for a charter is easy and hassle-free, and the kind folks at Gray Line Asheville take great pleasure in being a part of your western North Carolina travel experience. For party charters, historic sightseeing in Asheville, and transportation around the city there really is nothing better than a Gray Line Asheville Trolley Tour.
Posted by jack moe at 7:45 AM
Labels: Biltmore Village, Grove Park Inn, Haywood Park Hotel, Pack Place, Renaissance Hotel Asheville, River Arts District Asheville, trolley tours, trolley tours of asheville
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