Oklahoma filmmaker Paul Tompkins recently produced a short film "HOLLYWOOD PHOTOS OF KATIE MILLS" which will represent one of three US films in the 2006 Manhattan Short Film Festival. (www.MSfilmfest.com)
This year the festival received nearly 500 submissions from a record 39 countries accepting twelve finalists with films from Poland, Cuba, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Israel, Spain, the UK, and the US.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has united with over 80 other venues across Europe, Canada, and the US as part of the world's largest short film festival. From September 14th - 24th, the festival will screen 140 times in 72 cities throughout 14 countries and in 35 US states.
Audience members will not only be entertained by the 12 short films, but will be asked to vote for the one film they think should win the event. Votes will be tallied and sent to festival headquarters, and the winner announced at the main event in Union Square Park, NYC on September 24th.
Tompkins wrote and directed the film, a story about a young actress's opportunity for the perfect film role that hinges on getting new photos of herself. Will she now do "whatever it takes?" The photo session tonight will determine her fate.
He also produced the film with his wife Deborah Tompkins, under their banner CrazyFish Films, (www.CrazyFishFilms.com) along with co-producers Fred Imel and Kent Jones and executive producer Olga Vesta Button.
"HOLLYWOOD PHOTOS OF KATIE MILLS" was shot entirely in Oklahoma City using an all Oklahoma cast and crew. University of Oklahoma Theater major, Sara Rae Foster, plays the lead role of "Katie." Supporting actor, Shane Fuller, originally from Tulsa, portrays "The Photographer." The total crew consisted of Peter Hermes (Director of Photography); Kent Jones (Editor and Post Production); Steve Griffin (Music Composer and Performer); Sara Peterson (Assistant Director); Clark Deal (Gaffer/Grip); Brian Shultzabarger (Sound); and Samantha Bryant (Production Assistant). Casting was handled through Margie Madden of Magna Talent and primary production services provided by Ted West and Blaine Rider of Digital West Studio.
The Manhattan Short Film Festival will screen at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art Noble Theater, Thursday-Saturday, September 21-23 at 7:30 pm each night. Tickets are $8 adults, $6 seniors & students, $5 museum members. The theater box office opens two hours before show time. Same day advance tickets go on sale at 10 am by calling 405-236-3100 Ext. 237. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is located in downtown Oklahoma City at 415 Couch Drive. For more information call 405-236-3100 or visit www.okcmoa.com.