Imagine News

Caitlin McCarthy’s thriller A NATIVE LAND has won Best Feature Screenplay at the 2020 George Lindsey UNA Film Festival (also known as the Lindsey Film Festival). In A NATIVE LAND, a black Native American cop battles local prejudice, personal troubles, and her own police force while trying to uncover a serial killer on the loose.

Caitlin is a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, and is represented by legendary manager Barry Krost of Barry Krost Management. Krost is well known in the entertainment industry, both as a literary manager and producer. He has been involved in the careers of some of the entertainment industry’s leading talents, including Cat Stevens, Angela Lansbury, Richard Gere, Liza Minnelli, Peter Finch, Joan Collins, Elizabeth Montgomery, Jackie Collins, Michael Scott, Stuart Ross, John Osborne, and Lynn Mamet.

Caitlin was inspired to write A NATIVE LAND because she is of Métis descent through her Huron/Abenaki/French Canadian ancestry. Caitlin’s 8th great grandmother, Marie Olivier Sylvestre Manitouabeouich (1624-1665), was the daughter of Roch Manitouabeouich (a Huron) and Oueou Outchibahanoukoueou (an Abenaki). When Marie married Martin Prevost, Caitlin’s 8th great grandfather, it was the first recorded marriage between a Native person and a French person in Canada.

Caitlin is a member of the Métis Federation of Canada, and holds a Certificate of Aboriginal Status card through the Ontario Métis Family Records Center (OMFRC). She is very proud of her Native ancestry – but out of respect for those who are enrolled in a Nation and/or experience prejudice as a Native, she only checks the “Caucasian” box and never tries to muscle in on opportunities designed for Native artists.

With A NATIVE LAND, Caitlin’s intention is to create opportunities for Native artists through the leading roles of Roxanne Jones and her brother Christian. Actor Adam Beach’s words about the exclusion of Natives in casting resonated with Caitlin. Since every film starts with the script, Caitlin is in a position to be the change by creating characters who must be played by Natives.

As part of the prize, Caitlin received an all-expenses-paid trip to the Lindsey Film Festival held March 5 – 7 just before unnecessary travel and avoiding large gatherings was recommended. The festival is hosted each year by the University of North Alabama in Florence, one of the four cities comprising the culturally rich Shoals. The festival was founded by celebrated entertainer George Lindsey, along with the late Communications professor Bobby Hurt and now retired Director of University Relations Bill Jarnigan. George Lindsey is well known for his role of Goober Pyle on the Andy Griffith Show and many other credits in television, including episodes of Hee Haw, The Twilight Zone, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Gunsmoke, MAS*H, and as the host of Turner South’s Emmy award-winning Liars & Legends.

Since 1998, the Lindsey Film Festival has exhibited independent films from across the world. Special guests have included Oscar winners Billy Bob Thornton and Ernest Borgnine; actors Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead), James Tolkan (BACK TO THE FUTURE and TOP GUN), Lee Majors (The Six Million Dollar Man), Cedric Pendleton (The Shield), Rance Howard (COOL HAND LUKE), and Stephen Root (O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?); and many more.

The Lindsey Film Festival’s awards show will be streamed on “Facebook Live” on March 7, (starting at 7 pm eastern time) at www.facebook.com/GLUNAFF. The awards show will include a reading of a select scene from Caitlin’s thriller A NATIVE LAND. While at the festival, Caitlin will also spoke with students in a Creative Writing Appreciation course at the University of North Alabama.

Caitlin received her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Emerson College, which is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best graduate programs in the country. An award-winning screenwriter at international film festivals and labs, Caitlin has written feature screenplays including: “Wonder Drug,” a “Featured Script” on The Black List website, Bitch List honoree, and Top 50 in the 2019 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition (out of 7,302 entries); “A Native Land,” Academy Nicholl Top 10% and promoted as a “highly-rated script” by The Black List website; and “Resistance,” a script accepted into the exclusive Squaw Valley Screenwriters Program, made possible with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Caitlin is also writing/creating the TV series “Free Skate,” named “One to Watch” on WeForShe’s WriteHer List; and partnering on writing/creating the TV series “Pass/Fail” with Jim Forbes (a multiple Emmy, ALMA, AP and Golden Mic award-winning writer, producer, correspondent, and narrator).

Caitlin has been recognized as an “Intelligent Optimist” by Ode Magazine; a “Woman to Watch” by IMAGINE Magazine; a “Person to Watch” by The Pulse Magazine; a “Woman To Watch” by Forty Over 40; and a “Red Sox Most Valuable Educator” twice by the Boston Red Sox.

Caitlin won an MTA Human and Civil Rights Award from the Massachusetts Teachers Association; and a “Service to Community” Alumni Award from Regis College. She was nominated twice (in 2011 and 2012) for a Presidential Citizens Medal for her work on the DES (diethylstilbestrol) tragedy. Caitlin was also a Fellowship Grant Recipient from the Worcester Arts Council; and a finalist for the Artist Fellowships Program of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which provided her with a financial award.
In addition to screenwriting, Caitlin serves as an English Language Arts Instructor at Worcester Technical High School, a high-poverty urban public high school with universal free breakfast and lunch. Prior to education, she worked in public relations, where she fostered relationships with the press and crafted messages for companies that were delivered worldwide.

To learn more about Caitlin, visit www.caitlinmccarthy.com.

By Pete Hammond

The American Film Institute is looking somewhere over the rainbow to put a little hope in our new daily routines in this age of the coronavirus.

Today AFI unveiled the launch of AFI Movie Club, designed to be “a daily virtual gathering to leverage our collective love of film on behalf of optimism in this time of global uncertainty.” Steven Spielberg, an AFI Trustee and 1995 recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award, introduced the first movie chosen — 1939’s immortal Oscar-winning classic THE WIZARD OF OZ — with a video (find it below) in which he is standing in front of a stunning French poster of another classic, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO. In the video, he explains the reason the debut film was chosen for the honor. “I know you think you’ve seen it, but please think again because right now at this moment in our history what better message is there then ‘There’s no place like home’? ”

FAQs about AFI Movie Club

AFI said it will continue to select an iconic movie each day for the world to watch together, creating a communal viewing experience during these unprecedented times of social distancing. The plan is to have a variety of other guest hosts announcing select AFI Movies of the Day in videos posted on AFI.com and social media platforms. To view the featured movie of the day with the use of your preexisting streaming services, go to AFI.com/MovieClub. An AFI spokesperson told me the organization will be doing this every day for the foreseeable future and will be digging out tons of great exclusive archive material to add to the experience. This will include “fun facts and family discussion points.” Audiences can continue the conversation online using the hashtag #AFIMovieClub.

“AFI’s goal is to live in a world of art above anxiety,” president and CEO Bob Gazzale said. “We’re honored to have Steven Spielberg, the greatest storyteller of our day, lead the way.”

“There’s no place like home,” is a great message for each of us at this unsettled time. I’m looking forward to better times that are sure to come to us in this great country.

Stay healthy, well, and optimistic for our future.

It’s time to begin thinking about the incredible array of New England’s Summer of Film Festivals. Today the Nantucket Film Festival made the following announcement as we here at IMAGINE continue our planning for our IMAGINE House at this always satisfying event. Watch for the next issue of IMAGINE for additional details. Here’s the festivals announcement:

25^TH ANNIVERSARY NANTUCKET FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES HONOREES & SPECIAL GUESTS

ERIC ROTH (A STAR IS BORN) TO RECEIVE SCREENWRITERS TRIBUTE AWARD

AMY SHERMAN-PALLADINO & DANIEL PALLADINO (THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL) TO BE HONORED WITH VARIETY’S CREATIVE IMPACT IN TELEVISION AWARD

MSNBC’S BRIAN WILLIAMS TO HOST ANNUAL SCREENWRITERS TRIBUTE EVENT

Festival Adds Additional Day in Celebration of Anniversary

Writers, producers, and directors Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino will receive Variety’s Creative Impact in Television Award at the Screenwriters Tribute. Sherman-Palladino is the creator of the hit television series including Gilmore Girls, Bunheads, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She has received five Emmys® for her work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and is the first person in history to win in both the comedy writing and directing categories at the Primetime Emmy® Awards. In 2019, Sherman-Palladino received the Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television from the Producers Guild of America. Daniel Palladino has worked as a producer on the popular television series Gilmore Girls, Bunheads, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He won three Emmy® Awards and a PGA Award for his work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Palladino has also received nominations for his work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel from the DGA, WGA and PGA. He has also worked on additional series including Family Guy and Roseanne. Previous recipients of the Variety Creative Impact in Television Award have included Saturday Night Live writers and performers Anne Beatts, Jane Curtin, Heidi Gardner, Sudi Green & Sarah Schneider, as well as House of Cards creator Beau Willimon and David Crane & Jeffrey Klarik for their work on Friends and Episodes.

“As the Nantucket Film Festival embarks on our 25th anniversary we look forward to honoring some of the most creative minds and talented storytellers in today’s field. Eric has made an impact on the industry with extraordinary scripts that have left a lasting influence, bringing some of the most iconic and timeless characters and words to the screen,” said Mystelle Brabbée, Executive Director of the Nantucket Film Festival. “Amy has created some of the most powerful and poignant roles for women in television and she and Dan bring their trademark brilliant dialogue to every show they write and produce. As the world eagerly anticipates a new season of Maisel, we look forward to celebrating Amy and Dan and their wide-ranging and impactful careers in television.”

It was also announced that Brian Williams will return to host the Screenwriters Tribute for the 25th anniversary. Williams is a longtime supporter of NFF, from sitting on the board of directors for several years to his tenure as the popular host of the Screenwriters Tribute. During his 15 years leading the event, Williams demonstrated the humor that he’s shown in guest appearances on The Daily Show, Late Night, Tonight Show and Late Show to Nantucket audiences. Audiences will once again have a chance to hear his witty jokes and sharp commentary at this year’s event.  

In celebration of the 25^th anniversary of the Festival an extra day will be added, with NFF kicking off on Tuesday, June 23^rd. The 2020 seven-day event will include additional programming for the Nantucket community, including the return of past guests representing the history of the Festival.

Presenters for the Screenwriters Tribute and participants of audience favorite event, the annual All-Star Comedy Roundtable, as well as other Signature Programs and film programming for the 25^th edition, will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 25th Anniversary Nantucket Film Festival runs from June 23-29, 2020.

ABOUT THE NANTUCKET FILM FESTIVAL

The Nantucket Film Festival was founded by brother and sister team Jonathan and Jill Burkhart in 1996 to promote the cultural awareness and appreciation of the fine art of screenwriting in the world of cinema. Since then, NFF has become one of the premier destination film festivals in the world. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the preview screenings, unique signature programs, and stand out hospitality on a magical island rich with history, a friendly atmosphere, and beautiful sandy beaches. In addition to screening over 100 films across seven days, NFF presents The All-Star Comedy Roundtable, Screenwriters Tribute, In Their Shoes…®, our daily Morning Coffee With…®, and other Signature Programs.

The Nantucket Film Festival is supported by Showtime and The White Elephant Nantucket Island as Major Sponsors; and Bank of America, A&E IndieFilms, Brand Content, and Delta Air Lines as Signature Sponsors.

The 25^th annual Nantucket Film Festival will take place June 23-29. For further information on the 2020 Nantucket Film Festival, please visit www.nantucketfilmfestival.org.

THEY ALL STOOD UP: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JAMES COTTON is currently in production with plans for a world premier in Spring 2020. It is an emotionally evocative feature documentary that portrays the untold story of James “Superharp” Cotton, a legend whose musical influence shaped the Chicago Blues style and beyond. Having been mentored by the originators of the Delta blues tradition, Cotton played a pivotal role in making the blues prominent in the evolution of the American roots sounds of the 20th century. The story brings to audiences a unique appreciation of the blues harp as part of American culture that became sophisticated and exported around the world, offering opportunities for musicians to transcend the restraints imposed by poverty and race. Cotton’s life tracks a swath of America’s history — from the post-depression cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta to tough Chicago-land era of artistic reinvention to today’s live music scene in Austin, Texas. Along the way Cotton played with Muddy Waters, toured with Janis Joplin, Steve Miller and became a sought after performer on stage with Led Zepplin, Paul Butterfield, the Grateful Dead, Jimmie Vaughan, Santana, B.B. King and Buddy Guy among many others. This film probes deeply the story of a man and his instrument that became a gift to the heart and soul of what it means to sing the blues.

Rarely seen archival footage and stills are woven throughout a visual landscape of original footage in which some of today’s finest harp and blues musicians lead us on a powerful journey, bringing a fresh and deep understanding of the harp in the expanding blues tradition. In new interviews and original concert recordings, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Vaughan, Steve Miller, Huey Lewis, Billy Branch, Annie Raines, Curtis Salgado, Kenny Neal, Rick Estrin, Bob Margolin, James Montgomery and many others bring Cotton’s story to life and leave us with an understanding of the lasting impact his music has imprinted upon our cultural heritage. Cotton’s unique mixture of high quality musicianship and seemingly boundless energy is an expression of an artist who became the ultimate showman and who made the world pay attention to the “harp” as a complex instrument with its own voice. This journey unfolds in a joyful, thumping original film through an exploration of harp-based blues music and stories shared by some of the most respected musicians.

Fundraiser on February 27 at the Regatta Bar

Funds raised at this event will help fund additional interviews and editing. Donations to The Reel Blues Fest, Inc., are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. All donors will be thanked by
name in the credits.

Director, Bestor Cram, Produced by The Reel Blues Fest, Inc. and Northern Light Productions.
For more information: www.jamescottonfilm.com
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thereelbluesfest
Contact: info@thereelbluesfest.org or 508 495-3456

IMAGINE Magazine presented its IMAGINE Industry New Year’s Celebration & “Imaginnaire” Awards Gala in the exquisite “Glass Room” at the Seaport Tuscan Kitchen in Boston. The Gala is held on the second Tuesday of each New Year expressly to celebrate our peers and honor new “Imaginnaires.”

“We host this opportunity to toast our industry and the people who work in it. Often new friends, new ideas, and new collaborations spring from tis festive occasion,” says IMAGINE Publisher Carol Patton.

IMAGINE Magazine covers the Business of Film, Television, and New Media Productions in New England. Previous “Imaginnaires” have been Academy and Emmy Award winners as well as steadfast supporters of the film industry including Casey Sherman, Rex Trailer, Douglas Trumbull, Lisa Strout, Ernest Thompson, Christy Cashman and many more. 

This was the Fourteenth Gala where IMAGINE Magazine honored five new honorees: Boston based actor and TV Host Jan Waldman, President of Women in Film and Video of New England (WIFVNE) Alecia Orsini Lebeda, Founder and CEO of ELEMENT Productions Eran Lobel, Massachusetts Representative Tackey Chan who introduced House Bill No. 2419 – an Act to remove the film tax credit expiration date, and filmmaker and Blues legend James Montgomery.

2016 “Imaginnaire,” and noted actress Erica McDermott (THE FIGHTER, BLACK MASS, AMERICAN HUSTLE) served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies gracing  the stage with her humor and wit. She was assisted by presenters selected to introduce each new “Imaginnaire.” Presenters included Boston based actor Mary Hronicek, WIFVNE Administrator JoAnn Cox, ELEMENT Productions COO and Executive Producer Kristen Kearns, New York Times Bestselling Author Casey Sherman (The Finest Hour and Boston Strong – both made into major motion pictures) and the Executive Director of Woods Hole Film Festival, Judy Laster.

The citation for the “Imaginnaire” Award is: For Creative Vision, Leadership and Commitment to Excellence. For Distinguished Service Advancing the Business of Film, TV and New Media Production in New England. Recipients are rich in creative ideas and execute brilliantly. They are generous of themselves and their resources in service to our industry and its members.

Patton adds, “We view each recipient as making a significant contribution to our industry in New England. We are so very fortunate to have them in our midst. They inspire us all and help us succeed as an industry! I genuinely extend special thanks to everyone who helped make this event another magical and memorable evening.” 

Hello everyone, I am very excited to announce our presenters for our IMAGINE New England Industry Celebration & “Imaginnaire” Awards Gala on January 14^tin the exquisite “Glass Room” at the Seaport Tuscan Kitchen.

Please join us for this once a year magical evening and support the industry and the work IMAGINE does in its behalf. Now, meet our amazing presenters for the Awards Gala! If you haven’t already, RSVP as soon as you can. I genuinely appreciate your support!

Our Imaginnaires Presenters:

Casey Sherman will present to Massachusetts Representative Tackey Chan. Casey is a New York Times Bestselling Author including The Finest Hours (now a major motion picture starring Casey Affleck & Chris Pine) and Boston Strong (the basis for the film PATRIOTS DAY starring Mark Wahlberg).

Judy Laster will present to James Montgomery. Judy Laster is the founder and director of the Woods Hole Film Festival, now in its 29th year. She is also the co-founder and director of The Reel Blues Fest along with James Montgomery. Together they are producing the feature documentary, JAMES COTTON: THEY ALL STOOD UP, directed by Bestor Cram.

Mary Hronicek will present to Jan Waldman. Mary is a Boston based actor who also enjoys working behind the camera (production design, AD, Scriptie). As an actor, Mary enjoys exploring complicated, challenging characters like ‘Joan’ in the award winning film, GUTTERBUG.

Kristen Kearns will present to Eran Lobel. Kristen is the COO/Executive Producer at Element Productions. With more than fifteen years of experience working with amazing and talented creatives on broadcast campaigns, web content, and TV shows. She captains the ship at Element.

JoAnn F. Cox will present to Alecia Orsini Lebeda . JoAnn is a Board member of and administrator for Women in Film and Video New England. She enjoys stories (writing, telling, listening, watching!), making connections, and tackling details. She hates limes and loves STAR WARS.

Every year IMAGINE collects predictions for the New Year from Industry Leaders. Enjoy these for 2020. pub

Don Packer, Founder and Video Editor – Engine Room Edit, Brewhouse VFX and Conductor Productions

First, I predict that I will seriously enjoy my second
year of career of watching things from afar. At the start of this year I did something that I didn’t imagine when
I opened EngineRoomEdit thirteen years prior and that is, sold it. Certainly, didn’t predict that but, I could have.

I predict that small companies in the advertising business will continue to win the battle across the board. They have been for a while. With low overhead and massive amounts of freelance talent lying about as the big agencies continue to thrash about, why not. I’m not saying the big agency model is dead, it’s just that there is a LOT more chances for smaller agencies than ever before.

I predict that even if you know how to run the gear and can afford the ever-lowering price, nothing changes. The greatest software remains the human brain. Without
the smarts and the creative talent, you simply have a lot of nice gear.

I predict that the fi lm tax incentive in Massachusetts will finally have the Sunset Clause removed because frankly, even the state doesn’t want to kill this cash cow. The amount of work we have had and continue to have, and the amount of work that wants to come here is enormous. No study will

show anything but the upside if it’s a fair one. And by the way, every state that has killed their tax credits is giving themselves a hard look over their past erroneous decision to do it, (Hello North Carolina).

I predict (and this isn’t a hard one) that with 5G coming the chance to send larger, more complete fi les video fi les will drive everyone in editorial and visual effects nuts as they struggle to perform a level of visual acceptability to their client in round one of approval that used to be expected in the final round.

That voiceover records will be better than ever. With 5G it will sound like the talent is standing right next to you even on a regular cell phone. This is going to be huge because even with a phone patch, we are missing some of the nuances of a person’s voice vs. recording in a studio sound booth.

I also predict that our 5G system in America will suck for some time, compared to China’s version. But we’ll come around.

I predict that clients who are shall we say, uninformed, will remain so. Yes, things CAN be done cheaper and there are many opportunities to cut corners. But in the end, the money you put in is directly proportional to thelook of the end product. Saving twenty grand on a shoot doesn’t mean you’re smart. It simply means you saved twenty grand and probably lost an opportunity to look that much better in the end.

Oh yes, a recession is coming. That’s not hard to predict. Hang on to your hats. I always liked a good little recession. People spend more dollars on advertising. Just
don’t make it a big one.

And finally, an easy one: The Red Line will continue to breakdown at the most in-opportune times.

Jan Waldman, Actor, TV Host and Producer

Asia’s role in Financing Films in 2020 China has become the driving force behind big budget films. The issue with this is that not all American films translate well in the
Asian market. Action/Adventure movies do well there, but the comedies, romances, or quirky movies with an American theme literally get lost in translation and this
factors in to which films the Asian market will finance, since the American market is dealing with a much smaller budget, this can be a mitigating factor in dictating which big budget movies are being financed. My prediction is that the large budget independent films will need to take the lead on the more unusual type films
and hope for recognition during the awards
season.

Netflix and Amazon Prime are both investing millions in their programing and it is paying off for both them and the consumer. The streaming services are producing excellent movies, mini-series and television shows that are drawing in all types of viewers, unlike the movie theater industry which is being hamstrung by finances.

One more factor is the convenience viewers have while watching their favorite shows/ movies from the comfort of their homes with TV’s that far surpass the quality of a movie theater screen.

My hope for the movie theater industry (AMC, Cinemark, Cineworld) would be to upgrade their viewing screens. Poor screen quality in movie theaters is another factor in loss of revenue.

My belief is that the movie theater attendance would increase greatly if the screen quality was updated and improved with larger screens making for a more enjoyable viewing experience. Who doesn’t love a movie night out?

Andy Liebman, Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at EditShare

Broadcast and content creation agencies are beginning to decouple their workflows from proprietary systems. We are seeing more facilities beginning to adopt a ‘best of breed’ approach, choosing the right vendor with the right solution for their part of the workflow puzzle. EditShare is a proven choice for these facilities, offering creative agnostic freedom through openness in its entire
ecosystem. Our Flow media management solution throws a blanket across all creative and delivery platforms, working as the digital glue to connect everything together.

Content is the most valuable asset a facility owns. A facility needs to curate the content and deliver the story to their clients, whether it’s a broadcaster or an OTT provider. The facility curating the content needs to make sure they keep that content secure and mitigate the risk of theft. We’ve all seen the stories about movies or valuable programming appearing on the web prior to its release, causing major loss of revenue and job losses through the industry. With EditShare EFS Auditing, we are bringing extreme accountability to facilities dealing
with high value content by tracking every file interaction inception through to delivery. The five W’s of file security are constantly watched— “Who did What to Which file When and Where?”

This data is constantly logged in real time, enabling every footprint to be traced. Additionally, this capability meets new media and entertainment security guidelines
which are quickly becoming mandatory for doing business with high profile content providers.

Cloud is also a major part of the production story as it enables facilities to bring costs down by utilizing cloud technologies. EditShare has been working diligently
with cloud providers over the past four years to bridge facilities and develop an on-ramp to cloud workflows.

While on-premise will have a place in the production chain for many years to come, cloud will become more important as we enter a new production world. With EditShare, clients can feel assured that their investment
today in on-premise solutions will be fully “migratable” to the cloud when and where it suits the customer.

Alecia Orsini, President of Women in Film and Video of New England

I have big hopes for 2020! I predict more productions
coming to our region and blossoming! It would be wonderful to see another TV series establish itself in New England for multiple seasons. More productions in New England will lead to the substantial growth of our rental facilities and post-production houses.

I hope our college students will stay in New England rather than jet off to other states for jobs, and that we can help them thrive right here. The mood in the region is hopeful as we all row in the same direction, supporting the voices of our local filmmakers and sharing our talents with the rest of the world!

Women in Film and Video of New England has that same sense of hope. We’ve had growth in membership and connectivity, and will continue this trend into 2020 as people rally to the cause! We are capturing this energy with mentorships as we connect women with mentors across the film community, ever more supporting their
voices. Nationally, we see small changes taking hold on how women are viewed and treated in the film industry. There is a long way to go, we see the effort being made,
and we are hopeful that more is on the horizon.

As we round out the decade, I think about how far we have come and the wonderful people who have made and will continue to make our industry so rich. I am thankful for the opportunity to be here doing what I love with this community. Here is to more great films, stories and memories to come in 2020.

Elaine Grey: SAG/AFTRA Actress/Director/Writer

My first 2020 prediction is, that I believe that the Entertainment Industry will be seeing another Castle
Rock production, right here in Massachusetts. An outstanding Series 2, 2019, kept viewers on the edge of their seats, and looking for more of Stephen King’s suspenseful thrillers. Watch for Castle Rock, Series 3 to
announce its plans.

While the number of television Series (i.e. Castle Rock and City on a Hill) and others have been on the rise, in New England, I predict that we will see an explosion of new projects, in development, over the coming year.

SAG/AFTRA New England will make great strides this year, with incoming President Andrea Lyman at the helm.

Following in the footsteps of her successful predecessor, Michele Proude, Andrea Lyman will lead her fellow Officers, Board Members and Staff to new horizons. They will continue to support peer organizations and their membership with the ongoing mission to fight for Retention of MA Film Tax Credits and Elimination of the Sunset Clause. I see Andrea Lyman and her team working on developing the Growth of Commercial Contracts; Membership & Program Development, along
with a myriad of other existing and new projects, and bringing them to new heights during the coming year.

IMAGINE Magazine will continue to be the first and foremost provider of Entertainment News in our Industry, here in New England and beyond. IMAGINE’s Publisher and Editor, Carol Patton will also remain a promoter of the Arts, forging ahead, as usual, to ensure
that we retain our Film Tax Credits and put an end to the Sunset Clause.

I predict that, during the coming year, the film Industry, particularly Scriptwriters, will have more of a focus on Inter-generational projects, ones that features the over-50 generation of “Baby Boomers” (1946-1964), “GenX,” (1965-1979),”Millenials” (1980-2000), and the upcoming “Gen Z,” working together, side by side, and fi lling the age Gap across the board, with feisty drama, laughter, revelation and lots of sizzle. How awesome!

All in All, 2020 should prove to be a remarkable year.

Vinca Liane Jarrett, Esq., FilmPro Finance

More channels such as Disney will emerge, and people will subscribe to what they like, but still keep Netflix, which has a jumpstart of more than twenty years on all of them, so the big fear that Netflix will disappear or the prediction that Disney will own the OTT space is just plain wishful thinking without basis in reality.

More heartfelt movies based in true stories will be made and distributed than ever, because it’s what the public worldwide needs to watch to escape the political turmoil and chaos caused by politicians who care more about money than the people or our planet.

Steve McGrath, Editor/Writer of IMAGINE’s Tech Edge and Sales Engineer for Zixi AI

Computing Becomes Mainstream – I love the idea of AI computing. Right now, it’s used in task oriented workflows like file conversions and black detections.
But next year, I think AI will blow up where it won’t only do task oriented computing, but content quality computing as well. Making sure colors are accurate, making sure there is no pixelization.

From there, the possibilities are endless. I think AI could replace “workflow foibles”. We all have them and we all know what they are. They are the goofy, unnatural things you do in your workflows to just get things out
the door. I am hopeful that AI can learn and improve such foibles.

Do I think a reality show could someday be edited by a machine? Absolutely. Can AI compete with a Scorsese film and make a creative masterpiece? Absolutely not.

Judy Laster, Executive Director of the Woods Hole Film Festival

2020 will see an increase in independent film production, both feature and short film series. The need for content will be beneficial for aspiring filmmakers and crew in Massachusetts.

Film Festivals will play an increasingly important
role in the life cycle of independent films, especially if studios are allowed to own theaters again if the Paramount consent decree is lifted.

The Woods Hole Film Festival will host its 29th edition!

Frankie Imbergamo, Actor, SAG-AFTRA Boston

I think 2020 is going to be a great year in our state of Massachusetts for the movie Industry.

The tax incentive for movies to be filmed here has been stable so I think a lot of the production companies have
their eyes on Massachusetts again.

As it has in the past. Why wouldn’t you? Our state has it all! The past year 2019 we have had a good amount of movies as well as TV series filmed here. I as an actor would love all the movies to be filmed here as so many
other actors from Massachusetts would –keeping us very busy! I know in the past we lost a lot of movies to Georgia but I think we will now be getting them back. 2020 will be a blockbuster year for us here in
Massachusetts.

Thanks to IMAGINE Magazine and Carol Patton for going the extra mile for all of us actors and production people from Massachusetts.

Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office

This will be Rhode Island’s best year yet for film and
television productions!

There will be a prestigious production which will have a powerful impact on our creative community as well as our tourism industry! Oscar winner of THE GREEN BOOK and Rhode Island native, Peter Farrelly, will be a presenter at this year’s Academy Awards!

THE IRISHMAN, which was executive produced by Rhode Islander, Chad Verdi, will receive several nominations during the awards season.

There will be a big surprise when a local film director begins production on a new feature! Another television series will commence in the fall of 2020! Several top notch actors will be in Rhode Island this year and at least one will purchase a home in Newport!

The Rhode Island International Film Festival will once again select their Grand Prize winner which will go on to win the Academy Award for “Best Short Film”.

A Rhode Island made production will be box office gold! Those are my predictions for the year. Looking forward to a healthy and happy New Year for all of our friends and families! Enjoy the world!