New Partnership Provides Innovative Support to Sacramento Filmmakers
NEWS RELEASE
New Partnership Provides Innovative Support to Sacramento Filmmakers
Save the Date: 21st Annual "A Place Called Sacramento" Cast and Crew Call on May 20
Sacramento, CA -- The 21st annual "A Place Called Sacramento" Film Festival will feature an entirely online Cast and Crew Call experience, thanks to a partnership between Access Sacramento and long-time "A Place Called Sacrament" Film Festival sponsor, Casting Calls America.
"Given what our nation is dealing with right now, we were extremely worried the actors and crew members who annually volunteer to make these films wouldn't get the chance to be on the big screen," said Gary Martin, Film Festival Director and Access Sacramento Executive Director. "We're thrilled our long-time sponsor Casting Calls America has stepped up to help us with a technology solution."
FimFestO, a division of Casting Calls America, developed a new website and app, https://pcs.greenlit.app, exclusively for the "A Place Called Sacramento" Film Festival. Through the app, volunteer actors and technicians will be able to interact with the 10 winning filmmakers as they are announced May 20, and to submit their information online, free of charge, just as if they were at the traditional in-person cast and crew call.
According to Brian Jagger, Chief Innovation Officer for Casting Calls America, this means talent and crew will be able to submit directly to the 10 "A Place Called Sacramento" films, online and free of charge.
"Having started in Sacramento with Sacramento Casting (SacCasting.com), we are excited to help Access Sacramento keep this important local film festival moving forward," said Jagger. "Actors and crew will be able to submit their profiles directly to the producers through this innovative app."
The app will also stream the live television show on May 20, 2020 from Access Sacramento's TV studios in real time as 10 new writers turn into producers with the opportunity to have their 10-minute scripts turned into movies on the big screen and on cable television.
"This opportunity to support filmmakers with a virtual event wouldn't have been possible without the support of FilmFestO," said Martin. "The Casting Calls America team has been so accommodating in creating an app experience that allows volunteers and filmmakers to get connected so easily."
Previously an instant audiition was recorded at the Live Cast and Crew call but now performers can upload a short clip to show their interest.
Volunteer actors and technicians can begin immediately importing their contact information, pictures and even an instant on-camera audition in preparation for learning what this year's filmmakers will need to produce their films.
Another unique aspect of the app, pcs.greenlit.app, is that it is a Progressive Web App (PWA) which means it can be used and accessed through any device, using the devices browser, so there is no app store download required and those using a desktop computer can also use the app.
The announcement of this year's 10 winning writers on May 20th is the culmination of a writing and selection process with three rounds of blind judging to select the top scripts. In 20 previous years, 197 original 10-minute films all about a place called Sacramento have made their world premieres as part of the festival.
This year's "A Place Called Sacramento" Film Festival is scheduled for a one-day red-carpet event on Sat. Oct. 5 at the historic Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento, subject to change depending on current health guidelines surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic.
About Access Sacramento:Access Sacramento is the 32-year nonprofit local cable broadcaster and community media center serving Sacramento County with two public access cable channels and low-power community radio station KUBU-LP 96.5 FM. Membership provides training classes and access to checkout equipment and TV or radio studio access. As a 501(c3 foundation, Access Sacramento's primary funding is from the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission
About Casting Calls America:Casting Calls America is the leading provider of regionally-focused casting websites. Casting Calls America's professional talent listing software websites allow local acting and modeling talent to submit their complete talent profiles through their software to local, regional, and national casting calls posted through the platform. Casting Calls America is bonded in California and is proudly accredited by the
Better Business Bureau.
FimFestO, a division of Casting Calls America, developed a new website and app, 
According to Brian Jagger, Chief Innovation Officer for Casting Calls America, this means talent and crew will be able to submit directly to the 10 "A Place Called Sacramento" films, online and free of charge.
