UCLA TFT Alumni Newsletter - December 2, 2016
UCLA TFT Alumni Newsletter
December 2, 2016
Welcome to the TFT Alumni Newsletter

There will be no newsletter next week.
Questions, comments? Email [email protected]
Submit your alumni news to:  www.tft.ucla.edu/alumninewsupdate
News and TFT Alumni Events
Lynn Stalmaster Accepts First Oscar for Casting
Congratulations to TFT alumnus Lynn Stalmaster (MA '52), who received an Honorary Award at the 2016 Governors Awards in Hollywood on November 1. 

In an AOL Online Chat in May 2001, Christopher Reeve revealed that he only got to meet with Richard Donner after Lynn Stalmaster kept putting his photo back on the pile of possible actors to play the role of Superman for “Superman: The Movie”… about ten times.

“The producers and the director, Dick Donner, they kept looking at my picture, and I was tall but very skinny. And so they kept putting my picture and resume on the bottom of the pile. And finally they were getting desperate, and Lynn Stalmaster persuaded them to meet with me. And I came in for a meeting with Dick Donner and Lynn Stalmaster. Next thing I knew, I was asked to go to London for a screen test.”

Lynn Stalmaster also introduced Ilya Salkind to Christopher Reeve. In a Superman Homepage interview with Ilya Salkind he remembered meeting Reeve with Donner in New York about five months before shooting began with Brando. “[Chris] was terrific but was extremely skinny. Six-four, but like a string bean. So we went back. Then we tried more people.”

As a casting director, Stalmaster was responsible for bringing many fresh faces to filmmakers and helping them shape their ensembles in such films as “West Side Story,” “The Graduate,” “Deliverance,” “Tootsie” and “The Right Stuff.”

Video of the award acceptance can be viewed here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcMrH0NieN4
Free NERUDA Screening 
Sunday, December 4, 6:00PM
Watch the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gFbcBnXx8o

You and a guest are invited to an advance screening of the stunningly inventive NERUDA, director Pablo Larraín’s (JACKIE; NO; THE CLUB) kinetic cat-and-mouse tale about the fugitive poet Pablo Neruda (Luis Gnecco) and the police officer (Gael García Bernal) dead set on capturing the Communist Senator, a beloved hero. The Orchard, in association with Participant Media, will release the film in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, December 16. 

Sunday, December 4, 6:00pm – Sundance Sunset Cinema

8000 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046 

RSVP to [email protected] 

"Part fact, part glorious fantasy...  In "Neruda," Mr. Larraín steers clear of cradle-to-grave clichés for a formally exciting movie that both places Neruda in a specific world-historical moment and shows him as a poet of the people - of fawning intellectuals, striking workers, adoring prostitutes." – Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

TFT Alumnae Helping to Fight Homelessness

This year a group of friends and colleagues wanted to come together and harness the influence and energy of our informal UCLA alumni network of Women to raise money and collect holiday donations for the Downtown Women's Center –– the only organization in Los Angeles exclusively dedicated to addressing the needs of women overcoming poverty and homelessness in Skid Row. 

Thank you so much from the fundraising team from UCLA's TFT programs  –– Davita Scarlett, Michelle Amor, Janis Robertson, Jean Lau, Roxanne Beck, Josephine Green, Kiley Donovan, Lea Lehua Toulon Black, Tessa Fixter-Coniglio, Angeline Olchewski, Felischa Marye, Josephine Martorana, and Natalija Vekic.

Please follow this link to help fight homelessness here in Los Angeles.

The mission of the Downtown Women's Center is to provide permanent supportive housing and a safe and healthy community fostering dignity, respect, and personal stability, and to advocate ending homelessness for women. Founded in 1978, DWC is the only organization in Los Angeles exclusively dedicated to addressing the needs of women overcoming poverty and homelessness in Skid Row.

Matt Groening Production Fellowship in Animation
Official Screening Thursday, December 8th
You are invited to a private screening:  

presented by UCLA Animation Workshop and the School of Theater, Film and Television 

Matt Groening Production Fellowship in Animation

Thursday December 8th, 2016

James Bridges Theater

7:00pm, doors open 6:30 

this is a free event - reception to follow

parking is available in lot 3, $12  

RSVP by December 2nd

 http://whoozin.com/QGG-RNH-3F9U

Haile Gerima to Deliver Aravindan Memorial Lecture

From Buisness-Standard.com:

Eminent Ethiopian writer-director Haile Gerima (MFA '76) will deliver this year's Aravindan Memorial Lecture, conducted on the sidelines of the annual International Film Festival of Kerala, on December 14. 

Aravindan Memorial lecture is an annual event conducted in the honour of legendary Malayalam filmmaker G Aravindan. Gerima is best known for his internationally acclaimed film 'Sankofa' made in 1993.

His most recent film, 'Teza', a personal drama, set in Ethiopia and Germany, is to be screened as part of this programme, according to  Kerala  State Chalachitra Academy, the organiser of the event. 

Throughout his career, Gerima has used his work as a critical lens for personal growth and creative development. His concern for people of African descent is evident, especially, where the representation of their image is concerned. 

An alumnus of the University of California,  Los Angeles  (UCLA) School of Film and Television, Gerima has spent over 40 years making high value, low budget films outside of commercial institutions. 

Gerima has been a distinguished professor of film at Howard University since 1975. He is also a leading member of the L.A. Rebellion film movement, also known as the  Los Angeles  School of Black Filmmakers, Academy sources added.
TFT Alumnus Named Senior Vice President and Chair of
the Newly Created Arts & Culture Practice
From Broadwayworld.com, November 29, 2016: 

Effective today, Paulo P. Lima, Ph.D. (PHD '14) will serve as senior vice president and chair of the Arts & Culture Practice. Dr. Lima has held various roles in his 12 years with LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS such as senior counselor and vice president, managing director, Hispanic Practice. In this newly created role, Dr. Lima will play an integral part in further driving the agency's presence in the arts and culture industry.

Dr. Lima offers a diverse range of experience to the Arts & Culture Practice. In addition to serving on the agency's senior leadership team and his role as managing director for the agency's Hispanic Practice, he also serves as the firm's official photographer. For more than a decade, Dr. Lima has provided account management, strategic and creative counsel, community and media relations, and other services for clients including, Center Theatre Group (Ahmanson, Mark Taper and Kirk Douglas), Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, The Pasadena Playhouse, Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT), California African American Museum (CAAM), and more.

Continue reading the article here.
TFT Alumni Nights with The Archive Presents:
John Cassavetes' Opening Night
Billy Wilder Theater
Saturday, December 10th at 7:30PM

These films are part of the ongoing program, “TFT Alumni Nights with The Archive”.

Free admission to both films for TFT Alumni who say, “TFT ALUMNI” at the box office at the Billy Wilder Theater.

UCLA Film & Television Archive and the Hugh M. Hefner Classic American Film Program present: “Blonde Crazy: Joan Blondell”

Opening Night (1977), directed by John Cassavetes

Gena Rowlands plays an actress who struggles with, resists and eventually overthrows the text written by Joan Blondell’s veteran playwright in a tour de force dramatic examination of age, gender, celebrity and identity. The consummate studio professional, Blondell struggled with but ultimately rose to the occasion of director John Cassavetes’ considerably looser methods to deliver an astonishing late career performance.

SCR: John Cassavetes. CAST: Gena Rowlands, John Cassavetes, Joan Blondell

35mm, b/w, 140 min.

http://www.tft.ucla.edu/event/blonde-crazy-joan-blondell-6/

In July 2016, Fox International optioned Isobel Gardner's (MFA '97) original screenplay "The McKenzie Scam" a British Comedy. She's repped by Michael Adler at LICHTER, GROSSMAN, NICHOLS, ADLER & FELDMAN, INC. Based on that first draft she is currently in negotiations for 4 additional original screenplays (all comedies).
Attn: Los Angeles Alumni
MOMA NYC Presents: 30th Anniversary Screenings of
Donna Deitch's DESERT HEARTS

MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, NYC

PRESENTS

The 30th Anniversary Celebratory Screenings of

Donna Deitch’s (MFA '76) 'DESERT HEARTS'

December 2 thru 8, 2016

In conversation with Donna: Stars Helen Shaver and Patricia Charbonneau 

And a special surprise guest

Please visit our website for schedule and updates:

donnadeitch.com/moma-screening/

Desert Hearts clip
Dinners for 12 Strangers Registration Open

Dinners for 12 Strangers is a 48-year UCLA tradition that has become a global phenomenon. Every year, on one of three nights, alumni, faculty and students come together to enjoy good food and great conversation. In 2016, alumni hosted more than 350 dinners around the world involving more than 3,700 Bruins.

2017 Dinners will take place on:

Feb. 25, Feb. 26, March 5

Sign up today!

For more information, contact Alyson Beckman at [email protected].

Sit down strangers. Stand up as friends.

Hosting a Dinner for alumni in your area is the perfect opportunity to make new friends and connections – and re-engage with the UCLA community. Dinner can be potluck, casual or gourmet – the choice is yours!

Visit https://alumni.ucla.edu/traditions/dinner-for-12-strangers/regional/ 

NYC Alumni: Tadmor at The Distillery Writing Lab Application Open
At Tadmor, we develop, produce, and finance independent films with a focus on commercial,
auteur driven projects that challenge conventions. Our award-winning films include Swiss Army
Man (Winner • Directing Award, US Dramatic Competition • Sundance 2016) and Junction 48
(Winner • Audience Award • Berlinale Panorama 2016 | Winner • Best International Narrative
Feature • Tribeca Film Festival 2016). To see our full roster of projects, please visit our website:
www.tadmor.co.

THE DISTILLERY

We are looking to collaborate with and cultivate the next wave of innovative filmmakers and
writers through our writing lab, The Distillery.
Entering its second year, The Distillery is a three month program (Feb. 27, 2017 - June 2, 2017)
during which participants develop a new or existing feature film or television script.
What we provide:
  • WORK SPACE: Desk space at Tadmor’s office in the Flatiron District of New York City.
  • ONE-ON-ONE WORKSHOP SESSIONS: Bi-monthly sit-down sessions with our team to
intensively workshop scenes, discuss broader story or character developments, and
strategize casting, getting the best tax incentives, and setting up financing structures.
  • INDUSTRY MEET & GREETS: Award winning writers, directors, and producers are
invited to meet with participants, discuss ideas, and answer questions.
  • CREATIVE COMMUNITY: Weekly Distillery lunches and informal drink nights.
  • PRODUCING/FINANCING PARTNER: Tadmor will have first look to produce and/or
finance any projects that stem out of The Distillery. Graduates will build a relationship
with a development/production/financing company for these and future works.

How to apply:
  • INTRODUCE YOURSELF: We want to get to know you, your style, what excites you, and
why you're interested in the program. Maximum one page.
  • TELL US A STORY: Send us a screenplay or finished film (short/feature/TV episode). It
should be a complete story with beginning, middle, and end.

E-mail your resume, introduction, and story to [email protected] with the subject line:
" Distillery Application". Applications are due December 31, 2016. We will be reaching out
with interview requests on a rolling basis. Final decisions will be made in February. A pplicants
should be NYC based for the duration of the program.
Job Listings and Available Services
Various Assistant Level Positions

Executive Assistant needed – Head of Scripted Content needs an ambitious and experienced assistant. Job consists of administrative tasks such as scheduling, phones, taking notes, etc., but also the opportunity to be an integral part of the development process and the foundation of a well-funded start-up digital platform launching in 2017. Ideal candidate should have a love for reading, a knowledge of scripted development and/or the digital space and be a self-starter. Agency or development experience preferred. Fluency in French is a plus but not required. Email resume and cover letter to [email protected]. 11/29

TOP MCN HIRING FOR BEVERLY HILLS OFFICE

Coordinator, Lifestyle Content and Brand Partnerships

SAMPLE DUTIES

  • Generate pitch and presentation materials for new clients in the Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle space
  • Create design skeletons and basic design elements for proposals/pitches
  • Translate research and creative brainstorms into powerful language with cohesive ideas
  • Deep daily research and understanding of trending content within the ‘Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle’ verticals for specific project-based requests or brand needs
  • Assist talent managers and producers with daily deliverables for all long-standing programs and retainer clients
  • Manage project and pitch decks, acting as a bi-coastal liaison between design team, metrics/analytics and optimization, and creative teams
  • General management and organization of the ‘Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle’ office, including accounts payable, travel planning, general filing, meeting prep, etc.
  • Maintain digital and print database for all projects, conference calls, and meetings.
  • Coordinate internal + external client meetings
  • Manage daily schedule for VP

ESSENTIAL SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

  • At least 1-year executive assistant experience or equivalent preferred
  • Extremely organized and always a step ahead
  • Creative writing skills for editorial, brand and digital influencer platform content needs
  • Diversity of skill-set : strong marriage of organizational and creative
  • An eye for design: experience/intuition in graphic design is preferred
  • Experience handling talent and/or client-facing communication
  • Expertise in Photoshop, Excel, Word, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Drive
  • Understanding of the post-production process and video assets
  • Self-learner with a genuine curiosity for creating content in the digital influencer space

Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected] 11/29

Top literary management seeks experienced assistant to two managers. This is a position with potential for growth. Ideal candidates will have agency or desk experience and an interest in television. Responsibilities include normal assistant duties such as scheduling, rolling calls, and researching, as well as tracking and grid maintenance. Assistants are encouraged to read, scout potential signing targets, and participate in staff meetings. Must be able to communicate clearly and multitask. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a quickly growing company with A-list clients in a team environment. Please email resumes and cover letters to [email protected]. 11/22

Top literary management seeks highly motivated assistant to two partners. Ideal candidates have agency or management desk experience. Responsibilities include normal assistant duties, such as scheduling rolling calls, researching, reading, etc. Assistants are encouraged to read, scout potential signing targets, and participate in staff meetings. Must be able to communicate clearly and multitask. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a quickly growing company with A-list clients in a team environment. Please email resumes and cover letters to [email protected]. 11/22

Assistant to Stephanie Levinson – Casting VP – 20th Century Fox Television. TV studio seeks an assistant to a casting executive to start as soon as possible. Responsibilities include basic administrative tasks, answering phones, scheduling meetings/sessions, managing casting grids, generating lists and communicating with casting directors, producers, talent representatives and other executives. Prior desk experience required, agency/management experience preferred. Please send resumes to: [email protected] 11/22

A Talent Manager at a bi-coastal talent management firm, seeks a seasoned assistant for our office in Los Angeles. Ideal candidates must have experience (at a minimum: 6 months-1 year), superior academic credentials and a degree from a four year university. Experience must include time at a talent agency or management company. Internship does not count. Applicants must be self-motivated, highly organized, hard-working, detail-oriented and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. The more computer and tech knowledge, the better. Great opportunity to further ones career in within the entertainment industry with an established manager with amazing clients. We would love to continue to grow the company from within over time. Competitive pay and benefits. Must have thick skin and a strong desire to succeed. Email cover letter and resume to: [email protected] 11/22

Top international film/music video/commercial Production Company seeks assistant to its busy General Manager/CFO/Producer. Ideal candidate is extremely bright, strong willed with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Excellent phone and computer skills are a must. Previous assistant, production or office managing experience preferred but not required. Aspiring producers, executives, or individuals who dream of running a production company one day should not miss out. Please send all resumes to [email protected] with “Assistant to GM/Producer” in the subject line. 11/22

Reality television agency is looking for an Agent-in-Training (aka a smart, resourceful, and ambitious assistant) for a full time position! Industry experience is a must. Candidate should be detail-oriented, with solid computer knowledge and excellent communication, organizational and multi-tasking abilities. Good people skills are vital along with a pleasant phone manner and professional appearance. Responsibilities will include administrative tasks, rolling calls, scheduling meetings, managing calendars, etc. for a busy and successful agent. Great position for someone looking to eventually become an agent! Send resume and cover letter to [email protected]. 11/22

Newly launching Los Angeles-based film/TV production company seeks fully bilingual assistant with the ability to translate Mandarin Chinese to English and vice versa. The company is backed by a reputable Chinese studio and will have a China, Japan, US, and international focus. Standard assistant duties including phone sheet and scheduling, as well as international travel, social media, reading, coverage, and translation. Very friendly environment. The assistant will be asked to join creative meetings when time allows. One year of agency experience, production company experience, or equivalent is preferred. The assistant will report to the US CEO and exec staff, with duties ranging from Development/Production to Global Strategy. Competitive salary and benefits. Please send resumes to [email protected]. Interviews will start after Thanksgiving. 11/22

Newly launching Los Angeles-based film/TV production company seeks fully bilingual assistant with the ability to translate Japanese to English and vice versa. Possible travel to Japan with the US CEO! The company is backed by a reputable Chinese studio and will have a China, Japan, US, and international focus. Standard assistant duties including phone sheet and scheduling, as well as international travel, social media, reading, coverage, and translation. Very friendly environment. The assistant will be asked to join creative meetings when time allows. One year of agency experience, production company experience, or equivalent is preferred. The assistant will report to the US CEO and exec staff, with duties ranging from Development/Production to Global Strategy. Competitive salary and benefits. Please send resumes to [email protected]. Interviews will start after Thanksgiving. 11/22

Various Personal Assistant Positions

Boutique artist management company in Sherman Oaks seeks a part-time, jack of all trades personal assistant/office manager. Duties include schedule management, making calls, booking travel, and occasionally running errands. Must be able to handle juggling priorities and have an interest in the music industry. Must be proficient in Word, Excel and Outlook. QuickBooks knowledge is a plus. Must be comfortable with light bookkeeping, phones and generally be good with people. Being dog friendly is a huge bonus. (Having a sense of humor will certainly be useful.) If you think you’re the right fit, please send resumes and cover letters to [email protected]. 11/29

TFT Alumni Affairs | UCLA | Email TFT Alumni AffairsUCLA TFT

Noah Green 
Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs, School of Theater, Film and Television
Make sure your alumni contact info is up to date.