Welcome to the blog of Cow Town Film Productions. We are an Independent film company that prides itself on supporting the communities that we work in. Our projects benefit charities with mission statements in line with the themes of our movies. Please join us for the thrill ride that is Indie filmmaking at its best!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Cow Town Film Productions will miss Alex!
You can see Alex's footprint throughout this blog, throughout the Social Media for Cow Town & CIC, and in her work at the Sacramento Bee Fashion Challenge held at the Crest this past Summer.
She will continue to serve as Secretary of the Board at The Capitol Indie Collective where she will continue to make a very positive impact on Sacramento's artist community.
We are lucky to have her in Sacramento! I highly recommend her to any business that is lucky enough to have her apply. Film friends- fret not- we will see Alex again at Cow Town Film Productions on set and at special promotions.
If anyone is interested in an Internship at Cow Town Film Productions, please email Christina Marie (me) at cj@cowtownfilmproductions.com
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Where the Hell is Loomis?
By Alexandra Gilmore
What is CCD Expo and where the hell is Loomis? These are the two questions that the creators of the Content Creation and Distribution Expo have had to deal with since they began planning their event. When it’s all over though, chances are no one will have anything left to ask.
Taking over the town of Loomis in Northern California made more sense than you would think. Everyone has heard of Sundance, which takes place in the small town of Park City, Utah. The smaller the area, the more exclusive it becomes, and exclusivity means YOU want to be there. Also, just because it is small, doesn’t mean its reach can’t be big. The expo will stream live over the internet with the ability to access people all around the world. As for the other question, what IS the CCD Expo? I’ll let them explain it in a nutshell –
“Content Creation & Distribution Expo is part trade show, festival, symposium, and entertainment venues bringing together companies, manufacturers, artists, and individuals that are focused on the latest technologies that make creating content easier, faster and less expensive, as well as distributing that content to the end user via hand-held devices, home computers, televisions and new digital theaters.”
Basically if you have an idea or have made of some kind of content and want to be able to make it, sell it, market it, promote it, and all around distribute it, this is the place for you. There will also be panels and classes to attend, not to mention some pretty cool concerts at night with Garratt Wilkin & The Parrotheads on Friday and Pablo Cruise on Saturday.
The Capitol Indie Collective is proud to be among the sponsors for the first year of the event, taking place on the 16th and 17th of September 2011, in downtown Loomis. Our mission is to promote local talent and to support artists so that their work is not only seen, but also profitable. Anyone who would like to have a booth at this event can use our promo code CIC20 to get 20% off the price. Come check out our booth located in the Video Village West for the opportunity to become a member and a chance to win some cool prizes. We hope to see you there as Northern California shows off what it can bring to the art table.
For more information please visit ccdexpo.com
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Drum Roll Please...
FIFTH PLACE
Natass'ja Price is a designer and fashion student at IADT, Jessica Fontes is the MUA/Hairstylist, and Yuri Tajiri is the fabulous model. The inspiration for this design was the Japanese style Harajuku, it instantly made since to me to use a style that is so unconventional for an unconventional challenge. When I thought of which red carpet event would look great for this type of style I immediately thought of the Grammy's, where the weird and bizarre is cool for just one night.
THIRD PLACE
Edward John Radanovich III created this design; modeled by Khayla Jones; with hair and makeup done by Angela Aragon. The House of Radanovich represents sophistication, elegance, sexiness, and seductiveness. It takes time and attention to get through the Sacramento Bee and the House of Radanovich wanted to represent that in this design which can also be referred to as an artistic collage.
Jesus Medrano is a local freelance designer. He started his fashion career early in 2008 attending American River College where he was awarded for the Most Marketable Evening Wear. With an internship at local Couture boutique and various charity fashion shows, Jesus has polished his craft and is currently working on his Spring 2012 collection which he plans to debut this fall. The Dress is inspired by the 1950’s Glamour, it plays with the era's romance and it sends an invitation back in time.
Melinda Carrie’s dress was inspired by the dramatic floral trend in bridal and takes this soft feminine look and makes it edgy with harsh pleats and a pop of red. The flowers and vines crawl up the skirt in an organic pattern while the look is completed with a fitted bodice, belted with the Sacramento Bee title header. Modeling the gown is Miss Teen Sacramento, Michelle Parker; Hair and Makeup by Liz Guillot; and Melinda Carrie’s longtime faithful assistant Joanna Durkee. Using her Bachelor’s degree in fashion, Melinda Carrie is currently the assistant designer at Miosa Bride, while pursuing her own line.
Although the above may be the winners, all the designs were worth showing off because so much energy went into them. The designers took time away from their lives to participate and their efforts should be seen.
John Thao comes from a family of eleven children and is the third youngest child in the family. He studies fashion design at International Academy of Design and Technology Sacramento. He grew to have a passion for fashion design since the age of sixteen. He loves to create and wonder off with my crazy ideas and make it to life. His goal is to become a couture artist, the first one in my nationality as a Hmong person. His inspiration comes from everywhere and He draws many elements as he travels and researches online. He is aiming for the new look of the future, that would be his dream come true.
Diana Santibanez
Overall, everyone did a tremendous job and we hope that the turnout and results are just as good if not better next year. Thank you again to everyone who participated and helped with this event, you all MADE IT WORK!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Extra! Extra! Newspaper Hits the Runway
By Alexandra Gilmore
Wednesday night marked the first of what is sure to be an annual event at the Sacramento Film & Music Festival. The Sacramento Bee Fashion Challenge sponsored by the Capitol Indie Collective had models hitting the runway in couture made primarily out of newspaper. What started out as a competition of 16 designers was whittled down to ten who actually “made it work” in time for the runway show. These ten finished looks wowed the audience as the models strutted their stuff across the stage at the Crest Theatre to kick off opening night of the film festival. Six judges scored the designs in five categories as they saw them appear on stage, while the audience got to pick their favorite look on a special ballot. The overall atmosphere was one that was filled with excitement to see what this first ever contest would produce. There was some fear that the designers might end up dressing their models in paper boat hats, but the result couldn’t have been anything but. The looks were well crafted and all very different as each designer put his or her own personal aesthetic into the finished piece. Now the anticipation sets in as the designers wait to see who the winner will be in both the judges’ vote and the audience choice. The competition was fierce, so it’s anyone’s game. The winners will be announced Saturday, August 20th at 6:30pm at the Crest. Be there to see who will take home this year’s prize and be sure to check out the looks as they will be on display in the Crest lobby Friday through Sunday.
Visit sacfilm.com for more information.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Sewing Paper
By Alexandra Gilmore
Last night Sacramento fashion designers packed into the Crest Theatre for the launch of a challenge they knew very little about. Going in, all they knew was that there would be a surprising twist and there was buzz in the lobby about what that would be. Some guessed their designs would be based on film genres, since the challenge is in conjuncture with this year’s Sacramento Film and Music Festival. Others were completely unsure, but had been racking their brains all day, but coming up short of ideas. After everyone had been seated and the rules were explained, a red sheet was removed from a large pile on the stage to reveal…
NEWSPAPERS!
This year The Sacramento Film & Music Festival Presents: The Sacramento Bee Fashion Challenge pits designers against each other to create a red carpet look of which a noticeably significantly portion is made from the Sacramento Bee. They will have 13 days to complete their look with the help of a team including a model and hair/makeup artist. On opening night of the film festival, August 17th, the models will work the catwalk inside the Crest at 7:30pm as a panel of judges looks on. Their scores will determine the winner who will be announced on Saturday, August 20th at 6pm. As an added bonus, the audience will also be able to vote for their favorite when the designs are on display opening night. This year’s first place prizes include a mentorship with fashion designer Robbie Jeffers, sponsored by the Capitol Indie Collective, as well as an advertising package in the Bee among many others. There will also be prizes for second through fifth place and for the audience favorite.
So if you want to see local designers “make it work” at this first ever event be at the Crest for this year’s Film and Music festival. You don’t want to miss out!
Tickets for each event are $10
For more information go to sacfilm.com
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Documenting Second Saturday
The documentary shoot began on July 9, just as Second Saturday was in full swing. The bazaar was busy, the restaurants were packed, and the streets were crowded with…zombies? Yes that right, zombies. The annual zombie walk was taking place later that night and horror enthusiasts, both young and old were decked out in their bloodied finest. An interview with three adolescent zombies showed how much they enjoy Second Saturday and being able to participate in the local art scene.
With the bazaar full of customers (even Slamson, the Sacramento Kings mascot seemed to take notice), the crew moved in to see what local artists had to say about making and selling their works in Sacramento. Most were excited about the opportunity of Second Saturday to show off their art, but offered suggestions on how to event could be better tailored to meet their needs. Physical art is not the only kind on display at the monthly gathering, but many musicians also fill the streets hoping to build a larger following of listeners. They expressed the same sentiment of optimism for what they can do with the current support they get in Sacramento, but that there is always more that could be done. Overall, Second Saturday proved to be a valuable backdrop for "Undiscovered Gold" as it offered access to the insight of local artists. As production continues, hopefully more artist interviews will shed a brighter light on what it is like to be an artist in Sacramento and what more all around support can do.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Keep the Arts Alive: Get involved!
Today, all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives will be sworn in, and 13 new U.S. Senators will take the oath of office as a result of the November elections. It is critical to contact them now to show that the arts are important to you and your community.
Many of the newly elected congressional leaders are focused on cutting discretionary funding, reducing the federal deficit, and creating incentives to grow the economy. It is imperative that arts advocates work quickly together to help educate the largest congressional freshman class in decades about the profound role the arts play in spurring economic growth and job creation.
We have provided a customizable letter you can send to your Member of Congress congratulating him or her on beginning their service in the 112th Congress and letting them know the arts are important to you!
Take your advocacy work one step further by becoming an official member of the Arts Action Fund. Play your part today – it’s free and easy to join.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Another UNBROKEN woman

Jessica Cox, 25, a girl born without arms, stands inside an aircraft. The girl from Tucson , Arizona got the Sport Pilot certificate lately and became the first pilot licensed to fly using only her feet.

Parrish Traweek runs PC Aircraft Maintenance
and Flight Services and has trained many pilots,
some of whom didn't come close to Cox's abilities.

Jessica Cox of Tucson was born without arms,
but that has only stopped her from doing one thing:
using the word "can't."

WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A Way
How awesome is she??!!!!!

Jessica Cox of Tucson was born without arms,
but that has only stopped her from doing one thing:
using the word "can't."

Her latest flight into the seemingly impossible
is becoming the first pilot licensed to fly
using only her feet.
With one foot manning the controls
and the other delicately guiding the steering column.
Cox, 25, soared to achieve a Sport Pilot certificate.
Her certificate qualifies her to fly a light-sport
aircraft to altitudes of 10,000 feet..
"She's a good pilot. She's rock solid,"
said Parrish Traweek, 42, the flying instructor at San Manuel's Ray Blair Airport .
"When she came up here driving a car,"?
Traweek recalled, "I knew she'd have no problem
flying a plane."

Doctors never learned why she was born without arms,
but she figured out early on that she didn't
want to use prosthetic devices.

So, the next time you are ready to tell yourself,
"I can't possibly..." remember this amazing young woman
and change your vocabulary.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Section 181 and MISINFORMATION
I was shocked as I consider myself to be pretty educated on incentives (seeing as I do my best to receive the benefits from them). I followed the renewal process pretty darn closely until, like many, I realized that until Health care passed or failed, nothing else would be voted on or passed.
When I heard this tidbit, I jumped on the internet to verify the gossip.
Guess what? Still not verified. The "signs point to no" as I shake my magic 8 ball AKA: IRS Tax code. I have browsed through SEVERAL blogs, legal websites, government sites, and Filmmaker resource sites. The only EVIDENCE I have found states this:
"According to our source at the IRS (the original author of the section), 181 is not only not going to be extended, but it is not likely to be reintroduced for several months or even years. The last hope for 181 was its inclusion on the most recent Tax Extender Act. Unfortunately, due to major political issues like the Stimulus Package and Health Care, 181 was left on the cutting room floor.
So what can film makers do when making a pitch to potential investors? The best suggestion we have is to rely on the state tax credits. There are still a lot of healthy packages and incentives out there in quite a few states including Michigan, Illinois, and Louisiana. When seeking funds through private placement, language can still be added to the documents highlighting these state tax credits which, when applied for correctly, can lead to real dollars. Those dollars can either be used toward the production budget itself or to immediately pay back your investors."
This comes from a legal website that assists musicians and filmmakers alike.
You can see for yourselves, at this legal website how it went down: http://www.stahlcowen.com/?t=40&an=1381&format=xml
This is a resource to get your filmmaker voice heard next time a bill is before Congress: http://www.popvox.com/
IF ANYONE CAN PROVE OTHERWISE, PLEASE DO!!!! (You must include links to sources.)
Thank you for reading-we need to keep helping each other out. :) CJ
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Fall brings new life to Cow Town!
If you are a film artisan (actor, gaffer, camera operator, etc) Please subscribe for the latest in casting and crew notices.
Thanks!
CJ
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Cow Town Film Productions/ Obscure Planet Productions win Music Video Award
Executive Producer Carlos Hernandez
Executive Producer Christina Marie
Directed by Christina Marie
Brandon Leyton Assoc Prod
Norm "Swirl" Sadler 1st AD
RJ Dale 2nd AD
Jeff McPhee DP/ A CAMERA
Scott Miller B CAMERA
Jason Clark 1st AC A CAMERA
Annette Humphreys Key Make-up/ Body Paint
Deepti Kalsi Set Design
Sterling Running Stream Phillips Location Manager/Costume Designer
Craig Fouts Gaffer
Matt Baker Editor/Green Screen FX
Josie Garcia Craft Guru
Jocelyn Pindar Hair and MU
Candace DiGiordano Hair and MU
Justine Jemmings Hair
Martin Valladares PA
Fidel Castro PA
Seth Neil 2nd AC
Danielle Maruna 2nd AC
Amy Lawrence PA
Joseph Arthur Special Thanks
Clubhouse 24 Special Thanks
John Tate Special Thanks
Jeff McPhee Special Thanks
Jameson Media Group, Inc Special Thanks
Sarah Evingham Special Thanks
CAST
Patrick Steichen Rocker Dude
Melissa Dillard Rocker Chick
Ana Maria Perales Dominatrix
Steven Barnes Bondage dude
Dylan Nelson Pool Boy
Leslie Goodman Executive Lady
Matt Walker Painted Man
Christina Chadaris Painted Woman
Rae Wright Girlfriend 1
Stephanie Hyden Girlfriend 2
Kenyon Page Glamour Girl
Phillip M. Kampel Paparazzi
Lee Miller Paparazzi
West Ramsey Paparazzi
Derek Schnabel Paparazzi
Sarah Siminski Paparazzi
Monica Toohey-Krause Paparazzi
Josie Garcia Club Girl
Diana Mandujano Club Girl
Stephanie Mackey Club Girl
Sarah Williams Club Girl
Briana Porter Club Girl
Adriana McManus Club Girl
Julianne Gabert Club Girl
Lisanne Zaragoza The Keeper
David Zaragoza Himself
Thomas Dodson The Other Man
Christina Marie Ex-girlfriend
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
NorCal Screenwriter’s Expo-A new door open to Northern California Screenwriters
Speaking of Mr. Dalessandro, his epic novel, 1906, is now a script in pre-production with Warner Brothers. He has years of pitching experience and has been serving the film and television industry for over 27 years. His seminar on pitching was inspiring and gave several writers a swift kick in the butt. “Writer’s are so long winded. Sum it up with who, what, when, where, and why?” He encourages writers to speak from the heart. His message was: Passion sells. Victoria Wisdom, another heavy hitter in LA, put more of a succinct note on it. “Who can pitch me in four words?” After the crowd moaned and groaned, she came back at them with, “James Bond with Amnesia.” It’s the Borne Identity. Brilliant.
Barbara Bitela was by far the most energetic speaker. Her words rang true with the others. “Speak to me in Haikus.” She was engaging and a true crowd favorite. She also shared some very candid advice that most people wouldn’t think to share. Her overall message to the crowd was: Always say yes to your agent. If they want a re-write, you say, “yes”. If they want to sell your script for $10,000, you say, “yes”. The more yeses you say the farther your career goes.
Pitching opportunities were plenty with such companies as Lionsgate, Warner Brothers, DreamWorks, Silver Bitela Agency, Lifetime, CAA, HBO, Lawrence Bender Productions, and more. Overall, the event provided opportunities that Northern California would not otherwise see. Only time will tell if Hollywood will return again for next year’s Expo, but the latest word is several screenwriters gained representation and had scripts taken for review.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Need a 501c3 sponsor?
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Special Film Advocacy Meeting
Amy Lemisch of the state’s film agency to discuss the state of film and video production in California at February 16 advocacy meeting
Sacramento – California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch will discuss the state of film and video production in California with local professionals on Tuesday, February 16, 2010. The meeting is hosted by the Capital Film Arts Alliance, a local nonprofit dedicated to advancing film and video production, and will take place at the Art Institute of Sacramento starting at 7:00 p.m.
“Film and video production provides thousands of jobs in the state, including in the Sacramento region,” said Laurie Pederson, chair of the Capital Film Arts Alliance board. “We’re looking forward to hearing how local filmmakers can help keep creative jobs in California and promote our local talent and professionals in the industry.”
“If you are involved in or a supporter of the filmmaking community and Sacramento's burgeoning industry, you need to attend this meeting and learn about the future of filmmaking in Sacramento,” added Pederson.
Local film advocates and professionals will be on hand to discuss how to promote film production in Sacramento. The Mayor's film committee chair Don Roth, Executive Director of the Mondavi Center, will present the findings of his committee on recommended steps to developing the regions film industry and profile. Also attending will be the film commissioners from Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado Counties: Lucy Steffens (Sacramento), Beverly Lewis (Placer) and Kathleen Dodge (El Dorado). Mayor Kevin Johnson has also been invited and has tentatively agreed to attend if scheduling allows.
The February 16th meeting is one of a monthly speaker series from the Capital Film Arts Alliance. Experts in the filmmaking field – from camera and sound to contracts and funding – are asked to share their expertise and insights to Sacramento are filmmakers. The upcoming meeting is the second annual advocacy meeting aimed at furthering film production in the region. Last year former Assemblyman Paul Krekorian addressed a standing-room-only crowd on the state of film-production incentive proposals in the state Legislature.
About Amy Lemisch, Executive Director, California Film Commission
Amy Lemisch was appointed Executive Director of the California Film Commission by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in May 2004. As Director of the Film Commission, Ms. Lemisch works to support California’s vital film production industry by offering support services, providing filmmakers with low-cost alternatives when filming in the state, and educating decision makers about the value of filming in California. She coordinates with all levels of state and local governments to create film-friendly guidelines, reduce costs, and to eliminate restrictions with the goal of encouraging more film, television, and commercial productions to choose California as their premiere film production destination. She was instrumental in the successful creation of film and television tax incentives and administers the program for the state.
Prior to her appointment, Ms. Lemisch was a Producer for Penny Marshall’s company, Parkway Productions, at Universal Studios and Sony Pictures. She was responsible for overseeing physical production on all Parkway projects as well as selecting new material for the company to produce.
In her fifteen-year long association with Marshall and Parkway, Ms. Lemisch has worked on nine feature films. Her past credits include: producer on the independent feature film With Friends Like These; co-producer on Riding In Cars With Boys (starring Drew Barrymore), The Preacher’s Wife (starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston) and Renaissance Man (starring Danny DeVito); associate producer on Awakenings, A League Of Their Own, and Calendar Girl. She was also the associate producer on the television series A League Of Their Own, which was adapted from the movie.
Ms. Lemisch is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America.
The CFAA 2010 annual Film Advocacy meeting featuring California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch will be held on February 16, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., at The Art Institute of Sacramento, 2850 Gateway Oaks Dr., Sacramento. The meeting is free to CFAA members; normal meeting attendee rates for non-members is $5, but the CFAA board voted to make the film advocacy meeting fee a voluntary contribution. CFAA membership rates are $35 for individual members and $15 for students; business and corporate sponsor members available as well. Contact the CFAA at info@capitalfilmarts.com for more information.
Friday, February 5, 2010
An offer you can't refuse!!
The trailer is finished and up on the net. We are audience building as we speak, and our distributor would like to see the demand that we can build between our website and YouTube. We have a “demand it” feature on the Cow Town website, and a viral trailer will definitely communicate the interest for distribution.
You can help us by simply watching the trailer and FORWARDING it to all of your address books. YouTube has offered us a partnership based on the popularity of the trailer already. We have pay-per-click ads on the trailer, and each time an ad is hit, we earn money for development costs, etc.
You can also become a fan on Facebook and get the inside track to what is going on. Fanning on Facebook also qualifies you for prizes associated with the making of the film.
If you really want to support Indie, you can grab the embed code from YouTube and insert it in your blog, website, profile, or email the trailer from YouTube as an attachment.
So what’s in it for you? The person who forwards the trailer to the most people will get an all expenses paid trip to the premiere and red carpet experience with the celebrities of the movie. This includes airfare, hotel, limo, dinner with celebrities, tickets, and VIP after party passes for you and a guest of your choice. (Hint: to qualify for Sundance, we must “Premiere” there!)
Intrigued? Great! All you have to do is CC or BCC cj@unbrokenthemovie.com every time you forward the email to a friend. It doesn’t matter if you forward it to the same friends more than once, each address will still be counted as one point each time you forward it. We will also count 5 points each time someone “demands it” on the website and references your name as the referral. If you go the extra mile and embed the trailer on your site, blog, or profile, simply send me an email with the link and you will get 100 points toward your score.
I sincerely thank you for your ongoing support! Without you, I only have a dream. Thank you for being an active part of making this a reality!


