HOUSE OF CARDS SEASON THREE TO SHOOT IN MARYLAND

Here's the PRESS RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY AND MEDIA RIGHTS CAPITAL ANNOUNCE HOUSE OF CARDS WILL FILM SEASON THREE IN MARYLAND

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 25, 2014) – Governor Martin O’Malley and Media Rights Capital announced today that they have reached an agreement that will keep the hit television show House of Cards filming its third season in Maryland.

“Spoiler alert: we’re going to keep the 3700 jobs and more than 100 million dollars of economic activity and investment that House of Cards generates right here in Maryland,” Governor O’Malley said. “Media Rights Capital has been a great supporter of the people and entertainment community in Maryland and we couldn't be happier to continue our partnership.”

The Maryland General Assembly first passed the Film Production Tax Credit in 2011, providing $26 million in tax credits in the show’s first two seasons. With the growth of the production, House of Cards will receive a total of $11.5 million in 2014, through a combination of both the 2014 Film Production Tax Credit program and a General Assembly authorization of $7.5 million in grants in the FY15 budget. Governor O'Malley led negotiations with MRC to finalize the agreement, which provides less than the production qualified for, but enough to keep the hit franchise in Maryland.

“House of Cards is the gift that keeps on giving, having injected hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy, while also helping to provide thousands of jobs to our Maryland community,” commented Asif Satchu, co-CEO of MRC. “We are very grateful to both Governor O’Malley for his tireless efforts to help keep jobs in Maryland and the leadership of the General Assembly for their continued advocacy and support.”

The producers of the show expect to begin production on Season 3 over the next several months.

 Kevin Spacey in Netfix' HOUSE OF CARDS

Poe Forevermore Radio Theater nominated "Best Multi Media Horror" in RONDO AWARDS! Please vote for us!

I'm very happy that the audio plays and books I'm producing under the banner POE FOREVERMORE RADIO THEATER has been nominated this year for a Rondo Award in the "Best Multi Media Horror" category!

Please take a moment and vote for Poe Forevermore Radio Theater. Basic rules and instructions ar ebelow, and voting only takes a few minutes.

There is just a week left to vote in  the TWELFTH ANNUAL RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS.
 

Balloting ends at midnight the night of Sunday, MAY 5, 2014. (If you have already voted this year, feel free to forward the ballot to a friend).

  — TO VOTE:  Simply ballot the ballot from the Rondo website HERE. or cut-and-paste works fine; or type a list, and send an e-mail with your picks to, David Colton, at taraco@aol.com by Sunday night at midnight, May 5, 2014.

  -- Every e-mail must include your name to be counted.  All votes are kept strictly confidential. No e-mail addresses or personal information will ever be shared with anyone. And no, you do not have to vote in every category.

 So, please take a moment and vote for POE FOREVERMORE RADIO THEATER today, in category # 23 BEST MULTIMEDIA HORROR The ballot is here: www.rondoaward.com

Check out POE FOREVERMORE RADIO THEATER frequently as we add new titles of audio plays and audio books weekly. Poe Forevermore Radio Theater is HERE.

Thank you for taking the time to vote for us and support our work!
-Mark Redfield
25 April, 2014

National Poetry Month, April 2014 THE RAVEN by Poe, recited by Mark Redfield

 April, 2014 has been National Poetry Month, and as I've been working on the script and the pre-production chores of the audioplay biography of Edgar Allan Poe called ALONE: THE LIFE OF POE, I've been posting daily recordings of the poet's poems.

I should have been posting them here as well, but, well, I haven't. So, along with other entries in the coming months, I'll be posting a Poe poem here once-a-week.
 
Here's Poe's famous poem THE RAVEN, which made him something of a rock star when it was published in his lifetime, in 1845.

Enjoy the doom and gloom!

-Mark Redfield
24, April, 2014

THE BIRTH AND DEATH OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE We Celebrate 450 Years: April 1564-April 201

Historians believe that the great playwright and poet was born on this day in 1564. He also died on this date, April 23rd, in 1616. There some who insist that his birth be celebrated on the 26th, because there is a baptismal certificate for that day, although there is no birth record. Regardless, today we honor the great William Shakespeare, for his words and characters live on.

William Shakespeare

To celebrate and honor Shakespeare, I'm going to post a newly recorded monologue or scene each Saturday here at AN ACTOR'S NOTEBOOK. Look for posts headlined SHAKESPEARE SATURDAYS for my recordings, and for articles and stories about The Bard, along with each recording..

I think Shakespeare is best when you can HEAR him performed (and even better to see AND hear!), so I've selected a wide ranging and eclectic series of speeches that I've recorded, and I hope you like them.

They were fun to record, and allowed me to think about characters and plays I hadn't performed in years, or look at old favorites anew, and play some characters I missed earlier in my career.

To start things off, here is Prospero's epilogue, spoken at the end of THE TEMPEST. One of Shakespeare's last plays, this monologue is rather fitting to hear on the anniversary of The Bard's death, as Prospero is surely giving up his magic and creativity and letting his every "third thought" be of his own death...This monologue, in many ways, is about endings then, and about beginnings, much like the play THE TEMPEST itself.

For your indulgence and pleasure, I submit most humbly,

-Mark Redfield
23 April, 2014

THE CHAPLIN CENTENNIAL: A CHAPLIN NOVELLA AND MODERN TIMES

THE CHAPLIN CENTENNIAL: A CHAPLIN NOVELLA AND MODERN TIMES

5 February, 2014

This is a special and exciting week for fans of Chaplin and classic cinema. And if you’re a fan of either, you’re a fan of both.

This week we celebrate and mark the historic occasions when Chaplin made his film debut (“Making a Living”, Keystone, released 2 February, 1914), and his character The Little Tramp made his debut (“Kid Auto Races at Venice”, Keystone, released 7 February, 1914).
  

And today, as we mark the debut of Modern Times, which opened on February 5^th, 1936 and was the last screen appearance of Chaplin’s Little Tramp character, it was announced that a novella written by Chaplin will be published. 

Chaplin’s only known work of fiction (he had also written and published his biography in his lifetime in 1964, and a photobook called “My Life in Pictures” in 1974, “Footlights” is a novella that is the precursor to the screenplay and film LIMELIGHT. 

CHAPLIN’S NOVELLA “FOOTLIGHTS”
“Footlights” was written in 1948, and was reconstructed by Chaplin biographer and film historian David Robinson, and researchers at the Cineteca di Bolongna, an Italian film restoration institute. Multiple drafts of the manuscript to “Footlights” were found in the Chaplin archives in Switzerland, and the Chaplin Estate gave the parties permission to reconstruct the literary work. The novella essentially tells the story told in Chaplin’s film LIMELIGHT, but has a more somber, sadder edge to it.

The novella can be ordered from Amazon or from Cineteca HERE. It goes on sale at The British Film Institute on Tuesday.

Here is a charming scene with Chaplin and Claire Bloom:

MODERN TIMES

 Chaplin’s last film to use his immortal character of The Little Tramp opened on 5 February, 1936. Chaplin’s Jewish Barber in THE GREAT DICTATOR, although bearing a great resemblance to the tramp, was quite a different little fellow.

Here is the classic factory scene from MODERN TIMES:

Original Images and Text © Mark Redfield 2014

CHAPLIN CENTENNIAL: THE GREAT ACTOR DEBUTS IN CINEMA 100 YEARS AGO ON 2 FEBRUARY ,1914

MAKING A LIVING debuted 100 year ago today...

Charlie Chaplin's first appearance in a motion picture by the public was in the Keystone comedy Making a Living, released on 2 February, 1914.

The familiar and beloved Little Tramp character is not to be found in this knock-about farce from Mack Sennett's comedy factory. Chaplin plays a very different type in his motion picture debut.

Making a Living was directed by Henry "Pathe" Lehrman (nicked named "Pathe" by D.W. Griffith himself, for Lehman lied about working with the French company Pathe in order to be hired whe he started with Griffith and Biograph in New York years before...).

 Chaplin (left) and Henry "Pathe" Lehrman (right).

Making a Living features Chaplin as a sharp swindler "Edgar English", Virginia Kirtley as the daughter, Alice Davenport as the Mother, Henry Lehrman as the Reporter, Minta Durfee as the Woman and Chester Conklin as the Policeman (and as a bum). The infamous Keystone Cops also make an appearance and help give chase at the end.

Here is a print of the film:

CELEBRATING CHAPLIN'S CENTENNIAL 1914-2014

This year I'll be posting a great deal about one of my favorite actors and filmmakers--Charles Chaplin.

Having spent chunks of my life studying his work and his life, I find myself compelled once again to look at his work closely in the hopes of learning, and enjoying, so much more.

Here's to Charlie--the master poet of the cinema!

-Mark Redfield
1 February, 2014

"Charlie" (2009) by Mark Redfield
Acrylic on canvas. 18x24

Original Images and Text © Mark Redfield 2014

PETER O'TOOLE August 2, 1932 -- December 15, 2013

The great actor Peter O'Toole died today, Sunday, December 15, 2013. He was 81 years-old.

Peter O'Toole as Lawrence in LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)

Here are trailers to three films that showcase three of his many incredible film performances.

MY FAVORITE YEAR (1982)





THE RULING CLASS (1972)





LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)

Shhh! I'm listening to Poe Forevermore Radio Theater!

Performing and producing audio books and audio plays has been a-longtime coming for me, as I've been plotting and planning to do this for many years. My new work is produced under the umbrella of Poe Forevermore Radio Theater by Damfino Media.

The goal for me as actor and producer of audio books and plays is to make the words themselves disappear into feeling and experience. I love the art form of vocal/audio performance, audio book readings and audio plays.

Please join me. I'll be talking about each new project in detail here on AN ACTOR'S NOTEBOOK.

And it's okay to shush people when listening to Poe Forevermore Radio Theater!

"Shhhh! I'm listening to Poe Forevermore Radio Theater!"

If you love listening to great audio books and plays, Poe Forevermore Radio Theater is your place!  http://www.poeforevermore.com/poe-radio.html

Tell your audio-listening loving friends, too! Thanks!

New titles coming!

www.poeforevermore.com

Mark Redfield
15 December, 2013

Original Images and Text © Mark Redfield 2013

WHY 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL'?

WHY 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL'?

I chose this story by Charles Dickens because the characters are so vivid. They are delightful to play. And the story makes me very happy. It's that simple as to why I chose it for audio book performance.

The goal for me as actor and producer of audio books and plays is to make the words themselves disappear into feeling and experience.

I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I love performing it.

-Mark Redfield
www.poeforevermore.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is available now: http://www.poeforevermore.com/poe-radio-a-christmas-carol.html

Original Images and Text © Mark Redfield 2013

TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT--PRELUDE TO THE STORM

It's been sometime since I wrote and published anything here, but my recent experience, as horrific as it was, prompts me to re-examine and re-look at some things.

So, I'm back.

Back to continue to muse aloud and investigate just what it is that I do as an actor, and any-old-other-thing that strikes my fancy that's related to the art and craft of acting.

We resume this parade of thoughts, questions, and the search for answers with a seven-part series of essays  I'll call Tempest in a Teapot, inspired by a production of Shakespeare's The Tempest that I was recently invited to join to play Prospero (after the original Prospero quit, along with the co-director--that should have been enough of a warning!) and the very same production that I quit two days before opening night.

Much to talk about. Glad to be back talking about it with fellow actors and people who are interested in just what it is that we actors do.

Part One of TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT will begin when I think the time is right, and ripe!

Mark Redfield
27 August, 2013

Original Images and Text © Mark Redfield 2013

Redfield's Cartoonarama: CHARLIE CHAPLIN

"I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown. 

It places me on a far higher plane than any politician."

- Charlie Chaplin

This cartoon of Chaplin was painted in 2012. Acrylic on canvas. 18x24. © Mark Redfield

To purchase an original painting, please visit my Etsy shop HERE:

HELPING THE POE HOUSE IN BALTIMORE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

HELPING THE POE HOUSE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

MY performance of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Incidental music by Bill Dickson. 100% of the profits of the purchase of this mp3 will be donated to The Poe House in Baltimore in 2013.

For download for ipod, ipad, and iphone and other devices. But really for your entertainment this holiday season!

My reading performance of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" runs approximately 1 hour. I used the cutting that Dickens used for public reading. The download is $4.99 (CDBabay takes a small cut) and the profits will be donated to The Poe House in Baltimore next year.

About the recording:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
performed by Mark Redfield, music by Bill Dickson

Since 1843, A Christmas Carol has delighted millions around the globe and has come to embody the spirit of Christmas for all who have been touched by its magic. Your favorite characters come vividly to life in this rich performance by Mark Redfield. With wonderful music by Bill Dickson, gather ’round this holiday season to hear the beauty and timeless art that is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

"Redfield's meticulous diction, perceptive phrasing, excellent transitions and impeccable timing make his Scrooge the finest we have heard. His is a classic interpretation that is almost Shakespearean."
- The Baltimore Sun

Thank you, and I hope that you enjoy it. It's one of my favorite stories!


ORDER IT HERE http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/markredfield

Poe Forevermore Magazine

INSIDE OUR PREMIERE ISSUE!
-Mystery, horror and science fiction the way you like it!
-New Fiction by Rafael Alvarez, David Gerrold, Larry Blamire and others!
-Poe House Writing Contest Winners!
-A World Premiere English Translation of a fiery story by Stefan Grabinski, translated by Miroslaw Lipinski!
-We extract Poe’s “Berenice” with features and articles that examine what remains!
-An interview with Stephen Rebello, author of “Alfred Hitchcock and the making of PSYCHO”, about his research and the new movie starring Anthony Hopkins!
-“Comfort on the Seine” by Stephen Volk. Wherein a young Sherlock Holmes meets an old Auguste Dupin—and reveals one of Poe’s greatest secrets!
OUR COVER ART “Poe’s Progeny” is by Cortney Skinner.

All this and more in our premiere issue of POE FOREVERMORE: TALES OF MYSTERY AND IMAGINATION!

POE FOREVERMORE MAGAZINE is published by Damfino Media, Mark Redfield (Publisher and Editor)

SUBSCRIBE NOW! HERE