New group meets this Tuesday to discuss the future

If you’re interested in the future of the film and television industry in Tennessee, and particularly its future in our fair city, head down to the EPB building on Tuesday, November 11 for the first meeting of the Southeast Tennessee Members of the Association for the Future of Film & Television. Local dignitaries, including state representatives and senators are scheduled to be there. Board members from around the state will also be present. “Only through a strong film and television agenda can the state hope to attract significant movie and television productions and grow the indigenous production community,” said local board member Dave Porfiri.

Porfiri has been working to encourage those in the local film and television production community, as well as individuals in related industries such as advertising, marketing and tourism to become members. Membership dues are $25. “The more people who join AFFT and get involved,” said Porfiri, “the greater chance we have of growing the industry in our region and reaping the economic awards. For every dollar spent on film production activity locally, there is a multiplier effect of up to $3 additional dollars being spent on hotel rooms, meals, transportation and other services.”

The event is open to anyone interested in growing the film and television industry in Southeast Tennessee. There will be door prizes as well as food from area caterers and popular restaurants.

Southeast Tennessee Members of the Association for the Future of Film & Television
6 to 8 p.m.
November 11, 2008
EPB Auditorium, 7th floor
10 W. MLK Blvd.
For more information, (423) 894.8927 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

“Legends”, the title of the CSO’s next bill, is an obvious reference to the three featured composers. And for those with a mind toward double entendres, it’s also a nod to their respective works. But Robert Bernhardt, CSO’s resident conductor, suggests one shouldn’t stop there in teasing meanings out of this program’s suggestive designation.
“It’s actually a triple-entendre,” he told me in a recent conversation, his tone erudite but playful. “Each piece is also associated with a literary legend.”

The program will begin on November 6 with Suite 1 of Peer Gynt, Edvard Grieg’s incidental music for the verse drama by Henrick Ibsen (1876). Ibsen’s Gynt is a Norwegian Everyman who returns home to his love after a long voyage. Gynt’s peripatetic quest for self-discovery recalls Homer’s Odysseus. His mantra, “One should try all things and choose the best,” evokes the search of Voltaire’s Candide for “the best of all possible worlds.”

Sadistic Scenic City Sideshow pulls out the stops for Halloween

“We are like a funhouse mirror!” says Dr. Tetanus, a member of the Sadistic Scenic City Sideshow (SSCS), presenting a cogent image that effectively describes the complex relationship between the Sideshow and its audience.

Says member Z the Geek, “What we do involves real pain and serious preparation. Anyone who tries to imitate us could easily wind up in the hospital with a bad injury.”
As Chattanooga’s SSCS gains both popularity and momentum with performances throughout the area, more people are experiencing this alternative to the usual club fare. Member Pinkie says, “ It’s no longer a profession. It’s become our passion.” Z the Geek, Pinkie and Dr. Tetanus perform in the Sideshow, which is also called a “Ten in One,” referring to the variety of acts that they employ before fascinated audiences.

CreateHere’s “Scary Stuff” looks at phobias and familiar fears

Members of our art community elaborate visually on forms of terror—with guaranteed surprises—in “Scary Stuff,” the new exhibit opening at CreateHere Gallery this Friday. According to curator Jan Chenoweth, unlike most juried shows at CreateHere, all artists who answered the call to participate likely have had their art included. “The open participation celebrates the Halloween spirit, which inspires participants to wear costumes,” said Chenoweth.