Join Us for Happy Hour

Join us for a drink and a chat on October 29, 4:30-5:30 PM EST.

Industry professionals, film students, and movie savants the like- hop on Zoom and hear from Dark Waters writer Mario Correa. Register now!

About Mario:

Mario Correa came to the U.S. from his native Chile at age 6. In high school, he volunteered on a long shot Congressional campaign and wound up a Capitol Hill staffer at age 17. He would spend the next 15 years working in and around politics. Much of Mario’s writing springs from these formative experiences, often centering on real-life heroes defying systems of power.

Mario was a finalist for the USC Libraries Scripter Award, The Humanitas Prize, and a Satellite Award nominee for his script (with Matthew Michael Carnahan) of Dark Waters, the acclaimed motion picture directed by Todd Haynes and starring Mark Ruffalo.

Mario’s first screenplay, Let Her Speak, was the #2 script on the 2017 Black List. Sandra Bullock is attached to star and produce alongside Todd Black (Fences, Roman J. Israel, Esq., The Magnificent Seven) and Jonathan Shukat.

Mario is adapting the New York Times Notable Book, Flagrant Conduct: The Story of Lawrence v. Texas – about the landmark Supreme Court case that struck down sodomy laws – for producers Todd Black and Jonathan Shukat.

Mario is also a playwright whose work has been produced to acclaim Off-Broadway and regionally. His plays include Tail! Spin! (New York Times “Critics’ Pick”; Off-Broadway Alliance Awards nominee, Best Unique Theatrical Experience; GLAAD Media Awards nominee, Outstanding New York Theater: Off-Off Broadway); Commander (Best Play, Baltimore Playwrights Festival; Runner Up, National Latino Playwriting Award); Santa for President (commissioned by National Public Radio and broadcast on NPR’s All Things Considered); Henry (nominee, Outstanding Original Short Script, New York Innovative Theater Awards); Might As Well Get Back Together (The 24 Hour Plays: Viral Monologues, to be published by Methuen).

Mario is currently at work on a limited series for HBO.

#FilmCincinnati

Cincinnati's crew base was in Middletown, Ohio, the first part of 2019, working tenaciously under the vision of two-time Academy Award winning Director- Ron Howard. Hillbilly Elegy starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams was underway.

Hillbilly Elegy is the movie adaptation of the memoir with the same name, written by J.D. Vance. His story shines a light on a culture in crisis, written through the lens of his reflections from his own upbringing.

He is a former marine and Yale graduate, achieving the climb out of poverty. However, the book and movie take a closer look at the socio-economic issues faced by the deteriorating working class- the world in which he grew up and much of his family still resides. Vance lived in Middletown, Ohio, where much of the story and movie take place.

Hillbilly Elegy stayed in Cincinnati hotels and filmed in the region throughout the summer.

The movie premieres on Netflix and select theaters November 24, 2020.

Thank You for Your Service, Alice

Alice Sparks, once a board member of Film Cincinnati, passed earlier this fall after a two-month battle with the perilous coronavirus.

"She led a full and productive life, not easily summed up. She was a friend to everyone, supported causes too vast name in full, was a generous philanthropist, loved horses and racing, politics — and education. She was known for her laughter and wit and friendships and love of a good time," according to the Northern Kentucky Tribune.

Mrs. Sparks was the widow of D. Joseph Sparks, owner of the highway construction company, Harper Construction, out of Hebron.

Mrs. Sparks was a passionate philanthropist and educator making an impact at the city, state, and federal level. She was the first woman to chair a public university in the state of Kentucky. She also served on the Film Cincinnati board for numerous years.
Sparks left a final piece of advice for young women, “decide on your passion, pursue it and do your best with every detail. You will be recognized. Remember: the cream always rises to the top.”

Building a Safe and Healthy Production Environment

Film Cincinnati encourages all productions to visit our website to read, download, and follow the industry guidelines below:

UNION GUIDELINES FOR FILM PRODUCTION DURING COVID-19

A joint report from the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and Teamsters on COVID-19 safety guidelines

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR FILM PRODUCTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers: Industry-Wide-Labor-Management Safety Committee Task Force

As projects begin to restart, these guidelines offer a foundation on which to build a safe and healthy set. They include best-practices set forth by health professionals in collaboration with industry experts. Following these guidelines, as well as, those set by the state and city are the recommended course of action when heading back to work. In this day and age, information one day can often be old the next, so keep an eye on the news and our website for updates.

Donor Spotlight

The Haile Foundation

Film Cincinnati would like to thank the Haile Foundation for their support.

The Haile Foundation is built upon the legacy of Carol and Ralph Haile. At the time of Ralph's death in 2006, the Foundation was born and funded by the estate.

The Haile Foundation is dedicated to continuing caring for the communities Carol and Ralph so lovingly adored. Their passions were concentrated into four main areas- arts and culture, community development, education, and human services.

Film Cincinnati is a fortunate recipient, as the non-profit acting as the archetypal marriage between workforce development and art creation.

Carol was very active in the arts community of Cincinnati, and the Foundation works to add to the city's rich cultural vitality. Ralph was a cheerleader for revitalization and growth. The Foundation works to bolster urban neighborhoods, build a workforce, and support entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Haile Foundation is one of Film Cincinnati's most committed donors and supported the organization for years.