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Metro class series features guest filmmakers and their films
Metro class series features guest filmmakers and their films
OMAHA, NE––If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to watch a film with its maker, then a summer Metropolitan Community College class series is your ticket to that cinema insider experience.
Filmmakers and Their Films is the name of the six-class series running weekly on Saturdays from June 15 through July 20 at MCC’s North Express in the Highlander Accelerator Building.
The non-credit adult Continuing Education class, which meets from 1 to 4 p.m., is taught by Omaha film author-journalist-blogger Leo Adam Biga (“Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film”). Biga has secured guest appearances by at least one Oscar-winner in retired film editor Mike Hill and a mix of narrative and documentary filmmakers. All are Nebraskans.
A work by each guest will be screened followed by a moderated discussion with the maker. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions.
The Filmmakers and Their Films schedule:
June 15
Mike Hill
“Rush”
Oscar-winning editor Mike Hill worked in Hollywood for many decades as one of two primary cutters on Ron Howard’s feature films. Hill shared the Academy Award for his work on “Apollo 13.” The now retired Hill will discuss his career and specifically his work on Howard’s 2013 Formula One race car drama, “Rush.”
June 22
Lew Hunter & Lonnie Senstock
“Once in a Lew Moon”
Lew Hunter was a network television executive who wrote and produced landmark TV movies. His book about screenwriting became a bible to aspiring scenarists. A UCLA class he taught included future filmmakers. Lonnie Senstock’s documentary captures hLew’s bigger-than-life personality and appetite for life.
June 29
Mele Mason
“I Dream of an Omaha Where”
Documentary and network news photographer Mele Mason travels the nation and world for her work. She also trains her eye locally, “I Dream of an Omaha Where” follows the collaboration between performance artist Daniel Beaty and Omaha families affected by gun violence in the creation of an original work of theater.
July 6
Nebraska Filmmakers Showcase
Sample the screen work of Nik Fackler, Omowale Akintunde, John Beasley, Camille Steed, Mauro Fiore, Tim Christian and other Nebraskans who make films. Some of these professionals will be on hand to discuss their work in front of the camera or behind the camera. Camille Steed will share her documentary “A Street of Dreams” about Omaha’s North 24th Street and Vikki White will share two of her short films.
July 13
Jim Fields
“Preserve Me a Seat”
During efforts to save the Indian Hills Theatre, Jim Fields documented the passion of historic preservationists, film industry professionals and movie fans. He then expanded the story to document similar efforts around the nation that turn into classic clashes between grassroots groups and big business interests.
July 20
Brigitte Timmerman
“The Omaha Speaking”
The few fluent speakers left in the Omaha Tribe are featured in this audience favorite documentary at film festivals, Brigitte Timmerman presents the urgency that fluent speakers and educators have in preserving and passing on this rich cultural legacy before it’s too late.
urprise film guests can be expected.
The registration fee is $10 per class or $60 for the entire series. Register at: https://coned.mccneb.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=19JUCOMM201A.
The class meets in Suite 306 of.Metro’s North Express at the Highlander Accelerator, 2112 North 30th Street, in North Omaha.
Filmmakers and Their Films
Filmmakers and Their Films
Dates: June 15 – July 20, 2019
Meets: Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: MCC North Express 306, Highlander Accelerator 2112 North 30th Street, 3rd Floor
Instructor: Leo Adam Biga, film author-journalist-blogger (“Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film”)
Registration Fee: $60.00
Register at–
https://coned.mccneb.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=19JUCOMM201A
There is no better way to see a film than to view it with its maker. This summer, MCC offers movie lovers the opportunity to see diverse films alongside their makers. Guests include producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, editors and actors. All the films and makers share Nebraska ties. Following each screening, the guest will discuss the film and their career and field questions from students. Don’t miss this chance to see compelling movies by Nebraskans and to intimately engage these cinema creatives in conversation.
June 15—Mike Hill
“Rush”
Oscar-winning editor Mike Hill worked in Hollywood for many decades as one of two primary cutters on Ron Howard’s feature films. Hill shared the Academy Award for his work on “Apollo 13.” The now retired Hill will discuss his career and specifically his work on Howard’s 2013 Formula One race car drama, “Rush.” View the trailer at https://youtu.be/s43KIRThDDc.
June 22—Lew Hunter and Lonnie Senstock
“Once in a Lew Moon”
Lew Hunter was a network television executive who wrote and produced landmark TV movies. His book about screenwriting became a bible to aspiring scenarists. A UCLA class he taught included future filmmakers. Lonnie Senstock’s documentary captures Lew’s bigger-than-life personality and appetite for life. View the trailer at https://youtu.be/tRWBq0HiArg.
June 29—Mele Mason
“I Dream of an Omaha Where”
Documentary and network news photographer Mele Mason travels the nation and world for her work. She also trains her eye locally, “I Dream of an Omaha Where” follows the collaboration between performance artist Daniel Beaty and Omaha families affected by gun violence in the creation of an original work of theater. View the trailer at https://vimeo.com/197125222.
July 6—Nebraska Filmmakers Showcase
Sample the screen work of Nik Fackler, Omowale Akintunde, John Beasley, Camille Steed, Mauro Fiore, Tim Christian and other Nebraskans who make films. Some of these professionals will be on hand to discuss their work in front of the camera or behind the camera.
July 13—Jim Fields
“Preserve Me a Seat”
During efforts to save the Indian Hills Theatre, Jim Fields documented the passion of historic preservationists, film industry professionals and movie fans. He then expanded the story to document similar efforts around the nation that turn into classic clashes between grassroots groups and big business interests. View the trailer at https://youtu.be/TtMvpFPT9BY.
July 20—Brigitte Timmerman
“The Omaha Speaking”
The few fluent speakers left in the Omaha Tribe are featured in this audience favorite documentary at film festivals, Brigitte Timmerman presents the urgency that fluent speakers and educators have in preserving and passing on this rich cultural legacy before it’s too late. View the trailer https://youtu.be/lFK9Sj_Olx8.
NOTES:
Nebraska Screen Gems – “Boys Town” (1938)
Screening-Discussion of 1938 Movie Classic “Boys Town” on Wednesday, October 10.
The first in the Nebraska Screen Gems class series held Wednesday evenings this fall.
Offered by Metropolitan Community College Continuing Education.
Join me for our first Screen Gems Made In Nebraska class at MCC’s North Express in the Highlander Accelerator. We’ll be screening and discussing the classic 1938 movie “Boys Town.” It represents the biggest movie event in our state’s history considering the major studio that made it, the mega stars who appeared in it, the huge crowds that turned out for the world premiere in downtown Omaha, the business it did at the box office and the Oscar that Spencer Tracy won for his portrayal of Father Flanagan. Then there’s the priceless promotion the film gave the boys home.
Date: October 10, 2018
Meets: Wednesday from 5:45 PM to 8:45 PM
Location: MCC North Express 311, Highlander Accelerator
Registration Fee: $29.00
Register at: https://coned.mccneb.edu/…/ShowSchedule.awp?&…for…
For the entire Screen Gems Nebraska class series schedule, visit:
https://coned.mccneb.edu/ShowSchedule.awp?&…Title…
More information at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/170739783781160/
Screen Gems Made in Nebraska – Film discussions and screenings
The next round of noncredit Continuing Education film classes I am teaching for Metropolitan Community College is called
Screen Gems Made in Nebraska
This fall series runs Wednesday evenings, from October 10 through November 14, at MCC’s North Express in the Highlander Accelerator.
We’ll screen and discuss diverse films made in Nebraska from the 1930s through the 2000s.
Please join us.
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Screen Gems Made in Nebraska
Nebraska is not high on most filmmakers’ list of places to shoot pictures for its lack of arresting locations, paucity of film production facilities and no meaningful tax incentives. Yet dozens of Hollywood and indie feature projects have been filmed here in part or in their entirely since the 1930s. Some even ended up award-winners and classics.
Big budget studio or network projects are a rarity here. Most in-state pictures have modest or micro budgets. Still, there’s a history big screen names working here, sometimes before they were stars.
Native son Alexander Payne is responsible for a preponderance of the major films lensed in Nebraska. Five of his seven features have shot in total or in part in his home state. Each time he’s had to fight to shoot here. His in-state projects have brought A-list talent.
Some made-in-Nebraska films have enjoyed national premieres in Omaha, complete with red carpet, search lights and queues of fans.
From the Golden Age of the studio system to today’s dispersed production apparatus, Nebraska has hosted a wide range of film productions. This fall’s series of film classes will sample seven very different pictures from the relatively small but surprisingly rich filmed in Nebraska heritage.
Fall Class sessions are held Wednesday evenings from 5:45 to 8:45 at the Highlander Accelerator, 2112 North 30th Street.
$$ Bundle & Save $$ Screen Gems Made in Nebraska
Dates:
October 10 through November 14, 2018
Meets:
Wednesdays
5:45 PM to 8:45 PM
Location:
MCC North Express 311 in the Highlander Accelerator
2112 North 30th Street.
Registration Fee:
$145.00
For a limited time only, bring a friend for free.
Register at:
https://coned.mccneb.edu/wconnect/ace/
This fall, Metropolitan Community College’s series of film classes will sample seven different pictures from the relatively small, but surprisingly rich filmed-in-Nebraska inventory.
The instructor is yours truly, Leo Adam Biga, film journalist and author of the book “Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film.”
This bundle includes “Boys Town,” “The Rain People,” “We’re Not the Jet Set,” “Terms of Endearment,” “My Antonia,” “A Time for Burning” and “Wigger.” (five sessions)
NOTES:
Must be 18 or older.
Series skips Wednesday, October 31.
The fall 2018 Screen Gems Made in Nebraska series:
Boys Town
October 10, 2018
5:45 PM to 8:45 PM
MCC North Express 311, Highlander Accelerator
$29.00
MGM came to Omaha to make the 1938 Oscar-winning chestnut “Boys Town” about an institution and its beloved priest founder, Edward Flanagan. The presence of stars Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney set the town to talking during the film’s shoot at the village of Boys Town and in Omaha. (one session)
The Rain People & We’re Not the Jet Set
October 17, 2018
5:45 PM to 8:45 PM
MCC North Express 311, Highlander Accelerator
$29.00
In 1968 Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas came to Ogallala, Nebraska for the last few weeks shooting on “The Rain People,” an arty road picture Coppola wrote and directed that starred Shirley Knight, James Caan and Robert Duvall. While working in Nebraska, actor Robert Duvall met a Nebraska farm-ranch family who became the subjects of his evocative, rarely seen 1977 documentary, “We’re Not the Jet Set.” This was Duvall’s first directorial effort and it’s a must-see for anyone wanting a full appreciation of his screen career. (one session)
Terms of Endearment
October 24, 2018
5:45 PM to 8:45 PM
MCC North Express 311, Highlander Accelerator
$29.00
James L. Brooks found great success creating “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Taxi” and “The Simpsons” and he proved equally adept with big screen comedy when he produced-wrote-directed 1983’s “Terms of Endearment,” whose A-list cast worked on several scenes in Lincoln. Brooks won Oscars as producer, writer and director. (one session)
My Antonia
November 7, 2018
5:45 PM to 8:45 PM
MCC North Express 311, Highlander Accelerator
$29.00
The classic book “My Antonia” by iconic Nebraska author Willa Cather was adapted into this 1995 cable television movie featuring Neal Patrick Harris, Ellna Lowensohn, Jason Robards and Eva Marie Saint. The movie, helmed by acclaimed TV director Joseph Sargent, shot in and around the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. (one session)
A Time for Burning & Wigger
November 14, 2018
5:45 PM to 8:45 PM
MCC North Express 311, Highlander Accelerator
$29.00
In the mid-1960s, Lutheran Film Associates commissioned Bill Jersey and Barbara Connell to make a cinema verite documentary about race relations in mainstream America. They focused their camera on Omaha, where a young, liberal pastor met resistance attempting interracial fellowship at his North Omaha church. A young barber-philosopher-activist by the name of Ernie Chambers stole the show in the Oscar-nominated “A Time for Burning” about the rupture that resulted among the Augustana Lutheran Church congregation.
University of Nebraska at Omaha Black Studies professor Omowale Akintunde took on the tricky subject of racial identity in his 2010 urban drama “Wigger,” which the writer-director shot entirely in North Omaha. Join this in depth discussion which will also be facilitated by the director himself. (one session)
Register at:
https://coned.mccneb.edu/wconnect/ace/ShowSchedule.awp?&Criteria
Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film screenings-discussions Recap/Looking Ahead closing session, Saturday, May 12
Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film screenings-discussions
Recap/Looking Ahead closes this sequence of classes
Saturday, May 12
9:30 am-12:30 pm
MCC @ DoSpace
Few filmmakers have accumulated a body of work of such depth and quality as Alexander Payne has in two decades. He’s given us much to think about already but he may only be at the mid-point of his career, which means there’s much more to come. It’s fun to recap what he’s given us thus far and to speculate on what might come next from him. We will sample scenes from his works, converse about what makes an Alexander Payne film an Alexander Payne film and discuss what we would like to see from him that we haven’t seen to date.
Instructor:
Leo Adam Biga
Author of “Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film”
Must be 18 years old.
Register at:
https://coned.mccneb.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&Course=18APCOMM304+&DirectFrom=Schedule
Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film screenings-discussions – “Downsizing” next on tap, Saturday, May 5
Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film screenings-discussions
Downsizing” next on tap
Saturday, May 5
9:30 am-12:30 pm
MCC @ DoSpace
If you didn’t catch Alexander Payne’s new film “Downsizing” or you did but weren’t sure what to make it, well here’s an opportunity to see one of 2017’s most interesting releases for the first time or to give it a go again.
Join me this spring for my Metropolitan Community College Continuing Education non-credit film screenings-discussions class:
Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film
Saturday mornings @ DoSpace
Through May 12
Register at:
https://coned.mccneb.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&Course=18APCOMM303%20&DirectFrom=Schedule
Payne ventured into new territory with “Downsizing,” his first big visual effects film. For it, he collaborated with a-name-above-the-title star in Matt Damon, who heads a large international cast, and re-teamed with old writing partner Jim Taylor. The late 2017 release filmed in Los Angeles, Omaha, Toronto, Norway and other spots has an original take on looming world crisis. It is a stunning visual and deeply moving emotional experience with an unexpected love story rooted in diversity. The foibles and dreams of humanity are given full voice and reign here in what is Payne’s most ambitious film to date.
Must be 18 years old.
Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film screenings-discussions – “Nebraska” next on tap, Saturday, April 28
Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film screenings-discussions
“Nebraska” next on tap
Saturday, April 28
9:30 am-12:30 pm
MCC @ DoSpace
Every Nebraskan needs to see this film, not only because its title is the state’s name but because it captures on the big screen some essential truths about this place and its people that no other motion picture does.
Join me this spring for my Metropolitan Community College Continuing Education non-credit film screenings-discussions class–
Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film
Saturday mornings @ DoSpace
Through May 12
Register at:
Take this opportunity to explore the creative process of Indiewood filmmaker Alexander Payne through screenings and discussions of his more recent work. The book “Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film” serves as an informal guide for this appreciation of the American cinema master who calls Omaha home. Don’t be surprised if some film artists drop in to share a few things about Payne and their own cinema careers.
Optional textbook available for purchase at class for $25.95. If you register for all three remaining classes, you can purchase the book at a discount for $20.
Must be 18.
Instructor:
Leo Adam Biga
Author of “Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film”
Remaining classes
Alexander Payne: Nebraska
Many years had passed since Payne made a film in his home state and he returned to make arguably his most artful to date, “Nebraska.” Distinguished by its fine ensemble cast, rural settings, black and white photography and Oscar-nominated script by Robert Nelson, the film follows a father-son road trip of healing and discovery. The small pic didn’t do much at the box-office but it was warmly received by those who saw it.
MCC at Do Space
Saturday, April 28
9:30am-12:30pm
Alexander Payne: Downsizing
Payne ventured into new territory with “Downsizing,” his first big visual effects film. For it, he collaborated with a-name-above-the-title star in Matt Damon, who headed a large international cast, and re-teamed with old writing partner Jim Taylor. The late 2017 release filmed in Los Angeles, Omaha, Toronto, Norway and other spots has an original take on looming world crises.
MCC at Do Space
Saturday, May 5
9:30am-12:30pm
Alexander Payne: Recap/Looking Ahead
Few filmmakers have accumulated a body of work of such depth and quality as Payne has in two decades. He’s given us much to think about already but he may only be at the mid-point of his career, which means there’s much more to come. It’s fun to speculate on what might come next from him. We we will screen excerpts from his films to date and discuss what Payne’s work has meant to world cinema thus far and we expect to see from him in the future.
MCC at Do Space
Saturday, May 12
9:30am-12:30pm
‘Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film’ Now a Metropolitan Community College non-credit Continuing Education class
“Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film”
Now a Metropolitan Community College non-credit Continuing Education class taught by yours truly.
Alexander Payne’s Journey in Film
Movie Discussion Club
9/26-10/24 (five classes offered ala carte or bundled)
MCC @ Do Space
7205 Dodge Street (catalog has the incorrect address)
Must be 18 years old
Watch for your MCC catalog in the mail. Register: mccneb.edu/ce • 531-MCC-5231
Explore the creative process of Oscar-winning Indiewood filmmaker Alexander Payne through screenings and discussions of his work. The book “Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film” serves as informal guide for this appreciation of the American cinema master who calls Omaha home and describes all his films as comedies. Payne’s in a long line of Nebraskans in Hollywood, yet he’s the only one who makes A-list films here. He not only brings the industry here via his productions, he hosts major film artists for special events and supports Omaha’s arts community.
Don’t be surprised if some film artists drop in to share a few things about Payne and their own cinema careers.
Purchase optional book from me for $25.95
Bundle all five classes to receive a discount.
MCC at Do Space
Tuesdays
5:45-8:45pm
09/26-10/24
Alexander Payne: Introduction/Overview/The Passion of Martin
Discover the influences that shaped Payne and how far he’s come on his writer-director journey. The film nerd fell in love with movies growing up in Omaha. Many travels and studies later, he embarked on a filmmaking path at UCLA. His student thesis short “The Passion of Martin” was his ticket to Hollywood. Rated R.
MCC at Do Space
Tue. 09/26
5:45-8:45pm
$10
Alexander Payne: Citizen Ruth
Though Payne got a production deal with a major studio right out of college, several years passed before he made his feature debut with “Citizen Ruth” and emerged as a filmmaker to be watched. For his first film, he chose an audacious subject: abortion. Laura Dern stars as Ruth Stoops, an unlikely symbol of both abortion camps. Rated R.
MCC at Do Space
Tue. 10/03
5:45-8:45pm
$10
Alexander Payne: Election
Payne’s second feature “Election” established him as a sharp new voice on the world cinema scene and earned him his first Academy Award nomination for this satire about a teacher and student engaged in a war of principles that’s more about their own insecurities. Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon star as the embattled teacher and student, respectively. Rated R.
MCC at Do Space
Tue. 10/10
5:45-8:45pm
$10
Alexander Payne: About Schmidt
Working with a big budget and superstar (Jack Nicholson) for the first time, Payne scored a critical and commercial hit with “About Schmidt.” In the story a man set adrift by life events hits the road in search of meaning. The film’s success brought Payne, Nicholson and the film much adulation. Rated R.
MCC at Do Space
Tue. 10/17
5:45-8:45pm
$10
Alexander Payne: Sideways
Shooting his first feature outside Nebraska, Payne’s “Sideways” became a surprise box-office smash and elicited the best reviews of any of his films to that point. The story follows two loser buddies on a road trip in lush California wine country that results in more than they bargained for. The script won Payne and co-writer Jim Taylor their first Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay. Rated R.
MCC at Do Space
Tue. 10/24
5:45p-8:45p
$10
Bundle all five classes for a total of $40 ($8 per class)
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