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^2nd ANNUAL RUFF CUTZ INDIE FILM CONFERENCE CREATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES

(Boston, MA) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 2nd Annual Ruff Cutz Indie Film Conference will be presented in Boston, Massachusetts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 14, 15, 16, 2008. Ruff Cutz is pleased to announce that The Center for Digital Imaging Arts of Boston University will be hosting this year's event. A highly anticipated follow up to last year, Ruff Cutz is much more than a film festival. In fact, it's not really a film festival at all in the conventional sense. Ruff Cutz is a conference programmed with film screenings, vendor exhibits and presentations by industry professionals, workshops, and a variety of networking events. The highlight of the conference is the opportunity for filmmakers to present works-in-progress to an audience for critical feedback.

What is a "rough cut"? Film festivals do not accept films for screening until the filmmaker has a final cut (a finished product) prepared.  RUFF CUTZ allows filmmakers, amateur and professional, to present a "rough cut" version of their film for audience and professional reaction and feedback. The filmmaker then takes the suggestions, and hopefully contacts they have made, back home to finish their work with enlightenment.

This year's awards total nearly $10,000 in cash prizes, divided into four categories: Best Short, Best Feature, Audience Award, and Grand Jury Award. There will also be thousands of dollars worth of products, software, film equipment and services given away that will help filmmakers with their expenses and productions costs.

"This is really a unique opportunity for filmmakers", exudes Benti, a whirl of constant energy and the creator of Ruff Cutz. "Your parents and friends are always going to tell you your film is terrific. It's their job to boost your ego. This conference will boost your growth as a filmmaker with an honest and immediate reaction and comments."

"Showing a rough-cut of a film in the Ruff Cutz type of showcase does not break any film festival rules" assures Benti, who is also President and CEO of Image Icon Entertainment. He decided to create Ruff Cutz to allow filmmakers this special opportunity. The rough-cut versions of films presented at this conference can be premiered as finished films at other festivals anywhere in the world.

Due to the great success and growth of Ruff Cutz, this year Benti has appointed an official Conference Director, Ms. Toni-Ann Baker, a seasoned, award-winning filmmaker and producer, who provides the organizational structure that will give Ruff Cutz a firm foundation. "I am excited to be a part of the Ruff Cutz team and hope to contribute in ways that expand the conference offerings for years to come", says Baker.

Speakers already committed to the conference include: Eduardo Sanchez, co-creator of the phenomenal, "The Blair Witch Project"; Michael Corrente, film director/producer who is currently in pre-production for his long-awaited Buddy Cianci project, "The Prince of Providence"; Jon Raben, documentary filmmaker, whose "Italian-Americans on Federal Hill" was the sell-out, award-winning star when it screened at the Rhode Island International Film Festival; Robert Seigel, an entertainment attorney who is a partner in the law firm Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP which specializes in film and theatre as well as television, publishing, art, new media and intellectual property matters; Patrick Smith, who has written, produced, animated, and directed five award winning films from 2000-2006; Thomas Ohanian, an accomplished strategist, designer, and inventor of digital media products and workflow solutions, and is an Academy Award® and a two-time Emmy® recipient. 

A panel of officials from past and present local community film festivals, and prestigious international film festivals, will also be on hand to offer advice. Panels will also include critiques on how to increase the odds of getting your films onto the festival circuit.

For more information on how to submit your film, a complete schedule of events and ticket information please visit The 2nd Annual Ruff Cutz Indie Conference website at: www.rcifc.com or email info@rcifc.com.

Current Sponsors for the event are The Center for Digital Imaging Arts of Boston University, The Marriot Hotel, Celebrity Limousine, Imagine Magazine, Toofy Film Fest, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, ShootingPeople.org, Scott Volkswagen, The Enigma Factory, Midnight Chimes Productions, LandMark Embassy Theatre, Skellig's Restaurant, the Rhode Island Film Collaborative, and NewFilmNation.com. Ruff Cutz would like to thank all of their sponsors and appreciates their participation.

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NOV 14, 15, 16, 2008

CALL FOR ENTRIES RUFF CUTZ INDIE FILM CONFERENCE

(..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />BOSTON) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Call for Submissions is now open for the 2008 Ruff Cutz Indie Film Conference to be held at the Center for Digital Imaging Arts of Boston University on November 14, 15, and 16.  If you are a professional, novice, student or even an aspiring filmmaker, you can submit your Short Film, Documentary, Feature, Animation film or even Trailer. We strongly encourage submission of unfinished works, and works in progress.

Select winners will be awarded cash prizes along with production software, film equipment, services, and other industry products. This is a "rough cut" film showcase. It provides a unique opportunity for filmmakers to get feedback from peers, professionals and an audience.

All films selected for participation in the Ruff Cutz Indie Film Conference will be granted two passes for full admission to the weekend's events. All other filmmakers who have submitted but were not selected as finalists will be able to receive 50% off any of the weekend conference festivities.

Submission requirements include: 50 word synopsis of the film or video; Director's biography; Full cast and crew list including musical composition credits; Press Kit, if available; Works must be in original language. For STUDENT submissions - include a copy of the Director's valid student ID.

The Ruff Cutz selection committee is made up of industry professionals who will review all films and make selections.  Notifications will be emailed, mailed, and/or emailed. All committee decisions are final. All shipments must be prepaid. We will accept anything shot on Digital Video, Super 8, 16mm, 35mm, Beta SP, DigiBeta, and HDTV.  However, all entries must be submitted in DVD or VHS format. Final Submissions Deadline must be mailed in before November 1^st, 2008. Entry fees must be paid in United States Dollars. 

Please Send All Required Materials To: Image Icon Entertainment, c/o Ruff Cutz 2008, P.O. BOX 70159,
N. Dartmouth, MA 02747 USA. If you have any questions please email info@rcifc.com or call 508-717-7795

For more detailed information on entry fees, forms, regulations, and a complete list of submission types, please visit our website at www.rcifc.com.

Current Sponsors for this year's event are The Center for Digital Imaging Arts of Boston University, The Marriot Hotel, Celebrity Limousine, Imagine Magazine, Toofy Film Fest, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, ShootingPeople.org, The Enigma Factory, Midnight Chimes Productions, LandMark Embassy Theatre, Skellig's Restaurant, the Rhode Island Film Collaborative, and NewFilmNation.com.

Hello Friends!

We entered, in the 11th hour, the Fox contest THE LOT hoping to perhaps get ole Steven and Mark's attention if nothing else. Or rebuke...ANYWAY! Be sure to show some love for THE PEE PEE DANCE on THE LOT. We greatly appreciate your support.

http://films.thelot.com/films/14952

For Immediate Release
For comps/interviews contact MIXED MEDIA/Ginny Shea
401 942 8025 or
ginny@mixedmediapromo.com
www.rcifc.com
www.myspace.com/ruffcutzfilm

Calendar Listing:
February 24th & 25th 2007
First Annual Ruff Cutz Indie Film Conference • Boston
The Holiday Inn BOSTON-BROOKLINE
1200 Beacon Street
Brookline MA 02446 USA
Conference contact: 508.717.7795
Or email info@rcifc.com

Theatre Screenings - $10 (Sunday Febuary 25th, 2007)
Individual Presenter - $15 (Saturday Febuary 24th, 2007)
Presenters Pass - $30 (Saturday Febuary 24th, 2007)
Screening & Gala Pass - $30 (Sunday Febuary 25th, 2007)
Full Conference Passport - $50 (Saturday Febuary 24th & Sunday Febuary
25th, 2007)

Ruff Cutz™ exposes the raw untapped talent that exists in the
independent world of cinema. Providing filmmakers recognition for their
projects, and feedback from award winning accredited filmmakers and
peers in the film industry, held at a live event. Finalists will be
showcased at various film exhibit stations throughout the venue, as
well as actual screenings to a live audience.
 
Boston is now one of the BEST cities in America to shoot a movie. What
better way to celebrate other than rolling out the red carpet? Come
explore current industry issues at workshops and discussions, get
hands-on advice at mentor sessions, and enjoy Boston's unique brand of
hospitality (and great food) - all with an Evening Gala Pass. It's also
your chance to discover the best new independent films, and mingle with
filmmakers, film lovers, studio executives, and journalists. With
dozens of films and daytime panels!

February 24th 2007 - Award Winning Indie Seminar & Speaker Sessions.
Panels and Seminars from 10-7pm.
Opening Night Networking Event 9pm until 1:00am
The conference will be broken up into two sessions. On Saturday,
February 24th several key speakers will offer presentations & field questions.
Check the schedule page http://www.rcifc.com/schedule.html for posted
updates and info.

At the end of each session there will be a break, *food will also be
provided before and during the day's events of the conference. At the
end of all individual speakers' presentation all speakers will assemble
for one full panel discussion (in a James Lipton/Bill Maher type setup
for their studio audience). They will discuss the growth and
development of independent film and field questions. Come explore
current industry issues at workshops and discussions, get hands-on
advice at mentor sessions.

Select winners will be awarded cash prizes (up to $5000),
production software (such as Roxio, Final Draft, and Avid), and
endorsement in the form of the Ruff Cutz Certificate signed by the
founders and the Judges which consist of established, successful and
highly respected individuals in the film industry along with the Ruff
Cutz Official Selection & Image Icon Audience Award.

February 25th 2007 - Red Carpet Screening Gala,
Sunday February 25th
Screening & Film Exhibitors from 12pm - 8pm
Closing night award Gala from 8pm - 11pm
The red carpet will be rolled out for the evening session. Food & hour
d'oeuvres will be offered to guest. A fully stocked martini & cash bar will also
be available also. Filmmaker exhibits, and marquees stations will be
spread out throughout the main ballroom for viewing. Think art museum,
only with a film exhibits instead of paintings and sculptors.
Officially selected Ruff Cutz films will begin at approximately 12pm
in a separate media room and continue throughout the day into the evening, followed by
an award ceremony.

Come explore current industry issues at workshops and discussions, get
hands-on advice at mentor sessions, and enjoy Boston's unique brand of
hospitality (and great food). It's also your chance to discover the
best new independent films, and mingle with filmmakers, film lovers,
studio executives, and journalists. With dozens of films and daytime
panels!

Featured Guests: Boston's own Casting Director Caroyln Pickman, Entertainment Lawyer Robert Seigel, Patrick Smith, Award-Winning Animated filmmaker of Blend Films, Alex Ferrari & Jorge Rodriguez, the men behind Broken, Eric Latek from the Award-Winning documentary Sweet Dreams and more...
Speakers/Seminars will be hosted & moderated by our very distinguished guest:
Laurie Kirby, Executive Director, Newport International Film Festival
Carol Patton, Publisher, Imagine News

Specials (Blocked Rooms) at the Holiday Inn will end February 9th for Ruff Cutz. Right now you can purchase a 1 bed or 2 bed for $109.00. Also make sure to put down that when registering the room please to say Ruff Cutz, Image Icon Entertainment or Indie Film Conference. Any more questions regarding the hotel can be answered at 617-277-1200.

Time is running out so book your rooms now!

RAFFLE / GIVE AWAY GIFTS 2007:

Dov Simmons 2 day film School DVD Set
Final Draft Pro
Film Festival Collection DVD's
CP Casting Business of Acting Class
2 passes on the Movie Tour
Limo Liner Transportation from Boston to NY
Film Books
Movie Works Gift Certificate

Contact:

Eric Vollweiler,
Conference Director
eric@rcifc.com
818.445.4659

Jamie Benti
Founder
jbenti@rcifc.com
508.717.7795

In a special collaboration with RIIFF, Midnight Chimes, Centra, Phantazma Pictures, Imagine News, Mixed Media, NEFilm.com, 4ormation, the Camera Company, the RIFC, Enigma Factory, Mahar Enterprises, Avid, Roxio, Writers Boot Camp, Ruff Cutz, Holiday Inn and finally... (takes deep breath) Lumen Eclipse.

(whew! Now THAT's a collaboration!)

IIE proudly present a December special screening on Saturday, December 16th at 7:30 PM.

Come and see:
Last Call
Confessions
Quiet

You can also sneak a look at Broken, Last Stop,
and Sweet Dreams.

Saturday, December 16th, @ The Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, Providence RI.

Admission is FREE!

RESERVED SEATING IS $5

A donation of $10 is requested with tickets available at the door but not required. Any donation or contributions are also greatly appreciated. Support indie filmakers and attend.

All donations and/or reserved tickets pricing also apply to Ruff Cutz Indie Film Conference tickets!

For more infomation call 508.717.7795 or go to www.imageiconent.com for tickets & directions.

7:30 PM Screenings begin,
Q & A with filmmakers immediately follows.

Every event will be a fundraiser for the filmmakers and future film projects. Please buy your reserve tickets as this event will fill out the seating capcity. Be sure to tell a friend! A great reason for all of us to get together an also enjoy an evening of networking, fun, and film.

We hope to see you at this important, entertaining and networking industry event!

**Screening may not be suitable for those under 17. Some adult content, strong language, and violence are seen.**

Directions

Ruff Cutz exposes the raw untapped talent that exists in the independent world of cinema. Ruff Cutz provides filmmakers recognition for their projects & feedback from award winning and accredited filmmakers and peers in the film industry held at a live event. Come explore current industry issues at workshops and discussions, get hands-on advice at mentor sessions, and enjoy Boston's unique brand of hospitality (and great food). It's also your chance to discover the best new independent films, and mingle with filmmakers, film lovers, studio executives, and journalists. With dozens of films and keynote speaker panels!

Submissions of films/videos now being accepted for RCIFC 2007, which will take place February 24th & 25th. Go to the RCIFC website at www.rcifc.com to enter this year's Conference now.

DETAILS:

Ruff Cutz Independent Film Conference, February 24th & 25th, 2007 MA

Deadline:

February 5th, 2007.

Conference takes place in historic Brookline - Boston and; a showcase for international independent filmmakers and their work. Conference accepts shorts, features & videos. Categories incl: doc, dramatic, experimental, foreign, shorts, animation, youth media and children's. Filmmakers may enter their films either in/out of competition.

Location:

The Holiday Inn
BOSTON-BROOKLINE
1200 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446 USA
Hotel Front Desk: 1.617.277.1200

All films will be eligible for Ruff Cutz Official Selection & Image Icon Audience Award. Formats: DVD only. Preview on DVD.

Cash and product prizes will also be given away totaling over $5000 dollars!
Provided in part by: Writers Boot Camp, Avid, The Camera Company, Roxio, Lumen Eclipse, Imagine News, Midnight Chimes, Production Hub, Modulus Studio Art, Connecticrews Inc., LimoLiner and IIE

Entry Fee:

$10 - $15; shorts/features.

Contact:

Ruff Cutz
PO Box 3069
N Attleboro, MA 02761 USA
508.717.7795
fax: 866.800.2127
info@rcifc.com
www.rcifc.com

Early submissions encouraged.

Got to hang out with the guys from Hoss Dream Machine and the Los Lonely Boys the other night. Good times at the Rat Pacl Cafe, as we listened to Mark and his band Boston Swing.

http://www.imageiconent.com/bentiblog.html

Trying to post my adventures a bit more now.

Best!

Jamie

Hey guys,

I was thinking about it and someone just sent me a message that confirmed it. If you are an actor, a writer, PA, AD, Grip, WHATEVER you should probably join our DAILY BLAST section on our newsletter. It's free, and it goes out regularly to let you know what we and our affiliates are looking for as they come in. We get casting calls, calls for animators & story board artist, screen writers, crew calls, press releases & announcements, screenings, you name it. We send it right out!

Anyway it's here if you'd like to sign up:

http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101124263175

We don't share or sell your info to anyone! It's just for our network within IIE and Ruff Cutz. Any questions or concerns feel free to email or call me direct.

Best Regards,

Jamie Benti
Image Icon Entertainment

www.imageiconent.com
www.rcifc.com

jbenti@imageiconent.com
508.717.7795 - Direct
866.800.2127 - Fax

Image Icon Entertainment
PO BOX 3069
N. Attleboro, MA 02761 USA

Anyone with a super indie deal! We need production of some plastic cases, warp around, silk pressed DVD's for packaging some films for distribution. Give me shout if you can accommodate and the prices are indie low.

Best,

Jamie
jbenti@imageiconent.com

Seeking:

Editors