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By Patty Fantasia

IndieMeet 2018 Brings on "IndieHeat"

After a one year hiatus filmmakers Mike and Sheila Conway once again opened up their home for a weekend of networking, demonstrations and movie viewing and hosted the 2018 IndieMeet from Friday, July 13 through Sunday July 15th.

 

Billed as "IndieHeat" this year's event began Friday evening with members of the indie filmmaking community reconnecting and meeting new friends during a networking session before the night's movie selections were set up for viewing. For those who have never attended an IndieMeet, Mike has a huge backyard where chairs are arranged in front of a screen and films are shown using an HDX1080 Projector while the sound rocks with 3000 watt speakers. It is a fun, friendly and comfortable setting and there are also lots of snacks, water and soft drinks for refreshments including Sheila's famous, homemade chocolate chip cookies, which never fail to delight. In case of bad weather, the Conways can move their guests into the cozy living room space where the show does go on.

In addition to screenings, on Saturday afternoon there were demonstrations related to the art of filmmaking. Mike filmed and presented another interview with his alter ego "Stupid Guy", who is always a great hit at IndieMeet. For those unfamiliar with Mike, he is an award winning filmmaker who embraces the horror and sci-fi genres and has an amazing knowledge of special effects. At each IndieMeet he finds a way to share his expertise and provide a wonderful learning experience while thoroughly entertaining his guests with his demonstrations.

This year in addition to Mike, actor Rusty Meyers offered valuable advice during a casting seminar while IndieMeet favorite Garo Setian once again wowed everyone by showing off his expertise analyzing trailers from THE UNHOLY, THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD and WARLOCK I, II & III. Mark Ross rounded out the presentations sharing the back story and behind the scenes info of how he produced his film CURSE OF THE PHANTOM SHADOW, a movie set in the 1940's, featuring authentic props that Mark used his house as collateral in order to finance.

Films screened throughout the weekend included: ANGORA ROAD (15min), FADE IN (3min), 12:07 AM (7min), TURN BACK TIME (7min), THE AUCTION (50min), UNWRITTEN trailer (2min), PHANTOM SHADOW trailer (2min),GREY CANYON (15min), STOVER HILL (15min),THE CREEPER (5min), EYE IN THE SKY (7min), KILL THE POOL BOY (7min), AUTOMATION clips (20min), ESCAPE FROM LAS VEGAS (18min), Intro (15min), SOMEONE SOMEWHERE. 80min, ELEGANT SCUM 12min, ENTHUSIASM ABOUNDS (16min), THE PHANTOM MENACE short (14min) and MAX JUSTICE (30min), WHY SO ANGRY (5min),PAPA (9min), MY NAME IS FRANK (10min) and CHECKMATE.

Saturday night feature THE AUCTION offered the last footage shot for an indie film at the famous Riviera Hotel before it was imploded. In fact, the hotel is one of the stars of the movie, which revolves around a motley crew of people being trapped within the confines of the building. Based on a story by local filmmaker Darlene Dalmaceda, who also co-directed the movie, the film also features original music from composer David Rosen. Other notables among the inspired line up include Conway's personal favorite ANGORA ROAD from Justin Meloni and presenter Mark Ross' ENTHUSIASM ABOUNDS.

During the course of the three days several members of the Las Vegas filmmaking community stopped by to present or watch films, catch up with friends, make new acquaintances and share common interests. Among those who attended this year were: Tamia Dow, Jeremy A. Settles, Judy and Stephen Thorburn, Richard McClure, Jacqueline Monahan, DeDee White, Matt Collins Rick Shipley, Will Jackson, Madison Shipley, Dale Neven, Jesse Sung, Jed Curtis, Salvador Romello Barcena, Tim Stover and Allan Leung.

INDIEMEETS are always open to all those interested in independent filmmaking and is free of charge although donations are welcome to help defray costs for the traditional Saturday night Pizza Party and other refreshments. Even though this year's event just happened I'm already looking forward to IndieMeet 2019 with our gracious hosts Mike and Sheila Conway.

 

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