My Columbus Film Beat: Gail Mezey

Today we bring you another installment of My Columbus Film Beat wherein area film types introduce themselves.  Today it’s Gail Mezey.

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Gail has over 20 years experience as a producer and production manager. Some of her credits include, PBS “Great Performances,” documentaries for MTV, and TLC, and commercials for Herbal Essence, Disney, Bud Light, and BP to name a few.

Over the past few years she has worked to create an independent non-profit film commission for Columbus and Central Ohio. The Greater Columbus Film Commission is focused on enhancing the independent, feature, and commercial film industry in the region and is actively promoting Central Ohio as a premier filming destination.

Ohio Lt Governor Lee Fisher appointed Gail to the newly formed Media Advisory Board and Film Task Force to look at how Ohio can bring in more production work to the state. Partnering with the Ohio Film Commission and the Cleveland and Cincinnati film commissions, the Greater Columbus film commission is working to bring tax incentives for filming in Ohio.

My Columbus Film Beat: John Whitney

Today we bring you another installment of My Columbus Film Beat wherein area film types introduce themselves.

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Director/Producer/Writer
John Whitney

Born in Texas, John moved to Dayton, Ohio, in the late 60’s when his father obtained a job as a reporter at CBS affiliate, WHIO.  Growing up around television production, it was only natural that John would follow that path.  After attending the Ohio State University where he studied film, he started to freelance in the Columbus market where he began as a PA and worked his way through the ranks to an Avid editor and a Director/DP. During that period of apprenticeship, John worked on over 400 television commercials and a number of independent feature films. Currently John is working for American Signature Inc. where he is a staff AVID editor and DP.

As an independent filmmaker, John has been at the helm of music videos as well as short films including “Solve for X,” which was nominated for best drama at the 2001 Ohio Independent Film Festival in Cleveland. It also won for best short subject at the 2005 Nebula Film Festival.  “A Passion for Filmmaking” was the winner of the 2004 Sixty Second film competition. This film also appeared on the Independent Film Channel’s original series, Media Lab. It also is available as pre-loaded video content in all Microsoft Zunes. “Horrors of War,” won a Chris Award at the 2006 Columbus International Film Festival. “Horrors of War” is currently available on home video worldwide and in current release in North America by Maverick Entertainment..

His current project, “Measured Sacrifice,” is set in a dystopian future America. This low-tech science fiction/drama follows the story of Terry, a young woman in trouble. As the war on terror rages and with the public’s distaste for the draft, the Government enlists all women in their child baring years to volunteer for “The Program”. Pregnant and unemployed, Terry stands at a crossroads. She struggles between honoring her mother and the memory of her father, who died 20 years earlier serving in Iraq, or to do what she thinks is right for the country.  “Measured Sacrifice” is currently making the festival rounds.

John lives with his wife, Jen and son, Kirk in Columbus, Ohio.

My Columbus Film Beat: Greg Sabo

Today we bring you another weekly installment of My Columbus Film Beat wherein area film types have 100 words to introduce themselves.

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Greg Sabo is a cinematographer based in Ohio specializing in high definition acquisition.

“I love telling a story with cinematic images so words are not necessary. I also run a rental business supplying equipment to producers for commercials and independent projects –helping other people realize their dreams.”

Www.sabostudios.com
Www.gregsabo.com

My Columbus Film Beat: Jim Leo

Today we introduce the feature My Columbus Film Beat wherein area film types have 100 words to introduce themselves.  Jim’s entry is especially pertinent given his big premiere tomorrow.  Stay tuned for a new bio at least once a week.

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I write, direct, and produce feature length movies.

My first feature, Passing the Bar, won second place, out of thirty five entries, in the comedy division at the Indie Gathering Film Festival.

My second feature, Six Days, will premiere on November 1, 2008. The movie tells the story of a pizza maker who has six days to pay off a five hundred thousand-dollar debt to the mob. Six Days features many talented actors from central Ohio and was shot in Columbus, Cleveland, California, and Las Vegas.

Learn more at www.sixdaysthemovie.com