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June 2013
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALEXANDER PAYNE AND BRUCE DERN
Alexander Payne's NEBRASKA has premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival. The festival jury awarded BEST ACTOR to Bruce Dern. Many KUDOS to Mr. Dern, Alexander and the entire cast and crew. There were several Nebraskans there to cheer on Alexander and the group. What a night, what a moment on the Red Carpet! Congratulations to all!
Nebraska continues to be in the spot light for several small independent projects in development. From Omaha to North Platte, we have requests for information for filming on location and community contacts. Don't forget to send me your updated resume and please check out your entry on our searchable data base.
Summer is here! Make that movie happen in Nebraska!
Spring 2013
Where is spring? Snow. Rain. Warm. Cold. People wonder why we talk about the weather so much in Nebraska. If you are from here or live here, you know why. It is all very important as the weather can determine your start and stop for filming on location. We have FOUR full seasons in Nebraska and this one is starting out as a cold, soggy reminder of that fact. I can promise you it will get better. We will look back at today and wish for a little of this overwhelming moisture for our gardens and reservoirs. Regardless, we are here to help you make your project happen, indoors or out!
This leads me to request your attention to upcoming projects this year. We are in preparation for several projects this year that will need full crew complement and actors. The Nebraska Film Office is happy to help with crew and resource information for pre-production and physical production. Some of you are aware we keep a searchable data base on this site, "Search Services." This database gives the non-Nebraskan a chance to see that we do indeed have people that work in this industry in the state. We also keep your Nebraska resume on file. After the database has been seen by the producers, they often will want to have a resume in hand, or electronic file. When we get that call, we forward that information to the production source. If you have not sent your CURRENT resume to the Film Office, please do so at your earliest convenience. If you are an actor, please forward your acting resume to your favorite Nebraska talent agency.
Alexander Payne's "Nebraska" is a headliner at the Cannes Film Festival this month. How swell! He is in competition with the movie for the Palme d'or award, the most prestigious award offered at this venue. We wish him and Paramount Pictures and Albert and Ron with BonaFide Productions the best and much success with the film. The movie filmed on location in Nebraska last fall. We EEEEagerly await the film's Nebraska premiere sometime soon.
Send resumes to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Winter 2013
Warm, cold, windy, clear, cloudy; all parts of Nebraska in the winter and the exciting background to complement your next project!
News on the street says Nebraska filmmakers are busy casting and shooting all sorts of projects. "Larry the Cable Guy" just finished a commercial for Prilosec in Lincoln for the National Geographic Channel. We are so pleased he enjoys not only living in Nebraska, but shooting here. He knows we have the talent and the crew to make successful projects happen. His desire to film commercials here is a good bellwether for all Nebraska businesses. "You don't have to look any further than your own backyard," as Dorothy would say, to find a location to suit your filming needs. Expense of travel and production resources are minimized by utilizing Nebraska's vast and varied look. Film ON!
Darden Entertainment, LLC has just completed a short, "Curtain Closes." Oberon Entertainment, LLC provided the production services for this drama based on selected scenes from the full-length screenplay MOVIE USHERS by Scott Darden. This teaser was created to generate interest in producing the full feature film. For more information contact Scott Darden or Mark Hoeger, 402-502-3456. Tyler Schmid, Josh Weixleman and Dale Schumacher of Midnight Frights production company have been busy filming in Lincoln. We wish them the best and look forward to the release of "Remission" later this year: contact Tyler Schmid, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more informaiton.
The movie "Nebraska," filmed on location recently, is busy in post-production. Alexander Payne's movie projected release is later this year and we are all very anxious to see this on the silver screen.
For more information about filming on location in Nebraska, contact: Laurie Richards, Nebraska Film Officer, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
December 2012
Season's Greetings to all! With 2012 almost behind us, we have much to be thankful for in Nebraska.
The year has been filled with independent filming of a variety of projects. The majority of them seem to be in the popular horror genre. There have been some very insightful works and documentaries to complement the well-rounded productions. As we receive the production information from the local producers, we include this information on our "Filmed In Nebraska" page. Please continue to send us your information so we might keep this page current. Hats off to those of you who have put the baby on the disc and entering festivals across the country and outside of the USA. Don't forget the Annual Omaha Film Festival, http://www.omahafilmfestival.org/. This has become a wonderful venue for local, regional and national filmmakers and screenwriters. Bloom where you are planted!
We couldn't complete a greeting without acknowledging our very own Alexander Payne, Bona Fide Productions and Paramount Pictures. The film "Nebraska" completed their physical production on location work in Nebraska on November 21. They moved on to Montana and Wyoming, and finished shooting in South Dakota two weeks later. We look forward to the screening of this film in about a year. Alexander is our golden guy and we do so appreciate his commitment to filming at home. He is from Nebraska. He knows Nebraska. He likes Nebraska. There are a lot more stories to come alive here for him. We can't wait for the next adventure! Hurry back!
If you have not had a chance to read the Leo Biga book he has edited with stories of Alexander and his film career, "Alexander Payne, His Journey In Film" you might want to get a copy for your library. It has some very good stories from personal encounters with Alexander and people we all know. Leo has done a fine job of organizing stories he
has written over the years combined with person interviews and comments from others who have known Alexander for these many years. It's worth the read.
We all have much to be thankful for. Friends, family and beautiful locations within a 60 mile radius for your production. Give us a call and we guarantee you will add Nebraska to your list full of film friendly people and locations.
Feliz ano nuevo!
October/November 2012
Alexander Payne and company have begun their filming journey in Nebraska for the movie, "Nebraska." Throughout the northeastern part of the state, you may see production vehicles and crew setting up the next scene for this major Hollywood motion picture. The film production office is set up in Norfolk, the host city for this spectacular event. The Norfolk community has been enthralled to be chosen by Alexander and producers as the hub of action. Members of the business and private sector have stepped forward to host events to benefit local establishments and community programs. The producers have been most gracious and attentive to this partnership and very giving of their spare, very spare time, to benefit various programs with their participation.
WE are very excited for our native brother to be back here filming with Bona Fide Productions and Paramount Pictures producing. Despite production pressures to film the movie in another state, Alexander's credibility and influence over the system has brought us an awesome opportunity. We are very grateful for his interest in his home state and his interest in helping grow the film industry for Nebraska. We would not be on the map for filmmaking without his presence. Economic impact and soft spin-off of tourism will have far reaching effects while the crew is here and local establishments provide goods and services. It's a sweet deal!
If you would like more information on this project, you can contact the production office in Norfolk at 402-316-1483.
August 2012
For Casting Information: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view itCrew, Services, and Production Resources: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it UPDATED 8/27/12
Alexander Payne to begin filming "Nebraska" in October
AUGUST 22, 2012 (LINCOLN, NEB.)—The Nebraska Film Office announced today that native Nebraskan Alexander Payne will being filming his next feature film titled "Nebraska" in the state in October.
Produced by Bona Fide Productions and released by Paramount Pictures, the film stars Bruce Dern and Bill Forte. The road picture is the story of a father and estranged son on a journey from Montana to claim winnings from a sweepstakes ticket in Lincoln, Neb.
Nebraska Film Officer Laurie Richards has been identifying locations across the state for the project. Nebraska Department of Economic Development staff and other contacts statewide have been instrumental in this quest.
"We are so happy to have Alexander back in Nebraska for this project. We have been working on this for seven years, and now it will finally happen," said Richards.
Two-time academy award winner, director and writer, Payne is famous for three previous films shot here, Citizen Ruth, Election and About Schmidt.
Filming will begin in October in northeast Nebraska, Lincoln, and several other key locations across the state.
"Alexander is a huge fan of Nebraska, the small towns, the unique landscape and environs. He is also hoping to hire local crew and actors. There have been several casting calls and we will see familiar local faces in this film and know local crew and service providers will play a big role in all of this,” said Richards. “It also means millions of dollars left behind in wages, lodging, rentals, food, and many services necessary to film on location. The economic impact is huge and the soft spinoff of tourism is palpable.
“For this project, Alexander is particularly interested in rural towns that have kept their historic identity,” added Richards. “We have many towns that fit his location descriptions; it's a challenge to find everything in a 60 mile radius or what we call "zone of production."
For more information, contact Laurie Richards, Nebraska Film Office, 402-202-1905, www.filmnebraska.org
ANNOUNCEMENT!
July 26, 2012
Nebraska Film Association monthly gathering in Omaha/Alexander Payne
Exciting announcement about next week's networking event! The line producer for Alexander Payne's movie, Nebraska, will be accepting resumes for local crew positions! A representative for the film will be in attendance to accept resumes, so be sure to attend and BRING YOUR RESUMES!! Event will be Wednesday, August 1st from 5:00 - 7:00pm at the Fox and Hound at 120th and Dodge.
SUMMER 2012
Thanks for all of you who sent your new information for the search date base on this site. And particularly, thanks for those of you who updated your current information. This summer we will continue our efforts to cull those entries that have had no contact with us over the recent past. Please send us an "email" to let us know what you're up to, what projects you are working on, what interesting locations you have found in Nebraska or just to say "I'm still here." We like hearing from you.
Incentives for Filmmakers (2012's LB 863)
A municipal incentive to encourage and promote the film industry in Nebraska has emerged from this last legislative session. The passing of LB863, an amendment to LB 840 codifies the language of the film industry as eligible to receive funds from the Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act of 1991. This is managed by the economic development office of those communities that participate with the LB 840 funds.
They have the "option" to use these monies to help off-set production expenses with a direct payment to the local vendor who gave a reduced price for services to the production source in that particular community from this fund. Here is the list of communities that currently use these funds and may have an interest in film production:
Albion, Alliance, Arapahoe, Arnold, Atkinson, Bayard, Beatrice, Beaver City, Blair, Burwell, Cambridge, Central City Chadron, Clearwater, Columbus, Cozad, Crete, Crofton, Curtis, Doniphan, Fairbury, Falls CIty, Fremont, Geneva, Gering, Gothenburg, Grand Island, Hartington, Holdrege, Imperial, McCook, Milford, Mitchell, Nebraska City, Neligh, Norfolk, North Platte, Ord, Oshkosh, Plattsmouth, Ravenna, Schuyler, Scottsbluff, Seward, Sidney, South Sioux City, St. Paul, Stromsburg, Superior, Sutton, Techumseh, Valentine, Wakefield and Wayne.
These communities' economic development plans are all different. Some of them may be interested in embracing the new LB 863 as their plan is written, others may have to have a community vote. Let us know if you are interested in working with any of these communities for your film or video project and we will work on connecting you with the right person or group. Currently, Omaha and Lincoln do not participate with this fund.
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!
Check this out! If you are interested in more information about locations and filming in Nebraska, please visit:
http://www.visitnebraska.gov/travel-tools/photo-gallery
http://nebraskalocations.wordpress.com/
April 2012
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN – UPDATE YOUR LISTING NOW!
We hope you will take a minute to go to our searchable database of crew and services, click on your entry, and send us your updated information! Follow instructions to update your current listing or to create your new listing. Under CREDITS, please “pair” your association with the respective project.
GROWING the film industry in Nebraska means providing the most accurate information for new producers who have not worked here and to remind those that do work here, we have an active and credible list of professionals who make their living working in this industry.
We reserve this production resource for in-state Nebraska crew and services. We do not print a production guide but you can download this file if necessary. If you are not from Nebraska, we can keep your resume on file. Send as an attachment to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
PLEASE note the deadline for updates is May 31, 2012.
Winter 2012
Kudos to Alexander Payne and his team for the Gold Globe(s)Ⓡ awards received this weekend in Hollywood! The Hollywood Foreign Press AssociationⓇ has just rewarded his film The Descendants with two salutes; Best Film and Best Actor to George Clooney. Way to go Alexander! Who doesn't want to be in his films? There isn't a person in the industry that does not want to work with him. The faces in the audience told all. WE are excited for him and look forward to his return to Nebraska for his next project.
In the Great Plains, January is typically the "cruelest month," not April, as written by T.S. Eliot in his poem, The Waste Land. The temperature is anything but cruel in the sense of four full seasons. The sky is a vibrant intense blue dotted with hawks and crows. The barren arms and fingers of trees reach up to offer perch. A wispy white cloud floats by. A light dusting of snow covers the ground. Sun angles low as our axis tips north of center. Can you see yourself here setting up that perfect scene with this back drop for your next film? WE can! Give us ring. See you soon!
Nebraska has a rich heritage in the film industry. From the early work of Fred Niblo, 1920s silent film director from York, to actresses Marg Helgenberger, from North Bend and Hilary Swank from Lincoln, and director, producer and screenwriter Alexander Payne, from Omaha, the state knows how to grow and nurture talent. Keep your eyes on this site for future information related to the state’s presence in the film world.
Be sure to check out the Nebraska Independent Film Projects (http://www.nifp.org/), Film Streams (http://www.filmstreams.org/) and the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center (http://www.theross.org/). These entities represent a small part of the infrastructure that helps Nebraska’s independent industry flourish.
Economic Research Associates has completed a study of the film industry in Nebraska. An electronic version of the complete study and the executive summary is available as a PDF file, clicking here. It provides valuable information regarding the economic impact of the film industry at large and analysis of the industry in Nebraska.
Check out one of the many interactive photo galleries featuring some of the state's most scenic landscapes:
Thanks for stopping by. FILM NEBRASKA!
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Helpful hints:
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The Web site offers wide ranging photos of many Nebraska locations. It's a common misperception that Nebraska is flat! The lowest point of elevation is in Richardson County, eastern end of the state, at 840 feet. The highest point is in Kimball County, western end at 5,424 feet higher than Denver!
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From rolling fields of corn, beans, wheat and other crops in the east, to the cattle-grazing Sandhills in the mid-section and the beautiful Pine Ridge of the west, Nebraska’s topography is diverse. The state also experiences four full seasons. Crops are planted in the spring(April-May)mature through the summer (June-August), and are harvested in the fall (September-October). Check out our crop planting and weather information so you can better assist your company in preparing for upcoming commercial production. Plan ahead!
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Nebraska history? It might be significant to know the facts so you can use 'em or lose 'em, depending on your approach to artistic license when creating!
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How do I get to Nebraska? Direct flights to Omaha are available from coast to coast Nebraska is served by United, American, American West, TWA, Frontier, Delta, Southwest and soon)--Express Jet will have flights from Omaha to the California cities of Ontario and San Diego(Check with your travel agent.) .
So, that's just the beginning. Thanks for stopping. Let us know how we can help make your next production a success in Nebraska. See you soon...
Nebraska Film Officer
Nebraska Film Office
P.O. Box 98907
Lincoln, NE 68509-8907
402-471-3746
800-228-4307
Contact Us: Contact Form