Dolly Parton & Queen Latifah hit Atlanta

From The AJC, The Buzz by Jennifer Brett

Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah are in the Poncey-Highland area today, working on their film “Joyful Noise,” where they play two women who work to save a gospel choir that has hit hard times. Courtney Vance stars as the minister.

Jennifer Garner shoots The Odd Life of Timothy Green

From Decatur Minute
Although they have been filming the last week or so around Forest Hills Elementary School, “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” has officially begun shooting here in Decatur today. They will be on location all day today and then back at the end of next week to wrap up.

If anyone is working on the shoot or knows how we might be able to get on set for some interviews or behind-the-scenes look at this film hit us up at backtoonega@gmail.com

The Change-Up at Turner Field

Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynold's new film The Change-Up did some filming at Turner Field this past November.  A comedy in which a married guy switches bodies with his best friend in order to woo his co-worker.

It's great that all of these stars are here in Atlanta now.  There are movies being filmed in and around Atlanta all the time.  We need your help on getting the scoop.  Back to 1 would like to get on set and interview actors, extras, directors, producer, craft services, grips whomever.  We want to provide a behind-the-scenes look at like on set and get folks excited about films done right here in Georgia.  Doesn't have to be big films either, could be an independent film, a TV series, web-series.  If you're watching it and it was done in Georgia we want to know about it. 

Thanks in advance for your help.

Matt Damon Jude Law hits CDC hits with Contagion

Our sources have been telling us about this one for months.  Sorry we are just now getting it up.  The new Matt Damon, Jude Law film Contagion was filmed at the CDC in Atlanta.  The bio-drama as stars Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow and Laurence Fishburne.  We are hoping to speak with some folks at the CDC to see if they had any star sightings. 

In the meantime, get more on Contagion from Jennifer Brett

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

If you have not had a chance to see any of the films in this years Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. It's not to late. The Festival ends Feb 27

Be Sure to check out

Gay Days
The dramatic evolution of the gay and lesbian community in Israel as told through the eyes of Yair Qedar, the editor of Israel's first GLBT newspaper. Includes rare archival materials and interviews with major cultural figures and activists.

Paris Return
In this gentle, wryly humorous observational documentary, an aging Parisian gay couple bicker and share life passions as ill health starts to slow the elder partner, stirring longings to return home to Israel.

Peep World
A dysfunctional Jewish family’s most shameful exploits are revealed on the eve of a birthday celebration for the patriarch in this dark comedy. Co-starring Ron Rifkin, Ben Schwartz, Sarah Silverman, Michael C. Hall, Rainn Wilson, Kate Mara and Lesley Ann Warren.

Super Villains in Love

Ah Valentine's Day. A day to show that special someone just how much you care. Dinner, the exchange of gifts and then the exchange of fluids, if the gift is good. Super Villains are no different then you and me. They poison scanky bitches one glass of wine at a time.

This Funny or Die clip was Written, Directed and features by Atlanta artist Brian Work. Let us know what you think. We hope to bring you more of Mr. Work's work.

Super Villains in Love: Valentine's Day - watch more funny videos

X-Men First Class Trailer

It's here the new trailer for X-Men First Class. Parts of this film were shot in Georgia so Back to 1 is giving you a look at this hot new trailer.

Let's take this mess to Broadway!

Normally this blog is looking at movies being recently filmed in and around Atlanta.  Today we could not help but pause and talk about a film that has been turned into a stage play, in fact three movies that have been turned into one stage play.  Bring it On: The Musical at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA.

I have had the pleasure of seeing this show more than once and each time it get's better and better. Our sister blog The 4 O' Clock Dance Break did a review during it's previews.  We have had a chance to see it since it has opened and there have been some major changes.  Scenes being moved around, lines getting a tweek here and there, but the magic is still there. The cast is cheering harder and flying higher then ever.  It's truly amazing to see actors and dancers become cheerleaders and vise verse. Going to the theatre last night was an experience.  I can not tell you how much fun we had, it was ridiculous. The actors in the show really do Bring it On.  The character of Skylar the bitch Truman cheerleader is played to perfection. Twig, the super cool but kinda nerdy guy who falls for the chunky girl Bridget pure insanity and I mean that in the best possible way.  I loved them both. So if you have not see Bring it On: The musical what are waiting for. Parents grab your kids, squads get on out there and cheer, dance crews move!  You only have until Feb 20 to see the show before they take that this mess to Broadway!

The cast of Bring it On: The Musical

Interview -Step Off Producer Bennie Swint

 Back to 1 was able to sit down with Step Off Producer Bennie Swint and get some insight into film making, a great story and working with Lions Gate.

Back to 1:What was the inspiration for Battle/ “Step off”?
Bennie: The Inspiration for the film came from the documentary "Beatmakers"
about Hip-hop beatmakers.

Back to 1: Why the name change from Battle to Step Off?

Bennie:  The studio wanted to change it to market to an young urban audience.

Back to 1:What did you learn from making Step Off?
Bennie: It takes a village...... Making a film is not a one man show,  You can't control everything, so sometime you have to step to side and let the universe do it's thing.

 

Back to 1: What makes a great story?

Bennie: Don't know, Still trying figure that out....

 

Back to 1: If you could tell anyone’s story who’s would it be?
Bennie: God.....

 

Back to 1: What film maker would you most like to work with?
 Bennie: Everybody,  I'm a fan of a lot of people so i can't just name one....

Back to 1: What was it like working with Lions Gate?
Bennie: Don't know, They let their lawyers do the deal. This deal was all
about paperwork.... Very non Hollywood...

 

 

Back to 1: What’s up next for you?

Bennie: We have several projects in development, We just have the right
project to launch next....
 
Back to 1:What advice do you have for anyone going into the film business?

Bennie: Don't  do it....

"Battle" Official Trailer 2010 Laron Austin [HD]

Back to 1 takes a look at Battle.  It was shot right here in Atlanta. As things go in Hollywood things change especially once you get in bed with companies like Lions Gate. Take a look at the trailer for Battle.




After months of negotiation the film was picked up by Lions Gate and got a flashy new trailer and a brand new title Step Off.





Look for Step Off on DVD March 15.

Battle

While working and growing The 4PM Dance Break it accrued to me that there was so much more out there.  That's why I am launching Back to 1 your behind the scenes look at T.V. and Film being shot in  and around Atlanta and beyond.

Our first post takes a look the movie Battle, Directed by Laron Austin.  Filmed in Atlanta, Battle is a coming of age drama about an unknown producer, Jackson (Jack Da Rippa) Wayne who pursues his passion for composing music.  The film stars Conrad Clifton , Onira Tares, Chris Burns and Taurean Blacque of Hill Street Blues and Rocky II fame.

Just recently the film was picked up by Lionsgate and is scheduled for a DVD release on March 15, 2011.  Take a look at the trailer for Battle