"We're the Millers", starring Jennifer Aniston opens in theaters August 9, 2013

      The film industry is still thriving in the Tar Heel State.  Just this past September, the cast of the movie “We’re the Millers”, starring Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, and Will Poulter, wrapped up shooting at EUE/Screen Gems Studios, in Wilmington.   They began the project in early August shooting scenes throughout the Port City.  Many locals had the opportunity to be cast as extras in the movie. There were numerous calls for all types of people to participate in carnival and fair scenes.  There was even a casting call that asked for "bikini-clad girls needed for the new Jennifer Aniston movie.” 

     

     This action comedy is produced by Warner Brothers and New line Cinema, and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, is about an low keyed pot dealer, David Burke, played by Jason Sudeikis, whose regular customers are chefs, and soccer moms, but he never sells to kids because of course, he has his scruples.  He decides to help some teens but instead some neighborhood punks jump him.  They leave him dry by stealing his supply and money. Now he’s got problems because he is indebt and owes his supplier, Brad, played by Ed Helms.

         To clear his debt, and of course, save his life, David has agreed to become a drug smuggler, and bring back Brad’s shipment from Mexico. He convinces his neighbors wry stripper Rose, played by Jennifer Aniston, Kenny who wants to be her customer, played by William Poulter, and a street smart teen, Casey, played by Emma Roberts, all join him in his plan.  Now his ready made loving family, complete with fake pregnant wife, and two adorable teenagers, travel south of the border to Mexico for a Fourth of July that is sure to have plenty of fireworks.
   
           Look for "We're the Millers", in theaters August 9, 2013.  This film has not been rated, but be sure to keeping reading this blog for updates, and the trailer when it's released.

The JIC Project

     The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 19 million new STD infections occur every year, with 50 percent of these new cases happening to young people between the ages of 15 and 24.  In a recent article, it stated that the United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the western industrialized world.  Teen pregnancy costs the United States at least $7 billion annually.  Thirty-four percent of young women become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20.  My idea I feel, helps address these startling statistics.  The project is called "JIC" (pronounced like the BIC shaver), and is an acronym for "Just In Case".  "JIC" is the title of a hip-hop song that advises young people, ages 14 - 24, to abstain from sex. The song gives scenarios of what some of the consequences are from having unprotected sex.  Abstinence is the main message of the song, but it also advocates using protection and to have something on you "Just In Case", or "JIC".  "JIC" will also be used as a logo to be placed on a condom designed especially for young people.  One design will be for young ladies, and the other one for young men. Revenues generated from the song and a percentage of the sales from the condoms, will be used to start a nonprofit organization, to be called, "The JIC Project."  The goal of "The JIC Project" will be to travel to cities across the country, to educate young people at community centers, schools, and colleges, about the risks of unprotected sex, and to promote abstinence.  Some of the organizations planned as guest speakers and who will provide literature would include, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC), and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).   The main purpose of the project is to introduce the JIC condom to everyone, and to pass out free samples.  Education is the best means of prevention.  By reaching out to our young people in surroundings where they feel comfortable and free to participate, we can one day lower this statistic. "You know JIC man, you know Just In Case!" 

President Obama’s Favorite Show Wins Casting Society Honors

      “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” the 1979 hit by McFadden and Whitehead, should become the anthem for the cast of Showtime’s newest hit show “Homeland.”  This show is HOT!!  As the song says, “we’re on the move!” And they are!  They’re winning awards and breaking records in just their first year!  On October 29, “the casting team, which included North Carolina residents Lisa Mae and Craig Fincannon, from the award winning series, were once again honored for their work, this time by the Casting Society of America,” the NC Film Office said this week.  This was the 28^th year that the Artios Award was hosted by the Casting Society of America.   According to IMPB (Internet Movie Data Base), before the show won this last award, it had been nominated 26 times, and had won 17 awards. Many would say the show’s greatest achievement thus far would be last month’s “Primetime Emmy Awards.”  No one expected the show to win “Outstanding Drama Series” ending the show “Mad Men’s” four-year reign.  Do you think President Obama along, with the "shows" character, ex-POW Marine Sgt. Nick Brody, plotted to blow out the competition?  You know President Obama stated in his interview last December with People Magazine, that “Homeland” is his “must see” television show.  Perhaps the show's character CIA agent Carrie Mathison, played by Claire Danes, may have to investigate.

     “Homeland” which is filmed in Charlotte, is another reason why the “Tar Heel State” is becoming the “New Hollywood.”  Just recently, a permit was issued to a crew in Wilmington to shoot a pilot for a new show.  The third sequel to the “Iron Man” series, starring Robert Downey, Jr., is currently filming at EUE/Screen Gems Studio, in Wilmington.  This studio is the largest one on the east coast. The film industry continues to boom here in the state.  What once was the state known for its tobacco, has now become the state known for its wine and entertainment, just like California. Could the Tar Heel State be the "New Hollywood?"

     For more information about what’s happening in Wilmington you can contact the Wilmington Regional Film Commission’s website address at wilmingtonfilm.com. To find out about all the new projects happening throughout the state, you can contact the North Carolina Film Office. Their web address is http://www.ncfilm.com.  ENJOY!

http://youtu.be/q4-KYAWPKzY?hd=1
www.cbsnews.com
wilmingtonfilm.com
http://www.ncfilm.com
 http://www.people.com/ 
www.imdb.com 
www.lyricstime.com/mcfadden-and-whitehead-ain-t-no,