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SRQ DAILY Jun 16, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"I tried going to film school but quit to go make a movie. If I'd had a chance to work with a real director, I probably would've graduated."

- Kevin Smith, filmmaker
 

[Film]  Smith, Ringling Students Begin Filming "Killroy Was Here"
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Filmmaker Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma) returns to Sarasota and the Ringling College of Art and Design, beginning filming late last night near Nathan Benderson Park on his latest project—a horror anthology film entitled Killroy Was Here. Dodging mosquitoes and with reports of an alligator in the area, Smith and a crew comprising 26 students and graduates from Ringling College stuck it out “in the wilds of Gulf Coast Florida,” as Smith described it to his legion of online fans in a broadcast from the set, until 5am finding the perfect shot.

In a way, Killroy, as an idea, had been floating around some time, says Smith, initially as an anthology story loosely based off of the Krampus, a sinister St. Nicholas counterpart from European folklore. But a film called Krampus released in 2015, causing problems. In an example of what Smith described to Ringling students last year as a career of successful “pivots,” instead of scrapping the idea, he retooled it around a fictional monster named after the famous graffiti popularized during WWII.

“Instead of saying, ‘Krampus has been done,’” says Smith, “we turned it into a different movie.” From there, pairing with Ringling College and incorporating students into the production was only natural for a filmmaker known for low-budget magic and a DIY guerrilla style. “Ringling College of Art and Design has an amazing film school in the center of it,” he says. “I tried going to film school but quit to go make a movie. If I’d had a chance to work with a real director, I probably would’ve graduated.” Approaching the equation now from the opposite direction, Smith reported high praise for the Ringling crew, reportedly confiding to one Ringling official that the students ranked among the professionals he worked with directing television episodes for major networks.

Joining Smith and the students on set, award-winning special effects wizard Robert Kurtzman of Creature Corps helps bring the titular monster to life using practical effects with silicone and rubber, giving students a taste for the old school as digital continues to grow. “If you watched horror movies in the ‘80s or ‘90s,” says Smith or Kurtzman, “you know his work.” With a resume including near every popular horror franchise of those decades, as well as non-horror classics such as Predator and Dances with Wolves, Kurtzman brings a wealth of experience for the students to draw from.

Killroy Was Here is an exciting project as part of our ongoing effort to provide hands-on, active production crew experience and screen credits for Ringling College students and graduates,” says Dr. Larry R. Thompson, president of Ringling College, with David Shapiro of Semkhor Productions, the college’s longtime partner in its entry into the film world, continuing: “Our goal is to help Ringling students and local residents gain the right kind of experience to become a top-tier entertainment workforce with which to attract bigger and more complex productions to Sarasota. We’re very fortunate to have this level of talent here sharing the breadth and depth of their experience so graciously.” 

Pictured: Kevin Smith steps away from the set of "Killroy Was Here" to address reporters at Nathan Benderson Park. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

[Good Bite]  Cheese, Please
Shelby Schwartz, shelbys@srqme.com

Il Panificio is no stranger to the downtown lunch rush, its cases continually stocked with sandwiches, desserts and, of course, fresh large pizza pies. Looking at the case, just a piece of glass lies between the customer and the Italian goodness. Although all look delicious, with varied toppings from pepperoni to clams, the classic cheese is always enticing. Il Panificio prides itself on fresh dough without sugar, shortening or preservatives. Instead, the dough contains unbleached spring wheat flour, fresh cake yeast and a pinch of sea salt—and opting for a healthier pizza option pays no compromise to flavor. Here, you can order by the slice, or if you’re really hungry get a whole pie to go. When taking a bite, hot tomato sauce oozes out and can’t help but drip off the sides. The cheese follows as the crust tries to hold it all in, proving you can never go wrong with a classic. Crisp and rich, this winner of “Best Slice of Pizza” in the 2017 Best of SRQ Local competition is a perennial favorite. 

Photo by Shelby Schwartz.

Il Panificio, 1703 Main St., Sarasota, 941-366-5570.

[Exec Moves]  Sarasota Schools Communications Director Retires

Gary Leatherman, longtime director of the Sarasota County School District’s Communications and Community Relations Department, is retiring June 30.  Leatherman has served in this role for more than 10 years. The district has contracted Three Six Oh Public Relations, a boutique Sarasota-based public relations firm, to expand and oversee the district’s communications efforts and develop a strategic communications plan. The district will issue a request for proposals this summer for a long-term contract with a public relations company to support district communications.  

Sarasota County Schools

[Exec Moves]  SPD Promotes Maze to Sergeant

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight promoted Deputy Christopher Maze to Sergeant. Maze joined the sheriff's office in 2003 as a deputy assigned to the Patrol Bureau. Over the course of his career, Maze earned several certificates in advanced firearms training, interviews and interrogations, narcotics and dangerous drugs and more. Maze is a field training officer, firearms instructor and current member of the agency's SWAT team. He has many community ties as a former high school football coach and volunteers at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. 

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

[Expansion ]  Friendship Centers Unveils New, Redesigned Website

The Friendship Centers, a nonprofit organization serving older adults in Southwest Florida, revealed its new website last week. The new website was created through the committed efforts of a team of staff and part-time contractors. Chief among the new functions are detailed maps showing every location the Friendship Centers manages, including locations, hours and phone numbers for each of the 19 dining sites located throughout Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties. The website’s content has been simplified and made easier to read and large images make it easier for older adults to click on pages based on the images rather than the text. Other enhancements include video capability, reworked contact us forms, a new blog and a news section offering an easy way to check news and recent press releases. In addition to the features mentioned, there is a new section where visitors can view all the Centers’ events, the Centers’ YouTube channel and a link to the Centers’ photo albums. The site still offers information on the Centers’ history, financial records, honors and affiliations and now provides an expanded employment section. 

Friendship Centers



[TODAY]  THEATER: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea , June 7 – July 2

Take a plunge into the pages of Jules Verne's classic science fiction story and get swept away in this dazzling multisensory experience. Our modern day storyteller Jules finds himself transported on board the Nautilus submarine, where he joins the mysterious Captain Nemo on a journey to the depths of the sea... and the edge of your seat. Brought to stunning life through a mix of unforgettable characters, eye-popping projections and interactive technology, this time-honored tale explores our place in time and space, and illuminates the mysteries of the deep blue sea. 

The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota

[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: Naming True , June 2 – July 2

Amy, a transgender teenage girl from Seattle, and Nell, a dying woman who’s lived most of her life on the streets of Detroit, find themselves in an unlikely meeting in a Florida motel room to discuss publishing Nell’s childhood memoir. An intimate tale of survival, redemption, and the desperate need to share our stories, Naming True investigates how to persevere in the absence of hope. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets.

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second St., Sarasota

[TODAY]  FESTIVAL: Sarasota Music Festival , June 5 – June 24

One of the premier preformance and teaching festivals in the world comes back to Sarasota for 3 weeks kicking off June 5. The schedule is complete with Friday Festivals and Saturday Symphonies. The festival features favorite classic composers like Bach, Beethoven, Gershwin and Mozart in a contemporary environment. The Sarasota Music Festival welcomes new Music Director, Jeffery Kahane this year.

Sarasota Opera House, 709 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[WEEKEND]  GRAB BAG: Bradentucky Bombers Take on Swan City Roller Derby , June 17, 5:00pm

Tailgating starts at 4:00 PM with free beer provided by The Little Giant Brewery. Doors open at 4:30 and at 5:00 the hits and falls begin! Come support your local roller derby team and watch the best ladies in the area kick butt! We have special guests Jersey She-Devil and Polly Dexter Rose from SLAW joining us for a halftime mini-battle of brute strength next to our beer tent. Join the team and meet your favorite derby players at the after party at Darwin Brewing Company and Taproom 803 17th Ave W, Bradenton, Florida 34205. As strong women rolling for a strong community, the Bradentucky Bombers will also be donating all raffle proceeds to Buckle Up 4 BSwag and Bubba. For more information visit www.bradentuckybombers.com.

Astro Skate of Bradenton, 3611 3rd Street W., Bradenton

[WEEKEND]  THEATER: Yesterdayze , June 17

YESTERDAYZE plays music that charted in the top 40 between 1960-1969. From Motown to the British Invasion, from country & pop to psychedelia to good old fashioned rock & roll, Yesterdayze does it all!

Venice Theater , 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice.

[WEEKEND]  GALLERY: Family Day: Eternal Offerings , June 17, 11am-2pm

Join Ringling for a special family day to celebrate a special exhibition now on view, Eternal Offerings! This Family Day will feature activity stations, and a special summer-themed family activity booklet to use in the galleries. Family Days are fun for the whole family! Join us for art making, and activity stations. We will also distribute themed family activity booklets to use in the galleries. Free with admission. For more information please visit www.ringling.org

The Ringling, 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Of Summer and Silence , June 20 – June 30

Susan J. Foster presents an exhibit of remarkable oil paintings, “Of Summer and Silence” in Miano Gallery at Southern Atelier in Sarasota. The opening reception for this exhibit will be on Friday, June 16th from 6pm until 9pm. The paintings will be on view from June 20th through June 309:30–4pm. The reception and exhibit are open to the public and free of charge. Sue Foster is a long-time resident of Bradenton and an instructor of still life painting at Southern Atelier.

Miano Gallery at the Southern Atelier , 7226 21st Street E,. Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Broadway in Black , June 21 – July 23

This summer, the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe salutes Broadway with an original revue by Nate Jacobs. Sing along with your favorite songs from award- winning shows and breakthrough roles that helped launch the careers of such Black artists as Melba Moore in Purlie, Ben Vereen in Pippin, Jennifer Holliday in Dreamgirls, and Nell Carter in Ain't Misbehavin'. It's Broadway, WBTT syle...electrifying! 

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe , 1343 Main St. Suite 402 Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Taste Magazine and Le Bordeaux French Wine Dinner , June 22, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Come to Le Bordeaux to enjoy a five course wine pairing dinner. Courses include escardgot å la bordelaise, salade gascogne, medallion de veau sauce perigourdine et ses légumes, black grouper menuiére and poired pochées au vin. 

Le Bordeaux , 1900 Main Street, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Painting Floral Still Lifes , June 23 – June 25

Artists will learn how to quickly sketch "Alla Prima," the colorful harmonies and abstract patterns of some of nature's most vibrant subject matter. This seminar will highlight color composition and painting from life under nature's light. 

Southern Atelier , 7226 21st St. E., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: High School Musical Jr. , June 23 – June 24

Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life in Disney’s High School Musical Jr. The students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to engage performers and audiences alike.

Manatee Performing Arts Center , 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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