RFC Offers $3 Movie Tickets on September 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

Shreveport, LA – Robinson Film Center will offer $3 movie tickets to all shows on September 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, expanding the nationwide effort by The Cinema Foundation to offer $3 movie tickets this Saturday, in honor of National Cinema Day.

“We wanted to join the effort of selling discounted tickets to our community this weekend,” said Wendell Riley, Executive Director of RFC. “But we wanted to take it one step further, and offer $3 tickets over three days, to celebrate a return to cinemas, to say thank you to our patrons, and to recognize that in the current economic climate many people are looking for affordable entertainment options.”

RFC will be showing the critically acclaimed French Film Waiting for Bojangles, along with George Miller’s Three Thousand Years of Longing this weekend. For showtimes and tickets visit http://robinsonfilmcenter.org/ or call the box office at (318) 459-4122.

 FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Wendell Riley, RFC Executive Director
(318) 459-4111, wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Chef Tootie Morrison Bids Farewell to Abby Singer’s Bistro

Shreveport, LA – Chef Tootie Morrison bid a fond farewell to Abby Singer’s Bistro and the Robinson Film Center today.   

Chef Morrison, who has been with RFC since 2011, informed the staff and board of her intention to leave earlier this year. “Chef Tootie is inextricably linked to the growth and stature of RFC in the community over the last decade,” said Wendell Riley, Executive Director of RFC. “Even though she felt that the time was right to move on, she was gracious enough to continue with us while we transitioned between Executive Directors.”

While her departure means that guests will no longer be able to interact with her at the bistro, operations will continue as normal, with fan favorites remaining on the menu for the foreseeable future. “RFC and Abby Singer’s go hand in hand, and it is important for us to continue the legacy of what has been built, and what our patrons have come to expect from us in terms of quality and service,” said Riley. “We’ve worked with Tootie to make sure this transition is as seamless as possible, with no disruption for our customers.”

“RFC has been an important part of my culinary career,” said Morrison. “Even though I am leaving, it will always have a special place in my heart.”

“Above all, we want to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Tootie for everything she has done for RFC,” said Riley. “On behalf of the staff and board of RFC, I want to wish her every success in her future endeavors.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Wendell Riley, RFC Executive Director
(318) 459-4111, wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Robinson Film Center to Unveil Newly Renovated Event Space

Robinson Film Center to Unveil Newly Renovated Event Space

 Shreveport, LA – Robinson Film Center will unveil its newly renovated event space at an open house on August 11th, from 5-7 pm.   

 RFC offers the second-floor multi-purpose space to the community at affordable rates, allowing guests to host events such as parties, banquets, corporate trainings, and seminars. The center also offers rentals of its theaters, and a full on-site catering service. RFC’s location downtown, along with being the home of Abby Singer’s Bistro, makes it an attractive location for events of all types and sizes.

 “This space is unbeatable in terms of cost and location,” said Wendell Riley, Executive Director. “However, it has gotten a needed facelift, with new floors and equipment that matches the intended versatility of the room.”

 Longtime visitors to RFC are familiar with the event space, as RFC regularly hosts programming such as the Date Night series, along with film-related classes and summer camps there. The space is also the annual site for the Prize Foundation’s Louisiana Film Prize Top 20 announcement. “Everyone at RFC is excited about the new features in the room,” said Rich Hansil, Education Director at RFC. “We couldn’t have done this without the time and effort put forth by our Board to help us revamp the space to make our programming, classes and camps more impactful while making it more appealing overall.”

 "We want everyone to check out the space, whether they are looking for a cool wedding reception venue or a place for a corporate retreat,” said Riley. “And of course, in addition to the great food from Abby Singer’s, we have awesome popcorn.”

 To RSVP for the unveiling event, email robinsonfilmcenter@gmail.com. Members of the press are invited to attend. For more information about hosting an event at RFC, visit http://robinsonfilmcenter.org/rentals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Wendell Riley, RFC Executive Director
(318) 459-4111, wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Robinson Film Center Names New Executive Director

SHREVEPORT, LA –The Board of Directors at Robinson Film Center (RFC) has named Wendell Riley as the incoming Executive Director of the Shreveport-based nonprofit. Riley will replace outgoing interim Executive Director Rich Hansil.

Riley, who is currently the Director of Media and External Relations at LSU Shreveport, has been a part of the Shreveport-Bossier film community for over a decade, working on Emmy, Cannes, Clio, Telly, and Webby award-winning projects at Moonbot Studios and Rational Middle Media. He has also worked with the Louisiana Prize Fest team and was instrumental in the early growth of Film Prize Jr., an acclaimed filmmaking competition and festival for high-school students. Riley has been

a longtime supporter of RFC and has recently been a volunteer instructor for film analysis classes in the center’s Filmmaking 101 series. Along with his educational and non-profit work, Riley has experience working with international clients such as Disney, Amazon, Gatorade, Chipotle, Dolby, Unilever, and Michelin. Riley is also a judge at the annual Cinema on the Bayou festival in Lafayette, Louisiana.

“I’m so excited to join RFC in the coming months,” Riley said. “I feel like I’m joining a winning team, as RFC has already cemented its place as a cultural jewel in Shreveport. My goal is to build upon what has already been done, as I believe in the transformative power of the arts, and the medium of film in particular. We can do so much more to bring all that RFC has to offer to wider and traditionally underserved communities, and leverage partnerships with area organizations to continue to nurture the local film industry.”

Hansil, who will be returning to producing TV and film while continuing to serve as Co-director of Education and Programming at RFC along with his wife, Rachael, joined the RFC team in 2019, with the goal of developing more robust and hands-on film education offerings in the Shreveport- Bossier region. As practicing filmmakers, they focus on providing applicable training across the entire film production pipeline, taught by industry professionals, many of whom are based in the region. When former Executive Director Meghan Hochstetler Avallone announced her departure, Hansil stepped in to run the center, and in his brief tenure he has worked closely with the board to

identify new opportunities and efficiencies on both the operational and public-facing sides of the house.

“I love being part of the team at the Robinson Film Center, and I can’t think of a better choice than Wendell to lead our group,” Hansil said. “He has the perfect mix of for-profit and non-profit experience, is an experienced leader, and truly loves cinema. He’s seen firsthand the impacts film can have on the lives of the people of our region.”

“When we began our search for a new executive director, we knew we had big shoes to fill,” said Anna Gleason, President of RFC’s Board of Directors. “Wendell couldn’t be a more perfect fit for this role. I’m excited to see some of his ideas come to fruition, and we’re looking forward to his insight and leadership through the Robinson’s next era. The future for RFC is bright and full of potential, and we believe Wendell is the ideal person to lead the charge.”

Riley will begin his tenure at RFC on August 1st, 2022.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Richard Hansil, RFC Interim Executive Director
(318) 459-4112, rhansil@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Anna Gleason, RFC Board President
(318) 505-8681, agleason@rbm.com

Robinson Film Center names interim executive director

SHREVEPORT – Richard Hansil, Robinson Film Center’s director of programming and education, has been named interim executive director by the nonprofit’s board of directors. He takes over for outgoing executive director Meghan Hochstetler Avallone, who will be working with her husband Thomas at their family-owned business.

Hansil, along with his wife, Rachael, has worked at Robinson Film Center since 2019. They have helped to grow and sharpen RFC’s education and film programming.

“I love being part of the team at the Robinson Film Center, and Meghan is the reason I’m here,” Hansil said. “She’s been instrumental in making this my favorite place in Shreveport, and I look forward to continuing the work she’s done to make RFC such a special place for our city and the surrounding region.”

Hansil began his work at RFC as a volunteer in the summer film camps and leading classes in the adult education department. Rich and Rachael joined the staff in 2019 as co-education directors and were named co-directors of programming and education in 2021. Outside of his work at RFC, Hansil is an award-winning filmmaker with experience in shorts, features, and television. He worked across multiple departments in the industry, before finding his niche as a showrunner, director and director of photography. His credits include Netflix, Discovery, NBC, ABC and Fox along with multiple film festivals.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have Rich at RFC and are thrilled about the opportunity for him to lead the organization,” said Anna Gleason, RFC board president. “We’re sorry to see Meghan go, but she is leaving RFC with an exceptional team in place. Rich is the right choice to lead us through this transition. He’s been a great spokesperson and tireless leader for our education and film programming alongside his wife, Rachael, and we’re confident he will do a great job carrying RFC forward.”

Avallone’s final day at RFC is February 4. RFC’s board of directors is conducting a search for a permanent executive director. Interested parties can email jobs@robinsonfilmcenter.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Richard Hansil, RFC Interim Executive Director
(318) 459-4112, rhansil@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Anna Gleason, RFC Board President
(318) 505-8681, agleason@rbm.com

Meghan Hochstetler Avallone, RFC Executive Director
(318) 459-4111, meghan@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Robinson Film Center’s executive director to step down

SHREVEPORT – Meghan Hochstetler Avallone, who has served as Robinson Film Center’s executive director since May 2016, has announced she will be leaving RFC to work with her husband Thomas at their family-owned business, Maccentric.

Avallone joined the RFC staff in 2011 as media educator. Throughout her tenure she also held the titles of education director and audience director before being named executive director.

“It has been an honor to be a part of this team for the past 10 years,” Avallone said. “As a movie-lover, I value RFC’s role in our community. I know that Shreveport-Bossier is lucky to have an art house in a city our size, and I am lucky to have played a role in the organization.”

Avallone’s accomplishments at the film center include founding Teen Film Council; expanding monthly film series to include new series like Soundtrax, Rewind and Date Night; renovating RFC’s lobby, façade and balcony; and helping sustain the organization through the pandemic.

“I’m so proud of the way our staff and board came together over the past year and a half to ensure the continued success of RFC,” she said. “Through long hours, added responsibilities and creative programming, our team worked diligently to make sure the film center continued to fulfil our mission. RFC is now in a great position, and I’m excited to see what’s in store for her future.”

Anna Gleason, president of RFC’s board of directors, is also proud of the work accomplished under Avallone’s leadership.

“We have been exceptionally fortunate to have someone with Meghan’s talent and passion grow along RFC for the past 10 years,” Gleason said. “The board and I are grateful for the dedicated leadership, especially over the last year and a half, and we are excited for the Avallone family’s future.”

The board of directors is currently accepting resumes for those interested in the executive director position. Interested parties should email jobs@robinsonfilmcenter.org. A job description is posted on robinsonfilmcenter.org/jobs. Avallone will remain in the executive director position until a replacement is named.

“We are grateful for Meghan and her time at RFC,” Gleason said, “but I’m also confident we’re poised for an exciting new chapter. The board is looking forward to finding our next great leader.”

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Meghan H. Avallone, RFC Executive Director

318-459-4122, meghan@robinsonfilmcenter.org

 

Anna Gleason, RFC Board President

318-505-8681, agleason@rbm.com

RFC to offer film education courses

Lights. Camera. Learn! Film education classes are back at Robinson Film Center – specifically for adults who want a deep-dive into the world of movies.

There will be two kinds of classes offered: Filmmaking 101 and Film Appreciation. Filmmaking 101 is for the person who has always wanted to try their hand at making a movie, but doesn’t know where to start. Taken together, the Filmmaking 101 classes offer a complete overview of making a film from start to finish. Alternately, participants may choose to enroll in only the aspects of filmmaking that are most interesting to them. Film Appreciation classes will explore in-depth a particular genre, filmmaker or time-period. 

Here’s the upcoming line-up. All class times are 6:30-8 p.m.

Filmmaking 101: Screenwriting

January 13, 20 and 27

Do you want to make your own films, but don’t know where to start? Every movie begins with a story, and in these screenwriting sessions you’ll learn how to develop your ideas from a concept to a script. During this three-class series you’ll learn how to identify the elements of a good screenplay, how to get an idea out of your head and onto the page, and how to make that script sizzle so it’s ready to film. Most importantly, you’ll actually write a script and get feedback. Taught by television industry veteran Chelsea Caitlyn Woodham.

Film Appreciation: Film After Dark: The Changing Landscape of Horror

February 3, 10, 17 and 24

This series is not just for aspiring filmmakers, but all movie-lovers – especially scary-movie-lovers! Award-winning producer and LSUS director of media and public relations Wendell Riley will lead you through an exploration of why he loves horror films, and why you should too – with a focus on filmmakers of the African diaspora. Through this course you’ll not only examine the horror genre, but also genres that have influenced horror directors and how the horror genre has had its own influence on the wider world of film. You’ll watch films on your own and clips in class, then discuss the themes, techniques and thrills from the movies. If you like movies like Get Out and Candyman, this class is for you!

Filmmaking 101: Production

March 8, 9 and 10

Once you’re armed with a great script, how do you actually make a movie? The Production class will teach you just that. Covering the basics of lighting, camera and sound, this course will equip you with the knowledge needed to convey your vision to your crew or to go shoot a film on your own. Led by RFC education director and filmmaker Rich Hansil, who has mentored multiple assistant cameras, directors of photography, gaffers and grips throughout his career.

Filmmaking 101: Directing

April 7, 14 and 21

Do you fancy yourself the leader of the pack? In the Directing series you will learn to tie all of the elements of your film together and get the story in the can. Taught by directors Mark Bonner and Alexander Jeffery, this course will cover identifying and developing stories, blocking, working with actors and more!

Filmmaking 101: Editing

May 12, 19 and 26

It’s time to land the plane! Our Filmmaking 101 series concludes with the Editing course. Here you will learn how to take the raw footage and turn it into a finished film. Folks in the film industry often say that editing is the final rewrite of your script, and it can make or break a film. Learn from Taylor Bracewell and Colby Doler, award-winning filmmakers with features, shorts, and TV series under their belts. These two will teach you the basics of editing and the particulars of getting to the final version of your story.

 

Pricing and Registration

Individual classes may be purchased at robinsonfilmcenter.org or by calling RFC box office at 318.459.3122. To purchase a complete series at a discount, please call the box office at 318.459.3122.

For each series, participants may purchase classes individually for $30 per session or purchase the whole series at $25 per session.

All classes are offered at a discount for RFC members. RFC members may purchase classes individually for $25 per session or purchase the whole series at $20 per session.

A limited number of scholarships are available. Please contact Rich and Rachael Hansil at 318.459.4112 or rhansil@robinsonfilmcenter.org to apply.

K-12 Education Programs

These education offerings for adults join RFC’s full slate of K-12 education programming including in-school workshops; field trips; virtual field trips; summer film camp; and our flagship afterschool program, Teen Film Council.

RFC Education Faculty

Mark D. Bonner

Born and raised in Shreveport, Mark D. Bonner started as an avid writer, from comic book stories to screenplays. He’s dabbled in acting and recently won the 2021 Grand Prize at the Louisiana Film Prize for his directorial debut Shreveport Son.

Taylor Bracewell

Taylor Bracewell hails from Atlanta and moved to Shreveport in early 2015 to further her career as a filmmaker. She has since gone on to win numerous awards and accolades for her short films Polterguys (2015) and Candyland (2017) as writer & director and awards for her cinematography in Hangman (2015). She has received multiple awards and recognition at film festivals across the globe for her directing and cinematography work. 

Colby Doler

J.C. “Colby" Doler grew up in the small town of Grantville, Georgia. At 23 years old, Doler began his first foray into the film industry by directing his first short film, The Zombie Vlogs, a found-footage horror mockumentary. Since then, Doler has worked on dozens of short and feature films as writer, director, producer, editor, actor and more. Doler’s award-winning work has been recognized by top festivals such as Tribeca, Louisiana Film Prize, Holly Shorts and Dead Center as well as prestigious institutions such as ShortsHD, The Telly's, The American Advertising Federation and more. 

Rich Hansil

Rich Hansil is an award-winning filmmaker with experience in shorts, features, and television. He worked across multiple departments in the industry before finding his niche as a showrunner, director and director of photography. His credits include Netflix, Discovery, NBC, ABC and Fox along with multiple film festivals.

Alexander Jeffery

Born in Canada, raised in Arkansas, and schooled all over the world, Alexander Jeffery has always carried a deep respect and passion for the art of telling a good story. With a BA in theatre performance and a BFA in film and new media, Jeffery has the ability to relate to actors but also the wherewithal behind the lens to make a story work visually. In addition to prize-winning shorts, Jeffery has feature films, branded content, commercials and music videos to his name.  He also helped start the El Dorado Film Festival where he now serves as executive director.

Wendell Riley

Wendell Riley is an award-winning filmmaker from Trinidad and Tobago. He began his film career at Moonbot Studios, where he was a production manager and producer on multiple Emmy-, Annie-, Webby- and Cannes-Lions-winning animated projects. He served as producer on the Oscar-shortlisted The Numberlys and earned a Creative Arts Emmy Nomination in 2017 for his work on The Boy Who Learned to Fly. Riley also worked on the Rational Middle: Immigration documentary series, and Unexpected Modernism: The Weiner Brothers Story, which aired on PBS in 2020.

Chelsea Caitlyn Woodham

Originally from Washington state, Chelsea Caitlyn Woodham attended New York University, where she studied screenwriting at the Tisch School of the Arts. Upon moving to Los Angeles after graduation, she worked as a creative executive, developing TV shows with a focus on telling unique and authentic stories. She recently relocated to the Shreveport area, where she lives with her husband James, daughter Winifred, and puppy Greta Gerwag.

Robinson Film Center's Health & Safety Measures

RFC’s theaters are open at 75 percent capacity, in accordance with the state’s Phase 3 guidelines, with additional health and safety measures in place.

Masks are encouraged at RFC. Masks may be removed for eating and drinking if seated at a bistro table or in a theater seat.

In addition to the 75 percent capacity, increased sanitation measures include:

  • Hand sanitizer available outside theaters

  • Staggered showtimes to prevent lines from forming

  • Online reserved seating now available, with social distance measures implemented (walk up ticketing remains available)

  • All RFC employees wear masks.

  • Plexiglass screens added at concession registers

RFC to Feature Work of Regional Filmmakers at Q&A Screenings

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA – Robinson Film Center is celebrating the work of filmmakers from the region with three upcoming Regional Filmmakers Spotlight screenings.

The Spotlight series showcases emerging independent filmmakers from Louisiana and the south with post-screening Q&A sessions with filmmakers, cast and crew. The upcoming films range from horror to romance, and tickets are on sale now at robinsonfilmcenter.org.

7:30 p.m. October 16 & 17: GetAWAY (Horror, 80 min., NR.)

The latest film from writer/director Blayne Weaver, a Bossier City native, follows Maddie, a young actress who lands a role in her college’s student slasher film. She thinks the shooting site at a camp deep in the woods will be the perfect weekend escape — until a deranged killer preys on the cast and crew. Weaver will be joined by actress Cherish McCormick and film editors J.C. Doler and Chris Lyon for the post-screening Q&A discussion. “I’ve always been a fan of scary movies. Zombies, ghosts and monsters are great but they don’t really get me. The horror films that would keep me up at night were about that single disturbed individual who wanted to kill. The slasher movies of the 70s and 80s were always the scariest to me. I also love how those films often had a wry sense of humor about them. It’s not unusual to laugh at a line from an irreverent character moments before they become a bloody victim. GetAWAY is my homage to these films,” Weaver said of his latest work.

6 p.m. October 28: 12 Hour Shift (Thriller, 86 min., NR.)

In this thriller from writer/director Brea Grant, bodies start to pile up when a junkie nurse and her scheming cousin try to find a kidney for a black market organ trafficker. Grant, a Marshall, Texas native and an actress known for roles in television series Heroes and Dexter, will join the post-screening Q&A discussion live over Skype, while other special guests from the film will be present at the theater.

7:30 p.m. November 5: Molto Bella (Romance/Music, 91 min, NR.)

Louisiana Film Prize 2015 winning director Alexander Jeffery (The Bespoke Tailoring of Mister Bellamy) brings his first feature film, Molto Bella, to Shreveport for this Q&A screening featuring cast and crew. Set in the Sicilian town of Taormina, Italy, an aspiring poet in search of inspiration meets a folk singer trying to write a follow-up to her breakout hit. At the post-screening discussion, director/producer/co-writer Jeffery will be joined by lead actor/producer/co-writer Paul Petersen, director of photography Joel Froome, producer/production designer Richard Wharton and film editor J.C. Doler.

Robinson Film Center has increased safety measures in place, including social distancing between ticketed audience members, 50 percent capacity limit in theaters, and enhanced sanitation protocols. Masks are required at RFC, in accordance with the statewide mandate. Masks may be removed for eating and drinking if seated at a bistro table or in a theater seat, but must be worn at all other times.

INTERVIEWS WITH FILMMAKERS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. PHOTO & VIDEO ASSEST AVAILABLE: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4th3uxkzoedif2c/AAD7Fc6IwtIkosifNm1VXh_ja?dl=0

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Angie Cason, Marketing Director: (318) 459-4121, acason@robinsonfilmcenter.org

RFC's message to our audience about novel coronavirus COVID-19

UPDATE REGARDING GOVERNOR EDWARDS’ PROCLAMATION ON MARCH 13: Our theater capacity is 124, which does not place us under the large gathering ban (250 or more) issued by Governor Edwards. We do want to continue to provide a safe environment for our customers, so we are limiting our theaters to 50% capacity. This will allow our customers to put 6 feet between themselves and other customers.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Abby Singer’s Bistro will offer curbside delivery for all to-go orders during regular business hours. Call 318-459-4125 to place your order and then call when you arrive and a server will deliver your order to your car.

The presence of novel coronavirus COVID-19 in Louisiana reminds us of the importance of taking care of ourselves and one another, as we come together to serve our community through screening films and presenting education programs at Robinson Film Center.

Robinson Film Center is committed to keeping our facilities as clean and sanitary as possible. Here are some additional steps we are taking.

  • In addition to our regular cleanings, we are frequently disinfecting all high-touch surfaces, including countertops, door handles, elevator buttons and railings.

  • Customers are invited to bring their own disinfectant wipes to clean seat armrests and other personal areas. Guests should dispose of all wipes properly.

  • Hand-sanitizer is available at the box office and at the hostess station in the bistro for guest use.

  • Our staff are committed to keeping their hands clean and sanitary and have been instructed to stay home if they are not feeling well.

  • At events where food is offered, Robinson staff will serve all guests in the buffet line rather than guests self serving.

  • We have increased signage around our facility with reminders about keeping yourself and others healthy.

Helpful reminders for everyone: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly and always before eating or drinking.

  • Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and face with unwashed hands.

  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue. If you use a tissue, dispose of it in the trash immediately.

  • If you have any cold or flu symptoms, or are not feeling well, please stay home. We look forward to welcoming you back to the movies when you’re feeling better.

  • If you are a person at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19, please familiarize yourself with the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations for protecting yourself from transmission.

We will continue to monitor this developing situation closely and comply with recommendations and instructions from our local and state health departments. Please contact executive director Meghan Hochstetler at meghan@robinsonfilmcenter.org with any questions. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our film community as healthy as possible.