Nice Knowing You

I just signed on to support an independent film by Joe Burke, a promising young writer/director. His project is entitled “Nice Knowing You” and is supported by a grant for the American Film Institute. (I figured they know a lot more than I do about quality films; so if they judged it worthy for a grant, then I would, too. Of course, I still got Joe to pitch me like an executive producer. That’s part of the experience also.)

I first met Joe while he was at Columbia College in Chicago. He was a theater major then switched to film/directing. While in school, Joe founded Elantra Films through which he produced and self-released several of short films (including an award-winning music video). Joe graduated from Columbia College in 2006 with a B.A. in Film, plus a Minor in Theater/Acting. He lives in Hollywood, CA and is now a Directing Fellow at The American Film Institute.

The American Film Institute (AFI) is the preeminent organization dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of film, television and other forms of the moving image. AFI trains the next generation of filmmakers at its world-renowned Conservatory, having served the moving image arts since its founding in 1969. The Conservatory awards the Master of Fine Arts. Professional faculty members work closely with the AFI Fellows through the time-honored relationship of master and apprentice.

“Nice Knowing You” is currently in preproduction in L.A., with casting and location work well under way. Joe starts the shoots in November.

Good luck, Joe.

You can read about the story and follow the project at http://www.NiceKnowingYouTheMovie.com