2004-05 has been an exciting year! Commencement is a time to look back at the accomplishments of the year and look forward to a new era. This year we've experienced some tremendous speakers on topics including legal issues, Hispanic production, producer tips, behind the scenes at the BOB and Dodge, shooting stunts and digital and HD developments. This next year is certain to be a great year, as well.

I'm thankful to all who've made a great year: Karen Lodoen as Chief Editor of both the print and e-edition of the Communicator, a tremendous publication for the entire production community. Skip Neeley who continues to improve year after year with the Holiday Awards Festival. And committee participants John Mills, Clay Stubblefield, Bob Rue and Jerry Chandler who together infused 250 new names for potential membership. Thanks also to Ginny Temple, Jason Wolf, Alan Thursby and Bob Rue for preparing recommendations for new sponsortisers who keep the chapter financially strong. And of course, the guys at SRP who made our lives simpler by taking care of the A/V for each meeting: Ray Palmer, Perry Wiseman and Dan Schook. Thanks also to Steven Pope for great ideas for meetings. And to Heidi Symkowski for her organization with the PSA's. Also thanks to both Steve Sheppel and Nathan Greene for keeping the local website up to speed and making terrific recommendations on improved technology. I also appreciate the work of the board, without whom we'd get nothing done: Scott Preston for his witty sense of humor and consistency with the press releases and board minutes, Stephanie Smith for her can-do attitude and lightning-fast replies, Jason Wolf for weeding out cobwebs from past financial records and Duncan Harvey for his never- ending optimism. My hat is off to all of you!

But this is commencement, meaning the beginning, not the end of a tremendous opportunity for our chapter. Our new board, being elected by each of our members during the last week of June -- ballots will arrive in your email soon -- will have a blend of new ideas and experienced know- how. 2005-06 is certain to be an exciting year with new growth in our members and our chapter.

- David Haneke is Executive Producer for Opening Moments Media, LLC, a company producing motivational and training media for businesses and organizations. Contact him at dhaneke@openingmoments.com.

The Phoenix Film Festival is proud to present the its 2nd annual 48 Hour Film Challenge running from July 22 - July 24. This competition challenges filmmakers to make a movie in two-days! This year, there is a limit of 30 teams for this competition, and as of 6/21 there are only 21 spots remaining!

It seems that 2005 has been the year of 48-hour Film Challenges. What is the difference between the Phoenix Film Festival's Challenge and the others? First, we are the only non-profit organization presenting this type of challenge. The other 48-Hour contests are promoted by FOR PROFIT companies. Second, we did this last year and it was a great experience for filmmakers. Third, we are offering the only GUARANTEED SUBMISSION AND SELECTION to the PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL. And fourth, we are OFFERING CASH PRIZES TO THE TOP WINNING FILMS! First Place team wins $200, Second Place wins $100, and there will be other awards as well.

All teams will have their films screened on August 4th at the Harkins Centerpoint Theatre. The winning short will be automatically selected for the 2006 Phoenix Film Festival, and because the genre is HORROR, all team films will be submitted to the 2006 Phoenix Film Festval and the 2005 International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival Short Film Competition coming to the Valley October 21 - 23, 2005. The entry fee is $50/team, compared to the $125 ENTRY FEE that the last challenge was asking for.

For more information and to get a TEAM ENTRY FORM, go to www.phxfilmfestival.com or click the 48 Hour Film Challenge Logo above!

Remember, only THE FIRST 30 TEAMS CAN COMPETE!

MCA-I Arizona chapter has re-tooled sponsorships and advertiser opportunities. Please contact David Haneke to renew your sponsorship or advertising plan. The new plans provide more exposure and better prices, so don't delay!

Later this week, you will receive another email that will ask you to tender your vote for the 2005-2006 Board. Please be on the lookout for this email and respond as quickly as possible. The deadline will be Monday, June 27 so that we can announce the results at Tuesday's meeting. Thanks ahead of time!

While, yes this is a retreat for the soon-to-be newly elected board, in actuality all members with an interest in planning the upcoming year's events are invited to attend the 2005-2006 MCA-I Board Retreat! This year's retreat will be held at the clubhouse of David Haneke, 5525 E. Thomas Rd. on Saturday, July 23rd from 9 am to 1:00 pm. The lunch menu features homemade lasagna, Italian bread, leafy green salad and homemade pie! On the agenda: review of 2005 and plans for 2005-06. Each of the board members and kitchen cabinet will be asked to bring their reviews and previews for the upcoming year. Please let me know additional ideas you'd like to discuss and RSVP by July 15th.

We are seeking a person to sell chapter sponsorships. This position is commission-based, so experience in this realm is desired. This is a part- time position with flexible hours and great people to report to! Send all inquiries to: dhaneke@openingmoments.com