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*Message From The Chair |
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Dear Friends, Beginning Saturday, August 1, Burt Reynolds’ fans and friends will have the opportunity to fulfill the dream of a lifetime. Through the courtesy of Dream Giveaways’ Mark Breiner and Patrick Meehan, the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre will launch a building fund sweepstakes through which one lucky winner will have the chance to drive away in a beautifully restored 1979 Trans Am while wearing a Stetson hat custom made for this event. Both car and hat have been signed by the Bandit himself. Reynolds’ signature will also be found in the log book chronicling the car’s full history since it came off the assembly line, including the original sales order form, window sticker, broadcast sheets, and all service and restoration work. Burt Reynolds fans number in the millions and come from all corners of the globe. Many of them have fantasized about living the Smokey and the Bandit experience and now someone will be able to fulfill that dream… at least, while cruising down the highway. Now, that dream will become a reality for one lucky winner and the money you spend for tickets goes to help worthwhile charities including New Beginnings Children’s Homes, the National Guard Education Foundation and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Additionally, some of the money raised will help to build the new Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre and reopen the Burt Reynolds Museum. To purchase tickets beginning Saturday, August 1, please visit: www.winbandit.com. Be sure to use the promo code: BANONE. More details appear further along in this newsletter. In conjunction with the Dream Giveaway sweepstakes, the Burt Reynolds Institute has launched a new line of Burt Reynolds Signature Apparel. The clothing line, which will offer items for men and women, includes dress shirts, tee shirts, Bandit boxers and caps as well as novelty items such as directors chairs and license plates bearing Burt Reynolds’ signature. New items are being added on a regular basis. All are available at www.burtreynoldsinstituteapparel.org. With the holidays approaching, don’t miss out of this opportunity to put a big smile on the face of the Burt Reynolds fan in your family—even if that fan is you. As if the sweepstakes and new store weren’t enough good news, while at the Macon Film Festival during the weekend July 17 – July 19, Mr. Reynolds was honored with the Georgia Film Legend Award. Before a sold out crowd at the historic Douglass Theatre, he told the audience, “Georgia is my lucky state.” They voiced their approval with a standing ovation. For full details of the event, see the press release further along in this newsletter. In closing, I would like to welcome our new sponsors – Kennedy Construction, LLC, Restore-a-Muscle Car, American Road Magazine, Russel’s Western Wear, Year One Muscle Car Parts and the Bandit Run. Rainy season may be upon us but the hot, humid weather is not getting us down. At the Burt Reynolds Institute every raindrop is a wish that our many fans, friends and supporters are enjoying a happy, healthy and sunny summer. Douglas Rill |
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MASTER ACTING CLASS with Burt Reynolds FUNDAMENTALS of ACTING for ADULTS with Sherman Roberts IMPROVISATION PLUS with Todd Vittum SIDE-BY-SIDE (IMPROV) with Todd Vittum CREATIVE WRITING for the AUTHOR in ALL of US with Donna Carbone SCENE STUDY and CHARACTER ANALYSIS
with Todd Vittum TELEPROMPTER for the ACTING PROFESSIONAL with Patty Serrano
(email for dates/times) Please note: prior registration and RSVP are required for all classes, seminars, and workshops--as some have limited enrollment. Class times/locations subject to change. For information and registration, please contact Donna Carbone at 561-743-9955 or email info@burtreynoldsinstitute.org to RSVP now. Burt Reynolds Institute classes and seminars are held at Lake Park Town Hall (Mirror Ballroom), 535 Park Avenue, Lake Park, FL 33403. Please note, this is not the mailing address. The mailing address is: PO Box 264, Jupiter, FL 33458 |
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THE BURT REYNOLDS INSTITUTE OFFERS FANS THE DREAM OF A LIFETIME SWEEPSTAKES BENEFITS WORTHWHILE CHARITIES Beginning Monday, August 3, Burt Reynolds’ fans and friends will have the opportunity to fulfill the dream of a lifetime. Through the courtesy of Dream Giveaways’ Mark Breiner and Patrick Meehan, the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre will launch a building fund sweepstakes through which one lucky winner will have the chance to drive away in a beautifully restored 1979 Trans Am while wearing a Stetson hat custom made for this event. Both car and hat have been signed by the Bandit himself. Reynolds’ signature will also be found in the log book chronicling the car’s full history since it came off the assembly line, including the original sales order form, window sticker, broadcast sheets, and all service and restoration work. In a recent interview, Burt Reynolds spoke of the importance of the Dream Giveaways Sweepstakes, "I know what an important part the Smokey and the Bandit movie has played in the lives of so many of my fans. Certainly, the Trans Am being offered through the Dream Giveaways Sweepstakes brings back great memories for me. I would love for one of my fans to be able to make those same type of memories driving this beautiful car.” Burt Reynolds fans number in the millions and come from all corners of the globe. Many of them have fantasized about living the Smokey and the Bandit experience and now someone will be able to fulfill that dream… at least, while cruising down the highway. In speaking about the upcoming event, Managing Director Donna Carbone said, “Between emails, phone calls and text messages, I talk to approximately 100 people a day. Burt Reynolds fans are among the nicest in the world. Many have become my personal friends. It’s an honor to be involved with such a worthwhile organization and to represent a man as wonderful as Burt Reynolds.” If you need proof of the long lasting appeal of Burt Reynolds and his Bandit persona, just consider that 35 years after the man with the mustache secured a place in the history books for the American muscle car, the Trans Am is still bringing in the gold … and lot’s of it. In December 2014, a 1978 Trans Am Special Edition (S/E) sold for $450,000. In January of this year, another Reynolds’ previously owned 1978 Trans Am sold for $90,000. In April 2015, an L80-powered 1977 Trans Am S/E restored by Burt Reynolds and a friend was purchased for $170,000. Looking towards the future, buying sweepstakes tickets for $3 each could be the best investment you've ever made. And... the money you spend goes to help worthwhile charities including New Beginnings Children’s Homes, the National Guard Education Foundation and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Additionally, some of the money raised will help to build the new Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre and reopen the Burt Reynolds Museum. Can you think of a better reason to participate in this event? In conjunction with the Dream Giveaway sweepstakes, the Institute will be launching a new line of Burt Reynolds Signature Apparel. The clothing line, which will offer items for men and women, includes dress shirts, tee shirts, Bandit boxers and caps as well as novelty items such as directors chairs and license plates bearing Burt Reynolds’ signature. All are available at www.burtreynoldsinstituteapparel.org. In discussing plans for a new Institute and Museum, Carbone excitedly reported, “We’ve never given up the dream of a new Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre and, now, we feel confident that our dream will become a reality.” Starting August 3rd: Sweepstakes tickets will be available at www.winbandit.com or by calling 877-700-8946. Be sure to use promo code BANONE. Ticket prices begin at $3 each. Major credit cards are accepted. The new clothing line is available from the Institute’s e-commerce store at: www.burtreynoldsinstituteapparel.org. For questions regarding the sweepstakes or the Burt Reynolds Line of Signature Apparel, please contact Donna Carbone at 561-743-9955. FOR BURT REYNOLDS FAN ... THE DREAM BECOMES THE DRIVE If you are a person who believes in fate, this story is for you. If you are not, you will be. Last year, as managing director of Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre, I hosted a local event at which mega star Burt Reynolds was the special guest. Hundreds of fans crowded into a relatively small space hoping to get a glimpse of and, perhaps, touch the man whose movies had so deeply impacted their lives. One such man was Gene Kennedy, an Ellenton, FL roofing contractor whose insomnia had him surfing the Internet in the wee hours on the day of the event. When his family awoke in the morning, he advised them that they were taking a road trip to Jupiter. That is how we met. A brief conversation in a parking lot on a March afternoon in 2014 has led to a much-cherished friendship with a man who lives by his word and whose word is kindness personified. CALLED HOME As many people know, the building the Burt Reynolds and Friends Museum and Burt Reynolds Institute called home for 12 years was lost to urban development. Since we were forced to vacate the premises in 2011, many people have approached us with offers to help build a new Institute. Most, I am sure, were sincere at the time the offer was made. Follow-through was a different matter. Not for Gene! What began as a pledge to put the roof on the new Institute, should we get that far in our fundraising, has become a dedicated effort to insure that it happens. Now, as the Director of Promotions and Co-Chair of our Building Committee, he has not only re-kindled our belief that the dream will become a reality, he has lit a torch to guide us along the way. To hear Gene tell it, his youthful years were not exactly pointing in the direction of a conventional life. He never envisioned himself at the helm of Kennedy Construction Group or any business for that matter. In fact, the path he was on was more rebellious than traditional – and an office with a window and a view were not on his radar. Then, he saw Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit and realized that being cool didn't mean you had to be anti-establishment. His entire life changed in the time it took for the 96-minute film to unfold on screen. Now a husband, father and grandfather, his family and faith are his guiding lights. MEASURE OF THIS MAN The measure of this man is seen every day in his words and deeds. He has often said to me, "I love what I'm doing, and if you love what you are doing, it will never be work." Thankfully, one of the things he loves doing is being a part of the Burt Reynolds Institute. Recently, Gene celebrated a birthday and was given a card by his idol with a recorded message. To witness the look on Gene's face was to understand real happiness. Later in the evening he confided in me, "Mr. Reynolds will never know the impact he has had on my life. I'll never let him down! And I will represent him the best I can until I am gone." As an avid collector of movie memorabilia with a high concentration of Burt Reynolds posters and pictures, Gene's family room walls are a testament to his devotion (and how much his wife Edith loves him). He also restores American muscle cars and is the proud owner of a beautiful 1979 Trans Am autographed by the Bandit himself. Wanting to share his passion for all things Burt, Gene has passed his love of movies down through a different set of genes … the biological kind … to his 4-year-old grandson Cainan. When "Poppa" comes to Jupiter on business, Cainan is at his side, because seeing Uncle Burt is a "must" ... so that the littlest bandit and the original Bandit can compare boots and shirts. According to Cainan's mom Christina, he will not wear anything until "Uncle Burt" has put his stamp of approval on it. Talking with this precocious child is an experience in itself. His conversation is peppered with direct quotes from the Smokey and the Bandit movie, which he has seen 730 times ... and counting. Ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, and he will puff out his chest and answer, "Not what … who. Burt Reynolds." Gotta love this kid! FRIENDSHIP/THE CAR & STETSON As my friendship with Gene has grown, I've learned that he is a man for whom acts of charity are a daily occurrence. His word in business and in his personal life is his code of ethics. He is active in his church and with organizations focused on helping children and our veterans in need. Additionally, he has been an outspoken advocate for consumer rights and has appeared on television and radio with the intent of informing homeowners on how best to protect themselves and their residences when dealing with contractors and construction issues. These programs also help consumers to make informed decisions on home improvement projects, especially during hurricane season. Through Gene's efforts and in conjunction with Mark Breiner and Patrick Meehan of Dream Giveaways, the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre will launch a building fund sweepstakes beginning in September. One lucky fan will drive away in a beautifully restored 1979 Trans Am, while wearing a Stetson hat custom made for this event. Both car and hat have been autographed by Burt Reynolds. Many fans have fantasized about being the Bandit – and now someone will be able to live out that dream … at least while cruising down the highway. IMPORTANCE In a recent interview, Burt Reynolds spoke of the importance of the Dream Giveaways Sweepstakes and Gene's role making it happen: "I know what an important part the Smokey and the Bandit movie has played in the lives of so many of my fans. Certainly, the Trans Am being offered through the Dream Giveaways Sweepstakes brings back great memories for me. I would love for one of my fans to be able to make those same type of memories driving this beautiful car. If not for Gene, those memories would never get made." In theater circles, people often talk about the need for an angel – the term for someone who supports arts and culture. At the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre, we have our own angel and his name is Gene Kennedy. Details on the Dream Giveaways Sweepstakes will be available beginning in August on the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre Facebook page www.facebook.com/BurtReynoldsInstitute and website www.burtreynoldsinstitute.org or by calling 561-743-9955. PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF BURT'S NEW MEMOIR NOW! CLICK HERE TO ORDER This memoir tells his story through the people he’s encountered on his amazing journey. In his words, he plans to “call out the assholes,” try to make amends for “being the asshole myself on too many occasions,” and pay homage to the many heroes he has come to love and respect. This is a must read for each and every Burt Reynolds fan. But Enough About Me is available for purchase through Amazon.com. You can click here to pre-order your copy now.
OH, HELLO! Guess who dropped by the Burt Reynolds Institute recently? Here's a recap: Stuntman Oliver Keller Rick Blackwell of CBS Channel 12 News. Click here to watch the interview or watch below: BURT REYNOLDS HONORED WITH GEORGIA FILM LEGEND AWARD AT MACON FILM FESTIVAL
OLD FRIENDS—NEW FRIENDS—AND FANS BY THE HUNDREDS TURN OUT TO SAY “HELLO” If you happened to be in Macon, Georgia between July 17 and July 19, you were sure to notice the heightened level of excitement in the air. The charged atmosphere had nothing to do with an approaching hurricane unless the hurricane in question was Burt Reynolds. If, during that same visit, you found yourself constantly hungry, it was most likely due to the appetizing aromas coming from area restaurants serving up their weekend specials—Smokey and the Bandit burgers and Buford T. Justice Punch. Let there be no doubt—Macon loves Burt Reynolds! From the moment it was announced that the Hollywood megastar would be attending the film festival and would be available for a Q&A; after the screenings of his hit films Deliverance and Sharky’s Machine fans near and far made travel plans. The weekend visit to Georgia reunited Reynolds with some very dear long-time friends including Captain Chaos, a fictional superhero from his Cannonball Run movies. On screen, the role was played by Reynolds’ good friend Dom DeLuise, who passed away in 2009. In DeLuise’s honor, ABC/Fox reporter Chace Ambrose gladly donned the red satin cape and mask and played foil to Reynolds’ J.J. McClure character. Also in attendance was Amber Caldwell, a member of the Georgia film community, and Terrell Sandefur, Director of the Macon Film Festival, who moderated the Q&A; sessions along with Todd Vittum, Executive Director of the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre. Among the friends who stopped by to say “Hello” were J. L. and Cindy Parker, who worked with Reynolds on his numerous Georgia movie projects including The Longest Yard. Reynolds also visited with Sherry Billings and actress Chesta Drake, both of whom were involved in his most recent Georgia location film, Hamlet & Hutch. Billings also worked on Reynolds’ recently released film Category Five. Additionally and unexpectedly, Reynolds crossed paths with Gallery West owner/photographer Kirk West and his wife, Kirsten. The Wests presented Reynolds with photographs taken during a recording session for the Allman Brothers band at the Reynolds Ranch in Jupiter, Florida in 1994. Recalling the wonderful times he had while filming in the Peachtree State, Reynolds told a reporter, “I love Georgia. I love the people of Georgia. I feel like I’ve come home again.” As if his wonderful memories of movies made were not enough, Reynolds was further honored with the Georgia Film Legend Award. Before a sold out crowd at the historic Douglass Theatre, the star of Deliverance and Sharky’s Machine, which he also directed, was nearly brought to tears by the overwhelming love emanating from the audience. “Georgia is my lucky state,” he said as the audience rose to give him a standing ovation. Burt Reynolds memoir, But Enough About Me, will be available in bookstores worldwide in November. It is available for pre-order through Amazon. Click here to order your copy now. CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW E-STORE! WWW.BURTREYNOLDSINSTITUTEAPPAREL.ORG Check out our e-shop at www.burtreynoldsinstituteapparel.org and purchase awesome items for you and/or your loved ones! Great gifts for you--and your family and friends!
BURT REYNOLDS INSTITUTE ACTORS NEEDED FOR STAGED READINGS Creative Writing for the Author in All of Us students have been enjoying the talents of the Burt Reynolds Institute actors during the twice-a-month staged readings. Scripts under development are presented in staged reading format so that writers can hear how their words will sound when delivered on film. This allows for questions and feedback from the actors which benefit the writers during the editing process. Both actors and writers have been enjoying their time together and have gained a new respect for the effort it takes to bring a script from conception to completion. Actors wishing to participate in these readings should contact Donna at info@burtreynoldsinstitute.org or by calling 561-743-9955. |
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The Burt Reynolds Institute welcomes two new additions to our family. Jacob Joseph and Reider Scott Tassey were born on May 27, 2015. Reider, who is one minute younger than his brother, weighed 4 pounds 7.5 ounces and was 17 ½ inches long. Jacob weighed 2 pounds 15 ounces and was 16 ¾ inches long. The boys, who were born seven weeks early required an extended stay at Jackson Memorial Hospital, but they are doing great. They are home in Jupiter now, where they are giving mom, Chel, and dad, Rob, a double dose of on-the-job training. Jacob weighs 7 pounds and Reider is up to a solid 9 pounds! On July 18, Cindy Morrison's play Going Up? returned to the stages of New York City. Her work was chosen to be performed as part of the NY Equity Library Theatre Summer Playwriting Festival. This event took place at the George Bruce Theatre. The play was directed by Michael Herman M.F.A., Carnegie Mellon University, School of Drama. Maureen Anderson was the model for the Going Up? theatre playbill. Cindy Morrison's artwork, titled "Right side of the Hyphen", has been inducted into the Crime and Punishment Museum in Ashburn, Georgia. The work depicts a working gallows inspired by her inverted straitjacket escape from the legal gallows hook within the Turner County jail which houses the museum. Catch Beverly Blanchette in Philip Ridley's Vincent River. Details below: The all-new season two Tweet trailer is up. Tweet stars Taylor Blackwell. Watch: https://youtu.be/LKI23NIEpA0 Catch "The Rekking Krew" perform at Kitchen 305 as part of a fundraising event for a SAG horror soap opera being filmed in Florida. They are still seeking performers for the event. Contact Marty Marrero if interested at 954-430-2234. Listing details: Friday, August 28, 2015 from 9PM-2PM at Kitchen 305 Restaurant, 16701 Collins Avenue, N. Miami Beach, FL 33160. UNFORGOTTEN, the Neo crime thriller written and directed by Octavian O. has been picked up by Fenix Pictures for worldwide distribution for theatrical releases, Digital download, and DVD retail distribution. The thriller, starring Roberto Escobar, Vincent Chimato, and Peter Marzilli, was filmed on entirely on location in Palm Beach County. "We found everything we needed, from mansions to warehouses right here in Palm Beach County," said C. Todd Vittum, who plays a major role on camera as well as producing the film, along with Kathy Onuc and Franz Kuelmans most of the cast are students at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre which assisted in the production by providing additional space and served as a location. Octavian O. stated, "Burt Reynolds is an inspiration to all local filmmakers and filmmakers worldwide he truly is an underrated teacher and director." The release is scheduled for August 25, with pre-orders being taken on Amazon.com at this time. The title comes full circle as three different characters must face issues from their past each one of them UNFORGOTTEN.
Are you a current or former student of the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre or the Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatre Training? If so, we would love to hear from you! Simply write a one to two paragraph blurb and drop us an email at info@burtreynoldsinstitute.org before the 25th of each month (subject line: "In The Spotlight") and let us know what projects you are working on or have completed. PLEASE, NO EXTRA WORK! SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE THE 25TH OF EACH MONTH--no exceptions. We look forward to hearing about--and celebrating--your success! |
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Top stories you may have missed:
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| Douglas Rill ... Chairman of the Board of Directors Todd Vittum ... Executive Director Donna Carbone ... Managing Director/Director of Finance Gene Kennedy ... Director of Promotions/Co-Chair Building Committee Karen Chimato ... Class Coordinator Amy Schulz ... Multimedia Coordinator Scott Kelley ... Web Design & Production Carmen Magri ... Historian |
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Are you a local who wants to find out about upcoming shows, events, seminars, and classes? Then you'll want to sign up for the Florida e-Blast! Click on this link to sign up today: https://bit.ly/u3ooXW. For more information about classes, events, etc, visit our website at https://www.burtreynoldsinstitute.org. To order merchandise, visit our online store at www.burtreynoldsinstituteapparel.org. Friend and follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook! |
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The Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to educating and involving the community and artists in all aspects of film, television, theater, live performances, film festivals, and exhibitions, as well as preserving Mr. Reynolds' memorabilia and the history of the film industry. |
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Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre |
