Hollywood is Right Here

It’s getting easier for local filmmakers to see their movies on a local screen. CinemaKC, a recently organized professional organization, helps get indie flicks with Kansas and Missouri ties into rotation at Screenland Crown Center (2450 Grand, 816-545-8034). The latest is the romantic comedy Works in Progress, a project written, produced and directed by married moviemakers Stephen and Mary Pruitt. The couple’s feature-length debut follows college grads from the rural Midwest who are spending a summer in the city (guess which one), and it has garnered positive feedback from critics in this area and beyond. Fun fact: Stephen Pruitt is a finance professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Surely his expertise in money matters helps him make the most of the minuscule budgets that hold back many aspiring cinema artists. At least the Pruitts can count on a little hometown support. CinemaKC screenings have been known to sell out. Works in Progress plays through December 16. See screenland.com for show times. — Crystal K. Wiebe

Dec. 10-16, 2010