No doubt in recent months there’s been a lot of buzz around Cleveland about the developing film industry, the tax incentive and Nehst Studios. This exciting opportunity has left many wondering what will happen next and what’s up with Nehst Studios? With 2010 now underway the time has finally come for a more personal introduction.
N-E-H-S-T spells NEXT!
Let’s start with our name – Nehst – some may be pronouncing this like the word Nest, but in fact Nehst is an old English spelling for the word NEXT. Our production facilities will be based in Cleveland, Ohio as the company launches a new film production concept; providing access to the script, set, crew and scenes throughout the entire film-making process.
The intent of this blog is to help deliver updates, news and opportunities to our fans, friends, followers, and the curious. We welcome comments and participation as we post a wide range of topics, stories, pictures, quotes and opportunities!
Meet Our Team
Larry Meistrich, Chairman & Founder
In 1990, at the age of 24, Larry Meistrich, with just $7,000, founded The Shooting Gallery (TSG). In his triple role as Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Executive Officer of TSG, Meistrich was hands-on producer and an integral part of the production of roughly 100 films, commercials and music videos including the Academy Award-winning “Sling Blade” and the Academy Award nominated “You Can Count on Me”. Meistrich made industry history when Thornton’s “Sling Blade” was purchased by Miramax for a price that broke all previous sale records in independent film.
Meistrich’s other well-known films include Cannes winner “Henry Fool,” Clive Owen’s breakout film “Croupier,” and “Belly.” His pictures have won the gamut of international awards including the Academy’s Oscar and include Golden Globes, SAG Award, DGA Award, Top Five category awards at Cannes, Sundance, Berlin. Actors and directors Meistrich has produced include Al Pacino, Laurence Fishburne, Spike Lee and Billy Bob Thornton.
Ari Friedman, CEO
Ari Friedman is a technologically-oriented entrepreneur with a varied and successful background that includes web ventures, real estate and finance.
Among his accomplishments was the creation of Homedelivery.com, a web-based home delivery business that experienced exponential growth prior to being sold to a competitor. Friedman acquired and ran a real estate company which bought, managed and sold commercial real estate in the New York area.
An accomplished drummer, Friedman also founded Chemical Music, a music label through which he booked bands, negotiated contracts, and assumed promotional responsibility for nationwide tours. He has also composed music for commercial and industrial films. A native New Yorker, Friedman received a BA in Music from New York University and lives in New York.
New York Office
Jeff Silverstein, President Nehst Access
Fran Seinicki, Vice President of Production
Charlotte Office
Robert Black, CMO
Sacramento Office
Laurie Pederson, President of Distribution
Cleveland Office
Michael Bargas, Event Manager
Heather Lombardo, Sales Manager
Laura Novak, Social Network Director
Get Involved
Whether you’re an aspiring actor, script writer or filmmaker, Nehst wants to hear from you. Our goal is to take the movie making experience out of Hollywood and provide access and opportunities to visionaries around the country. Here’s how you can get involved -
Pitch Nehst - visit www.pitchnehst.com to share your idea, script or completed film with Larry Meistrich. Nehst is always in search of the next great script and it could be yours! This website delivers represented or non-represented ideas directly to studio decision makers!
Filmmakers Bootcamps – Learn the film business from A-Z at Nehst’s Aspiring Filmmaker Bootcamps as Larry Meistrich shares successful methods for development, funding, financing, marketing, sales and distribution. The 3-day session ends with an intensive pitch workshop and opportunity to pitch YOUR best idea or script. If you’re looking for an honest critique and truly professional advice join Larry at his Filmmakers Bootcamps. Visit www.filmboot.com for the next session in your city.
Screentest – Actors and Actresses, this is your site. This is a program where we come to you! Register at www.screentest.biz by filling out a standard form. This registration process is FREE. When we post upcoming roles that match your general criteria, we will email you notifying you of the role! Check out the story and the description of the character. If it is up your alley and something you know you can nail, simply apply. Applying for a role has an inexpensive $3.95 application fee. That’s it! No agents, no postage for headshots and resumes, no driving 100 miles to join 1,000’s of others at a mall. Roles range from extra’s to speaking roles, and even feature roles where we want to find the next breakthrough talent.
GI Pictures – Supporting military members and their families is an important part of Nehst Studios. Through GI Pictures Nehst helps servicemen and women develop a new set of skills within the film industry. Nehst is also open to any scripts and movie ideas created by military members and their immediate families, and is also seeking the same to crew and produce the projects. www.gipictures.com
Contact Us
Website: www.nehst.com
Phone: 877.286.7610
Email: info@nehst.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NehstStudios
Twitter: www.twitter.com/NehstStudios
Youtube: www.youtube.com/NehstStudios
Nehst Studios invites you to an interactive screening event of the feature film documentary “Running the Sahara” narrated by Academy Award winner Matt Damon and directed by Academy Award winner James Moll.
Nehst Studios invites you to an interactive screening event of the feature film documentary “Running the Sahara” narrated by Academy Award winner Matt Damon and directed by Academy Award winner James Moll.
Nehst Studios