Disconnecting THE WIRE

The fun part about doing public relations is, the variety. The foundation of good PR is strong writing skills, but there’s more to PR than pounding on a computer keyboard. PR has many facets, including fundraising, research, special projects and events, like the upcoming “Local Scenes on the Silver Screen Featuring THE WIRE” to be held at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on Thursday evening, July 30^th. Recently I caught up with Laura Schweigman, HBO producer, for some insights into this event…

Laura, tell me briefly what your role is with The Wire and what are you doing now?

On The Wire, I was Assistant to David Simon and I also was a script and continuity supervisor for our 2nd shooting unit and I handled our charity fundraisers throughout the series. Currently I am associate producer for a new HBO series, Treme.

You're involved with a special event coming up in recognition of the WIRE's run coming to a close on HBO. Tell me about that.

The event is to celebrate two things, the end of the exhibit, "Local Scenes on the Silver Screen Featuring: The Wire" and the future of the film industry in Maryland. We will have an exciting silent auction, with autographed memorabilia from films and television shows made in Maryland and by Marylanders as well as a cruise of Baltimore, gift certificates, wine and gift baskets. There will be food, drinks and mingling with Wire crew and actors, a Craftsmen's village where local industry professionals will talk to guests about their jobs, how films are made, give crew-lead exhibit tours and a lively discussion about the film industry moderated by Ed Norris. This is really an opportunity for an insider's look at an industry important to Maryland's economy and the last chance to view The Wire exhibit, plus bid on some exciting one of a kind items.

How do you go about promoting such an event?

We promote events like these in traditional ways, radio shows, press releases, but we reach out to fans through fan groups and message boards.

Why have the event at the Baltimore Museum of Industry?

The Wire exhibit has been on display at the museum for the past year, the result of a successful collaboration between the production crew and the BMI. Also the series, The Wire, is the last to film in the state, so it seemed fitting that conversations about what's next for the industry in Maryland be held here.

What efforts were involved in getting all the actors and all these great auction items together? How do you go about all that?

It is always a challenge getting many actors together and we work with their schedules and coordinate as we do when filming. We reached out to crew and local businesses that are affected by the business of film making and everyone was really very generous, giving items that were autographed and special crew only items, large gift certificates, goods and services because they really believe in the industry and its benefits to our economy.

Anything you'd like to add?

Maryland was one of the top destinations in the country for filming, made famous by the films of Barry Levinson, John Waters and now David Simon's work for HBO - but in recent years, 47 states have created incentive programs and Maryland is no longer competitive. We're hoping people will join in the discussions about how to change the situation and bring more film and TV projects here.

Disconnecting the Wire… What’s Next?

An event to support the Baltimore Museum of Industry and the Maryland Film Industry Coalition

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – Local Scenes on the Silver Screen featuring HBO’s The Wire is wrapping up! This popular exhibit at the BMI will be closing August 1st. Join us at the museum on Thursday, July 30th, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. for food, drink and a silent auction featuring autographed and “crew-only” memorabilia from Maryland-based films and TV shows, including HBO’s The Wire. Take a last look at the exhibit and join in an evening of activities that contemplate the future of the film industry in Maryland.

Menu of events:

Drinks on the Patio, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the best view of the Baltimore Harbor while mingling with special guests from the local film industry including The Wire’s Nina K. Noble, Executive Producer; Actors Jermaine Crawford (Dukie), Anwan Glover (Slim Charles), Michael Kostroff (Lawyer Maury Levy), Corey Parker Robinson (Det. Leander Sydnor), Sonja Sohn (Det. Kima Greggs), Delaney Williams (Sgt. Jay Landsman), S. Robert Morgan (Butchie), Greg Williams (Det. Michael Crutchfield) and more still being confirmed.

Keep the Cameras Rolling, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. From bustling Baltimore to the Bay and beyond, the film industry has long thrived in this state. Listen to industry insiders discuss current challenges facing the film business in Maryland and what’s in store for the future. Join in a lively discussion about the industry moderated by radio personality and former Wire actor Ed Norris.

The Night is Still Young, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Go on crew-led tours of the exhibit Local Scenes on the Silver Screen

Bid on film memorabilia and take home a piece of Maryland’s film history

The Wire Season 4, Episode 1 Script Autographed by 24 actors!

Homicide: Life on the Street Props

Be an Extra in an upcoming Maryland Film or Television Show

Private Cruise for 4 of Baltimore with Entertainment Attorney Scott Johnson

Audition consultation with Casting Director Pat Moran
Cal Ripken Jr. Autographed Baseball

Baseball Tickets: Orioles vs. Yankees
Crew Only Merchandise from The Wire and other MD productions including Homicide: Life

on the Street and Tuck Everlasting
A "Wire" set tour by Production Designer - Vince Peranio

Stringer Bells' Wardrobe from his murder scene

The Wire Season 4 Cast Autographed Poster

Acting Classes with Sareva Racher of Pat Moran and Associates Casting

Autographed Baseball: Manny Acta of the Washington Nationals

Set Dressing from The Wire

Serial Mom Poster Autographed by John Waters

All Access Passes to the Maryland Film Festival

Bond Lumber Gift Certificate

Serious Grip & Electric Rental, including truck!

Autographed Wedding Crasher's Poster from Owen Wilson

David Simon Autographed Copy of The Wire Boxed Set
Credit or Non-Credit course at MICA
John Water's Autographed "Hairspray" Can

Designer Shirts by Carlos Palmer

Fiumicelli Designer Dress

American Visionary Arts Museum Membership

Autographed copy of "The Audition Book" by John Strawbridge

Recording Session with V Audio

John Water’s Autographed Book of his screenplays, including Hairspray and Female Trouble

New edition of "The Wire: Truth be Told”, autographed by David Simon and Rafael Alvarez

David Simon Autographed copy of the book Homicide

Cases of Wine

Logo Design Package from O’Postrophy Designs

More special items and gift certificates, hotel stays, event tickets, jewelry

View screenings of vintage Maryland films (popcorn included)
Explore the Craftsmen's Village where grips, best boys, make-up artists, prop masters and others demonstrate their work.
Purchase “last call” Wire merchandise only available at the BMI
Enjoy more drinks and light fare all night long
Tickets: $45 at the door, $40 in advance, $35 for BMI members and film industry union & guild members. As of today, tickets can be purchased online at www.thebmi.org or by calling the museum at 410-727-4808 ext. 105. Get your tickets now before they sell out. For additional information contact lfinkelstein@thebmi.org or 410-727-4808 ext. 146.

About Baltimore Museum of Industry

Founded in 1977 as a project of the Mayor’s Office, the Baltimore Museum of Industry is a private, nonprofit organization established to celebrate the past, present and future innovations of Maryland industry and its people through dynamic educational experiences. The Museum is a leader in innovative education of Maryland industry and a major attraction for Baltimore, MD and the Mid-Atlantic region. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Monday museum is closed. The Museum is located at 1415 Key Highway, Inner Harbor South, Baltimore. Parking is FREE.