“Understanding Film Production: A Primer for Business, Crew and Potential Hires” with Meredith Jordan Presented by the Nailler Foundation and The West Virginia Filmmakers Guild – Workshop Details and Syllabus Limited Space, Reserve Your Spot! Buy Tickets with PayPal, Credit Card or Debit.Enter the number of tickets you would like to reserve.As a member of WVFG.org, you will receive yearly discounts on events, workshops and seminars. Member’s Ticket $75 Non-Member Ticket $95 – Includes 1 Year WVFG Membership LOCATION :RETI Braxton Technology Building – Room 20189 Richard Minnich Drive Sutton, WV 26601 Hotel AccommodationsDays Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sutton Flatwoods350 Days Drive Sutton, West Virginia 26601+1-304-765-5055$95.39 ask for West Virginia Filmmakers Guild for room rate! In association with www.filmcrewtraining.com
Presented by the Nailler Foundation and The West Virginia Filmmakers Guild – February 23-24
Understanding Film Production: A Primer for Business, Crew and Potential Hires Hollywood’s impact on American culture is undeniable, yet we know very little about what it takes to make a movie. If you have ever asked what a producer does or watched movie credits and wondered about the roles of the gaffer, best boy, ager dyer or foley artist, this seminar and book is for you. BUY TICKETS HERE. By the end, you’ll understand the players, the stages of film production, distribution, box office proceeds and after-markets. Current production practices are steeped in history, so we’ll look to the past for context. For instance, what crew job was added during Gone With the Wind (1940) that remains an industry standard today? We will draw examples from films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Tootsie (1982) and Last Vegas (2012) to illustrate how things were done behind the scenes. Then we’ll put it all together and prognosticate about where the movie industry is headed. … a seminar that examines all aspects of successful, contemporary moviemaking — including jobs — by following a profitable movie from start to finish. Understanding the big picture, regardless of department, makes individuals more valuable. It enables them to see who is who among the crew and above-the-line players and have insight into what they are doing and why. That creates a better, smarter crew member which ultimately saves the production money. Furthermore, the local community and business’s learn how to fulfill a production’s needs as it opens up a production office, crew’s up, builds sets, and begins filming. Overview of the seminar and syllabus: 1. Life Stages of a Movie: Development, Pre-Production, Principal Photography, Wrap, Post Production, Distribution. How long does it take from conception to screen? 2. Above the Line: The writer, director, actors and producers. Where does that term come from? How do the people in the top tier get paid? What are Points? What are the different types of producers? Do actors really need entourages? 3. Below the Line: We look at every movie production department. Assistant Directors, Casting, Costumes, Art Department, Props, Set Decorating, Locations, Accounting, Production, Sound, Camera, Grip, Electric, Hair and Makeup, Catering and Craft Services, along with jobs that operate independently, like the script supervisor, set medic, video assist, stills photographer, unit publicist. What departments fit under the umbrella of another, larger department or are closely linked? How do they all interact? 4. Post-production crew. What happens in post production? Who works in editing? Visual effects, special effects, ADP, Foley. Why are video, sound and music managed separately? Laying score, composers and studio musicians. Types of editing. Color grade, conforming, finishing and mastering. 5. The Business: How do projects get funded; Impact of Tax Credits; Budgeting; Marketing and Distribution; Theater Contracts; Opening Weekend; Domestic and International Box Office; Aftermarkets. BIO Meredith Jordan provides a holistic look at movie production that includes all aspects and all players. The core material is based on research for Below the Line: Anatomy of a Successful Movie. The book, to be published by Citation Press in the Fall of 2018, is based on her imbedding start-to-finish with a major motion picture Last Vegas. It includes all components – costumes to camera, movie stars to musicians – along with specific business details. The movie starred Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline and Mary Steenburgen. The actors play big, but the real story is the crew. The book and seminar follow along real time providing rare insight into exactly how it all pulls together. It contains material from hundreds of interviews of crew as well as individuals at prop and costume houses, Panavision, and post-production facilities. YOU MUST BE REGISTERED WITH A PAYPAL TICKET TO ATTEND FEBRUARY 23-24, 2019. BUY TICKETS HERE.
Film Highlight
http://hillbillymovie.com/ “hillbilly” teaser from “hillbilly”: a documentary film on Vimeo. Appalachia is no stranger to the complexity of media representation. Since our country’s inception, there has been a palpable divide between Urban and Rural America. Within this great divide, certain regions are viewed as “other,” and blamed for America’s social ills. Since the presidential election, the cultural divide in America has expanded. Stereotyping and slurs are rampant, finger-pointing and name-calling abound. “hillbilly” goes on a personal and political journey into the heart of the Appalachian coalfields, exploring the role of media representation in the creation of the iconic American “hillbilly,” and examining the social, cultural, and political underpinnings of this infamous stereotype. Filmed in Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, hillbilly uncovers an unexpected set of artists, poets, activists, queer musicians, “Affrilachian” poets, and intersectional feminists—all unexpected voices emerging from this historically misunderstood region. “hillbilly” is a timely and urgent exploration of how we see and think about poverty and rural identity in contemporary America, offering a call for dialogue during this divisive time in U.S. history. Appalachia – the next great investment https://t.co/WKCmXDq5dt — Hillbilly (@hillbillymovie) May 6, 2018
Newsletter – Q2 – 2018
Like Tweet Pin +1 in Hello Industry Friends! WVFG 2018 2Q Newsletter Hello industry friends and enthusiasts! We realize we are a bit tardy in getting this 2Q newsletter out. We’ve had a fair amount of movement and some last minute items we were waiting on to include, so better late than never, we say (unless you’re producing a film, of course… then, it’s better on time and within budget, always!). Enjoy. In this Newsletter: ▪ Board Update ▪ VP & Secretary Nominations ▪ Film Production Training with Meredith Jordan ▪ Grant Update ▪ Casting & Crew Calls ▪ Mindhunter Casting ▪ Back in the Saddle Crew Call ▪ Industry News ▪ Academy Award Nominated Short “Heroin(e)” Coming to Lakeview ▪ And More! ▪ Board Update ▪ VP & Secretary Nominations ▪ Film Production Training with Meredith Jordan ▪ Grant Update ▪ Casting & Crew Calls ▪ Mindhunter Casting ▪ Back in the Saddle Crew Call ▪ Industry News ▪ Academy Award Nominated Short “Heroin(e)” Coming to Lakeview ▪ And More! Guild Updates & News Open Board Position Nominations We will hold elections at our next member meeting to fill vacant board positions. The meeting will be scheduled for September. Additional details will be provided about the member meeting and elections once they are finalized. We are requesting nominations. If you or anyone you know is interested in a WVFG board position, please email the WVFG at [email protected]. Snapshot of Roles & Responsibilities Vice President: * Attend monthly board meetings and member meetings * Attend Guild events * Stand in for President when President is not available * Support decision making on training, initiatives, and other topics impacting the Guild Secretary: * Attend monthly board meetings and member meetings * Attend Guild events * Create and disseminate meeting minutes * Support decision making on training, initiatives, and other topics impacting the Guild Next Member Meeting & Workshops Member Meeting Coming in September: The next WVFG member meeting will be in September in Flatwoods, WV. Specifics will be provided as soon as they are available. Industry Training Coming in October: “Understanding Film Production: A Primer for Business, Crew and Potential Hires” with Meredith Jordan In this training, host Meredith Jordan provides a holistic look at movie production that includes all aspects and all players. The core material is based on research for Below the Line: Anatomy of a Successful Movie. The book, to be published by Citation Press this Fall, is based on her imbedding start-to-finish with a major motion picture. Specific details on time and location will be provided at a later date. Grants Update Closed: We applied for a Monongalia County Grant earlier this year. Unfortunately, it was not awarded to us. We are eligible to apply again next year. Awarded: We received the 2017 Charles Naillor Foundation Grant in the amount of $3000 earlier this year. Grant Opportunities: We’ve helped other projects receive grant funds, and we’d love to help you. If you have a grant of any sort that you believe you or your organization might qualify for, we are willing to help you complete and submit the grant. Contact [email protected] for more info. Member Spotlight – Donna Linsell The WVFG Board is excited to feature member Donna Linsell as our 2018 2Q Member Spotlight! Having left her Information Technology position with the Federal Government in 2009, Donna was looking to expand her photography hobby. She was also involved with the local Actors Guild of Parkersburg, and through those contacts, she secured her first film gig as an unpaid behind-the-scenes photographer! She shares, “Although it was not even a “no-low”….more like a “no-none”….a new interest was born!” Donna also shares, “Parkersburg, West Virginia is not what you would call a film hub. Not even close. So to be interested in this business and live in this location means travel. I only worked on one other local film in Marietta, Ohio, and again it was a “no-none.” Since that first film, however, Donna has worked her way up…. in continuity as Script Supervisor and also as 2nd AD, 1st AD, Line Producer, and Production Manager. Her previous education, training, and work experience in project management have lent themselves easily to managing actors, film crews, budgets, and schedules. The largest budget, and thus largest crew Donna worked with, was on Hollow Creek, written and produced by Floridian Guisela Moro. It was shot in two counties in West Virginia and also shot in Florida. Donna began the first day of shooting, once again, as a behind-the-scenes photographer. She had taken the job voluntarily because it was a great opportunity. By the end of the day, she was hired as a paid Script Supervisor. By the second half of the film, she was the Production Manager, and her small photography business became the pass-through entity for the film’s expenses. Donna encourages others with her story. “I tell this story to many beginning film enthusiasts. Don’t skip over a job just because it’s not paid. There’s experience to be gained. There’s networking to be done. There could be a paid job behind it.” Donna currently live in Mineral Wells, WV; near Parkersburg. She enjoys her quiet on a dead-end road (they are the last house) in the country with her husband Erik, dog Angus, cats Cassie and Torrie, and four chickens named Breakfast, Lunch, Supper, and Dinner. Donna says she gets to work on 1 to 3 movies a year. “Things have slowed down since the Film Office has closed.” Meanwhile, she takes pictures, sells jewelry, does crafts and paints, and plays with her five grandchildren. In closing, she says, “Guisela and I are kicking around the idea of another movie…” And we look forward to hearing about it! Member Spotlight Nominations We would love to receive nominations from you for our quarterly Member Spotlight Feature! If you have someone you’d like to nominate, please email us at [email protected]. Please provide the name of your nomination and include two to three
BE A PART OF MINDHUNTER
Now Casting Paid Background Actors NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED If you can’t make the casting call you can submit your info on the website! www.MindhunterCasting.com
Newsletter – Q1 – 2018
-Hello Industry Friends! Board Update An email went out on Monday, April 30th from the Office of the WVFG from Justin Owcar, the former WVFG President, announcing his decision to step down as President. We appreciate all that Justin has done as a member of the board and all that it has accomplished in recent years to support the WVFG. We know he will continue to be a valuable member of the Guild. Vice President Steve Kwiatkowski will be acting as interim President. We will hold elections at a member meeting in the near future to fill the vacant board position. Details will be provided about the member meeting and elections as appropriate. If you or anyone you know is interested in a board position, please email the WVFG at [email protected]. Guild Update Member Spotlight Nominations We would love to receive nominations from you for our quarterly Member Spotlight Feature! If you have someone you’d like to nominate, please email us at [email protected]. Please provide the name of your nomination and include two to three sentences as to why you are nominating the individual by June 15 for 2Q nominations. We look forward to receiving your nominations! Industry and Local News Requests for Newsletter Do you have information about local and industry news that you would like to have included in the WVFG quarterly newsletter, inlcuding projects, casting calls, and more? Email us by June 15 at [email protected] with the details. Next Member Meeting Our Board is working on scheduling our next member meeting for later this quarter. We will be holding an election at our next member meeting to fill our vacant Board position as a result of Justin Owcar stepping down as president. We will provide more details as they become available. Workshops and Training Our Board is in discussions to bring more acting workshops and other industry training to the state. We will share more as information and plans are solidified. Grants Update Pending: We applied for a Monongalia County Grant earlier this year. Awarded: We received the 2017 Charles Naillor Foundation Grant in the amount of $3000 earlier this year. Grant Opportunities: We’ve helped other projects receive grant funds, and we’d love to help you. If you have a grant of any sort that you believe you or your organization might qualify for, we are willing to help you complete and submit the grant. Contact [email protected] for more info. Local Industry Updates Oscar Party Highlights Our Oscar Party event with guest charity Girls on the Run in early March was a hit. We had several members in attendance, gave out some awesome raffle prizes, and enjoyed good company as we watched the Oscars (after some slight technical difficulties ;-)). We were thrilled to have Girls on the Run show their support with several of their team present, including Executive Director Laurie Abildso, Program Director Joanna Mizener, and 5K Director, Rachel Byrne. The raffle included prize contributions from Lakeview Resort, Roman’s Acupuncture & Wellness Center, Girls on the Run, and more. Thank you to Aristotle Jones for hosting the event with the help of Board Memeber Ronda Suder, Tom Heckman for technical support and leading our live stream, and Justin Lawrence for technical support and emcee-ing the event . WVFG donated 40% of proceeds from the event to Girls on the Run. We hope you enjoy the fun photos below captured by Anthony J Sparks during the event. More can be found on our Facebook page. Member Spotlight – Ronda Suder Ronda Suder is an actress, writer, director, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate. She was nominated as Secretary of the West Virginia Filmmaker’s Guild in 2016. Ronda has more than 100 titles to her name in film and media production. Her most recent work as an actress includes lead roles in the feature films Choices and The Cabin, as well as a supporting role in the LA-based pilot “Flicks.” Ronda was cast in a Frostburg, MD based web series slated to begin shooting later this year. She is currently completing a screenplay she was commissioned to write for and LA-based Director and her thesis film, “Back in the Saddle,” is currently in pre-production. Ronda holds a Masters in Human Resources and Industrial Relations and is on target to receive her Masters of Art in Film and Media Production by the end of this year. She is Founder of Words You Need, an initiative that provides individual marketing materials and writing and social media content for individuals and businesses. To learn more, visit www.rondasuder.com Member Spotlight Nominations Have someone you’d like to nominate for our “Member Spotlight” section? Email us at [email protected]. Please provide the name of your nomination and include two to three sentences as to why you are nominating the individual. Crew & Casting Calls To stay informed of upcoming local casting and crew calls, check the WVFG Facebook pages frequently at: https://www.facebook.com/wvfilmguild/ Choices Premiere Choices, a movie that filmed in Huntington, WV in March and April 2017, premiered in Huntington on Friday, April 20th. Several members of the WVFG were a part of the cast and crew and attended the premiere. The film is based on the real-life story of Ron James, who was in and out of prison for 20 years, in part due to a drug addiction. Eventually, James became clean and now travels the country in outreach efforts to support recovery efforts through sharing his life story. View the Choices Movie Trailer. For updates on the film and showings, check The Choices Movie Facebook Page. Loophole Premiere The Loophole feature film premiere will take place at 7:00PM on May 18th at Chestnut Ridge Church in Cheat Lake (Morgantown), WV. Loophole was shot in Morgantown and surrounding areas as well as in and around Pittsburgh, PA. Several members of the WVFG were involved with the project. View the recent Loophole trailer. You can purchase tickets at: https://theloopholemovie.ticketleap.com/ Volunteer Opportunity Girls on the Run will be hosting their 5K run on Saturday, May 26.
Oscars Party – March 4th @ 7pm
Hollywood is having their night… why don’t we have ours? With the recent changes to the film industry here in West Virginia, there is no better time for all those involved, both professionals and supporters, to celebrate with like-minded folk as to why we love the entertainment and film industry. We’ll be rolling out the red carpet with a photo opp and a fun opportunity for attendees to be interviewed during our live video feed. The Oscars will be shown on a big screen as we enjoy hor’dourves and non-alcoholic beverages. We’ll also be raffling off some great prizes for the event! A cash bar will be hosted by Lakeview. Guest Charity – Girls on the run With all that’s been going on as it relates to women’s rights in the film industry, we wanted to identify and support a guest charity that’s making a positive impact in our community when it comes to female growth and empowerment. We are excited to share the evening with our special guest charity, Girls on the run. Girls on the run is a national charity with a local branch located in Morgantown, WV. Thirty percent of ticket and raffle proceeds from the Oscar Party will be donated to Girls on the run to support community outreach efforts and the organization’s vision of “a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.” For more information, please visit: https://www.gotrncwv.org/ Event Details When: Sunday, March 4, 2018 Where: Lakeview Resort Dress Code: Formal wear. All black please as we observe: 1) actresses protest to sexual harassment in the workplace 2) West Virginia Film Tax Credit (optional) 3) funding for PBS & ARTs in West Virginia **** Tickets: $30/couple $20/solo Available to purchase or donate online this week.
Members Meeting February 24th
All those interested in the guild are welcome to attend. We have some good news on our end to share and look forward to a busy 2018. Join us afterwards for social hour and meet other filmmakers at Legends sports bar in the Lakeview Resort. If you need a hotel room, Lakeview always provides a special rate just mention the guild. FEB. 24th Meeting Sat 6 PM Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa Morgantown, WV Oscar’s Party Sun 7 PM Tickets & Info http://wvfg.org/oscars-party/ We’ll be rolling out the red carpet with a photo opp and a fun opportunity for attendees to be interviewed during our live video feed. The Oscars will be shown on a big screen as we enjoy hor’dourves and non-alcoholic beverages. We’ll also be raffling off some great prizes for the event! A cash bar will be hosted by Lakeview. Guest Charity – Girls on the run With all that’s been going on as it relates to women’s rights in the film industry, we wanted to identify and support a guest charity that’s making a positive impact in our community when it comes to female growth and empowerment. We are excited to share the evening with our special guest charity, Girls on the run. Girls on the run is a national charity with a local branch located in Morgantown, WV. Thirty percent of ticket and raffle proceeds from the Oscar Party will be donated to Girls on the run to support community outreach efforts and the organization’s vision of “a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.” For more information, please visit: https://www.gotrncwv.org/ Event Details When: Sunday, March 4, 2018 Where: Lakeview Resort Dress Code: Formal wear. All black please as we observe: 1) actresses protest to sexual harassment in the workplace 2) West Virginia Film Tax Credit (optional) 3) funding for PBS & ARTs in West Virginia **** Tickets: $30/couple $20/solo Available to purchase or donate online this week.
WV documentary in the running for an Oscar
Newsletter Q4 – 2017
Hello Industry Friends! Happy New Year! We wish you a happy and healthy 2018! And here’s to more successful productions and membership support in the New Year! Guild Update Our Website We’re excited to share our improved website: http://wvfg.org. The site includes links to industry forms and more. We’re still working to include a backend that allows members to connect with each other on projects, casting, and resource needs. Our goal is for members to have a dedicated page of their own to showcase their talents in the near future, as well. Workshops and Training We’ve received a lot of great feedback on our recent acting workshops with Jw Myers. Our Board is in discussions to bring more acting workshops and other industry training to the state. We will share more as information and plans are solidified. Next Member Meeting Our next member meeting is in the works and targeted for the March/April timeframe. We will provide an update as soon as details become available. Grants Update Pending: 1. We applied for a Monongalia County Grant this month. Pending: 1. We are waiting on a status update for the 2017 Charles Naillor Foundation Grant that we applied for in November. Grant Opportunities: We’ve also helped other projects receive grant funds, and we’d love to help you. If you have a grant of any sort that you believe you or your organization might qualify for, we are willing to help you complete and submit the grant. Contact [email protected] for more info. Board Update We look forward to introducing you to the members of our board and what we’re up to each quarter! LORI BLACKWELL, TREASURER: Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management and an Associates degree in Business. She brings more than 20 years of accounting and finance experience and more than 20 years of experience working with non-profits to the role of Treasurer for the Guild. Lori is currently an Accountant for West Virginia University Hospitals and was a Sr. Grants Administrator in her previous position with West Virginia University. As such, she is our Lead Grants Expert for the Guild, as well. Lori lives on a farm in Mt Morris, PA. Member Spotlight – Steve Kwiatkowski Steve Kwiatkowski is not only VP of the WVFG, he is also a very active member of the film industry. Steve is an American actor, artist, filmmaker, producer, and director. He has worked on large and small projects in West Virginia, Pittsburgh, PA, Las Vegas, NV and Nashville, TN. Steve is also the Red Ribbon winner for his work on the Documentary “For the Living” filmed in West Virginia and has worked with two living Presidents of the United States for National Television. Steve’s work has been featured in New York City’s Fashion Week and on MTV, Spike TV, ESPN, and VH1. Some of his most recent work includes the role of Assistant Director for Loophole (2016), The Mile Ground (2017), and Hobo Hunters Pittsburgh 48hr Film Project (2017), the role of Director for Judge Jeanine Pirro’s live broadcast from Fox News (2017), and the role of Sound Mixer for the short film Commando (2017) and the WVU Farm Extension Series (2017). Member Spotlight Nominations Have someone you’d like to nominate for our “Member Spotlight” section? Email us at [email protected]. Please provide the name of your nomination and include two to three sentences as to why you are nominating the individual. Local Industry Updates The Mile Ground The Mile Ground was shot in Morgantown, WV at the end of November into early December, with production ceasing on December 5. The film is based on true events and was written by Jessica Shannon. Jessica also produced and starred in the film. We’re excited to share that several WVFG members were involved with the film, including Steve Kwiatkowski (1st AD), Zach Labin (DP), Justin Owcar (Gaffer), and Ronda Suder (role of “Wife”). To remain up-to-date on The Mile Ground release, refer to themilegroundmovie.com and The Mile Ground Movie Facebook page. Left to Right: Actress Ronda Suder and Producer, Writer, and Actress Jessica Shannon on set of “The Mile Ground” Left to Right: Assistant Director Steve Kiatwkowski and Actress Ronda Suder on set of “The Mile Ground” Coming Soon ▪ More Industry Workshops ▪ New and Improved Website! ▪ Charity and Networking Events
