West Virginia Filmmakers Guild Gathering 📅 Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025🕙 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM📍 Location: Holiday Inn – 1188 Pineview Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505 Calling all filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives! Join us for an exciting gathering hosted by the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild. This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow filmmakers, exchange ideas, and celebrate the vibrant film community in West Virginia. ✨ Event Schedule: 11:00 AM: Members-only meeting 12:00 PM: General meet-and-greet & Snacks Networking opportunities with industry professionals Tee-Shirt Raffle ✨ What to Expect: Insights and discussions on upcoming projects and trends A collaborative atmosphere to share your passion for filmmaking Meet other filmmakers from the Mountain State! 🌟 Membership Information:Stay connected and make the most of your Guild benefits by renewing your membership or getting current with your membership dues. As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive resources, networking events, and opportunities to grow your career in the film industry. Not a member yet? Now is the perfect time to join! Visit wvfg.org to learn more about the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild, explore membership benefits, and take the next step in supporting the filmmaking community in the Mountain State. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your filmmaking journey, this event is the perfect place to find inspiration and support. Let’s shape the future of West Virginia filmmaking together! 🎟 Admission: Free! Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and spread the word! Please let us know that you are coming and RSVP!
WVFG Cloud Updates
Welcome to the forms vault. We do our best to add more of the necessary forms that you may need for locations and general forms for production. If we are missing one, we appreciate emailing us [email protected] We hope this helps keep the ship afloat. Members can access the files for free by accessing our “shared Google Drive folder“ “Click to Enter” –> WVFG CLOUD FILE VAULT Access via Google Drive ::https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B_qeq1D099eaaWFFdXhOOXJ0LVE?usp=sharing Problem Accessing the WVFG Cloud? Perhaps we do not have your current Member Email? Complete the form below & a volunteer will reach out to you A.S.A.P. Loading…
Thank you for following the WV Filmmakers Guild on Facebook
Donations #ThankYou
Your donation helps us continue to offer workshops to hone your craft, networking opportunities, and fiscal sponsorship opportunities for receiving grants for your projects.
Facebook Group Access
Workshop Request Form
The West Virginia Filmmakers Guild offers workshops throughout the state by talented working professionals in the Entertainment Industry. Expand your knowledge now and you just may learn a new skill. Loading…
Locations Workshop June 24 & 25
Locations Workshop June 24 & 25 Interested in working in the film industry? The West Virginia tax incentive has recently been restored, attracting more productions to the state this past year and the need for Location Scouts and Location Managers are in demand. This is a great opportunity to learn how productions work behind the scenes. BUY TICKETS NOW Sell tickets online with Ticketleap LODGING – Holiday Inn, Morgantown Be sure to mention: WV Filmmakers Guild Locations Workshop to receive a room discount! $119 for 2 queens or $114 for King West Virginia Filmmakers Guild and the West Virginia Film Office will be holding a two day Locations workshop taught by Curt Wilmot in Morgantown. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Curt Wilmot has spent twenty years at 20th Century Fox Studios working on “Cop Rock”, “LA LAW”, “ Civil Wars” and “NYPD Blue”. He has worked on several feature films and popular reality shows “Fear Factor” and “The Apprentice”. “Like most people who get into the profession of Location Management, the job finds the unexpected future professional. I quickly learned that this job was crucial to creating the “look” of the show. Depending on what the script called for, I was the person taking pictures of various houses, restaurants, schools that would ultimately be what millions of people saw on television. So, creatively this was an important job. And I worked closely with most other departments regarding their needs on location. While I am employed by the production, I worked for the location as well. You have to follow through and make everyone happy and know what restrictions and boundaries are established. If the writers decide three episodes later they want to go back to the same location, you will want to film there again. The job entails getting city permits, hiring security, police, negotiating all contracts, procuring parking lots for parking trucks, crew and managing what can sometimes feel like a circus out in the world. If you want to have any longevity in the business of film and television, it’s always important to navigate all the logistics of production and enjoy the journey simultaneously.” ~ Curt Wilmot LUNCH We will provide lunch, beverages, snacks and coffee for both days. QUESTIONS? – You can email us at [email protected]
MLK Weekend Film Event
Storyboard Workshop hosted by Dave Shelton October 9-10, 2021
sto·ry·board /ˈstôrēˌbôrd/ noun For artists looking to learn about creating storyboards from screenplays, this workshop will greatly benefit you. TOPICS COVERED: INSTRUCTOR: Dave Shelton FEE: $95.00 – Covers 2 Days of Instruction (Discount for WVFG members to be announced) CAPACITY: 30 Spots BUY TICKETS NOW Sell tickets online with Ticketleap WHEN: October 9th and 10th, 2021 | 10am – 4pm WHERE: 218 Walnut Street, Morgantown, WV 26505 Just who is this Dave Shelton Guy Again? Award winning film and television writer, cartoonist, author and voice actor whose credits include Everybody Loves Raymond, National Lampoon, Disney, Warner Bros, Nickelodeon and the Syfy Channel. He currently has a best selling children’s book, Bag Boy and Sweet Slob, world-wide, 2 shows on Amazon Prime TV, Against Type and Professor Creepy’s Scream Party, and a hit FM radio show, Cemetery GoGo. Dave’s Website: https://www.snuggybear.com/
Screenwriting Workshop hosted by Dave Shelton November 6-7, 2021
DESCRIPTION: Covers all the fundamentals of writing a Professional Screenplay, including Overnight Assessment with a 5 to 7 page Short. CAPACITY: 22 Seats Available FEE: $95.00 – Covers 2 Days of Instruction (Discount for WVFG Members to be announced) BUY TICKETS NOW Sell tickets online with Ticketleap WHEN: November 6th and 7th, 2021 10 AM – 4PM WHERE: 218 Walnut Street, Morgantown, WV 26505 And Just who is this Dave Shelton Guy you may Ask? Dave Shelton is an Award winning film and television writer, cartoonist, author and voice actor whose credits include Everybody Loves Raymond, National Lampoon, Disney, Warner Bros, Nickelodeon and the Syfy Channel. He currently has a best selling children’s book, Bag Boy and Sweet Slob, world-wide, 2 shows on Amazon Prime TV, Against Type and Professor Creepy’s Scream Party, and a hit FM radio show, Cemetery GoGo. Dave’s Website: https://www.snuggybear.com/
2021 Donations #ThankYou
Your donation helps us continue to offer workshops to hone your craft, networking opportunities, and fiscal sponsorship opportunities for receiving grants for your projects.
FRIDAY 13th HORROR TRIVIA RESCHEDULE | 11/13/20
🗣️”You see better when you’re scared.” — Unknown 🎞️3 Rounds of Trivia (Solo & Groups of 3)Trivia Team Sign Up 7pm OR send “Hello Email” to [email protected] SUBJECT : 3/13 TRIVIA 🍕🍔Hospitality provided by Starport🎟️Door Prizes start 7:30pm✅🏆Costume Contest @ 9pm🕒 🔗Dress Code: Casual, Dress Up, or come as your favorite Movie Character or Movie Star. 🎤Master of Ceremonies | WVFG Members📺4 HDTVS & PROJECTOR SCREEN🥇Prizes for Ticket# Winners & Volunteers 🗣️”Bad luck makes great stories.” — Unknown 🗣️”A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.” — Groucho Marx 🍔Menu & Beverages🥤 🗣️”I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.” — The Office
🎟️SOCIAL EVENT #3 | FEBRUARY 9TH |🎞️ OSCARS WATCH PARTY
Join the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild Members and Guests for a night of fun & entertainment! 🎤Master of Ceremonies | WVFG Board📺4 HDTVS & PROJECTOR SCREEN🎞️MOVIE TRIVIA 🏆DOOR PRIZES🥇GUEST AWARDS
🎟️FREE EVENT | JANUARY 30th |🎞️ Movie Night at Fairmont State University
What is your involvement in the industry? ActorDirectorMovie EnthusiastProducerWriterEditorGrip & ElectricProduction DesignerComposerCinematographerGafferCostume/WardrobeProduction Assistant WEST VIRGINIA FILMMAKERS GUILD https://t.co/ODk6z6R2uX — WVFG (@wvfilmguild) January 8, 2020
Member Meeting Information – Jan 11, 2020 @ 5:30pm
Holiday Inn Morgantown – University Area – 1188 Pineview Drive, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 Members Meeting for the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild will follow the Screenwriters Workshop. Those interested in the film industry and not a member of the guild are welcome to attend. It’s a great opportunity to network with other working professionals in the industry and make new connections. It’s also that time again where we will be holding elections for all positions: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. If interested in running for a board position, your membership must be current. To update visit: http://westvirginiafilmguild.com/join/ Following the meeting, there will be a social hour at Atrias next door starting around 7:30pm to meet friends, old and new, and talk film of course. We hope those interested take the time to join us and support the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild, established in 1982, and continuing for years to come. You can email us at [email protected] with any questions or direct message us on facebook.
Screenwriting Workshop January 11 & 12, 2020
Where: Holiday Inn, Morgantown *see Lodging below for discounted room rates Open to the Public. PRICE : $75 Lunch Buffet from Atria’s Restaurant included Saturday, January 11, 2020 10am -4pmSunday, January 12, 2020 10am -2pm Workshop size is limited to 30. Please reserve early. BUY TICKETS NOW Sell tickets online with Ticketleap WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO! The West Virginia Filmmakers Guild is excited to announce our screenwriting workshop taught by writer/director and West Virginia native, Mr. Robert Tinnell. Expect to get hands-on writing exercises designed to not only polish the work of writers with existing screenplays but also to give beginners a sense of the fundamental practices of screenwriting. Topics will include lectures on basic story and structure, character development, and attention to the details that can make the difference between success and rejection. Robert will also cover the business side of the entertainment industry covering topics of the market, writer contracts, strategies of getting your foot in the door, and how to maintain a professional attitude throughout your career. This is a great opportunity for all writers. We have been looking forward to this workshop for quite some time and hope that you take advantage of it! Robert Tinnell Bio Robert directed such films as Feast of the Seven Fishes (2019), Frankenstein and Me (1996), and Kids of the Round Table (1995). His producer credits include Back Fork (2019), The Hunted (2013) and Surf Nazis Must Die (1987). His graphic novel writing includes Flesh and Blood, The Living and The Dead, The Black Forest, The Wicked West, and the Eisner Award Nominee Feast of the Seven Fishes. Special Thanks We would like to thank the Charles R. Nailler Memorial Foundation for their on-going support. For the past three years, we are grateful to receive grants that helps us here at the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild continue to offer quality workshops that educate filmmakers at all levels of experience taught by working professionals in the entertainment industry. Lodging Holiday Inn, Morgantown 1188 Pineview Dr, Morgantown, WV 26505 (304) 241-6649 HOLIDAY INN WEBSITE LINK Discounted Rate: $80/ Night *Be sure to reference the WVFG Screenwriting Workshop QUESTIONS? You can email us at [email protected] or direct message us on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wvfilmguild/ DID YOU ATTEND THIS EVENT? PLEASE FILL OUT OUR FEEDBACK FORM.
WV Film Office Tax Credit Info
MotionMasters.com #wvfilmcreates
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
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.
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
Newsletter Q3 – 2017
To remain up-to-date on The Mile Ground Casting and Crew calls, refer to themilegroundmovie.com and The Mile Ground Movie Facebook page. Check out our Q3 newsletter if you haven’t already! https://t.co/hzEA60FXcv — WVFG (@wvfilmguild) October 12, 2017 Like Tweet Pin +1 in Hello, Industry Friends! What’s New with the Guild Our Website We’re excited to share that we will be launching a new and improved website later this year! The site will include a backend that allows members to connect with each other on projects, casting, and resource needs. Members will also have a dedicated page of their own to showcase their talents. Workshops and Training We’re excited to be holding our 3rd acting workshop with renowned industry actor Jw Myers in October. More details below. The Board is also in discussions with other local trainers to bring more film training to the state. We will share more as information and plans are solidified. Discussions with WV State Government As a result of the WV Film Office closing earlier this year, the Guild has been in discussions with the WV State Government in how to move forward with and continue some of the services the Film Office offered. We will keep you updated as things progress. Upcoming Workshops ACTING 101 WORKSHOP for Children and Adults: When: Oct. 21st Where: Morgantown, WV Lakeview Resort Time: Children (ages 9-14) – 9am to 11am ($65/child) Adults (age 15 and up) – 12pm to 6pm ($95/adult) Lunch will be provided. To learn more, see the video on our website! Member meeting to follow. About the Instructor Jw is a seasoned veteran of the independent film arena, with a broad depth of experience in nearly every production capacity. His skill set ranges from directing, producing, executive producing, writing, acting, teaching, editing, production coordination, office management, and production accounting. Next Member Meeting When: October 21 Where: Lakeview Resort, Morgantown, WV Time: Meeting: 6:30 – 7:30 Social Hour: 7:30 – 9:30 @ Legends (on location at Lakeview) Grants Update Current: 1. We will be applying for the 2017 Charles Naillor Foundation Grant within the next few months. Closed Out: 1. We received the Charles Naillor Foundation Grant in the amount of $3000. 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! RONDA SUDER, SECRETARY: Ronda comes to us with more than 20 years of industry experience an actress, writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker. Her experience includes work both in front of and behind the camera on feature and short films, commercials, web series, new media, television shows, improv comedy shows, and live events. As a “life-preneur,” she is also a business consultant, author, speaker, and Founder of Words You Need, an initiative offering content and writing services to businesses and individuals, and holds a Masters of Science in Human Resources and Industrial Relations, a Masters of Art in Film and Media Production (2018) with a heavy emphasis on Directing and Cinematography, a Directing and Producing Certification from The Hollywood Film Institute, and is a Certified Life Coach. With a purpose to support other industry professionals and to inspire, empower and entertain through relatable stories reflecting the human condition, she co-founded an actors support group in Houston, TX in 2015 and her own production and media services initiative in 2012. Ronda also has more than 15 years of corporate business, human resources, and management experience on her resume. In recent months, she’s worked as a lead and supporting actress in indie films shot in WV, was cast in a sitcom pilot shot in Los Angeles, and practices improv in Frostburg, MD. Casting and Crew Calls The Mile Ground ABOUT: The Mile Ground is scheduled to begin production in Morgantown, WV in late November 2017. The Mile Ground, inspired by real people and experiences, is an immersive visual story that sheds light on some of life’s complications from which we often run and hide. Auditions were recently held for The Mile Ground, though cast and crew needs can often change. To remain up-to-date on The Mile Ground Casting and Crew calls, refer to themilegroundmovie.com and The Mile Ground Movie Facebook page. Coming Soon ▪ More Industry Workshops ▪ New and Improved Website! ▪ More Industry Workshops ▪ New and Improved Website! Join the Guild! Pay Your Membership Dues Here! Yours truly, Your West Virginia Filmmaker’s Guild Board ©2017 West Virginia Filmmakers Guild | The West Virginia Filmmakers Guild Inc. P.O. Box 4323 Morgantown, WV 26504-4323
Newsletter Q2 – 2017
Like Tweet Pin +1 in Hello, Industry Friends! What’s New with the Guild Our Blog We’re excited to share our inaugural issue of the quarterly WVFG blog launching mid-June. Our goal is to share industry news and information, industry resources, and more with the help of our key editor and blogger, Ronda Suder, and guest bloggers from the Guild and industry. Paul Nandzik will be our first guest blogger (thank you Paul!). The blog is scheduled to launch by mid-June before our next member meeting. If you would like to contribute news, blogs, or share industry events, please email [email protected]. Acting 101 Workshop We’re excited to launch our acting workshop series with renowned industry actor Jw Myers next month. More details below. Upcoming Workshops About the Instructor Jw is a seasoned veteran of the independent film arena, with a broad depth of experience in nearly every production capacity. His skill set ranges from directing, producing, executive producing, writing, acting, teaching, editing, production coordination, office management, and production accounting. Next WVFG Member Meeting The next WVFG member meeting will be held in Charleston, WV following our Acting 101 workshop with Jw Myers. What: WV Filmmakers Guild Meeting Time: 6:00PM Where: WVSU EDU Address: 1506 Kanawha Blvd. W. Charleston, WV 25312 What: We will be networking, sharing updates, and have a meet and great with the board. We would love to see you there! Member Spotlight: Meet Paul Nandzik Based out of Pittsburgh, PA, Paul Nandzik is best known for his stunt work, having performed, choreographed, and coordinated stunts on over 25 projects over the last six years, while winning Best Fight Choreography awards for his work on several projects. Being a stunt professional requires him to mimic actors’ movements and mannerisms so that he can double them, use a multitude of weapons ranging from fully automatic machine guns to katanas to a rolled up newspaper, various forms of martial arts, falling down on the floor or down a flight of stairs or out a window, precision driving, working with fires and wires, and doing all of it safely. Paul keeps his skills sharp by working and training regularly, and attending workshops and intensives such as the Society of American Fight Directors’ Virginia Beach Bash and the United Stuntmen’s Association’s International Stunt School. He even founded his own stunt team: Steel Legion Stunts. Outside of the world of stunts, however, Paul’s also an accomplished writer, producer, and sometimes a director, which he does under the auspices of his own film production company, Dreaming Droids Productions. Paul will be a guest speaker at the 3 Rivers Screenwriters Conference at Point Park University on Friday, May 19, where he and Steel Legion Stunts team members will perform a live stunt demo, then talk about what it takes to write, perform, shoot, and edit action sequences for film and television. Some of Paul’s recent work includes writing and interviewing on the documentary, Attila’s Next Step, about a Pittsburgh paraplegic breaking the world record for hand cycling; choreographing, coordinating, and performing stunts for a trailer for the sci-fi action feature film Rogue by Cineworx, Dreaming Droids Productions, and Indieground Films. Paul is also pitching the pilot for his dramedy series, Forever Young, as well as a documentary-style reality series. Coming up, Paul is set to produce one of the three stories on the creature feature compilation, Cryptids, by Nevermore Productions (who brought us the 1980s slasher horror throwback The Barn). He’ll also be making a cameo as a stunt double for one gag. Being ambitious by nature, Paul has many other projects he’s working on, including several feature films, trailers or sizzle reels/proofs of concept (one of which will be animated), short films, a web series, and a really cool action/effects series of commercials. Paul has collaborated with several WVFG members on several projects, and will be collaborating with Reckless Amnesiac Media for Pittsburgh’s 48-Hour Film Project this July. Grants Update Current: 1. We are thrilled to share that in addition to the Charles Nailler Foundation Grant in the amount of $3000. Pending: 1. A portion of the WVFG $10,000 for the NEA FY 2017 Art Works II Grant for an Appalachia in the Media Documentary is likely to be awarded, though nothing is confirmed at this time. Closed Out: 1. Unfortunately, we were declined for the West Virginia Development Office Flex-e-Grant in the amount of $8500 with a match of $1500. However, information is now submitted, and they know who we are for the next time around! 2. The Hollywood Hillbilly Documentary project received $20,000 from the National Endowment of the Arts in 2015, of which the Guild received $2000. 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! STEVE KWIATKOWSKI, VICE PRESIDENT: Stephen “Steve” John Kwiatkowski II (born August 12th, 1974) is an American actor, filmmaker, producer, and director. He has worked on large and small projects in West Virginia, Pittsburgh, PA, Las Vegas, NV and Nashville, TN. He has acted on TV shows such as Banshee (Cinemax) and, The Outsiders (WGN) and the film Concussion (Sony). He has directed cameras for the unveiling of the 2016 Olympic Summer Games Torch and Cauldron. Kwiatkowski is also the Red Ribbon winner for his work on the Documentary “For the Living” filmed in West Virginia. He has directed TV Shows, Movies, public theater and student films, as well as live national TV. Kwiatkowski is currently the only person in West Virginia to achieve a Tech I & II Certification from Lucasfilms THX and has worked with two living Presidents of the United States for National Television. Some of his work has been featured
March 2017 WVFG Newsletter
Hello, Industry Friends! What’s New with the Guild Our Newsletter We’re excited to be sharing our inaugural issue of the quarterly WVFG newsletter. Our goal is to share industry news, casting and crew calls, highlight member news, and of course, share what’s going on with the Guild! If you would like to contribute news, blogs, or share industry events, please email [email protected]. New Website Design Check out our new website that’s been revamped with a new design layout and navigation options, including company sponsors, document database for members, and more. Visit wvfg.org to see the new site and navigate through the new options! Member Spotlight: Meet Zach Labin My name is Zach ‘of all trades’ Labin, and I’m a West Virginian filmmaker! I grew up here, work here, and currently reside here. I’m from Morgantown and live in Charleston. My first job in film was as a Production Assistant, and I loved it! It was a lot of hard work and long hours, but it was totally rewarding. You bust your hump to get the job done, and at the end of the day, you sleep soundly because you know you worked hard and gave it your all! I have worked on television network shows for the History Channel, CW, and Discovery, along with all genres of film projects. I have had the privilege of working with various actors including James Franco, Dean Cain, and Jay Leno. My short film, “Appalachian Memories,” won an award at the 2015 West Virginia FIlmmaker’s Festival. Recently, I’ve been working on a short film titled “Commando.” In the film, Joel and Claire meet at a laundry mat and have to solve the mystery of missing panties together! I fell in love with the script as soon as I read it, and if the rough cuts are any indication, it will be a laugh a minute. A great thing about this film is that it was written by, produced by, and stars ALL West Virginians. Joining the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild has given me the opportunity to network not just with other Mountain State filmmakers, but also with legends of the industry, like John Russo and Bob Tinnell. It has also allowed me to meet award winning special effects master, Brad Kalinoski, who was responsible for all those tiny feathers in “Black Swan.” How was the Guild able to bring in such high caliber talent? Because all of these people have a West Virginia connection! West Virginia may not be the first state you think about when you think about film. But that may change in a few years as the Guild continues to host workshops and seminars to help build the talent pool in the state. It is important to me, personally, to make sure the talent in rural Appalachia is brought into the spotlight, so I have been working on a podcast where I interview other creatives in the state. The podcast is part of a web project, “AFGT.” That stands for Achievers, Freaks, Geeks, and Techies. The site offers tips and tricks to creatives of all types. I hope to have the site live by June 2017. I look forward to continued success within the industry and I hope to meet more of you soon! Grants Update Current: The WVFG is thrilled to share that we were recently awarded the Charles Nailler Foundation Grant in the amount of $3000. Pending: We recently submitted for the West Virginia Development Office Flex-e-Grant in the amount of $8500 with a match of $1500. If received, the monies would go towards industry training in ARC-designated At-Risk or Transitional counties in West Virginia. We also submitted for the NEA FY 2017 Art Works II Grant for an Appalachia in the Media Documentary. If awarded, the Guild would receive up to $70,000. Closed Out: The Hollywood Hillbilly Documentary project received $20,000 from the National Endowment of the Arts in 2015. 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! JUSTIN OWCAR, PRESIDENT: Justin was the WVFG treasurer since 2014 until becoming president in June 2016. He has lived in and out of Morgantown, West Virginia for the past fourteen years as well as Los Angeles, Singapore, and Brazil to name a few. He attended WVU with a bachelor’s in Marketing and Los Angeles Film School for Directing, Editing, and Producing. Currently in the Master Screenwriting Class at ScreenwritingU. Justin’s created over twenty commercials for Comcast and has worked on multiple shorts and feature projects as director, camera, sound, lighting, editing, grip, and even acted for a few years. He has well-rounded experience in all phases of production. Over twenty years of experience in all facets of the Entertainment industry. Justin enjoys photography, art, and writing when he finds time. Industry News WVU Film Club president wins best director award at Sundance Film Festival Budget plan spotlights WV Film Office, tax credits The Guild is working with local organization to support retaining the Film Office and Film Tax Credits in WV. Please contact your local representatives to share your concern and desire for the film credits to stay in WV. Some facts about the WV Film Credits are below: * The WV Film Office and the film investment tax credit has had a major economic impact in WV. * From fiscal-year 2008, when it began, until 2014 (the most recent data available), the credit had generated $43 million dollars in direct expenditures within the state of West Virginia. Those expenditures include wages, hotels, restaurants, rental companies, props, etc. The aggregate amount of tax credits during this six-year period totaled $13-million. * Cutting the WV Film Office