February 2007
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Producing in a New Media World
by Susan Haley Workshop presented by the Oregon Film Office The Film Office is holding a two day workshop titled "Producing in a New Media World" on February 22nd and 23rd. Designed to bring together traditional filmmakers and videographers as well as producers of streaming media of all types, this workshop is intended to demonstrate ways to provide content for podcasts, vidcasts, streaming media and the small screen. The cost of the workshop for both days, including lunch on both days is $50.00. 
Presenters include: Day One: Tools and Technology Day Two: Marketing and Monetizing Beginning at 8:30am, each day concludes with an "Informl" session. The "Informl" sessions at the end of each day will include an opportunity to visit with several vendors and service providers in new media technology. To date vendors include: 3DV, M-Audio, Allied Vaughn, Attensa, Audio Cinema, Box-Populi, Koerner Camera, MacForce, VicMedia, Oppenheimer Camera, Splashcast, FilmBaby and The Art Institute. For more information or to sign up please call 503.229.5832 or email us. Mark Your Calendars! Industry Day in Salem: Monday, April 2nd by Steve Oster The Oregon Legislature is once again in session. Over the past several weeks our office has been involved in strategy meetings in Salem to start preparing plans for an Industry Day at the State Capitol. In addition to making our voice heard regarding film and video related legislation, we will also be taking part in the Governor's overall push to gain additional support for arts and culture in Oregon. We have a lot of great news to deliver to the legislature regarding the growth of Oregon's film and video industry over the past two years and the success of the incentive programs in bringing new work into the State. One-on-one contact with their constituents, which many of you were a part of during the 2003 and 2005 sessions, really helps put a personal voice to the strength of our rapidly growing industry and we are once again counting on your help to deliver this message to the legislature. This year's Industry Day is scheduled for Monday, April 2nd and will encompass an afternoon at the capitol along with an evening at the Elsinor Theater. If you would like more information on how you can participate, or have ideas or comments about this year's event, please contact our office at shoot@oregonfilm.org . Film Community Meetings by Susan Haley Here at the Oregon Film & Video Office we define Oregon's indigenous industry to include those working in the production of film and video work for feature films, commercials, corporate and educational films, as well as those freelancers and establishments involved with editing, special effects, processing and talent. And we're lucky to have as partners in our community educators and regional agencies who support and assist the industry. Because this industry is as varied as Oregon's landscapes, our office has been working on ways to invite greater synergy and communication amongst all of the individuals, businesses and organizations that are part of our state's media community. Several of key industry partners are coordinating a series of "Film Community Meetings" that will run on the last Tuesday of every other month throughout 2007. These meetings are intended to be community-wide gatherings and are open to everyone. The basic format will be consistent in that the meetings will start with an introduction of that evening's host, film community information and news. The hosting group will then make a presentation, which may include a guest speaker, a screening or panel discussion, followed by an open networking/social period. The first meeting, hosted by the Film Office was held at the Jupiter Hotel and Doug Fir Lounge on January 30th with a packed house, or I should say - tent. We estimated 200+ in attendance that evening. Mary Mcdonald-Lewis moderated a discussion with David Cress and Neil Kopp, the Producers of Gus Van Sant's latest film, "Paranoid Park". The audience was treated to a rare opportunity to see an early trailer from the film. Many people stayed on for the networking part of the night as we moved into the Doug Fir for a late evening of connecting and reconnecting. Several groups have already stepped forward to volunteer hosting the remaining events. SAG will be the program host on March 27th, The NW Film Center on May 29th, Film Action Oregon (formerly the Oregon Film & Video Foundation) on July 31st, OMPA on September 25th and The City of Portland/Mayor's Office on November 27th. Full details as each event is coordinated can be found at the Film Community calendar. The calendar serves as a master statewide calendar for film screenings, seminars, meetings, film festivals and other media-related events. Visitors to this site can get an overview of everything that is going on around the state and can click on each event to get more detailed information as well as a link to the sponsoring organization's website. Having all of these events listed on one master calendar acts as a virtual meeting space for the media community, and also invites greater cooperation and crossover amongst the varying groups and organizations. By strengthening the connection and interaction between the varying facets of our media community we can continue to build an infrastructure that will meet the needs of our rapidly growing industry. Location Scouts & Managers in the Spotlight by Kayla Thames Berge 
Hollywood, CA - The film and television community in Los Angeles came together on the evening of February 10th
to celebrate location professionals and the 3rd anniversary of the formation of the Location Managers Guild of
America (LMGA). The LMGA is Hollywood's newest guild, founded in 2003 with the purpose of increasing awareness about the location profession and promoting the art of the craft. The Guild is a non-profit association, similar to the Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA). LMGA Board Chairman, Orin Kennedy, introduced six-time Emmy and two-time Golden Globe winner, producer Alice West, who provided opening remarks at the event. Steve Dayan & Ed Duffy, business agents representing Hollywood Teamsters Local 399, followed with congratulatory remarks. Guild projects emphasize photography and the creative aspects of the craft. LMGA members believe aesthetic sophistication is a critical part of the location professional's skill set that will help advance perception of the craft in the public arena. 
LMGA members work on films, television shows, commercials, videos and in print advertising. Most are based in Los Angeles,
although the LMGA is a national organization with members across the U.S., including New York, San Francisco, Denver -
and Portland. Highly-respected commercial scout and LMGA Board member, Thom Anable, recently relocated to Oregon, where
the guild is exploring the possibility of establishing a northwest chapter. Other attendees included Warner Bros worldwide location executive Bill Bowling, also an LMGA board member, location manager John Panzarella, assistant manager Leslie Thorson and scout Lori Balton, who recently wrapped Mike Nichols' newest film, CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR, location manager Dave Berthiaume, with TV credits including THE SOPRANOS, ENTOURAGE, MONK and GILMORE GIRLS, commercial scouts Peter Orth, Barbara Miller, Scott Dewees, Joni Coyote, Beth Tate, Peter Gluck, JP O'Connor and numerous other revelers. Some Oregon Residents making movies... Intro by Jennifer Hundis We love hearing about Oregonians making, producing, writing, and doing anything film. From the experienced to the novice filmmaker it is always nice to see what the natives are doing. Five filmmakers were brought to our attention for one reason or another and we'd like to share them with you. IRENE TAYLOR BRODSKY by Jennifer Hundis Documentary filmmaker, producer, writer, photographer and founder of Vermilion Film, Inc. . Ms. Brodsky is back from the Sundance Film Festival with her "Audience Award Winner" documentary, "Hear and Now", a film that chronicles the lives of her deaf parents and their decision after 65 years to get the cochlear implant. The film screened twice at PIFF . I attended the Sunday afternoon screening at the Whitsell Auditorium in the Portland Art Museum. Irene was in attendance and introduced her film by saying, "It's a real treat to bring this film home, and that is what I'm doing today". I find it is hard to put into words just how powerful this film is. The respect Taylor Brodsky has for her parents and their accomplished lives is showcased in her masterful handling of such a personal project. Sitting in the dark theater I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the sounds of those reaching for Kleenex and those who just had to sniff quietly and keep the tears from overcoming them completely. Though this film is quite touching it is not all tears; there are, thankfully, equal moments of laughter all deepening your love affair with Irene's indescribable parents. Speaking with Irene after the show I asked her why she is rooted in Oregon verses LA or New York. Simply put, she said she chose Portland because she loves it here. Saying that, in LA and NYC you get the jobs that pay the bills, hinting at the lack of fulfillment. "I don't think I would have ever started my own company if I hadn't moved here". She also went on to say that she felt that the Film Community in Portland is 'getting better' slowly seeing more resources becoming available for the local filmmaker. Irene takes pride knowing that she will be aiding the local industry with local hires. Irene Taylor Brodsky lives in Portland. www.vermilionpictures.com info@vermilionpictures.com. BETSY GOSLIN Art director, Property Master, Sundance Film Festival Staff. by Betsy Goslin "One of the greatest annual events in American Film commenced on January 18: The 2007 Sundance Film Festival. As roughly 50,000 people descended on Park City, UT, questions were posed: Will there be another Little Miss Sunshine, how extravagant will the gift bags be, when will Paris arrive, and where is the nearest specialty cocktail? The answer was a simple message: Focus on Film. After the movie Mean Creek was accepted into the 2004 American Spectrum category, I decided to experience Sundance and filmmaking, through direct involvement in the Festival. I accepted a position with the ticketing department, acting as a liaison between directors and their entourage and the events they wanted to attend. After having worked in various departments, over the last 4 years, this year I settled into Corporate Relations, at the forefront of the "Focus on Film" campaign. With too much media coverage of celebrities toting gift bags, of free designer collections, and very little focus on the budding directors and films in the Festival, Sundance has begun a campaign to get back to its roots. After months of deliberation, the Corporate Relations department decided on a subtle message: A button donning the slogan, "Focus on Film." It would become our mission, during the weeks of the Festival, to photograph as many celebrities as possible, wearing the buttons. Eventually, the Press would catch on, and media attention would swirl around the message. Roughly 35,000 buttons were distributed at Sundance sponsored venues and sanctioned events. The streets of Park City were filled with celebrities and filmgoers alike, wearing buttons on their coats, advertising the slogan. The message was subtle but clear. The films matter. The films are why we attend. Joining the Corporate Relations department and the greater mission, seemed like a perfect fit, as I have been "focusing on film" for about five years. After working on numerous independent films, in Portland and elsewhere, I have chosen to spend a few months every year, in the mountains of Park City, observing the politics and deal-making of independent cinema. Though seemingly cutthroat and superficial, there is something to be said for the thrill of printing the last ticket for Harvey Weinstein, to watch the film he intends to purchase or dancing the night away with unassuming directors who really might be "the next big thing." Amidst the chaos and demands of the entitled Sundance few is the rejuvenation that comes from the sell of a film, of many films, and of the many marques that now blink with independent titles. We Oregon filmmakers, we filmmakers as a whole, are producing good work and it is, in fact, being watched, even sought out and nominated. Though the face of Sundance continues to change, along with the buzz, designer gifts, and celebrity appearances, the mission is still the same: to Focus on Film, to celebrate contemporary and classic cinema, and to introduce and nurture the new voice in filmmaking." KARL LIND Filmmaker, Video Artist, Multi-Media Artist, Documentarian, founder In The Can Productions LLC. How filmmakers Karl Lind and Danielle Lombardi made it from PDX to Rotterdam on 3 cases of Pabst and a whole lot of love from the Rose City - by Karl Lind Portland Filmmakers Danielle Lombardi (co-director of the 16mm experimental documentary made with Brigid McCaffrey, “Lay Down Tracks”) and Karl Lind (director of the short film “Disconnected”) were both invited to screen their respective work at this year’s 36th annual International Film Festival Rotterdam in January. Vanessa Renwick's film "Portrait #2: Trojan was also accepted but she decided not to make the journey to accompany her film this year. To celebrate their pilgrimage and also help cover some of their travel costs Karl and Danielle called upon the PDX Arts Community for some last minute support, and as expected Portland did not disappoint. 
With the Rotterdam Film Festival only weeks away we knew that time was running short to make good on our proposed plans
to organize a sendoff screening/fundraiser for our upcoming trip but, as were both working hard at our respective and
various jobs to support our art making careers as well as taking care of holiday travels we knew it was going to be a
tight turn to pull it off successfully. With only two weeks left to go and both of our plane tickets finally purchased
we decided to go for it. Thankfully many Portlanders were more than happy to lend a hand to our endeavor. Chris Bennett
donated the use of his Newspace Center for Photography as the event venue while
Cinema Project, Soundview recording,
Patisserie Li Li , Salvador Molly’s and Tree Davis (who designed an awesome flyer for the event) also gave us a helping
hand.
We ended up missing the local press deadlines so we crossed our fingers and hoped that enough folks would hear about
our event and be interested enough to attend. We put up flyers, sent out emails, made phone calls, posted on sites such
as Urbanhonking.com, The Oregon Film and Video Community bulletin board and Myspace to help get the word out. Come January
19th the day of the event we worked up till the last minute, the doors opened at 8pm and the people began trickling in and
before we knew it the venue had filled to capacity! Our fundraising event ended up being a complete success with everyone
having a fantastic time and we were able to raise close to a thousand dollars to help cover our travel costs. We just want
to say to everyone who donated their time, attended the event, sent us a donation, thank you all so much, you really helped
us out tremendously!
A few days after our Bon Voyage party we left for Rotterdam on a high note as we were both still completely blown away by
the amount of support PDX had shown us. I must say that it was a complete honor to take some of that sense of community
and inspiration with us on our journey overseas.
The Rotterdam Film Festival was absolutely incredible, and I saw so much inspiring and creative work -
I truly had the time of my life. Holland and it’s people are incredibly kind and beautiful not to mention they have a
high appreciation of the arts as evidenced by the first class film festival they host every year. In the week I was
there I totally fell in love with the Netherlands and I left my heart in Amsterdam along with my credit cards, but that’s
another story!
Now as I am back in Portland writing this I realize that I am truly inspired to begin making new work as well as
continuing to give as much support as I possibly can to fellow emerging artists and the arts scene here in PDX. What
makes this town the truly amazing gem that it is in my eyes is that so many of the artists here pull double and even
triple duty as curators, gallery owners/operators and event organizers as well as holding down a day job to continue
“paying the bills”. Yet they still find time to make really amazing work of their own! Organizations and venues such
as the PDX Film Festival,
Hello Video!,
NW Film and Video Festival,
Performance Works NW, Gallery
Homeland, theStop and Pause Screening Series and Broadcast
have all been instrumental in helping me to get my work seen in and beyond the confines of Portland, in fact
“Disconnected” was created specifically for the 2006
Peripheral Produce Invitational-
I can honestly say if it was not for this event I might not have had any reason to travel to Rotterdam this year!
Thanks again Portland, we truly love you!
www.hollywoodtheatre.org
karllind@inthecanllc.com
Danielle Lombardi, Dir. Bio
Danielle Lombardi is an experimental filmmaker who has recently left her New York residence to explore the wonders of
Portland, Oregon. Her films often incorporate documentary elements with the graphic techniques of handpainting and optical
printing. She has made films about the secret desires of a single mom soda-jerk, emotional claustrophobia, and the
inner/outer journeys of American traveling workers.
Her films have screened internationally in varous festivals and microcinemas. Aside from pursuing her own projects,
Danielle has worked as an assistant editor for Jenn Reeves on her feature, "The Time We Killed", and with Peggy Ahwesh
and Bobby Abate in the making of their pulpy feature, "Certain Women". Currently Danielle volunteers for the Portland
film series, Cinema Project, waitresses, advocates for sexual assault survivors, and works diligently on her new film
projects - one of which is directing a short documentary telling the story of the Sexual Assault Resource Center of
Oregon (SARC)
Check out Danielle Lombardi and Brigid McCaffrey’s Lace Factory Films site
here.
SEAN MCGRATH
Film School graduate, actor, writer, stand-up comic. That's right, stand-up comic.
by Sean McGrath
Movies have been my heartthrob since I can remember. I had made a handful of short films prior to heading up a team
for the 48 Hour Film Project in 2005. We had (as the name implies) exactly two days to write, shoot,
and edit a film based on elements given to us at the start time. A learning experience to say the least. Our team
"Cinema Syndicate" made "Spandex Rising", a film about a super hero
Captain Awesome
and his arch-enemy Mistress Midnight being set up on a double date. Next year, we were back with a bigger cast and
crew and our film "Tooth and Nail" about a vampire that runs for state senate won the Best Film prize for Portland.
Cinema Syndicate was also recently selected by Panasonic to make another film using their fancy high definition camera.
I think this one is one of our strongest efforts. Entitled, "The Rent Trap", it focuses on a Hollywood starlet who looks
to purchase a child off craigslist after her career hits a speedbump. We had a whopping 38 in our cast and crew this
year and I love every one of them. We were one of five teams (picked from over 1500) that competed and we'll find out
March 10th how we did.
Places to catch up with Sean:
www.livewireradio.org
seanrmcgrath@yahoo.com
EVAN STUART
Filmmaker, producer, stage manager.
by Evan Stuart
What many film schools fail to tell their students is that if one is fortunate enough to produce a successful independent
movie, that the costs and struggles of marketing that film can be even more difficult than the challenging process of
producing it.
"Reality Check" faces exactly that dilemma.
Our film wasn't really embraced by Sundance or the distributors that could have made our dreams come true,
but it wasn't really ignored either. The audiences loved it and we kept asking "now what?"
The underdog documentary was featured at Cinequest in San Jose, the Longbaugh Film Festival in Portland,
and finally was a jury prize winner in the extremely competitive Bend Film festival.
A distribution deal was struck with Cinequest Online.
We were showing against films with star power and that had twenty times our budget. How does a smaller film overcome these marketing
odds? Come to town early, get posters up before anyone else. They gave me a horrible 9:30am screening time, so I
convinced the McMenamins to give out free coffee and bagels and call it a breakfast showcase. We sold it out and that's
the kind of hustle that it takes.
Since I took over as stage manager at Becker Productions in Portland we've worked with Weiden+Kennedy as well as
Grady Britton and a slew of corporate videos in just a few months. Even though the money is less than that of the Hollywood
Dream, I find that I am learning a great deal about every step in the production process. Being exposed to so
many great projects and people is why I will continue to remain in this business.
Evan can be reached at: evanstuart@gmail.com Becker Productions 503.888.8791 Portland is a Top 10 indie film location  Portland has been included as one of the top ten cities for independent filmmakers in the 2007 listing of MovieMaker Magazine. Each year the magazine lists what it considers to be the top ten cities based on benefits offered to filmmakers and on feedback from writers, directors, crew people and film office representatives. This is the fifth year in a row Portland has made the list, beginning in 2003 when the city was first submitted as a contender. Green Tip #1 by Jane Ridley  On February 2nd the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a partnership between the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme, issued it's most recent report suggesting it is more than 90 percent likely that since 1950 global warming has almost been wholly caused by the buildup of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases emitted from sources created mainly by humans. This is not really a surprise to any of us and you probably do not need any more compelling reasons to try and be green wherever and however you can; however as an addition to our e-letter, we would like to offer a "Green Tip" in this and subsequent issues, geared towards production as well as our everyday lives. In each issue we will provide a tip pertaining to the 3 R's - Reduce Reuse Recycle. Reduce Oregon Trade Associations OMPA (Oregon Media Production Association) 2nd Thursday of the month @ 6:00 pm. 503-228-8822 MOPAN (Mid-Oregon Production Arts Network) 2nd Wednesday of the month. 541-343-7899 COFVN (Central Oregon Film & Video Network) No regular meetings 541-383-3329 SOFAT (Southern Oregon Film and Television) No regular meetings http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/sofat/
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