Filmmakers Workshop: Trailers & Sample Reels March 21, 2007

One of the most challenging things about making a film today is raising money, particularly for development activities. Most funders want to see work samples before they will support media projects. So, the first part of the challenge for filmmakers becomes funding production for the sample reel even before their stories are clear. The next challenge is to determine what and how to present the material so that funders will respond with a check. There are so many things to consider: How long should it be? Show an entire cut scene or just samples of a variety of materials? Add music? What about graphics? Do they want a trailer or a rough cut?

At this month's workshop, with the help of moderator Llew Smith ("Forgotten Genius"/Nova) of Vital Pictures, we present three filmmakers who are looking for input to refine their sample reel to raise money and to gain distribution for their documentary projects.

Far Out: Life On and After the Commune - Daniel Keller, Charles Light & Jen Gilbert
Using historical material, footage gathered over decades and frank contemporary interviews, Far Out: Life On and After the Commune will trace the story of several members of two sister communes founded in the summer of 1968, the Montague Farm in Montague , Massachusetts and Total Loss Farm in Guilford, Vermont. Co-Producers/Directors Daniel Keller and Charles Light are the founders of Green Mountain Post (GMP) Films (www.gmpfilms.com). They have been making films about social and political issues for over 30 years and were both connected with the Montague Farm. Co-Producer/Director Jen Gilbert is a first-time filmmaker who brings with her experience with several media projects as well as 10 years working in large-scale project management and fundraising.

Animas Perdidas - Monika Navarro
Animas Perdidas (Lost Souls) is the story of a young Latina filmmaker documenting the emotional journey of her uncle, a military vet deported to Mexico, and uncovering the secrets of her family's past. Against the backdrop of increased attention to the U.S.-Mexican border, Animas Perdidas explores national identity and ties, the lives of immigrants, and what happens after deportees are sent to a homeland they don't consider home. Producer/Director Monika Navarro is a Filmmaker-in-Residence at WGBH. This is her first documentary film, funded in part by an Emerging Artist’s Grant from the City of Ventura Cultural Council for the Humanities. Monika is a first-generation Mexican-American and was raised in Southern California.

Lorraine Hansberry Documentary Project - Tracy Heather Strain, Randy MacLowry
Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965) is the author of the groundbreaking Broadway smash A Raisin in the Sun. This multiplatform media project includes the first feature-length biography about the trailblazing artist, activist and intellectual who became an international celebrity at 28 years old, and died just six years later during the run of her second Broadway play. Director/Producer Tracy Heather Strain and Editor/Producer Randy MacLowry are principals in Yellow Jersey Films, Inc. and The Film Posse, LLC.

March 21, 2007 Schedule
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Refreshments & Networking
7:00 pm -7:15 pm Workshop Updates
7:15 pm - 9:00 pm Filmmaker Screenings & Discussion

Filmmakers Workshop is a program of the Center for Independent Documentary that offers Boston area independent media artists a non-competitive, supportive community to strengthen their work. The screenings and workshops (held USUALLY on the third Wednesday of each month at the Bernard Toale Gallery in Boston from 6:30-9pm) enhance the quality of projects produced from the pitch to the completed work by offering filmmakers informal professional development opportunities, constructive feedback, and a chance to network with their peers. While there is currently no charge for these monthly workshops (yes, they are FREE) that doesn't mean they don't cost us to provide for you- so of course, donations are MOST welcome.

RSVP to: [email protected] or call: 781-784-3627 (Center for Independent Documentary)

Official Website: http://www.filmmakersworkshop.com