January 2013
UI February 2013 Meeting Agenda - January 22, 2013
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Dan Doyle of Dan Doyle Photography
Dan Doyle has been a national professional photographer for 25yrs. He has made his niche and full time living shooting people. Shooting for national and international companies, ad agencies and model and talent agencies. Dan's current home base studio is located in Uupstate NY. Over the years he has worked in Manhattan, South Beach, Atlanta, Phoenix, Raleigh, Houston and Boston to name a few major U.S. Cities.
In addition to being a professional photographer, Dan has also owned and operated a model and talent agency for 3 years in N.Y. Currently he travels the country teaching educational workshops and seminar for photographers and models. And also is for hire as a guest speaker and private mentor. His outlook on getting that successful and productive headshot will help you understand what goes into getting the headshot that will boost your acting productivity!
There is much much more to landing the perfect headshot than looking into the lens and saying “cheese”.
3. Jon Russell Cring will give a short presentation on solar-powered rechargeable batteries used with filming equipment.
4. Networking break – 15 minutes
5. Film Screenings - Susan Robbins will present a short trailer on the Dangers of Fracking.
The Upstate Independents Board:
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
2. Guest Speaker: Dan Doyle of Dan Doyle Photography
Dan Doyle has been a national professional photographer for 25yrs. He has made his niche and full time living shooting people. Shooting for national and international companies, ad agencies and model and talent agencies. Dan's current home base studio is located in Uupstate NY. Over the years he has worked in Manhattan, South Beach, Atlanta, Phoenix, Raleigh, Houston and Boston to name a few major U.S. Cities.
In addition to being a professional photographer, Dan has also owned and operated a model and talent agency for 3 years in N.Y. Currently he travels the country teaching educational workshops and seminar for photographers and models. And also is for hire as a guest speaker and private mentor. His outlook on getting that successful and productive headshot will help you understand what goes into getting the headshot that will boost your acting productivity!
There is much much more to landing the perfect headshot than looking into the lens and saying “cheese”.
3. Jon Russell Cring will give a short presentation on solar-powered rechargeable batteries used with filming equipment.
4. Networking break – 15 minutes
5. Film Screenings - Susan Robbins will present a short trailer on the Dangers of Fracking.
The Upstate Independents Board:
- Kevin Craig West: President
- Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
- Rosemary Thomas: Secretary
- Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
- Heidi Philipsen: Programming Chair
- Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
- Charles Galuski: Web Chair
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
February 2013
UI March 2013 Meeting Agenda - February 21, 2013
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Jeanne Veillette Bowerman
Jeanne Veillette Bowerman is the Editor and Online Community Manager of ScriptMag.com, writing a regular column entitled "Balls of Steel." She's also the Co-Founder and moderator of the weekly Twitter screenwriters' chat, #Scriptchat, and screenwriting webinar instructor for The Writers Store. A graduate of Cornell University, she's written several spec scripts, including the adaption of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "Slavery by Another Name," with its author, Douglas A. Blackmon, former senior national correspondent of The Wall Street Journal.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings:
The Upstate Independents Board:
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
2. Guest Speaker: Jeanne Veillette Bowerman
Jeanne Veillette Bowerman is the Editor and Online Community Manager of ScriptMag.com, writing a regular column entitled "Balls of Steel." She's also the Co-Founder and moderator of the weekly Twitter screenwriters' chat, #Scriptchat, and screenwriting webinar instructor for The Writers Store. A graduate of Cornell University, she's written several spec scripts, including the adaption of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "Slavery by Another Name," with its author, Douglas A. Blackmon, former senior national correspondent of The Wall Street Journal.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings:
- Vernon Aldershoff and Director Mark Lund will present the trailer for Justice is Mind. (Mark Lund is an award winning magazine publisher, thrice award nominated screenwriter, television personality, producer, director and writer.)
- Matt Kehoe will present a music video Rent a Rocker's "Dead to Me" and a commercial 'Sensible Car Rental of Kingston". Matt will be joined by Zac Howell who did the sound for both projects.
The Upstate Independents Board:
- Kevin Craig West: President
- Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
- Jenna Noble: Secretary
- Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
- Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
- Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
- Charles Galuski: Web Chair
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
March 2013
UI April 2013 Meeting Agenda - March 24, 2013
NEW DATE FOR THIS MONTH: WEDNESDAY APRIL 3rd, 2013
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Special Guest Speaker is John Holser, who will be giving a Presentation on Director Preparation for Camera Blocking
John Holser has worked professionally in the video and film business for over twenty five years producing hundreds of corporate and special interest videos. He has directed and worked on numerous feature length, short film and broadcast projects with stars like John Mellencamp, Jimmy Fallon, Stacey Keach and Sean Astin. He’s shot for the Discovery Channel and Good Morning America and has won numerous ITVA and Telly Awards as well as the prestigious New York State Broadcasters “ Best in the State Award”. John is a student of and an instructor in the Sanford Meisner Method of Acting and has worked with hundreds of adult and child actors while operating a 300 member “On Camera Talent” casting service. John climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Africa while shooting for a PBS documentary on blind mountain climbers and is presently working as a freelance director and director's coach.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings:
The Upstate Independents Board:
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Special Guest Speaker is John Holser, who will be giving a Presentation on Director Preparation for Camera Blocking
John Holser has worked professionally in the video and film business for over twenty five years producing hundreds of corporate and special interest videos. He has directed and worked on numerous feature length, short film and broadcast projects with stars like John Mellencamp, Jimmy Fallon, Stacey Keach and Sean Astin. He’s shot for the Discovery Channel and Good Morning America and has won numerous ITVA and Telly Awards as well as the prestigious New York State Broadcasters “ Best in the State Award”. John is a student of and an instructor in the Sanford Meisner Method of Acting and has worked with hundreds of adult and child actors while operating a 300 member “On Camera Talent” casting service. John climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Africa while shooting for a PBS documentary on blind mountain climbers and is presently working as a freelance director and director's coach.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings:
- Ron Pucherelli will present the short film “Shadows In The Moonlight”, which he wrote, produced and directed.
- Susan Robbins will present the short film “In Line” which she has a role in. The film was directed and produced by Diego Parra and Victor Caravalho.
- Kevin Craig West will present the short film “Un Baiser", which he wrote, directed and edited.
The Upstate Independents Board:
- Kevin Craig West: President
- Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
- Jenna Noble: Secretary
- Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
- Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
- Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
- Charles Galuski: Web Chair
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
April 2013
UI May 2013 Meeting Agenda - April 28, 2013
Our meetings have retured to the first Tuesday of the month.
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Max Rouzier
Max Rouzier! (Roo- Zee- Eh!) loves all things media, from books and comics to TV and film. He loves them so much that he became a media producer. He's best known for co-running Lumberjack Films, a viral video production company. As a young YouTube Partner they make weekly viral shorts that have more than 1-million total views. In February 2013, he started a Public Relations firm that helps projects make viral successes online. He's excited to see what new things they can teach people about production online.
This year, one of his goals is to mentor more, and help talent reach their video production goals. Even though there are many obstacles in filmmaking still, it's possible to create great work, and build a loyal audience; and with a strategic approach, even make money. Max is excited to come back to Upstate Independence and share his experience at Lumberjack Films, and how other filmmakers can look to the Internet as a alternative way to tell their own stories.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings
The Upstate Independents Board:
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Max Rouzier
Max Rouzier! (Roo- Zee- Eh!) loves all things media, from books and comics to TV and film. He loves them so much that he became a media producer. He's best known for co-running Lumberjack Films, a viral video production company. As a young YouTube Partner they make weekly viral shorts that have more than 1-million total views. In February 2013, he started a Public Relations firm that helps projects make viral successes online. He's excited to see what new things they can teach people about production online.
This year, one of his goals is to mentor more, and help talent reach their video production goals. Even though there are many obstacles in filmmaking still, it's possible to create great work, and build a loyal audience; and with a strategic approach, even make money. Max is excited to come back to Upstate Independence and share his experience at Lumberjack Films, and how other filmmakers can look to the Internet as a alternative way to tell their own stories.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings
- Kevin Craig west will present his short film “Hollywood Goddam.”
- Todd Birmingham will present his short film “The Wig People.”
- Susan Robbins will present the short film “In Line” which she has a role in. The film was directed and produced by Diego Parra and Victor Caravalho.
The Upstate Independents Board:
- Kevin Craig West: President
- Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
- Jenna Noble: Secretary
- Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
- Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
- Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
- Charles Galuski: Web Chair
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
May 2013
UI June 2013 Meeting Agenda - May 29, 2013
Our meetings have returned to the first Tuesday of the month.
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Lora Lee Ecobelli will give a presentation about on camera acting:
A classically trained actress, she has performed both On and Off Broadway, Broadway. Her credits include: A Christmas Carol, A Midsummers Nights Dream, The Trojan Woman, Antigone, Hamlet, The Cherry Orchard, Blithe Spirit, The Three Sisters and The Seagull. She is the winner of the Harold Clurman award for best actress for her performance in The Vise. She continues to take joy in the many theatre, film and television roles that come her way.
As a writer, her plays have been produced throughout the United States. Currently her screenplay "Chickadee", co-written with her brother Tom Ecobelli is in pre production. It will star Oscar winning actors Chris Cooper and Ellen Burstyn, Raol Bova and Julie Kavner.
Lora Lee is also the artistic director of the Blue Horse Repertory Company. A new and innovative professional theatre ensemble in the Hudson Valley. Blue Horse Rep offers adult acting classes at the Theatre Institute at Sage College, Arts on the Lake and outreach programs for special needs adults through Boces.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings
The Upstate Independents Board:
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Lora Lee Ecobelli will give a presentation about on camera acting:
A classically trained actress, she has performed both On and Off Broadway, Broadway. Her credits include: A Christmas Carol, A Midsummers Nights Dream, The Trojan Woman, Antigone, Hamlet, The Cherry Orchard, Blithe Spirit, The Three Sisters and The Seagull. She is the winner of the Harold Clurman award for best actress for her performance in The Vise. She continues to take joy in the many theatre, film and television roles that come her way.
As a writer, her plays have been produced throughout the United States. Currently her screenplay "Chickadee", co-written with her brother Tom Ecobelli is in pre production. It will star Oscar winning actors Chris Cooper and Ellen Burstyn, Raol Bova and Julie Kavner.
Lora Lee is also the artistic director of the Blue Horse Repertory Company. A new and innovative professional theatre ensemble in the Hudson Valley. Blue Horse Rep offers adult acting classes at the Theatre Institute at Sage College, Arts on the Lake and outreach programs for special needs adults through Boces.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings
- Jerry Witkop will bring an intro to his audiobook Where I’m Bound I Can’t Tellby Jeremy Lee
- Richard Lounello will show his short film You Have One Message
- Matt Kehoe will show a music video Dead to Me, a DJ promo Above the Influence, 2 web commercials: one for “Natural Cat and Dog” and the other for “Sensible Car Rental"
The Upstate Independents Board:
- Kevin Craig West: President
- Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
- Jenna Noble: Secretary
- Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
- Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
- Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
- Charles Galuski: Web Chair
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
June 2013
UI July 2013 Meeting Agenda - June 26, 2013
Meeting date: July 2nd
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speakers: Jon and Tracey Cring who will discuss filmmaking and their film Hobo Heyseus:
In 2000 Jon wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the social satire TV comedy series and Street Walking. In 2001-2004 he founded Ghost Ship Films with former AD for George A. Romero, George Demick. The goal was to produce micro budget indie horror genre films. Four features and one short were completed. He also founded Indie Film Boot Camp for aspiring filmmakers in which ten participants with no experience were walked through the entire process to finish a feature film.
In 2005-2006 Jon Founded F3Films with wife Tracy Cring an award winning filmmaker, who won her first festival award in L.A. At eighteen years old. Eight short films were produced and premiered at film festivals. In 2007-2008 he created the ExtraOrdinary Film Project with a goal of making 12 feature films in 12 months. It actually took 20 months to complete all twelve which were filmed from Tennessee to San Francisco, Phoenix Arizona to Flint Michigan. Many competed in festivals and thousands of copies have been sold in the USA.
In 2009 he directed and produced a touring Broadway style musical Mountain, which also had a documentary made about it. Jon created and toured the USA with an independent film series and seminar on the philosophy of micro budget filmmaking. In 2010 he moved to Upstate New York and began the Barrymore Project to educate and inspire novice filmmakers to complete a short film in six weeks from conception to completion. His film “Sandy Creek Lodge” aired on PBS' TVFilm series and he produced COMMONS a TV series about three college kids working at a college radio station which aired on Time Warner, SACCTV, OSM, & MNN, NYC. In 2011 he co-created the movie review show Movie Planeton OSM, now in it's third season. He has completed thirgeen feature films along with a black and white neo-noir which aired on PBS' TVFilm. Jon directed the Santa Cruz Film Festivals official selection, Tattitude. In 2012 Jon worked with Albany Talent as a scout and Acting coach, along with holding classes on the east coast. Wrote and sold a screenplay to L.A.Production Company. Wrote, Produced, and Directed a horror genre feature film along with an LGBT friendly dark comedy. Shot music videos, industrials, and commercials for many diverse clients. In 2013 he completed ten screenplays, so far in pre-production on three feature films for 2013/2014 as well as speqking at Syracuse University and twice at HB Studios NYC.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings: TBA
The Upstate Independents Board:
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speakers: Jon and Tracey Cring who will discuss filmmaking and their film Hobo Heyseus:
In 2000 Jon wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the social satire TV comedy series and Street Walking. In 2001-2004 he founded Ghost Ship Films with former AD for George A. Romero, George Demick. The goal was to produce micro budget indie horror genre films. Four features and one short were completed. He also founded Indie Film Boot Camp for aspiring filmmakers in which ten participants with no experience were walked through the entire process to finish a feature film.
In 2005-2006 Jon Founded F3Films with wife Tracy Cring an award winning filmmaker, who won her first festival award in L.A. At eighteen years old. Eight short films were produced and premiered at film festivals. In 2007-2008 he created the ExtraOrdinary Film Project with a goal of making 12 feature films in 12 months. It actually took 20 months to complete all twelve which were filmed from Tennessee to San Francisco, Phoenix Arizona to Flint Michigan. Many competed in festivals and thousands of copies have been sold in the USA.
In 2009 he directed and produced a touring Broadway style musical Mountain, which also had a documentary made about it. Jon created and toured the USA with an independent film series and seminar on the philosophy of micro budget filmmaking. In 2010 he moved to Upstate New York and began the Barrymore Project to educate and inspire novice filmmakers to complete a short film in six weeks from conception to completion. His film “Sandy Creek Lodge” aired on PBS' TVFilm series and he produced COMMONS a TV series about three college kids working at a college radio station which aired on Time Warner, SACCTV, OSM, & MNN, NYC. In 2011 he co-created the movie review show Movie Planeton OSM, now in it's third season. He has completed thirgeen feature films along with a black and white neo-noir which aired on PBS' TVFilm. Jon directed the Santa Cruz Film Festivals official selection, Tattitude. In 2012 Jon worked with Albany Talent as a scout and Acting coach, along with holding classes on the east coast. Wrote and sold a screenplay to L.A.Production Company. Wrote, Produced, and Directed a horror genre feature film along with an LGBT friendly dark comedy. Shot music videos, industrials, and commercials for many diverse clients. In 2013 he completed ten screenplays, so far in pre-production on three feature films for 2013/2014 as well as speqking at Syracuse University and twice at HB Studios NYC.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings: TBA
The Upstate Independents Board:
- Kevin Craig West: President
- Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
- Jenna Noble: Secretary
- Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
- Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
- Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
- Charles Galuski: Web Chair
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
July 2013
UI August 2013 Meeting Agenda - July 23, 2013
Meeting date: August 6th
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speakers: Special Guest Speakers are Nora Armani and Mike Camoin:
If you were ever curious about the Cannes Film Festival, don't miss UI's August meeting where Nora Armani, a seasoned actor and filmmaker will join UI member Mike Camoin, in discussing their recent launch of the Rated SR Film Festival New York in Cannes, France. Armani and Camoin met serendipitously in Rotterdam during the fest's synergetic industry forum and quickly discovered a mutual interest in non-violent storytelling. It is this synergy they want to carry over to New York with "Rated SR" which stands for Socially Relevant. Both will offer insights into navigating the 66th edition of the prestigious film festival, market, producer's workshop, international village and hopefully, a few tips on walking the red carpet!
Nora Armani studied drama and sociology in England and currently divides her time between London, Paris and New York. Her most recent work Moving Storiesscreened at the Monaco Film Festival in the official selection in May 2013. She's organized film weeks at London's ICA, Cine Lumiere, AFI in Los Angeles and Kennedy Centre, collaborated with Paris's Pompidou Centre, The Edinburgh and Cambridge Film Festivals and the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Armani has had her films in the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival and recently participated in the Producers Network at Cannes.
Mike Camoin is a founding member and former President of Upstate Independents, Inc. An Albany-based filmmaker, producer and director with a number of completed documentaries and shorts, Camoin is currently in post-production with An American Life: The Journey from Violence to Hope"centered on mental illness and criminal justice featuring David Kaczynski. He is credited serving as a location scout on HBO's Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight and Derek Cianfrance's Place Beyond the Pines the motion picture starring Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendez and Bradley Cooper. An advisory board member to The New School of Radio and Television, he also serves as a consultant to the Albany Film Commission and has appeared on Vox-Pop with WAMC's public radio Alan Chartock discussing all things independent motion pictures.
Rated SR New York takes place March 14-20, 2014. The main goal of the fest is to support filmmakers who are producing films that tackle the tough social and environmental issues of the day without relying on gratuitous violence or sensationalism to draw in an audience. The fest aims to satisfy a market need to concentrate more on everyday positive human stories seeking an audience. Joining Armani and Camoin is Carol Ash, President of the Carey Center for Global Good, in Rensselaerville, NY, which will host the Upstate section of the Festival on its 100-acre campus. The Downstate-Upstate event will provide festival attendees and public alike with the best of both worlds: the buzz of Manhattan and the rural setting of Rensselaerville.
More about Rated SR
https://www.facebook.com/RatedSRSociallyRelevantFFNY
More about Nora Armani
http://www.noraarmani.com/ and www.movingstoriesthemovie.wordpress.com/
More about Mike Camoin
http://www.videosforchange.com
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings:
The Upstate Independents Board:
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speakers: Special Guest Speakers are Nora Armani and Mike Camoin:
If you were ever curious about the Cannes Film Festival, don't miss UI's August meeting where Nora Armani, a seasoned actor and filmmaker will join UI member Mike Camoin, in discussing their recent launch of the Rated SR Film Festival New York in Cannes, France. Armani and Camoin met serendipitously in Rotterdam during the fest's synergetic industry forum and quickly discovered a mutual interest in non-violent storytelling. It is this synergy they want to carry over to New York with "Rated SR" which stands for Socially Relevant. Both will offer insights into navigating the 66th edition of the prestigious film festival, market, producer's workshop, international village and hopefully, a few tips on walking the red carpet!
Nora Armani studied drama and sociology in England and currently divides her time between London, Paris and New York. Her most recent work Moving Storiesscreened at the Monaco Film Festival in the official selection in May 2013. She's organized film weeks at London's ICA, Cine Lumiere, AFI in Los Angeles and Kennedy Centre, collaborated with Paris's Pompidou Centre, The Edinburgh and Cambridge Film Festivals and the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Armani has had her films in the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival and recently participated in the Producers Network at Cannes.
Mike Camoin is a founding member and former President of Upstate Independents, Inc. An Albany-based filmmaker, producer and director with a number of completed documentaries and shorts, Camoin is currently in post-production with An American Life: The Journey from Violence to Hope"centered on mental illness and criminal justice featuring David Kaczynski. He is credited serving as a location scout on HBO's Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight and Derek Cianfrance's Place Beyond the Pines the motion picture starring Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendez and Bradley Cooper. An advisory board member to The New School of Radio and Television, he also serves as a consultant to the Albany Film Commission and has appeared on Vox-Pop with WAMC's public radio Alan Chartock discussing all things independent motion pictures.
Rated SR New York takes place March 14-20, 2014. The main goal of the fest is to support filmmakers who are producing films that tackle the tough social and environmental issues of the day without relying on gratuitous violence or sensationalism to draw in an audience. The fest aims to satisfy a market need to concentrate more on everyday positive human stories seeking an audience. Joining Armani and Camoin is Carol Ash, President of the Carey Center for Global Good, in Rensselaerville, NY, which will host the Upstate section of the Festival on its 100-acre campus. The Downstate-Upstate event will provide festival attendees and public alike with the best of both worlds: the buzz of Manhattan and the rural setting of Rensselaerville.
More about Rated SR
https://www.facebook.com/RatedSRSociallyRelevantFFNY
More about Nora Armani
http://www.noraarmani.com/ and www.movingstoriesthemovie.wordpress.com/
More about Mike Camoin
http://www.videosforchange.com
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings:
- Mark Fallon will show Accents music video Alright.
- Victor Rodriguez will show What Goes Around and a clip from Far From The Heart
The Upstate Independents Board:
- Kevin Craig West: President
- Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
- Jenna Noble: Secretary
- Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
- Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
- Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
- Charles Galuski: Web Chair
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
September 2013
UI September 2013 Meeting Agenda - September 2, 2013
Meeting date: September 3rd
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speakers: Special Guest Speaker Shawn Schaffer:
Shawn has been working in the Film and Television Industry since 2002. He began as an actor and appeared in approximately two dozen films, but then realized that he had a lot more interest (and talent) to be behind the camera as opposed to in front of it. Having never attended a day of film school, he began his education as a form of lengthy “apprenticeship” by jumping on to as many projects as possible, many times working for free. Starting as a PA, he learned by carefully observing others at work and learning the skills for each position and the relationships between them. Eventually he moved from PA to Grip to Kay Grip to Gaffer and finally Director of Photography and getting paid work along the way.
In 2005, Shawn began production on a feature film, hiring a talented Director of Photography while taking a seat in the Directors chair, amd continued to learn from that DP. carefully watched and questioned motivation and practicality of his lighting setups while collaborating on them to mold the film’s look. Following the end of principal photography, he sat in with top editor Tony Grocki both on his project and others, totaling over 500 hours in the editing room with him.
Following that film, Shawn invested in camera gear and began the trial and error basis of both composing and lighting for shots and scenes, first by mimicking shots from his favorite films, then by experimenting with new works and earlier films he worked on. As his experience and understanding of cinematography grew, he marketed himself as a Camera Operator and in certain cases, as a Director of Photography. He began growing his resume and reputation until finally moving cinematography full time in 2007.
Shawn's success has since grown and, in late 2011, opened Wheelhouse TV in Providence, Ri. Wheelhouse TV is a full service video production, graphic & web design company, a one stop media shop providing script to screen video production for television commercials and web video, as well as professional graphic design and web development solutions. Shawn and his wife akso welcomed a new daughter into the world in February of the same year.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings: TBA
The Upstate Independents Board:
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speakers: Special Guest Speaker Shawn Schaffer:
Shawn has been working in the Film and Television Industry since 2002. He began as an actor and appeared in approximately two dozen films, but then realized that he had a lot more interest (and talent) to be behind the camera as opposed to in front of it. Having never attended a day of film school, he began his education as a form of lengthy “apprenticeship” by jumping on to as many projects as possible, many times working for free. Starting as a PA, he learned by carefully observing others at work and learning the skills for each position and the relationships between them. Eventually he moved from PA to Grip to Kay Grip to Gaffer and finally Director of Photography and getting paid work along the way.
In 2005, Shawn began production on a feature film, hiring a talented Director of Photography while taking a seat in the Directors chair, amd continued to learn from that DP. carefully watched and questioned motivation and practicality of his lighting setups while collaborating on them to mold the film’s look. Following the end of principal photography, he sat in with top editor Tony Grocki both on his project and others, totaling over 500 hours in the editing room with him.
Following that film, Shawn invested in camera gear and began the trial and error basis of both composing and lighting for shots and scenes, first by mimicking shots from his favorite films, then by experimenting with new works and earlier films he worked on. As his experience and understanding of cinematography grew, he marketed himself as a Camera Operator and in certain cases, as a Director of Photography. He began growing his resume and reputation until finally moving cinematography full time in 2007.
Shawn's success has since grown and, in late 2011, opened Wheelhouse TV in Providence, Ri. Wheelhouse TV is a full service video production, graphic & web design company, a one stop media shop providing script to screen video production for television commercials and web video, as well as professional graphic design and web development solutions. Shawn and his wife akso welcomed a new daughter into the world in February of the same year.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings: TBA
The Upstate Independents Board:
- Kevin Craig West: President
- Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
- Jenna Noble: Secretary
- Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
- Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
- Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
- Charles Galuski: Internet Services Chair
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
UI October 2013 Meeting Agenda - September 27, 2013
Meeting date: October 1st
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Chris Schiller - Chris Schiller gets RAW! (...in Workflow for Post Production):
With the latest advances in cinema production for independent filmmakers, there have been great opportunities for improvement in the quality of capture formats. But with those advances come potential pitfalls which, if left unchecked, could cause havoc in trying to bring your production in on time and budget. RAW footage capture is now accessible to the independent filmmaker: REDs, Alexas, Blackmagic Cinema and Pocket cameras and even Magic Lantern enhanced DSLRs all have the ability to shoot the highest resolution images. The quality of picture you can capture with RAW shooting is at a level most indy filmmakers have never had access to before. However, along with the quality jump there is a considerable change in how you need to approach working with RAW footage, from acquisition, through post production to get the most out of the potentials the format provides. From traditional film production, through standard video production, DLSR shooting setups through RAW capture, each workflow structure can be optimized for the best possible outcome, if you properly prepare. Preparation and ability to adapt to change are necessities in this rapidly evolving field we find ourselves in.
Chris Schiller is best known as an entertainment attorney serving the area filmmakers and writers and, more recently, as a columnist for Script Magazinewith his bi-weekly column titled, Legally Speaking, It Depends as well as other articles and interviews. He is an establshed producer and director, helping to bring Upstate NY film productions to market and a screenwriter, active with his own projects as well as working to help other writers with their works. Chris also carries with him over 30 years of technical production experience including editing, cinematography, audio, extensive computer knowledge spanning programming and graphic design including web development as well as DVD and multimedia creation. He has directed a live TV news broadcast and fought a studio fire during a live telecast. (Luckily, those were on different days.) There is a diversity that Chris Schiller brings to everything he does and his broad experiences serve to aid him as he ventures into each new category of adventure.
In his spare time, Chris is a poet, artist and a juggler.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings: To prepare us for Halloween, Jess Petrequin will show his shortFrankenstein GPS.
The Upstate Independents Board:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Chris Schiller - Chris Schiller gets RAW! (...in Workflow for Post Production):
With the latest advances in cinema production for independent filmmakers, there have been great opportunities for improvement in the quality of capture formats. But with those advances come potential pitfalls which, if left unchecked, could cause havoc in trying to bring your production in on time and budget. RAW footage capture is now accessible to the independent filmmaker: REDs, Alexas, Blackmagic Cinema and Pocket cameras and even Magic Lantern enhanced DSLRs all have the ability to shoot the highest resolution images. The quality of picture you can capture with RAW shooting is at a level most indy filmmakers have never had access to before. However, along with the quality jump there is a considerable change in how you need to approach working with RAW footage, from acquisition, through post production to get the most out of the potentials the format provides. From traditional film production, through standard video production, DLSR shooting setups through RAW capture, each workflow structure can be optimized for the best possible outcome, if you properly prepare. Preparation and ability to adapt to change are necessities in this rapidly evolving field we find ourselves in.
Chris Schiller is best known as an entertainment attorney serving the area filmmakers and writers and, more recently, as a columnist for Script Magazinewith his bi-weekly column titled, Legally Speaking, It Depends as well as other articles and interviews. He is an establshed producer and director, helping to bring Upstate NY film productions to market and a screenwriter, active with his own projects as well as working to help other writers with their works. Chris also carries with him over 30 years of technical production experience including editing, cinematography, audio, extensive computer knowledge spanning programming and graphic design including web development as well as DVD and multimedia creation. He has directed a live TV news broadcast and fought a studio fire during a live telecast. (Luckily, those were on different days.) There is a diversity that Chris Schiller brings to everything he does and his broad experiences serve to aid him as he ventures into each new category of adventure.
In his spare time, Chris is a poet, artist and a juggler.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings: To prepare us for Halloween, Jess Petrequin will show his shortFrankenstein GPS.
The Upstate Independents Board:
- Ron Pucherelli: President
- Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
- Jenna Noble: Secretary
- Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
- Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
- Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
- Charles Galuski: Internet Services Chair
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
October 2013
UI November 2013 Meeting Agenda - October 24, 2013
Meeting date: November 5th
The Upstate Independents Board:
Ron Pucherelli: President
Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
Jenna Noble: Secretary
Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
Charles Galuski: Internet Services Chair
Where we’re located: Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions.
It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production. Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us atinfo@upstateindependents.com.
- Announcements
- Guest Speaker: Johanna Tacedena: Bring your headshot and resume to Upstate Independents November meeting and get a chance to meet Casting Director Johanna Tacedena! Johanna Tacadena had a love for dancing at an early age, strongly influenced by American Bandstand, Fame and Flashdance. She started her formal dance training as a junior in college, earning her BA in dance and booking her first gigs in theme parks and cruise ships. Since then, she’s performed the theater circuit working in stock, regional, national touring, off-Broadway and Broadway shows. After the birth of her daughter, Johanna put theater aside to pursue other facets of the industry that would bring her home in time for dinner with her family. Thus began the next phase of her career as a professional commercial actor. In addition to acting, Johanna is also a makeup artist and early this year, she added another hat to her collection as co-owner and casting director of Break-Through Talent. Partnering with her long-time friend Pat Gallio, they’ve expanded their team and have cast many film, music video, commercial, print, voice-over and industrial projects in the Hudson Valley and NYC.
- Elections
- Runners for this year’s election will have an opportunity to share their experiences/reasons for your vote.
- Voting
- Results of November Elections
- Networking break – 15 minutes
- Film Screenings: Chris Williams will show his short The Audition.
The Upstate Independents Board:
Ron Pucherelli: President
Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
Jenna Noble: Secretary
Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
Charles Galuski: Internet Services Chair
Where we’re located: Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions.
It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production. Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us atinfo@upstateindependents.com.
December 2013
UI December 2013 Meeting Agenda - December 2, 2013
Meeting date: December 3rd
The Upstate Independents Board:
Ron Pucherelli: President & Treasurer
Steve O’Conner: Vice-President
Jenna Noble: Secretary
Megan Miller: Membership Chair
Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
Charles Galuski: Internet Services Chair
Matt Kehoe: Fundraising Chair
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.
- Announcements
- UI Members Showcase - Several UI members share bits of their work from 2013, approximately 40 minutes. Please join us to see works from:
- Amy Howansky
- Jeff Burns
- Jess Petrequin
- Jon Cring
- Juan Luis Lopez Fons
- Kathleen Carey
- Manolo Manolo
- Matt Kehoe
- Ron Pucherelli
- Susie Griswold
- Victor Rodriguez
- Johanna Tacedena
- Joy Reed
- Networking with Non-fancy Nibbles - Bring your business cards and enjoy the remainder of the evening networking, catching up and nibbling.
The Upstate Independents Board:
Ron Pucherelli: President & Treasurer
Steve O’Conner: Vice-President
Jenna Noble: Secretary
Megan Miller: Membership Chair
Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
Charles Galuski: Internet Services Chair
Matt Kehoe: Fundraising Chair
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.