January 2015
2015 UIFN Oscar Party - January 22, 2015
Mark your calendars! Upstate Independents Filmmakers Network will be hosting: "A Night at the Oscars"
Sunday, February 22, 2015 6:45 - 11:30 pm at Wolf's 111 Restaurant 111 Wolf Road Colonie, NY 12205
Door ticket purchase Member: $13.00 Non-member: $18.00
Admission includes: All non alcoholic drinks, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres
Activities: Contest to predict the winners in the top six Oscar categories.
Sunday, February 22, 2015 6:45 - 11:30 pm at Wolf's 111 Restaurant 111 Wolf Road Colonie, NY 12205
Door ticket purchase Member: $13.00 Non-member: $18.00
Admission includes: All non alcoholic drinks, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres
Activities: Contest to predict the winners in the top six Oscar categories.
UIFN February 2015 Meeting Agenda - January 29, 2015
Meeting date: February 3rd 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
2. Guest Speaker: John Holser
John will introduce part of his online training course "Direct With Us" (working title), a time-lapse build, share behind the scenes photos/videos, the projects shot planning/finished shots, and discuss a step by step on how he lit key scenes.
Working closely with David Bunce on this project, John's presentation will lead us to the final piece during our Video Submission portion of the Agenda.
John Holser is an award winning director who has trained and worked all over the world. As a producer/director, John has completed hundreds of corporate videos and regional television commercials. Throughout his career he's worked as crew on numerous big budget, feature length, short film and broadcast TV projects. John is trained in the Meisner method of acting and has coached hundreds of actors while operating "Upstate Casting" John has worked with John Mellencamp, Jimmy Fallon, Stacey Keach and Sean Astin to name a few.
During his career as a television producer/director John shot for the Discovery Channel, Good Morning America and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Africa while shooting for a PBS documentary. John has won numerous ITVA, Addy and Telly Awards. He’s also a past recipient of the prestigious New York State Broadcasters “Best in the State Award”.
John is presently working on numerous video projects and blogging about filmmaking at www.digitalfilmfarm.com
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Screenings:
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 - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
2. Guest Speaker: John Holser
John will introduce part of his online training course "Direct With Us" (working title), a time-lapse build, share behind the scenes photos/videos, the projects shot planning/finished shots, and discuss a step by step on how he lit key scenes.
Working closely with David Bunce on this project, John's presentation will lead us to the final piece during our Video Submission portion of the Agenda.
John Holser is an award winning director who has trained and worked all over the world. As a producer/director, John has completed hundreds of corporate videos and regional television commercials. Throughout his career he's worked as crew on numerous big budget, feature length, short film and broadcast TV projects. John is trained in the Meisner method of acting and has coached hundreds of actors while operating "Upstate Casting" John has worked with John Mellencamp, Jimmy Fallon, Stacey Keach and Sean Astin to name a few.
During his career as a television producer/director John shot for the Discovery Channel, Good Morning America and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Africa while shooting for a PBS documentary. John has won numerous ITVA, Addy and Telly Awards. He’s also a past recipient of the prestigious New York State Broadcasters “Best in the State Award”.
John is presently working on numerous video projects and blogging about filmmaking at www.digitalfilmfarm.com
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Screenings:
- David Bunce will share his short "Breakfast of Champions" (approx 8.30 mins).
- Roman Jaquez will share a trailer to his film "The Way Forward".
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 2015
UI March 2015 Meeting Agenda - March 1, 2015
Meeting date: March 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Carolyn Cocca
Bring your headshots and resumes!
Carolyn Cocca of Cocca Casting joins us this Tuesday to share her journey to Casting and what her company accepts and expects of talent for submissions.
Cocca Casting supports the entertainment community of the New York Upstate Capital Region, New York State, New York City and beyond. We are proud to work with clients throughout the entertainment community. The professionalism and enthusiasm of our talent is truly admired. It is extremely rewarding to be a part of many diverse projects.
Cocca Casting was established to work closely with clients and talent. We work together with clients to carefully evaluate their project details and talent requirements; to cast and assist with entertainment projects. We work with our extensive database to closely match the artist's specific experience and characteristics with the client's needs.
Clients – Cocca Casting clients include large and independent filmmakers, directors, stage producers, print and stock images/footage production companies, television production companies, agents and corporations.
Talent - Cocca Casting proprietary database includes an array of talented artists from adult and child actors to cameramen, caterers, crew, dancers, hair stylists, make-up artists, musicians, photographers, production assistants, vocalists, voice-over talent, writers, and even animals.
Locations – For those clients in need of site locations, Cocca Casting's extensive contacts will provide search solutions.
Workshops – Cocca Casting organizes workshops for presenter clients with their area of expertise. Cocca Castings also offers their own specific workshops to prepare students for commercial and film auditions. Students will learn the importance of procedures before, during, and after auditioning as well as how to create a proper resume and improve their auditioning techniques.
CAROLYN COCCA
CASTING DIRECTOR
Contact: c.cocca@coccacasting.com
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Film Screenings: TBA
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: Carolyn Cocca
Bring your headshots and resumes!
Carolyn Cocca of Cocca Casting joins us this Tuesday to share her journey to Casting and what her company accepts and expects of talent for submissions.
Cocca Casting supports the entertainment community of the New York Upstate Capital Region, New York State, New York City and beyond. We are proud to work with clients throughout the entertainment community. The professionalism and enthusiasm of our talent is truly admired. It is extremely rewarding to be a part of many diverse projects.
Cocca Casting was established to work closely with clients and talent. We work together with clients to carefully evaluate their project details and talent requirements; to cast and assist with entertainment projects. We work with our extensive database to closely match the artist's specific experience and characteristics with the client's needs.
Clients – Cocca Casting clients include large and independent filmmakers, directors, stage producers, print and stock images/footage production companies, television production companies, agents and corporations.
Talent - Cocca Casting proprietary database includes an array of talented artists from adult and child actors to cameramen, caterers, crew, dancers, hair stylists, make-up artists, musicians, photographers, production assistants, vocalists, voice-over talent, writers, and even animals.
Locations – For those clients in need of site locations, Cocca Casting's extensive contacts will provide search solutions.
Workshops – Cocca Casting organizes workshops for presenter clients with their area of expertise. Cocca Castings also offers their own specific workshops to prepare students for commercial and film auditions. Students will learn the importance of procedures before, during, and after auditioning as well as how to create a proper resume and improve their auditioning techniques.
CAROLYN COCCA
CASTING DIRECTOR
Contact: c.cocca@coccacasting.com
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Film Screenings: TBA
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 April 2015 Meeting Agenda - March 15, 2015
Meeting date: April 7th, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
Non-member admission: $5.00
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc. Please keep all announcements brief to allow enough time for the program.
2. Guest Speaker: Dorothy Lyman
Dorothy is an American television and film actress, director and producer. She is most commonly known for her work as Gwen Frame in Another World and in All My Children as Opal Sue Gardiner for which she received two Emmy Awards as Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series in 1982 and for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 1983.
In prime time, Dorothy appeared on the sitcom Mama's Family as Naomi Harper for 6 seasons and 130 episodes. After Mama's Family ended in 1990, Lyman had a recurring role on Bob Newhart's third series.
Dorothy is also noted for her work behind the camera, producing and directing a total of 75 episodes of The Nanny (all episodes of the third and fourth seasons, and all but four episodes of the fifth), even making a special guest appearance on the Fran Drescher sitcom.
On the big screen, Ms. Lyman also appeared in I Love Trouble, starring Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts. She also made a cameo appearance in the 2001 film, Blow, starring Johnny Depp. Dorothy was as seen in the 2006 film The Departed, starring Leonardo DiCaprio , Mark Wahlberg and Jack Nicholson. In 2007, Ms. Lyman guest-starred in the third season of the reimagined Battlestar Galactica as Starbuck's mother.
Dorothy has also produced and directed two independent films Janet's Class (2010) and The Northern Kingdom (2009) for Stuffed Olive, her own production company.
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Video submission: Executive Producers Diane and Steven O’Connor will share Mix and Master.
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.
Non-member admission: $5.00
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc. Please keep all announcements brief to allow enough time for the program.
2. Guest Speaker: Dorothy Lyman
Dorothy is an American television and film actress, director and producer. She is most commonly known for her work as Gwen Frame in Another World and in All My Children as Opal Sue Gardiner for which she received two Emmy Awards as Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series in 1982 and for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 1983.
In prime time, Dorothy appeared on the sitcom Mama's Family as Naomi Harper for 6 seasons and 130 episodes. After Mama's Family ended in 1990, Lyman had a recurring role on Bob Newhart's third series.
Dorothy is also noted for her work behind the camera, producing and directing a total of 75 episodes of The Nanny (all episodes of the third and fourth seasons, and all but four episodes of the fifth), even making a special guest appearance on the Fran Drescher sitcom.
On the big screen, Ms. Lyman also appeared in I Love Trouble, starring Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts. She also made a cameo appearance in the 2001 film, Blow, starring Johnny Depp. Dorothy was as seen in the 2006 film The Departed, starring Leonardo DiCaprio , Mark Wahlberg and Jack Nicholson. In 2007, Ms. Lyman guest-starred in the third season of the reimagined Battlestar Galactica as Starbuck's mother.
Dorothy has also produced and directed two independent films Janet's Class (2010) and The Northern Kingdom (2009) for Stuffed Olive, her own production company.
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Video submission: Executive Producers Diane and Steven O’Connor will share Mix and Master.
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 2015
UIFN May 2015 Meeting Agenda - April 22, 2015
Meeting date: May 5th, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc. Please keep all announcements brief to allow enough time for the program.
2. Guest Speaker: Ingrid Price and Davis Hall of Peak Road Productions
Ingrid Price wanted to be an anthropologist, but accidentally earned a BFA in theatre instead. She has worked in the entertainment industry since 1980, primarily as a costume designer for film and television. Her work may be seen on the first eight seasons of Law & Order Criminal Intent as well as on many other series, films, and television movies. She is a member of IATSE locals 829 and 764. She is a NYWFT honoree for her work as part of the costume, hair, and makeup team for Showtime's Nurse Jackie. She produced the award-winning short films Mother’s House and In the Blind.
Davis Hall directed his first film in college. After earning a BA from Northwestern University in 1968, he lived and worked in Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Chicago; finally settling in New York City. His forty-odd-year career as an actor and director has taken him to theatres across America, as well as to Broadway, film and television. He's a member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity Association. As a Union contract negotiation team member, he helped craft four contracts for AEA. Recent acting work includes a role on Madame Secretary and several short films produced through NYU and Columbia University film programs, including the winner of a 2009 Student Academy Award. He directed the award-winning short films Mother’s House and In the Blind.
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Video submissions:
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 - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc. Please keep all announcements brief to allow enough time for the program.
2. Guest Speaker: Ingrid Price and Davis Hall of Peak Road Productions
Ingrid Price wanted to be an anthropologist, but accidentally earned a BFA in theatre instead. She has worked in the entertainment industry since 1980, primarily as a costume designer for film and television. Her work may be seen on the first eight seasons of Law & Order Criminal Intent as well as on many other series, films, and television movies. She is a member of IATSE locals 829 and 764. She is a NYWFT honoree for her work as part of the costume, hair, and makeup team for Showtime's Nurse Jackie. She produced the award-winning short films Mother’s House and In the Blind.
Davis Hall directed his first film in college. After earning a BA from Northwestern University in 1968, he lived and worked in Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Chicago; finally settling in New York City. His forty-odd-year career as an actor and director has taken him to theatres across America, as well as to Broadway, film and television. He's a member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity Association. As a Union contract negotiation team member, he helped craft four contracts for AEA. Recent acting work includes a role on Madame Secretary and several short films produced through NYU and Columbia University film programs, including the winner of a 2009 Student Academy Award. He directed the award-winning short films Mother’s House and In the Blind.
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Video submissions:
- Ingrid Price and Davis Hall will share their short film In the Blind (approx. 17 mins)
- Patrick Longo will share his short film A Very Fine Day (approx. 4 mins.)
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 2015
UIFN May 2015 Meeting Agenda - May 30, 2015
Meeting date: May 5th, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
Please keep all announcements brief to allow enough time for the program.
2. Guest Speaker: Donna Gagnon of InfoTainment Services, Inc.
Donna J Gagnon, Creative, Production and Business Development
Donna began her professional experience at the age of 15, on a Broadway bound Equity musical. Just a few months later, she went from stage to screen working on the Merchant Ivory Film, Jane Austen in Manhattan. It was then, before she was even old enough to drive, she knew she had found a world she would turn into a lifelong career.
During the years that followed, she worked in every aspect of live entertainment, becoming skilled in design, management, technical and production. She was Designer and Project Manager for a major scenic company for 15 years producing international meetings, theater, theme park and studio projects, including Universal Studios Florida, CA and Japan, Disney, Six Flags, Busch Gardens and even at Ripley’s Museum in Hollywood. In 2001, she launched her first business to blend and expand her years of information with her passion for entertainment and InfoTainment Services, Inc. was born.
She has worked with video production, TV and film, and was Art Director on `Fighting For Freedom' staring Kristanna Loken. She was a co-producer for 12 years for NBC Screenwriters Award at Nantucket Film Festival and The Starfish Awards, capturing Robert Altman's last interview at North Hampton International Film Festival. Donna consults and coaches a range of clients how to grow vision or business with Creative techniques. She sits on panels for the Albany, NY Chamber of Commerce, Special Olympics and the Capital Cinema Cultural Exchange, 'preparing filmmakers to reach global audiences'. If she's not in LA or on location, she's in NYS on a 325 acre mountain retreat that doubles as an outdoor forest film lot location. She is so excited to be working in LA on new projects, thrilled to lend her belief and support to the Artemis Woman in Action Film Festival.
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Video submissions:
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 - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
Please keep all announcements brief to allow enough time for the program.
2. Guest Speaker: Donna Gagnon of InfoTainment Services, Inc.
Donna J Gagnon, Creative, Production and Business Development
Donna began her professional experience at the age of 15, on a Broadway bound Equity musical. Just a few months later, she went from stage to screen working on the Merchant Ivory Film, Jane Austen in Manhattan. It was then, before she was even old enough to drive, she knew she had found a world she would turn into a lifelong career.
During the years that followed, she worked in every aspect of live entertainment, becoming skilled in design, management, technical and production. She was Designer and Project Manager for a major scenic company for 15 years producing international meetings, theater, theme park and studio projects, including Universal Studios Florida, CA and Japan, Disney, Six Flags, Busch Gardens and even at Ripley’s Museum in Hollywood. In 2001, she launched her first business to blend and expand her years of information with her passion for entertainment and InfoTainment Services, Inc. was born.
She has worked with video production, TV and film, and was Art Director on `Fighting For Freedom' staring Kristanna Loken. She was a co-producer for 12 years for NBC Screenwriters Award at Nantucket Film Festival and The Starfish Awards, capturing Robert Altman's last interview at North Hampton International Film Festival. Donna consults and coaches a range of clients how to grow vision or business with Creative techniques. She sits on panels for the Albany, NY Chamber of Commerce, Special Olympics and the Capital Cinema Cultural Exchange, 'preparing filmmakers to reach global audiences'. If she's not in LA or on location, she's in NYS on a 325 acre mountain retreat that doubles as an outdoor forest film lot location. She is so excited to be working in LA on new projects, thrilled to lend her belief and support to the Artemis Woman in Action Film Festival.
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Video submissions:
- Mike Feurstein will share his trailer for the upcoming Unmake movie showing at the Madison on June 29th How to UnMake a Bully, Vol. 7: Cyberbullying (approx 1+ mins).
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 2015
UIFN July 2015 Meeting Agenda - July 5, 2015
Meeting date: July 7th, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
Please keep all announcements brief to allow enough time for the program.
2. Guest Speaker: Barbara Whitchurch of A Suitable Image
Barbara has been in the Beauty Fashion Film industry for over 40 years, her commercial work can be seen on CBS, ABC, NBC, The Discovery Channel and PBS.
Barbara has been Department Head for Hair and Make Up in over 15 award winning Independent films. As department head she was responsible for the design and look of the main characters in each film. She has been hair and make up artist on many commercials both political and commercial. Her work in theater includes ;Gypsy for Capitol Rep and The Bard Theater Summer Productions.
As an Educator teaching hair and make up techniques Barbara has worked with Louise Boyka Studios, John Cassablanca's Modeling Agency, Boces and The College of St. Rose.
Examples of her work can be seen on her website http://asuitableimage.com
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Video submissions: Jess Petrequin will share his short Mr. Higgins gets a Hair Cut (approx. 6 mins +).
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 - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
Please keep all announcements brief to allow enough time for the program.
2. Guest Speaker: Barbara Whitchurch of A Suitable Image
Barbara has been in the Beauty Fashion Film industry for over 40 years, her commercial work can be seen on CBS, ABC, NBC, The Discovery Channel and PBS.
Barbara has been Department Head for Hair and Make Up in over 15 award winning Independent films. As department head she was responsible for the design and look of the main characters in each film. She has been hair and make up artist on many commercials both political and commercial. Her work in theater includes ;Gypsy for Capitol Rep and The Bard Theater Summer Productions.
As an Educator teaching hair and make up techniques Barbara has worked with Louise Boyka Studios, John Cassablanca's Modeling Agency, Boces and The College of St. Rose.
Examples of her work can be seen on her website http://asuitableimage.com
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Video submissions: Jess Petrequin will share his short Mr. Higgins gets a Hair Cut (approx. 6 mins +).
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.
UIFN 20th Anniversary Celebration - July 14, 2015
Meeting date: August 4th, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. $5 admission for non-members
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@ui-fn.com.
- Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc. Please keep all announcements brief to allow enough time for the program.
- 20 Year UIFN Celebration and NetworkingCome celebrate 20 Years of Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network building careers and experience through the years. Pizza and cake will be provided.
- 20 Years of UIFN Filmmaking Video Collaboration! If you are a paid up member and have a project made volving UIFN members in the past 20 years or behind-the-scenes photos that you would like to include in this collaboration please submit your video or photos to Chaz at chaz@eternalsky.us. No Later than July 26th.
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@ui-fn.com.
August 2015
UIFN September Meeting Agenda - August 28, 2015
Meeting date: September 1st 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
$5 admission for non-members
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
2. Guest Speakers: Justin Maine
Justin Maine is co-founder of MagicWig Productions, Inc., a company that has been producing impactful video, films and meetings for over a decade. He is an award-winning Producer / Director, but his passion is cinematography. Justin was Producer / Director / DP on So Right So Smart, a feature documentary narrated by Daryl Hannah. This film about the movement toward ecological commerce has gained attention and accolades at festivals around the world and played nationally on PBS this year.
Justin is in development on a 13-episode PBS Series which he will Produce and Direct that begins production in late 2015. He also has Directed two short films currently in post-production aimed for the festival circuit in 2016. Justin’s background in art and photography has made cinematography integral to his directing process: “For me, the storytelling happens in the viewfinder. It’s so much easier to be organic and flow with the energy of a scene if you can control the camera yourself. A cinematographer is like a painter: light and space are my paint – it’s just that my canvas moves and changes."
Justin has won two Silver Telly Awards in Cinematography for his work on the PBS documentaries, New York State Capitol Fire, and William Kennedy’s Prohibition Story. So Right So Smart won Best Feature Film at the Reel Earth Festival in New Zealand and Best of the Festival at the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival.
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Film screening: TBA
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.
$5 admission for non-members
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
2. Guest Speakers: Justin Maine
Justin Maine is co-founder of MagicWig Productions, Inc., a company that has been producing impactful video, films and meetings for over a decade. He is an award-winning Producer / Director, but his passion is cinematography. Justin was Producer / Director / DP on So Right So Smart, a feature documentary narrated by Daryl Hannah. This film about the movement toward ecological commerce has gained attention and accolades at festivals around the world and played nationally on PBS this year.
Justin is in development on a 13-episode PBS Series which he will Produce and Direct that begins production in late 2015. He also has Directed two short films currently in post-production aimed for the festival circuit in 2016. Justin’s background in art and photography has made cinematography integral to his directing process: “For me, the storytelling happens in the viewfinder. It’s so much easier to be organic and flow with the energy of a scene if you can control the camera yourself. A cinematographer is like a painter: light and space are my paint – it’s just that my canvas moves and changes."
Justin has won two Silver Telly Awards in Cinematography for his work on the PBS documentaries, New York State Capitol Fire, and William Kennedy’s Prohibition Story. So Right So Smart won Best Feature Film at the Reel Earth Festival in New Zealand and Best of the Festival at the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival.
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Film screening: TBA
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 2015
UIFN October 2015 Meeting Agenda - September 16, 2015
Meeting date: October 6th 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
$5 admission for non-members
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
2. Guest Speakers: Sunny da Silva
Sunny da Silva, Director of Education at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, has a long history of practicing, inspiring and promoting creativity. With an education in English, Theatre, and Secondary Education, Sunny is a certified teacher, and spent several years inspiring and educating youth as an English teacher with a determined focus on differentiation, and incorporating higher level creative thought into her curriculum, and as a Drama Director, where she encouraged students to take part in the creative collaboration of new theatrical works that uniquely expressed their stories. With her background in theater production, performance, and playwriting, Sunny has a love for new, uniquely creative theatrical works that push boundaries. Her plays have been read and performed at several venues around the country. Taking the reigns as Director of Education at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Sunny’s innovative programming has widened the depth of artistic exploration at The Arts Center. She has also worked to widen the opportunities and support for artists at The Arts Center, creating and finding funding for an artist’s entrepreneurship program, Nuts, Bolts & BEYOND; creating and implementing the Artist in Residence Program, which gives three local artists a year space and opportunity to do cross medium exploration; and devising and implementing Playmakers Space, supporting artists who create for the theatre. She also runs the Decentralization Grant Program at The Arts Center which assists local artist and arts organizations in Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer in applying for state grant money.
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Film screening: TBA
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.
$5 admission for non-members
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
2. Guest Speakers: Sunny da Silva
Sunny da Silva, Director of Education at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, has a long history of practicing, inspiring and promoting creativity. With an education in English, Theatre, and Secondary Education, Sunny is a certified teacher, and spent several years inspiring and educating youth as an English teacher with a determined focus on differentiation, and incorporating higher level creative thought into her curriculum, and as a Drama Director, where she encouraged students to take part in the creative collaboration of new theatrical works that uniquely expressed their stories. With her background in theater production, performance, and playwriting, Sunny has a love for new, uniquely creative theatrical works that push boundaries. Her plays have been read and performed at several venues around the country. Taking the reigns as Director of Education at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Sunny’s innovative programming has widened the depth of artistic exploration at The Arts Center. She has also worked to widen the opportunities and support for artists at The Arts Center, creating and finding funding for an artist’s entrepreneurship program, Nuts, Bolts & BEYOND; creating and implementing the Artist in Residence Program, which gives three local artists a year space and opportunity to do cross medium exploration; and devising and implementing Playmakers Space, supporting artists who create for the theatre. She also runs the Decentralization Grant Program at The Arts Center which assists local artist and arts organizations in Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer in applying for state grant money.
3. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
4. Film screening: TBA
- Susan Robbins will share a trailer for her short documentary "Lee's 88 Keys" (approx. 3 mins).
- Patrick Stephenson and John Brent will share a promo of the feature film "Embrace The Night" (approx. 5 mins.)
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.
November 2015
UIFN November 2015 Meeting Agenda - Yearly Elections - November 2, 2015
Meeting date: November 3rd 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
$5 admission for non-members
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
2. Guest Speakers: Jess Petrequin - Learn about Green Screening!
Jess Petrequin is a part time filmmaker who works 60 hours a week as a barber, but for the past 5 years has been practicing the art of Green Screening. He became interested in filmmaking as a young child after seeing some 8 millimeter home movies on a projector at his aunt and uncles house back in the mid sixties. Five years ago he did not own a cell phone or a computer. Around that time he teamed up with Rocco Ferrera and made two Slapstick Frankenstein Movies" Frankenstein GPS" and "Planet Frankenstein" which had many green screen effects in them.
He also produces a show called JP news which is about reality news in Schenectady New York, it can be seen on Schenectady public access channel and YouTube.
3. Network Break and Elections- Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
Members running in the election may make a brief announcement. All other Members vote for open Board positions durine the network break. This year the following positions are up for election: Vice President, Membership Chair, Media Chair, Internet Services Chair and Fundraising Chair (for a 1 year term).
Please contact Ron Pucherelli if you'd like to be added to the ballot. Members in good standing as of the October meeting may also put their name in for election that evening. Good luck to all participants!
4. Film screening: TBA
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.
$5 admission for non-members
1. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
2. Guest Speakers: Jess Petrequin - Learn about Green Screening!
Jess Petrequin is a part time filmmaker who works 60 hours a week as a barber, but for the past 5 years has been practicing the art of Green Screening. He became interested in filmmaking as a young child after seeing some 8 millimeter home movies on a projector at his aunt and uncles house back in the mid sixties. Five years ago he did not own a cell phone or a computer. Around that time he teamed up with Rocco Ferrera and made two Slapstick Frankenstein Movies" Frankenstein GPS" and "Planet Frankenstein" which had many green screen effects in them.
He also produces a show called JP news which is about reality news in Schenectady New York, it can be seen on Schenectady public access channel and YouTube.
3. Network Break and Elections- Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
Members running in the election may make a brief announcement. All other Members vote for open Board positions durine the network break. This year the following positions are up for election: Vice President, Membership Chair, Media Chair, Internet Services Chair and Fundraising Chair (for a 1 year term).
Please contact Ron Pucherelli if you'd like to be added to the ballot. Members in good standing as of the October meeting may also put their name in for election that evening. Good luck to all participants!
4. Film screening: TBA
- Jon Russell Cring will share his trailer "Echos from The Neighborhood That Disappeared" (approx. 2:05 mins.)
- William Womer and Mark Daws will share their recent film "It's OK to Speak Up" (approx. 1:49 mins).
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.
UIFN December 2015 Meeting Agenda - November 29, 2015
Meeting date: December 1st 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
$5 admission for non-members
1. Board Updates
2. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
3. Guest Speakers: Keith Dayer
Learn about Sound for filmmaking!
Keith has had a long and varied involvement in the Sciences and Engineering fields. His first career was in Atmospheric Research as a project engineer at ASRC-SUNYA. During that time, Keith integrated his love of weather, photography, documentary movie making and sound recording into his work, which often included designing and building photographic instrumentation and educational displays. In 1981, serendipity stepped in when Keith captured a spectacular lightning display from the Clifton Park tornado using his own video equipment, and airing the footage that evening on WRGB, likely making him the first amateur videographer to provide local news footage to a TV station in the Capital Region, which is commonplace today. Keith soon became a regular contributor to the station, providing stills and video of astronomical and weather phenomena and ended up being hired on as a broadcast technician. What followed was a 30 year long career in Broadcasting; mainly at the NY Assembly Radio TV facility, where he was their Chief Engineer. Although Keith’s main responsibility was building and maintaining the television facility, with its studios, edit suites and miles of fiber optics connecting the facility to the Assembly Chamber and public Hearing Rooms, he always jumped at the chance to do set construction or production work, as the creativity of a field shoot was usually more interesting to him than having his head stuck in the back of an equipment rack full of cables. After years of work on the infrastructure of the facility, his favorite accomplishment was doing the multitrack sound design of a half hour video, The Chateau on the Hill, the Story of the NY State Capitol which was aired many times on WMHT.
Today, Keith is retired from the 9 to 5, and is once again pursuing his love of recording both sound and picture. And to think it all began with his dad’s 8mm movie camera and a reel to reel tape recorder.
4. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up. The network break will be extended to celebrate the holidays.
5. Video Submission - Alex Guilderland will share his trailer The Banality of Business (approx. 3 mins.)
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@ui-fn.com.
$5 admission for non-members
1. Board Updates
2. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc.
3. Guest Speakers: Keith Dayer
Learn about Sound for filmmaking!
Keith has had a long and varied involvement in the Sciences and Engineering fields. His first career was in Atmospheric Research as a project engineer at ASRC-SUNYA. During that time, Keith integrated his love of weather, photography, documentary movie making and sound recording into his work, which often included designing and building photographic instrumentation and educational displays. In 1981, serendipity stepped in when Keith captured a spectacular lightning display from the Clifton Park tornado using his own video equipment, and airing the footage that evening on WRGB, likely making him the first amateur videographer to provide local news footage to a TV station in the Capital Region, which is commonplace today. Keith soon became a regular contributor to the station, providing stills and video of astronomical and weather phenomena and ended up being hired on as a broadcast technician. What followed was a 30 year long career in Broadcasting; mainly at the NY Assembly Radio TV facility, where he was their Chief Engineer. Although Keith’s main responsibility was building and maintaining the television facility, with its studios, edit suites and miles of fiber optics connecting the facility to the Assembly Chamber and public Hearing Rooms, he always jumped at the chance to do set construction or production work, as the creativity of a field shoot was usually more interesting to him than having his head stuck in the back of an equipment rack full of cables. After years of work on the infrastructure of the facility, his favorite accomplishment was doing the multitrack sound design of a half hour video, The Chateau on the Hill, the Story of the NY State Capitol which was aired many times on WMHT.
Today, Keith is retired from the 9 to 5, and is once again pursuing his love of recording both sound and picture. And to think it all began with his dad’s 8mm movie camera and a reel to reel tape recorder.
4. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up. The network break will be extended to celebrate the holidays.
5. Video Submission - Alex Guilderland will share his trailer The Banality of Business (approx. 3 mins.)
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@ui-fn.com.
