January 2017 

Meeting date: Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 at 6:30 pm!!
No admission fee!
I. Board Updates - Board members share important updates and reminders regarding UIFN business. 
II. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc. Please keep all announcements brief.
  III. Guest Speaker: Dan Doyle
Update your headshots for 2017! Dan Doyle of Dan Doyle Photography will share styles and tips of headshots used in the business. 
IV. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
VI. Video Submissions: Pending
TBA
The Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network Board:
 Steve O’Connor: President 
Carolyn Cocca: Vice-President 
Thomas Mercer: Membership Chair
Shela O'Shea: Secretary 
Susie Griswold: Programming Chair 
Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair 
Michael Camoin: Fundraising Chair
Laci Lee: Web Chair
Jay Glogowski: Treasurer 

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network 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.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. Visit our website at http://www.ui-fn.com. For more information, e-mail us at info@ui-fn.com. 

​February, March, April and May  minutes coming soon!

​​Meeting date: Tuesday June 6th, 2017 at 6:30 pm!!

I. Board Updates - Board members share important updates and reminders regarding UIFN business.
II. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc. Please keep all announcements brief.
III. Guest Speakers: Author Ray O'Conor  
She Called Him Raymond - A True Story of Love, Loss, Faith and Healing, is the poignant and powerful story of Helen Gregg, the daughter of Irish immigrant parents raised in the miseries of Hell's Kitchen during the Great Depression, and Clarence Raymond Stephenson, an aspiring B-17 pilot from the struggling city of Ironton, Ohio.
 
Fate brought them together in New York City's Central Park in 1942. From the moment their eyes met, they knew their lives would never be the same. This captivating story tells of their struggles and romance, his heroic exploits as a B-17 pilot, and the tragedy that tears them apart. It is a lesson about faith, a love that could never die, and about a promise that had to be kept, no matter how long or how hard it might be to fulfill.
James Bradley, #1 NY Times Best Selling Author of Flags of Our Fathers, said it is a story that, "… touches the heart and stirs the soul."
 Author Ray O'Conor abandoned his career as a bank CEO to write this story. A screenplay adaptation is under development. Ray has written weekly columns and opinion pieces for newspapers and published articles in regional magazines. He has been the subject of newspaper, television, and magazine stories on topics ranging from endurance sports and mountaineering, to writing, business and politics. Prior careers found Ray as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent and Special Agent with the Department of Defense. He now devotes his time to writing, public speaking and serving as the CEO of a not for profit community development company.
 Ray's avocations are hiking and mountain climbing.
IV. Network Break - Bring your business cards and enjoy networking and catching up.
V. Video Submission: Faton Balaj will share his short "The Choise" (approx 7 mins.)
The Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network Board:
 Steve O’Connor: President 
Carolyn Cocca: Vice-President 
Thomas Mercer: Membership Chair
Sheila O'Shea: Secretary 
Susie Griswold: Programming Chair 
Michael Camoin: Fundraising Chair
Jay Glogowski: Web Chair
Michalina Scorzelli: Media Chair 
Where we’re located:
Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network 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.
Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. Visit our website at http://www.ui-fn.com. For more information, e-mail us at info@ui-fn.com. 
Upstate Independents Film Network Meeting,Tuesday,June 01, 2017.
Susie Griswold; Facilitator
Approximately 35 members or more present.
The meeting started on time at 6:30pm at The Linda in Albany.
Guest speaker Ray O'Conor
Film showings:
1.) The Choice by Faton (Tony) Balaj  
2.) A promo about "Scared to Debt" presented by Celeste Balducci
    Announcements:
UIFN will not meet on Tuesday July 4th because of the national holiday.  An alternate date will be arranged with The Linda and announced. 
Susie Griswold's film, Bumpin Uglies will be shown at the GE Theatre, Thursday,7pm, June 15th 2017.  Please rsvp at https://bumpinugliesprivatescreening.eventbrite.com/
 Guest Speaker: Ray O'Cono
Raymond shared how he uncovered a touching World War II love story in his own family and came to write and publish a book about it.  He is now working with others on a screenplay and hopes that a movie can be made based on his book.  He got the idea when his mother turned 80. On her birthday, she took him into a private room to show him a letter that was addressed to his mom from her first husband who was killed during the war as a B-17 pilot.   This launched Ray on a mission to track down veterans and family members of his mother's first husband.  He gathered so much interesting material he felt he had to quit his job and dedicate himself to writing a book about it all.  
Raymond was very captivating telling his story.  He is interested in help from UIFN members getting his book made into a movie.   He has a website: Shecalledhimraymond.com
Film showings:
1.) "The Choice" by Faton (Tony) Balaj, edited by Jo Blakk. A film about love and tragedy. A man chooses his wife over guns and during a robbery, without any guns for protection, he saves his wife but he himself is killed.  Filmed one day at his business and his home. NY Pizza in Latham, Columbia St.
2.) "Scared to Debt" online promo presented by Celeste Balducci.  Documentary film in progress about student loan debt crisis; future stakes. After filming U.S. presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein, she offers a brief statement of endorsement.  While the crisis cuts across ALL political parties and their respective constituents, this clip was targeted to the thousands of followers of Dr. Stein. Mike Camoin director/DP and also producing w/Cynthia Pooler Assoc. producer.  John Bradley served as a grip/swing during filming.
Visiting us again after a long time out
1.) From NYC, Christina Vincik, for two weeks and then she heads back.
2.) From California, Kevin Craig West for a project here in NY and the Premier Screening of Bumpin Uglies that he help support for Susie Griswold.
3.) Steven Philips with Kevin C. West
 New attendees/guests:
1.) Shari Hoffman Simsek:
2.) Jason ?
3.) Charity Bukbee
4.) Lori Ponder
5.) Stephen Pelletier
6.) Diane Frederick
We adjourned at about 8:45.  Some of the attendees continued to network and socialize at nearby restaurant  “Salsa Latina” 
Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network will not meet on July 4th! Happy Independence Day! 

​Meeting date: Tuesday October 3rd, 2017 at 6:30 pm.  
I. Board Updates - Board members share important updates and reminders regarding UIFN business.
II. Announcements - members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc. Please keep all announcements brief.
II. Guest Speaker: NORMAN C. BERNS    Movie Budgeting Trainer – Producer/DGA Director
Norman C. Berns is an Emmy-winning producer and director. His three-part documentary series, The Writing Code, recently aired on PBS.  Beginning as a theatre director, the full scope of his production work includes features and documentaries, TV series and commercials. At Equinox Films in New York, Norman produced a series of "Intermission Features" for The Metropolitan Opera’s "Live from the Met" broadcasts. Of the nine films, "Young Wonders" was expanded into a PBS special; his work on La Boehme garnered an Emmy.
A certified Movie Magic instructor, Norman was an early beta tester for Screenplay Systems budgeting and scheduling programs and was part of the Set Management development team that created ProductionPro Budget. A columnist for the seminal online publication, WebZine Weekly, Norman has also written for The Directors Guild and Tripod, Inc. His irregular columns appeared in BTL News and he blogged for ReelGrok, Pavaline and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/normancberns/detail/recent-activity/posts/)
He is a consultant to the Roy W. Dean Film & Video Grants, on the Board of Advisors for People With Disabilities Broadcasting Corporation and the local Capital Cinema Cultural Exchange and its filmmakers’ labs. Norman is moderator of The Budgeting Group, owner of Reelgrok and the massive LinkedIn group Film and Television Professionals. Norman has taught film production and software for Media Services, The Directors Guild, Filmmakers Bootcamp and others.  In addition to his production work, Norman teaches a series of online seminars covering the fundamentals of filmmaking, from script breakdown to successful pitching. His live eight-hour seminar has been presented in New York and Los Angeles.  He is a member of DGA, SAG and Actors Equity.
Contact: ncberns@gmail.com
           IV. Network Break - Bring your business cards. Enjoy networking and catching up.


 V. Video Submission: Michael Turner and Susie Griswold will share the UIFN PSA "Stop the Stigma - Summer Smith 5k Run" (approx. 10 mins).

 The Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network Board:

Steve O’Connor: President 
Carolyn Cocca: Vice-President 
Thomas Mercer: Membership Chair
Sheila O'Shea: Secretary 
Susie Griswold: Programming Chair 
Michael Camoin: Fundraising Chair
Jay Glogowski: Web Chair
Michalina Scorzelli: Media Chair 

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network 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.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. Visit our website at http://www.ui-fn.com. For more information, e-mail us at info@ui-fn.com.

Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network meets the first Tuesday of the Month at WAMC's The Linda in Albany NY 


Meeting date: Tuesday November 7th, 2017 at 6:30 pm.  
I. Board Updates - Board members share important updates and reminders regarding UIFN business.
II. Announcements - Members and guests share upcoming projects, shows, seminars, etc. Please keep all announcements brief.
II. Guest Speakers: Jeff Lazarou and Matthew Connors - Production Insurance

Jeff Lazarou of Lazarou Insurance

Jeff Lazarou started his career at John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1986 as a Life Insurance Agent.  Jeff entered into the field of Group Health Benefits with The Prudential in 1989.  In September of 1996 Jeff opened his doors at 41 Market St. in Amsterdam and has been serving the needs of families and businesses in this community ever since. 
His community involvement extends to his position as past Vice President and Treasurer on the Board of Trustees of the Amsterdam Free Library and has also served as past Board President and Treasurer of the Valley Rural Housing Corporation and is currently the Executive Director which serves all of Montgomery County. 
Jeff holds the following industry licenses and designations: Property & Casualty Insurance Agent and Broker Life, Accident & Health Insurance Agent Health Insurance Associate Designation
Matthew Connors of Philadelphia Insurance Companies


PHLY is a team of motivated, high achievers committed to delivering innovative products and unsurpassed service to niche insurance markets. By maintaining a disciplined approach to business, we provide greater security for our policyholders and superior value for our shareholder. We believe that integrity and mutual respect are the foundation of long-term and fulfilling relationships with our employees, customers, and business partners.
Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) headquartered in Bala Cynwyd, PA, designs, markets, and underwrites commercial Property/Casualty and Professional Liability insurance products, incorporating value-added coverages and services for select industries. By maintaining a disciplined approach to business, we provide greater security for our policyholders and superior value for our shareholder. PHLY operates 50 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service Rated "A++" (Superior) by the A.M. Best Company Rated "A+" by Standard & Poor's A member of the Tokio Marine Group, Japan's oldest and leading Property/Casualty insurer and one of the 10 largest insurance groups in the world*
        IV. Elections - Members will vote on open Board positions during the network break. Please refer to previous emails for         election details and voting requirements.
        V. Network Break - Bring your business cards. Enjoy networking and catching up.
         VI. Election results. 

 The Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network Board:

Steve O’Connor: President 
Carolyn Cocca: Vice-President 
Thomas Mercer: Membership Chair
Sheila O'Shea: Secretary 
Susie Griswold: Program Chair 
Michael Camoin: Fundraising Chair
Jay Glogowski: Web Chair
Michalina Scorzelli: Media Chair 

This Tuesday come out and see what creative projects UIFN members have produced in 2017 and enjoy a small treat while you network!

The Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network Board:

Steve O’Connor: President 
Carolyn Cocca: Vice-President 
Michael Turner: Membership Chair
Sheila O'Shea: Secretary 
Susie Griswold: Program Chair 

Jay Glogowski: Web Chair
Michalina Scorzelli: Media Chair 

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independent Filmmakers Network 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.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. Visit our website at http://www.ui-fn.com. For more information, e-mail us at info@ui-fn.com.
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