Wednesday, April 28, 2010

FREE! Media Workshops w/ APPALSHOP!

Appalshop is a non-profit multi-disciplinary arts and education center in the heart of Appalachia producing original films, video, theater, music and spoken-word recordings, radio, photography, multimedia, and books.

Appalshop's education and training programs support communities' efforts to solve their own problems in a just and equitable way. Each year, Appalshop productions and services reach several million people nationally and internationally.

Appalshop is dedicated to the proposition that the world is immeasurably enriched when local cultures garner the resources, including new technologies, to tell their own stories and to listen to the unique stories of others. The creative acts of listening and telling are Appalshop's core competency.

Producing stories and new media from Baltimore to be aired on The Marc Steiner Show on WEAA-FM. All workshops are free and open to the public. SPACE is LIMITED, call to register 410-276-1651 or www.creativealliance.org

Mon-Wed May 10-12
Narrative Campaigns for Grassroots Organizations
Use low-cost video, radio, and web to create public education campaigns on pressing social issues. Learn by doing: conducting interviews on the impacts of the criminal justice system, they will edit a short online piece for Thousand Kites website. Wed class is Up the Ridge screening. 7-9pm.

Wed-Fri May 12-14
Making Waves
Learn basic hands on skills to produce community radio, by doing a series of street interviews about the U.S. criminal justice system. Wed class is Up the Ridge doc screening about effects of using community radio for social change in Appalachia. 7-9pm.

Sat May 15
Appalshop’s Roadside Theater Story-Circle Workshop
Story circle methodology, developed over 20 years to encourage deep listening, verbal expression, and appreciation for the cultural gifts of diverse groups of people is used successfully by community activists, artists, community groups and teachers to discuss and reflect upon difficult issues, collect oral history, write plays, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to record their stories for a special radio and webcast. 1:30pm-4:30pm.

Wed May 12
Thousand Kites: Baltimore
UP THE RIDGE
Documentary Screening & Poetry Reading
In prison slang, a kite is a message that slips in or out of prison walls. In their documentary Up the Ridge Appalshop—Appalachia’s premier center for cultural production—examines the destabilizing effects of new Appalachian prisons, positing as the economic replacement of the declining mining industry. Violence has risen inside the prisons and in the homes of prison guards. Bashi Rose reads poetry written by prisoners in Hagerstown’s DRAMA Club. Q&A follows. 7pm. FREE.


Presented as part of Creative Alliance’s URBAN/APPALACHIA program series.
Supported by the Maryland Humanities Council and Baltimore Housing

All workshops and screenings take place at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224 www.creativealliance.org

Take 5 with Healing Neen Editor and Producer Thom Stromer


Healing Need premieres Thu Apr 29 at 7pm. Thom produced the film, with Laura Cain. We kick off the screening with a live set from Caleb Stine (who also scored the flim.)

1. What’s the last movie you loved and what was the last movie you hated?

Last movie Loved: “We Live in Public” directed by Ondi Timoner. Chaos, ego, drugs, sex, guns, voyeurism, technology…what’s not to love?

Last Movie Hated: “Seven Signs” directed by J.D. Wilkes. For the record: I LOVE J.D.WILKES as lead singer for Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers… However, I feel his skills as a Director are severely lacking particularly in terms of Directing in the edit room. He stated that “Seven Signs” would be a response to “Searching for the wrong eyed Jesus” which was a documentary that I truly loved so my expectations were really high.

“Seven Signs” was ok but it completely fell apart in the final 10 mins. He slapped together a hokey montage with Slim Cessna’s Auto Club in the background that tied nothing together and served as an amateur attempt at finishing a film. It felt like a dick tease.

2. What’s your guilty pleasure movie or TV show?
My wife Carolyn got me into “Project Runway”. I love our heated discussions about the designs and the personalities and also we discuss how the show is edited.
I enjoy watching the designers at crunch time. It reminds me of the rush of pulling things out of your ass in the last seconds of an edit session just before a crushing deadline.

3. How’d you get into filmmaking?
I wanted to be an audio engineer. I went to school for that and video. I found out I suck at audio engineering. I pivoted to video. End of story.

4. What’s your fave piece of gear?
It sounds lazy but if you are an editor you will understand - my chair.

Due to the fact of how many hours I am in a chair editing, I need a chair that comforts and cradles my buttocks but helps keep my posture straight.

I also need a chair in which I can thrash around, bounce up and down, and spin while screaming. I go into spastic fits and roll about the room throwing myself into walls muttering obscenities and trying to make myself dizzy. It helps break up the day and I find glimmers of insight in those fits.


5. What’s the one thing you’d warn a new filmmaker NOT to do on their first film?

Well, It is the MOST difficult thing to do as a new OR experienced filmmaker. That is - NOT DOING TOO MANY JOBS AT ONCE.

We all are control freaks, we all have vision, we all want perfection But you can’t do it all by yourself. You need to let go of your ego and find other people more qualified to handle the big jobs you aren’t good at. You need to focus on one or two of your strongest skills and hand off the rest.

www.healingneen.com

Edit Demo April 2010 from Thom Stromer on Vimeo.

Friday, April 23, 2010

May/Jun CAmm Workshops!

CAmm FILM VIDEO DIGITAL WORKSHOPS
Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224 Info & reg: www.creativealliance.org 410-276-1651

1st Mondays May 3, Jun 7
CAmm Cine Lounge
Critique & meet-n-greet! Indie filmmakers, bring a new short or work in progress (15 min max) and have a critical conversation with peers, plus film industry guest speakers. Bring your business cards, headshots, and press packets! Bar is open! Email cammcinelounge@gmail.com for info. 7pm. $8, $6 mbrs.

3 Tuesdays May 4, 11, 18
Directing Actors for the Camera
An introductory workshop helping actors and directors begin the transition from individual artists to committed collaborators. Actors learn how to help directors tell the story, and directors learn how to help actors do their best work. Instr. George Andre Tittle. 7-10pm. Adv reg $150, $125 mbrs. Walk-in $180, $155 mbrs.

2nd or 4th Mon May 10, 24, Jun 7, 21
CAmm Cage Orientation
A required FREE workshop for anyone renting equipment from the CAmm Cage. Meet the staff, preview our gear, and get the low down on how to rent. Only one session required. 7-8pm. Free!

3 Wednesdays May 12, 19, 26
Intro to After Effects
Adobe After Effects is the software of choice for pro quality motion graphics and special effects for video. Get to know the interface, tools, and applications. Instr. Craig Herron. 7-9pm. Adv reg $125, $100 mbrs. Walk-in $170, $145 mbrs.

3rd Mondays May 17, Jun 21
CAmm Cage Happy Hour Talks
Meet CAmm Cage & Media Lab staff. Tips on different topics each month. Network. Free Natty Boh & Pizza! 6-7pm. FREE!

Sat May 22
Special Effects Makeup for TV & Film
Cheap, effective and realistic techniques for your next horror film or disaster simulation. Steve Bauer and Marianne Wittelsberger work for Paramount, Fox, MGM, Universal and Disney. 10am-Noon. Adv reg $45, $40 mbrs. Walk-in $55, $50 mbrs. Incl. materials fee.

4th Tuesdays May 25, Jun 22
Baltimore Screenwriters’ Meet Up
An informal meeting for pro & aspiring screenwriters! Coffee, networking, moral support, feedback on works in progress, peer advice and inspiration included! 7-9pm. $5.

Sat Jun 5
Guerilla Music Video Production
Make your no-budget music video look like a million bucks! Learn from one of Baltimore’s best known hip hop artists, Labtekwon. Topics include: natural and low-budget artificial lighting, creating perspective using camera angles, multi-camera techniques. 10am-4pm. Adv reg $105, $90 mbrs. Walk-in $140, $125 mbrs.

Sun Jun 6
Stonehenge XI: Mass Audition for Indie Film
Stonehenge is a regional “speed-casting” event. Actors, chosen by lottery, perform 90-second monologues in front of local filmmakers. Filmmakers see more than 120 actors in person and projected on screen. Info & registration: www.teamjabberwocky.com. Doors 9am, auditions 10am. Filmmakers: $25, $20 mbrs. by 5/21; $50, $40 mbrs by 6/2; $75 late reg. Actors: FREE, but reg. req’d.

3 Wednesdays Jun 9, 16, 23
Final Cut Pro 101
Get started with Final Cut Pro! Learn system set-up, how to capture video and work with DV & HD footage, editing tips, basic titles, transitions, and more. Instr. Nick Prevas. 7-9pm. Adv reg $125, $100 mbrs. Walk-in $170, $145 mbrs.

Sat Jun 12
One-Man Film Crew’s Perfect Short Promo
Learn the art and craft of visual storytelling in a short format (30 sec to 2 min). Shoot and edit video, photos, music, archival footage, and anything else, to make the perfect short promotional film. Instr. Christopher Reed. 10am-4pm w/ lunch break. Adv reg $105, $90 mbrs. Walk-in $140, $125 mbrs.

Thu Jun 17
Social Media 101
Whether you want to promote your own work, brainstorm with fellow artists, find potential clients or maintain an online portfolio, the Internet has an answer. Justin Kownacki has been explaining the basics of social media to artists and CEOs alike since 2006. 7-9pm. Adv reg $20, $15 mbrs. Walk-in $30, $25 mbrs.

Sat Jun 19
Search Engine Marketing
Make your website visible and attract traffic from Google, Yahoo, and bing with basic SEM (Search Engine Marketing)! Plus an overview of the search engine marketing process. Bring your url for on-the-spot review and recommendations! Instr. Catherine Pancake. 10am-1pm. Adv reg $35, $30 mbrs. Walk-in $45, $40 mbrs.

Sat Jun 26
Independent Filmmakers’ Legal Guide
Discuss legal aspects of filmmaking, including script registration, option agreements and domestic and foreign distribution agreements. Bring questions! Instr. Jaia Thomas runs an entertainment law practice. 10am-1pm. Adv reg $35, $30 mbrs. Walk-in $45, $40 mbrs.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Take 6 Interview with CAmm Intern James Berbert!

1. What's the last movie you loved and what was the last movie you hated?
The last movie I loved was Mother Night and the last movie I hated was probably Inglourious Basterds.

2. What's your guilty pleasure movie or TV show?
I have no guilty pleasures. I'm not ashamed of anything that stimulates me, but I do recognize my quasi-addiction to ABC's Lost is pretty silly. Sure is poorly shot and totally nonsensical, but it's so compelling! Close ups, strategically places cuts, screeching violins...it's no less an epic of modern civilization than Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey were to the ancient Greeks.

3. What kind of films do you make?
I have made a PSA for FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement), an animal rights organization that promotes veganism and takes an abolitionist stance concerning the use and consumption of animal products.

4. How'd you get into filmmaking?
I saw Clerks by Kevin Smith.

5. What's your fave piece of gear?
The tripods. They don't get enough love.

6. Why did you decide to do an internship at Creative Alliance Movie Makers? What projects have you been working on here?
I was disillusioned with the institution of higher education, but I still wanted to still purse the world of video and film. My video professor at the time highly recommended that I apply for an internship to Creative Alliance, and so I did, and now I'm answering these questions. Here at Creative Alliance I make short videos promoting artists and their shows here at the Patterson. They're all on our YouTube page. http://www.youtube.com/cammcage

James Berbert, in addition to interning at Creative Alliance Movie Makers, is an animal rights activist. He recently helped to produce this video for Meatout:


To read more about this video, click here.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

CAmm Film/Vid News MAR 2010

__
UPCOMING CREATIVE ALLIANCE EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS–
All Creative Alliance events take place at the Creative Alliance 3134 Eastern Ave, 21224
Info and tix/registration: 410-276-1651 www.creativealliance.org
--
Fri Apr 9, 7pm.
$8, $6 mbrs, stus.
Trophies! Cash Prizes! Cake! Check out the best of B-more’s booming student film scene. Jury selects docs, narratives, animation, and avant garde! These up-and-coming filmmakers bring us incompetent sci-fi super heros, crazy landlords with crazier tenants, first dates with cannabals, bad days, music videos, and lots more! Cast your votes for audience choice awards!!

Sat Apr 10
Shoot Like a Pro
Network cameraman Tim Keating shares tips for the better, faster, cheaper, one-man-band business environment: lighting, interviews, formats, composition, best practices. Make your next shoot run smoothly. Beginners to intermediate. 10am-4pm (w/ lunch break). Adv reg $105, $90 mbrs. Walk-in $140, $125 mbrs.

Sat Apr 17
Intro to Photoshop & Digital Images
Get Photoshop and digital images working for you! How to get photos into your computer, edit, and save in the correct file format and size for print and web. Tips for creating digital portfolios for cds or web, emailing images, and basic Photoshop tools. Instr. Violet Glaze. 10am-4pm (w/ lunch break). Adv reg $125, $100 mbrs. Walk-in $170, $145.

Thu Apr 29
CAmm Indie Premiere: Healing Neen
Co-presented by Maryland Disability Law Center
w/ live performance by Caleb Stine
Healing Neen follows the amazing recovery of Tonier “Neen” Cain from a lifetime of abuse and drug addiction to a career as a nationally-known speaker and educator. Her story points to the consequences of untreated trauma to individuals and society at-large, including mental health problems, addiction, homelessness and incarceration. Caleb Stine (who scored the film) opens with a live set. Q&A w/ producers Laura Cain, Thom Stromer and Tonier Cain follows. Dir. Laura Cain, 2010, 54 min. Music 7pm. Film 7:30pm $8, $6 mbrs.

3 Tuesdays May 4, 11, 18
Directing Actors For The Camera
An Introductory Workshop For Actors & Directors
An introductory workshop designed to help actors and directors begin the transition from individual artists to committed collaborators. Actors will learn how to help directors tell the story, and directors will learn how to help actors do their best work. Instr. George Andre Tittle. 7-10pm. Adv reg $150, $125 mbrs. Walk-in $180, $155 mbrs.


*+*+*+
Funding Ops
*+*+*+
**The Women In Animation Phyllis Craig Scholarship Fund** - $1,000 scholarship for a student who is studying animation at an accredited institution, demonstrates artistic talent, and desires to make animation her career. The winner will also receive a one-year membership to Women In Animation. Applicants must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited animation program, must be U.S. citizens, and must be in financial need. Submissions must include a portfolio or reel, a 500-word essay outlining education and career goals and explaining financial need, a written recommendation from a teacher or mentor, and a copy of student ID, in addition to an application form (available on website). All materials must be submitted together and labeled with name and contact information. Women In Animation, Phyllis Craig Scholarship, P.O. Box 17706, Encino, CA 91416, (818) 759-9596, http://womeninanimation.org/. Deadline: April 29, 2010
**Women in Film Finishing Fund** – Provides cash awards ranging from $1,000-$15,000, as well as in-kind services, for the completion of films by, for or about women. Open to short and long formats in all genres, including narrative, documentary, educational, animated and experimental. Principle photography and rough cut must be completed by time of application. Applications accepted from filmmakers around the world (men may apply, as long as their work is about or for women). Student projects ineligible. See website for complete guidelines and application. Women In Film Foundation, Los Angeles Office, 6100 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 710, Los Angeles, CA 90048, T: (323) 935-2211, foundation@wif.org, http://www.wif.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=114&Itemid=88. Deadline: April 30, 2010

*+*+*+
Local Film Events & Classes
*+*+*+
FILMSTERS ACADEMY CLASSES, Summer 2010
For more information on our FILM CAMP at Key School Click here
Section 1 & 2 - BEGINNING FILMMAKERS
(EACH A ONE-WEEK PROGRAM)
Young filmmakers will be challenged to learn the basics of filmmaking through guided “hands-on” instruction and experience. In small groups, they will learn how to create and develop a story idea, write, produce, shoot, direct and edit a movie (video). Students will work in teams to complete a short 5-8 minute film while learning, creating and having fun led by experienced industry professionals using digital video cameras and editing equipment. Note: Friday will be a full day.
A materials fee of $50 is due at the first class.

http://www.filmstersacademy.com/

--
WIDE ANGLE MEDIA BENEFIT Mon. April 12th 6-8pm @ Center Stage
Baltimore Leaders and Youth Honored at “Growing a Local Legacy”

Wide Angle Youth Media celebrates the opening of our 5th Annual Who Are You? Youth Media Festival with a reception and benefit celebrating our local assets. “Growing a Local Legacy: Opening Reception and Benefit” is hosted by Ira Weinstein, corporate sponsorship chair, Reznick Group, PC. Keynote speaker: Ron Shapiro, Chairman- Shapiro Negotiations Institute and counsel to the firm Shapiro, She Guinot & Sandler. This event will feature a gallery exhibit, happy hour with light fare including local artisan cheese from Maryland farms, courtesy Bon Appetite, a silent auction featuring a Charm City Cake from local Food Network stars “Ace of Cakes”, and Charm City Roller Girls circulating the crowd, acting as servers.

Wide Angle Youth Media provides Baltimore youth with real-world learning in the media arts to help them become self-aware social citizens. From afterschool video-making to a youth-run television show and festival, Wide Angle uses media to make a difference. For more information, visit www.wideanglemedia.org.
Where: CENTERSTAGE, 700 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD., about 10 minutes away from Wide Angle. www.centerstage.org
CONTACT: Gin Ferrara
(410) 338-0947
gin@wideanglemedia.org

*+*+*+
Calls for Entry
*+*+*+
--
Sat Jun 12
Creative Alliance BIG SHOW
The dropoff date for The Big Show—our annual all hung members’ exhibition–is an event in itself. Every member is invited to submit one work of art, ready to be installed, and no more than 36” wide. Video works 5min or less will be displayed on a monitor in looped programs. All genres, including trailers welcome. Submit Quicktime .mov. Info: creativealliance.org or call 410-276-1651. Noon-5pm. FREE f/ mbrs–JOIN TODAY!
Creative Alliance at The Patterson 3134 Eastern Ave www.creativealliance.org

The 48 Hour Film Project is back in Charm City June 11-13!
Registration opens April 8.

It's hard to believe it will be the sixth year, but unless my ability to count on my fingers has deteriorated significantly, it is our sixth birthday!

You can sign up at http://www.48hourfilm.com/baltimore

Space will be limited, so sign up early. Sign up early, and you will also receive a discount for early bird registration.

I'm pleased to announce that all films will screen at the lovely Charles Theatre again this year, and the big Baltimore winner will go head to head with other city winners in a no-holds barred, cage match to determine the best 48 Hour Film of 2010.

For more info about the 48 Hour Film Project, or to join a team (as talent or crew) check out the website http://www.48hourfilm.com/
To sign up for the one and only Baltimore 48HFP, go to http://www.48hourfilm.com/baltimore
AND if you have questions, contact Rob Hatch at rob@48hourfilm.com


--
The DC Shorts Film Festival LATE DEADLINE is May 16th! The Screenplay Competitions LATE DEADLINE is May 31st!
http://dcshorts.com

The DC Shorts Film Festival (September 9-16, 2010) turns the spotlight on truly independent short films, created by new and established filmmakers in an era when the art of filmmaking is opening to all. We select films of every genre and niche for our competition screenings - with a special focus on films created by metropolitan Washington, DC-based directors and writers. After each screening, filmmakers have the opportunity to speak to the audience as part of a moderated panel. Cash prizes and all entries receive judges' feedback!
http://dcshorts.com/film
--


*+*+*+
Crew Calls
*+*+*+
i am looking for production assistants, assistant directors, and some other crew members - for a short film i am producing & directing
: april 12/13/14 at this mansion in potomac, md



Regards, Jai Mata Di - Manan Singh Katohora manan.katohora@jmd-creations.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1355459/
(27 imdb credits)

*+*+*+
Jobs
*+*+*+

BMA SEEKING TEACHING ARTISTS FOR SUMMER CAMP
Deadline: April 16, 2010
The Baltimore Museum of Art is seeking creative and energetic teaching artists to design and lead art activities as part of its new summer camp program. Teaching artists will collaborate with BMA educators to develop age-appropriate gallery and studio lessons that encourage children to develop skills for thinking about, understanding, and making art. Successful applicants will be responsible for selecting and preparing art materials, demonstrating techniques and processes, motivating students, and maintaining a safe and creative environment.
Teaching artists will be selected for Creativity Camp (June 21-25) and Craft Camp (July 19-30). Creativity Camp is designed for 8-12 year olds and seeks to foster and expand campers’ imaginative responses to the BMA Collection while developing important creative thinking skills. Craft Camp engages 12-14 year olds in an interactive exploration of materials and techniques in the Collection, using them as inspiration for innovative craft activities.
Applicants must have experience working with children ages 8 - 12 and/or 12 – 14 in a studio setting and have a good understanding of child development. Successful candidates will possess a solid understanding of traditional and unconventional artistic methods and materials and be able to inspire creativity in young people. Good organizational, time management and interpersonal skills are a must. Experience teaching from works of art is desirable. This position is ideal for innovative and imaginative individuals who have a passion for introducing children and teens to the world of art.
These are two paid contract positions. Creativity Camp offers a $750 honoraria; Craft Camp offers a $1500 honoraria. Project development and preparation hours to be determined in concert with the BMA’s Education staff. Hours are from 9 to 5, Monday through Friday during camp offerings (June 21-25; July 19-30). Please submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references, and 2 – 3 related samples (in digital format only - Include a web address, as needed). In your submission e-mail as the subject line, please list your first and last name and your camp preference if availability limits your consideration to only one camp. Professional references should be listed as follows:

First and Last name, Title
Years known
Phone # and email address
Mailing address
Deadline: April 16, 2010
No phone calls please.

Send email submissions to:
Lauren Haney, Manager of Family Learning at lhaney@artbma.org.
--
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND DESIGNER, BCCC, CATONSVILLE

The Community College of Baltimore County seeks a creative and experienced technical director to oversee a 450-seat modified thrust facility and design for student performing arts program. Additional teaching duties possible. MA or MFA and design experience required. Full-time, 12-month position with benefits. For position description and to apply, please visit www.ccbcmdjobs.com
click “search postings.”


**This list is compiled as a service of CAmm. If you’d like to post an announcement, call, or event OR if you’d like to be removed from this list please email Kristen@creativealliance.org**
--
Like what CAmm has to offer? Want to be a part of it and support local film and video making in Baltimore? Become a member!
http://www.creativealliance.org/membership/index.html

CAmm Cage & Media Lab
Gear for your creative and documentation needs!
Workshops, tutoring, gear and editing rentals!
M & F 3pm-7pm
Email Jaimes! cage@creativealliance.org

Follow us online!

CAmm Cage Blog (news, local films, tutorials, handy links!) cammcage.blogspot.com
Twitter twitter.com/cammcage
YouTube youtube.com/cammcage
Do It Yourself Media Field Guide! www.creativealliance.org/camm/distro_guide.pdf

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

2 great workshops this month at Creative Alliance!

Sat Apr 10
Shoot Like a Pro
Network cameraman Tim Keating shares tips for the better, faster, cheaper, one-man-band business environment: lighting, interviews, formats, composition, best practices. Make your next shoot run smoothly. Beginners to intermediate. 10am-4pm (w/ lunch break). Adv reg $105, $90 mbrs. Walk-in $140, $125 mbrs.

Sat Apr 17
Intro to Photoshop & Digital Images
Get Photoshop and digital images working for you! How to get photos into your computer, edit, and save in the correct file format and size for print and web. Tips for creating digital portfolios for cds or web, emailing images, and basic Photoshop tools. Instr. Violet Glaze. 10am-4pm (w/ lunch break). Adv reg $125, $100 mbrs. Walk-in $170, $145.

Creative Alliance at The Patterson
3134 Eastern Ave
Baltimore, MD 21224

Info and registration: creativealliance.org, 410-276-1651

Indie Film Blogs

Live feeds from some of our favorite indie film blogs!

Citypaper.com Arts and Minds

Salon: Beyond the Multiplex

SpoutBlog

Film: Film blog | guardian.co.uk

IFC.com - Indie Eye

doc it out

Filmmaker Magazine

Citypaper.com CPTV