WORKSHOPS

Register online for workshops! All workshops are free. We're asking you to register because there may be handouts that need photocopying. When you go to the registration page, the "Submit" button says "Paypal" but ignore that - there's no cost to attend a workshop!

REGISTER HERE


Independent Film Fundraising
Friday, August 10, 2007
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Iowa City Public Library, Room A
[Sponsored by the Iowa Film Office]

Ideal for producers/filmmakers who are preparing to raise funds from angel investors, this presentation focuses on the key elements of an independent film business plan, including structure, layout, and research. Also discussed are insights on the ethics and psychology of selling high risk investments, tools for making your deal more attractive, tips for identifying the best financing prospects, and suggestions for maintaining successful relationships with investors.

The presentation will be given by filmmaker Stu Pollard, whose producing credits include Ira & Abby, Dirty Country, Keep Your Distance, and Nice Guys Sleep Alone. His business plans have raised more than $6 million in production funds.


Screenwriting
Saturday, August 11, 2007
10:00am to Noon
Iowa City Public Library, Room A
[Sponsored by the Iowa Motion Picture Association]

Helen Kantor completed her MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA where she studied with Richard Walter. Her approach to screenwriting is influenced by his insight and experience. Working as a one-on-one consultant and writing coach, she has developed her capacity to encourage writing and thinking. She currently teaches for UCLA’s School of Film, Television and Digital Media in their on-line summer session. She also teaches for National University’s Master’s Program in Creative Writing where she has created the syllabus for their online screenwriting courses.


Iowa Film Incentives
Friday, August 10, 2007
1:00pm to 3:00pm
Sheraton Hotel, Lindquist Theater

Iowa's legislature and governor recently enacted a new law to provide incentives to producers who film in Iowa. Tom Wheeler of the Iowa Film Office will present a workshop going over the incentives in detail - how they work, how to take advantage of them, how the incentives benefit the film producers, Iowa businesses, and Iowa film artists. Tom is Iowa's film commissioner and has been there every step of the way as the incentives bill was developed and shepherded through the legislature.


Directing Actors
Saturday, August 11, 2007
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Sheraton Hotel, Lindquist Theater

You’ve got the script, the camera, the lights and the cast, but are you getting the performances you want? Come find out the best tips, tricks, motivations and manipulations for encouraging the best performances out of your actors with renowned actor and director Lonnie Schuyler. Lonnie, who has recently completed the feature film Beneath the Mississippi, got his big acting break on the television program Models Inc. and was a regular on Melrose Place before moving to Iowa with his wife to produce and direct films of his own.


Grant Writing and the Independent Documentary
Friday, August 10, 2007
10:00am to Noon
Sheraton Hotel, Lindquist Theater

In Steve Holmes’ Cynic’s Guide to Filmmaking, he asks “What’s the difference between a documentary filmmaker and a large pizza? A large pizza can feed a family of four.” In spite of this, Steve has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for his independent documentaries, received a CINE Golden Eagle award, and shown his work on PBS and at the baseball Hall of Fame.

Steve will share his insights and experiences on grant writing, creating work samples, distribution, public television and many other topics.


REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS HERE

Stu Pollard

Helen Kantor