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• WIFM Colorado & WIFT-US Present: Scott Takeda - Actors Self-Tape Workshop

  • When
    30 Nov 2023
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  
  

  WIFT US & WIFM Colorado Proudly Present:

  How to Book with Self-Tapes with Scott Takeda

  
  

  Register on Eventbrite

  
  

  WIFVNE and WIFT US members attend for free!
  

  Join us for an exciting online event as we interview the amazing Scott Takeda!

  Did you know that self-tapes are here to stay? It’s true. We’ve talked to a dozens of working casting professionals all across the country. They all agree self-taped auditions are no longer just a pandemic thing. They are the new normal. If you want to work on network TV series, studio feature films and even some major commercials, you’re going to need to audition via self-tape.

  So how is it going for you? Are you getting traction with your self-tape auditions? Do you know what you’re doing? Can you turn a killer audition in a couple hours? Or are they frustrating? Do you worry how you look and sound? Do the technicals drain all the fun out of the work? We get it.

  Scott Takeda is the self-tape expert. He’s been booking on self-tape since 2009 — well before the word “self-tape” existed. He’s booked more than 70 network TV series, studio feature films and even commercials all on self-tape — all while living here in Colorado. The secret is the Takeda Technique.

  It blends filmmaking skill and audition skills. And Scott knows what he’s talking about. He’s a also a professional director with six Emmys. Scott wants to help actors book roles, and filmmaking skills are the secret sauce. They are easy, fun, and low-to-no-cost. And they make a huge difference.

  This spring, several of Scott’s students have booked their first network costar roles, their first guest star roles, one booked a national SAG-AFTRA commercial, another booked a lead in one of those Lifetime holiday films. Another is on a Broadway tour after first booking Broadway on self-tape. Trust us, it’s the tape.

  Give your career a big jump-start and learn about the Takeda Technique. Scott will spend an hour with you, giving you an introduction to the Takeda Technique and answering questions.

  So join the fun and learn how to book with self-tape.

  On tap for the evening:

  Scott will explain how he got started in 2009 because he wanted to book work in New Mexico while living in Colorado. He was able to do this because he's a professional director with six Emmys, so he knew filmmaking techniques and could tape auditions. After a few years, he was the ONLY actor that NM CD’s allowed to tape. Everyone else had to drive to New Mexico to audition. During a 2019 filmmakers convention in Albuquerque, all the NM casting directors suggested he teach. He started teaching three years ago when the pandemic hit.

  Scott will focus on the five basics and why audio is the most important part of every single TV/Film production. He concludes with a live demonstration in his self-tape studio where he starts out showing what most actor self-tapes look and sound like. Then he makes two quick and simple adjustments (one to audio and one to lighting) that makes a night-and-day difference in how actors are perceived on a tape.  Q&A follows. 

  WIFT US is a non-profit organization 501C3; all funds go towards educational and scholarship programs. WIFVNE is a proud member of WIFT US. 

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• WIFVNE Shares: NYWIFT Masterclass Series: Feature Film Budgeting

  • When
    04 Dec 2023
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    online

  
  

  Join NYWIFT for our inaugural Masterclass Series: Feature Film Budgeting with Producer/Line Producer Sirad Balducci.

  You have a great script, the producer loves it…but then they ask the dreaded question. “What’s the budget?”

  Budgeting a feature film can be daunting and overwhelming for any filmmaker, whether they are newcomers or seasoned professionals, and it is a critical step towards getting your movie financed.

  In this three-part masterclass, we will demystify the budgeting process, offering insights into script breakdown and shoot schedules and covering fundamental budgeting basics. We’ll explore how to effectively collaborate with producers, directors, and department heads, and impart strategies to align your movie’s production plan with the creative vision of the project.

  The class is geared toward independent feature films in the 5M range, but also can be applied to short films as well. Materials and budgeting software trials will be provided prior to the start of the class and a Q&A will follow each session. (Registrants will get a free pre-coded NY Movie Magic Budget Template.)

  Price: $25 for Members* / $60 for Non-Members

  Price includes admission for all three sessions.

  
  

  WIFVNE Members receive a discount!

  Please log in to learn how to register with your WIFVNE Member Discount. 

  SESSION 1: SCRIPT BREAKDOWN & SCHEDULING
  Date: Monday, December 4, 2023

  Time: 6:30 – 8pm ET

  Session 1 will focus on how to break down a script and create a shooting schedule for budgeting purposes. We will cover questions for the writer, director and producer; what to look out for; and how to visualize the overall best production plan for the film.

  SESSION 2: BUDGET SET UP, ABOVE THE LINE BUDGETING
  Date:  Monday, December 11, 2023
  Time: 6:30 – 8pm ET

  Session 2 will focus on how to set up your budget, including an overview of union rates, cast fees, P&H, payroll fringes, and above the line fees.

  SESSION 3: BELOW THE LINE, POST AND GENERAL EXPENSES
  Date: Monday, December 18, 2023
  Time: 6:30 – 8pm ET

  Session 3 will cover below the line budgeting, post production, general expenses, legal, tax credits, bonds, and contingencies.

  
  
  

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• Networking Wednesday: Present Your Passion

  • When
    06 Dec 2023
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Zoom meeting
  • Registered
    13 registrants

  Register

  
  

  WIFVNE's Networking Wednesday is an opportunity to connect, share resources, and learn in a low-key environment.  

  Fuel your 2024 creative journey!  Introduce yourself to others who can encourage and support you.  Share what you are working on and what you are working towards.  Let us know what you can offer and what support you seek.  

  
  

  Meet our Guests

  
  

  Corrie Legge is an actor, voiceover artist, creative productivity coach and all-around multi-passionate artist dedicated to the art of storytelling. As an actor and voiceover artist, she has appeared in many independent films, national commercials, animation, video games, audiobooks, and more. As a coach, Corrie helps multi-passionate storytellers and performers overcome artistic blocks and see their creative dreams to fruition without sacrificing the holistically fulfilled life they deserve.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  Jenn Driscoll is a Boston-based Propmaster and Set Dresser. She is active in Local 481’s Women’s Committee, Equity & Justice Committee, and currently serves as the Art Department craft representative on 481‘s Executive Board.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Samantha Davidson Green's current position as Executive Director at JAM (Junction Arts & Media) enables her to merge her directing, teaching, organizational leadership, and activism in work that aims to build community through the media arts. Samantha is an independent filmmaker with a background in public media and education and deep roots in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire, where she is dedicated to nurturing the uniquely rich civic and cultural life that characterizes the community.

  
  

  
  

  And our host
  

  Erica Brookhyser is an accomplished voiceover artist with over 15 years of performing experience. A trained opera singer, Erica completed her voiceover training at Edge Studio in New York. Her background in vocal performance, acting, teaching, and foreign languages brings extra versatility to Erica’s natural vocal richness. A sought-after VO for corporate videos and commercials, her client list includes The Washington Post, Nokia, Thomson Reuters, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Johns Hopkins University among others. www.EricaBrookhyser.com

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• WIFVNE Shares: Shure Audio Institute Wireless Masterclass

  • When
    15 Dec 2023
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Brandeis University, Schneider Building, 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02453

  Shure Audio Institute Wireless Masterclass

  Hosted by Shure at Richard Dean Associates

  
  

  Join Ben Escobedo from the Shure Pro Audio team for an exclusive tutorial on wireless audio equipment. In this session, you'll learn about the basics of wireless signals and transmissions, various antenna types and their placements, common system setup pitfalls, and the more advanced facets of wireless frequency coordination. The engaging and educational session will focus on Shure Axient® Digital and ULX-D® wireless systems, providing you with insightful tips and techniques to optimize your wireless equipment usage.

  Attendance is free and lunch will be provided.

  Registration is required.  Register here!

  Upon successful completion of this training and the subsequent exam, participants will be eligible to earn seven (7) AVIXA CTS Renewal Units (RU) and receive a Shure Certificate of Completion.

  Shure Audio is a WIFVNE Corporate Member. 

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• 49th annual Boston SciFi Film Festival (in-person)

  • Start
    14 Feb 2024
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    19 Feb 2024
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    Somerville, MA

  
  

  Boston SciFi is an 5-day event with distinctive parts: "The Fest" and “The Thon”.

  The Fest is 5 days are a mix of submitted and judged films. Tossed into this will be curated films that our experienced team searches for. They also will add a few classic films, cartoons and more. There are also workshops, panels, and other special events. There a number of events/parties for filmmakers including weekend brunches and evening parties. They are convivial networking opportunities with fellow filmmakers and the industry.

  As with every year, the closing event is “The Marathon”, aka The Thon. Where the greats, the not-so-greats, the not-even-close-to-great films screen in a 13 film, 24 hour roller coaster of cinema and community. Think of it binge viewing with hundreds of your best friends, even if you just met. Since we’ve been doing this for 48 years, we consider ourselves the “Original Binge View.” They also consider themselves a Sci-Fi equivalent of Brigadoon, where every year a small town emerges from the bleak New England winter to warm us up with good stories, good food and good films.

  So welcome to SF49, the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival, the oldest, and perhaps the coolest, genre festival in the US with a passion for film that comes with age.
  

  Learn more and sign up for the newsletter here.
  

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• 49th annual Boston SciFi Film Festival (virtual)

  • Start
    20 Feb 2024
  •  
    7:00 AM
  • End
    25 Feb 2024
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    via Filmocracy

  
  

  Boston SciFi is an 5-day event with distinctive parts: "The Fest" and “The Thon”.

  The Fest is 5 days are a mix of submitted and judged films. Tossed into this will be curated films that our experienced team searches for. They also will add a few classic films, cartoons and more. There are also workshops, panels, and other special events. There a number of events/parties for filmmakers including weekend brunches and evening parties. They are convivial networking opportunities with fellow filmmakers and the industry.

  As with every year, the closing event is “The Marathon”, aka The Thon. Where the greats, the not-so-greats, the not-even-close-to-great films screen in a 13 film, 24 hour roller coaster of cinema and community. Think of it binge viewing with hundreds of your best friends, even if you just met. Since we’ve been doing this for 48 years, we consider ourselves the “Original Binge View.” They also consider themselves a Sci-Fi equivalent of Brigadoon, where every year a small town emerges from the bleak New England winter to warm us up with good stories, good food and good films.

  So welcome to SF49, the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival, the oldest, and perhaps the coolest, genre festival in the US with a passion for film that comes with age.
  

  Learn more and sign up for the newsletter here.
  

  Show details
• Salem Film Fest

  • Start
    21 Mar 2024
  • End
    24 Mar 2024
  • Location
    Salem, MA

  Come to Salem, see the world

  

  Salem Film Fest (SFF) is a leading, award winning international documentary film festival in New England. The 17th edition of our fest will take place March 21-24, 2024 and is returning to an all in-person screening format, with filmmaker q&as as well as parties and other special events.

  Salem Film Fest is a volunteer-run non-profit event focused on bringing the best documentary films and filmmakers to the North Shore community.

  Learn more at salemfilmfest.com.

  
  

  Calling all student documentary filmmakers*!

  Salem Film Fest is currently seeking submissions for their documentary shorts competitions for high school and college students! Selected shorts will screen during the fest, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers in attendance.  

  Submissions are FREE and all forms of documentary are welcome. *Entries must be made by current students or 2023 graduates who live in MA OR attend(ed) a MA college/university. The deadline to submit is March 1, 2024.  WIFVNE is a proud sponsor of Mass Reality Check. Click the links below to learn more. 

  Mass Reality Check (College Students)

  Keeping It Reel (High School Students)

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• Easthampton Film Festival

  • Start
    02 May 2024
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    05 May 2024
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    142 Pleasant Street, Easthampton, MA 01027

  
  

  The Easthampton Film Festival is about showcasing the work of up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world, with a particular focus on celebrating regional talent and themes. Located in the heart of Western Massachusetts's Pioneer Valley, Easthampton is home to a thriving community of artists and musicians, as well as an abundance of fantastic restaurants, cafés, and breweries.

  Calling all filmmakers! Submissions for the EFF24 season are open through February 28. Fee waivers are available for local filmmakers; please contact Chris via the website and visit www.EasthamptonFilmFestival.com for additional festival details.

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• Mystic Film Festival

  • Start
    19 Sep 2024
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    22 Sep 2024
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    Mystic, CT

  
  

  Mystic Film Festival is an annual event showcasing independent feature-length and short-form narrative films and documentaries from around the world. The festival brings together a diverse group of filmmakers and audiences to explore ideas, discuss the filmmaking process, and celebrate creativity. Through engaging community events, industry panels, and film screenings by acclaimed and up-and-coming talent, they aim to make the festival a special experience for filmmakers and audiences alike.

  Now celebrating its seventh year, the festival will take place a little earlier from September 19 - 22, 2024 at venues in Mystic, Connecticut and neighboring shoreline towns. The cornerstone venue is Mystic Luxury Cinemas in Olde Mistick Village. Mystic FF opens with a local premiere and close the festival with an awards event where the best film in each category is recognized. They are expanding their submission categories for 2024.

  The un-produced script competition is now entering its fifth year and continues to be a big success as we continue to grow relationships with key partners in the screenwriting industry. Mystic FF is excited to expand the categories for 2024. The top winners of the screenplay competition will be announced at the festival in September 2024.

  
  

  Submit on Film Freeway

  Learn more about the Mystic Film Festival here.

  
  

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