Workshops
The digital revolution is upon us! Come learn the cameras used by industry professionals and independent filmmakers alike. The workshop will discuss different cameras and compare shooting formats, including DSLRs, HDV, DVCPRO HD, XDCAM HD, 2K, 4K, and AVCHD. Topics include lenses, compression, power, mobility, lighting issues and new post-production problems. Camera options for narrative, documentary, and commercial applications will also be covered.
Spring 2012
Saturday, May 19, 10am – 4pm
Tuition: $95/80 members
Limit: 12 students
Instructor: Chris Peppey
Wednesday, May 23, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Free Admission
On June 29, 2012, Chicken & Egg Pictures' 2012 Summer Open Call will invite women filmmakers and men co-directing with women to apply for grants matched by mentorship for their projects. Led by Chicken and Egg co-founder Judith Helfand, this workshop will focus on best practices for applying to Chicken and Egg Pictures, highlight and explore the narrative strategies that have led to effective story-driven proposals and trailers as well as concrete examples of why projects have not been funded.
This is a follow-up event to Judith’s presentation at the sold-out Fundraising for Documentaries panel at Chicago Filmmakers in January, and at the Documentary Summit at Columbia College in April, both of which were co-sponsored by Kartemquin Films. Come prepared to ask questions and learn about writing an effective LOA, what goes into a dynamic and authentic bio, pitch your film/story to a circle of comrades, and share examples of the work-in-progress, scene or “trailer” you might be applying with (bring your DVD!) and get frank/supportive feedback on the spot. Public feedback will be as useful to you as it is to the room of your fellow filmmakers -- and we will choose to screen those excerpts on a first come first serve basis.
Help create a circle of collaboration, community and chickflickship -- that stays in Chicago!
MEN who are collaborating/co-directing/producing with WOMEN who are in leadership positions are welcome. This is just for DOCUMENTARIES — shorts & features. Interactive projects are welcome but are seldom funded.
Chicken & Egg Pictures is a hybrid film fund and nonprofit production company dedicated to supporting women filmmakers who are as passionate about the craft of storytelling as they are about the social justice, environmental and human rights issues they’re exploring on film.
For more information on Kartemquin Films, visit their website at http://kartemquin.com.
For more information on Chicken and Egg Pictures, visit their website at http://www.chickeneggpics.org.
To RSVP, email coop@chicagofilmmakers.org, or call 773-293-1447.
There is no straight career path for independent filmmakers. Many make a living by freelancing in various capacities, which can be very tricky in today’s tough economy. This class will discuss various strategies for professional freelancing, including marketing your skills, building a professional network, and best practices for a successful gig. Basic equipment needed for most jobs, such as weddings, concerts, and conferences, will be covered, as well as important business aspects such as invoicing, service agreements, and fostering healthy client relationships.
3 weeks: June 14 - 28
Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Tuition: $145/130 members
Limit: 12 students
Instructor: Vincent Singleton
This monthly workshop is designed to give filmmakers guidance and support for completing a documentary in progress. Bring in a treatment, proposal, trailer, edited scene, or production problem; instructors and peers will help evaluate your progress and plan next steps. Each class meets on the second Tuesday of the month for four months.
4 classes, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11
Second Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Tuition: $195/180 members
Limit: 6 students
Instructor: Beth Sternheimer
