Workshops
DC Shorts is proud to present seminars for filmmakers of all levels. Space is limited and seating priority will be given to all access passholders and filmmakers. Tickets are required. Tickets are $5 unless otherwise noted and come with a $5 off coupon that can be applied to any purchase and can only be used at the box office. If you are driving and need a space to park? Use SPOTHERO!
Sponsored by: Backstage, Barbizon, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Cinematcher, Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center, DCTV, Film Convert, Final Cut, Final Draft, Government Video Expo, iPitch, Kimberly Skyrme Casting, Kimberly Skyrme Productions, KvM Rental, Landmark Theater, The Lookout, LumaForge, MAGIX, MovieMaker Magazine, The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment, Quick Film Budget, Red Giant, SAG-AFTRA, Simple DCP, Student Filmmaker Magazine, Studio Binder, The Tracking Board, Variety411, Write Brothers, Zacuto
FILMING ON A BUDGET
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH / E STREET CINEMA / 555 11TH STREET, NW
THEATER #1
10:00-12:00 Noon – Filming When All You Got Is Your Cell
Instructor: Sam Mestman, CEO, Luma Forge
Bring your smartphones and learn how to make professional films with your mobile device. Today’s smartphones carry with them excellent lenses and high resolution video capabilities. You’ll learn how to make the most of your smartphone just by knowing your device better. We will also look at apps and additional hardware that can further improve your video and sound. From preproduction to postproduction, you’ll be able to produce a film just with the “production studio that is right in your pocket.”
12:00-1:30 PM – Filmmaking on a Budget (Lighting)
Instructor: Brad Minardi, Outside Sales Rep, Barbizon Capitol
An open discussion led by Brad Minardi from Barbizon Capitol on Film & TV lighting using smaller LED fixtures on tight budgets. We will discuss some tips, tricks, and other real world examples that hopefully will make everyone’s lives easier while lighting a show. Hands on demos of a couple of smaller units will also be available.
1:30-3:30 PM – Filmmaking on a Budget (Audio)
Instructor: Mike Panfeld, Owner, KvM Rental
Light and sound are two of the most important aspects of any film. We’ve covered lighting in our previous workshop, and now it’s audio’s turn. Join Mike Panfeld as he covers how to stretch your dollar when it comes to sound, and how to use minimal sound equipment to achieve stellar audio.
3:30-5:30 PM – Special Effects Makeup on a Budget
Instructor: Alethea Spencer
Special Effects Makeup is an amazing blend of science and art that can add value to any production. However, finding an economical solution to create effects for film or photo shoots is not always easy. Join Alethea Spencer to learn how to resourcefully find the right materials and technique for your project’s needs.
PITCHING, PITCHING, AND MORE PITCHING!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH / E STREET CINEMA / 555 11TH STREET, NW
THEATER #6
10:00-11:00 PM – How to Pitch to Funders
Instructor: Paul Marengo, Managing Director, DC Film Alliance
Looking to fund your film, but don’t know where to start or look? Join us as we look at different funding options and more. Topics will include learning about different funders and which ones are right for your project, approaching and contacting funders, drafting funding letters and emails.
11:00-12:30 PM – Entertainment Law for Filmmakers
Community Partners: WALA
Instructors: Brian Frankel (Chair, Education Committee, WALA), Sandra Aistars (Clinical Professor, Antonin Scalia Law School, GMU), John Mason (Board President, WALA)
We’ve all heard horror stories about someone’s brilliant idea being stolen. When pitching your ideas to funders and executives, it’s important to know how to protect what is protectable “because ideas aren’t protected by copyright law.” Join the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts as we navigate a discussion about copyright, trademark, fair use, and licensing.
12:30-2:00 PM – Intellectual Property Drop-In Clinic w/ Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason Law
Sponsors: WALA, Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason Law
Afterward “Know Your Rights,” join us for a drop-in clinic on Intellectual Property with team of IP law students from the Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University. IP Law Students under the supervision of Sandra Aistars, Clinical Professor of Law, will conduct intake interviews to help filmmakers: (1) determine the scope and nature of legal help they might need; (2) determine if they might need a referral to an attorney within WALA’s system; and (3) explain qualifications for pro bono and low bono legal services from WALA.
2:00-3:30 PM – How to Pitch to Television Executives
Sponsors: Cine, iPitch.tv
Panelists: Betsy Walters (Moderator, Executive Director, Cine), Monica Lee Bellais, Producer/Writer and Creator of Script DC (and most recently, Exec Producer of Wakefield), Josh Levin (President & CEO of Gallant Films)
You have an idea. It’s a killer idea, and you know it’ll make an amazing film. Great: now you have to convince other people of it, too. Join our panel as we focus on the techniques of pitching and creating that killer hook to build interest in your project from those big decision makers.
3:30-5:30 PM – Pitchfest (By Invitation Only & Passholders)
Sponsors & Partners: Cine, iPitch.tv
Panelists: Betsy Walters (Moderator, Executive Director, Cine), Monica Lee Bellais, Producer/Writer and Creator of Spotlight on Screenwriters program, WIFV (and most recently, Exec Producer of Wakefield), Josh Levin (President & CEO of Gallant Films), Sara Keller (Director of Programming & Scheduling at NatGeo WILD)
Join us for our 1st Annual Pitchfest. Filmmakers will pitch their ideas for new film and TV projects to our panel of expert judges who will critique and provide essential feedback.
BREAKING INTO FILM AND ACTING
@ #202 Creates Arts and Music festival
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH / WESMINSTER CHURCH / 400 I STREET, SW
Sponsored by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Panelists: Patrick Flynn (Filmmaker; Professor @ American University), Judy Go Wong (Actress, SAG-AFTRA), Joe Dzikiewicz (Filmmaker), and Zhibo Lai (Filmmaker). Ericka Boston (Board Member, Women in Film and Video)
Join us for an afternoon on “How to Break into the World of Film and Acting.” Speakers will talk about different paths in film as well as how they got involved! Afterwards stick around for our Free Family Showcase! Tickets are free, but are required.
11:00-12:00 PM – Different Career Paths in Filmmaking
12:00-1:00 PM – How to Break Into Film and Acting Panel
1:00-2:30 PM – Free Family Showcase
SCREENWRITING: THE NEXT LEVEL
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH / MIRACLE THEATER / 535 8TH STREET, SE / 4:30-6:30 PM
Sponsored by Movie Magic Screenwriter
Presenter: George Andre Tittle
You’ve written a solid screenplay. You’ve won a couple of script competitions. You’re even talking to producers. But you still haven’t sold anything. Learn A-list techniques that will elevate your writing, engage readers, and impact audiences. Topics will include compression, misdirection, restrictive point of view, foreshadowing, visual storytelling, and advanced techniques for writing description and dialogue that will leap off the page—and launch your career.
ACTORS AFTERNOON:
HOW TO START AND MAINTAIN AN ACTING CAREER
SATURDAY, SEPT 16TH / CONGRESS HEIGHTS ART AND CULTURE CENTER
3200 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AVENUE, SE
Sponsored by Congress Heights Art and Culture Center
Presenters: Kimberly Skyrme (CEO, Kimberly Skyrme Casting), Emily Morrison (Board Chair, Actors Center), Judy Go Wong (Actress, SAG-AFTRA), Barbara Zablocky (Actress), Lamont Easter (Actor), Kevin Tan (Actor), Sharrie Mccain (Actress), and Ryan Hastings (Business Representative, SAG-AFTRA)
Join DC Shorts and The Asian Pacific American Film Festival for an afternoon of education, tips, and more as we answer all of your questions regarding how to launch and maintain your acting career. Don’t miss out as we give you an insider’s look into the field of acting.
12:00-1:00 PM / Breaking into Acting – What Your Need to Get Started!
1:00-2:00 PM / Actors’ Resources – Where to Find Them!
2:00-3:00 PM / Casting Agencies – Do you Need One?
3:00-4:00 PM / SAG-AFTRA – Everything You Wanted To Know!
