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from October 03, 2007

“Of Boys and Men” filmmakers top IFP Summit,
3 days of panels, pitching and parties Oct.19-21

Elizabeth Donius, IFP executive director

Fast on the heels of its smashingly successful fund-raising gala comes IFP/Chicago's 16th annual Midwest Filmmakers Summit the weekend of Oct. 19.

“We’re just recovering from the gala,” good-naturedly moaned IFP executive director Elizabeth Donius who, with development director Colleen O’Neill and staff put on one kick-ass event.

A full house of 300 guests jammed Salvage One Friday, Sept. 28 to party, meet other indie filmmakers, bid on a slew of neat auction items, and leave IFP approximately $20,000 richer to use for programs throughout the year.

Now that the gala’s behind them, Donius & Staff are finalizing the Summit which this year focuses on “The Art and Craft of Filmmaking” with many local experts.

Still, there’s enough marquee value to satisfy those who like the Summit to bring them a broader, outside view.

From L.A. there’s Chicago native director Carl Seaton (whose debut indie pic “One Week” propelled him to Hollywood ) and producer Pemon Rami of “Of Boys and Men,” the Robert Townsend indie that filmed here during the summer. They will lead the Directors Workshop along with writer Michelle Amor and UPM Carrie Holt de Lama.

From New York come two indie biggies: IFC Film’s VP/marketing Ryan Werner, the overseer of media strategies for all IFC film properties, and David Kwok, Tribeca Film Festival’s senior programmer, who developed of the Tribeca All Access program that supports and supports the work of under-represented filmmakers (a Sunday workshop).

FilmMaker Magazine writer and Movie City blogger Ray Pride will add more New York flavor to the mix.

From Chicagoans, more about festivals from two poles-apart views: Bryan Wendorf, director of the 14-year old, defiantly independent Chicago Underground Film Festival, and film programmer Charles Coleman of culturally diverse Facets Cinematique.

Ron Lazzeretti, a top creative with DraftFCB will tell how his screenplay, “The Merry Gentlemen,” starring Michael Keaton found funding—another achievement for Lazzeretti who directed a feature and numerous award-winning and acclaimed shorts when he was co-owner of Two Olives production house for many years.

A 30-second preview of the Summit

OCT. 19:

  • Session 1 – “Cinematography and the Low Budget Filmmaker,” Top DPs talk about their processes.
  • Session 2 – “Finishing Your Movie,” postproduction tips from editors, colorists, composers and others.
  • Session 3 – “Writers Sound Off,” what makes a good screenplay and how do you get it read?
  • Session 4 - Production Workshop and Screening, film TBD.
  • Session 5 - Meet the Festival Programmers Reception.
  • Sneak preview and party.

    • OCT. 20:

  • Session 1 – “Indie Film Today,” top journalists and critics discuss the state of indie film.
  • Session 2 – “Alternative Distribution for Independent Filmmakers,” a producers discussion.
  • Session 3 – “Perfecting the Look,” production design, location and casting professionals discuss their roles.
  • Session 4 – “Of Men and Boys” Directors Workshop and screening.
  • Annual Flyover Zone Short Film Festival and party.

    • OCT. 21:

  • “Tribeca All Access Program,” workshop/teach-in.
  • ITVS Workshop on ITVS Funding Opportunities and Independent Lens Screening Opportunities.
  • Sneak preview screenings.

    • At Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash. Contact chicago@ifp.org, or phone 312/235-0161 for passes and ticket prices. —Ruth L Ratny

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    July 29 • FILMMAKER MEETUP'S SPECIAL GUEST is CUFF director/cofounder Bryan Wendorf. At Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St. Free and open to all. To RSVP, phone 773/293-1447. Email coop@chicagofilmmakers.org .

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