Filmscape Chicago brings together filmmakers, artists, technicians, and students from across Chicago and the greater Midwest for two days of networking, education, and training – all completely for free, at CineCity Studios 1414 S Western Ave, on the weekend of June 22-23.
The Filmscape showroom displays the best of the best in equipment manufacturers and local production resource companies to give the attendees the opportunity to get hands on with the newest gear, as well as face to face time with the folks making, providing, and servicing that gear for the Chicago market.
Classes range across all departments, creative and technical, and are taught by industry experts. Filmscape classes help students acquire real world knowledge and skills that they can put into practice immediately – from the latest and greatest in new technologies to practical and technique-based instruction.
Here’s the schedule for Filmscape 2024 Classes:
SATURDAY
June 22, 2024 09:00
Mastering Emotional Depth: Exploring Layers in Acting for Powerful Audience Connection
RM 403
Harold Dennis For the hour I will talk to our filmmakers about how the actor can participate in the overall process of drawing an emotional response from the viewing audience alongside the other elements of the film. The other elements are screenplay, direction, editing, lighting, sound and score. I will have two to three trained actors available for demonstration. Because this is for film the actors will be seen on a monitor or screen. They may or may not be present in the building. I will also talk about and give a demonstration on Layering a character
June 22, 2024 09:00
Introduction To Virtual Production
RM 201
Join Gary Adcock and Mike Caviani as they walk you through the terms and toolsets used in creating a virtual production. This class is designed as a broad overview for producers, directors, and crew looking toward working in a virtual volume in the near future.
June 22, 2024 09:00
OSRAM Lamp Handling and Troubleshooting Seminar
RM 404
Mark DeLorenzo Learn best practices for achieving the longest lifetimes from your traditional lamps, and also how to identify common failure modes.
June 22, 2024 09:00
What is Digital Loading?
Rm 402
MIKKI DICK This class is a 45-minute introductory lecture on what the role and responsibilities are of the digital loader on a traditional long-form narrative set.
June 22, 2024 09:00
We All Make Movies, Now Let’s Create Impact!
Rm 401
Tamarra Campbell This class focuses on sourcing funding and creating a dynamic Impact campaign to foster awareness.
June 22, 2024 09:00
Talking to Composers: How Music Helps You Tell Your Story
Mainstage
Tim Corpus, Megan Carnes, Tony Scott-Green, Kayo Williams, Jeffrey “JQ” Qaiyum Presented by the Chicago Society of Composers & Lyricists, join us for a panel discussion with Chicago-based and major award-winning composers as they discuss best practices for how directors and producers can elevate their projects with custom music. The panelists will share lessons learned, how they compose music for different projects, and how working with composers can elevate the storytelling experience.
June 22, 2024 10:45
Intro to Lighting, Sound, and Other Practical Effects for Props and Costuming
RM 402
Tim Harrison Do you want to take a static prop or costume piece and add a dynamic element to help bring it to life? Using the newer circuit python-based platform, Bekonix, we’ll be talking about ways to add various lighting effects, sound effects, and some servo and animatronic type effects to your work, and with Bekonix, doing so without previous coding knowledge.
We will review some basic components and power sources to use with the smart controller and then get hands-on with some light soldering and a few components to build your own special effects.
Attendees will need a laptop with wifi and Bluetooth capabilities and an email address to create an account with Bekonix before the class. There is a computer application and a phone app to install as well. An affiliate link will be provided for account sign-up.
June 22, 2024 10:45
When Does Virtual Production Make Sense?
Rm 201
Andy Jarosz LED stages, Unreal Engine, camera tracking—the new frontier of virtual production is exciting and full of possibility. But when should you consider VP for your production? In this class, we will examine the best case scenarios for virtual production, when it saves money and when it’s an unnecessary cost. We’ll cover all types of projects, from commercials to features and episodic series, and show cost breakdowns directly comparing VP to location shooting.
Topics to include:
- Examine the strengths and weaknesses of virtual production
- Show how VP can make sense for projects besides sci fi and period pieces
- Explain criteria for when you should consider it for a shoot
- Show cost breakdowns of virtual production vs location shooting
June 22, 2024 10:45
To Wire or Not to Wire – What’s the Best Option for Your Sound?
RM 403
Gerry Formicola
June 22, 2024 10:45
Profits, Nonprofits, and Business Entities: Choosing Your Business Model
Rm 401
Elaine Wyder-Harshman Whether for-profit or nonprofit, the right business entity can help you protect intellectual property, manage risk, and facilitate partnerships and investment. Discover how your choice of business model can support your creative endeavors.
June 22, 2024 10:45
Business Account Documentation & What You Need to Know
Rm 404
Julian Contreras Gives an overview of the different business account types and documentation needed for each.
June 22, 2024 11:30
Luminex/ Networking workshop
RM 404
Anthony Stofflet This class aims to provide the understanding of key network terms and an overview of the common AV network protocols. This class also teaches and demonstrates the configuration of Luminex networking and lighting products. This class is best suited for show techs, sales reps, basic system designer or people that will be using the Luminex product line that need a basic understanding of configuration and use.
June 22, 2024 11:30
Understanding Artist Residencies & Retreats for Filmmakers
RM 403
Erika Valenciana, Nicole Bernardi-Reis, Ashley O’Shay This panel delves deep into the world of artist residencies, retreats, and labs, the differences and similarities, and particularly what screenwriters/filmmakers can take away from these experiences. Our discussion will cover ways to break out of your creative slump by finding a cohort of inspiring peers, explain the importance of being exposed to other art forms, and examine how a different creative process can enlighten narrow-minded views of our profit-driven industry. We will also provide practical tips about applying to these programs, financial solutions, and approaches to mental health.
A version of this panel is being conducted at SXSW in March 2024 and moderated by Chicago filmmaker Curtis Matzke. This would be a continuation of that discussion with a new group of filmmakers with different perspectives
June 22, 2024 11:30
Narrative Pre Production
Rm 401
Jesse Schroeder This class will be taking a dive into my pre production process for a recent short film I shot in February of this year called AIDA.
This will involve the scouting process, blocking the actors, and creating a top down lighting graph. This will also cover the fundaments of framing, shooting into the L of the room, upstate lighting, and creating salt and pepper lighting to add interest to the frame.
June 22, 2024 11:30
Keynote from the Illinois Film Office
Main Stage
Kicking off the Main Stage for FIlmscape Chicago 2024, members from the Illinois Film Office once again join us to share insights bringing both INDEX and the Sundance Film Festival to Chicago this summer and where the Prodcution community is headed for the 2024 and 2025 film seasons.
June 22, 2024 2:00
Translating the Script to the Budget
Room 403
Jennifer A. Haire This session will illuminate how the scope of the script fits into the budget. How different choices during the writing phase can shape the project scope.
June 22, 2024 2:00
The Op: Live Podcast Recording
Main Stage
Dave Chameides, Matt Rozek The Op Podcast will be recording a live episode with camera operator Gary Malouf and 1st AC Matt Rozek, the A camera team on the award winning The Bear ! Host Dave Chameides will be discussing how the show does such great work on a humane schedule, what it’s like to shoot those amazing oners, how things have changed since the show has found such acclaim, and much much more! Check out The Op on Apple, Spotify and anywhere podcasts are found and come on down to listen in live!
Host Dave Chameides, camera operator and creator of The Op Podcast and Website (www.theop.io)
June 22, 2024 2:00
Issues in Legality when using AI
RM 401
Elaine Wyder-Harshman, Gary Adcock With the plethora of AI-integrated tools now available, how will using them impact your rights in your project? Elaine Wyder-Harshman and Gary Adcock share insights and highlight legal issues surrounding the use of AI-integrated tools in production and post.
June 22, 2024 2:00
The Cine Lens Manual
RM 402
Jay Holben The Cine Lens Manual sets a new standard in cine reference manuals, with a guide to the history and wide variety of cinema lenses available.
June 22, 2024 2:00
Production Assistant- MasterClass
RM 404
Desmond Huey and Jennifer A. Haire This is a hands-on workshop focusing on individuals interested in joining the film and television community. Join Desmond as he guides students through the available jobs in the film and TV industry.
June 22, 2024 2:00
Talking to Composers: How Music Helps Tell Your Story
Main Stage
Tim Corpus Presented by the Chicago Society of Composers & Lyricists, join us for a panel discussion with Chicago-based and major award-winning composers as they discuss best practices for how directors and producers can elevate their projects with custom music. The panelists will share lessons learned, how they compose music for different projects, and how working with composers can elevate the storytelling experience.
June 22, 2024 3:15
Image Based Lighting Fundamentals
RM 201
Emma Gottlieb Teaching creative cinema professionals workflows for the fast-evolving virtual production market. This class will be a half instructional, half hands on. It takes usually around 2 and a half hours and by the end of the course, the participants will have a basic working knowledge of lighting for virtual production with Quasar Science products. Note: this is a technical heavy class, it will cover DMX and hardware principals for set lighting. It is not a class that focuses on lighting subjects. Having a rudimentary background with DMX is not required, but preferred to understand the course material. Attendees will leave the course with a google drive that has all the course materials and the instructors info for continued 1 on 1 learning.
June 22, 2024 3:15
Balancing Paid Work with Passion Projects
Main Stage
We can’t all get paid to make the projects we want to make, but we can find balance in paid work and passion projects. Hear from 4 talented people on how they make it all work right here in Chicago. Joe Minoso – Actor, Tim Troy – Dolly Grip and Filmmaker, Lisa Masseur – Producer, Daniele Bernstein – One Chicago Producer.
June 22, 2024 4:30
Gen AI and the Cinematographer
Main Stage
The buzz around Generative AI has sent shockwaves around our industry,with ramifications everywhere from script writing to VFX and POST.
Join Gary Adocck, Jay Holben, and Andy Jarosz as we have an open discussion about how, where and why Gen AI is not taking many jobs just yet
SUNDAY
June 23, 2024 09:00
What Is The Digital Utility?
RM 404
Kyliee Renee Clark This class is a 45-minute introductory lecture on what the roles and responsibilities are of the digital utility on a traditional long-form narrative set.
June 23, 2024 09:00
ROSCO: Lighting a Volume
RM 201
With the ever increasing use of LED volumes Rosco will be highlighting their RDX lighting and digital background systems designed specifically for Virtual Production.
June 23, 2024 09:00
Intro to Finishing, Distressing, and Aging Techniques PT1
Main Stage
Tim Harrison Are you looking to add that extra bit of history and realism to your prop, armor, or costume and not sure where to start? We will review ideology and techniques on basic surface prep, acrylic, and oil paint washes, highlighting and lowlighting techniques, additive and subtractive damage texturing, rusting, and emulating the passage of time! By the end of this, you will be armed to muck up your clean work sufficiently to better aid in your visual storytelling. We will then get hands-on with a custom spearhead and put some of these techniques to use!
June 23, 2024 10:15
Camera Tracking for Virtual Production
RM 201
Highlighting the revolutionary Zeiss CInCraft Scenario camera tracking system this session will explore this revolutionary spacial camera tracking system on a live Virtual Production Volume.
June 23, 2024 10:15
Reading Contracts and Understanding Your Rights
RM 401
Gary Adcock Adobe’s controversial changes to its terms of service went largely unnoticed at first. When users read them, though, they became alarmed at the implications for ownership, confidentiality, and control. Will Adobe’s response be enough? Join Elaine Wyder-Harshman and Gary Adcock for a discussion of how to read contracts and the meaning of recent changes to Adobe’s terms of service
June 23, 2024 10:15
American Cinematographer’s Shot Craft with Jay Holben
RM 404
Join Writer and Director Jay Holben as he highlights the various ways to evoke emotion with lighting and lens choices. with examples from his new book “Shot Craft”
June 23, 2024 10:15
Local 600: Breaking Down the Myths of Sustainable Production Practices
Main Stage
Stephanie Dufford The Local 600 Sustainability Committee is excited to host a panel at Filmscape on sustainable production practices for our second year in a row. This year, we will focus on breaking down the myths attached to Sustainability On Set, for instance that it costs more to be more environmentally conscious. There is a mentality that larger production cities like LA and NYC have been integrating sustainability for years, and smaller film markets like Chicago are behind.
However, that does not mean that the Chicago film and television community has not also been working hard to address climate change. In our discussion, we will be bringing awareness to Chicago-based organizations that are dedicated to shifting productions towards a more sustainable future. We will learn about the progress that has already been made and what work still needs to be done.
June 23, 2024 10:15
Intro to Finishing, Distressing, and Aging Techniques PT 2
RM 402
Tim Harrison Are you looking to add that extra bit of history and realism to your prop, armor, or costume and not sure where to start? We will review ideology and techniques on basic surface prep, acrylic, and oil paint washes, highlighting and lowlighting techniques, additive and subtractive damage texturing, rusting, and emulating the passage of time! By the end of this, you will be armed to muck up your clean work sufficiently to better aid in your visual storytelling. We will then get hands-on with a custom spearhead and put some of these techniques to use!
June 23, 2024 11:00
Commercial Cinematography
RM 403
Award winning DP Bjorn Amundsen will break down a commercial he’s shot from beginning to end. He’ll discuss how he works with the directory, agency, and the rest of the team to bring a concept from the page to the screen.
June 23, 2024 11:30
The Art & Science of LED Volumes
RM 201
LED Volumes are on the cutting edge of modern film and television production, and ROE is leading the way in LED display systems for Virtual Production and is establish as the state of the art leader in advanced manufacturing technologies and revolutionary changes color & science behind today’s Virtual Production.
June 23, 2024 11:30
‘Chicago Style’ Indie Filmmaking
Rm 401
Andrea Zile Bish, Rebecca Martin Fagerholm, Rebecca Martin Fagerholm, Patrick Wimp, Emily Lape, Rebecca Fons, Raphael Jose Martinez A panel of filmmakers and programmers discuss the unique strengths and challenges of Chicago as a film hub.
June 23, 2024 11:30
Understanding AI
Main Stage
Gary Adcock With all the talk about AI taking our jobs away, wouldn’t it be great to understand how AI might assist us as we grow professionally? From the origins of machine learning to the latest advances in language models, we will cover the how and why of AI in a way that everyone can understand
June 23, 2024 11:30
The Fundamentals of Set Lighting, an Intro-Level Class for Lighting Technicians
RM 402
Jaxi Alegria IATSE Local 476 Best Boy Set Electric Jaxi Alegria introduces the role and responsibilities of the set lighting technician. This is an intro-level class aimed at folks interested in joining the lighting world.
June 23, 2024 11:30
Directing by Design: Practical Frameworks, Processes, and Theories for Shaping Creative Work
RM 403
Vincent Singleton With the rapidly evolving media landscape, the advent of AI tools, and new forms of content consumption, understanding the persistent, foundational concepts of communication provides a footing from which to pivot effectively in uncertain times. This class will cover practical concepts, replicable practices, and actionable tools that the director can use and master to accurately express ideas, thoughts, and emotions. The class structure will combine lecture and participation to express and demonstrate the topics to be covered.
June 23, 2024 1:30
The Operator Panel
Main Stage
The Op will be hosting a discussion panel with local operators Gary Malouf (The Bear), Seth Thomas (Chicago P.D.), Spencer Gillis (Somebody Somewhere), Stephanie Dufford (4400) and Dave Chameides (Ozark) about the 85% of operating that has nothing to do with panning and tilting. Set politics, how to work with a team, how an A camera operator works with a B camera operator and much much more. A must for any operators, would be operators, or anyone interested in filming and the way sets work. The panel will be recorded and released after the fact as an episode on The Op podcast.
Host: Dave Chameides
Panelists: Gary Malouf, Spenser Gillis, Seth Thomas, Stephanie Dufford
June 23, 2024 1:30
Film Loading: 35mm & 16mm
RM 402
Dana Kupper Back by popular demand, Dana Kupper will teach the responsibilities of a film loader and give hands-on time loading both 35mm and 16mm film magazines. Film is still alive and it’s important to learn the craft of film loading so each generation can continue to make filming with film possible. Kodak has generously donated film for this class. Space is limited so show up early to get in line for your spot!
June 23, 2024 1:30
Recreating A Scene
RM 201
Jennifer Reeder (director), Christopher Rejano (cinematographer), and Jason Culver (sound mixer) recreate a scene from the Chicago-based feature-length film “Knives and Skin,” which they all worked on together in 2018. They discuss how they achieved what came to be the final product, and what they might do differently now with six years between themselves and the original conception.
June 23, 2024 1:30
Business Account Documentation & What You Need to Know
RM 404
Julian Contreras Gives an overview of the different business account types and documentation needed for each.
June 23, 2024 1:30
Filming off the Grid: Sustainably Filming with Batteries & Renewable Energy
RM 403
Ellen White, Robert Diaz LeRoy, Lee Feliciano Witness this proof-of-concept of production that used only batteries and renewable energy. The class will start with a viewing of “A Dance With Light” by Robert LeRoy. The short film/ documentary was shot completely off the grid thanks to support from Nanlux, NUE, King Kong Production Vehicles, #setlife and many others. The film highlights the many benefits of this cutting-edge equipment and examples of how to integrate this equipment into today’s production teams. Following the viewing, there will be a Q&A with the director, producers, and others involved in the filming. Hosted by Ellen White of Ecofixr (the first Chicago-based sustainability production services company).
June 23, 2024 1:30
Benefits of Investing In Sustainability: a guide for producers and filmmakers
RM 401
Austin Heemstra This class will detail different benefits that sustainable practices can have on both the environment, productions image, and budget
June 23, 2024 2:30
INDEX x Filmscape
Join Justice Obiaya, Sophie Gordon, and Logan Crow as they share what the Independent Film Exhibition Conference is and what to should we be looking forward to at this gathering of many of the finest independent theaters and distributors as they converge in Chicago.
June 23, 2024 2:30
Comms on set
RM 404
June 23, 2024 2:30
Know Your Rights: Intellectual Property Rights and Chain of Title
RM 401
Elaine Wyder-Harshman Are you confident you hold all the rights necessary to pitch your project to a distributor? Join us as we discuss the role that chain of title plays in safeguarding your intellectual property and ensuring that your project is ready for distribution.
MAP OF THE SHOWROOM
ALSO READ:
