IFA Chicago hosted an exciting new event at the IFA hub on May 15th, where selected filmmakers from its Fiscal Sponsorship Program had an opportunity to pitch their projects to industry professionals.
Panelists Betsy Steinberg, Jack Newell, and Christina Shaver were the guests for the feedback session.
The film projects that were chosen were: Burning Sage, An Account, The Cabinet Maker, Fortified, Wonderful World, Indie Soul Journey, and Buffalo (fka Happy Birthday Jimmy).
Overall the event was a helpful exercise for the filmmakers as they continue to develop their independent projects, but also, the evening was beneficial to anyone in the independent filmmaking space hoping to learn more about projects that may need help or collaboration, about insights from industry professionals on how to position ones’ project, and more.
IFA Chicago Fiscal Sponsorship participants delivered 5-minute pitches about their project, and then the panelists provided advice on current state, next steps, opportunities from here, etc. After the presentations, everyone was invited into the main Hub space to socialize and talk to the sponsored projects about their work. The goal was to support these IFA members with an evening of development toward their films/series/etc, while providing a valuable experience for all levels of filmmaker and our broader community.
About the panelists:
Betsy Steinberg is a media consultant advising clients on creative, strategic and financial issues. She has served as the Director of the Illinois Film office from 2007-2015, Executive Director of Kartemquin Films from 2015-2018, and Executive Producer on Academy Award nominated documentaries (e.g. Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, Edith+Eddie, and Minding the Gap as well as nine other projects including Steve James’ epic series America to Me). Betsy has developed, produced, directed and written television projects for History, A&E, National Geographic and the Discovery Networks and was named Chicagoan of the Year in Film by the Chicago Tribune in 2015.
Jack C. Newell is a writer, director, producer, actor, and public artist. He is the co-creator of Destroy Your Art, the co-creator of the public art project, The Wabash Lights and created The Second City Film School at The Second City. His feature film credits include 42 Grams, Hope Springs Eternal, and Open Tables. His films have screened theatrically, and premiered at various film festivals and on all major streaming platforms. Recently completed films include How (not) to Build a School in Haiti, Monuments (Nashville Audience Award ’20), and Bettendorf Talks (SXSW ’24). He has directed commercials for McDonald’s, Kmart, The Second City, Kraft, and many others. www.jacknewell.com
Christina Shaver is a member of the IFA Chicago Creative Cabinet and writes and produces comedies and dramas for a variety of platforms. Previous to her film career, she worked twenty years in executive management in the non-profit and tech sectors. A Chicago native, Christina graduated from Northwestern University with Honors, and also from the Harold Ramis Film School at The Second City.
Eligibility Requirements for Fiscal Sponsorship:
- Must be a member in good standing with IFA Chicago.
- Must keep membership current for the whole time of sponsorship.
- The applicant pays the application fee of $45.
- The applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
- The applicant must be the director or primary producer of the project who owns the copyright of their work, and has both artistic and financial control over the project.
- The project must be an independent film, short, feature, documentary, pilot, series, webseries, or visual media project.
- Short form content has to have a minimum raise of $5k, and long-form projects a minimum raise of $10k.
- The project may be in any stage of development, production, and/or post production or distribution
- Student films being produced through a college or university, or other third-party productions, are ineligible.
More about the Fiscal Sponsorship Program here.
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