Filmscape 2023 scored high points as they wrapped up their annual two-day event that just keeps getting better every year.
It was an outstanding weekend, bringing our film community together to experience cutting edge technology in lighting, camera, audio, and grip manufacturers for two days of networking, classes, panels, and one-on-one demonstrations.
The Executive Director of Filmscape, Gary Adcock along with Founding member/ GM of Keslow Camera Chicago, Colette Gabriel continue to amaze and impress with the variety of creative expertise they bring together in one weekend.
Each year, Filmscape puts on a two-day event bringing industry leading manufacturers to exhibit their newest products. Additionally, these two days feature dozens of classes, ranging in focus and department, and from intro level to highly advanced. Every part of the show is completely free of charge for all attendees.
“The film production scene in Chicago is thriving,” said Adcock. “The Filmscape event at CineCity Studios was a remarkable display of the talented individuals, productions, and technology showcased as part of our fifth annual exhibition. Filmscape is committed to educating emerging filmmakers while offering experienced production crews the knowledge to expand their abilities and expertise. It has unquestionably become the go-to education resource for filmmakers across the Midwest.”
“I’m thrilled with how the show turned out this year,” said Gabriel. “A lot goes into putting on an event with 45 vendors, 37 classes and panels, and a team that’s 90% volunteer based.”
“Over 700 people spent the weekend with us,” she continued. “Learning everything from how to get started in the film industry to mini masterclasses on optics and cinematography; from how to budget for virtual production to distressing props; from creating a more sustainable set to getting your film into festivals and distributed. We put this show together each year because there aren’t enough opportunities in the midwest to get your hands on new gear or get world class training outside of film school.”
Gabriel added, “Countless people came up to me throughout the show to thank me and the rest of the team for doing this. Those reactions are how I know we’ve succeeded in our mission. And this show wouldn’t be as amazing without CineCity’s partnership in providing their space and staff to us throughout the show.”
Stan Wozniak, Managing Partner of CineCity Studios and “master of hospitality” effortlessly pulled off this flawless weekend in a space that could not be better matched for a gathering of creatives. Stan and his crew were hands-on, setting the scene for a productive event — and the word is, the event was awesome.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the panel discussion with Andrew Wehde, the DP of The Bear along with 6 members of his crew who dove deep into the making of the show. Over 100 people were in the audience (see photos below.)
The Bear Panelist were Andrew Wehde, DP, Gary Malouf, A Camera Operator, Chris Dame, B Camera Operator, Tom Zimmerman, DIT, Sam Knapp, B Camera 1st AC, Jeremy Long, Gaffer, Dave Wagenaar, Key Grip, and Moderator, Zöe Iltsopoulos-Borys.
That panel along with all others on the main stage were live streamed on the Filmscape YouTube channel (youtube.com/@filmscapechicago) and will be uploaded soon for anyone who missed them.
Wehde, who is no stranger to Chicago, was the DP on a number of Chicago series, including Empire, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Night Sky, and he was the DP on the pilot for Deli Boys that filmed here last summer. Hopefully we will be seeing more of Wehde, as the show received a green light to go to series and is expected to begin production when the strike is settled.
Enjoy a recap of the weekend:
Mark your calendar now, Filmscape will be back in 2024 on June 22 & 23.
Every year they manage to broaden their class topics to include more disciplines in the film industry.
Filmscape Board Members: Ned McGregor, President, Colette Gabriel, Secretary, Bret Burns, Treasurer, Joe Lyons, Jim Hartnett, Jr.
Filmscape Staff: Gary Adcock, Executive Director, Megan Williams, Event Coordinator.
Vendors and sponsors: MBS, World Business Chicago, The Chicago and Illinois Film Offices, ARRI, Second City Sound, Zeiss, Chicago International Film Fest, Smash Virtual, Godox, DeSisti, Core SWX, Barbizon, and many more.
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