Category Archives: Independent Film

Film Networking Tips and Education in Portland, Oregon

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Behind the Scenes of the series ExceptionalsIf you’re in the Portland, Oregon area and you want to work in the video and film field, there are many different ways you can position yourself whether you have little experience or a great deal of experience.

Listed below are some resources and tips to get you started.

 

Networking & Memberships

  • Practice telling people who you are and what you do (even non-industry people).
  • Be ready with 9 cards.
  • Go to networking events (Portland Film Festival has a major annual one, Jerry Bell has a monthly one where he showcases filmmakers’ short films/trailers, OMPA has networking events).
  • Join organizations: OMPA, Women in Film PDX (wifpdx.com).
  • Look for Meetup groups, like The Portland Independent Film Networking Meetup.

Put Yourself Out There

  • Have a good website.
  • Join OMPA and get listed in their directory Source Oregon.
  • Make a Facebook page for your services and post regularly.
  • Work toward creating a reel that showcases your talents.
  • Send your resume to film and video companies you want to work with.
  • Have a complete LinkedIn profile.

Actors Chelsey Rae and Levy Tran step behind the camera for a change.

Join Facebook Groups

  • People are always posting “I need a DP, gaffer, P.A., etc. via these groups.
  • You can also share your work and Kickstarter projects on these pages.
  • You can browse members and see what they do and find people to work with.

Local:

Indie Oregon Films – 2,390 members
Oregon Media & Film Group – 1,947
Portland Film Community – 2,220
PDX Film Collective – 4,057
Portland Film & Video Networking – 4,490
Film & Media Community of Oregon – 1,887

Global:

Film Industry Network – 76,716
More… probably not as effective as local

Alternative:

Portland Casting Hub (for casting only) – 5,537
& other niches within filmmaking (ex. MUA groups, groups for producers/investors, etc.)
(List compiled and accurate as of October 2016)

 

 

Festivals & Competitions

Rochelle Muzquiz and Eva Lorelle prepare to film a scene inside a car.

  • Portland has several festivals every year: Portland Film Festival, Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival, Portland International Film Festival, etc.
  • Submit work to festivals to be seen.
  • If you receive recognition at a festival or via a competition, it boosts your credibility and can be added to your resume.
  • If you’re just starting out, join or start a team for the 48-Hour Film Project (annual).

 

 

Education

Full Brain Films filming in Death Valley.

PCC Art Beat mixes local Actors and Indie Filmmakers with Traditional Artists

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For the past three years, Portland Community College has included talented local actors and independent filmmakers with the Northwest artists whose work has been highlighted in the Art Beat event in May. I’ve had the privilege of identifying and nominating local actors and independent filmmakers. These actors and filmmakers have been able to show their work to the community and PCC students, many of whom are in the Multimedia program. Following the film and video presentations, the actors and filmmakers have conducted very educational and inspiring question and answer sessions.

 

During 2012, Art Beat has its 25th anniversary May 7th to 12th. This year, my plan is to bring talented actors in for a reading, either a rehearsed table reading or, if possible, a stage reading performed in the Moriarty Auditorium at Cascade Campus.

 

 

During past years, Art Beat has welcomed local film actress Audrey Walker and local theater and film actress Karla Mason.

 

 

Coup de Cinema, an independent film made in Portland by filmmakers Sean Parker and Austin Hillebrecht had its event premiere at Art Beat in 2011.

 

 

Portland filmmaker Steve Coker’s indie film comedy, Crackin’ the Code was in the Art Beat lineup for 2010.

 

 

In 2009, I had the privilege of premiering my micro-budget indie film, Unremembered, during Art Beat.

 

 

For more information about past and upcoming Art Beat artists and highlights, visit the Art Beat pages on PCC’s site.