The Okanagan Film Commission is helping aspiring filmmakers kick start their filmmaking careers.
The Motion Picture Industry Orientation course, part of the Okanagan Film Fundamentals symposium, taking place in Kelowna March 3 to 6, is a two-day introduction to working in dramatic film and TV production.
The course is mandatory for application to most film labour organizations in B.C., said Okanagan film commissioner Jon Summerland.
Developed in partnership with film industry union guilds, the course is for locals who want to learn how a beginner gets started in the film business, how one gets into the film industry, and how one finds one’s place in this exciting industry.
“As the film and television production industry grows in the Okanagan, I get many requests each week with these questions. To be responsive to our community, the board of directors of the Okanagan Film Commission is creating this exciting event,” said Summerland.
Topics will include growth and trends in the B.C. film industry, demands and challenges of working in film, set etiquette and protocol, job classifications and descriptions, reading and understanding a call sheet, logistics of employment, importance of interpersonal skills and on-set safety considerations.
The Okanagan Film Fundamentals symposium will feature industry professionals as speakers, who will lead workshops and sessions on film and television production, financing, script writing, directing, budgeting, distribution, pitching story ideas, and entertainment law, added Summerland.
“In addition to the opportunity to learn from the best, the symposium will provide opportunities for participants to network and build relationships with industry VIPs and, as well, there will be forums for participants to pitch their films to real funders and producers.”
The Kelowna Film Society is offering a contest for six local filmmakers to attend the Motion Picture Industry Orientation course at a discounted rate of $50.
Those wishing to apply can write a letter stating what their goals in the industry are, why they want to attend the course, and how it will help them achieve that goal. The letter should be no more than two pages and can be emailed to camera@kelownafilm.com.
Deadline is Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced Feb. 18
For more information or to register for the symposium, visit www.okanaganfilmfundamentals.com.
