Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Reschedules Marilyn Atlas Workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations. 413-427-7352 or mgauerbach@gmail.com Diane Pearlman, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative. 413-329-3912 or diane@berkshirefilm.org HOLLYWOOD LITERARY MANAGER AND PRODUCER MARILYN R. ATLAS LEADS ONLINE WORKSHOP ON CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT JULY 20 (RESCHEDULED) Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative brings Hollywood pro to illuminate the importance of character arcs and in-depth character development. After leading two exceptionally well received workshops on selling ideas for film and television, Hollywood talent/literary manager and award-winning producer Marilyn R. Atlas returns (virtually) on Tuesday, July 20, 6–8 pm, with a practical online workshop for anyone involved in storytelling and world-building. Navigating Character Arcs: Hone Your Script by Deepening Your Character In this two-hour, hands-on, interactive online workshop on July 20, Atlas stresses the importance of knowing your characters inside and out so you can avoid stereotypes and bring your protagonist off the page and into three-dimensional life. She explains how getting inside your character’s head can give your story the authenticity that draws people in and enables you to tailor plot points that work hand-in-hand with your character’s emotional and spiritual progress. Using examples from recent films and television shows, Atlas will elucidate why you must follow your characters down their emotional corridors to take your writing to the next level and make your mark as a storyteller. This workshop will inspire and motivate screenwriters, playwrights, novelists, directors, producers, and anyone involved in world-building to do their best work yet. Some advance preparation is required—Atlas has provided a short list of recent films and television episodes for registrants to watch so they can participate fully. Registration for this workshop is limited to 20 to ensure participants have plenty of time for discussion and Q&A. Complete details and ticket information are available via eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writing-pitching-workshops-with-literary-manager-producer-marilyn-atlas-tickets-152920365931 Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative executive director Diane Pearlman says she’s pleased to bring Atlas back to lead these workshops: “Marilyn literally wrote the book on character development: Dating Your Character. It’s a must-read for writers working in all genres. We’re thrilled we can leverage her expertise to inspire and motivate members of our community.” More information on Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative can be found here: www.berkshirefilm.org. Linda Cleary, who signed up for Navigating Character Arcs as soon as she finished Atlas’s Pitching workshop on June 10, says “What a phenomenal opportunity it has been to learn from a professional ‘in the biz.’ Marilyn’s workshop has gotten me excited about my plot and characters again and made the whole process seem less intimidating. She literally made the most of every minute of the workshop. Her enthusiasm and encouragement are infectious, and I’m back at my story again.” Marilyn R. Atlas is a Hollywood literary and talent manager and an award-winning producer with a longstanding commitment to diversity and the portrayal of strong female protagonists. She’s the producer of the HBO Sundance-winning film Real Women Have Curves (now in development as a Broadway show) and The Choking Game on Lifetime, among other films. Atlas is currently developing multiple film, television, and theatrical projects. A sought-after speaker at writers’ conferences in the US and abroad, Atlas is co-author of the relationship-based screenwriting guide Dating Your Character (Stairway Press). The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) supports regional economic growth through production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry, and provides an online production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For details: www.berkshirefilm.org. -30-

Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Screenwriting Workshop with Marilyn Atlas on June 24

DATELINE: June 15, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContacts:Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations. 413-427-7352 or mgauerbach@gmail.comDiane Pearlman, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative. 413-329-3912 or diane@berkshirefilm.org HOLLYWOOD LITERARY MANAGER AND PRODUCER MARILYN R. ATLAS LEADS ONLINE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP JUNE 24 Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative brings Hollywood pro to illuminate the importance of  character arcs and in-depth character development.  After leading two exceptionally well received workshops on selling ideas for film and television, Hollywood talent/literary manager and award-winning producer Marilyn R. Atlas returns (virtually) on Thursday, June 24, with another practical online workshop for anyone involved in storytelling and world-building. Navigating Character Arcs: Hone Your Script by Deepening Your Character In this two-hour hands-on interactive workshop online on June 24, Atlas stresses the importance of knowing your characters inside and out so you can avoid stereotypes and bring your protagonist off the page and into three-dimensional life. She explains how getting inside your character’s head can give your story the authenticity that draws people in and enables you to tailor plot points that work hand-in-hand with your character’s emotional and spiritual progress.  Using examples from recent films and television shows, Atlas will elucidate why you must follow your characters down their emotional corridors to take your writing to the next level and make your mark as a storyteller. This workshop will inspire and motivate screenwriters, playwrights, novelists, directors, producers, and anyone involved in world-building to do their best work yet. Some advance preparation is required—Atlas has provided a short list of recent films and television episodes for registrants to watch so they can participate fully. Registration for this workshop is limited to 20 to ensure participants have plenty of time for discussion and Q&A.  Complete details and ticket information are available via eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writing-pitching-workshops-with-literary-manager-producer-marilyn-atlas-tickets-152920365931 Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative executive director Diane Pearlman says she’s pleased to bring Atlas back to lead these workshops: “Marilyn literally wrote the book on character development—Dating Your Character -- is a must-read for writers working in all genres. We’re thrilled we can leverage her expertise to inspire and motivate members of our community.” More information on Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative, can be found here: www.berkshirefilm.org. Linda Cleary, who signed up for Navigating Character Arcs as soon as she finished Atlas’s Pitching workshop on June 10, says “What a phenomenal opportunity it has been to learn from a professional ‘in the biz.’ Marilyn’s workshop has gotten me excited about my plot and characters again and made the whole process seem less intimidating. She literally made the most of every minute of the workshop. Her enthusiasm and encouragement are infectious, and I’m back at my story again.” Marilyn R. Atlas is a Hollywood literary and talent manager and an award-winning producer with a longstanding commitment to diversity and the portrayal of strong female protagonists. She’s the producer of the HBO Sundance-winning film Real Women Have Curves (now in development as a Broadway show) and The Choking Game on Lifetime, among other films. Atlas is currently developing multiple film, television, and theatrical projects. A sought-after speaker at writers’ conferences in the US and abroad, Atlas is co-author of the relationship-based screenwriting guide Dating Your Character (Stairway Press).   The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) supports regional economic growth through production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry, and provides an online production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For details: www.berkshirefilm.org. -30-

Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Screenwriters Workshop with Marilyn Atlas on June 10

COMING JUNE 10: ON DECK FOR BERKSHIRE FILM AND MEDIA COLLABORATIVE—PITCHING AND WRITING WORKSHOPS LED BY HOLLYWOOD LITERARY MANAGER AND PRODUCER MARILYN R. ATLAS  Atlas to provide industry insider expertise on pitching ideas and in-depth character development.  Having hit the ball out of the park with her recent workshop on the current market for film and television, Hollywood talent/literary manager and award-winning producer Marilyn R. Atlas returns (virtually) this Thursday, June 10 with another practical online workshop for anyone hoping to get off the bench and get into the movie-making game. Perfect Pitch: Creating a Powerful Treatment and Pitch Deck/Look Book  In this hands-on interactive workshop, Atlas examines essential pitching tools necessary to generate interest in a screenplay and score a deal: the treatment, the pitch deck (aka look book), and the logline. The class will review and discuss examples of treatments and pitch decks, polish their loglines, and learn how to develop their own power pitches. Participants will have the rare opportunity to sharpen their presentation by using their logline to pitch to a Hollywood pro. Class size is limited to 20 to ensure participants have plenty of time to practice and polish their pitch. Perfect Pitch will be held online on Thursday, June 10, 6–8 pm ET. Tickets: $65; student tickets $45.  Atlas will lead another hands-on workshop later this month—Navigating Character Arcs: Hone Your Script by Deepening Your Character on Thursday, June 24. This class is also limited to 20 participants. It’s appropriate not just for screenwriters but also for playwrights, novelists, producers, and directors.  Complete details and ticket information are available at Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (www.berkshirefilm.org) and via eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writing-pitching-workshops-with-literary-manager-producer-marilyn-atlas-tickets-152920365931 Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative executive director Diane Pearlman says she’s pleased to bring Atlas back to lead these workshops: “A good, powerful pitch is essential for anyone to get their project seen. Marilyn provides the inside-Hollywood perspective that gives writers, directors, and producers a clear advantage, and we’re thrilled we can leverage her expertise to take members of our community to the next level.” More information on Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative, can be found here: www.berkshirefilm.org. Barbara Newman, a Berkshire-based film producer (and author of The Dreamcatcher Codes) who took Atlas’s pitching workshop in January, says: “If you want to get in the door with a strong, compelling pitch that will actually get looked at, take this class!” Marilyn R. Atlas is a Hollywood literary and talent manager and an award-winning producer with a longstanding commitment to diversity and the portrayal of strong female protagonists. She’s the producer of the HBO Sundance-winning film Real Women Have Curves (now in development as a Broadway show) and The Choking Game on Lifetime, among other films. Atlas is currently developing multiple film, television, and theatrical projects. A sought-after speaker at writers’ conferences, Atlas is co-author of the relationship-based, screenwriting guide Dating Your Character (Stairway Press).   The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) supports regional economic growth through production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry, and provides an online production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For details: www.berkshirefilm.org. -30-

Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Screenwriting Workshops with Marilyn Atlas

DATELINE: May 20, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations. 413-427-7352 or mgauerbach@gmail.com or Diane Pearlman, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative. 413-329-3912 or diane@berkshirefilm.org BERKSHIRE FILM AND MEDIA COLLABORATIVE OFFERS ONLINE WORKSHOPS LED BY HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER AND AGENT MARILYN R. ATLAS Atlas to provide industry insider expertise on what’s hot in Hollywood, in-depth character development, and perfecting the pitch. Building on the success of professional-level screenwriting and pitching classes held this winter, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative is pleased to present three new online workshops on writing and selling screenplays and scripts led by award-winning Hollywood talent/literary manager and producer Marilyn R. Atlas on June 3, June 10, and June 24. What’s Hot in Hollywood: The Current State of the Film and Television Marketplace Atlas leads a two-hour in-depth exploration of what studios and producers are buying right now, focusing on the types of projects being "green lit" by film and television studios. She’ll share tips, tricks, tools, and tactics for participants to reach out to production companies and get their screenplays “seen,” addressing how those who don’t live in LA or NYC can get in the game, how streaming services have shifted the playing field, and other crucial topics including film contests, leveraging YouTube, and securing representation. This enlightening workshop will be held online on Thursday, June 3, 6–8 pm ET. Tickets—$45, student tickets $30. Perfect Pitch: Creating a Powerful Treatment and Pitch Deck/Look Book In this hands-on, interactive workshop Atlas elucidates two critical tools necessary to generate interest in a screenplay: the treatment and the pitch deck (aka look book). The class will review and discuss examples of treatments, and participants will have the rare opportunity to sharpen their tools and presentations by actually pitching to a Hollywood pro. Perfect Pitch will be held online on Thursday, June 10, 6–8 pm ET. Tickets– $65; student tickets $45. Class size limited to 20. Navigating Character Arcs: Hone Your Script by Deepening Your Character. In this hands-on, interactive workshop, Atlas explains why writers must know their protagonists inside and out to give their scripts an authenticity that draws people in. She’ll examine how creating profound character arcs enables writers to refine their theme, strengthen their script, and make their mark as a storyteller. This workshop is limited to just 20 participants to allow Navigating Character Arcs will be held online Thursday, June 24, 6–8 pm ET. Tickets—$65; student tickets $45. Class size limited to 20. More information and tickets are available at www.berkshirefilm.org via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writing-pitching-workshops-with-literary-agent-producer-marilyn-atlas-tickets-152920365931 Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative executive director Diane Pearlman says she’s pleased to bring Marilyn back to lead these workshops: “Marilyn provides the inside-Hollywood perspective that gives writers, directors and producers a clear advantage in getting their projects onto the page and into production. We had tremendously positive feedback from her January classes, and we’re thrilled we can leverage her expertise to take members of our community to the next level.” Barbara Newman, a Berkshire-based film producer (and author of The Dreamcatcher Codes) who has worked with Atlas, sings her praises: “Marilyn is dynamic, brilliant, and on the pulse of the industry. Working with her made me pitch-ready; she made my characters, my story, and my writing better. If you're screenwriting, pitching, character building, or world-building, take her class. You'll walk away saying Wow.” Marilyn Atlas is a Hollywood talent agent, literary manager, and producer with a longstanding commitment to diversity and the portrayal of strong female protagonists. She’s the producer of the HBO Sundance winning film Real Women Have Curves (now in development as a Broadway show) and The Choking Game on Lifetime, among other films. Atlas has also produced several plays, and she’s currently developing multiple film and television projects. Atlas is a sought-after speaker at writers’ conferences; she’s co-author of the relationship-based, screenwriting guide, Dating Your Character (Stairway Press) or www.datingyourcharacter.com. The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is a creative economic engine that supports production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an online production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For details: www.berkshirefilm.org. -30-

Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Screenwriting Workshops with Marilyn R. Atlas

DATELINE: January 12, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations. 413-427-7352 or mgauerbach@gmail.com Diane Pearlman, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative. 413-329-3912 or diane@berkshirefilm.org BERKSHIRE FILM AND MEDIA COLLABORATIVE (BFMC) PRESENTS TWO ONLINE WORKSHOPS ON SCREENWRITING AND PITCHING WITH HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER/AGENT MARILYN R. ATLAS ON JANUARY 23 AND 30 The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative presents two online workshops with the renowned Hollywood producer, literary manager and screenwriter Marilyn R. Atlas, as part of its continuing mission to provide learning opportunities for the film community in Western Massachusetts. Atlas will present “Creating Memorable Characters” on Saturday, January 23 from 3PM-5PM ET, and “The Importance of Pitching” on Saturday, January 30, from 3PM-5PM. During the latter workshop, some participants will have the opportunity to pitch their film and video projects to Atlas. Some writers talk about creating connections with their characters so deep that the characters feel like real people. But how do you bring memorable, three-dimensional characters to life enough to make that connection? In the first seminar, Atlas will use examples and lead exercises from the relationship based screenwriting guide she co-authored, Dating Your Character (Stairway Press). The Pitch class will cover many critical topics including: adapting your pitch to the audience you’re pitching to, mistakes people make when pitching, understanding the market and projects worthy of pitching, and the importance of the “hook.” Diane Pearlman, Executive Director of BFMC comments, “These seminars are for authors, screenwriters, playwrights, directors, producers or anyone who wants to tell an impactful story. Do you have an idea for the great film or TV series? You don’t need to be in NY or LA to create content these days - you just need the proper tools. So we’re thrilled that Marilyn is bringing her incredible expertise to our community” Marilyn R Atlas, a Hollywood Talent/Literary Manager and Producer, has long been committed to diversity and portrayal of strong female protagonists. She’s the producer of the HBO Sundance winning film Real Women Have Curves (now in development as a Broadway show) and The Choking Game on Lifetime among other films. Marilyn also produced several plays including the award winning To Gillian on her 37th Birthday. She has spoken at numerous writers’ conferences throughout the US and Europe. She’s currently developing projects based on diverse characters such as the Gary Phillips crime books and the award-winning middle school book series, The Code Busters Club for television, as well as developing a limited series in conjunction with Maten, a Chinese-based production company. Atlas co-authored the relationship-based, screenwriting guide Dating Your Character (Stairway Press). Tickets are $55.00 for one workshop and $95.00 for both. Student tickets are available at $45.00. Tickets for both workshops are available through EventBrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writing-pitching-classes-wliteraryagent-author-producer-marilyn-atlas-tickets-136106812139 The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is a creative economic engine that supports production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an on line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For details: www.berkshirefilm.org. -30-

Media Release: 5th WMass Film and Media Exchange

BERKSHIRE FILM AND MEDIA COLLABORATIVE PRESENTS “THE PERFECT PITCH” AT THE 5TH ANNUAL WMASS FILM AND MEDIA EXCHANGE, OCTOBER 20 IN SPRINGFIELD, MA.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative presents its 5th annual WMass Film and Media Exchange, “The Perfect Pitch,” on Saturday, October 20, 2018, from 9:30AM-4:30PM at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place in downtown Springfield, MA. This year’s Exchange is designed for screenwriters, playwrights, novelists, producers, directors and anyone with a great idea who wants to learn the best practices for getting a screenplay noticed by the studios. 

Special guest, renowned Hollywood Screenplay Consultant and Pitch Expert Pilar Alessandra will be conducting two seminars on Screenwriting (Character & Dialogue Development) and "Pitching Your Project." Fred Fierst from the entertainment law firm of Fierst, Kane & Bloomberg, LLP will also offer a session on the legal aspects of selling your screenplay or project. There will be an opportunity for participants to pitch their projects to Pilar.

Berkshire Film and Meia Collaborative’s Executive Director, Diane Pearlman, is thrilled to be offering this day of professional workshops in western, MA, “No longer do you have to live in New York City or Los Angeles to create great content. With so many TV, film and podcast outlets, we want to give our professional community (and those who want to “break-into” the business) the tools to be competitive and the opportunity to learn from one of the best!”

Pilar Alessandra started her career as Senior Story Analyst at DreamWorks SKG. In 2001, she opened the Los Angeles-based On the Page Writers’ Studio, dedicated to teaching and consulting with screenwriters and TV writers at all levels. She’s the author of the top-selling scriptwriting book, “The Coffee Break Screenwriter,” and host of the popular “On the Page Podcast.” An in-demand speaker, she’s been a guest instructor at Disney, DreamWorks Animation, ABC, CBS and AFM, and has taught screenwriting and pitching at production companies and film festivals all over the world. For more information about Pilar Alessandra, her classes, consultations, book and podcast: "http://www.onthepage.tv

The 2018 WMass Film and Media Exchange is made possible in part with grants from the Community Foundation of Western MA and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Sponsors to date include: Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, IMAGINE Magazine, New England Public Radio, Wachsler CPA, LLC, and The Westfield News Group. Media partners to date include Berkshire Theatre Group and WAM Theatre

Tickets for the WMass Film and Media Exchange, which include continental breakfast,  lunch and free parking at the Springfield Sheraton, begin at $129, with a student rate of $75 with valid student ID. Prices increase after October 15 to $159. Space is limited. For program and ticket information: 413.528.4223 or www.berkshirefilm.org or  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/western-ma-film-media-exchange-screenwriting-pitching-your-project-tickets-50514277564

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is a creative economic engine that supports production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an on line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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Media Release from Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative

Dateline: May 23, 2018

Advance Screening of New Feature Documentary, “GRIT,” by Academy Award® Winning Filmmaker Cynthia Wade at Berkshire International Film Festival on June 2

- A staggering eco-disaster that you’ve never heard of. A heroine you’ll never forget -

Oscar Winning filmmaker, and Berkshire resident, Cynthia Wade will present a special advance screening of GRIT, her newest documentary feature chronicling a young girl’s years-long fight against a drilling company in Indonesia. The film, which just had its world premiere in Toronto to rave reviews, will screen at the historic Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington on Saturday, June 2 at 1:30 pm.  Director Cynthia Wade will participate in a conversation after the screening, as part of the 13^th Annual Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) Tea Talk series. The screening is sponsored by the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BMFC).

“Shot with poetic grandeur and packed with stirring political heft” – Hot Docs Film Festival, Toronto

GRIT follows Dian, a young Indonesian girl who lost her home when an enormous tsunami of mud, causing by natural gas drilling, slammed into her village in 2006. Twelve years later, 16 villages lie buried under 60 feet of mud and the mud continues to explode every day. The film chronicles Dian’s awakening as a political activist as she had her community organize against the drilling company. GRIT was created in collaboration with the Sundance Institute.

 “An exquisitely shot film that draws upon the evocative power of manmade landscapes to create an eerie tale of what’s at stake for our planet” – POV Magazine

About the Director: Academy Award-winning director Cynthia Wade has won over 50 awards for her films. Her documentary Freeheld won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short in 2008; Wade was a lead producer on the 2015 fictionalized adaptation starring Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, Steve Carell and Michael Shannon. In 2013, Wade received her second Oscar nomination for her documentary Mondays at Racine. Her work can be seen at  http://www.cynthiawade.com

About the Sponsor: The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) creates educational, workforce and production opportunities in the film and media industry an economic initiative for the western Massachusetts region.  http://www.berkshirefilm.org.

Screening Time: Saturday, June 2 at 1:30 pm at The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA. Box Office:  413-528-0100. Tickets $15 for screening and conversation:  http://www.mahaiwe.org/BIFF2018Grit"

Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Summer Film Workshops

BFMC AND BCC TO OFFER

SUMMER FILMMAKING WORKSHOP FOR KIDS 10-14 YEARS OLD

Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC), in association with Berkshire Community College (BCC), is offering a summer filmmaking intensive for 10-14 year olds from Monday, June 25^th – Friday, June 30^th. This week long workshop will meet daily from 10:00am – 4:00pm and take place at BCC’s South County Campus, 343 Main Street, Great Barrington. Early drop off (9am) and late pick-up (5pm) is available by request.

The purpose of the workshop is twofold: 1) For kids to experience what it’s like to work on a real movie crew from creation of an idea to the final edit of the project, and 2) for the group to produce a high quality short film championed in every aspect by everyone in the group. The kids will work collaboratively - performing as actors on camera, running the lights, the camera and the sound, as well as editing and marketing the film’s premiere to the community. On the final night, parents, friends, and the public will be invited to attend and the young filmmakers will participate in a Q&A with the audience. Each participant will walk away with a copy of the film and the experience of creating a professional quality film together.

Specific topics covered will include: story structure, screenwriting, character development, cinematography, sound recording/mixing, lighting, editing, sound design and marketing.

Diane Pearlman, Executive Director of BFMC comments “We are thrilled to be offering this filmmaking workshop for the young people in our community. Video is becoming more and more important as a tool for communication. We need to teach our kids the importance of working cooperatively on a project, while giving them the tools necessary to tell a compelling story.”

The course is being taught by writer/director/actor/educator, Patrick Toole. For the past two years, Patrick has taught filmmaking and animation at The Darrow School in New Lebanon, NY. He also co-created the After School Film Project with the Chatham Film Club, and numerous other after school film and theater programs for middle and high school students in both Columbia and Berkshire Counties. Patrick has written/directed/edited over 30 short films and founded and curated several local film festivals, including Berkshire Shorts Film Festival. He is the founder of the Whitdiots Improve Troupe and Emergent Ensemble Theater Company. Patrick studied film at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

All equipment will be provided. Cost for the week-long workshop is $325. Students will need to bring lunch.

To register on-line go to http://shop.berkshirecc.edu, under “Kid Academy” or call 413.236.2127.

Class size is limited, so register today!

Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative creates educational, workforce and production opportunities in the film and media industry as an economic initiative for the western Massachusetts region. BFMC is a 501(c)3 non-profit

organization.  For more information: www.berkshirefilm.org 413.528.4223.

Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborate Networking Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2, 2018

Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Hosts

Spring Networking Event for Film, Media and Gaming Professionals

in Greenfield on Tuesday, May 8th

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is hosting a spring networking event for professionals in the film, media and gaming industries on Tuesday, May 8^th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Wheelhouse in Greenfield (downstairs at the Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center, 289 Main Street). Held quarterly throughout the region, these industry get-togethers allow local artists and technicians to meet each other and learn about business opportunities in western Massachusetts.

Tours of the upstairs Greenspace CoWork space will also take place during the event.

Admission is free although contributions are welcome at the door. There will be hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Please RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bfmc-spring-networking-event-tickets-45538945211

“BFMC is dedicated to creating jobs and growing the film, media and gaming industries in western MA,” says Diane Pearlman, Executive Director of BFMC. “It’s exciting to see people meet other creatives from down the street or the next town. New business relationships are always sparked.”

The event is generously sponsored by Limelight Productions and the Economic Development Council of Western MA.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative creates educational, workforce and production opportunities in the film and media industry as an economic initiative for western Massachusetts. BFMC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information go to: www.berkshirefilm.org or call 413.528.4223.

Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Posh Picnic July 23

BERKSHIRE FILM AND MEDIA COLLABORATIVE PRESENTS 

 “POSH PICNIC AT TANGLEWOOD”  

A FUNDRAISER FOR BFMC’S EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES

ON SUNDAY, JULY 23^rd 

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) presents its fourth annual Posh Picnic at Tanglewood  in Lenox, MA on Sunday, July 23rd from 12:00 noon – 2:30pm. This unique event raises funds for BFMC’s educational initiatives which include workforce development courses and college workshops that teach the skills necessary to work on film sets. As Executive Director Diane Pearlman explains, “We are committed to strengthening and expanding our local workforce in the film and media industry.  As we train more professionals and promote the region as a location for shooting, we create employment opportunities and support the creative economy”.

The Posh Picnic at Tanglewood includes a delicious gourmet catered picnic lunch on the lawn, an eclectic silent auction, and Shed seating for the matinee performance of The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s concert featuring Kernis, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, conducted by Ken-David Masur.  Special thanks to BFMC’s major sponsor, Tanglewood, for hosting and catering the event. The now famous make your own Bloody Mary bar will feature vodka from sponsor, Berkshire Mountain Distillers.

The Posh Picnic at Tanglewood will honor acclaimed feature film, commercial and theatrical Production Designer/Art Director, Carl Sprague.  Carl is a Berkshire resident whose credits include work with such illustrious directors as Wes Anderson, Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese and Stephen Spielberg. Carl was recently made a new member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

This year the winners of the first annual BFMC Short Screenplay Contest will be announced at the Picnic.  The contest was open to all amateur filmmakers who live or study in western Mass. The top three prizes include cash awards.

Tickets for the Posh Picnic at Tanglewood are $160.00 per person and available through the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative. For details: call 413-528.4223 or visit www.berkshirefilm.org

Since 2009, the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) has created educational, workforce and production opportunities in Western Massachusetts as a creative economic engine for the region. BFMC offers networking events for industry professionals, develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film and media industry and provides an on-line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers.  BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 

Calendar Listings: 4th WMass Film and Media Exchange May 12

CALENDAR LISTINGS

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative

presents the

4TH WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS FILM AND MEDIA EXCHANGE

Friday, May 12, 2017 from 11:30AM to 6PM

Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel

One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA

A day of hands-on workshops and networking opportunities for filmmakers, photographers, students, small businesses and non-profit organizations looking to incorporate the latest techniques in their film and media creation.  Workshops and equipment demonstrations will be presented by Vitec Videocom, a Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative partner. 

Tickets will be on sale on April 1. For information on programs, tickets, and more: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative at www.berkshirefilm.org or call:413-528-4223

Sponsors to date include Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and The Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is a creative economic  engine that supports production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an on line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC was formed in 2009, and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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Westfield News Group Feature: WMass Film and Media Exchange

My Westfield News Group Feature on the WMass Film and Media Exchange on October 19. http://thewestfieldnews.com/how-to-tell-your-story-using-video

Westfield News Group Feature: 3rd WMass Film and Media Exchange

My Westfield News Group Article: Berkshire Film and Media's 3rd WMass Film Exchange on October 19 in Springfield, MA. http://thewestfieldnews.com/western-massachusetts-film-and-media-exchange-presents-workshop-in-video-literacy-for-non-profit-organizations

Media Release: WMass Film and Media Exchange October 19

DATELINE: SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative presents the

3RD ANNUAL WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS FILM AND MEDIA EXCHANGE

Video Literacy: What You Need To Tell Your Story

A one day workshop for non-profits and small businesses

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 10AM to 6PM

Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel

One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA

The 3^rd Western MA Film and Media Exchange will be a day of workshops and panels to de-mystify the process and enable our smaller businesses to become “video literate.” Attendees will learn about the process of making videos and how to use video to tell their story.  The workshops will cover a variety of topics including: an explanation of the production process, how to write a creative brief (what’s the message of your video), how to make a video to fit your budget, and how to use video effectively in social media and marketing efforts. Workshops will be led by area filmmakers and video professionals, who will share their expertise and answer specific questions from attendees. 

Keynote speaker, Michael Hoffman is the CEO of See3 Communications, a digital marketing agency for nonprofits based in Chicago. He is a leading authority on online video for nonprofits and a long-time consultant to nonprofit leaders on digital fundraising, advocacy and community engagement strategies. Hoffman founded See3 to bring together his belief in the power of the web and his passion and experience with nonprofit fundraising, advocacy, and education. He works closely with organizations such as Make-A-Wish, Alzheimer's Foundation, TripAdvisor Foundation, UJA Federation New York and many others. He is a frequent blogger and tweeter on nonprofit marketing and is an internationally sought-after speaker on topics such as online cause marketing, web video, and social media for social change. 

The Exchange includes breakfast, lunch and will culminate with a networking cocktail party.

Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite using this link, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/western-mass-film-and-media-exchange-tickets-27412471440  For information on programs, tickets, and more: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative at www.berkshirefilm.com or call:413-528-4223

Sponsors to date include Baystate Health, MassLive, Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Economic Development Council of Western MA, WGBY Public Television for Western New England, New England Public Radio, The Westfield News Group, Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, Maureen Sullivan Media Group, Imagine Magazine and Jx2 Productions.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is a creative economic engine that supports production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an on- line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC was formed in 2009, and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Calendar Listings: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative

DATELINE: August 29, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Laura Gratz

Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative

413-528-4223

laura@berkshirefilm.com

Mark G. Auerbach

Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations

413-427-7352

mgauerbach@gmail.com

CALENDAR LISTINGS

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative

presents the

3RD ANNUAL WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS FILM AND MEDIA EXCHANGE

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 10AM to 6PM

Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel

One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA

A day long series of workshps, seminars, and networking opportunities for non-profit organizations and small businesses to teach them how to create and use video in their social media, fundraising and marketing efforts. We will also introduce attendees to local filmmakers and videographers who can help them realize their vision. 

Tickets will be on sale in mid-September. For information on programs, tickets, and more: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative at www.berkshirefilm.com or call:413-528-4223

Sponsors to date include Baystate Health, WGBY Public Television for Western New England, New England Public Radio, The Westfield News Group, Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations,  Maureen Sullivan Media Group, and  Jx2 Productions.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is a creative economic engine that supports production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an on- line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC was formed in 2009, and is a fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity. 

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Westfield News Group Arts Beat: Posh Picnic

My Westfield News Group feature on Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative's Posh Picnic. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-special-berkshire-film-and-media-collaborative-to-host-a-posh-picnic-at-tanglewood-on-july-24-actor-karen-allen-to-be-honored

Media Release: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Workshop on May 7

Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative

to offer

New 1-Day Workshop: How to be a Production Assistant

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative will be offering a new film workshop, “How to be a Production Assistant,” on Saturday, May 7^th from 1:00-4:00pm. Topics will include: Job responsibilities, proper film set etiquette and dress, production paperwork, definitions of film departments and crews, union vs. non-union productions, using walkie-talkies, how to find work and potential career paths. 

According to BFMC Executive Director, Diane Pearlman, “When productions come to our region, their first request is to find trained and knowledgeable local productions assistants - people who are familiar with the area and can get things done quickly. A local production assistant is a key liaison between a production and our local businesses.”

The course will be taught by and Alexa Green - professional Production Assistant and 2^nd Assistant Director, Williams Beautyman - Owner of Limelight Productions and IATSE Local 481 Union representative, and Diane Pearlman, who is an independent film producer. 

Participants who complete the course will be listed on the BFMC website’s crew database. As Pearlman states, “We are excited to be offering this workforce development workshop. The greater our depth of crew, the easier it is for more productions to choose western Massachusetts for their next project.”

The workshop will take place at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble St, Lenox, MA in the rehearsal space of the Elaine Bernstein Theater. Cost of the Production Assistant workshop is $75.00. TO REGISTER or for additional information, call 413.528.4223 or email Laura Gratz at laura@berkshirefilm.org.

For more information about the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative, visit our website at www.berkshirefilm.org.

Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative on WGBY's Connecting Point

Diane Pearlman and Terry Holland talk about the 2nd WMass Film and Media Exchange on WGBY-TV's The Connecting Point. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es4xfHQDmdA&feature=youtu.be

Media Release: Panels and Workshops and WMass Film and Media Exchange

PANELS AND WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED FOR

2ND WESTERN MASS FILM AND MEDIA EXCHANGE TO BE HELD OCTOBER 23 IN HOLYOKE, MA

(Pittsfield, MA) The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is pleased to announce that the 2nd Annual Western Massachusetts Film and Media Exchange will feature a diverse series of panels and workshops of interest to the film and video community and the business community who want to utilize film and video in their marketing and social media efforts. The Exchange will take place on Friday, October 23rd from 9:30am – 5:30pm at the Baystate Health’s Whitney Avenue Conference Center in Holyoke, MA. 

Cynthia Wade, the Academy Award-winning Berkshires-based filmmaker will be the Keynote Speaker. Wade won the Oscar for her short documentary “Freeheld,” the story of a New Jersey police officer who was diagnosed with cancer and wanted to give her benefits to her same-sex partner. The acclaimed documentary has been turned into a motion picture of the same name, starring Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, and Steve Carrell, which opens nationally on October 16th. Wade is a producer of that venture. She also won an Oscar nomination for her documentary “Mondays at Racine”, the stories of women undergoing chemotherapy. For information on Cynthia Wade: http://www.cynthiawade.com/

According to BFMC Executive Director, Diane Pearlman, “In today’s marketplace, it’s important for businesses to tell their story visually – whether in a commercial, an in-house presentation, a promotional video or on the web. We want to demystify the process of making a video by discussing what it costs to make a good, effective product and the impact that video can have. A panel specifically for businesses, “How Your Business Can Use Video Effectively” will feature the President of MassLive, Allison Werder and the Vice President of Marketing for Baystate Health, Suzanne Hendery, and John Hesslein, Station Manager of Western Mass News.

Other panels during The Exchange will be geared to filmmakers and their interests. Entertainment lawyer, Fred Fierst, who led a standing room only seminar last year, will bring a panel of lawyers and filmmakers to discuss every legal aspect of getting a project done – from concept to script, to raising the funding, to attaching cast and crew and dealing with the unions, to negotiating and closing the distribution deal, tax credits, and gap financing. Another panel, “Funding Your Film” will include with leaders in crowdfunding and how to source local production grants. 

Several panels will be geared to all of the attendees. “How to Market Yourself and Your Business” will be led by Rachael Frank of Gravity Switch of Northampton, MA. Rachael will discuss how companies of any size need to find their voice and how to effectively use the digital marketplace to promote themselves and their business. 

The “Local Success Stories” panel will feature industry professionals living and working in the region. Participants include Diego Ungaro, Director of “Bob and the Trees” which was featured at Sundance this year as well as won the Grand Prize at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Craig Crawford of Cadence Visual Effects whose work can be seen on “Game of Thrones” and Steve Porter of Porterhouse Media, whose mash-ups have promoted everything from breakfast cereal to Good Morning America. 

Pearlman adds, “We also want our businesses to look to our local talent for their projects instead of going to New York City or Los Angeles.” Businesses will be able to connect with local filmmakers by watching their reels on the Exhibit Floor, meeting one another during lunch or at the cocktail networking event. There will be a large “connecting” Board for businesses and filmmakers to exchange business cards as well. 

The Exchange will feature a full Exhibit Hall with many of the latest technologies (cameras, lights, and drones!), as well as local production and media companies.

 “This is going to be an exciting and informative event for an industry that is growing in our region,” says Pearlman, “The Exchange is a place where filmmakers and businesses can meet and make connections. We have incredible talent in our region and we are able to produce high-level content for much less than if you went to New York or Los Angeles. We are all about keeping production dollars staying here in our State. For those in the business and those who want to know more about it - you can’t afford to miss The Exchange.”

Panelists, workshops and participants will be listed at www.berkshirefilm.org. All programs are subject to change.

Tickets for the Exchange are $55 in advance and $65 at the door.  Admission includes full access to all Exhibits, workshops/panels and demos, along with breakfast, lunch and a networking cocktail party to conclude the conference.  For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information, go to BFMC’s website:www.berkshirefilm.org or call their office 413.528.4223. 

Sponsors to date include: AJA Video Systems, Anzovin Studios, Baystate Health, Boris F/X, Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, Gogel and Gogel, Hunt’s Photo, IMAGINE Magazine, Jx2 Productions, LEF Foundation, Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, Massachusetts Cultural Council, MassLive, Maureen Sullivan Media Group, New England Public Radio, Take Magazine, Vitec Videocom, The Westfield News Group, and WGBY Public Television for Western New England.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) creates educational, workforce and production opportunities in the film and media industry as an economic initiative for the western Massachusetts region. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an on- line production guide and locations database as a resource for film

Westfield News Article: WMass Film and Media Exchange

My Westfield News article on the upcoming WMass Film and Media Exchange. http://thewestfieldnews.com/western-massachusetts-film-and-media-exchange-offers-workshops-for-film-and-video-professions-and-businesses-interested-in-using-film-and-video-for-marketing