San Diego Indy Film Scene
Reported by Katherine Sweetman
Do you want to get involved in exciting independent film productions happening here in San Diego? Are you an producer, actor, director of photography, sound engineer, director, photographer, writer, production designer, costume designer, makeup artist, motion graphics artist, SFX artist, graphic designer, colorist, sound/score designer, or have other skills that film producers need– distribution, finance, and other support? Do you have a film project you need help with? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this is the event for you. The San Diego Student and Independent Film Foundation welcomes all interested participants to attend the October 26th Networking and Pitchfest at Four Points Sheraton San Diego (8110 Aero Drive, San Diego, California 92123).
The call for a strong and organized San Diego film community is overwhelming. over 280 people attended the inaugural San Diego Independent Film Consortium’s event (Sept ’12) — an event organized in one week with no budget– that has gone on to produce impressive results and an amazing response from the local film industry.
BUT WE NEED TO DO MORE. San Diego’s climate, schools, proximity to LA, and talent pool give us a prime location to generate quality projects, produce funded films, and draw commercial interest in what we are doing here. Our goal, as local filmmakers, industry professionals, and interested parties, should be to further San Diego’s independent film scene by any means necessary. And this begins by getting organized, getting networked, and getting productions happening. So what’s the first step? Come meet your peers and potential collaborators and lets make things happen.
Mixer – The mixer is an exceptional networking opportunity. We encourage each filmmaker/actor, etc., to bring head shots, contact cards, screeners, reels, links to work, writing samples, and/or any other information that you would like to distribute to the various participants. The mixer will provide a relaxed atmosphere with cocktail service available through the hotel.
One success story from our last event involves actor Mark Benjamin who has been cast in FOUR films due to networking at the previous mixer. And he’s in discussions with two more directors on upcoming projects.
Pitchfest – You can apply to do a two-minute speaking pitch (space limited). Local producers and scriptwriters will be given two minutes to pitch their scripts or current productions. Those who are pitching will need to state what types of skills/cast/crew they need. You can apply for current or upcoming (Jan) two-minute pitch positions.
Video and written pitch submissions are also being accepted:
Interested in Pitching? Fill form here
Interested in screening your productions locally?
Submit your locally produced trailers here
Submit your local and completed short/feature/webisodes here
By pitching and sharing your project at the mixer and pitchfest, you can not only find cast and crew to make it happen, but you can get help with marketing and screening your final film while also getting access to a community of filmmakers and potential collaborators who want to see you succeed. In an effort to kickstart our mission, we will also be launching a crowd-sourced campaign to directly sponsor local filmmakers and local film production right now.
Halloween Theme– It’s that time of year. This events’ line up includes a screening of short films from HORRIBLE IMAGININGS Film Festival. We will also be featuring local make up and special effects booths. Need your zombies to look more realistic? Find help at this event.
The SAN DIEGO STUDENT AND INDEPENDENT FILM FOUNDATION is a local organization specializing exhibition, mentoring, funding and career development for San Diego’s student and independent film community. The foundation grew from the 2012 San Diego Student Film Festival at San Diego City College the only one of it’s kind in San Diego that focuses on supporting local students and offering cash prizes for winning submissions. With hundreds of participants and audience members, the need for a centralized organization to help grow & keep talent in San Diego was realized.
By the fall of 2012, the organization co-founded the San Diego Independent Filmmakers Consortium, a local member driven group, is dedicated to supporting and promoting San Diego’s independent filmmaking community through the sharing of information and expertise, as well as developing resources, both material and financial, that will be available to local independent filmmakers.
Additional Organizations and Sponsors
San Diego Student Film Festival
UCSD Extension’s Digital Arts Center
Actorbeam
Media Arts Center San Diego
Acting Professionally
Register for our local indy film mailing list
When:
October 26, 2012, 6:30-9:30PM
6:30-7 Registration
7-8:30 Sponsors, Presenters and Pitchfest
8:30-9:30 Mixer
Where:
Four Points Sheraton,
8110 Aero Drive San Diego,
CA 92123
Conveniently located right off the freeway in Kearny Mesa with free parking.
Cost:
Suggested $5 donation
Contact:
Jodi Cilley
619-540-8994
jodi.cilley@gmail.com