Independent Filmmaker Project Minnesota (IFP Minnesota) presents the 15th annual Midwest Filmmaker Conference in partnership with Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC) Saturday and Sunday, May 2-4, 2014. Conference sessions take place at MCTC and IFP Minnesota and are tied-in to the Next Look screening series at the Walker Art Center.
IFP Minnesota's Midwest Filmmaker Conference has developed over the years in scope and impact in response to Minnesota's vibrant independent film and media community. From students to seasoned pros, Minnesota media makers gather annually with one another and national experts for inspiration, learning and practical connections to financing and distribution.
IFP Minnesota Executive Director Andrew Peterson says, "We are thrilled to partner with Minneapolis Community & Technical College on our 15th Midwest Filmmaker Conference. As befitting an anniversary year, this year's Conference is a landmark celebration of independent film, introducing new financing and distribution strategies, providing special access to industry innovators, and featuring Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper's first-ever visit to Minnesota. The Conference and related screening series at the Walker Art Center are an amazing opportunity for the film and media community to come together, be inspired, and make important connections that can have a profound effect on all our work moving forward."
The Midwest Filmmaker Conference kicks off Saturday, May 3 at MCTC with keynote presenter James Belfer, Founder and Executive Producer of Dogfish Pictures, CEO and Managing Director of Dogfish Accelerator, and Producer of the indie features Compliance (Magnolia Pictures, Sundance NEXT 2012), Amy Heckerling's Vamps (Anchor Bay), Like Crazy (Paramount Vantage, 2011 Sundance Grand Jury Prize Winner), Salvation Boulevard (IFC, Sundance 2011), The Romantics (Paramount Famous, Sundance 2010), and Prince Avalanche (Sundance 2013, Berlinale 2013), starring Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch and directed by David Gordon Green. Belfer discusses how Dogfish's first-ever accelerator program for film producers helps them build their production companies in a way that promotes financial viability and creative freedom.
The remainder of the day includes a panoply of industry professionals addressing topics ranging from screenwriting to distribution. Justin Simien, Writer/Director and Effie T. Brown, Producer of Dear White People present a case study of the production. (Note: Dear White People screens Friday, May 2 in the Next Look series at the Walker Art Center). The conference also includes: a conversation between Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper and producer Mary Jane Skalski (Mysterious Skin, directed by Greg Araki and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt; The Visitor; Pariah; and Win Win, starring Paul Giamatti); and a screenwriting panel with local writers Michael Starrbury (The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete), Nicole Brending (Whip Smart, being developed with Catherine Hardwicke), and Ken Rance (New in Town), moderated by Ben Robbins, Creative Director of the Nantucket Screenwriters Colony.
Saturday Conference activities conclude with a reception for guest presenters, open to the media and Conference attendees (location to be announced).
The Conference continues on Sunday, May 4 at IFP Minnesota with a perennial filmmaker favorite--individual consultations with Conference presenters.
The Midwest Filmmaker Conference cost is $75/IFP MN members; $100/non-members; $65/students and seniors. Pre-registration is required. Saturday lunch is included.
More IFP MN Midwest Filmmaker Conference details will be announced and registration will be open soon.