Workshop for Filmmakers
The course will take place live at the Goggleworks Center for the Arts Boscov Theater and virtually for filmmakers unable to attend in person. The course will guide filmmakers on what it means to go through Development, Package a feature film and raise Financing through private equity and debt possibilities. The different presentation modules demonstrate why taking a start-up business approach is more effective than optioning the rights to your screenplay.
We will go through the development process of creating all of the packaging elements needed for either an Ultra-Low, Moderate-Low, or Low-Budget feature. Case study features along with series and documentaries from a variety of genres, budgets, and countries will be presented in order to see what worked – and what didn’t. A deep dive into the US, Canadian and European film financing process will then be covered to articulate where funding comes from through both private and public opportunities.
Participants will also have the opportunity to pitch their projects during the last portion of the class and raise questions to the group for guidance and support.
(Kevin will also arrange one on one Zoom consultations with filmmakers who are seeking further guidance on their current projects in Development beyond what this course has to offer)
KEY TAKE-AWAYS:
Film Financing, Package Elements, Investment Sourcing, Investment Units through, Limited Liability Corporation, Tax Credit Loans
First-In Money, Talent Retainer Fees (Scale / Schedule F), Pre-Sales Estimates, Co-Production Agreements, Proof of Concepts, (Mood Reel / Short Film)
Marketing Materials (Look Books / Pitch Decks), Distribution Agreements (Exclusive / Non-Exclusive), Mentoring Producer, Executive Producer
Divide & Conquer Writer / Director / Producer
Kevin Christoffersen Film StartUp – Educator and Development Executive
Kevin has been working in just about every form of media for nearly 3 decades – producing content internationally across 4 continents while living in 5 countries. He is an Educator and Development Executive of the platform, ‘FILM STARTUP.’ In this role, Kevin guides filmmakers through the A to Z feature film development process with his workshop courses, development labs, webinars and consultations. On the Executive Producing side, he works on establishing financing for different feature films of various budget levels both in the U.S. and in Europe. He is also consulting filmmakers on distribution deals within foreign markets that include tv broadcasters, distributors and streaming platforms. Kevin sits on the Advisory Board of the Art Of Brooklyn Film Festival and has recently completed co-writing a feature length screenplay. He was based in Switzerland for over 7 years as Executive Producer of World Television managing Film StartUp managing large scale productions for Fortune 500 companies, United Nations agencies and NGO’s. While working between New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver, he continues to form new film industry partnerships along the way.
Media Advisory
READING, Pa, May 12, 2021 — The ReadingFilmFEST is the recipient of a $35,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The money will support the festival’s development initiatives, including production, marketing and promotion, and year-round administrative expenses.
“It is vitally important to support the arts when considering community and economic development, which is why I advocated for ReadingFilmFEST in this grant process,” Sen. Judy Schwank said. “In just a few years, this festival has established a tremendous reputation for quality events that support artists and has brought positive attention into our city and county.”
The funding comes as a relief to the newly established nonprofit organization, which also endured financial loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ReadingFilmFEST was able to persevere, in part due to collaborative efforts and the successful launch of last year’s hybrid festival.
Now in its seventh year, the festival continues to support emerging filmmakers, enhance local art culture and encourage spending in the local community through the following opportunities: FiveMinuteFilmFEST, women and minority screenplay competition, independent premiere film releases, summer Mini-FilmFEST, LunaFEST, and other events.
“ReadingFilmFEST is encouraged by the unified support and collaboration within the community to build a more robust, more vibrant Reading post-COVID. Our focus as a new nonprofit is to create an even more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive film community,” Executive Director Cammie Harris said.
In early 2021, ReadingFilmFEST became its own entity, establishing a board of directors and an advisory council, including past contributors, organizers, and community leaders. Local partnerships will also ensure the festival’s continued viability as an important community event.
ReadingFilmFEST will occur September 30-October 3, 2021, and features indoor, outdoor and online screenings for filmmakers and audiences to safely enjoy.
When: Tuesday, May 18, at 4 p.m.
Where: Boscov Theatre at GoggleWorks 201 Washington St., Reading, Pa 19601
Attendees:
State Sen. Judy Schwank
Cammie Harris, executive director of ReadingFilmFEST
Tracy Schott, board president/creative director of ReadingFilmFEST
Dr. Rodney Ridley, associate provost and vice president/chief operating officer for the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
John R. Loyack, president of Alvernia University
Levi Landis, executive director of GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Cesar Gonzales, The Gables Foundation/owner of The Gables at Stirling Guest Hotel
Notes: Photo opportunities available. This press event is also open to the public.
ReadingFilmFEST grew out of ReadingFilm, the region’s film commission, to become an established nonprofit organization located at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading, Pennsylvania. The festival continues to promote the area as a location and destination for film and media production, building the community through events and programming and cultivating the development of a regional film industry. ReadingFilmFEST creates programming throughout the year for audiences, students and filmmakers, culminating in a four-day international film festival each fall. FilmFreeway featured ReadingFilmFEST on its Top 100 Film Festivals. In past years, the festival has generated filmmakers from across the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Iran and Columbia. For more info, visit readingfilmfest.com.
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Made-In-Reading Mini FilmFEST at First Energy Stadium
Reading’s Fightin’ Phils presents a Party with a Purpose with ReadingFIlmFEST on Thursday, August 27th doors open at 5:30 pm, event starts at 6 pm at First Energy stadium. The outdoor event will present ReadingFilmFEST’s Made-in-Reading block of films, featuring the premiere screening of DUST NUGGETS by Sue Lange and Andrew Pochan, as well as several short films by local filmmakers. Food & drinks will be available at FirstEnergy Stadium concession stands. Guests can enjoy live music throughout the evening between film screenings.
Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased in advance. Purchase tickets at August 27th Reading FilmFEST Event at FirstEnergy Stadium.
“With the need for social distancing, the festival was looking for an outdoor venue to safely show this program. We were delighted to learn that the Fightin’ Phils were willing to partner with us in this effort!” says ReadingFilmFEST’s Creative Director, Tracy Schott. Since 2015 ReadingFilmFEST has presented up to 70 films each year from filmmakers around the world during a 4-day festival in November. The festival also has supported local filmmakers by presenting the Made-in-Reading block of films as part of the program. “We know that Dust Nuggets included crew, talent, and extras from the Reading area, and wanted to allow the community to view this fun film in an equally fun venue.
“The pandemic has forced us to rethink the presentation of ReadingFilmFEST for 2020” adds Executive Director Cammie Harris. “Though many festivals have opted to cancel or go completely online this year, we’ve put on our creative hats to create a hybrid festival.” The 2020 ReadingFilmFEST will take place on October 1 – 4, 2020 with films available through outdoors, drive-ins, and online screenings. “In the spring, we turned our Five Minute FilmFEST for high school students into a streaming event that was also broadcast on BCTV. We’ll remain flexible in our approach to this year’s festival by providing options that entertain and educate our audiences while also keeping everyone safe.”
Details about festival events will be posted on ReadingFilmFEST.com, and available on the festival’s social media channels:
Facebook: facebook.com/readingfilmfest
Twitter: @ReadingFilmFEST
Instagram:@ReadingFilmFEST
For further information contact:
Cammie Harris
ReadingFilmFEST Executive Director
charris@readingfilmfest.com
Black Lives Matter Statement
ReadingFilmFEST believes black lives matter and the inequitable, marginalization, and brutal treatment of African Americans is unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with those working to bring about social justice and improving the lives of minorities. We are committed to helping build a society where everyone can live with dignity. Since its inception, ReadingFilmFEST has celebrated the diverse voices of independent filmmakers and created opportunities to lift the voices of the oppressed through their stories. We purposefully develop programming that sheds a light and educates our community on the challenges faced by society with the goal of increasing understanding of complex issues. During this time of heightened awareness of racism and social injustice, we are taking this time to listen and learn together.
This season ReadingFilmFEST will provide independent films and resources that: • address the issues of racism and inequality, • provide an alternative worldview through the eyes of its filmmaker, and/or • offer solutions for a more equitable and inclusive society. In addition, below are a list of recommended resources.
Watch
• 13th (Netflix)
• Time: The Kalief Brower Story (Netflix)
• Notes From the Field (HBO)
• American Son (Netflix)
• Just Mercy
• If Beale St. Could Talk (Hulu)
• When They See Us (Netflix)
Read
• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
• How to Be an Anti – Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
• The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
• Divided Sisters by Midge Wilson and Kathy Russell
• The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
• They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery
• The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon
Listen
• 1619 (New York Times)
• About Race Code Switch (NPR)
• Intersectionality Matters Podcast
• Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast
• Pod Save the People (Crooked Media)
• Parenting Lessons with Cindy Wang Brandt
• Fare of the Free Child Podcast
Articles
• The 1619 Project
• America’s Racial Contract Is Killing Us
• 2020 21 Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge
• Anti-Racism for Kids 101: Starting to Talk About Race
It takes ten minutes to blow up a bridge and years to build one. Let’s build a bridge together.
Sincerely, ReadingFilmFEST Team
ReadingFilmFEST – Oct 8 – 11, 2020
ReadingFilmFEST Responds to Covid-19
Like many organizations, ReadingFilmFEST has had to revamp this year’s film festival to ensure the health and safety of our volunteers, filmmakers and audience. Based on projections regarding Covid-19, this year’s event will be a Hybrid event, combining both virtual and in-person activities. The festival will include an outdoor celebration and drive-in style screening of our opening night films, with plenty of room for social distancing. In addition, we will offer in-theater screenings and talkbacks with limited seating on a reservation basis only. Online screening of the films and talkbacks will be streamed in real time with the option of viewing any time within the timeframe of the festival.Keep checking back for more updates!
ReadingFilmFest gets $25,000 grant from Pennsylvania
By David Mekeel dmekeel@readingeagle.com @dmekeel on Twitter
The ReadingFilmFest is about so much more than just watching movies, Cammie Harris told the crowd gathered Tuesday morning inside the GoggleWorks‘ Boscov Theater.
The film festival’s executive director, standing on the theater’s stage, said it’s about developing and exploring culture. It’s about economic development.
And with the announcement everyone came to hear, the festival will be able to continue those missions.
ReadingFilmFest has received a $25,000 grant from the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development. The money will allow the festival to expand Harris’ role to a year-round one, meaning she can work to create a sustainable business model that keeps the festival running for years to come.
And that, said those who spoke Tuesday, is incredibly important.
“Our film festival is one of the best, if not the best, for a city our size,” said filmmaker Sue Lange. “And it’s only going to get better.”
Tracy Shott, the festival’s creative director, said the festival has grown over each of its six years. The grant will only help that continue.
“Today’s event really shows we’re going to the next level as a film festival,” she said.
State Sen. Judy Schwank, who facilitated the festival’s efforts to obtain the grant, said ReadingFilmFest is one of the things that makes the community great.
The festival shows off the diversity and talent that exists in Berks County, she said, as well as all that the city and county have to offer.
“This is greater Reading,” she said. “This is a great place to be.”
Pamela Shupp, executive director of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, said ReadingFilmFest is one of the things that make her a proud Berks Countian, proud to be from Reading.
“We have a message to tell,” she said. “And it’s important, and it’s one that needs to be shouted from the rooftops.”
The ReadingFilmFest will take place Nov. 5 through 8. Last year’s edition included more than 70 feature, documentary and short films. Films will be shown at the GoggleWorks and Reading Movies 11 & IMAX theater.
In addition to November’s festival, ReadingFilmFest will also present Five Minute FilmFEST in May featuring short films created by high school students.
Submissions for the 2020 ReadingFilmFest are being accepted. For more information visit readingfilmfest.com.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Costume Contest Reception & Screening
Costume Contest & Reception
Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 9:00 p.m. at The Peanut Bar
2 Screenings
Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 10:30pm at The GoggleWorks Boscov Theater
Friday, November 1, 2019 at 10:30pm at The GoggleWorks Boscov Theater
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the ultimate cult classic that brings out the weird in everyone. Featuring an all-star cast, a cooky storyline and amazing music, the film by itself is great fun. But when you add the audience antics, it’s a event worth staying up late for…
The Thursday night (October 31st -yes, that’s Halloween!) screening will be preceded by a reception at The Peanut Bar. There WILL be a costume contest, bring on your best Riff Raff, Dr. Frank-n-Furter and Janet costumes and get ready to kick off your ReadingFilmFEST weekend with a little weirdness and absolute fun! There will be a second screening on Friday, November 1, 2019 at The GoggleWorks Boscov Theater. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit http://readingfilmfest.us.tempcloudsite.com or https://filmfreeway.com/ReadingFilmFEST/tickets.
Special Festival Screening and Concert
On November 3, ReadingFilmFEST presents a film screening of Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice at 2:30pm at the GoggleWorks Boscov Theater. Followed by Q&A with Pete and Mike Ronstadt (The Ronstadt Brothers), Linda’s nephews, who will close the festival with a special concert on Sunday, November 3 – 6:30 PM at the WCR Center for the Arts.
Since bursting onto the music scene in 1967, Linda Ronstadt has been an icon for more than 50 years. Her extraordinary vocal range and ambition created unforgettable songs across rock, pop, country, folk ballads, American standards, classic Mexican music and soul. As the most popular female recording artist of the 1970s, Ronstadt filled huge arenas like no one had ever done and produced an astounding eleven Platinum albums. Ronstadt was the first artist to top the Pop, Country, and R&B charts simultaneously, she won 10 Grammy ® Awards on 26 nominations and attained a level of stardom the Tucson native never could have fathomed. *The Ronstadt Brothers, Linda’s nephews, will be in attendance for Q & A. Join the Ronstadt Brothers later in the evening on their journey through the Post-Modern American West at the WCR Center for the Arts at 6:30 PM as we close the 5th Annual ReadingFilmFEST. Get tickets at https://filmfreeway.com/ReadingFilmFEST/tickets.