2007.05.29: May 29, 2007: Headlines: COS - Russia: Movies: Screen Magazine: Russia RPCV Jason Stephens' Split Pillow has found success as a non-profit organization
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2007.05.29: May 29, 2007: Headlines: COS - Russia: Movies: Screen Magazine: Russia RPCV Jason Stephens' Split Pillow has found success as a non-profit organization
Russia RPCV Jason Stephens' Split Pillow has found success as a non-profit organization
Stephens says filmmakers might want to consider using a non-profit infrastructure as a means of producing work. He plans to share the ins and outs of setting up such an organization. “That will be particularly valuable because filmmaking has [traditionally] been thought of as a commercial endeavor,” says Stephens. As far as distribution goes, Stephens admits that finding an audience is the trickiest part of the equation. He says working with local exhibitors is one way for independent filmmakers to get their work seen. Stephens cites Split Pillow’s collaboration with Chicago Filmmakers as one such example. On a national level, Stephens says film festivals are still the way to go, but he is quick to note that a successful local screening might catch the eye of a festival programmer. “If you can demonstrate that you have an audience on a local level, it might help you,” says Stephens.
Russia RPCV Jason Stephens' Split Pillow has found success as a non-profit organization
TALKING IT OVER: Chicago-Based Split Pillow to Host Slamdance Panel
Dixon Galvez-Searle
On Sunday, January 22, Chicago-based Split Pillow will host a panel discussion at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, UT. The non-profit film production company will join a group of filmmakers and producers from markets including Kansas City and Birmingham, AL. The discussion will focus on “Indie Production and Distribution Outside of L.A. and N.Y.”
Split Pillow founder Jason Stephens says he was introduced to the Slamdance community after bringing the short film “Cushion” to the 2005 festival. “It was a really great festival in terms of emerging filmmakers,” he says. Before long, Split Pillow had decided to become a sponsor and host one of Slamdance’s “Fireside Chats.”
Stephens says he brainstormed potential panel topics with the folks from Slamdance and that local and regional filmmaking became a recurring theme over the course of their discussions. “One of the things that came up was this explosion of micro cinema and people making their projects outside of the major markets,” says Stephens.
One point Stephens plans to raise at the panel is the opportunities that exist for local media production. He says most media and entertainment is focused on national issues and that the door is open for filmmakers to create work that reflects their local communities. “That’s something we’ve had success at and that most cities hunger for,” says Stephens.
On a similar note, Stephens says there is an abundance of local talent in most cities and that filmmakers should mine their local theater, music and arts communities for talent. He says it’s important to “make sure that you’re collaborating with and relying on the creative forces in your community.”
On the funding side, Split Pillow has found success as a non-profit organization. Stephens says filmmakers might want to consider using a non-profit infrastructure as a means of producing work. He plans to share the ins and outs of setting up such an organization. “That will be particularly valuable because filmmaking has [traditionally] been thought of as a commercial endeavor,” says Stephens.
As far as distribution goes, Stephens admits that finding an audience is the trickiest part of the equation. He says working with local exhibitors is one way for independent filmmakers to get their work seen. Stephens cites Split Pillow’s collaboration with Chicago Filmmakers as one such example.
On a national level, Stephens says film festivals are still the way to go, but he is quick to note that a successful local screening might catch the eye of a festival programmer. “If you can demonstrate that you have an audience on a local level, it might help you,” says Stephens.
Panel: “Indie Production and Distribution Outside of LA and NY”
Date and Time: Sunday, January 22 at 3:00 pm
Location: The Slamdance Lounge, 608 Main St., Park City, UT
Links to Related Topics (Tags):
Headlines: May, 2007; Peace Corps Russia; Directory of Russia RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Russia RPCVs; Movies
When this story was posted in November 2007, this was on the front page of PCOL:
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Story Source: Screen Magazine
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