Berkshire Film and Media Arts Commission Archive

Mark Your Calendars for SPARKettes!

Published: February 10, 2010Posted in: BERKSHIRE CREATIVE, EVENTS, FEATURES 1, FEATURES 2, FOR PROFIT RESOURCES, LOCAL NEWS, NEWS BULLETIN, NON PROFIT RESOURCES, RESOURCESTags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Mark Your Calendars for SPARKettes!

SPARKette: (n) mini-SPARK! networking event for industry clusters within the creative economy.

SPARKettes are an opportunity for colleagues in an industry cluster to meet and connect at a scaled down, focused networking event. Whether you are part of one of the clusters, seeking services from them, or are just interested in learning more about a particular group, SPARKettes are here to help you ignite that connection!

________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPARKettes are held once a month, February-November 2010, with a different industry cluster addressed each month!

5:30-7:00pm

Upstairs at Jae’s Spice, North Street, Pittsfield, MA

FREE

Cash Bar

Hors D’ouevres and venue generously provided by Jae’s Spice!

Click here to RSVP to the SPARKettes of your choice!

________________________________________________________________________________________________

MONTH//INDUSTRY

FEBRUARY// VISUAL MEDIA
FEB. 9th, 2010
Publishers, Printers, Writers, Photographers, Graphic Designers, Web Designers, Publicists, Marketers

MARCH//CULTURE AND HERITAGE
MAR. 23rd, 2010
Museums, Theatres, Theatre Companies, Garden Museums, Historic Homes, Libraries, Heritage Preservation

APRIL//VISUAL ARTS
APR. 13th, 2010
 Artists, Artisans, Galleries, Arts Agents, Collectors, Museums, Art Venues, Crafters, Curators

MAY//COMMUNICATIONS
MAY 11th, 2010
Magazines, Newspapers, Radio, Television, Journalists, Bloggers, Publicists, Marketers

JUNE// FILM AND MEDIA ARTS
JUNE 8th, 2010
Film, Animation, New Media, and Supporting Industries

JULY//ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESS
JULY 13th, 2010
Small Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Sole Proprietors, Freelance Professionals

AUGUST//YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
AUG. 10th, 2010
Young Professionals working in the creative economy

SEPTEMBER//MUSIC/PERFORMING ARTS
SEPT. 14, 2010
Musicians (beginners, teachers, and professionals), Actors, Theatres, Festivals, Venues, Managers

OCTOBER// EDUCATION
OCT. 12th, 2010
Museum Educators, Public and Private School Teachers, School Administrators

NOVEMBER// HOUSING SUPPORT
NOV. 9th, 2010
Interior Design, Landscape Architects, Architects, Builders, Home Product Designers/Makers, Real Estate Agents

________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL THANKS TO SPARK! LEAD SPONSOR

GREYLOCK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

If you live or work in the Berkshires, you are cordially invited to join Greylock Federal Credit Union.

AND

SPARKette SPONSOR


Berkshire Film and Media Arts Commission Names Executive Director

Published: October 5, 2009Posted in: FEATURES 1, LOCAL NEWS, NEWS BULLETINTags: , , ,
Berkshire Film and Media Arts Commission Names Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Berkshire Film and Media Commission announced that they have appointed Diane Pearlman as its new executive director. In a parallel development, the BFMC also announced that it has organized itself as a 501 c-3 non-profit corporation.

Pearlman’s selection comes at a time of some debate about how robust the movie industry has been in Massachusetts over the past few years.

In a report issued by the state Department of Revenue in July, analysts pointed out that the state’s tax incentive program for filmmakers and television producers has not been as productive as hoped. The report cited statistics indicating that the tax incentives only generate about 16 cents per dollar of incentive earned by movie production companies.

One the other hand, a more recent report, issued yesterday by the Department of Revenue, indicated that direct spending on film and television production is more than $676 million. When the DOR’s “ripple effect” multiplier is factored in, the total economic output tops $870 million inside the state.

And while some analysts are critical of the program, the latest DOR report indicated that the state collected $3.6 million more in taxes that it paid out in credits over the last three years, because the law requires that filmmakers must first spend money in Massachusetts, and then pay taxes on that new spending, before they can receive or redeem any of those tax credits.

Click here to read the full Berkshire Eagle article!

Click here to visit the Berkshire Film and Media Commission online!

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

From the Berkshire Eagle

Published: October 5, 2009Posted in: News ArticleTags: , ,
From the Berkshire Eagle

Film panel names leader

By Derek Gentile, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Monday, October 5, 2009

GREAT BARRINGTON — The Board of Directors of the Berkshire Film and Media Commission announced that they have appointed Diane Pearlman as its new executive director. In a parallel development, the BFMC also announced that it has organized itself as a 501 c-3 non-profit corporation.

Pearlman’s selection comes at a time of some debate about how robust the movie industry has been in Massachusetts over the past few years.

In a report issued by the state Department of Revenue in July, analysts pointed out that the state’s tax incentive program for filmmakers and television producers has not been as productive as hoped. The report cited statistics indicating that the tax incentives only generate about 16 cents per dollar of incentive earned by movie production companies.

One the other hand, a more recent report, issued yesterday by the Department of Revenue, indicated that direct spending on film and television production is more than $676 million. When the DOR’s “ripple effect” multiplier is factored in, the total economic output tops $870 million inside the state.

And while some analysts are critical of the program, the latest DOR report indicated that the state collected $3.6 million more in taxes that it paid out in credits over the last three years, because the law requires that filmmakers must first spend money in Massachusetts, and then pay taxes on that new spending, before they can receive or redeem any of those tax credits.

SInce 2006, more than 3,000 new direct and indirect jobs were created, with a total of 62 percent of those jobs going to Massachusetts residents.

In May, the Boston Globe reported that California Gov. Arnold Schwartzenegger expressed concern that California was losing film industry jobs to Massachusetts.

“I think there are some naysayers out there,” said Pearlman. “But I also think the most recent numbers support the positive effect the industry has had on filmmaking.”

Following a successful career as a producer in New York City, Pearlman moved to the Berkshires in 1992 to work on a project at The Trumbull Company in Lenox. She went on to co-found Mass. Illusion, a visual effects production company in Lenox.

Mass. Illusion has worked on several major films acclaimed for their visual effects, including “The Matrix” and “What Dreams May Come.” Currently, Pearlman is working as a producer on a feature film in development with the expectation that shooting will begin in the Berkshires in the spring.

According to the Massachusetts Film Office, 14 feature films were shot in Massachusetts last year, generating more than $359 million in revenue. The Berkshire Film and Media Commission is seeking to bring some of those production dollars to the county, said Pearlman.

“We would like to see some of that money out here,” she said.

BFMC, said Pearlman, is set up to act as a liaison between film production crews and the Berkshire community, whether it is providing locations, technical and logistical support or community expertise.

Click here to visit the Berkshire Eagle online and learn more about what is happening in Berkshires and beyond!

BFMAC Members To Speak At Berkshire Made Film Series

Published: June 27, 2009Posted in: ARCHIVES, HAPPENINGS ARCHIVETags: , , ,

picture-3Berkshire Made Film Series is an eleven-week series of free films. The series is devoted to movies with strong Berkshire County connections. This includes films that were shot on location in the Berkshires, films with visual effects produced in the Berkshires, or with Berkshire residents as cast members.

The films will be shown on the Topia Arts Center new 32-foot screen, with a high-definition projector and sound system. Many of the films will be preceded by a lecture or talk by BFMAC members who worked on the film.

July 12, Douglas Trumbull, Academy Award winning visual effects pioneer will present 2001: A Space Odyssey, as he did for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last year. Other speakers will include visual effects producer Diane Pearlman on August 2, Bob O’Haver who worked on visual effects for Stargate on August 16, and Jeff Kleiser from Synthespian Studios in North Adams, whose film credits include Stargate, X-Men and Fantastic Four who will speak on July 26.

All films will be free to the public. Seating is limited. For a complete listing of films and speakers please call Topia Arts Center at (413) 743-9605 or visit their website at www.topiaarts.org.

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

FROM BFMAC: Budget Person Needed

Published: June 24, 2009Posted in: ARCHIVES, JOB ARCHIVETags: , ,

daily021125Experienced Budgeting Person Needed for Independent feature film to be shot in New Mexico.

Interested parties, please contact Patricia Baker of The Big Picture Agency LLC at 413-623-0950 ext. 221 or pbaker@bigpictureagency.com.

Click here to visit the Berkshire Film and Media Arts Commission online!

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

MOVIE EXTRAS NEEDED

Published: June 18, 2009Posted in: OPPORTUNITES ARCHIVESTags: ,

movie-extras1Meskada will be shooting in the local Catskill area from June 8th – July 3rd. All ages and varieties of people are wanted!

It is an unpaid position, but promises to be a fun time and great experience on a movie set. Refreshments will be provided.

MESKADA, a feature film directed by Josh Sternfeld, tells the story of small-town detective, Noah Cordin, as he attempts to solve a juvenile homicide that occurred during a home burglary in his affluent town of Hilliard.

If interested, please send information, including photo, phone number, and email address to:

meskadatalent@gmail.com, Please be sure to email meskada talent directly.

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

JOIN US FOR SPARK!

Published: May 29, 2009Posted in: BERKSHIRE CREATIVE, EVENTSTags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

spark logo FIN

NETWORKING EVENT FOR BERKSHIRE CREATIVES!

Come and meet your creative economy colleagues! If words like art, culture, design, innovation, and technology are part of your vocabulary chances are you are part of the region’s growing creative economy. Whether you work in industry or the arts, Berkshire Creative invites you to come out to mix and mingle at our signature event!

JOIN YOUR CREATIVE COLLEAGUES AT THE NEXT SPARK!

cwstudioweb

Chesterwood

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

5:30 PM-7:00 PM

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar!

Please RSVP by NOON on Friday, June 26, 2009 to info@berkshirecreative.org or call 413.822.8324.

WARNING: Do not use driving directions from online mapping services such as Google Maps which lead to unpaved, poorly marked back roads that are not the best route. Use directions below.

Chesterwood is located off Route 183 in the Glendale section of Stockbridge. At the intersection of routes 102 and 183, take 183 south. One mile south turn right onto Mohawk Lake Rd, and take the first left onto Willow St. which becomes Williamsville Rd. Continue following the Chesterwood signs. The Museum will be on your right.

CHESTERWOOD

Chesterwood is the country home, studio and gardens of Daniel Chester French (1850-1931), American’s foremost monumental sculptor of Abraham Lincoln for the State House in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1912 and later for the Lincoln Memorial in 1922 in Washington, D.C. A new self-guided tour, Discover Lincoln at Chesterwood, will connect visitors to displays in the Barn Gallery and Studio of French’s preliminary models, bronze sculptures and Lincoln-related works used as a reference for his final sculptures completed at Chesterwood, including a plaster cast of his own hands. A full-size bronze reproduction of his Standing Abraham Lincoln statue is located on the grounds.

Click here to visit Chesterwood online and see all that is happening this summer including the annual contemporary sculpture exhibition, IS183 art classes, Lincoln Trail and more!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OUR CREATIVE BERKSHIRES

As always, attendees are invited to bring business cards and brochures to leave on a table showcasing “Our Creative Berkshires.”

Let’s talk across industry, talk across sector, talk across town!

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LEAD SPARK! SPONSORS:

mobile-banking-spark-web-button

Greylock Federal Credit Union sparks the convenience of banking with Mobile Banking. Greylock is always as close as your web-enabled cell phone, Blackberry® or PDA. Wherever life takes you… Greylock is there! Click here for details.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SNEAK PEEK OF SPARK! FEATURED BUSINESSES

Check out the Berkshire Creative Economy businesses that will be featured at the upcoming Tuesday, June 30th SPARK! at Chesterwood!

mgry_towerviews_bascom_saddleball_s_7pnmBascom Lodge

Bascom Lodge is a rustic stone and wood Lodge atop Mt. Greylock that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s to provide accommodations for hikers, vacationers, and nature enthusiasts. It has private and group rooms available for overnight stay and its large dining room with high ceiling and hand-cut oak beams provides an ideal atmosphere for dining. An enclosed porch with wraparound windows overlooks the finest views in the Berkshires and the stone fireplaces create a relaxing setting after a day of hiking.

picture-5

Berkshire Art Kitchen (BAK)

Berkshire Art Kitchen is a mission-based for-profit enterprise committed to providing inspiring opportunities for creativity, connection and change. B.A.K.’s gatherings, potlucks, sales and events boost our local economy while generating income for artists and craftspeople in our own neighborhoods and in villages around the globe to foster a more engaging quality of life for everyone.

image001-128Berkshire Music School

Berkshire Music School is an independent, community supported, nonprofit Music School with the mission to provide quality education in music and musical opportunities to people in the greater Berkshire community regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, disability, age, or ability to pay. There’s a full summer of play time at Berkshire Music School! Songwriting with David Grover; String Camps; Opera Adventures; Nature’s Music for Infants; Flute Choir; Music 1.0; Cabaret Workshops and Summer Samplers. 413.442.1411 to register.

image001-6Carlos Chissione

Chiossone & Co. has moved fulltime to the Berkshires. Carlos, a commercial photographer by profession and a crafter at heart, a Creative Director and main Internet Developer ow brings himself to Great Barrington/Hillsdale. While his wood shop is in Hillsdale, he does most of his meetings from GB. Now he is offering to the Berkshires community a new service of laser cutting. From architectural models, to scrap book embellishments, to fabric appliqués, to short run die-cuts without the die, to signs. Also his custom wooden tiles, custom base boards, and architectural home accents.

wcma-front1

Williams College of Art (WCMA)

One of the finest college art museums in the country, the Williams College Museum of Art houses 13,000 works that span the history of art. Within the broad range of time periods and cultures represented, the collection emphasizes modern and contemporary art, American art from the late 18th century to present, and the art of world cultures. Admission to the museum is always FREE, as are a host of educational programs that are available to the public.

picture-2-1Winstanley Associates

Winstanley Partners is Winstanley Associates, a marketing and creative design firm, and Lenox Softworks, Inc., a software development company offering custom solutions in e-business and educational software to its clients across the U.S. For more information, visit winstanley.com.

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!


Berkshire Film and Media Arts Commission Launches Website and Production Guide

Published: May 15, 2009Posted in: BERKSHIRE CREATIVE, UPDATESTags: , , , , ,

picture-3The aim of the Berkshire Film and Media Arts Commission (BFMAC) is to promote and facilitate filmmaking and new media opportunities in the Berkshire County, western Massachusetts region.

By aggregating and marketing area resources, locations and talent, BFMAC works to attract film, television and new media productions; maintain an online production guide and locations library; network local professionals and develop film-related educational programs.

Visit berkshirefilm.com to find the Berkshire Production Guide, a locations library and lots of essential information for film and new media in the Berkshires.

If you are part of the Berkshire Film Community, click here to Get Listed in BFMAC’s online Berkshire Production Guide!

Click here to suggest additions to the locations library! It’s free, easy and with your information BFMAC will be able to offer the most comprehensive guide possible for the Berkshires!

Visit the BFMAC kiosk at the Berkshire Property Agents storefront on Railroad Street this weekend during the Berkshire International Film Festival!

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

CREW NEEDED FOR ONE-DAY SHOOT

Published: March 10, 2009Posted in: ARCHIVES, JOB ARCHIVETags: , , , , ,

film_shootCamera and audio crew needed for a one day interview shoot in NYC in March.

For further information or to send a link to your reel or resume, please email lynnette@beansproutproductions.org ASAP.

Beansprout Productions produces multimedia events custom designed to promote and advance a cause, a mission, or a message in an innovative format that can include video, music, performance arts, and oral presentations.  In collaboration with our customers we design and create sustainable media and community gatherings that combine the tradition of storytelling with creative technologies.

Beansprout Productions is based out Great Barrington.

Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!

I love it when you call me big PaPA…

Published: July 8, 2008Posted in: LOCAL NEWS, NEWS BULLETINTags: , , ,

We at Berkshire Creative would like to welcome a new addition to the Berkshire County Creative cluster; Shakespeare & Company’s PaPA Production and Performing Arts center!

This new facility will not only be an asset to Shakespeare & Co., but it is what Berkshire Film Media Arts Commission member, John Whalan calls “the envy of any such studio in the state.”

Read the rest of this entry »