CREATE Lafayette and #CreateLouisiana to Host Film Fundraising Workshop March 30
Lafayette, LA – The CREATE Initiative and #CreateLouisiana are partnering to host the Film Producers Workshop: Finding the Money on Saturday, March 30, 2019 in Lafayette. The workshop will be held at the Rosa Parks Transportation Center Multi-Purpose Room, 101 Jefferson Street, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served for registered participants. AOC Community Media will be hosting an open house for tours of their studios, equipment and classes available through a membership.
Led by independent producer Stu Pollard, “Producers Workshop: Finding the Money,” is ideal for filmmakers preparing to hit the fundraising trail and raise private equity from angel investors. Pollard’s presentation will cover the pros and cons of film business plans and provides valuable insights on the ethics and psychology of selling high-risk investments. He will also share tools for making deals more attractive, tips for identifying the best financing prospects, and suggestions for maintaining long-term relationships with financial partners.
Pollard has 20+ years of experience working in the independent film space. With more than a dozen producing credits to his name, his films have screened at festivals such as Sundance, LAFF, SXSW and US Comedy Arts, and gone on to be acquired by the likes of Magnolia Pictures, Netflix, HBO, Showtime and Gravitas Ventures. He has worked with such directors such as Martha Stevens, Craig Johnson and Kyle Alvarez, and with actors such as Mark Duplass, Melissa Leo, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Vanessa Marcil, Gil Bellows, Christian Kane, Elizabeth Peña and Stacy Keach. He founded and runs indie production company Lunacy Productions and in his spare time teaches at Film Independent and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. His producing credits include Rust Creek, And Then I Go, Men Go To Battle, True Adolescents, and Ira & Abby. He’s also directed two feature films: Nice Guys Sleep Alone and Keep Your Distance.
This workshop is regularly presented in Los Angeles at Film Independent for a fee of $275. Through the CREATE Initiative, support from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a partnership with #CreateLouisiana, this workshop will be presented free for participants.
Register at: http://createlafayette.la/film/
At this time, all remaining slots are reserved for Lafayette Parish residents. If you are NOT a Lafayette resident and are interested in registering, please email:jolene@createlouisiana.com to add your name to a waiting list for non-residents of Lafayette Parish. We will begin filling any remaining slots with non-residents on MARCH 27.
“The CREATE Strategic Plan for Arts, Culture and Recreation is to catalyze creative assets to improve quality of life, drive our creative economy, and stimulate investment in Lafayette Parish. Supporting workshops like this one for our local film community is a strategic investment in professional development and education to build our workforce, retain talent and attract more investment here in Lafayette Parish,” said Kate Durio, Assistant to Mayor-President Joel Robideaux.
“In our work with filmmakers across the state, the most common interest voiced by the community is to learn more about how to finance their independent films. We are thrilled to bring this high-quality programming to Lafayette thanks to CREATE’s support,” said Jolene Pinder, #CreateLouisiana Executive Director.
About CREATE Lafayette
Understanding the importance of our cultural economy, Mayor-President Joel Robideaux unveiled CREATE in 2017 to celebrate, support and grow the Lafayette Parish creative community as a lead economic driver. The CREATE Vision 2025 is for Lafayette to have attracted and provided substantial investment by encouraging sustainable growth for existing efforts and nurturing new creative and cultural industries. This growth will have improved access, awareness and participation to culture and recreation for residents and visitors, while developing related industries and supporting wider PlanLafayette initiatives. The CREATE Strategic Plan for Arts, Culture and Recreation will support this vision by catalyzing creative assets to improve quality of life, drive our creative economy, and stimulate investment in our community. Visit www.createlafayette.la and www.createlafayette.la/film to learn more.
About #CreateLouisiana
#CreateLouisiana is designed to champion indigenous talent and support the entertainment
industries that are integral to the region. Through the use of grants, development programs,
educational initiatives, and social media, #CreateLouisiana is able to share the valuable stories,
information, and resources that contribute to our state's vibrant creative economy. This
organization celebrates our diverse culture and the talented workforce that drives the growth of creative industries statewide. Louisiana has left an undeniable footprint on the global arts and entertainment community; inspired by this rich history, #CreateLouisiana recognizes the potential to expand upon this tradition by showcasing the economic and artistic value of the state’s creative industries. For more information, visit www.createlouisiana.com.
About Lunacy Productions
Lunacy Productions discovers emerging storytellers, collaborate with established filmmakers, and create content that will resonate with audiences for years to come.
About AOC Community Media
AOC Community Media provides production tools, education, distribution, support, and networking opportunities for community members so they can create and produce their own noncommercial media. Helping members of our community to share knowledge, information, opinions, and more is AOC's purpose. We are Lafayette's most local and locally focused, noncommercial media. You can put your voice here and AOC will help the Community and the world hear it. For more information, visit www.aocinc.org.