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Midwest Audio Visual Expo 2006

September 8 - 10, 2006

The east coast and the west coast have long been regarded as the preeminent spots in the motion picture industry. Thus, many people fail to recognize the resources and opportunities the Midwest offers. To highlight the magnitude and importance of the motion picture industry in the Midwest, the Midwest Audio Visual Expo 2006 will be held in Chicago from September 8-10, 2006 at North Park University, 3225 West Foster (Kedzie & Foster), Chicago, IL 60625.

Midwest Audio Visual Expo 2006 will feature:

• Film Festival (very unique)
• Workshops (Interactive)
• Equipment Exhibit
• Panel Discussions
• Guest Speakers

With exhibits by:

• JVC
• Panasonic
• Sony
• Bogen Imaging (Manfrotto, Formatt, Reflecmedia, Avenger, KATA)
• 16X9, Inc.
• Schneider Optics (Century Optics)
• Fujinon Inc.
• Thales-Angenieux
• Tiffen
• Cinebags
• Porta-Jib
• Cine 60
• Plus more

The expo's goal is to inform, educate, stimulate thought provoking ideas and media projects and provide a networking environment. It will serve as a venue where one can see new innovations in equipment and technology. It is intended both to offer information for those who wish to learn more about the industry and what it offers and to highlight Midwest talent and projects. Additionally, special emphasis will be placed on ethnicity, especially Asian Americans' emergence in the media.

Sponsored by:

• The National Academy of the Moving Image (not for profit)
• North Park University
• SMS Productions
• Screen Magazine
• Kodak
• Astro Film Labs
• Full Aperture Systems
• Beyer Insurance

For more information, contact Helena Son - call (312) 440-8963 or email smsprod@sbcglobal.net.

"This Expo is designed to be different from anything ever done before in that it not only will showcase film equipment and new technologies, but it will also showcase emerging, independent filmmakers," said event founder, Man-Sung Son. "The Expo will serve to support and nurture local talent by offering a venue to educate, inform and encourage networking opportunities and thus breathe new life into the Midwest media market."

The expo will feature 2 days of workshops, lectures and panel discussions designed to concentrate on issues vital to the independent film market, from financing to hands on production workshops and distribution. The seminars will be run by current and former Chicagoans who have worked with and achieved success in the independent film arena. In addition to the seminars, there will be a technical Expo highlighting the latest models and equipment from JVC, Panasonic, Sony, Bogen Imaging, Schneider Optics (Century Optics), Fujinon, Angenieux, 16X9, Tiffen, Cinebags, Porta-Jib, Cine 60 and more. Many of the items on display will be the Midwest premiere of products that had their prototype showcased at the 2006 NAB Conference.

Saturday's schedule includes a full day of seminars and specialized workshops to assist both newcomers and experienced filmmakers through the movie making process, from script to screen. Seminar/workshop topics include, but are not limited to: cinematography, lighting, filters, budgeting for low-budget, art direction, sound design, workflow, and how to make video look more like film. Additional hands on workshops will fill the day.

On Sunday, the entries for the 16mm Film Festival will be screened, and the first and second place winners in each of the 100' and 400' categories will be announced. (see film festival)

Pricing for the festival starts at $50 for a full weekend seminar pass.

Individual day passes are also available.

The 3-day technical expo (manufacturer's exhibit) is free to the public.

For more information, contact Helena Son - call (312) 440-8963 or email smsprod@sbcglobal.net.