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SMS PRODUCTIONS, INC.
&
National Academy of the Moving Image

SMS Newsletter
Online Issue #5
July, 1999

SMS & NAMI working together to promote independent filmmaking.

Since our last letter, NAMI finished the first four week session of classes, held two seminars (Financing and Distribution & Directing for Film & Television) and has tentatively set the stage for numerous other activities to take place during the second half of '99.

The seminars were a hit. Mr. Grefé presented his seminar on Financing and Distribution. Figuring that people would be in a hurry to leave on Sunday, we thought that portion of the seminar would probably end prior to the projected 6:00 PM closing. We were pleasantly surprised to find people were so engrossed that we finally had to call it a day at 7:00 P.M. when Mr. Grefé just about lost his voice. No one was really ready to let go as the information based on many years of experience was priceless. Mr. Grefé is also the author of the Florida Film Fund. Legislation that he is advocating in the best interest of the filmmaker. A similar measure based on his writing has already passed in Texas and he is striving to have it passed in Florida. He has left us a copy, which he hopes (with modification) can be pushed for in Illinois. Please follow the link below to read his proposal and give us your feedback. Mr. Grefé is most anxious to know your thoughts on this proposal.

The Florida Film Fund

The Directing for Film & Television seminar brought back several people from the F&D seminar. This was definitely a good sign. People were impressed with the first seminar and eager to sign up again. Additionally, filmmakers who had already taken Mr. Courtland's class, took out time to attend this seminar. Why? Because, they feel he has so much to give, you just can't soak it all up the first time around. Discussions ranged from learning the "how to" of directing and working with actors to the inside stories on Hollywood. Mr. Courtland is highly regarded by all who know him.

Feedback I received on the two seminars -

"I'm glad I postponed my fishing trip"

"You do such wonderful things, I'm surprised you don't get more publicity."

If you missed these seminars, portions of the seminars will soon be available on VHS tapes.

Seminars Scheduled for Late Summer and Fall*

• Cinematography & Lighting

• Props / Working From A Prop Truck & Set Decoration

• Fund Raising / Financing

* numerous others in planning stages at this time.

Classes Scheduled for Late August and September

• Camera Assistant Class

• Advanced Directing

• Advanced Cinematography & Lighting

• Documentary Filmmaking

• Learning Film Techniques Even Though You're Shooting Video

• Polishing Your Script

CLASS STARTING MONDAY, AUGUST 23^rd

Step By Step Post Production

Don't be Penny Wise and Pound Foolish!

Many people think they are saving money by taking short cuts, short ends, etc. Everyone has an idea for a shortcut that is sure to save money but will it in the end? Actually, by taking this route, most people are increasing the budget not lowering it. Don't be fooled! Learn the steps of post production that will really save you money and time in the long run. We recommend you take this course prior to budgeting and especially before shooting your film.

This class is geared for all filmmakers, directors, producers and editors. Although there win be some hands-on AVID editing, it is NOT a traditional AVID editing class.

Meets once a week for four weeks -
Monday, August 23 & 30, Sept. 13 & 20, 1999
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Limited Class Size - First Come First Served

Contact Helena for more information -
312-738-0747 or email

While we said the summer was for resting, we are still sponsoring a promotion and networking evening on July 14th.

Join Us Wednesday, July 14, 1999^rd

Marketing Your Movie and Yourself

As a filmmaker it's hard to know how to market not only your film, but also yourself. That's why the National Academy of the Moving Image and FilmBureau 606, two of Chicago's youngest and most active resource organizations, have teamed up to present "How to Market Your Movie", an educational seminar and networking event set for Wednesday, July 14 at Studio Thirty Eight, 38 S. Peoria, Chicago, IL 60610.

A panel of marketing experts, press representatives, and other filmmakers will discuss the importance of properly marketing your project to both the industry and the press.

Local filrnmakers Michael Alessandro de Gaetano (writer/director, "Butch Camp"), Michael Hirsch (producer, "Spaceman") and Bruno Banugli (Marketing, "Spaceman") will discuss their own experiences of marketing niche movies. De Gaetano's "Butch Camp", true to its name, is a campy feature about a boot camp for gay men trying to be straight winch stars Judy Tenuta.

Hirsch, associate publisher ofthe wildly successful satirical paper "The Onion", produced "Spaceman", a film about an alien assassin sent back to earth 25 years after he was kidnaped from it. The film won the audience award at the Austin Film Festival in 1997. Hirsch will be joined by Bruno Banugli, who constructed the marketing plan for "Spaceman".

Margo Flickinger, owner of The Gene Pool, a marketing firm geared toward independent film, will join the filmmakers. Flickinger is currently repping "Stricken", a locally produced feature starring Jamie Kennedy ("Scream")

Attendees will also get the low down on attracting the press from journalist Ruth Ratny, Nicole Bernardi- Reis and Ted Shen.

Ruth Rainy, is the founder of Screen Magazine, Chicago's 20-year-old trade publication focusing on production.

Nicole Bernardi-Reis is the former managing editor of PerformInk Newspaper, Chicago's Theatre and Independent Film paper, and a freelance journalist.

Ted Shen is a film critic with the Reader, who also writes for Chicago Magazine, the Tribune, and Entertainment Weekly. He has produced a feature film and is currently developing two others.

The panel will be followed by a Q&A session and reception.

"Marketing Your Movie" is sponsored in part by Screen Magazine and Studio Thirty Eight.

"Marketing Your Movie" takes place from 6-11 p.m. on July 14,1999
at Studio Thirty Eight, 38 S. Peoria, Chicago, IL.
Admission is $15

SPACE IS LIMITED, SO PLEASE CALL TO MAKE A RESERVATION 312-738-0747 OR 773-486-2191

* * * * * * * * * *

SMS has been hard at work planning for the year 2000. Devoting considerable time to NAMI, SMS is still promoting the new Aaton 16/Super 16XTRProd with the Angenieux 7-81mm lens. Used for shooting a feature (available soon from Blockbuster), music videos, documentaries, sports and commercials, this camera has gotten high marks across the board.

Taking time out to visit NAB and SHOWBIZ EXPO, there are many new "toys" yet to come.

Adding the Media 100 system, we have upgraded our editing suites to include digital.

Thank you for responding to the questionnaire in the last letter. Three names were drawn and each person received a Kodak Color Separation Guide and Gray Scale.

It is our policy to assist independent filmmakers whenever possible. All information collected through various outlets will allow us to follow this course.

* * * * * * * * * *

F-Y-I

NAMI and SMS

We will be closed the week of August 23^rd.

We will resume our normal operating hours on Monday, August 30^th.

Please plan accordingly wherever possible.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

* * * * * * * * * *

Notice:

Position Available with City Colleges of Chicago
Looking for Full Time Chief Engineer
Excellent repair skills for Sony, Grass Valley, etc.
Must be able to troubleshoot
Degree Preferred but a good solid background means just as much
More information available upon request.

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