Our meetings have retured to the first Tuesday of the month.

1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Max Rouzier

   Max Rouzier! (Roo- Zee- Eh!) loves all things media, from books and comics to TV and film. He loves them so much that he became a media producer. He’s best known for co-running Lumberjack Films, a viral video production company. As a young YouTube Partner they make weekly viral shorts that have more than 1-million total views. In February 2013, he started a Public Relations firm that helps projects make viral successes online. He’s excited to see what new things they can teach people about production online.

   This year, one of his goals is to mentor more, and help talent reach their video production goals. Even though there are many obstacles in filmmaking still, it’s possible to create great work, and build a loyal audience; and with a strategic approach, even make money. Max is excited to come back to Upstate Independence and share his experience at Lumberjack Films, and how other filmmakers can look to the Internet as a alternative way to tell their own stories.

3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings
1. Kevin Craig west will present his short film “Hollywood Goddam.”
2. Todd Birmingham will present his short film “The Wig People.”
3. Susan Robbins will present the short film “In Line” which she has a role in. The film was directed and produced by Diego Parra and Victor Caravalho.

The Upstate Independents Board:

• Kevin Craig West: President
• Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
• Jenna Noble: Secretary
• Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
• Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
• Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
• Charles Galuski: Web Chair

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.

NEW DATE FOR THIS MONTH: WEDNESDAY APRIL 3^rd, 2013

1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker:Special Guest Speaker is John Holser, who will be giving a Presentation on Director Preparation for Camera Blocking

   John Holser has worked professionally in the video and film business for over twenty five years producing hundreds of corporate and special interest videos. He has directed and worked on numerous feature length, short film and broadcast projects with stars like John Mellencamp, Jimmy Fallon, Stacey Keach and Sean Astin. He’s shot for the Discovery Channel and Good Morning America and has won numerous ITVA and Telly Awards as well as the prestigious New York State Broadcasters “ Best in the State Award”. John is a student of and an instructor in the Sanford Meisner Method of Acting and has worked with hundreds of adult and child actors while operating a 300 member “On Camera Talent” casting service. John climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Africa while shooting for a PBS documentary on blind mountain climbers and is presently working as a freelance director and director’s coach.

3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings
1. Ron Pucherelli will present the short film “Shadows In The Moonlight”, which he wrote, produced and directed.
2. Susan Robbins will present the short film “In Line” which she has a role in. The film was directed and produced by Diego Parra and Victor Caravalho.
3. Kevin Craig West will present the short film “Un Baiser”, which he wrote, directed and edited.

The Upstate Independents Board:

• Kevin Craig West: President
• Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
• Jenna Noble: Secretary
• Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
• Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
• Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
• Charles Galuski: Web Chair

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.

1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Jeanne Veillette Bowerman
   Jeanne Veillette Bowerman is the Editor and Online Community Manager of ScriptMag.com, writing a regular column entitled “Balls of Steel.” She’s also the Co-Founder and moderator of the weekly Twitter screenwriters’ chat, #Scriptchat, and screenwriting webinar instructor for The Writers Store. A graduate of Cornell University, she’s written several spec scripts, including the adaption of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Slavery by Another Name,” with its author, Douglas A. Blackmon, former senior national correspondent of The Wall Street Journal.
3. Networking break – 15 minutes
4. Film Screenings -
   1. Vernon Aldershoff and Director Mark Lund will present the trailer for Justice is Mind. (Mark Lund is an award winning magazine publisher, thrice award nominated screenwriter, television personality, producer, director and writer.)
   2. Matt Kehoe will present a music video Rent a Rocker’s “Dead to Me” and a commercial ‘Sensible Car Rental of Kingston”. Matt will be joined by Zac Howell who did the sound for both projects.

The Upstate Independents Board:

• Kevin Craig West: President
• Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
• Jenna Noble: Secretary
• Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
• Susie Griswold: Programming Chair
• Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
• Charles Galuski: Web Chair

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.

1. Announcements
2. Guest Speaker: Dan Doyle of Dan Doyle Photography

   Dan Doyle has been a national professional photographer for 25yrs. He has made his niche and full time living shooting people. Shooting for national and international companies, ad agencies and model and talent agencies. Dan’s current home base studio is located in Uupstate NY. Over the years he has worked in Manhattan, South Beach, Atlanta, Phoenix, Raleigh, Houston and Boston to name a few major U.S. Cities.
   In addition to being a professional photographer, Dan has also owned and operated a model and talent agency for 3 years in N.Y. Currently he travels the country teaching educational workshops and seminar for photographers and models. And also is for hire as a guest speaker and private mentor. His outlook on getting that successful and productive headshot will help you understand what goes into getting the headshot that will boost your acting productivity!
   There is much much more to landing the perfect headshot than looking into the lens and saying “cheese”.

3. Jon Russell Cring will give a short presentation on solar-powered rechargeable batteries used with filming equipment.
4. Networking break – 15 minutes
5. Film Screenings – Susan Robbins will present a short trailer on the Dangers of Fracking.

The Upstate Independents Board:

• Kevin Craig West: President
• Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
• Rosemary Thomas: Secretary
• Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
• Heidi Philipsen: Programming Chair
• Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
• Charles Galuski: Web Chair

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.

Upstate Independents

January Meeting

(please note the change in date due to the Holiday)

January 8th, 2013

1. Announcements

2. Guest Speaker: Casting Director Stefni Colle will be joining us via Skype to talk about the following:
   • What exactly is the role of the Casting Director?
   • How does the Casting Director work?
   • Booking an audition
   • Actor dos and don’ts
   • Question & Answer session



Stefni Colle graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in Theatre Performance in 2009. She interned with Freihofer Casting as a Casting Assistant with the goal of learning more about what look for and how a performer carries out a successful audition. Before long, she knew that working as a casting director was her true interest.

After a short stint working as an assistant for more commercials and workshops with Freihofer Casting, Stefni moved to Austin, TX where she began working with Terrence Malick’s production office. She worked on several films in different capacities: Assisting with research, music licensing agreements, event coordinating, and always having a hand in casting. Her most recent project with the company was serving as the additional casting director on one of their films. Most recently, she worked in casting on “The Green Blade Rises” with Diane Krueger, Jason Clarke, Wes Bentley and Brit Marling.

Stefni continues to work in the industry as a casting director, music licensing assistant, and more recently as an independent producer.

Mark your calendar for this monthly event:

The Upstate Independents Board:

• Kevin Craig West: President
• Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
• Rosemary Thomas: Secretary
• Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
• Heidi Philipsen: Programming Chair
• Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
• Charles Galuski: Web Chair

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.

1. Announcements

2. Guest Speaker: MEMBERS!

   Yep – Dear UI Members, YOU are on deck with 5-minutes-of-fame to give us your BEST “Elevator Speech.” You could be pitching your latest screenplay, project, your most recent professional gig experiences or maybe even just your skills. We will have a timer on board to keep us all honest at five-minutes (which is good practice for pitching out there in the “reel” world.) Come prepared to make your best, first impression!

3. Networking break – 15 minutes

4. Film Screenings: TBA – If you will be “pitching” and have a short clip to “clip” to it, we welcome your email to give us the details.

The Upstate Independents Board:

• Kevin Craig West: President
• Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
• Rosemary Thomas: Secretary
• Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
• Heidi Philipsen: Programming Chair
• Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
• Charles Galuski: Web Chair

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.

1. Announcements

2. Guest Host: UI Member Juan Luis Lopez Fons
   Guest Speaker: Jeff Burns

   Jeff always wanted to be a superhero, but as he didn’t have any superpowers (except the power to be super-geeky), he decided to make a web-series about superheroes and villains. He first got the film bug in college where he and his friends improvised an entire movie for fun (when they weren’t studying of course). The film was about an evil twin, pimps, and Darth Vader. Deciding to make more professional—and less ridiculous-sounding films—Jeff made his first real short after graduate school.

   Several short films later, his films have screened on PBS and at film festivals throughout the Northeast.

   When he’s not making films, Jeff tutors high school students and is co-founder of Dyslexia Consultants where he helps learning-disabled high school students improve their writing and critical reasoning skills.

   Jeff is currently working on his web-series “Super Knocked Up,” an Action/Comedy about a female super-villain who gets ‘knocked up’ by a superhero. Season 1 of the series has been viewed over 1 million times in the first few months since its release.

   Super Knocked Up is based on Jeff’s actual life. Well…Okay, not really. (But he would really like to date a hot super-villain!) In any case, you can check out the series at superknockedup.com.

3. Netorking break – 15 minutes

4. Film Screenings

   • John Yost will screen promo trailers related to his project, “White Creek,” which currently exists as a solo exhibition, opening August 4th. The related Kickstarter campaign will start August 6.

   • Ron Pucherelli will screen his short film, “Le Souire (The Smile),” which is a fantasy story about loyalty, trust, and reassured commitment that lasts throughout time.

The Upstate Independents Board:

• Kevin Craig West: President
• Mikolis Sargalis: Vice-President
• Rosemary Thomas: Secretary
• Ron Pucherelli: Treasurer and Membership Chair
• Heidi Philipsen: Programming Chair
• Barbara Whitchurch: Media Chair
• Charles Galuski: Web Chair 

Where we’re located:

Upstate Independents meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Linda: WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Click here to view the Google map and get directions. It is a great opportunity to network with others who are interested in all aspects of film and television production.

Check out the best independent film and media resource in Upstate New York. For more information, e-mail us at info@upstateindependents.com.