The Western Massachusetts Film and Media Exchange’s One Day Workshop for Non-Profits and Small Businesses in Springfield on October 19
by Mark G. Auerbach
Diane Pearlman, Executive Director of the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative
If you’re an entrepreneur, a small business, or someone involved with a non-profit organizations that needs to market their programs or raise money, this workshop’s for you.
The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative presents the third annual Western MA Film and Media Exchange on October 19, 2016 at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. This year’s Exchange, titled How To Tell Your Story Using Video, is a one-day conference dedicated to helping non-profits and small businesses de-mystify the video production process.
According to Diane Pearlman, Executive Director of the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative, “In today’s world, effective videos are key to a company’s ability to tell their story in their digital marketing, branding and social media campaigns. Workshops at the Exchange will cover a variety of topics including: an explanation of the video production process, how to write a creative brief (i.e. what’s the message of your video), how to make a video to fit your budget, and how to effectively send your video message into the world.”
Michael Hoffman, See3 Communications
Workshops will be led by area filmmakers and video professionals who will share their expertise and answer specific questions from attendees. Local filmmakers will have the opportunity to display their reels and make potential business connections. Attendees will leave with an expanded knowledge of video production as well as access to area resources that can help them create their own videos.
The Keynote Speaker at this year’s Exchange is Michael Hoffman, CEO of See3 Communications, a digital marketing agency for nonprofits based in Chicago. He is a leading authority on online video for nonprofits and a long-time consultant to nonprofit leaders on digital fundraising, advocacy and community engagement strategies. Hoffman founded See3 to bring together his belief in the power of the web and his passion and experience with nonprofit fundraising, advocacy, and education. He works closely with organizations such as Make-A-Wish, Alzheimer’s Foundation, UJA Federation New York and many others.
Diane Pearlman and Jonathan Barkan, executive producer/director and founder of
Jonathan Barkan, Communications for Learning
Communications for Learning (CFL), a full-service communications firm in Arlington, MA will present a morning session, Video Production: An Overview. The workshop will explain all aspects of production (preproduction through post) as well as discuss legal issues, insurance, and local resources.
Darcy Fortune and James Garvey of Garvey Communications Associates in Springfield, MA will present a workshop on Innovative Video Best Practices for Social Media Marketing and Digital Branding. As marketing experts, Fortune and Garvey will talk about the best way to utilize your video in today’s digital marketplace.
Tony Dunne, WGBY Connecting Point
A panel featuring local professionals working in the industry will focus on local resources for making videos. Panelists include, Tony
Chris Landry, Landry Communications
Dunne, Executive Director of WGBY’s , Connecting Point, P. Al Williams, Executive Director of Northampton Community Television and Chris Landry of Landry Communications. The panel will be moderated by Patrick Berry, President of the Westfield News Group.
As Pearlman comments, “Most people think making a video is daunting and expensive. We want to discuss what goes into the production process and give attendees an understanding of how they can make videos on a budget and use them effectively to reach their audience. It’s going to be an exciting day!”
The Westfield News Group is one of the Exchange sponsors. Patrick Berry, Westfield News Group President, has been a steering committee member of The Exchange since its inception. “My entire career has been spent in the media industry: print, television, online and radio, each of which is a powerful tool to tell a story and it’s wonderful to have a group like the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative gather these film and video experts to educate local non-profits and small businesses right here in Western Massachusetts.”
The Exchange includes breakfast, lunch and will culminate with a networking cocktail party. Group and student discount tickets are available. For tickets: www.berkshirefilm.org or 413-528-4223
