by Mark G. Auerbach
Michael Hoffman
The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative has been working with the film industry and allied creative individuals and businesses to bring film and video making to the region. When they launched the Western Massachusetts Film and Video Exchange in Holyoke in 2014, it was the first time that a trade expo had been produced in Western Massachusetts that brought together film and video professionals, the creative industries people who work with them, and area businesses together to showcase the resources of Western Massachusetts as a site for film and video production.
The 3rd annual Western Massachusetts Film and Media Exchange will be held for the first time in downtown Springfield, on Wednesday, October 19 from 10AM to 6PM at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. The day-long program, “Video Literacy: What You Need To Tell Your Story”, is a one-day conference dedicated to helping non-profits and small businesses become “video literate,” as well as to de-mystify the video making process.
According to Diane Pearlman, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative’s Executive Director, “In today’s world, effective videos are key to a company’s ability to tell their story in their marketing, branding and social media campaigns. Workshops will cover a variety of topics including: an explanation of the video production process, how to write a creative brief (what’s the message of your video), how to make a video to fit your budget, and how to use video effectively in social media and marketing efforts”.
Pearlman says that 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, TripAdvisor Foundation, UJA Federation New York and many others. He is a frequent blogger and tweeter on nonprofit marketing and is an internationally sought-after speaker on topics such as online cause marketing, web video, and social media for social change.
The Exchange includes breakfast, lunch and will culminate with a networking cocktail party. For details: www.berkshirefilm.org or call:413-528-4223.
