Soon after joining an online community of like-minded individuals someone shared a post about a film festival in Portland, Oregon. Having been introduced back into filmmaking recently, I thought, this would be a good opportunity to meet new people and hear more about the industry.
Barcamp, organized by the NW Film Center, is an annual open event for anyone interested in filmmaking who would like to gather and discuss topics ranging from producing, editing to how you can distribute your film to audiences around the world. I hadn’t expected much, but what I got in return was a whole lot more feedback and information I wouldn’t have had I not attended. The topics were organized on large sticky notes and grouped together to cover core areas. I attended three different sessions: Producing your film, distributing the final product and breaking into the industry.
I came away from each discussion with some fantastic insight and resources to use going forward. Resources and ideas I hadn’t even thought of. A cinematographer from 127 Hours and the Grim was on hand to add his two cents.
Overall, it was a solid event that has been growing over the past few years. I look forward to what Barcamp has to offer in the future and I plan to take what I’ve learned and apply it as best as I can. Though I may not be able to go back and take these new concepts to the Road to the End or other previous works, I can take them forward on projects I work on from here on out.
If you’re and indie filmmaker I strongly encourage you to become a part of your local community. For filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest, this is something that shouldn’t be missed.
