Opportunity: Research Assistance This Fall, the course “Research for the Arts” at Hollins University is looking for research projects. University students in the class will work with a filmmaker or arts organization to provide research materials for an upcoming production or event. The final product will be a research dossier for the writer or director;… Read more »

Q&A with the legendary Kasi Lemmons, writer/director of “Harriet”! She’s also known for “Eve’s Bayou,” “Talk To Me,” “Self Made” and acting in films like “Silence of the Lambs”!   On Thursday, August 20, writer/director Kasi Lemmons will share her writing process & directorial vision behind “Harriet” and her experience directing “Eve’s Bayou” and “Self Made.” The Q&A will be held on a… Read more »

Georgetown University’s Center for Continuing and Professional Education is offering two courses in Screenwriting this Fall – Introduction to Screenwriting and Advanced Screenwriting: Narrative Workshop – via the virtual conferencing interface Zoom. These affordable six-week classes are being taught by Kevin Downs, an independent filmmaker/writer who optioned four screenplays for theatrical films and held key creative positions… Read more »

Please join us for a presentation by longtime VPA lobbyist Josh Myers where he will answer questions about the state of film incentives and how you can get involved in legislative activity. Josh has represented the VPA on Capitol Hill for more than a decade, helping to increase the Virginia film incentive program in the process. Josh… Read more »

**Film/production companies, sole proprietors, and independent contractors in the industry that meet additional listed criteria can qualify for this program. Please see below.** Governor Ralph Northam today announced $70 million for small businesses and nonprofit organizations whose normal operations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will be made available through Rebuild VA, a… Read more »

Please join us for a chat with B.K. Fulton, CEO of Virginia-based Soulidify Productions and the SoulVision.tv streaming app. His film, “1 Angry Black Man,” is now streaming on the Byrd Theatre’s Virtual Screening Room. B.K. Fulton is founding chairman and CEO of Soulidifly Productions, LLC, a full feature film, stage and television investment and production… Read more »

DC Camera continues to sponsor special zoom discussions as part of their Ready to Roll Initiative, about the status and future of film production during the pandemic. This week features the topic of all ‘All Things Locations,’ with Virginia’s very own Andy Edmunds, film commissioners from DC and Maryland, and experienced location manager Wes Hagan… Read more »

Georgetown University’s Center for Continuing and Professional Education is offering Introduction to Screenwriting, this summer via the virtual video conferencing interface Zoom. This affordable six-week class is being taught by Kevin Downs, an independent filmmaker/writer who has written screenplays and held key creative positions with several Academy, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winning/nominated producers, directors, and recording… Read more »

Virginia is currently open to all safe, responsible production, following the suggested best health and safety practices set forth by the Virginia Department of Health, and Governor Northam’s Guidelines for All Business Sectors. The Virginia Film Office places the highest priority on the health and safety of our film community members.  As localities continue to enact measures toward… Read more »

Who: Light House Studio What: Summer Film Academy Where: Online When: June 1 – August 21 (workshops are one week, M – F) How Much: Prices vary. Financial aid available. See our website for more details.   2020 ONLINE SUMMER FILM ACADEMY UPDATE We hope you and your families are figuring your ways through quarantine.… Read more »

Who: Light House Studio What: Online Masterclass with Hollywood Executive Jocelyn Diaz (bio below) When: May 19, 5:30 – 6:30pm EST Where: Online via Zoom link How: Register on our website HERE and pay what you can ($20 suggested value) About Jocelyn Diaz After graduating from the University of Virginia in 1999 with a degree in… Read more »

Richmond International Film Festival presents the RIFFx Online Series, co-presented by the RIFF Arts Institute. Monday, May 4 at 2pm RIFFx Series episode features 16 BARS with some very special guests! Catch it at 2pm Eastern time via Facebook Live Broadcast @ Facebook.com/RVAFilmFest

Richmond International Film Festival presents the RIFFx Online Series, co-presented by the RIFF Arts Institute. The first discussion will take place April 27 at 2:00pm eastern time via our Facebook Live Video feed. To tune in, simply visit the page and click to watch the live broadcast. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RVAFilmFest  Also, feel free to send questions… Read more »

VIRGINIA PRODUCTION ALLIANCE COVID-19: Relief Options for Small Businesses and Freelancers (LIVE Webinar)  FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 — 12 PM (NOON) LOCATION:  ZOOM WEBINAR This live, 1-hour session will be presented by Timm Johnson, Director of the George Mason University Small Business Development Center. He will share valuable information on relief options and resources available to business owners impacted by COVID-19.  As director of… Read more »

The Virginia Production Alliance is well aware of the situation that the coronavirus has brought to our livelihoods. We have collected resources from our allies at the Virginia Film Office, IATSE, SAG-AFTRA, Virginia Chamber, and Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association that may help you through this time. Unemployment Filing information: An unemployment insurance claim is filed against the state or… Read more »

Dear Friends, As we know, our industry is made up largely of smaller companies and both creative and technical freelancers, making it very fragile in this public health crisis. This necessary lockdown has resulted in the cancellation of production activity across Virginia. This unprecedented time in history will test us all; financially, emotionally and socially.… Read more »

FILM WORKSHOP WITH JEREMY WORKMAN Saturday, February 29th at 2pm The director of the critically-acclaimed “The World Before Your Feet” comes to town for two screenings of his documentary at Ashland Theatre with Q&A after each film (2/28 and 2/29). On Saturday afternoon, Jeremy will lead a FREE workshop about filmmaking and editing. Jeremy is… Read more »

This is a 2-hour workshop on how to start video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro CC. If you have ever struggled with video editing or ever wanted to learn how to video edit in an open classroom setting this workshop is for you. This workshop is for people that have never used the software to… Read more »

The 2020 W&M Global Film Festival will be hosting 23 free workshops with industry professionals taking place January 30 through February 1 at Swem Library in Williamsburg, VA. No registration is required and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.   Session instructors include Pulitzer-prize nominated writer Desiree Cooper, producer Joe Pirro (Driveways), stuntman… Read more »

IMPROV COMEDY classes with award winning director/TV producer only $50/month BEGINS NEXT MONTH!!! Paid acting gigs as soon as you join Cast in live shows taped for TV only when u feel ready Weekly Saturday night shows 8pm in 2020 Party after every show We R diverse and woke ONLY 4 SEATS LEFT – SIGN… Read more »

There are some things going on with the Groovecats I wanted to share with you. 1.  A new training opportunity designed to create a second cast of improvisers for TV 2.  Our December 7th show and our Saturday night shows EVERY week in 2020 3. The paid gigs we have available through UVA As we… Read more »

WIFV Wednesday One: High Quality, Low Budget   Join WIFV this upcoming Wednesday to learn how to make a high-quality film on a low budget! Producing an indie film is not easy and the key to success is to not be defined by the label “Low Budget.” This workshop will show you how to keep… Read more »

  Entry-Level IMPROV COMEDY CLASS – Begins January, 2020 Hosted by Groove Cat Comedy More information: https://www.groovecatcomedy.com/product-page/improv-comedy-class-sign-up-now-class-fills-fast Whether you are completely new to improv or you have improv experience & you are ready to take your improv skills to the next level with our TV shows, this class is for you…   WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?… Read more »

  Final Act Drama presents Acting for Film and Television Course  This multi-week course starts on November 5th, 2019 Tuesday’s 6:30 – 8:30 pm http://www.finalactdrama.com/screen-acting.html This 5-week acting course, designed to prepare an actor for commercials, feature films, and TV performance.   Learn the fundamental acting skills like character development, improvisation, movement, and speech dynamics. Are… Read more »