The most important research study ever undertaken by the Chicago industry will be one of the many new programs, partnerships and member services that will be announced at IFP/Chicago’s On Tap: Fall Kick-Off Party and Fundraiser, Aug. 31 at Lagunitas Brewing.
The new IFP board, led by longtime filmmaker Nicole Bernardi-Reis, is offering up a fall bounty of career-advancing Master Classes to advance career opportunities and “to support all different kinds of filmmakers here,” she says.
Starting with the first class Sept. 16, the plan is to hold a master class every six weeks with industry leaders in film development, financing and distribution, many of them from Los Angeles.
One of the pertinent programs on the agenda will center on the recently passed Illinois Crowdfunding Bill that could be a game-changer for filmmakers. It will be explained and examined by a panel of legislators who were involved in the bill’s passage.
The panel will be held in conjunction with new 2112 media incubator within the massive Fort Knox music complex.
Perhaps IFP’s biggest event this fall will be its first Narrative Features Pitch Session in a decade being organized in collaboration with the Chicago International Film Festival’s first-ever Industry Days conference, Oct, 22-25.
But it can be said that IFP’s most important undertaking, on the behalf of the entire industry, is the research study it is exploring with the Illinois Institute of Technology to determine the economic impact film production has on the state of Illinois.
When completed, the industry will have reliable statistical information — for the first time — that also will have tracked the size and depth of the independent film community.
The Fall Kick-Off party will screen work samples and teasers by its members; live music by the Rob Ballantine Band, appetizers, raffle prizes and entertainment. Cash bar. Members first drink is on the house.
All proceeds from the $20 tickets will support the Master Class series. Tickets may be purchased here.
To see Pitch Session guidelines, click here.
