Publicity and support for independent filmakers in NEO

Submitted by Storm Palace on Tue, 11/15/2005 - 14:59.

Please post thoughts and comments regarding support of independent film makers in NEO

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Let's use the Idea Center (PBS-WVIZ)

 

In December '05, I was fortunate to get a tour of the Ideastream's (WVIZ/WCPN) new Idea Center.  There were state-of-the-art video and sound studios along with a small theater.  It was my understanding that the studios and theater are available to rent by the public. 

 

 

The Idea Center should be made available to support local independent filmakers.  The new technology for editing and sound engineering should be made available to the filmakers for a reasonable fee.  The theater could be rented to show local independent films once a month, or more if need be.

Good use for IdeaCenter - and they could use the content

I toured Idea Center, as well. Amazing facilities, and they are in need of more purpose. I don't know their cost structure but worth exploring.

Also, I think they are interested in ways to develop new content, which this would do. OneCleveland is in the mix, so all the pieces are in place. 

Camera Loan Program

A program to loan high-end video cameras and other equipment to videographers would be really useful.

I like this idea - production facilities too

Is there anything available now? I think the CIA loans equipment to students - is there anything for regular folks?

It would be cool to have access to higher end digital video and photo equipment - and training with it. I'm also very interested in the software and technology side of all this - I'd love to have a place to go and see people using some of the production aps - how do I take good video footage and make it more useful on the Internet? 

I don't know of any non-student equipment loan programs

it would be great to be able to borrow mid-to-high-end cameras and microphones, have access to a studio space that could be used for voiceovers, and be able to borrow a laptop that contains high-end video editing software. Also a cheap source on tapes, methods of producing alternate media such as DVDs or BetaCAM (for TV broadcasts), and a line on sources of public domain footage and soundtrack material would be good things to offer.

Something like this could also be used to connect indy videographers with indy producers, & other crew members. It could also be used to educate independent vidoegraphers on their options for distribution of their work.

Good role for the film commission

This is something the film commission could provide - support grass roots initiative for cheap, high impact support Karan lists above (she would know what's needed), and leverage high level connections to make relations with IdeaStream work, as Ed suggest below.

Adelphia Cable-Idea Center and Public Access Programming

About five years ago, I started to use the Adelphia Cable's equipment and facilities at Severance Center in Cleveland Hts.  Actually, it was Adelphia's predecessor (can't remember the name), but they still probably have the same program set up for its public access program.  You know, like Wayne's World.

 

We had to take a day long course on how to use the video equipment and
editing studios.  Then you had to sign up for the video equipment and studio time.  Eventually, I ran out of time and interest on my project.

 

Anyway, the cable companies have some obligations by contact, to provide the public with equipment, editing studios and air time.  That possibility can be explored further or to get the Idea Center (PBS) to set up a program like that.

There may be something there

So are you checking into this?

I'll follow up with the Idea Center

During my tour of the Idea Center, I asked the Director if the studios and facilities are available to the public to rent.  I believe he said "yes" but they are still still working on completing the studios and facilities first.  I know two Independent Flimakers from Cleveland Hts. that are working with the Idea Center to get training in its High Definition Video studio.

 

 I will add this to my To Do List and follow up with the Idea Center to see what type of programs they offer to Independent Filmakers and to the general public.

Adelphia Public Programming

Ed, as a resident of Cleveland Heights I received a letter from Adelphia stating what you just said: They have set up a space for the use of their equipment to produce a public-oriented show. All that is required is training on the use of the equipment, and following the guidelines set forth by Adelphia (i.e. program cannot be for profit).

I have since thrown that letter away, and have not been able to find anything on their corporate website. I'm sure a call to the local customer service team would render some further explanation.

I'll follow up with Adelphia and Tri-C, too

Tri-C also had an evening session that I attended a few years back, on how the public can use its facilities for there public access programming.  I'll look into what the Idea Center, Tri-C and Adelphia has to offer the public regarding equipment, facilities, air time and costs.

 

Film Making and Video production is an important tool for creativity and communication.  I think that it would be a great public service to relay this information to the general public, making them aware of the opportunities.

 

Now you got me thinking again, expect to see "Ed's World-Ed's World," this spring.  Schwwwwing.

Ideacenter, Jimmy Scott, Bill Joseph and Bill Blair awarded

Idea Center, Martha Joseph Prize

The Idea Center at Playhouse Square is a breakthrough concept conceived out of unprecedented collaboration between Art Falco, Jerry Wareham and Kit Jensen to serve and inspire the public.  Much more than a building, the Idea Center is a home for creative thinking and learning, one-of-a-kind cooperation and self discovery.  It is also headquarters for ideastream and the home of Playhouse Square Foundation’s arts education programs.  ideastream is a multiple-media public service organization with a mission to strengthen our communities through distinctive, thought-provoking programs and services which enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain. Kit Jensen (WCPN 90.3) and Jerry Wareham (WVIZ) led the effort to merge in 2001.

Jimmy Scott, Vocalist, Martha Joseph Prize

It’s hard to imagine the name Jimmy Scott without “The Legendary” before it. Now 71 years old, Scott is a survivor and a phenom, and his roller-coaster life is evidenced in his voice. To hear Jimmy Scott sing is to undergo an experience unparalleled in music. His voice is at once angelic and earthbound; his unique phrasing is intuitive and emotional, giving the song lyrics extra potency and passion. As one critic said, “He can carry a vowel into forever.” Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, and Marvin Gaye are among the many more famous singers who have praised Scott.

            Born third in a family of ten children in Cleveland in 1925, Scott’s mother was a seamstress and his father was an asphalt worker. Early on he sang with his siblings, and knew he wanted to be a singer who could tell a story, modeling himself after Paul Robeson. But the heartbreaks began early for Scott with the death of his mother when he was 13, and the onset of Kallman’s Syndrome, a hormone deficiency that stopped his body from going through puberty, keeping his voice a haunting high alto.

            Although he tasted fame in the 1950s singing with the Lionel Hampton band, and had several R&B hits, including “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” Scott spent the next four and half decades gigging in small clubs. He has probably cleared as many dishes in his stints as a busboy as he has sung songs. He’s also worked as an elevator operator, and in shipping and receiving at the former Sheraton Hotel in Cleveland.

            His early success failed to launch his career until the 1980s, when he moved to New York, signed with a major record label, released several critically acclaimed albums, and performed with Michael Stipe and Lou Reed. He became a star in Europe, is a phenomenon in Japan, and made appearances in films and TV shows, including David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks,” where he sang “Sycamore Trees” in an eerie star turn. According to the New York Times Magazine, Scott is “perhaps the most unjustly ignored American singer of the 20th century.”

            Scott has been nominated for Grammy award, is the subject of a new documentary film, and has had a recent biography released. It’s often said that you cannot be a prophet in your own land, but Cleveland now recognizes and honors this native son, “Little Jimmy Scott,” a jazz cat with a few extra lives.

William P. Blair and William R. Joseph, Arts Advocacy, Martha Joseph Prize

Known affectionately as “The Bills,” Bill Joseph and Bill Blair have worked ardently for 30 years to push Ohio’s arts and culture into the hearts and minds of legislators.

By founding the statewide advocacy organization Ohio Citizens for the Arts (OCA) in 1976, and working tirelessly with the Ohio State Legislature, they have also secured millions of dollars for State Capital Improvements grants for Northeast Ohio cultural institutions. Through its history, OCA has served as a model for the country and a catalyst for the creation of other statewide arts advocacy organizations.

“They are passionate believers in the power of art in all of its forms to improve our lives and our communities,” says Jerry Wareham, president and CEO of Ideastream.

Name any nonprofit in Northeast Ohio and Bill Joseph is either serving on its board, is a past president, a former trustee, or a trusted and valued advisor. Bill Blair’s resume reads like a template for public service. Blair was the founding President of the Ohio Foundation of the Arts, Inc., another statewide arts service corporation. He is also past Chairman of the American Arts Alliance in Washington, D.C., and is the founding Chairman of the Alliance of Arts Advocates, the nation’s first arts political action committee.

            A resident of Shaker Heights, Joseph is a partner in the law firm Weston, Hurd, Fallon, Paisley & Howley since 1989. He received his B.A. in 1968 and his J.D. in 1972 from Columbia University. Today, he specializes in nonprofit corporate and tax law and advocacy regarding cultural, educational, and social service organizations and health care providers.

            Blair, a resident of Canton and Columbus, received his B.A. in History and Government, his M.A. in Public Administration, and his J.D. from the College of Law at The Ohio State University. When he served as Executive Counsel to the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, he drafted and helped pass many bills benefiting Ohio’s natural resources and environment, including the creation of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.