VIRTUAL MASTERCLASS SERIES
Starting in the fall of 2020, the Woodstock Film Festival has begun offering virtual masterclasses on a variety of topics for emerging and established film professionals. Held entirely online, participants are able to tune in regardless of their physical location, listen to and ask questions of the masterclass presenters. Below is a summary of what we’ve presented so far:
MASTERING ON-CAMERA AUDITION TECHNIQUE WITH CASTING
DIRECTOR AMY GOSSELS
Amy Gossels (upper left) with some of the class participants.
In November and December of 2020, veteran NYC casting director Amy Gossels taught two specialized courses for actors looking to improve their on-screen auditions. Amy’s deep well of experience and personable, hands-on approach helped deliver a memorable lesson to those who attended. Stay tuned for future announcements about more classes with Amy in 2021!
For more info about Amy Gossels and her company Amy Gossels Casting, please visit amygosselscasting.com
“I’ve attended dozens of workshops and seminars since March and Amy’s was, by far, my favorite. Amy was like a ray of sunshine. She was animated, supportive, and overall EXCITED about speaking with us. She’s also very patient, which is a rare thing with these workshops and seminars. I strongly recommend anyone looking for coaching to see Amy!”
FILMMAKERS ON FILMMAKING: FROM IDEA TO SCREEN
The Woodstock Film Festival kicked off the new year in January of 2021 by hosting its “Filmmakers on Filmmaking: From Idea to Screen” masterclass taught by indie filmmaking duo Jeremy Rosen and John Swab. With an individual and joint credit list that includes thrillers like 2019’s RUN WITH THE HUNTED, which won the Audience Award for “Best Narrative Feature” at the 20th annual Woodstock Film Festival, DOG EAT DOG, LET ME MAKE YOU A MARTYR, I AM FEAR, CHARLIE SAYS, and the upcoming releases BODY BROKERS and IDA RED, Jeremy and John provided class participants with a comprehensive tour through their entire filmmaking process.
Head to our blog for the full recap.
Jeremy Rosen and John Swab (upper left) speaking with class participants.
“John and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing our indie film experience and insight during the masterclass. It was inspiring to discuss with such an enthusiastic, engaged group from all walks of the film community.”
ASK THE ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY
Jonathan Gray (upper left) answering questions from the audience.
In February of 2021 the Woodstock film festival hosted its “Ask The Entertainment Attorney” masterclass with lawyer and producer Jonathan Gray of Gray Schwartz LLP. Highly sought after for his legal advice and business acumen, Jonathan has acted as production counsel for numerous critically acclaimed films like PRECIOUS and BLACK SWAN to name a few. During the course Jonathan spoke at length about navigating the legal landscape of independent filmmaking, frequently opening the floor for attendees to ask questions related to their individual projects.
Head to our blog for the full recap.
DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
During March, the festival hosted a documentary production workshop led by Academy Award-winning documentarians Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert. Throughout the two hour class, the conversation fluidly between the speakers and participants. Using their films THE LAST TRUCK and AMERICAN FACTORY as foundations for discussion, Steven and Julia covered everything from lighting and framing interview shoots to the importance of building trust with your film subjects and the local community.
Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar (upper left) talk about the process of making their two films.
“This was an excellent webinar, one of the best I’ve ever attended. You can tell these two are not just filmmakers, but teachers — they really knew how to impart a lot of important information in just two hours’ time. And they got down to the nitty-gritty: how to dress, what questions to start out with, how to favor the “dark side”, etc. Such great tips! Though they’re so experienced, they humbly shared the most basic of information in such a non-patronizing way.”
“The chemistry between Julia and Steve, who kept on finishing each other’s sentences, was infectious, and the wealth of information they packed into the two hour course to share with our audience was an absolute gift. I can’t thank them enough and hope they will return to the Woodstock Film Festival very soon.”
Independent Producing 101
In May, we provided another installment of our Virtual Masterclass series with Academy Award-winning producer Mollye Asher and Spirit Award-winning producer Mynette Louie. Mollye and Mynette discussed the myriad challenges of producing an independent film today and offered guidance on how to navigate them, as filmmakers take their projects from concept to audience.
Topics included development, packaging, financing (equity, pre-sales, tax credits), production, post-production, theatrical vs. streaming, festivals + sales, publicity, and marketing.
“This was one of the best master classes I have attended. So informative. Mollye and Mynette’s presentations were so thorough, organized and comprehensive. They covered so much ground. I found this master class to be very useful. Greatly appreciate the additional links also. Thank you so much. I look forward to more WFF master classes.”
