Since the group is new, the reasons for these first meetings were to 1) establish the group, 2) introduce filmmaking enthusiasts to one another and 3) start to organize the group and structure of the meetings. I’ve found with related past activities, like when I ran a 48 hour film project team, that it takes a number of meetings before things find their groove.

Because one of the main purposes of the group is to help filmmakers, we surveyed the group to see what they expected from coming to these meetings, how they would like the meetings to run and what they wanted to see at future meetings.

Having gone to numerous successful film related and other types of enthusiast group meetings, I am patterning the basic structure of the “IFIE” meetings after those. Taking from the desires of the group, we will be holding a structured format agenda with announcements, education, presentations, show and tells, networking time and raffles.

Filmmaking is a dynamic process and I fully expect these meetings to have a dynamic life to them but one thing’s for certain, there are a lot of independent filmmakers and related crew, talent and artists here in the Inland Empire and we are here to help them do what they what to do, create films.

Because of the overwhelming response and anticipated growth of the group, we are looking for a bigger venue in which to hold our monthly meetings.

To find out about more about the group or when and where the next meetings will take place, please visit: http://www.meetup.com/Independent-Filmmakers-of-the-Inland-Empire-Meetup-Group/

Next meeting is scheduled for March 17th.

This is just a quick update on my latest project.

…

I have begun organizing a local film making enthusiasts group called the “Independent Filmmakers of the Inland Empire”.

The first organizational meeting went great and we are having another next month, Wed, Feb 3rd.

The purpose of the group is to unite like-minded who enjoy filmmaking or some aspect of it. The plan is to provide A) comradery, B) education and C) support to the local filmmaking community.

The group is for the general public and will allow for many networking opportunities. I am basing the group organization and meetings off of successful meeting groups that I have been apart of. We will provide speakers, demonstrations, showcases and most importantly: RAFFLES!

I am looking for 1) members, 2) speakers and 3) sponsors!

I also would love any advice or suggestions. I have a definite idea of how this group should and will go and grow but I am very open to ideas.

If you fit into any of the categories 1-3 above, please contact me, so that we can discuss how you can contribute to the growth of indie filmmaking!

Also, if you know of anyone else that would be a great fit, let them know about us!

Thanks for listening!

Follow
http://twitter.com/IFotIE
for the latest updates on the group.

And see our new Meetup.com page:
http://www.meetup.com/Independent-Filmmakers-of-the-Inland-Empire-Meetup-Group/

Love,
Eric
___________________

Eric Francis Harnden
Digital Editor, Filmmaker and Industry Blogger

Quintessential Studios
___________________

http://wordpress.quintessentialstudios.net
http://twitter.com/quintessential

http://twitter.com/IFotIE
http://www.meetup.com/Independent-Filmmakers-of-the-Inland-Empire-Meetup-Group/

9 Jan 2010 update: Thanks to


for becoming our first sponsor!

28 Jan 2010 update: Thanks to


for becoming a sponsor!

http://stillmotion.ca/