July’s Works in Progress in-person event was a well-attended success, kicking off the relaunch of AWD’s partnership with Canon and the very popular camera loan out program. Members were excited to learn the program has returned, as well as use of their screening room.
Following an overview of Canon Burbank’s offerings by their Sr. Tech Specialist, David Hoon Doko, attendees offered insightful feedback on fellow members’ reels which were all impressive. They sparked lively conversation about what producers/studios want to see from directors vying for their next job.
AWD South’s Journey to Success conversation with Gentry Akens was truly inspiring. Attendees were enthralled with his story about going into an office without an appointment and, despite almost being kicked out, demanding for someone to view his portfolio. It was fantastic to hear that this is how he landed his first job. Gentry believed in himself despite not going to film school and that led him to various opportunities in the industry, event designing for amusement parks.
Members will be able to access a recording of the workshop in the Member Center.
“The Journey to Success with Gentry Akens was, indeed, a journey to success! He took us on his journey and WOW! What an inspiration! If you can hear this man talk and NOT be inspired on your own journey, whatever that may be, then you’re not listening. He’s fun, he’s entertaining, but more than that he quite literally just goes out and gets it done with verve, with boldness and with an element of fun and light that makes you want to join his team. I know I want to work with him on my next project. When you listen to him I don’t doubt that you will, too!” — AWD Directing Member Kathi Carey
AWD hosted entertainment attorney Alexa Whiteside for a legal workshop on clearance essentials, covering key rights and paperwork needed to ensure a smooth path to distribution. She broke down copyright vs. trademark, fair use, and clearance issues that can affect the final cut, provided resource links, and answered member questions on their specific projects during an in-depth Q&A.
Members will be able to access a recording of the workshop in the Member Center.
July’s Social Sunday’s discussion covered various topics including:
-How to work with AI to protect your IP and creative works
-Shooting verticals DIY and creating your own series from them
-Using unreal engine to boost your special effects while lowering your budget
-How to best leverage festival screenings.
Members expressed appreciation for the inclusivity, support, and informative programming offered by AWD.
AWD South members gathered for a powerful workshop at Assembly Studios, featuring industry pros Cas Beedles and Lou Simon.
Cas Beedles led an engaging session on pitching, covering the role of pitch decks and lookbooks, building strong teams, and effective pitching techniques. Members had the chance to pitch a script provided in advance and received personalized feedback from Cas.
Lou Simon shared valuable insight on securing funding and navigating distribution. She also discussed how to maximize resources, work with lean crews, and maintain high production value on a budget.
“The energy in the room was incredible. Not only did I learn so much from Cas and Lou, but I also left feeling inspired and motivated. A few of us have already started talking about collaborating on a future project—this is exactly the kind of community I was hoping to find.”
— AWD Directing Member
Special thanks to Cas, Lou, and Assembly Studios for making this event a success. More AWD South events are on the way—stay tuned!