PAST EVENTS
SDMP at the San Diego Film Summit
Sept 30-Oct 4, 2024
UCSD Extension Studies
The San Diego Media Pros was proud to support the 2nd Annual San Diego Film Summit!
San Diego Media Pros was proud to be an educational partner for this event, which is produced by the Film Consortium in partnership with UC San Diego Extended Studies and features 5 days of workshops and networking at the University City Center Campus.
Other partners on board include SAG-AFTRA, San Diego Unified School District, San Diego County Office of Education, Atlas Lens Company and more.
In total, there were 14 workshops and educational seminars and SDMP is hosting several of these!
Fall SyncUp with San Diego Media Pros
Sept 24, 2024
Coronado Brewing Co - Bay Park
A great turnout for our Fall SyncUp with mentors John Lambert, Motion Picture Producer, and Commercial Director; Lauren Fahlhaber, Co-Founder and CEO of The Film Hub and Set Designer; and Paul Giret, Director, Cinematographer, and Editor.
SIGMA Presents “Elevated Production with Graham Sheldon”
Aug 22, 2024
REV Studios, La Jolla
This hands-on event, which sold out for San Diego Media Pros members, was designed to elevate production skills with insights and techniques from industry expert Graham Ehlers Sheldon.
Graham Ehlers Sheldon, an award-winning filmmaker and SIGMA Ambassador, led the engaging session. Attendees had the unique opportunity to learn about advanced cinematography techniques, cutting-edge SIGMA gear, and the latest trends in production. Sheldon’s extensive industry experience, combined with SIGMA's innovative technology, provided participants with invaluable knowledge to enhance their projects.
Technical Demonstrations: Participants gained insights into the latest SIGMA lenses and camera equipment and learned how to maximize their potential in various shooting scenarios.
Creative Cinematography Tips: They discovered advanced techniques for capturing stunning visuals, from lighting setups to composition strategies.
Interactive Q&A Session: Attendees engaged directly with Sheldon, asking questions and seeking advice on their own projects.
Whether they were seasoned professionals or aspiring filmmakers, this workshop offered a wealth of knowledge and practical skills to elevate production quality.
Let’s Talk AI For Production
June 30, 2024
Project Conclusion Company, San Diego
AI (Artificial Intelligence) has brought unfamiliar opportunities, risks, challenges, and legal questions to our lives. It was a hot topic—unexpected, mind-blowing, and disruptive.
On Tuesday, July 30, at Studio3, Project Conclusion Company hosted San Diego Media Pros' first educational event on AI. Our guest, Bill Davis of Office Hours Global, discussed AI's history and its current role in global production, sharing insights on how creatives can enhance workflows. He also presented a case study on the impact of AI in the success of over 1,560 online show episodes.
Filmmaker Paul Giret demonstrated how to use Stable Diffusion, Python, and TouchDesigner AI for animations. David Newman showcased his AI-produced short film, "Whispers of the Night Market," created for the 48 Hour Film Project.
We opened the floor for discussion on AI in current workflows and how much control we should maintain when using these tools.
AI has been influencing our industries for some time, and advancements in machine learning and technology have brought it into the mainstream. From ChatGPT to CapCut, production workflows are changing.
The future is exciting yet a bit daunting. History shows us that disruption creates opportunities. What will you do with yours?
Summer Sync Up and Mentor Hour
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
New English Brewing, Sorrento Valley
Chrissy Raven Kilna and Kilna Anthony, City Producers from the 48 Hour Film Project joined us along with past and current 48 hour participants Sidney Franklin, David S. Dawson Marianne Bates, and Michael Brueggemeyer, David Dawson and possibly others! Stop by with your questions, and connect with other filmmakers and media pros to build out your 48 Hour team or any future project. Thanks to the 75 plus media pros who joined us at the location’s fabulous outdoor patio and lawn area! !
Photo credit: Jeffrey Lehmann
From Set to Soundtrack: The Art and Science of Sound
Saturday, April 27, 2024, 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Studio West
Any audio professional will tell you that sound is more than half the project! Great audio is a combination of solid location sound, foley, sound design, and music and we devoted a full day to an educational workshop that include breakout sessions and a panel conversation about what film directors need to know to best communicate with their sound teams.
Our speakers include Joanna Fang (Foley Artist - Sony), Jules Rascon (Sound Designer - Sony), M.G. Espar (San Diego City College - Film Composer) and Alexandra Parral (Sound Recordist - freelance). The day was produced in conjunction with the San Diego Section of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and was moderated by Steve Barsotti, AES section President. Thank you to the AES!
Documentary Screening — Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (Free)
Friday, April 26, 2024
San Diego City College
Thanks to everyone who dodged the raindrops and joined us downtown for the documentary screening followed by a Q and A (via zoom) with director and Hollywood sound editor Midge Costin.
Spring Sync Up and Mentor Hour
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
San Diego Brewing Co, Mission Valley
Our Mentor Hour tables were buzzing with energy. Time Ends talked with attendees about sound design, music composition and all things audio. Nicole Franco, producer, director, actor and voiceover actor, covered production from pre-to post. And Jeff Fox coached several filmmakers on how to best build an audience and market their upcoming documentaries. Thanks to everyone who stopped by San Diego Brewing Co!
Photo credit: Jane Hare
Embrace Your Narrative. Telling a Better Story to Get More Business
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Influence Studios, Miramar
Build your Business! You asked for ways to get more work. Yes, you need a brand and a marketing plan and our guests shared how to do it. DJ Summitt, motion graphics expert of Summitt Filmworks and Jeff Fox, digital marketing expert from Star Fox Media provided actionable ideas on how freelancers and small media business can build their visibility by identifying and then telling their own brand story. We also offered free headshots taken by photographer Luna Trevino. Thanks to Influence Studios, a fully turn-key production rental space with 12 pre-styled and pre-lit studio spaces, for hosting our event. Turn on the lights, set up and start filming!
Photo credit: Jane Hare
February Sync Up and Introducing Mentor Hour!
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Alesmith Brewing, Miramar
Lots of questions leading to great conversations at last night’s Mentor Hour. Thanks to our mentors Jane Hare, producer, director, writer and instructional designer from Everon Media, Eric Addison, producer and all around production expert from 100 Acre Films and DJ Summit, motion graphics guru from Summitt FilmWorks who took questions and spoke one-on-one with our attendees. See you in April!
Photo credit: Sandi Masori
Holiday Sync Up and Toy Drive
Tuesday, December 10, 2023
Stone Brewing World Headquarters, Liberty Station
Holly Jolly Holidays! Our extremely well attended December event brought members, students and guests together for good cheer and appetizers. Plus our Toys for Tots donation box was full! Thank you, everyone, for your extremely generous donations.
Post Production Sound with Davinci Resolve
Friday, November 17, 2023
UC San Diego, Park & Market, Downtown
As part of the first-ever Film Summit Workshop Series, San Diego Media Pros and presenter Rich Varville of RSVP FILMS LLC, introduced basic and intermediate functionality of this versatile edit software for film and video. The workshop was one of 10 being offered at the first-ever Film Summit, a week of panels and workshops from San Diego Film Week in collaboration with the several educational entities where attendees could receive university credit for attending the full week of sessions.
Photo credit: Jane Hare
Screenwriters: The Creators of Story
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Vibras Studio, Oceanside
Established Hollywood screenwriters, John Wierick and Michael A. Ross, shared their experiences of writing projects for streamers, made-for-TV movies, cable networks and more! Great stories, great information!
Photo credit: Jane Hare
Summer Sync Up
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Alesmith Brewing Company, Miramar
It was an evening of connection and collaboration at our summer social and sync-up. We were back at Alesmith Brewing Company for beer, tacos and summer fun. Our mixers continue to grow - next time, be sure to bring someone with you who would like to learn more about our media production community!
Photo credit: Jeffrey Lehmann
Drones: What Everyone Else Needs to Know
Sunday, July 9, 2024
Kit Carson Park, Escondido
Almost 60 filmmakers joined us for our all day Drones Workshop! The day opened with Desi Epstein aka “Drone Diva Desi” of On The Go Video on safety and administration for drone production. Next, Greg Lefevre of Greg Drones demonstrated how to use drones in a cinematographic way for establishing and other key shots.
Shayn Mitchell of Icon Industries and Cooper Groves of Astonishots talked us through mechanics when working with drones, including noise and downdraft mitigation. And Cooper shared his smaller specialty drones for interior production in tight spaces including his drone with “cheek guards” for use of drones in close proximity to on-camera talent. We also covered previsualization, camera matching, cost estimating and tips for selecting the best drone operator based on your project specs.
After a screaming good BBQ lunch, it was time to fly! Our attendees had a chance to take the controls for hands-on practice including take-offs and landings.
Photo credit: Jane Hare
Spring Get Together and Sync-Up
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
BNS Brewing and Distillery, Santee
Thanks to all who ventured out to East County for our spring Sync Up! We love seeing new and old colleagues gather for collaboration and conversation!
Action Cinematography Workshop
Saturday, April 1, 2023
The Film Hub, Vista
We started off the year in motion! What goes into filming an action sequence with faster than normal movements, fighting characters, quick blocking changes, motion props, and a moving camera with the lens near the actor? We found out!
Experienced Action Cinematographers, Jessica Gallant from Los Angeles, Angel Brophy from Tijuana, and Elias Acosta of San Diego and The Dominican Republic, along with stunt professionals from the Southern California Stunt Crew, created a workshop about pre-production and on set action sequences. We demonstrated shot framing, actor and camera blocking, visual style, stacking and fight choreography. The DPs’ and stunt crew also broke down basic coverage of a fight scene to meet a tight shoot schedule while keeping safety top of mind.
This event was hosted and sponsored by The Film Hub, a creative, collaborative co-working space with three production studios, a backlot and much more. A big thank you to all who came out — about 80 Media Pros members, non-members, guests and volunteers gathered together for an amazing day!
Photo credit: Jane Hare
2023 Kick-off Mixer and Industry Sync-Up
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
New English Brewing, Sorrento Valley
About 50 film, video, TV and other media professionals gathered to connect and collaborate. Were you able to join us?
Photo credit: Jeffrey Lehmann
Happy Holidays Happy Hour
Tuesday, December 8, 2022
Deft Brewing, Morena
Familiar faces and lots of new ones. 60+ industry professionals joined us at our December social for film, video and TV professionals. Here’s to 2023. Happy holidays!
Photo credit: Jane Hare
Social at Societe
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Societe Brewing, Kearny Mesa
Our film, video and TV industry get together at Societe was a blast! 65 or more people talked new projects and new possibilities until the venue all but turned off the lights. Thanks to all who joined us.
Photo credit: David Zamaya
Livestreaming: The World is Your Studio
Saturday, August 8, 2022
North County Media Center, Vista
Livestreaming is changing communications as business and entertainment events are now possible from anywhere. Our day-long advanced workshop and demonstration featured expert speakers from industry leaders BirdDog Technology, Corporate Streams, UC San Diego, Video Approach, and North County Media Center.
Photo credit: Jane Hare
Guy Langman, Film Liaison, City of San Diego and Jane Hare, President, San Diego Media Pros
Safety on Set
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Commercial Street Studios, Logan Heights
Guy Langman, new Film Liaison for the City of San Diego shared a first look at the city’s new online film permit process. Then, SDPD reps Cindy McKievick and Brian Jackson talked about safety on set including road closures, crowd control and special permissions. One key takeaway: When filming in a crowded place, have all crew in safety vests, so you can find one another. It makes it easier for your support team from the SDPD or other city entities to know who belongs in your permit area and who doesn't.
Photo credit: David Zamaya
A Happy Hour or Two
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Alesmith Brewing, Miramar
A happy hour or two turned into three! Old friends reconnected and new collaborations for work were made. Thanks to everyone who joined us at Alesmith Brewing in Miramar.