Creators Program Workshop Targets Film and Other Media Producers

10/25/2013

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Contact: Kimberly Osborne
(304) 766-3363
kosborne@wvstateu.edu
     
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – Aspiring and seasoned media producers can learn the techniques of production with “Producing 101” at the West Virginia State University (WVSU) Economic Development Center (EDC) Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop is part of the EDC’s ongoing Creators Program series targeting the creative economy.

Filmmaker and graphic novelist Danny Boyd, a WVSU communications and media studies professor, and producer Lisa Bragg will present the workshop.

“’Producing 101’ is ideal for aspiring producers, directors, production managers, assistant directors, screenwriters, actors, production coordinators, production assistants and anyone wishing to explore a career in media arts,” said Bragg, noting that beginners are welcome.

The workshop will emphasize the planning and business aspects of media production with participants developing their own proposed production during the day. 

A good production must begin with a strong foundation, said Boyd. Rather than specializing in one aspect of production, the producer must have a working understanding of every production element. From the philosophical intent of the final product to the individual practical workings, the producer, more than anyone else, must be able to grasp and manage the big picture.

“Ninety percent or more of issues with any creative production involve matters of producing and planning,” said Boyd. “This workshop is intended to provide creative problem-solving strategies to participants for whatever project they have in mind.”

The information isn’t solely targeted to film, said Boyd. “Producing is part of all creative mediums, from graphic novels to music videos,” he said. “The same fundamental skills and techniques are utilized regardless of the particular medium or format in which the producer is working.”

Attendees will receive a Certificate of Participation that will count as three units toward a Creators Certificate, awarded after the completion of 20 workshop units in the Creators Program. The final workshop scheduled for the fall is Composing for New Media 101 on Saturday, Nov. 16.

The Creators Program launched last year as a series of community workshops focusing on skills and knowledge essential to creating for mass media and art. WVSU partners with the Arts Council of Kanawha Valley and the West Virginia Film Office on the series. Workshops are designed for people of all skill levels, including students and others interested in expanding their creative endeavors.

Boyd has dozens of films to his credit, including “Chillers,” “Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers” and “Paradise Park.” He has been a professor at WVSU since 1983 and has taught around the world, including in Tanzania as a three-time Fulbright scholar. Producing nearly every genre of film, Boyd’s television work has earned three national Telly awards and two regional Emmy nominations. He has recently expanded into graphic novel creation with two upcoming books, “Chillers,” the graphic novel, and “CARBON.” Boyd also serves as artist in residence at the WVSU EDC.

Bragg is a producer with a background in filmmaking and traditional photography. Her producing experience includes films, commercials, music videos and special events. She also gained valuable industry experience while working as a location scout and researcher for the West Virginia Film Office. Examples of her production work include “Toxic Soup,” “Provident,” “Fondly,” “The Chillers Theme,” “Xipe,” “Fall Air” and “There is Hope.”

The cost to attend the workshop is $20. Students are eligible for a discounted rate of $10, and registration is requested for all. To register, visit www.digiso.org and click on “The Creators Program” tab.

The WVSU EDC is located at 1506 Kanawha Blvd. W. in Charleston.

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West Virginia State University is a public, land grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi‐generational institution, located in Institute, WV. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research.