PAST EVENTS
Annual Summer Mixer
Each year we host our Annual Summer Mixer in Brooklyn. This is our signature event where our community networks, eats, drinks, and dances together. It’s a great way for our members to connect in a relaxed setting. Stay tuned for the next one.
Panels
Speed Pitch & Panel
Marvin Scott (HBO Marketing Executive), Janelle James (writer on The Rundown with Robin Theade), and Keith Josef Adkins (writer on Girlfriends, The Good Fight).
This event was divided into two parts: breaking in as a TV writer, and allowing our attendees to pitch their ideas to the panel for constructive criticism.
Directing & Producing for TV, Film & Commercials
Warren Oliver, Tiffany Jackson and Kurt Williamson.
The HollandWest team has produced content for Wal-Mart, BET, and the 2016 Hillary Clinton campaign. In this panel, they break down their creative and business approach in regards to directing and producing for TV, film and commercials.
Producing Short Films For The Festival Circuit w/ HBO & ABFF
Nikyatu Jasu (2016 ABFF HBO short film winner), Terron Jones (2014 ABFF HBO short film finalist), Kiara Jones (2013 ABFF HBO short film finalist), Greg Rhem (Director, HBO Documentary Films) discuss producing short films for the film festival circuit.
Moderated by Lamonia Brown (director of programming at ABFF Ventures).
Making & Marketing Documentaries
Chana Ewing (Founder of marketing company Little Big Girl + Co), Jason Pollard (Editor of Get Me Roger Stone, Rapture), Sam Pollard (Director of Mr. Soul!, Maynard).
In this panel, Rashida Jones (Senior VP of News Specials, MSNBC) moderates a discussion around how to direct, edit and market documentaries.
Workshops
DSLR Camera Basics
Sterling Milan, cinematographer and director, taught members in our community the basics of DSLR camera settings, composition and more.
Low Budget Lighting Solutions
Justyn Davis, professional gaffer, showed our members how to light with paper lanterns and construction lights.
Directors Workshop
Shaka King was interviewed by Black Film Space about his career. We then watched pre-selected scenes from his projects and he discussed his creative choices.
Screening Series
Ten filmmakers in our community screen their short projects followed by a Q & A. We hosted these events with partners including The Luminal Theater and Richard Beavers Gallery.
Stay connected for more screenings in the near future!
Black Film & TV Trivia Night
Can you name the longest running African-American sitcom?
You will after you join us for Black Film & TV Trivia Night, where we get together and learn all about Black film history. Oh, and there are prizes too!
cinema for her
In March of 2019, we kicked off a new screening segment, Cinema for Her, to celebrate Women’s History Month.
We screened a classic film every week centered around Black women, followed by a discussion hosted by one of our team members.
During our last series, we showed Just Another Girl on the I.R.T., and hosted a talk back with the director, Leslie Harris.
