Making It as a Regional Filmmaker

Can you be a successful filmmaker outside of LA? Absolutely! Join Sundance Senior Shorts Programmer Mike Plante in a candid virtual conversation with Utah-based filmmaker Robert Machoian (THE MINORS, THE KILLING OF TWO LOVERS) as Robert reveals how he’s been able to not only survive, but thrive as a regional filmmaker.

Discussion Topics will include:

Establishing collaborations and connections
Utilizing resources in your area
Developing a small crew
Financing and fund allocation on a micro-budget
The film school / no film school debate
Why honesty is the best policy

The conversation is followed by a question and answer period, and then we’ll have brief presentations from Caitlin Mae Burke, Supervising Producer of IF/Then Shorts, Liz Cook Mowe, Senior Director, Film with Kickstarter and Virginia Pearce, Director of the Utah Film Commission on how they support emerging filmmakers.

The event closes with a virtual networking session, where you can connect with other regional filmmakers to discuss useful tips and techniques you’ve used while shooting locally, any obstacles you’ve encountered, and how you engage with local resources.

This program is presented by Sundance Institute and is made possible by support from the Utah Film Commission.