Connection and Inspiration at Film Meet-Ups

The nature and technical structure of great movie making is collaborative and communal.

For those eager film students or professionals who have not found their “clique” yet, or who just want to expand their horizon, we have compiled a list of film meet-ups.

So, if you are a missing that deep Deleuzian film philosophy conversation, head on to one of these meetings.ŒæMaybe they’ll discuss the “crystals of time,” or join a film society and explain your unfinishedŒæpseudo-Buddhist-Post-ApocalypticŒæMagnum Opus script.

Women In Film & Television Tampa Bay Bay

Weds., Aug. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.ξ

Irish 31 WestShore

214 Westshore Plaza, Tampa

Join Women In Film & Television the third Wednesday of every month for WIFT Wednesday, a fun networking event where filmmakers along with other artists and media professionals can make connections, be inspired and enjoy some camaraderie. Founded in Los Angeles in 1973 by Tichi Wilkerson Kassel (former publisher and editor-in-chief ofŒæThe Hollywood Reporter) and a group of women who represented various facets of the film and television industry, WIFT strives to recognize, develop and promote the unique visions of women in the field of communications.ŒæŒæThe Florida branch’s event featuresŒæa cash bar, drink specials, and a dinner menu is available. Admission is free.

TPA-Film Bar Mondays: Ybor

Aug. 14

Coppertail Brewing Co

2601 E. Second Ave.

TPA-Film Bar Mondays: Largo

Barley Mow Brewing Company

518 W Bay Drive

TPA-Film Bar Mondays: Plant City

Two Henrys Brewing Company

5210 Thonotosassa Road

Wherever you live, you can make vital connections duringŒæFilm Bar Mondays.ŒæRelax and discover a more laid-back Florida movie-maker scene, where admission is free and there are no leaders, time constraints or rules. Just have a drink, and don’t solicit your products or projects by flashing your business cards.

Holiday Inn Express

3990 Tampa Road, Oldsmar

The society offers educational programs and activities focused on providing viable tools and paths for filmmakers, and they help strengthen film crews and create partnerships in the Tampa Bay Area and throughout Florida. They shoot around three to four short films a month, and are active participants of the State Legislature pertaining to The Entertainment Industry. Here are the Membership details.ξNote: They also do sponsorship to waive member fees for some associated producers. ξOn the upcoming general meeting Casting AgentξBobbi Hill will be speaking, and there will be live music by singer songwriter Paul Miller.

• ŒæMOVIE NIGHT

  3rd Tuesday every other month 8-10 p.m.

  Britton 8 Cinemas, $5 for non-members

  3938 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa

St. Pete Clearwater Sunscreen Film Society

Last Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m.

Suite 4k Studios

12501 62nd St. N., Largo

Since this group formed in 2005, ŒæThe Sunscreen Film FestivalŒæand the WEST FestivalŒæhave been the two main projects organized by Sunscreen, they have a very evocative sun logo you might have seen. The society also does charitable work on film education and economic development, thereby increasing awareness and support of local film-making.ŒæHere’s more info on the scalingŒæMembership Fees. They continually encourage and help local productions through grants and so on and so on.

• Next public event: The Neverending Story:ŒæSunscreen Halloween Outdoor MovieŒæ

  3rd Tuesday every other month, first installment: Sat., Oct. 7, 8-10 p.m.

  Williams Park

  330 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Date and venue TBD

Members of Film Florida a not-for-profit entertainment production association from Central Florida, get together at least once a month ξso keep an eye for the next meet-up. They represent aξcoalition of interests, including private industry, local film commissions, industry associations, educational institutions and labor organizations. More info on membership and the different levels of involvement.

Film Build Monthly Networking Meet-up

World of Beer

5311 Avion Park Drive,ξTampa

Great group to collaborate with others to create your films. ξAnyone is welcome to present their idea and join this producing group. People from the group can decide to help bring the individual visions to life. Participating in these projects will help you strengthen your targeted skill sets and improve your portfolios. ξThere is no monetary compensation for any of these projects. Please state your skill sets when joining the group.

SILVER SCREEN FOR SHORT FILMS (“SSSF”)

AMC Classic Centro Ybor 10

1600 E. Eighth Ave.,ξTampa

Gather with others who celebrate, inspire and entertain by honoring short films. The monthly showcase event is organized and presented by Nukkad-USA Productions, Inc.Œæon the second Wednesday of each month.ŒæThe audience will vote for their favorite film. The film with the most votes will get the “SSSF Audience Choice Award”. SSSF accepts SUBMISSIONS for all GENRES of short films in any language including narratives, animations, public service announcements, music video, experimental, documentaries, teaser/trailer, demo reel and foreign films through Filmfreeway or Withoutabox. (The films with excessive violence or sexual scenes are not accepted. Action is OK but no vulgarity.)

* * *

Finally, a shout out to our university film groups. We have theŒæThe University Film & Video Association at USF. Its mission: “To promote cinematography and television production on the USF campus.”

And let us not forgetξFilm & Media Arts UT, an excellent discussion board with gig opportunities, festival reminders and valuable film info, in general.

Also,ŒæThe International Cinema series at Eckerd College screens critically acclaimed and important films from around the world every Friday night during the regular school year. There’s always an insightful discussion afterwards.

In addition, there’s a plethora of film groups all over the interwebs. I personally can recommend theŒæTampa Bay Latin Film NetworkŒæŒæwith very useful information geared towards the independent Latin film worldwide, but also with great links on indie cinema around the world, and, of course, news about our diverse local film scene.

Go out there, and don’t be a hermit like me with my books, and meet some filmmakers. I plan on making an effort too.