Educational Seminars 2023

A deep dive into the entire process of making TV. What are the creative, business and production differences from making a film? Learn the many steps involved and why it takes years to get from idea to screen, including secrets known mostly to industry insiders. Decide if making TV is the right creative medium for your ideas.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Once you have a finished script, what's next? How do you turn your vision into a reality? In this workshop, our Artists in Residence Kris Lefcoe & Pamela Cederquist will discuss the ins and outs of pre-production, from breaking down a script, creating a budget and shooting schedule, as well as assembling your crew and casting your actors. Our Artists will share their insights and advice on the opportunities and challenges of pre-production and how to overcome them. Whether you're making your first project or a seasoned pro, this workshop is a must-attend for anyone who wants to learn more about the process of bringing a script to life.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Experience the magic of hearing a script being brought to life by live actors in this exciting step of the TV creation process that the general public never gets to see! Go behind the scenes as writers and actors collaborate to discover the tone, cadence, beats, and nuances of what a TV show sounds like before cameras start rolling.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Storytelling in Film: The Story, whether it be fictional or true, is central to all film projects therefore it has to be told in the most compelling way possible. In this conversation we will talk with journalists, oral storytellers, and of course filmmakers, to discuss their approach to storytelling and how those strategies can be used in filmmaking.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Upstate New York is a diverse region with a rich cinematic history. From the Adirondack Mountains to the shores of Lake Erie, upstate New York offers filmmakers a wide range of stunning locations, talented crews, and supportive communities. In this panel discussion, film commissioners from across upstate New York will share their insights on the region's unique filmmaking landscape. They will discuss the region's competitive tax incentives, diverse locations, and experienced crew base. They will also share tips for filmmakers on how to navigate the production process in upstate New York. This panel is open to filmmakers of all levels, as well as anyone interested in learning more about filmmaking in upstate New York.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Presented in partnership with UPWIFT and 518 Film Network: In filmmaking, a crucial aspect that often poses a challenge to many is film financing. Whether you're an established film producer or an independent filmmaker, navigating the complex financing world can be daunting. In this panel, we’ll explore various film funding ideas, discuss strategies and dive into the intricacies of the financing process.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Cinema is at a crossroads. The rise of streaming services and the ever-evolving technological landscape have all had a profound impact on the film industry. But what does the future hold for film? Join us as Paul Hardart leads a discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing the film industry today. We'll discuss everything from the changing role of film festivals to the rise of new technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Having started as an indie creator, Kris knows the difficult decisions that writers, directors and producers have to make when working with micro budgets. Where do you invest the most capital and focus? What are the non-negotiables for crew, crafty, sound, production & post? Get the inside scoop on how to create high-quality work on super-low budgets.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Join us for an exciting event celebrating the incredible contributions of women in the horror genre! Hosted by UPWIFT (Upstate NY Women in Film and Television) and 518 Film Network. Prepare to be mesmerised as renowned female horror filmmakers, writers and industry experts come together for a panel discussion. Gain unique insight into their experiences, creative processes, and the challenges they’ve overcome. Get ready to delve into the dark and mysterious world of horror!

Panelists:

Instructors:

Whether in the upper echelon of Hollywood or at the zero-budget student level, filmmakers are always desperate to save time. In recent years filmmakers shoot with multiple cameras to get their coverage faster, but the benefits of multicamera production are not fully realized without also using it to speed up post-production. This seminar will demonstrate the multicamera editing features of Avid Media Composer and explain principles of multicamera media applicable to all editing applications with similar capabilities.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Pamela Cederquist, in conversation with Board Chair and Festival Director Gary Smith, takes a holistic look at the art and business of filmmaking. She focuses on the nuances of the game as opposed to the craft. Among other topics, we'll touch on how to maintain a long-term career in balance with a personal life; how to manage conflict, stress, and power dynamics; how to manage the factory floor; and how to pay the rent. And she asserts that the greatest attribute of all, is to be patient, and to be kind. Grace under pressure, and there is plenty of pressure.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Every great show starts with an idea, and every idea needs a great pitch to sell it. Pitchworld is a platform for content creators to develop their pitch with an audience in a fun and supportive setting. Selected creators will present their amazing ideas for TV shows, podcasts, and web series in five-minute onstage pitches, and they’ll get feedback and tips from experienced professionals. Catalyst Story Institute is the official mentorship partner of the National Academy of TV Arts & Sciences. Its mission is to make it possible for episodic storytellers to make a living they love from where they love living.

Panelists:

Instructors:

Please join us for a closing program to determine what you think would help you to gain more from your film festival experience. We have attempted to shape the Lake Placid Film Festival to meet the needs of its attendees in addressing their educational pursuits, and this year, we have initiated programming such Financing Your Film, explored the creation and development of Episodic Content, created the LPFF Student Summit, and initiated our Artist in Residence Program, all based on suggestions and thoughts coming out of last year’s closing discussion. We invite you to join us to help create the 2024 Lake Placid Film Festival. Join Gary Smith, Chair of Adirondack Film, Matt Fretz, Interim Director, Adirondack film, Noah Ramer, LPFF Student Outreach Coordinator, Jerry Stoeffhaas, former Deputy Director of the Governor’s Film Office, and others as we explore these approaches to growing your festival.

Panelists:

Instructors: