2017 Seminars, Workshops, and Masterclasses

All seminars are held at the Naval Heritage Center, unless noted otherwise, and are $16 with the exception of: “Getting Started in Your Media Career: A Discussion” ($8).

Saturday, February 18

GETTING STARTED IN YOUR MEDIA CAREER: A DISCUSSION

1:30 – 2:30pm / $8 at the door

$10 TICKETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE THAT INCLUDE THE HIGH SCHOOL FILM COMPETITION

With Ed Baxter, an Emmy award winning producer/cinematographer, and native Washingtonian. In 2007, he joined the effort to launch RLTV, cable network for generation 50+, where he soon became the Director of Production and Development. After leaving RLTV, he went freelance as an independent writer, producer, shooter, editor – though not always on the same projects.

and Bronwen Hughes, a New York and Hollywood-based film director of Canadian origin. “The Journey is the Destination” is her fourth feature film. Her previous films include “Forces of Nature” (Dreamworks), “Harriet the Spy” (Paramount), and “Stander,” nominated for Best Director at the 25th Genie Awards. For television, Hughes has directed world-renowned shows including Breaking Bad (AMC), 24: Legacy (Fox), Hawaii Five-O (CBS), Hung (HBO), Shut Eye (Hulu), and the pilot episodes of White Collar, Fairly Legal, and Motive. 


Entertainment law 101 – intellectual property and beyond

2:30 – 4:00pm / $16 here or at the door

A macro level discussion about copyright, trademark, fair use, licensing, options, using images/music, WGA registration, releases, film permits, and location considerations with attorneys John Mason, Janet Fries, & Ken Kaufman (presented in association with WALA).


Entertainment law 202 – funding, contracts, litigation, and best practices

4:00 – 5:30pm / $16 HERE OR AT THE DOOR

A macro level discussion about funding, contracts, overview of litigation process in settling disputes, business organizations, insurance, employment issues, and some best practices. With attorneys Brian Frankel & Josh Carpenter (presented in association with WALA).


Sunday, February 19th

cinematic storytelling: the craft of writing for the screen

2:30 – 4:00pm / $16 HERE or at the door

Two Los Angeles-based filmmakers take us into the complexities of script-writing to provide practical advice on writing, completing, packaging and presenting independent films scripts. 

Alan Watt is author of The 90-Day Screenplay: from concept to polish (2014) which was workshopped at L.A. Writers’ Lab over the course of ten years and has helped hundreds of screenwriters complete their work. Many graduates of the Lab have gone on to major careers as screenwriters and producers in TV and film. 

Hunter Lee Hughes has many years of experience as an actor, director and script analyst for Paramount Vantage. In 2013 he founded StoryAtlas, designed to empower unique storytellers in the ever-changing media landscape.


Production Seminar: Producing a feature-length film with $$ and Talent secured

4:00 – 6:30pm / $16 here or at the door

An opportunity to hear it all from David Streit, a professional with over 20 years experience in production and production management. David has worked on Hollywood blockbusters (Jurassic Park 3, Species), critically acclaimed dramas (River’s Edge, Hear No Evil) and independent films (Interior Night…screening at DCIFF 2017 on Monday Feb 20th). David will cover the full spectrum of prep through production and post. Ideal for filmmakers working on bigger projects with bigger budgets.


Monday, February 20

KitSplit presents: Production in the District

12:00 – 1:30pm / $10 here or at the door

Best practices and techniques for productions of all sizes in the DC area, and the equipment checklist needed to achieve this.

Panel members:

  • Melissa Houghton, Executive Director at Women in Film & Video
  • Shane Yeager, CEO at DC Visionaries, Board Member & Head of Sponsorships at TIVA DC
  • Emma Mankey Hidem, CEO and Virtual Reality Filmmaker at Sunnyside VR
  • Steve Greenstein, Founder and Filmmaker at Squad 47

KitSplit is a team of New York-based filmmakers, photographers, and artists who are passionate about democratizing the filmmaking process and supporting the creative community. KitSplit helps filmmakers, photographers, and artists get the gear they need to make incredible work. We also help equipment owners safely make money renting gear out when they’re not using it.