Making It Reel at Cinequest

We brought our message to the  Cinequest Film and Creative Festival’s day-long Storytelling Celebration in San Jose on March 10. The SAG-AFTRA San Francisco-Northern California Local invited local member, director and writer Rajiv Shah, and SAGindie National Director Darrien Michele Gipson to join Movie Maker Magazine founder Tim Rhys and producer Jonathan Duffy in a discussion with screenwriters about getting their story noticed, produced and distributed. The panel, moderated by Barnaby Dallas, head of production at San Jose State University, was titled Making It Reel and took place at the beautiful San Jose Improv.

All on stage and in the audience laughed and learned from the lessons these expert storytellers shared. Rhys pointed out the importance of using professional performers, and Gipson reinforced the message by reminding everyone that hiring professionals, “Saves you time, and in filmmaking, time is money.” She also spoke about many of SAGindie’s services including resources, workshops and consultations for independent filmmakers.

The San Francisco-Northern California Local got a shout-out for their service to local filmmakers while the group collectively acknowledged the many talented and dedicated principal performers available throughout Northern California.

“This is a relationship business at every level,” Duffy advised, with Shah emphasizing to attendees, “Find your tribe.”

Photo: Making It Reel panel participants at Cinequest Film Festival: from left, producer Jonathan Duffy, SAGIndie Executive Director Darrien Michele Gipson, Movie Maker Magazine founder Tim Rhys, SAG-AFTRA member Rajiv Shah and Barnaby Dallas, head of production at San Jose State University.