The Creators Program

We know you.  You wake up at night thinking about that book, that script, that game, that composition, that movie, that documentary, that business idea that allows you to embrace your inner creative. If you could only figure out how to make a living doing it.  Yeah. We know you.  We’re right there with you.

Introducing The Creators Program

 

 

 

 

 

The Creators Program is a series of short community workshops focused on key skills and knowledge essential to “creating” for mass media and art.

The DigiSo Creators Program packages expertise from WVSU, the Arts Council of Kanawha Valley and the West Virginia Film Office, and delivers information you need to move your ideas forward.

The workshops will be designed on three levels: 1) Fundamental 2) Intermediate 3) Advanced. Public demand will determine which topics proceed to more advanced levels.

Attendees will be given a Certificate of Participation after each workshop. Each meeting will count as 1 unit towards an overall Creators Certificate awarded after the completion of 20 workshop units. For example, if a workshop is a Friday evening and Saturday afternoon for 2 meetings, the attendee will be awarded 2 units.

As the program grows, and more advanced workshops are offered, Intermediate and Advanced  Creators Certificates will be awarded.

Below is listing of the classes scheduled so far. Here’s a list of all the classes proposed. NOTE: The list keeps growing, and you can add your two cents!
The Whole Kit & Caboodle

ALL WORKSHOPS ARE HELD AT WVSU EDC 1506 KANAWHA BLVD W. CHARLESTON UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

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Workshop Offerings- New for 2013! 

SCREEN AND GRAPHIC NOVEL WRITING 101- 2 Day Workshop Feb. 1 & 2, 2013 

This workshop will focus on the basic building blocks used to develop and construct stories for cinema and graphic novels. The particular formatting styles and available screenwriting software will be dis­cussed, but like most entertainment writing, it’s all about the story. Boyd & Ng will present a general overview of the screenwriting process from concept to final script, focusing on the basic, but critical story elements needed for a good script.

Level: Fundamental

Fee: ($40) REGISTER HERE

Presenters: Daniel Boyd & Joseph Ng

Suggested books: “Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting,” Syd Field & “The Comple Idot’s Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel,” Nat Gertler and Steve Lieber

Suggested software: Celtx.com (free download)

Creators Program Units: 2

Dates & Times: Feb. 1, 2013 7pm-9:30pm and Feb. 2, 2013 1pm-4pm

Place:  WVSU EDC 1506 Kanawha Blvd. West Charleston, WV

Daniel Boyd is an acclaimed filmmaker with dozens of films, including Chillers, Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers, and Paradise Park (aka, Heroes of the Heart) to his credit. A media studies professor at West Virginia State University since 1983, Boyd has also taught around the world including in Tanzania as a three-time Fulbright scholar.  Producing nearly every genre of film, Boyd’s television work has earned 3 national Telly awards and 2 regional Emmy nominations. He has recently expanded into graphic novel creation with Chillers – The Graphic Novel  (Transfuzion Publishing), which was the 2012 Shel Dorph nominee for Original Graphic Novel of the Year, and Ghastly nominee for Best Horror Anthology.   His books, Chillers 2  and CARBON, are scheduled for release in 2013. Boyd also serves as “Artist and Residence” at WV State University’s Economic Developments Center on Charleston’s west side. www.danielboyd.com

Joseph W. Ng is an award-winning screenwriter and a graduate of the West Virginia State University Media Studies program. Aside from writing, he has also worked on numerous film, video, and other media projects with experiences ranging from dodging rodeo bulls to helping produce the university’s first graphic narrative project. In addition to working with the WVSU Economic Development Center, he is also an instructor in the university’s Communications Department where he teaches screenwriting.

 

Get It Published!* Seminar- February 16, 2013

Let’s make your book. This seminar will get you on the road to a book contract. We’ll help you get to the heart of your idea, find marketing angles, and understand the process of creating a book proposal, building a platform as an author, and pitching to literary agents. You will receive a Book It! tool kit with step-by-step guidelines, sample proposals, worksheets and resources to help you get your book idea into the hands of an agent and, ultimately, a publisher.  *(Not Self-Published)

Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D., is a writing consultant, psychologist and author five mass-market books, including Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength, recipient of a Publishers Weekly starred review, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Raising Boys. Her publishers include Penguin, Sourcebooks, and publishers for translations in Chinese, Finnish, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish. Laurie has been featured on national TV, radio, and print media, including The Wall Street Journal, Seventeen, Chicago Tribune, and Real Simple, and wrote the cover story for the Sept-Oct 2010 issue of Psychology Today. Through her consultation practice, Book It! Consulting, Laurie helps writers find the book inside them, shape it up for pitching, and navigate the challenging road to publication. Helgoe is represented by Jessica Faust, BookEnds Literary Agency.

Level: Fundamental

Fee: $88.00 (Special DigiSo sponsored rate! Normal fee is $188.00) Space is limited to the first 12 registrants!

REGISTER HERE

Presenter: Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D.

Creators Program Units: 1

Dates & Times: Saturday Feb. 16, 2013 10:00am – 3:30pm (lunch is on your own)

Place:  WVSU EDC 1506 Kanawha Blvd. West Charleston, WV

 

DIY Documentaries- Mar. 1, 2013 

Do you have a story to tell? Want to capture a family story or record memories before they are lost? It has never been easier to do it yourself. Do-It-Yourself Documentaries will discuss the basic techniques to creating your own documentary using tools you already have at hand. Your smart phone can record video, capture audio and take still photographs. That is really all you need. Have a basic digital camera? You can capture high quality video and edit it together with free software available online.

This program will discuss how to use basic tools around you to create your own documentaries while showing examples of documentaries crafted by people with a story to tell, but no real experience with audio, video or photography.

Outline

· Finding the Story

· Ethics of telling someone else’s story

· Listening

· Shooting

· Producing

· Showing it to your audience

Level: Fundamental

Fee: ($25) REGISTER HERE

Presenters: Eric Douglas

Creators Program Units: 1

Dates & Times: Friday March 1, 2013 7:00pm-9:30pm

Place:  WVSU EDC 1506 Kanawha Blvd. West Charleston, WV

Eric Douglas is an author, photographer and journalist. His photodocumentary Russia, Coming of Age was exhibited in the United States, Russia and France. His multimedia documentary For Cheap Lobster earned him a Certificate in Documentary Arts from the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University and was used by NBC News, NationalGeographic.com, The New York Times and CCTV as background for their own news stories. He is currently working on a documentary called Voices of War, encompassing oral histories from West Virginia war veterans.

 

ENTERTAINMENT/IP LAW 101- Mar. 15, 2013

In this seminar, students will learn the basics of intellectual property law, including copyrights, trademarks, service marks, and common law intellectual property in the United States. The material covered will include an overview of the historical roots of copyright, the types of works that qualify for copyright protection, how an author can secure and register a copyright in a work, and other essentials concerning this rarely straightforward area of the law. Additionally, students will learn what to do during preproduction and production to avoid potential infringement of, or other claims relating to, intellectual property owned or controlled by other individuals or companies, as well as potential defamation, false light, invasion of privacy rights, violation of publicity rights, and similar claims. Also, Kevin Levine will explain in detail the various types of copyrights associated with music, particularly musical compositions and sound recordings, as well as the licenses required to legally exploit those works, including their placement in film and television productions.

Level: Fundamental

Fee: ($25) REGISTER HERE

Presenters: Robert Bandy & Kevin Levine

Suggested book:  The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers, Second Edition: a Legal Toolkit for Independent Producers (Thomas A. Crowell).

Creators Program Units: 1

Dates & Times: Friday, March 15, 2013 6:30pm-9:30pm

Place:  WVSU EDC 1506 Kanawha Blvd. West Charleston, WV

Robert Bandy is a member of the law firm Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC, where he practices in the firm’s Entertainment Law Group.  Robert’s practice areas include entertainment, intellectual property, commercial transactions, and civil litigation.  In Robert’s prior life before becoming a lawyer, he worked as a Key Grip and Grip on several local films and music videos.

Kevin Levine is a lawyer with Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC, where he chairs the firm’s Entertainment Law Group. Kevin’s practice areas include entertainment, music, intellectual property, employment, commercial transactions, and civil litigation. Kevin is also the Executive Creative Director of Blue 11® Music Publishing, LLC. Kevin is licensed to practice law in West Virginia and Tennessee and is a frequent lecturer on issues related to the music industry and intellectual property. Prior to joining Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC and Blue 11 Music Publishing, LLC, Kevin served as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Pied Piper, Inc.

Sportscasting in the Digital Age- April 12 & 13, 2013

So, you’ve always wanted to be a sportscaster? Thanks to the world-wide web the possibilities are now endless. A TV station or radio station can be created through your own personal website. In this seminar students will discover the ways in which to get this accomplished through the development of a website and the creativity of producing sports programming. As well, students will learn the proper ways of going about the trade of sportscasting. Students will be introduced to the various facets that go into preparing for the call of a variety of sports, both for radio and television.

Level: Fundamental

Fee: ($40) REGISTER HERE

Presenter: Mark Martin

Suggested book:  Sportscasting In The Digital Age: An Overview by Mark Martin

Creators Program Units: 2

Dates & Times: Friday April 12th   7:00.- 9:30 PM,  Saturday April 13th  1:00-4:00 PM

Place:  WVSU EDC 1506 Kanawha Blvd. West Charleston, WV

Mark Martin Bio:

Mark Martin has been the Sports Director of WCHS-TV (ABC affiliate) and WVAH-TV (FOX affiliate) in the Charleston/Huntington television market since December of 2000. He anchors the morning, noon, 6, 10, 11 p.m. sportscasts for the two stations. He has also done television broadcasts as a play-by-play and color commentator and sideline reporter for games aired ESPN Regional and FOX Sports. Martin has both an extensive radio and writing career. He has authored one book and is currently working on a second. He has been honored several times in his career, including a regional Emmy, The Associated Press Lifetime Achievement Award and as the West Virginia Sportscaster of the Year (twice) by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

 

 

 

Previous- 2012 Workshop Schedule:

MUSIC FOR MEDIA  101: Fundamentals of creating music for the mass media 

Videogames, web sites and other new media are creating more opportunities for contemporary music and film writers than ever existed before. In this seminar students will learn to write effectively for theses new forms, with an introduction to devices, sounds and techniques for supporting stories and responding to user actions. Guided hands on projects will help you understand how music is created, produced and marketed.

Level: Fundamental

Fee: ($40)  REGISTER HERE

Presenter: Chuck Biel

Suggested book:  Music For New Media – Composing for Videogames, Web Sites, Presentations and Other Interactive Media By Paul Hoffert

Creators Program Units: 2

Dates & Times: Friday Sept. 21,7:00.- 9:30 PM,  Saturday Sept 22, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Chuck Biel is a multi-instrumentalist composer, performer, and producer with numerous film composing credits under his belt. He has instructed and arranged for a number of acclaimed performers including Jerry Flowers (Keith Urban), Brad Miller (David Bowie), and Ann Magnuson. Chuck has composed for award winning film makers Danny Boyd, Bill Richardson, and many others. He was Composer In Residence for the Charleston Stage Company for 10 years, a college instructor of Music and Recording Arts, and a performer with such organizations as The West Virginia Symphony and the Mountain Stage Band. www.chuckbiel.com

PRODUCING  101: Fundamentals of media producing workshop 

Workshop participants will become familiar with the role of the producer and what functions he/she performs in the various visual, audio and multimedia production formats.

Our basic premise is that the same basic skills and techniques are utilized regardless of the particular medium or format in which the producer is working.  The workshop will emphasize the planning and related business aspects of media production rather than the creative aspects of a particular project.  Long before the cameras roll (images/sounds captured) there must be a product to produce, a particular market identified,  a budget with an established funding source or a plan for solicitation, and sound production execution plan (crew, schedule, etc.).  A good production must begin with a strong foundation.

Rather than specializing in one aspect of production, the producer must have a working understanding of every production element.  From the philosophical intent of the final product to the individual practical workings, the producer (more than anyone else) must be able to grasp and manage the “big picture.”

Throughout the workshop, participants will design/develop their own proposed production using the guidelines presented.

Level: Fundamental

Fee: ($40) REGISTER HERE

Presenters: Daniel Boyd & Lisa Bragg

Suggested book: “Before You Shoot”  By Helen Garvey

Creators Program Units: 3

Dates & Times: 3 meetings: Tuesday August 21st, 7:00 – 9:45 PM, Tuesday August 28th, 7:00-9:45PM, and a 3rd “arranged” meeting for feedback/evaluation 1 Tuesday 7:00 – 9:45 by end of semester, November 27th.

Daniel Boyd is an acclaimed filmmaker with dozens of films, including Chillers, Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers, and Paradise Park (aka, Heroes of the Heart) to his credit. A media studies professor at West Virginia State University since 1983, Boyd has also taught around the world including in Tanzania as a three-time Fulbright scholar.  Producing nearly every genre of film, Boyd’s television work has earned 3 national Telly awards and 2 regional Emmy nominations. He has recently expanded into graphic novel creation with two upcoming books, Chillers (the graphic novel) and CARBON. Boyd also serves as “Artist and Residence” at WV State University’s Economic Developments Center (media center) on Charleston’s west side. www.danielboyd.com

Lisa Bragg is a producer with a background in filmmaking and traditional photography. Her producing experience includes films, commercials, music videos and special events. She also gained valuable industry experience while working as a location scout and researcher for the West Virginia Film Office. Examples of her production work include: Toxic Soup, Provident, Fondly, The Chillers Theme, Xipe, Fall Air, and There is Hope. Lisa’s belief in the power of creativity led her to challenge herself in the West Virginia State University Media Studies Program, where she is currently earning a Masters Degree and working as an adjunct professor.

THE ART OF SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR ARTISTS:  Giving your masterpieces a digital voice

Cost: ($20) REGISTER HERE
Learn how to market your artwork across multiple social networks! Find out which networks are best, how to speak the social lingo, building your brand, gaining an audience, how to start the conversation, and more!

Instructor: Cartney McCracken, Social Media Strategist at Rainmaker, Inc. 

 

WV Film Office- Business of Film Workshop- FREE

In this workshop, learn how the WV Film Office can help you and how you can support the Film Office’s efforts.  Filmmakers and related crew personnel, film and video production companies, emerging filmmakers, students as well as others who are interested in learning how to work with the film office and how to work with film crews that knock on their doors are invited to attend.

Topics will include the role of the film office, how to find work in the state, location libraries, permits, tax credits and much more.

Level: Fundamental

Fee: FREE REGISTER HERE

Presenters: WV Film Office Staff- Pam Haynes, Jamie Cope and Lisa Wells

Reference:  http://wvfilm.wvcommerce.org/default.aspx

Creators Program Units: 1

Dates & Times: Saturday, December 8th, 1:00 – 4:00 PM

 

PRODUCING  101: Fundamentals of media producing workshop

Level: Fundamental

Fee: ($40)

Presenters: Daniel Boyd & Lisa Bragg

Suggested book: “Before You Shoot” By Helen Garvey

Creators Program Units: 3

Dates & Times: 3 meetings: Tuesday August 21st, 7:00 – 9:45 PM, Tuesday August 28th, 7:00-9:45PM, and a 3rd “arranged” meeting for feedback/evaluation 1 Tuesday 7:00 – 9:45 by end of semester, November 27th.

Workshop participants will become familiar with the role of the producer and what functions he/she performs in the various visual, audio and multimedia production formats.

Our basic premise is that the same basic skills and techniques are utilized regardless of the particular medium or format in which the producer is working.  The workshop will emphasize the planning and related business aspects of media production rather than the creative aspects of a particular project.  Long before the cameras roll (images/sounds captured) there must be a product to produce, a particular market identified,  a budget with an established funding source or a plan for solicitation, and sound production execution plan (crew, schedule, etc.).  A good production must begin with a strong foundation.

Rather than specializing in one aspect of production, the producer must have a working understanding of every production element.  From the philosophical intent of the final product to the individual practical workings, the producer (more than anyone else) must be able to grasp and manage the “big picture.”

Throughout the workshop, participants will design/develop their own proposed production using the guidelines presented.

PRODUCING  101: Fundamentals of media producing workshop

Workshop participants will become familiar with the role of the producer and what functions he/she performs in the various visual, audio and multimedia production formats.

Our basic premise is that the same basic skills and techniques are utilized regardless of the particular medium or format in which the producer is working.  The workshop will emphasize the planning and related business aspects of media production rather than the creative aspects of a particular project.  Long before the cameras roll (images/sounds captured) there must be a product to produce, a particular market identified,  a budget with an established funding source or a plan for solicitation, and sound production execution plan (crew, schedule, etc.).  A good production must begin with a strong foundation.

Rather than specializing in one aspect of production, the producer must have a working understanding of every production element.  From the philosophical intent of the final product to the individual practical workings, the producer (more than anyone else) must be able to grasp and manage the “big picture.”

Throughout the workshop, participants will design/develop their own proposed production using the guidelines presented.

Level: Fundamental

Fee: ($40)

Presenters: Daniel Boyd & Lisa Bragg

Suggested book: “Before You Shoot” By Helen Garvey

Creators Program Units: 3

Dates & Times: 3 meetings: Tuesday August 21st, 7:00 – 9:45 PM, Tuesday August 28th, 7:00-9:45PM, and a 3rd “arranged” meeting for feedback/evaluation 1 Tuesday 7:00 – 9:45 by end of semester, November 27th.

Daniel Boyd is an acclaimed filmmaker with dozens of films, including Chillers, Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers, and Paradise Park (aka, Heroes of the Heart) to his credit. A media studies professor at West Virginia State University since 1983, Boyd has also taught around the world including in Tanzania as a three-time Fulbright scholar.  Producing nearly every genre of film, Boyd’s television work has earned 3 national Telly awards and 2 regional Emmy nominations. He has recently expanded into graphic novel creation with two upcoming books, Chillers (the graphic novel) and CARBON. Boyd also serves as “Artist and Residence” at WV State University’s Economic Developments Center (media center) on Charleston’s west side. www.danielboyd.com

Lisa Bragg is a producer with a background in filmmaking and traditional photography. Her producing experience includes films, commercials, music videos and special events. She also gained valuable industry experience while working as a location scout and researcher for the West Virginia Film Office. Examples of her production work include: Toxic Soup, Provident, Fondly, The Chillers Theme, Xipe, Fall Air, and There is Hope. Lisa’s belief in the power of creativity led her to challenge herself in the West Virginia State University Media Studies Program, where she is currently earning a Masters Degree and working as an adjunct professor.