A recent conversation with an out-of-state filmmaker solidified my assumption about the film community in North Carolina: it’s healthy but fragmented. We have strong, active groups of people working in film and television; but we’re not as united or easily accessible as we could be, I believe.
This thought has been in the back of my mind since I started working on Abandoned Allies in 2008. While working on the documentary, I wasn’t sure how to find the resources I needed–specifically, the people with the right skills, attitude, and experience. Where should I turn to find like-minded people locally? I began searching.
As I began meeting people, things changed for the better–especially when I started organizing networking events in 2010. I learned so much from simply talking with people. They commiserated, shared their creative process, and let me work with them on projects. It made the work even more fun. It’s totally change my life, and I’m so grateful for it. I want more of that.
North Carolina has a strong, vibrant community. The area is full of passionate, smart people. And we’re doing some really cool work. Just look at the list of current productions on the NC Film Office website. There are bigger productions coming to North Carolina thanks to incentives, but there are also great things happening in the indie film world in the state.
The goal of TriFilm is to unite existing groups of filmmakers. To create opportunities for people to introduce themselves, find resources, get projects made, and help finished projects get shared. To mobilize and unite the community, so that we have a united voice. To support the people who bring big productions to our state. To help us continue doing the work we love at the highest level of excellence possible.
Next year TriFilm will continue to grow and morph into something new. I’m looking at programming for the year, and it’s really exciting. I’m also meeting with folks so that we can join forces, and continue to nurture the existing community. If you have ideas or suggestions on things we can do in 2013, give me a shout. I’d love to know what you have in mind.
Ajit and Jim talk at one of the first socials I organized in 2010. That evening was a key turning point for me. I met fellow filmmakers, heard their passion, and learned about their projects.