Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of TriFilm. At the most recent social, I had a few conversations with folks about how TriFilm got started and where it may go from here. I’m curious what you blog readers think, too.
You see, there is a really strong film community in this area. Lots of tightly-knit small groups of filmmakers are doing some really cool stuff. But it’s kind of tough to tap into those communities if you’re new to the area or not already familiar with them — or so I’ve been told.
When I came up with the idea for TriFilm in 2009, I was working on my first film, Abandoned Allies. I was meeting lots of cool people and wanted them to meet one another. So I held the first social in 2010. There were about 10 of us grabbing drinks together. It was so much fun.
The idea was simple: bring together like-minded people so they can drink, talk shop, and eventually collaborate on a film. That idea hasn’t changed much over the years, but the interest in TriFilm and the size of our socials have grown considerably. We’ve connected a lot of existing groups and it’s really fun to watch what has unfolded over the years.
I love organic growth like that. Slow, steady, purpose-filled growth is often the healthiest. That’s what I’ve tried to do with TriFilm. I’ve let it grow on its own — as people give me positive feedback, step up and volunteer, and offer suggestions for improvements. So far it’s worked pretty well.
My question to you, my friends, is what would you like to see from TriFilm down the road? I’m talking long-term, here. I’d love to open up the floor to hear any suggestions you might have because I’m wildly curious.
What do you want from your film community? What do you need from your fellow filmmakers? Do tell.
The TriFilm at Trailblazer Studios social on 3.21.2013 was organized by Camden Watts with kind and generous support from Trailblazer Studios. Photograph by Camden Watts.