2010 Workshop Descriptions

 

FILM SCHOOL

Kyle & Kenny Saylors

Perfecting Your Pitch and Your Project (Kenny and Kyle) - Writers, filmmakers, and dreamers, you get one chance and one chance only to pitch a project, whether it is an idea, a script, or speaking with an investor or a distributor seeking distribution for your film. When the opportunity comes, will you seal the deal or kill your chances? Bring your pitches and your band-aids. Pitch your ideas to the Saylors Brothers and pretend they are the final roadblock between your dreams and realities. Or bring a two minute clip of a completed or "in the works" project and they will tell you where you got it right, where you went terribly wrong, how to fix it, or if it can be fixed.

Perfecting Your Pitch & Your Project

If You Want a Guarantee, Buy a Toaster (Kenny) - You're done, now what? Things you should have figured out before your first day of shooting. Marketing. Distribution.

Hit the Road, JACK (Kyle) - We leave the classroom on a mission to shoot. You can participate in on location shooting at its finest...on the fly. Audio, shot selection, indoor, outdoor, people, and more. Be prepared to wear many hats and be instructed all along the way. The footage gathered will become a part of the Gideon promo video for the next year.

As Seen on TV (Kenny and Kyle) - Once a movie leaves the screen, where do they go to live on? Television - powerful medium. Small screen has the biggest audience, without comparison. In the last two years, there has not been a single week that the Saylors Brothers have not had at least one of their projects to air on national television. Over 50 hours of that airtime was in a prime-time slot! How do you shoot broadcast quality? (demonstration in class) How is TV business opposite of the movie business? What is syndication? If you think you have what it takes to conquer the small screen, take this class.

Budgeting (Kenny) - A complete walk-through explaining positions, what you need and don't need for the different levels of your budget, and how important it is to stick to your budget!

Arledge Armenaki

Basic Lighting - Type of Lights - Basic lighting Kit - Lighting the human Face - Different looks - High Key/Low Key Happy light to Spooky Light.

Camera Dating (with Gary Voelker) - How to marry the right HD camera. Your camera selection and purchase is one of the most critical relationships of any project. This workshop breaks down the options, how the camera works, and the small details that make huge difference in achieving your end product goals.

How to Shoot an Interview - The interview is the backbone of any TV, reality, news, or documentary production. Legal paper work and getting the interview, proper technique. How to listen and what to say. Sit down interview and the walking and talking interview.

3D Camera - 3D is here to stay... don't be left out. How to build a 3D camera and make your own 3D project with $200! 3D - Simple 3D Red/Green (Anaglyph images)
Get project for working with youth church groups.

Green Screen (with John Jackman) - Power Point and physical green screen demo

Art Ayris

Financing your Media Dream - The hard fact of life is that without some level of financing-media doesn't happen. Art Ayris has successfully helped raise and manage over $100 million in non-profit and for-profit funding. In this session, he provides a wealth (n.p.i!) of information on private capital, PPM's, angel networks, accredited investors, venture capital, grants, SBA, forming non-profits, joint ventures, and more. This course can save you a lot of heartache and most importantly-help you in locating financing for your project.

Katrina Cook

How To Have A Well Cast Independent or Low-Budget Film (For Producers/Directors)
Next to having a great script and a clear vision, casting great actors is the best thing you can do to improve the odds of your film succeeding. This workshop will give you tips on how to locate good actors & have a successful audition regardless of the size of your budget.

George Escobar

No Money, No Project - Discuss film financing with George and learn how he and his AFG (Advent Film Group) business partner, Mike Snyder, have successfully raised funds from private investors for two feature films, and now about to close the financing on their third film. George will offer unique insights on what it takes to secure film funding, even in a tough economy.

John Jackman

Green Screen (with Arledge Armenaki) - An introduction to special FX using compositing and green screen technology. What software to use for all budgets, what to watch out for, how to plan, light, and execute green screen FX so they seem real. We'll include actual examples from the production of John Jackman's Wesley, ranging from basic removal of objects (telephone poles, cars in back ground) to advanced motion tracking matte FX. Beginners will learn how the process works and how to avoid the "newby mistakes" while more advanced producers will learn how to move to the next level and create more refined FX.

Dave Moody

Producing a Low to No Budget Movie - Dave recounts his experience in producing his film PRAISE BAND on an extremely low budget, how he marketed it, ultimately got it distributed and was able to secure more financing for his second film NO LIMIT KIDS: Much Ado About Middle School.

Gary Voelker

Camera Dating (with Arledge Armenaki) - How to Marry the Right HD Camera. Your camera selection and purchase is one of the most critical relationships of any project. This workshop breaks down the options, how the camera works, and the small details that make huge difference in achieving your end product goals.

Visual Effects - In this class, Gary walks you through a visual effects shot from start to finish. He'll discuss filming with visual effects in mind, in addition to production elements, compositing and layers, and all of the tiny details that help sell the effect.

Cinematic Storytelling (2 part workshop) - There are many ways to convey ideas in a movie...in this two-part class, we'll learn to shy away from the techniques that rely on voice-over or other dialogue, and focus more on cinematic techniques to convey our ideas and shape our stories.

Editing Technique - It is often said that movies are directed a second time in the editing. This class focuses on shot selection, arrangement, timing and editing philosophy to help us shape our stories cinematically.

Gary Wheeler

Producing 101 - Fifteen things every producer must have.

Bankroll - Raising money for films in any economy.


WRITING TRACK

Brian Bird

We're sorry to announce, that Brian will not be able to attend the Gideon this year. The production schedule of his newest film has been moved up and it conflicts with this years Gideon. We pray that Brian's film will touch many souls.

Bonnie Johnson with Gary Wheeler

Scene Shop (writers/actors)

Hear actors do seated readings of scenes from screenplays submitted before the conference by attending student and faculty writers. These scenes will be critiqued by producer/director Gary Wheeler, who has become well-known for his talent at bringing novel adaptations to screen. Audience members are also invited to observe and make comments.

Torry Martin

The Art of Collaborative Writing - Whether you plan on sharing the fame or sharing the blame, this class will help equip you to navigate the sometimes choppy waters of writing as a team.

The Art & Craft of Screenwriting (4 part workshop) - Taught by Torry at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference, this crash course takes you through the screenwriting porcess from start to finish. Learn everything from creating the story idea, to formatting, writing and rewriting, the legalities of screenwriting and finally, selling it.

Brian Roberts

How to Fix a Broken Story - What do you do when you've got a finished script and you're headed into production and you realize that something is just not working? In this practical workshop, VeggieTales Director Brian K. Roberts will walk through real world examples of stories that weren't quite delivering the desired result. Once the problems have been diagnosed, participants will learn how a small toolkit of common dramatic elements can be applied to add conflict and congruency to many different types of stories. The workshop will include several examples of 'before and after' scenes showing the impact the toolkit has when properly applied.

Gary Voelker

Screenwriting: Story Concept and Structure - In this class, we'll discuss story concepts and principles of story structure, including plot points and acts.

Screenwriting: Story Elements and Character - In this class, we'll discuss scene development, sotry events and conflict, in addition to character development (creating characters that your audience will care about.)

Gary Wheeler

Adaptation - Managing Expectations - The do's and don'ts of successfully adapting a best-selling novel


MARKETING WORKSHOPS

Jack Eason

Networking/Mentoring - We will talk about ways to network socially including twitter/facebook/ilike and more as well as the spiritual side of networking. Everyone should have a Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas in their life. Come find out what that means.

Eric Highland

How to Build a Fan Base with Your Fingertips (2 part workshop) - Did you know that if Facebook were a country, it would be the third largest in the world? Fortunately for you, tapping into this massive population isn't as difficult as getting elected or maintaining a state-owned television station. All you need to do is sign up for a free Facebook account and learn how to use the site as a powerful tool to promote your career in media!
Join Eric Highland as he reveals a goldmine of 21st Century publicity and marketing tools that traditional marketing firms don't want you to know about. Armed as a new expert in the areas of social media and Search Engine Optimization, you will leave Eric's class empowered with practical knowledge that you can act on immediately, to gain exposure for the career to which God has called you. (This class is composed of two sessions that build upon one another, but can also stand alone.)

Consulting/Brainstorming Session - The statistics are all well and good, but how can YOU apply 21st Century publicity and marketing tools to your situation? Bring your questions and pick Eric's brain in this interactive brainstorming and consulting session. Leave with an achievable goal and a new understanding of some amazing online publicity methods that will enable you to ride the crest of a wave straight toward your goal!

Torry Martin

The Secrets of Free Publicity/Press Kits on a Budget - Learn how to successfully market yourself or your project for maximum exposure at minimal cost. (Everything from TV/radio adcertising, to getting 8 x 10's, to writing press releases)

Discover Your Calling - Torry's favorite class allows him to share his heart, share God's truths, and encourage others to use their gifts.

Reaping the Rewards/Networking from a Spiritual Perspective (Devotion) - Learn how to share your experiences and resources in order to help each other grow and to elevate the quality of media as a whole. Torry teaches the method of tithing networking where he shares his passion; "Networking to me is about offering help and sharing information. It's about being MORE concerned about others. I enjoy networking out of kindness and out of community. It's about loving your neighbor as yourself. It's investing in the lives of others."

Kevin Tucker

Brand Camp (Panel Discussion with Steve Feldman, Torry Martin, Brian Roberts, and Josiah Williams) - Brand Marketing & Creative Strategy
Join us for exciting discussions on the ins and outs of branding for Christian media. Our panel of experts will address branding from both creative and marketing perspectives, including real-world examples both from their own experience and from outside sources.

Angela Walker

Naked Conversations - How well do you know your audience? If you don't think about your audience first, get to know them and talk with them in an honest way, in their language. Your craft won't matter one bit. Stop selling, start listening, and get ready to be transparent.

Jumpstart Your Marketing (with Josiah Williams) - A complete marketing plan is built around a combination of direct and indirect methods and tools. Josiah and Angela will explore methods of connecting directly with your audience and ways of casting the net wider and reaching people indirectly. Join us for strategies on how to choose and integrate various marketing channels for successful promotion.

Jacob Walker

Promotions in Motion - In this practical workshop you will learn the many tips and tricks on building promotional videos. Explore how to select the right software and equipment as well as capture great film, sound, and design. Discover how you can build quality multimedia from technical to polished production as a one man operation.

Josiah Williams

The M & M's of Marketing - Learn how to successfully implement the fundamentals of successful marketing plans. Get past theory and into practical action. Discover new ideas, be reminded of solid practices and have fun doing it.

Jumpstart Your Marketing (with Angela Walker) - Successful marketing is built around combining and integrating the right tools. Discover the many channels available and how to choose the right ones to market your film, book, business or project.

It's About Connection - Connecting with your target audience is essential to marketing. Explore how to indentify your target market, craft the right message, and build relationships.

GRAPHIC ARTS & NOVELS

Ben Avery

The Art of Storytelling (with Ken Raney) - How words and pictures can make a powerful storytelling medium. Join Ben Avery and Ken Raney as they go through the ins-and-outs of writing and illustrating for the visual medium of comics. Comic book scripting is a unique form of storytelling that can be described as a cross between poetry and filmmaking. Art-wise, there are tips and tricks developed by graphic story pioneers that bring life to the page and make your story hold the attention of its intended audience. We will look at what it takes to produce a graphic novel/comic as well as look at the resources needed and available for producers. How do I find a writer? An artist? How do I letter the art? Or color the art? Where do I get my graphic novel printed? What are the costs?

Creating Comics: The Script (with Ken Raney) - First of a three-part workshop which includes two sessions on artwork (see Mike Maihack) which will take students through the process of creating their own 2 - 4 page comic by the end of Gideon


Adapting Other Media into Comic Books - How to adapt a movie, a short story, or a novel into a comic book story. What are the tricks to take the essence of the adapted material and maximize it for the graphic story format? Also, how to use comics to promote and supplement other media projects such as movie and game tie-ins.

Art Ayris

Graphic Arts & Novels Panel - Join Publisher Art Ayris, Graphic Writer Ben Avery, Graphic Artist Mike Maihack, and the host for this panel Ken Raney Tuesday morning, 10:00 - 11:45.


Mike Maihack

Creating Comics: The Art (2 part workshop) - A progressive look at comics, continuing where Ben Avery and Ken Raney left off with The Script. The first session of this two-part workshop covers layout, penciling, and inking and the second part tackles coloring and lettering.


Creating Comics for a Digital Market - A whole new generation of readers is discovering comics online. What are the artistic and financial benefits of presenting your material online, how do you gain a readership, and what does this mean for the future of print comics? Join Mike as he presents the best methods for presenting your comics on the web and other electronic media and why the word "free" doesn't hold the same resonance as it once did.

Ken Raney

The Art of Storytelling (with Ben Avery) - How words and pictures can make a powerful storytelling medium. Join Ben Avery and Ken Raney as they go through the ins-and-outs of writing and illustrating for the visual medium of comics. Comic book scripting is a unique form of storytelling that can be described as a cross between poetry and filmmaking. Art-wise, there are tips and tricks developed by graphic story pioneers that bring life to the page and make your story hold the attention of its intended audience. We will look at what it takes to produce a graphic novel/comic as well as look at the resources needed and available for producers. How do I find a writer? An artist? How do I letter the art? Or color the art? Where do I get my graphic novel printed? What are the costs?

Creating Comics: The Script (with Ben Avery) - Three-part workshop which will take students through the process of creating their own 2 - 4 page comic by the end of Gideon.

ACTING TRACK

Carol Anderson

Acting: Honest Compelling Scene Work - The Basics (3 part workshop) - This hands on effective workshop takes the basics of professional acting and applies them toward scene work. Focus is on good acting that is honest and compelling. Concepts are taught through theatre games and improv which are then applied to scene work. This workshop is progressive and offered three times with each class building on the last. Class accommodates a variety of skill and experience levels. Recommend coming to all.

"Cornerstone" - Carol Anderson will be performing with her husband, Jim Shores, Sunday morning. The stage production shares lessons about letting Jesus bear the weight of our troubles, as told by a bag lady while ministering to a campaign advisor on a DC park bench.

Shelly Ballestero

Makeup 101 (Demonstration during Gideon Gala) - Learn the do's and don'ts of professional makeup application. There will be plenty of participation as you discover how to use the right tools and right products and most importantly, how to get the right application. Makeup 101 will prepare you for your headshots and media settings.

Facing the Camera (with Jen Maihack) - Find out how to prepare for your professional head shot plus lithographic reproduction tips, lighting tricks, what not to wear, quick makeup tips, and learn poses that minimize flaws and maximize the positive. Plus you will gain insight on how to communicate with your photographer to get the look you want.

Katrina Cook

How to Get Started as a Film or TV Actor (For Actors - 2 part workshop) - Have you always dreamed of becoming an actor? Most people have the dream, but do not have the proper information or guidance needed to pursue it. This 2-part workshop will show you step-by-step how to harness the dream and make it a reality! I will walk you through the basics of what you need to do in order to streamline your efforts, and give yourself an edge over the hundreds of other actors that will be trying for your same role (as an actor or extra). If you are ready to get serious with Acting, this is where you need to start...

Jason Hildebrand

Unveiled Acting - One of the significant marks of a great actor is their ability to strip away the baggage and walls we all erect in life to present themselves transparent, honest and vulnerable on stage and screen. Combined with the power of God, this type of unveiled performance can have a transformational impact on an audience. This seminar will challenge participants to discuss and explore this type of performance.

Blue Like Jazz//Live (stage performance) - A solo theatrical multimedia performance adapted from Donald Miller's New York Times best-selling book. It is a personal, raw and humorous reflection on spirituality, God, and community - a scrapbook of one man's life.

Bonnie Johnson with Gary Wheeler

Scene Shop (writers/actors)

Hear actors do seated readings of scenes from screenplays submitted before the conference by attending student and faculty writers. These scenes will be critiqued by producer/director Gary Wheeler, who has become well-known for his talent at bringing novel adaptations to screen. Audience members are also invited to observe and make comments.

Jen Maihack

HEADSHOTS AVAILABLE DURING CONFERENCE!
June 7 - 8, 2010.
Expert make-up artist Shelly Ballestero will bring out best features while professional photographer Jen Maihack works with your headshots to give you the best possible opportunity for landing that next acting role! You will receive a private session lasting over an hour, with many images to choose from. You select up to 5 of your favorite images to be fully retouched. Contact Jen for appointments, jenmaihack@gmail.com

Callan White

Auditioning for Film (2 part workshop) - This two part progressive workshop aims to inform the individual what it is to present oneself on
camera . It will provide lecture and experience in the basics of acting for
both television and film. The workshop will also bring in the elements of
type-casting, appearance, and time-permitting, cold-reading auditions.

MUSIC TRACK


Angelo Ballestero

Songwriting That Works - This workshop will cover such topics such as song structure, songwriting tips that make a difference, lyric secrets, and how not to derail the listener from your song. Find out why some original songs work and others don't. Why do some original songs seem to lose peoples' interest while listening? How can I get my song to grab peoples' attention right from note one and keep it to the end? And what will make you want to hear the song again. And again!

Angelo will be leading us in worship music Thursday - Tuesday mornings

Jack Eason

Knowing Who You Are as a Musician - This seminar will talk about discovering your true identity/calling. So many of us think we want to be like "fill-in-the-blank." When you know who you are and what you are supposing to be doing, it allows you to stay on track, say NO to good ideas that don't take you to your destination, and find comfort in the journey.

Sharing the Vision with Your Team/Band - One of the main reasons it may be hard to get your band on board, your support team behind you, or raise funds to finance your dream, is because people aren't catching your vision. More often than not, it comes back to being able to communicate and share the vision effectively with those around us. Come hear how to do that simply and effectively so that you can carry out your mission.

Erica Lane

From Independent Musician to Confident Career Minded Recording Artist (3 part workshop) - This continuing workshop will cover in the first session, branding, recording, and publishing. The second will include touring and distribution, and the third marketing and promotion. These steps will enable a singer/songwriter who doesn't have a clue how to start a professional music career to become an aggressive, goal-oriented independent artist. Many of the great songs and talents will never see the light of day simply because they lack the knowledge to move forward. From publishing songs to manufacturing CD's to marketing and distribution, the fundamental "indie" answers are here to launch your lifelong dream into a reality. (This class is composed of three sessions that build upon one another, but can also stand alone.)

Dave Moody

The Changing Music Business - It's All Entertainment - will explore the impact of digital distribution and how artists must find their place in the larger world of entertainment today through cross-media platforms of TV, film, internet, radio, etc.

Brian White

We are also sad to announce that Brian White will not be able to join us this year due to an overseas commitment that has been moved up to the first of June. We pray that Brian's project will bless the lost in Ethiopia.

SPECIAL

Contest Winners Dinner!
Friday, June 4

The Power of Contests - An informal time to meet at dinner with Gideon's 2009 Screenwriting and Short Film Contest winners and finalists and Gideon's 2010 finalists who are happy to share tips and answer questions about contests, networking, and getting the most out of Conferences. Any and all are welcome! Bring questions. It should be fun and informative, especially if YOU show up.
Join Jason Hildebrand, Maria Lennon, LeAnn Morris, Earl Nulton, Vanessa Ore, Beverly Varnado, and Rusty Whitener/Facilitator

ACTOR'S TABLE

Look for the sign "GOT ACTORS?" on a networking table in the new Johnson Spring Convention Center and tape your headshot on the posterboard. Then leave at least 25 copies of your recent headshot/resume, business card with contact information, demo reel, and whatever other printed material you have to sell yourself! Then conference attendees can take your info with them and contact you when they're holding auditions. Conference attendees, feel free to take a copy of everyone's headshot and other promo material.

Acting Table will be included in the Gideon Gala, Sunday afternoon, 1:30-4:30, June 6.

 

NETWORKING TABLES FOR STUDENTS

Students attending the Gideon have the opportunity to get the word out concerning their business, talents or needs by taking advantage of our networking tables located on the second floor in the Johnson Spring Convention Center. Please adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome for all involved.

GUIDELINES:

  1. Leave product (display material such as fliers, business cards, and give-aways which might consist of magnets, book marks, etc) Thursday June 3, between 12:00-4:00 on the second floor of the Johnson Spring Convention Center, in the Holly lobby.
  2. There will be NO individual tables-you must share table space.
  3. Tables will be open to all attendees throughout the conference and film festival, starting from 10:00 PM Thursday evening, June 3 through 12:00 PM, Tuesday, June 8.
  4. DO NOT leave anything considered of value on these tables.
  5. All product must exemplify the spirit of Christ. Gideon directors will walk through after set-up to ensure material will not be controversial or offensive to fellow Gideon attendees. Any "questionable" items may be removed at the discretion of the directors.
  6. Product left behind after the Gideon has ended, will be donated to charity.
  7. Student Networking Tables will be included in the Gideon Gala, Sunday afternoon, 1:30-4:30, June 6th.

 

 

2009 Workshops

2008 Workshops