3RD ANNUAL WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS FILM AND MEDIA EXCHANGE

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative is producing its 3rd Western MA Film and Media Exchange on October 19, 2016 at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. The Exchange is a one-day conference dedicated to helping non-profits and small businesses become “video literate,” as well as to de-mystify the video making process. In today’s world, effective videos are key to a company’s ability to tell their story in their marketing, branding and social media campaigns. Workshops will cover a variety of topics including: an explanation of the video production process, how to write a creative brief (what’s the message of your video), how to make a video to fit your budget, and how to use video effectively in social media and marketing efforts. Workshops will be led by area filmmakers and video professionals who will share their expertise and answer specific questions from attendees. Local filmmakers will have the opportunity to display their reels and make potential business connections. Attendees will leave with an expanded knowledge of video production as well as access to area resources that can help them create their own videos. Mayor Domenic Sarno will be making the opening remarks at the Exchange.

The Keynote Speaker at this year’s Exchange is Michael Hoffman, CEO of See3 Communications, a digital marketing agency for nonprofits based in Chicago. He is a leading authority on online video for nonprofits and a long-time consultant to nonprofit leaders on digital fundraising, advocacy and community engagement strategies. Hoffman founded See3 to bring together his belief in the power of the web and his passion and experience with nonprofit fundraising, advocacy, and education. He works closely with organizations such as Make-A-Wish, Alzheimer's Foundation, TripAdvisor Foundation, UJA Federation New York and many others. He is a frequent blogger and tweeter on nonprofit marketing and is an internationally sought-after speaker on topics such as online cause marketing, web video, and social media for social change.

The Exchange includes breakfast, lunch and will culminate with a networking cocktail party.

Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite using this link, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/western-mass-filmand-
media-exchange-tickets-27412471440 For information on programs, tickets, and more: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative a www.berkshirefilm.org or call:413-528-4223

Sponsors to date include Baystate Health, Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Economic Development Council of Western MA, MassLive, WGBY Public Television for Western New England, New England Public Radio, The Westfield News Group, Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, Maureen Sullivan Media Group, Imagine Magazine and Jx2 Productions.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is a creative economic engine that supports production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an on- line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.