Windsor Independent - January 2016

are somehow invalid because they’re made
without access to or participation of the film
“industry”-- whether that’s the or so-called
Indie cinema or Hollywood,” said Rigsby. He
believes people don’t have to be part of ‘the
system’ - they can just make their own DIY,
grassroots films with the medium of their
choice.
Rigsby hopes this workshop will provide
filmmakers with the tools to navigate outside
the local Windsor/Detroit realm, with
information that will save time and money.
However, the social and political landscape
of the area is something many people find
inspiring.
“Where else on earth do you have two cities
on an immediate international border united
and separated by a common language, history,
economy?” he said. He believes people need
to immerse themselves in the unique local
geography that Windsor/Detroit offers and
“valorize it, criticize it, love it, spit on it, do what
you need to.”
“In general, filmmaking is not done in isolation,”
he said. “You need collaborators to make your
films and then deal with the socialized context
of how to get your work seen.”
Rigsby sees film as a completely different
medium, because it doesn’t fall under the
‘practice makes perfect’ context.
‘YOU MADE
A FILM.
GREAT!’
BY CLARA BENEDEK
Local organization hosting
workshop to educate and
inform filmmakers on tips and
tricks within the film industry
Arts Council Windsor & Region is
hosting a workshop aiming to educate
aspiring and current filmmakers on the
often confusing maze that is the film industry.
Jeremy Rigsby of Media City Film Festival
will be speaking to local filmmakers about a
variety of topics including research, resources,
budgeting, submitting work for a festival, and
other insider information. He’s been in the
film industry for 20 years and understands the
difficulties new filmmakers face.
“You can now make films without much money
or access to professional equipment, but there’s
still a pervasive attitude that these things you
can do with consumer cameras and an iMac
Filmmaking
is not very
hard to get
into... but it
is very, very
hard to stay
in.
“It takes so much time and effort to see
the results of your labours. It’s not like a
musical instrument or a paintbrush,” he said.
“Filmmaking is not very hard to get into, but
it is very, very hard to stay in: you have to be
super-dedicated, stubborn, and in it for the long
haul.”
You made a film. Great! will be held at Arts
Council Windsor & Region on Wednesday,
January 20 from 6:30 to 9:30. Tickets are $15 for
non-members. The Arts Council will be offering
more workshops in February as well.
For more information, visit acwr.net.
windsorindependent.com
JANUARY 2016
9