Jeff and I had a chat this morning exploring the wisdom and rationale of local promotion.
Why is our production affinity group hosting a party for the visiting film makers, actors and other VIPs of the TCFF? Well, first it’s a way for us to welcome our comrades. We have a few greats in our regional tribe and many more aspirants to greatness, who better to fully appreciate the work screening at the TCFF and connect to the creators?
Second, we are familiar with locations and the resources available locally. We’d like to think that we could be guides for new productions coming to our region. Some of us are qualified to hold crew or producer positions. Many of us would jump at the chance to get behind a solid project.
The beauty of our region is obvious, but the wealth of talent and innovation tucked away may not be. Not all stellar artists and artisans are easy to find. Jeff opined that if a musician were world class (and that’s what pro filmmakers are looking for) they wouldn’t need to hand out their CDs. I don’t agree – great art involves discovery. If everything worthy is already known, then why try anything new? Are all phenomenal artists instantly recognized? Success is the result of years of sweat equity, often in total obscurity.
There are wildly popular Northern Michigan brands like the Cherry Festival or even the Traverse City Film Festival. What about the not so well known brands, like the Michigan Movie Makers? Our affinity group is less than a year old. Most local folks have never heard about M3, yet we rock. Or at least. we are about to rock. Right?
My projects are dependent on the support I get from sustainable, healthful, intelligent and local products/services. Often, these products/services aren’t high profile even among the locals. We build our community and expertise through sharing. That’s the rationale behind the swag.
Thanks to these artists, the gift of Northern Michigan will persist… maybe not Will’s ice cream.
Soul
Dede Alderman dede.alderman
K Jones and the Benzie Playboys benzieplayboys.com
Faux Gras fauxgrassmusic.com
Body
Izlla Pure Luxury for Face and Body izlla.com
Grocer Daughter Chocolates grocersdaughter.com
St Ambrose Cellars stambrose-mead-wine.com
Will Erickson Ice Cream
The M3 party is Thursday, August 2, 5:30 pm on the second floor of the documentary team building, north east corner of Cass and Front Street.
We are newbies and don’t want to make any presumptions. Is this party open to anyone, or is it by invitation only? We sure would like to network and learn from the talent that we KNOW to exist in our community, if we may!