About

Founded in 1988, the Virginia Production Services Association was Virginia’s first organization for the support of the film and video industry in the state. The members of that organization had a significant impact on the growth of the production industry, and played key roles in numerous important initiatives including securing incentive funds for production and the Sales and Use Tax Exemption.

As the industry grew and developed, a need arose for an organization that would embrace all aspects of this rapidly changing world. Therefore, the Virginia Production Alliance was formed as not-for-profit, 501 (c) 6 corporation and adopted the mission statement:

"Uniting film, video, audio and new media in Virginia."

Those involved in the founding of this new group were unanimous in their desire to create an organization that would serve the needs of all aspects of the production industry. From actors to crew, from post production to screenwriting, from film to video to audio to new media - everyone with an interest in the creation of moving images would be invited to be a part of the VPA.

The Production Alliance as it exists today is committed to providing events and projects that benefit the industry and its members. These include seminars, workshops, screenings, happy hours, mentoring programs and political initiatives. The kinds of initiatives that this group can accomplish are limited only by the time and resources provided by its membership, its board, and the industry itself.

The Alliance is also working to develop partnerships with organizations throughout the state that have similar goals and currently works with such groups as the Yellow House the Richmond Ad Club, Virginia Screenwriters Forum and the Virginia Actors Forum and the Virginia Film Office.

Virginia Production Alliance - Chapters

There are currently three chapters of the Virginia Production Alliance operating in Virginia. Although all VPA members are part of the same organization and have the same benefits, the chapter system was developed so that events and services could be tailored to fit the specific needs of the state’s diverse production communities.

The VPA - Central

This chapter is centered in Richmond and is the main organizational body of the Alliance. Although it provides leadership for all VPA events and initiatives statewide, it mainly draws its membership from the production community in the central part of the state, including Richmond, Ashland and Petersburg.

The VPA - Hampton Roads

This highly active chapter was formed to serve the unique production community that resides in the Hampton Roads area of the state and serves numerous communities including Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Yorktown. The group’s many events have included seminars in talent and casting and screenwriting. For more information about VPA Hampton Roads events, sign up on the VPA listserve or contact Hampton Roads Chair Marty Terry

The VPA-South Western Virginia

More information to come about this brand new chapter!

Filmmakers Forum

This project of the Alliance is designed to provide information and opportunities to the states large independent filmmaking community. Meetings are held on a regular basis and the Alliance has hosted events targeted at providing support for independent filmmakers. These events have included a casting session to provide filmmakers with access to new talent, and a fall mixer held at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond.

Alliance Leaders

A Board of Directors and several committees manage the Virginia Production Alliance. Those currently involved in the leadership of the Alliance include:

ALLIANCE LEADERSHIP

Ellie St. John, President

Todd Raviotta, 1st Vice Presidentt

Joe Cacciotti, 2nd Vice President

Barbara Guerrieri, Secretary and Membership

Mark Remes, Treasurer

Amelia Zontini, Listserve Coordinator

Terry Stroud, Chairman and Past President

Hampton Roads Chapter

Jeff Frizzell, Chair, Hampton Roads Chapter

Advisor

Mary Nelson,Virginia Film Office

Organizational Chart

Click for the VPA Organizational Chart (PowerPoint FIle, Opens a New window)