Services
The Virginia Production Alliance is constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of Virginia’s film, video, audio and new media production community. The one constant in all its initiatives, however, is a desire to create an organization that provides interesting, relevant and valuable services to its membership. The Alliance currently operates active chapters in the Richmond area and Hampton Roads. Although the chapters work closely together, each group is responsible for the planning and execution for the majority of its own events and initiatives to ensure that they are relevant to the specific needs of the industry in each area.
Most Alliance events are offered free or at a reduced rate for members on topics that are often suggested by the membership. Anyone with ideas for events for should contact the Alliance or attend a planning meeting. Richmond meetings are usually held from 6:00 – 8:30 on the last Tuesday of the month at ArtWorks, 320 Hull Street. (Meeting days may change if they conflict with a holiday or scheduled event). Hampton Roads meetings usually precede scheduled events.
For directions to ArtWorks, click here.
Educational Opportunities
The VPA has created a dynamic educational series, sponsoring many seminars and workshops on topics of interest. The Alliance is also working to develop internship and mentoring opportunities for students and young professionals. Some of the educational events have included such topics as:
- Television Production (HD)
- Copyright regulations for the music industry
- Talent and Casting
- Working with unions
- Producing
- Location Management
- Editing for the personal computer
- Screenwriting
- Legal and tax issues for the industry
Each seminar is preceded by a "social hour" with an opportunity to meet and network.
COMMUNICATIONS
The VPA endeavors to facilitate communication, share information and promote events and opportunities of interest to everyone involved in media production. Communications tools include the Listserve, email mailing list, website, hotline online and MySpace page for the independent film community.
LISTSERVE
The Listserve is a dynamic interactive opportunity to exchange information. Listserve members can post notices and opinions and will receive email information from other members of the Listserve. You do not have to be a VPA member to join this free service. However, membership dues help defray the cost of the service so listserve users are encouraged to join the Alliance if possible.
» Click here to sign up for the Listserve.
EMAIL INFORMATION
Sign up for the email list and you will receive information and newsletters from the Alliance and the Virginia Film Office. VPA members are automatically included on the email list. To sign up, send an email to vafilm@virginia.org with your name, telephone number and email address.
» Click here to be put on the VPA mailing list .
EMAIL INFORMATION
Sign up for the email list and you will receive information and newsletters from the Alliance and the Virginia Film Office. VPA members are automatically included on the email list. To sign up, send an email to vafilm@virginia.org with your name, telephone number and email address.
VPA WEBSITE & ONLINE HOTLINE
The website is your portal to vital and important information about the Alliance and the industry. The homepage features news and information, while the online hotline has information about upcoming events, film projects, screenings, casting calls and job opportunities.
»Click here for the VPA hotline.
MYSPACE
Virginia's independent film community is growing and the VPA MySpace site is the place to become involved with this exciting and thriving aspect of Virginia's production scene.
» Click here for MySpace
POLITICS AND THE ALLIANCE
One of the most important aspects of the Virginia Production Alliance is the work it has done in securing state legislation in support of the production industry. Because it represents all aspects of media production, the Alliance has become the voice and face of the industry and has had a significant impact on legislative issues. The Alliance, under its former name Virginia Production Services Association, was responsible for one of the first sales and use tax exemptions for film and video production in the country. Subsequent efforts have resulted in the extension of this exemption when it was reviewed by the General Assembly.
Recently, the Alliance has been working to secure financial incentives to recruit production which has resulted in modest appropriations for the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. These efforts are ongoing, with a major lobbying effort at each General Assembly session that includes a film day on capital hill – a daylong event used to education legislators on the value of the industry in Virginia.
For more information or to get involved with the VPA’s legislative initiatives, email terry.stroud@lobe.com.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Alliance has a goal to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with groups or organizations that share similar goals and often works cooperatively on events that benefit the industry. Some of the ongoing events include:
The Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP)
For this annual “best in advertising” show, the Alliance partnership with the Richmond Ad Club and the VCU ADCenter. Richmond is one of a handful of cities in the country that is honored with this special event that showcases the best of the best broadcast commercials.
For more information on the AICP Click here
Film Festivals
The Virginia Production Alliance supports numerous festivals and screening programs in the Commonwealth including:
48 hour film festival
Art house short film festival
China-America Festival of Film and Culture
James River Film Festival
VCU French film festival
VCU International Film Festival
Virginia Film Festival
Yellow House/Project Resolution
The State of the Industry
The Virginia Film Office and the VPA work together to produce this annual event in Richmond and Hampton Roads, that is a re-cap of the events of the previous year, and an update on what’s coming up for the future of the industry in Virginia.
For more about the Virginia Film Office, click here.
2008 Alliance events:
May 19th, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Producer Dan Portnoy presents–
"How to Market Your Product for Free (or really really cheap)"
Artworks, 320 Hull Street Richmond, VA 23224
How much: Free (or really really cheap).
Meaning: Free for current VPA members, $5 everyone else.
What else: Light refreshments provided
June 9 - 6-8:30pm
VPA Monthly Meeting
Artworks, 320 Hull Street, Richmond
All are welcome. Come and get involved!
Participate in planning activities and events for the VPA.
August 2
VPA BBQ - 20th Anniversary Gala
More info to come!