When most film fans think about film criticism, there are likely a few cultural hubs that spring to mind: New York, Chicago, L.A., Paris, etc. However, like a lot of “flyover country,” St. Louis has a decades-strong film criticism community that’s quietly become even stronger as the pandemic subsides and audiences return to the big-screen. As the Internet overshadows print publications and critics find new mediums to work within, how has this community adapted? Are there challenges unique to “regional” critics? As St. Louis’ filmmakers struggle and thrive, what role do their critical cohorts play? Join some of the key St. Louis film critics to get answers to these questions and the inside scoop on what it’s like to make work out of watching and talking movies. Moderated by Joshua Ray.

During this master class — which will be held in person at the Capes Sokol law offices but also available as a live stream — the firm's Entertainment & Media attorneys will share their insights into the legal needs of filmmakers, including business formation, deal structure, network and distribution contracts, talent agreements, production legal, rights acquisition and clearance, licensing, and copyright and trademark protection. Check-in begins at 5:30 PM, and the class is followed by a happy hour from 7-8 PM.

The Missouri Film Office’s new Missouri Stories Production Lab brings to life short films set in the world of winning scripts from the Missouri Stories Scriptwriting Fellowship. The writers participate as producers and experience all aspects of production. Completed films will be submitted to film festivals across the country to shine a spotlight on Missouri locations and talent. Andrea Sporcic Klund, head of the Missouri Film Office, will host a panel discussion with the writer/producers of the first three finished projects: “Boy Mom” (based on “No Man’s Land,” the winning screenplay in the 2016 Missouri Stories; filmed in Kansas City in October 2021), and “Lights” (based on “Flyover,” the winning pilot script in the 2018 Missouri Stories; filmed in Columbia in December 2021), and “Assumption” (based on “Cloister,”the winning feature film in the 2015 Missouri Stories; shot in St. Louis in July 2022). The program includes the three films and a short behind-the-scenes video about the Production Lab project.