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 and directors of the first two 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). The program includes both films and a short behind-the-scenes video about the Production Lab project.

Since growing up in the 314, Doc Crotzer and Joe Leonard have directed, produced, and edited hundreds of hours of scripted television and feature films that have appeared in theaters and on networks such as Amazon, FX, HBO, Netflix, and Starz. They were nominated together for an American Cinema Editors Award for their work on “Glee.” In the class, they will discuss how to be effective and efficient visual storytellers and creative problem-solvers. They will share extensive knowledge about editing and how it informs decision-making in many other aspects of filmmaking, including writing and directing. Whether you are a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this session will provide you with useful advice, theories, anecdotes, clips, demonstrations, and insight. Raw footage donated by our co-sponsor will be edited and used as part of the presentation.
Co-sponsored by EditMentor and EditStock

You have a great idea for a film. Now what? The development stage is the first step in any film production, whether a student project, an indie film, or studio blockbuster. In development, your story will take shape and influence your decisions regarding budget, principal photography, and eventually distribution. In a discussion moderated by Cinema St. Louis artistic director Chris Clark, Shayna Cohen — the development supervisor for DreamWorks — will discuss the development process and focus on how to turn your great idea into a great film.

During this master class — which will be held in person at Capes Sokol (and available by recording after) — Capes Sokol’s Entertainment & Media attorneys will share their insights on 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. The class — which will be followed by a happy hour — will be led by Pete Salsich III and Kara L. Lambert. Check-in begins at 5 PM, and the class is followed by a happy hour from 6:30-7 PM.