#wifv

Shari and I recently attended a TIVA event with our producer Catherine to represent Double R Productions. TIVA (Television, Internet & Video Association) teamed up with WIFV (Women in Film & Video) and invited the DC film community to spend an evening with Pierre Bagley, the newest director of the DC Film Office. When we arrived Catherine introduced Shari and I to a number of influential people in DC's film industry. I always find networking to be a little weird, however, I am starting to get used to it, and its becoming kind of fun getting to meet with and talk to new people who share the same interests as I do.

When the event began, Mr. Bagley and a panel of local industry professionals introduced themselves. They talked about their history in the film and video production industry and commented on what they believe needs to change in order to strengthen the industry and help out local communication firms such as Double R Productions. 

I found this exceptionally interesting (even though most of you may not find it as riveting as I do). But this part of the event allowed me to see a broader perspective of what goes on behind the scenes of the DC film industry. For example, shows such as House of Cards are not actually filmed in DC, because the District is not necessarily conducive to filmmaking. There is a lot of red tape that often deters production companies from making DC their primary location; they believe it is easier to recreate a set and film in Baltimore, rather then right here.

 This for me was surprising; I didn't realize that shows based in DC were usually filmed outside the city in Baltimore.

 Another fun fact that I learned while attending this event was that in order to film on even just a piece sidewalk or patch of grass you have to get permission. However, the issue with that is that there are too many jurisdictions in DC to name, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly whom you need to address. This was something that I was unaware of, and to be honest I found this kind of intimidating. Having to figure out what jurisdiction is in charge and having to then ask their permission if I want to film someone walking down the sidewalk for something as simple as a vlog seems like a lot of work to go through.

However, the message that this event sent, to me at least, is that DC is a city of opportunity, especially for production firms. The panel emphasized that the film community just has to be resourceful, and cannot be afraid to ask questions. If you want to feature the Capital in your work, DO NOT be afraid to ask, and don't assume they're just going to say no, because it has been done before (even cooler)