It seems as if there is a video or movie being made around every corner these days. The film and video industry is not only creative, it’s also lucrative for Buffalo. Just this past weekend, there were three full length independent features being shot in Buffalo (Anna, The Alcoholist, The Runner), two with 30+ days of production.
While the big boys and girls are enjoying the fruits of Buffalo’s scenery and filming ease, there is a growing community of local makers who are interested in meeting others who are interested in the industry. Buffalo Movie-Video Makers meets once a month, and incredibly, the meet up is touted as the “oldest known group of its kind in the nation”. Its roots hark back to 1934 as the Amateur Cinema Club of Buffalo, where cinema buffs would meet at The Statler Hotel in Downtown Buffalo. Since its early formations, the club has actively met ever since.
To this day, the group’s focus is supporting amateur cinematography in Buffalo. According to the group, “Original members
shot their productions in 8mm and 16mm film, with their successors moving to videotape in the 1980s [ultimately] embracing digital technology today.”
The club is directed at those who are passionate about creating videos and films, but others who are merely interested in the industry are welcome to attend. “Members collaborate on projects at times, or simply attend the monthly screenings,” says member John Weiksnar. “Usually those are member works but often we have instructional segments, contests (two a year, like this month’s Shorty, which is a five-minute limit), or guest speakers (this month as well, a pro-photographer from Toronto–Chris Luckhardt–who is the guru of urban exploration). The discussions are always supportive: feedback on members’ works or, as I mention, instructional segments.”
Former president Eileen M. Beiter encourages visitors to attend, stating “Everyone can be a movie watcher, even if they are not a movie maker.”
Terry Kimmel, a local author and illustrator, is the new club president.
As more highly advanced production equipment makes its way to those who could never afford it in the past, there is a new breed of film and video makers who are busy collaborating and creating. If you are interested in attending the upcoming meeting this week, click here to get all of the Meet Up details.
Besides discussing films and process, participants can learn about the efforts to restore the club’s archives, while being introduced to artists who are currently producing amateur documentaries, dramatic works, travelogues, etc.
For more information, visit Facebook. @BMVM1934 on Twitter.
Buffalo Movie-Video Makers | Coffee Meet and Greet | Wednesday, October 15, 2014 | 7:00 PM
Spot Coffee | 765 Elmwood Ave | Buffalo, NY | Indoors, or on the patio if the weather is nice