The Confluence

Covid-19  has stopped life as-we-know-it in its tracks and with many of Oregon’s creatives wondering what is next we took a look around and found many free learning, and continuing education resource opportunities to help fill the void until life gets back to “normal”.

Adobe
Previously reported on No Film School, Adobe is offering at home access to its Creative Cloud for students as well as K-12 programs. Access will be granted until May 31st, 2020. Details here. Adobe has also released a how-to work remotely series available here.

Affinity
Serif, the creators behind Affinity Photo, Designer and Publisher, has made the suite available for free as a 90-day trial. There is also a 50% discount if you decide to purchase the apps.

Aputure
Aputure has opened up its certification and product training to anyone interested. The Aputure Lighting Certification (ALC) is normally only offered to dealers and employees, but for the next four weeks, the company is opening it via livestream. Anyone interested in getting an in-depth education into modern LED and learning the Aputure lighting line-up is able to check it out for free.

Avid
Avid is offering 90-day licenses for Media Composer, Pro Tools, and Sibelius to students who no longer have access to their institutions. Avid is also providing access to its software to those who no longer have access to their places of work. Keep in mind, Avid is providing software for everyone. You must be a student or a company with existing software. Details here.

Curtis Brown Creative
Free weekly writing workouts

Creative Capital
Creative Capital has always been anchored by a rich spirit of community and mutual generosity, and we believe that continuing communication and exchange are crucial for all of us. As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, they have created a list of resources for artists working in all disciplines, as well as arts philanthropists, and arts professionals.

Create with Code Live

Unity is offering Create with Code Live, free, interactive virtual classes open to students, teachers, and anyone else interested in learning to code.

Frame.io
Now through the end of March, Frame.io is offering 2B of free extra storage for the next 90 days. Additionally, the company is offering free Frame.io Enterprise plans for the next 90 days to support educational institutions, non-profits, and healthcare organizations that have been impacted. Details here. Frame.io has also released a work at home series that can be viewed here.

ftrack
ftrack Review free for 90 days. The software is aimed at content creators and is a platform to collaborate and review media. It’s free until May 31, 2020.

James Laxton ASC

Cinematography Masterclass. In this ARRI Academy masterclass from Camerimage 2018, James Laxton ASC discusses his approach to cinematography and how large-format cameras have helped him to discover a new level of emotional connectivity, including his experiences shooting on the ARRI ALEXA 65 camera and Signature Primes lenses.

Karl Walter

Lighting masterclass – Join master cinematographer Karl Walter Lindenlaub ASC as he leads this workshop from 2017’s Camerimage festival, exploring lighting for HDR.

No Film School

Learn how to edit.

Shane Hurlbut Illumination Workshop
Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut has provided access to his Illumination Workshop, which can be watched directly online. The course normally costs $499 but the 8 hours of material is completely free. Topic includes, eye reflection, different face shadows, bouncing light, lighting in layers, and finding the emotion to scenes, among others. Details here.

Signiant
From now until May 31, 2020, Signiant is offering unlimited users for its Media Shuttle customers. Media Shuttle is an easy and fast way to send large files securely anywhere. The company will be waiving any user overage fees that relate to subscription tiers. Details here.

Sundance Co//ab
Free webinars and masterclasses.

Unity Learn Premium
Unity is offering complimentary access to Unity Learn Premium for three months, from March 19 to June 20. Courses include C# Survival Guide, AI for Beginners and High Fidelity Game Visuals.

If you know of any more resources not listed here, please email: [email protected]

All of the submissions to our “Inspiration Oregon” (very) short film contest are now open for viewing and voting.

Brand experience company, DGTL, has created a virtual card for well-wishers – “Get Well Portland.” You can sign the card and show your love to Portlanders by adding your message from wherever you are.  The messages will be live-streaming every day from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am.  Thank you DGTL!

#SignTheCard

Resources for unemployed workers

• Unemployment Insurance: The Oregon Employment Department provides Unemployment Insurance benefits to most workers who are out of work through no fault of their own. To file an initial Unemployment Insurance claim, visit the Oregon Employment Department’s Online Claim System and follow instructions to file your new claim.
  • Also available in Spanish.
  • Visit the FAQs section on the link below for information on recent federal action to expand Unemployment Insurance.

• Supplemental Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation: The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides a temporary Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefit of $600 a week for any worker eligible for state or federal Unemployment Compensation benefits. This $600 a week Unemployment Compensation is paid in addition to and at the same time (but not necessarily in the same check) as regular state Unemployment Compensation benefits; if you’ve already applied for Unemployment, you do not need to reapply for the additional compensation. This additional payment does not affect eligibility for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program and is only available through July 31, 2020.

• Expanded Unemployment Eligibility and Assistance: The CARES Act permits states to expand eligibility to provide Unemployment Compensation to workers who are not normally eligible for benefits, so long as their unemployment was connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanded eligibility would provide benefits to self-employed individuals, independent contractors, “gig economy” workers, and individuals who were unable to start a new job or contract due to the pandemic. Individuals should apply for these temporary new federal benefits through the Oregon Employment Department’s Online Claim System. States are also permitted to provide an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to workers who need beyond what is provided for in state and federal law. This equates up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits in total.

• Current Unemployment Insurance in-person meeting requirements: If you are sick with COVID-19, call your WorkSource Oregon center to ask about alternative options for completing your appointments.

Find out more and FAQs on Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s website.

Neon, the U.S. distributor behind Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar winner “Parasite,” has won domestic rights to “Pig,” a revenge thriller from Nicolas Cage and first time filmmaker Michael Sarnoski, Variety has learned.

Shot in Oregon last summer, writer-director Sarnoski’s film sees Cage as a reclusive truffle hunter in Oregon whose prize hunting pig is kidnapped, forcing him to return to old stomping grounds in Portland and confront his past. “Hereditary” actor Alex Wolff co-stars. The script is based on a story by Sarnoski and Vanessa Block, who will also produce alongside Pulse Films.

Read the Variety story here.

With encouraging short term creation and offering cash prizes in mind, Oregon Film is launching a new short form content contest called: INSPIRATION OREGON.

This first series will be a pilot program aimed at encouraging all creators in Oregon to send us a short, fun, entertaining video (up to 90 seconds, maximum) telling us a story about what is inspiring you during this unprecedented time. All submissions will be posted to Oregon Film’s Vimeo site and the top 10 vote getters (as measured by the number of “likes” the video gets on the Oregon Film Vimeo page) will each receive $500.

We encourage everyone to be creative and unique, use their phone or high-end professional equipment (and everything in between, whatever you have!). It can be a single-shot selfie or a fully edited “episode” or maybe even a collaborative Zoom effort, but, above all else, it needs to be a very short story about personal inspiration.

The submission and review period is purposefully short so please pay attention to the dates and guidelines below.

Submitters need to be individuals (i.e. not companies or non-profit groups) and Oregon residents. Submitters will own all rights in and to their submitted content and they are encouraged to share their submissions on other platforms, but the official vote count to determine the winning submissions will be solely determined by the video likes registered on the Oregon Film Vimeo site.

Please use #InspirationOregon and #OregonFilm.

• We we will start accepting submissions right away and we will close the submission period for the pilot series of this project on Wednesday, April 1 at 5p.
• All submitted videos will then be posted at the same time.
• The videos will then stay online for viewing and voting for 7 days until Wednesday, April 8 at 5p when the votes will be tallied to determine the winners. After that, videos will remain online for the foreseeable future unless the submitter requests otherwise.
• You can submit as many times as you like but awards will be limited to one per submitter.
• Please email your video as an attachment to the email below and include:

  • • SUBJECT: “Inspiration Oregon Submission – Chapter I”

    • BODY OF EMAIL:

      • Title of the Video,
      • Your Name,
      • Email Address,
      • Your Physical Address and
      • Your Phone Number.

    • SEND TO: [email protected].

• If you need to submit via zip file or dropbox (or similar) link, that’s acceptable too.
• We reserve the right not to post, or to remove after posting, any submissions to this contest if they are found to be objectionable, dangerous, offensive or demeaning to others.
• Please observe all the recommendations and guidelines of the CDC and the notices and restrictions from state and local officials, including social distancing and staying at home, for the creation of your submission.
• Read the full contest rules here.
• Questions? Email us at [email protected]

The third annual Outdoor Adventure Film Grant – “Oregon’s Outdoors Are For Everyone” (OAFG20) announces the winning application – “On Any Oregon Sunday.”

Despite the current, global situation with the advance of Covid-19, we feel good about being able to award this grant to a small team of independent filmmakers, Kanani Koster, Janie Faison and Tiffany Lindquist, as in a small way it is helping enable this winning team to be able to work on this worthwhile project.

The OAFG20 – “Oregon’s Outdoors Are For Everyone” – looked for experienced filmmaker candidates (and we had many great ones who were able to demonstrate a compelling short film pitch that promised to portray the excitement and rigor of an outdoor-adventure, extreme action sport, or pursuit that has the potential to inspire others).  The hope is the finished short film will equally illustrate the inspiration of adventure, the triumph of the human spirit, and the distinct possibility that outdoor pursuits can mobilize and empower people to get outside and make their own stories in the great Oregon outdoors.

The $20,000 Grant is being provided by the #OregonMade Creative Foundation in conjunction with Travel Oregon.  Read More »

There are just tons of great, recent  #OregonMade content that you can watch on various platforms. We’ve started an ongoing list that we plan to update as/when we get new titles and links to share. In face the Herald & News, Willamette Week (lists focused on Animals and “deep cuts“) and The Oregonian (“Oregon’s Best” list) also had some lists to share.

While you’re at it, check out the local film history Podcast “Portland at the Movies” for more insights and (often obscure) recommendations.

This is just the beginning. Please let us know if you have something to add!

So, in no particular order….

GET GONE – Michael Thomas Daniel 

ON LOCATION – Carey and Stirling Fiock 

USE ME – Julian Shaw

WOODSTOCK OR BUST – Leslie Bloom

PRETTY BROKEN – Brett Eichenberger 

ZILLA & ZOE – Jessica Scalise

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS – David Kirk West

THE RELUCTANT RADICAL – Lindsey Grayzel

BACKTIME – Steven Miller

SHORTS (various)  –  Jason Rosenblatt 

RID OF ME – James Westby 

THE PHONE DEAD – Josh Hoffman

SOLE DOCTOR (Short) – Paula Bernstein

EVERYMAN’S WAR – Thad Smith

FALLEN NOT FORGOTTEN – Thad Smith

WAITING GAME (Short) – Expert Friends

FOOD CART (Short) – Lucas Longacre

LIFEBOAT (Short) – Skye Fitzgerald

Past Portland Circuit Films:

PHOENIX, OREGON – Gary Lundgren 

CANOPY STORIES – Various Directors

SEX WEATHER – Jon Garcia

Other Oregon Outlets & Lists:

10 BEST FEATURES MADE IN SOUTHERN OREGON – Ray Robison

BENDFILM’S Film Pharmacy list of films to stream

NORTHWEST FILM CENTER’S PIFF Playlist

WILLAMETTE WEEK The Great Oregon Movie Binge Watch

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THEATERS, NEW INDIE FILM OFFERS “THEATRICAL AT HOME” VIEWING OPTION DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

IN UNPRECEDENTED STEP “PHOENIX, OREGON” PREMIERING MARCH 20^TH OFFERS PRIVATE SCREENING LINKS TO THEATRICAL TICKET BUYERS

As public gatherings are canceled and social distancing becomes the new normal in the U.S. due to the coronavirus pandemic, the distribution team behind the new independent film “Phoenix, Oregon” is offering an alternate at-home viewing option while still funneling revenue to theaters who are seeing a downturn in attendance as millions avoid public gatherings.

“Phoenix, Oregon” is a funny and bittersweet comedy about two friends, a graphic novelist and a chef, who seize an unlikely opportunity to reinvent their lives, quitting their service industry jobs to restore an old bowling alley and serve the “world’s greatest pizza.” The film opens at select theaters across America Friday, March 20^th.

From anywhere in the country, audiences can buy a ticket online to one of the opening weekend theaters and then view the film at home with a private screening link.  Read More »

Oregon Film is closely monitoring the current situation regarding the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID19). We are communicating with producers, companies and studios alike and we are working with stakeholders such as the OMPA and the Northwest Film Center to provide updates to the community.

We know that several productions have already delayed or cancelled their shoots here in light of the recommendations from both the state and the CDC and that this is directly impacting everyone working throughout our industry.

We will work with the Governor’s office, state and federal representatives and all of our partners and community members in the industry to ensure that productions and companies that have been impacted or postponed can hit the ground running once this difficult time passes.

We would also like to share some links to resources as/when we see them become available. Those are listed below. We will be updating this page on an ongoing basis.

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SMALL BUSINESS

The State of Oregon has officially been designated for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance. Small businesses and non-profits of any size can now apply for these low-interest loans. These loans are available to small businesses and non-profit organizations that have suffered an economic injury due to the current COVID-19 related disaster. More information is available on the Small Business Administration website and in the declaration.

In addition, $350 billion has been approved in the federal stimulus package for Small Business Administration (SBA) emergency loans of up to $10 million for small businesses—including nonprofits (with less than 500 employees), sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals (like individual artists)—to cover payroll costs, mortgage/rent costs, utilities, and other operations. These loans can be forgiven if used for those purposes. Find out more here.

Prosper Portland has launched a Small Business Relief Fund – find out more here.

Small Business Assoc’s “Paycheck Protection Program” – An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Senator Merkley has put out a recap of how the Federal stimulus bill helps small businesses, read it here.

Rep. Blumenauer has an Economic Stabilization page on his website, read it here.

Federal guidance for small businesses, including information on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.
Small Business Administration Guidance

State guidance for Oregon businesses.
Business Oregon Interim Guidance for Businesses

INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYEES

Unemployment Expansion and FAQs from Congr. Earl Blumenauer

Resources for Unemployed Workers

Oregon Department of Employment – Register online for unemployment

Oregon Department of Employment – COVID Related Unemployment

Rep. Blumenauer has an Economic Stabilization page on his website, read it here.

Worksystems Inc public spreadsheet on companies looking to hire now with low entry barriers to employment

Americans for the Arts has posted information and tips to support the arts sector

IATSE – Recap of the “phase three” federal stimulus package – read it here

IASTE – Resources for Oregon & Washington

Cutaway – Assistance for Freelance and Gig Workers

NY Times: Your Money – A Hub for Help During the Coronavirus

The Wrap – Financial Aid for TV and Film Workers

Work Share allows employers to leverage Partial Unemployment Insurance benefits for employers whose workforce is impacted by COVID-19 –  go to Work Share Oregon

Information for employers, workers, and job seekers  go to Oregon Employment Department

MENTAL HEALTH

Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 or Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746

Mental Health and Anxiety Management

NAMI Updates on the Coronavirus

A comprehensive list of food resources from how to apply for SNAP (or report a decrease in income) to food pantries to school meal replacements.
Accessing Food During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Information on personal hygiene, social distancing, and what to do if you are sick:
OHA Coronavirus Page

How to protect yourself:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

What to do if you’re sick:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

WHO Updates:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen

STATE OF WASHINGTON

King County Creative – Info on Unemployment and Financial Help for Creatives

Washington Film Works – COVID19 Resources

FEDERAL STIMULUS “CARES” ACT

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) extends unemployment benefits to those who otherwise would not qualify, including the self-employed and independent contractors
• Increased maximum unemployment benefit by $600 per week through July 31
• Extended unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks
• A direct $1,200 payment to heads of households earning up to $112,500 or other individuals earning up to $75,000 per year
• A direct $2,400 payment to married couples earning up to $150,000 per year
• A direct payment of $500 for each child under 16
• Increases funding by $75 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and $75 million for the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities
• Increases funding by $75 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
• Establishes forgivable loans and grants for small businesses and nonprofits so that they can continue to run

***
Here are some other potentially helpful resources:

• Oregon Governor’s Office COVID19 Resource and Information Page
• Oregon Dept. of Employment Info on Claiming Unemployment
• Please complete OEDA’s Economic Injury Worksheet
• Portland Area Artists Emergency Relief Fund
• The Oregonian on Helpful Job Loss Information
• Business Oregon Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Businesses
• Non-Profit Association of Oregon Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
• Oregon Entrepreneurs Network ‘Rona Resources
• OHSU Coronavirus Resources

Please feel free to reach out with questions or comments.

Thank you.

Tim Williams

([email protected])