Hi everyone! Jeff Rutherford here. After eight years in New York, I’m glad to be returning to my former home of Portland. I’m very excited to offer a series of workshops starting this March. The first workshop is SCREENWRITING.
Whether you’re an experienced writer, a movie lover, someone looking for a creative outlet, and/or truly anyone, I’ll be happy to have you in this workshop. I’ll meet you where you are, and I’ll do my best to guide you toward your goals and the best versions of your ideas. You can go here to find out more info + to sign up: www.jeffsrutherford.com/workshops
Session One starts on March 3!
A bit about me: I studied creative writing at Gonzaga University, and I earned my MFA from NYU’s Graduate Film Program where I learned from many great filmmakers (Todd Solondz, Spike Lee, Donna Gigliotti). My first feature, A Perfect Day for Caribou, had its world premiere at the 75th Locarno Film Festival. It was released in April 2024. It’s been praised by critics like Guy Lodge, Giona A. Nazzaro, and Alexandra Heller Nicholas. I’ve given talks and run workshops at Rutgers University, Gonzaga University, and Oregon State University.
“A lot of people can teach you about conventional movie story structure and commercial movie “beats.” Jeff can teach you about getting actual, real people on the screen. People with inner lives who act and talk with integrity and soul.” – Jonathan Raymond, Novelist/Screenwriter (Showing Up, First Cow, Old Joy)
Hi this might be a bit out in left field. I’ve written a short story/memoir about a very unusual family. It actually took place in Spokane WA. A family formed in great love. With a social justice mother, a heroic fireman. Based on the 1950’s through 1999. A family with unspeakable loss tragedy and despair. With a solid foundation of love, giving, sharing and compassion. Most all of this large family. Were able to rise from the grief sadness and despair. To rise from the ashes to new lives hopes and successful marriages and a brighter future. A family of absolute grit love empathy and compassion.
The story/memoir only being around 25.000 words. It is a rather compelling and page turning story. Broke back mountain was only a 77-page story as have other great films been.
I was wondering if I could pay you an amount for you to read the story. To see if there is enough to continue on from the pages of an usual family saga.
I myself have been involved in several social justice issues. Since i arrived in Portland OR. As a Jesuit Volunteer working with the Franciscan Nuns in the Burnside neighborhood, Mayor Bud Clarks homeless panel, Co-founding the 1st HIV AIDES hospice. In a Foster care setting. 1987 to 1989. Chanels 8 and 10 did hour long documentaries. Last year the city of Portland hired someone to work on placing the projects history on The National Historic listings.
Thankyou in advance for your time and consideration in this matter.
Doug Foland
Portland OR 97209
971 284 3212