Scholarships Available for Beginning Filmmaker Class

In partnership with Desert Island Studios and Keys, Beats, Bars, local Portland filmmakers Martin Vavra and Aileen Sheedy are teaching an eight-week beginning film class starting May 1, 2025.

The class, which is capped at 12 students, is aimed at those who are interested in making their own films but may not know where to start. The class is structured with both a lecture/discussion portion as well as hands-on practice with film equipment, and covered topics include script breakdowns and storyboards; camera, audio, and lighting gear; and working with actors. Continue reading... “Scholarships Available for Beginning Filmmaker Class”

Director Anthony Orkin shares latest work at Fertile Ground

Longtime Portland-based filmmaker and playwright Anthony Orkin (HELLO FROM NOWHERE) will be sharing his latest work of musical theatre in April at Fertile Ground festival of new works.

The Poison Squad is a musical comedy based on a true story, about men used as guinea pigs in a quasi-experiment on the effects of untested preservatives on the human body.  In the early 1900’s, Dr. Harvey Wiley, head chemist at the Department of Agriculture, wanted to pass the Pure Food and Drug Act, and he needed some colorful evidence to persuade Congress. Continue reading... “Director Anthony Orkin shares latest work at Fertile Ground”

“Portland’s Famous” Launches First Episode with Johnny Ray Gill

Portland Event’s and Film Office introduces Portland’s Famous—their brand-new video series celebrating the incredible talent shaping the entertainment industry, all while proudly calling Portland home.

For our premiere episode, they sat down with the multi-talented Johnny Ray Gill—actor, producer, and director—currently starring in Amazon Prime’s “Cross.”

Join the as we explore his journey, career milestones, and what Portland means to him.

Continue reading... ““Portland’s Famous” Launches First Episode with Johnny Ray Gill”

Future of Production Summit in Portland March 12

Join Keycode Media in Portland for the Future of Production Summit. This is your opportunity to network with key industry players, gain insights into the latest production technology, and get hands-on experience with the latest solutions shaping the industry.

We are inviting technology partners that will be demonstrating new camera systems, video switchers, live graphics & AR/XR, video walls, creative editing and more.

The OMPA is excited to be a sponsor and will be tabling during the event. Come meet OMPA Board Members and our Executive Director, Shilpa Sunthankar, to learn more about our organization or even just to have a chat! Continue reading... “Future of Production Summit in Portland March 12”

KOIN Talks to Jacy Mairs about SXSW & “Trash Baby”

“Trash Baby” marks a few firsts. It’s the directorial debut of an Oregon filmmaker and it’s the acting debut for a Portland high schooler.

Now, the film is set for its world premiere at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.

“’Trash Baby’ is very loosely inspired by my own childhood, and it has a lot of reoccurring themes that I think happened for everyone at that age around forcefully wanting to be older than you are, and then kind of the reality of what that actually looks like when you start embracing some of the adult themes that come into play,” director Jacy Mairs told KOIN 6 News. Continue reading... “KOIN Talks to Jacy Mairs about SXSW & “Trash Baby””

New Screenwriting Workshops starting soon with Jeff Rutherford

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. Continue reading... “New Screenwriting Workshops starting soon with Jeff Rutherford”

Portland Panorama Open for Submissions

Portland Panorama is a new festival for Portland, Oregon opening in April 2025 that draws from a team that spent years garnering festival experience and producing countless other events of all sizes. In addition to a larger celebration of the arts, at its heart, Portland Panorama is a two-part film festival bringing important international cinema to our well-informed and cinematically adventurous audiences and then pivoting mid-week to a celebration of the work of our beloved filmmakers living right here in Northwest North America. Continue reading... “Portland Panorama Open for Submissions”

From Wine Country to City: Why Filmmakers Love Filming at Linfield

A building on the Linfield McMinnville, Oregon campus with the text "Linfield University welcomes your film project"
Linfield University is ready to host your next film project.

Capturing Timeless Charm: Filming at Linfield University’s Campuses

With a pair of campuses nestled in two very different Oregon landscapes, Linfield University offers filmmakers a lot of variety. Whether it’s the 189-acre residential campus in the heart of wine country with brick buildings and massive oak trees or the dynamic 20-acre urban campus with state-of-the-art lecture halls and healthcare facilities, there’s no shortage of captivating backdrops for your next project. We’re excited to announce that both Linfield University’s McMinnville and Portland campuses are now listed on the Oregon Film Locations website. Continue reading... “From Wine Country to City: Why Filmmakers Love Filming at Linfield”

Level UP Workshops: Film Festival Strategy

Desert Island Studios will be offering their final, free, Level Up workshop. This one will focus on Film Festival Strategy. Join them on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 6p to 9p. Further details and registration link below. Space is limited so sign up soon.

“Film Festival Strategy” with Bojana Sandic.

For anyone wondering if a film festival strategy matters, this workshop will answer the question with a strong affirmative! Through an overview of the film festival landscape, annual deadlines, and mapping a strategic plan for festival application, outreach, acceptance, attendance, and marketing, film professionals who attend this workshop can learn how to uplevel their chance at success on the festival circuit. Continue reading... “Level UP Workshops: Film Festival Strategy”

“Amplify Portland” Announces Grant Winners

In partnership with Travel Portland the Portland Events and Film Office announced today the three recipients of the 2024 Amplify Portland grant. This grant was created to uplift filmmakers who use local talent, crews and vendors – building opportunities for professional growth and bringing exposure to Portland through unique, diverse storytelling both on screen and behind the scenes.

After a thought provoking and spirited review process led by industry professionals, three top scoring productions were awarded $10,000 each to bring their visions to life. Continue reading... ““Amplify Portland” Announces Grant Winners”