The Confluence

Destination Oregon: The Oregon Film Trail

Oregon has been Hollywood’s backlot when it comes to movies and television projects. That includes Central Oregon — “Rooster Cogburn,” “The Postman and “Wild,” to name a few. Central Oregon Daily‘s “Destination Oregon” took a trip on the Oregon Film Trail. Visiting sites where movies and television shows were filmed is a huge tourism industry called Set Jetting.

“Right now, we believe it’s about $151 million a year that’s coming into Oregon through film set jetting,” said Tim Williams, the executive director of the Oregon Film Office.

New Round of Screenwriting Workshops Start May 5

Hi all.

Wrapping up a great session right now.

I’ll be teaching two courses starting in early May.

I’m offering Essential Screenwriting and Feature Writing + Development.

Both are remote. All are welcome!

Send me an email to claim a spot: [email protected]

Find out more here: https://www.jeffsrutherford.com/workshops

“The Mastermind” from Portland Based filmscience Goes to Cannes

Kelly Reichardt’s latest film “The Mastermind” has been announced as part of the main competition titles at the Cannes Film festival in May. Although shot in Ohio, the film was produced by Oregon based Neil Kopp and Anish Savjani (alongside partner Vincent Savino) and their filmscience label.

The film centers on an audacious art heist amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War.

Many of Reichardt’s and filmscience’s previous films have been shot in Oregon.

See the whole Cannes line up here and more info on “The Mastermind” here.

Catalyst “Script to Screen” Grant Launches

Script to Screen, Catalyst Film Collective’s signature program that includes a $10,000 grant, wrap around production support, in-kind donations, and a whole collective of filmmakers ready to crew, is now open for submissions.

Submissions Open 4/4/25; Deadline 5/31/25

Get writing those scripts, and check out our website for all the fine print, and answers to all your FAQs. This grant is open to CFC members only, so make sure to join the Collective or update your membership if you haven’t yet.

“Splitsville” – Written & Starring McMinnville Resident – will Debut at Cannes

McMinnville resident, Kyle Marvin, has written and stars in the feature film “Splitsville” which will debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May. The film also stars Nicholas Braun and Dakota Johnson and is directed by Michael Covino. Marvin also directed “80 for Brady” and wrote and produced “The Climb” which also screened at Cannes.

See the full Cannes line up here.

Oregon Film Impact Grants for Short Films

The Oregon Film Impact Grants are designed to support filmmakers and projects that have the potential to make a positive and lasting impact on Oregon’s film industry.

There will be two submission phases for these grants. The first will be for short film projects (running time less than 40 mins) while the second will be for feature length projects. The first phase, short films, will open on April 16. The feature length project submission period will be later in the summer of 2025.

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.

Cinema Unbound Awards Announce 2025 Honorees

On Friday, May 30, 2025, Portland Art Museum’s PAM CUT // Center for an Untold Tomorrow hosts the 6th annual Cinema Unbound Awards, honoring multi-disciplinary media artists at the forefront of innovation in arts and culture. A highlight of the West Coast cultural calendar, the evening showcases internationally renowned creative polymaths who share their unbound vision in fresh and innovative ways.

This year’s event honors Sarah Sherman, Marco Brambilla, Earl Ninsom, Carson Ellis, and Colin Meloy.

The evening benefits PAM CUT//Center for an Untold Tomorrow, a vital part of the Portland Art Museum dedicated to celebrating artists who defy labels or easy categorization in cinematic storytelling including film, series, audio storytelling, gaming, animation, and XR.

BendFilm Festival Submission – Discount Codes

Submit your film now for BendFilm and secure a discount on your submission fee.

BendFilm expands its support of Independent Film by refocusing its competition program, centered now on new North American-made independent work. With the inaugural success of our filmmaking retreat, BendFilm: Basecamp, we are doubling down on platforming emerging creators, creating a dedicated fall showcase for emerging narrative and documentary features. Films should have majority North American financing and/or should be shot in North American countries. They will be selected for originality of voice and quality of execution—an earmark of successful indie filmmaking.

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.

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