University of Oregon Coeds Made The Very First Student Feature Film

Filming of “Ed’s Coed” on the University of Oregon campus, with student actors sitting on the Senior Bench during a break between scenes.

It is a forgotten piece of film history for all but the staunchest of aficionados, and its box office draw was almost nonexistent; yet a little-known feature film in the last thralls of the silent film era stands as a remarkable footnote in history as the first feature-length student film ever made – completed by University of Oregon students.

Actor/Producer Ashley Mellinger Hosts OMPA’s BIPOC Meetup this Thursday, 11/19

OMPA Creatives of Color Collaborative

Thursday, November 19 | 3-5pm PT | RSVP for Zoom Info

Are you a BIPOC* professional seeking community with other Oregon creatives? Join OMPA’s next Creatives of Color Collaborative to network, give or get advice, and ask questions in a private space.

This month’s host is award-winning actor and producer Ashley Mellinger. As a member of OMPA’s Diversity Committee, she is helping lead the effort to center diversity in Oregon’s production incentives. Ashley is also Co-Founder of Desert Island Studios, an artist space and resource in Portland.

#OregonMade “First Cow” Receives 4 Gotham Nominations!

A24’s period drama, “First Cow has been recognized by The Gothams for Best Feature, Screenplay, Actor, and Breakthrough Actor in its 30th annual event. “First Cow” shot entirely on location in Oregon last year at; Oxbow Regional Park, Sauvie Island, Portland, Milo McIver State Park, San Salvador State Beach, and Elkton among other locations.

Best Feature, Kelly Reichardt (Director), Neil Kopp, Vincent Savino, Anish Savjani (Producers).
Best Screenplay, Jon Raymond, Kelly Reichardt.
Best Actor, John Magaro.

The New Normal – How Our Production Community Is Adapting to Covid – Picture This

In our series of blog posts – the “New Normal” – we are looking at what creative options have been put in place to offset the disruption that Covid-19 has caused for production businesses here in Oregon. This month we caught up with Picture This, one of Portland’s leading provider of Camera Rentals, Projectors, and Picture This Production Services that have offered over 30 years of excellence in production and live events in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon Film (OF): Assuming the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted your business, like so many others, what aspect would you say has been the most surprising?

Oregon Film Trail Dedicates A New Sign In Downtown Toledo!

Oregon Film Trail Dedicates A New Sign In Toledo, Oregon!

The latest sign on the Oregon Film Trail is dedicated today on Main Street across from City Hall in downtown Toledo. The sign celebrates the town’s starring role in “Sometimes A Great Notion.”

The recently installed sign marks and celebrates locations in and around Toledo in the filming of “Sometimes A Great Notion” (1971), a motion picture based on the second novel by Oregon author Ken Kesey and published in 1964.

When in Doubt – Documentary on our Divides

When in Doubt
A new documentary about the importance of difficult conversations and the benefits of doubt.

The Signal Productions is making a documentary with the aim of helping improve dialogue across ideological divides and strengthening relationships. We are working with one of the authors of How to Have Impossible Conversations, Peter Boghossian, who will be coaching our documentary subjects to improve their ability to communicate. The film will feature amazing people like Daryl Davis, self-described race reconciliator, who was able to get over 200 people to leave behind hateful organizations like the KKK just through dialogue and by befriending them.

Share your experience: COVID-19 Media Production Impact Survey (Follow-Up)

OMPA | Oregon Media Production Impact Survey (Follow-Up)

OMPA is collecting follow-up data for our COVID-19 Media Production Impact Survey (initially conducted in March). Our data will be incorporated into a comprehensive Economic Development Report for Oregon legislators. We want to hear from every crew person and vendor!

💰 Which financial assistance programs did you apply for? Which did you receive?

🚫 Did you have to lay off employees? Were you laid off?

📊 What was the financial impact on your business? Positive or negative?

Tell our state legislators how COVID-19 has impacted you!

Let’s vote together! OMPA Ballot Party—Thursday, 10/22

OMPA Ballot Party

Thursday, October 22 | 5pm PT | RSVP for Zoom Info

Hang on to your ballots! 📮🇺🇸 We know it might feel like you can’t vote fast enough, but there’s more than one race (and ballot measure) to vote on! Join OMPA 🌟today at 5pm🌟 to hear our political strategist’s take on the candidates and ballot measures, and discuss over beers with your peers! 🍻

RSVP for Zoom Info: bit.ly/ompaballotparty2020

(Don’t worry, we’ll wrap by 6 for the Presidential debate!)

The New Normal – How Our Production Community Is Adapting To Covid – Cast Iron Studios

We will be making a series of blog posts on a variety of production businesses here in Oregon – we want to know what creative options have been put in place to offset the disruption that Covid-19 has caused.

Like so many other businesses, the Oregon production community has been hit hard by the havoc that Covid-19 has wreaked. Many community partners have come together to provide up-to-date information on safety procedures and new protocol guidelines that are being improved upon on all the time.

Remembering Anne Richardson

Our community lost someone this week who has given us all laughter, entertainment, education, friendship and a deep connection to our history. Anne Richardson grew up in Portland and continued to give back to our community for all of her life.

Amongst so many other things, Anne started and directed the annual Oregon Film History Conference, presented by Oregon Cartoon Institute which she co-founded in 2007 with her husband, Dennis Nyback. This annual conference was an event we were not only happy to attend every year, but also sponsor in a small form.

Recent Posts

OMPA Creatives of Color Collaborative

Thursday, November 19 | 3-5pm PT | RSVP for Zoom Info

OMPA Ballot Party

Thursday, October 22 | 5pm PT | RSVP for Zoom Info

RSVP for Zoom Info: bit.ly/ompaballotparty2020