Workshop Descriptions

2009 Workshops

Carol Anderson

Acting Workshop - This hands-on effective workshop teaches foundational, as well as the more advanced techniques needed in good acting. Concepts are taught through theatre games and improv which are then brought together for application in script work. This workshop is progressive and offered three time with each class building on the last. Class accommodates a variety of skill and experience levels. Recommend coming to all.

Actor/Writer Scene Shop (see guidelines under Bonnie Johnson)

 Ben Avery

Graphic Novels and Arts Panel - Wednesday morning

The Art of Storytelling (with Ken Raney) - How words and pictures can make a powerful storytelling medium. Join Ben Avery and Ken Raney as they go through the ins-and-outs of writing and illustrating for the visual medium of comics. Comic book scripting is a unique form of storytelling that can be described as a cross between poetry and filmmaking. Artwise, there are tips and tricks developed by graphic story pioneers that bring life to the page and make your story hold the attention of its intended audience. We will look at what it takes to produce a graphic novel/comic as well as look at the resources needed and available for producers. How do I find a writer? An artist? How do I letter the art? Or color the art? Where do I get my graphic novel printed? What are the costs?

Why Comics? Graphic Novels and the Greatest Story Ever Told - If Jesus had been born in a different time, would he have used comic books to tell his stories? Well, probably not, but Jesus' storytelling has some very vivid visual elements, and the reason we remember so much of Jesus' teaching is the same reason comic books can be an effective tool for exploring spiritual concepts, crossing cultural and linguistic barriers. What makes comic books and graphic novels an effective medium for storytelling? How do comic books and graphic novels, as a medium, stack up against other methods of storytelling for the current generations?

Superman vs. Mario: The Uphill Battle - Comic books and graphic novels have never been more popular with the general public than in the last few years, and yet the comic book industry has never been in such a precarious position. Why are some publishers experiencing unprecedented success with graphic novels, while other publishers are barely breaking even, while still other publishers are losing money like their bank was built on top of a black hole? And what's the deal with "Christian comics"? Why has it never seemed to catch on? Is it just a misunderstood genre? Or a ghetto for shoddy storytelling? Are comic books and graphic novels a viable medium, or is it all smoke and mirrors?

Show and Tell (with Mike Maihack) - Bring your portfolio and get specific personal advice from professionals. Here's your chance to find out what you next steps will be in becoming published or produced.

Art Ayris

Financing your Media Dream - The hard fact of life is that without some level of financing-media doesn't happen. Art Ayris has successfully helped raise and manage over $75 million in non-profit and for-profit funding. In this session, he provides a wealth (n.p.i!) of information on private capital, PPM's, angel networks, accredtied investors, venture capital, grants, SBA, forming non-profits, joint ventures, and more. This course can save you a lot of heartache and most importantly-help you in locating financing for your project.

Graphic Novels and Arts Panel - Wednesday morning

Film Festival - "The Touch"-Q & A to follow (for anyone interested in producing a small indie film or churches wanting to use film as an outreach or witness to their community).

Pitch Session with Honored Authors - Tuesday afternoon

Selling Your Idea-But Not Your Soul - The highly competitive world of film can be even more difficult for believers. An idea packed lab on crafting and marketing your project for both the religious and secular market.

Shelly Ballestero

Facing the Camera - Learn the do's and don't's of professional makeup with instructor and makeup artist, Shelly Ballestero. There will be plenty of audience participation as you discover how to use the right tools and right products and most importantly, how to get the right application. Other topics include-how to prepare for the head shot, what not to wear, and how to minimize the flaws while maximizing the positive with professional makeup techniques for both film and print. Shelly will have you saying "All right Mr DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up," with certain confidence in no time at all.

On and Off the Media Platform: Keeping Your Image Real (with Erica Lane)- Calling all Ladies: Whether you are a writer, an actor, a producer, or any other media influence, this workshop/Q & A explores:

How to properly present yourself in public and why maintaining that image in your private life is a key part of your success.

Etiquette with producers, camera & crew (know your place).

Preparation is key, know your content.

Jon Erwin

All Things Red - Understanding new technology is crucial when producing independent movies-and one of the newest and most acclaimed technologies for the movie industry is RED, a 4K digital Cinema camera system. Cinematographer and director Jon Erwin, a RED owner and veteran of over 20 RED productions, gives us a hands on workshop explaining all things RED. Topics include: Shooting 4K with the RED Camera, On Set Workflow, Post Production Workflow, Buyers Guide and setting up your next film on RED.

Lighting For Feature Film - Learn the principals of dramatic lighting techniques for film and television. Discover what lights to use, where to buy them, and how to place them to make amazing images.

Screenwriting: Three Act Structure - Learn how to use the five basic parts of every film correctly: Setup, Crisis, Escalating Tension, Climax, Resolution. Using these elements correctly will enable you to take the stories you are passionate about and develop them as feature films. Also learn how to make the audience identify with your characters and make each scene 'turn'.

 

 

Mitchell Galin

Film Festival - "Apostles of Comedy" with Q & A.

Private Appointments - Check schedule

Pitch Session with Honored Authors - Tuesday afternoon

Rene Gutteridge

The Novelization Process: From Film to Novel (with Cheryl McKay) - (Honored Authors) In this workshop, we will be discussing several elements of novelizations. First we'll explore the exciting and expanding business of the novelization. How does a film make it to the publishing world? Who makes the deals? How is it pitched? Who gets the rights? How is the screenwriter involved? How is the writer hired? What does a publisher look for when considering novelizing a movie?

Next we will consider the novelization process itself, talking both about the novelization of a motion picture and the novelization of a screenplay, which can be different. We'll then dive into the actual writing process. How does a novelist take a screenplay and make it into a novel? We'll discuss in context POV, scene expansion, dialogue, story progression and more!

The Marriage of Fiction and Film (with Cheryl McKay) - Can't we all just get along? This workshop for novelists and screenwriters will explore the world of adaptation, and help each understand how their works are adapted into another medium and why changes must be made. Nothing drives a novelist crazier than to see their work adapted for the screen in an unsatisfactory way. But nothing drives a screenwriter crazier than to have a novelist involved in the adaptation process. We'll explore how very different the mediums of fiction and film are, and why the translation process is difficult going both ways. We'll answer such questions as to why an entire scene is cut from a book for the film? And a brand new scene added to the film version? Why is the dialogue rewritten? This workshop will help novelists understand what kinds of changes must be made before a novel can make it to the screen. And we'll also explore the reverse...what kinds of changes must be made in order for a film to be novelized. Finally, we'll touch on what we can learn as writers from the other medium. 

Eric Highland

A Cord of Three Strands: Tools for 21st Century Networking- Building on Torry Martin's Monday morning's keynote, Eric Highland will continue stressing the importance of networking with a two-part workshop entitled "A Cord of Three Strands: Tools for 21st Century Networking." The first session will begin with an examination of the biblical foundations of networking. Complete with an overview of the methods available for networking in the 21st century, Eric will weave his personal experiences into a practical course that will have attendees interacting, connecting, and collaborating with one another before the session is through.

The second session will expand on the various networking methods available to Christians involved in media arts in the 21st century, providing specific tips based on the methods given in the first session's overview. Attendees will leave empowered with practical networking knowledge that they can act on immediately.

 

Steven James

 

Actor/Writer Scene Shop (see guidelines under Bonnie Johnson)

 

How to Write the Worst Dialogue in the World - No description needed.

 

The Essence of Story-How to Improve Your Storytelling Expertise in Print and Film - This class will explore and demystify the structure and uniqueness of story as a vehicle for conveying truth. Emphasis will be placed on the craft of storytelling in print and film in the area of character development, flow, pace, causal relationship of events and the development of meaningful narrative discovery. Whether you're new to writing or a seasoned pro, you'll learn practical, easy-to-master techniques that will save you time while taking your script or novel writing to the next level. An in-depth hand-out will be provided.

 

Curtain Call: Fresh and Creative Drama Ministry Ideas - Learn resources, techniques and activities for developing an effective drama ministry at your local church. Receive suggestions on coaching actor and crafting material. Establish a theoretical framework for drama ministry. Discuss practical ideas related to the drama ministry. An in-depth hand-out will be provided.

 

Bonnie Johnson

Actor/Writer Scene Workshop - Actors, have you been acting in your church drama department for years and feel like you'd like to take your acting to another level? Or maybe you've done some community theater and need some encouragement or direction concerning your career. Done film? Television? We welcome actors with all levels of experience. Here's your chance to read scenes from scripts written by fellow Gideon attendees. Perform scenes before an audience and industry professionals to get a fair and accurate assessment of your skills and talents.

Writers, here's your chance to see your scenes acted out and have your writing critiqued by Paul McCusker. Students, faculty, HA's, or actors who are trying their hand at scriptwriting, may e-mail their scene(s) (7 pages/4-6 characters max) in pdf, standard screenplay or stage play format) to Bonnie Johnson bonnie28@carolina.rr.com.  

The submission deadline is May 17, 2009. All actors interested in reading must also contact Bonnie by the deadline mentioned above.

Bonnie will cast all scenes before the conference begins with actors who have already registered and will send them the material 5-7 days before it begins. She will also give the writers a schedule showing the contact information of the cast and the time slot they've been assigned. Please keep in mind that since this is a Christian conference, there should be no profanity in the scenes you submit.

T.C. Johnstone

Tuesday Morning Keynote - "Thrive or Survive: How to Make it Financially as a Filmmaker"

Cindy Kenney

Dialogue Development and Delivery - How to weave wonderful words into your dialogue delivery, while keeping it real and helping it to progress your story along.  Whether you're writing a novel or a screenplay, dialogue is an essential key to success! Join this interactive workshop and experience what it takes to create successful dialogue in whatever story you're developing!


Making SENSE of Your Story - A workshop that helps you incorporate each of the five senses into every fiber of your story-sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. Make your writing come alive by utilizing each of these sensory images in your work. Developing this skill is imperative in creating a story for your book or the screen. Make your work come alive by learning how to make the senses come alive!

 
Creating a Picture Book Layout - (For Presentation or Self Publishing) You've got a wonderful children's picture book. So now what? Whether you're planning to send it off to a publisher or want to self publish, one of the most important steps you can take toward success is to lay it out into a book dummy. This process helps your book spring to life! It will point out editorial problems, and it will help to create an exciting page-turning experience for your readers. If you have a COMPLETED picture book, join this class and get the chance to work with a real ILLUSTRATOR who will work with you to help strengthen your layout and create a vision for what your book can become! You'll also learn how to polish your book and become a top-notch self-marketer. By the end of this 3 day class, you'll be presented with the option of taking your polished manuscript to a publisher, or potentially get your book ready to start selling on Amazon.com! There are only 10 openings for this class! To be accepted for this class you must submit your finished manuscript to cindkenney@aol.com. It will receive a brief editorial review, and those books that are ready for this process will be chosen for this track! The earlier you submit your manuscript, the better chance you have!

Erica Lane

Songwriting: No Limits - There is no "fixed" way to write a song, and each artist creates in his or her own right. This workshop is interactive and very informative about key elements and techniques for songwriting. There are no limitations to a song's creativity, but you will learn how to channel and organize your skill to more effectively create.

Songs for Soundtracks - Many films are made powerful by the music throughout, and many films are seeking independent artists and songwriters to do the job.  Here you will learn what types of songs to focus on and how to shop them to the movie makers themselves.

On and Off the Media Platform: Keeping Your Image Real (with Shelly Ballestero)- Calling all Ladies: Whether you are a writer, an actor, a producer, or any other media influence, this workshop/Q & A explores:

How to properly present yourself in public and why maintaining that image in your private life is a key part of your success.

Etiquette with producers, camera & crew (know your place).

Preparation is key, know your content.

Film Festival - "Torry Stories: Lessons in Laughter" Live Comedy Act, Monday evening 6:30-8:15, Erica will be singing during Torry's act.

Mike Maihack

Webcomics - A whole new generation of readers is discovering comics online. What are the artistic and financial benefits of presenting your material online, how do you gain a readership, and what does this mean for the future of print comics? Join Mike Maihack as he presents the best methods for presenting your comics on the web and other electronic media and why the word "free" doesn't hold the same resonance as it once did.


Organizing an Anthology - One of the hottest trends in comics right now is the Comic Anthology-a collection of shorter formed comics from different creators collected under one volume. How does one of these anthologies come about and why are they becoming so successful? Find out how the current comic market and the internet are both responsible for this trend, how to create your own "online studio", and get a sneak peek at the upcoming Christian comic anthology, Parable.

Graphic Novels and Arts Panel - Wednesday morning

Show and Tell (with Ben Avery) - Bring your portfolio and get specific personal advice from professionals. Here's your chance to find out what you next steps will be in becoming published or produced.

Torry Martin

Monday Morning Keynote - "The Power of Networking" and introduction of Gideon Faculty 2009


Film Festival - "Torry Stories: Lessons in Laughter" Live Comedy Act, Monday evening 6:30-8:15

Creating Believable Characters/Researching Your Life for Material - A visual and participatory teaching on how to research story material from your own life and turn it into something marketable by adding spiritual applications. Discover how to edit your stories and how to have fun while sharing God's truths.

Comedy Sketchwriting for Film and Stage - Everything you need to know about writing comedy sketches for screen and stage-emphasis on format, story and structure, creating believable characters, and writing monologues.


Publicity Secrets/Press Kits - Learn how to successfully market yourself or your project for maximum exposure at minimal cost.

Finding Your Gift/Discovering Your Talents - No description needed.

 Paul McCusker

Keynote Banquet Night - "What I've Learned From 30 Years of Writing"


Writing for the Children's Marketplace - With 20 years with Adventures in Odyssey, Paul will address three venues: radio, animated video form, and novels.

Audio Dramas - What are they and how do you get started in this field?

Writing for the Children's Marketplace - No description needed.

Cheryl McKay

Write on Purpose: Taking Your Screenwriting to the Next Level
Is there a story you were born to write? Have you written it yet? What does it mean to "write your passion" even in the face of others telling you it will never sell and shouldn't be committed to the page? Is there a story you are too afraid to write but know you should? What if you face an assignment you aren't so passionate about? How do you find that gem in the story to cause it to come to life for you? Abandon the paint-by-numbers way of writing a script and find out how to welcome God and your life experiences and passions into the process.

Cheryl will dig into advanced screenwriting concepts including writing what you believe in, what you are passionate about, using God as a co-writer, writing with a purpose, and how to walk through a business that will not encourage you to write what you believe in. She will share the ups and downs of her writing journey when she was given projects she didn't care about vs. hitting the "sweet spot" with the stories she knows she was born to tell. She will talk about the fire-refining process that brings about the best screenplays and what to do when you are stuck in the midst of a screenplay and don't know how to move forward. She will share her colorful outlining process and how she puts a script together from treatment to script.

The Novelization Process: From Film to Novel (with Rene Gutteridge) - (Honored Authors) In this workshop, we will be discussing several elements of novelizations. First we'll explore the exciting and expanding business of the novelization. How does a film make it to the publishing world? Who makes the deals? How is it pitched? Who gets the rights? How is the screenwriter involved? How is the writer hired? What does a publisher look for when considering novelizing a movie?

Next we will consider the novelization process itself, talking both about the novelization of a motion picture and the novelization of a screenplay, which can be different. We'll then dive into the actual writing process. How does a novelist take a screenplay and make it into a novel? We'll discuss in context POV, scene expansion, dialogue, story progression and more!

The Marriage of Fiction and Film (with Rene Gutteridge) - Can't we all just get along? This workshop for novelists and screenwriters will explore the world of adaptation, and help each understand how their works are adapted into another medium and why changes must be made. Nothing drives a novelist crazier than to see their work adapted for the screen in an unsatisfactory way. But nothing drives a screenwriter crazier than to have a novelist involved in the adaptation process. We'll explore how very different the mediums of fiction and film are, and why the translation process is difficult going both ways. We'll answer such questions as to why an entire scene is cut from a book for the film? And a brand new scene added to the film version? Why is the dialogue rewritten? This workshop will help novelists understand what kinds of changes must be made before a novel can make it to the screen. And we'll also explore the reverse...what kinds of changes must be made in order for a film to be novelized. Finally, we'll touch on what we can learn as writers from the other medium. 

Ken Raney

Graphic Novels and Arts Panel - Wednesday morning

What is a Graphic Novel? - Is it a movie on paper? Or a story with pictures? We will look at the definition, history and current trends in graphic storytelling from the earliest newspaper comics, to current and significant graphic novels, to the "motion" comics now appearing on the internet and smart phones.

The Art of Storytelling (with Ben Avery) - How words and pictures can make a powerful storytelling medium. Join Ben Avery and Ken Raney as they go through the ins-and-outs of writing and illustrating for the visual medium of comics. Comic book scripting is a unique form of storytelling that can be described as a cross between poetry and filmmaking. Artwise, there are tips and tricks developed by graphic story pioneers that bring life to the page and make your story hold the attention of its intended audience. We will look at what it takes to produce a graphic novel/comic as well as look at the resources needed and available for producers. How do I find a writer? An artist? How do I letter the art? Or color the art? Where do I get my graphic novel printed? What are the costs?

Kyle Saylors

 

NEW GIDEON FILM SCHOOL

Produce This! - Want to be a producer or can't find one for your project. Learn what the role of a producer is, how to get started, the ground rules, and how the producer can make or break a project. This class will have realistic scenarios, where you are the producer, and the decision is your...will you make your film a hit or will you cause it to tank?

What Not To Do - In this crazy business, it is not always tremendous talent or creative savvy that gets a project made. Often it is what you do wrong that will kill a project, idea, script or even a career. Learn the vital steps of what not to do and save years of heartache.

Directing Different Genres - From development to the editing, learn the differences in directing documentaries, television, motion pictures and music videos. Also learn what camera and format you should choose for each one and why. How do you develop a specific style for specific genres? What is the best avenue for your dream...TV, doc, etc... why it may be different than you think. Bring your camera, you will have assignments for the next day.

More Bang For Your Buck! - Do you want to squeeze every penny of production value out of every shot? Every year, thousands of projects end up on the shelf and are never finished because they run out of money. Discover how to prevent the dust from settling on your dream and other skills such as creating a realistic budget and sticking to it, where to save the most money, hidden expenses to watch out for and how not to get ripped off. Each student gets an opportunity at taking a simple shot and having it analyzed to see how the same shot can look more expensive.

Power of Partnerships - Whether you have the financial backing for your project or only an idea, learn how to partner so that everyone involved can maximize their dreams. Includes tips on bartering equipment, time, resources, and connections. Also learn how to find success by helping others succeed.

Vonda Skelton

 

Actor/Writer Scene Shop (see guidelines under Bonnie Johnson)

 

Nancy Stafford

 

A Career in the Film Industry: Finding One Without Losing Yourself - A nuts and bolts seminar on getting started, staying centered, and surviving the lion's den for the long haul.

 

Get the Answers to Questions Nancy Only Gets Asked After the Session's Over! - Ask Nancy anything regarding Acting & Hollywood (film vs stage technique/ what to expect on a set, etc), Commercial/Hosting work, getting started in producing, being an author/writing non-fiction, etc.

 
"The 15 Minute Mentor" - Attendees book time and bring their 'tools of the trade' (headshot, resume, demo reel, or monologue) and Nancy does a mock interview as if she's an agent, manager, casting director, etc. or Nancy talks about your marketing tools, where you want to be in 6 months, 1 yr, 5 yrs, etc, and gives advice and prays for you.


Keynote Tuesday Night - "Been Rejected or Failed? Perfect Training Ground!" Nancy will share some of her 'war stories' that turned out to be blessings that strengthened my tenacity, pushed me to be a better craftsman, and sometimes forced me down unexpected roads that led straight to new opportunities.

 

Tom Stanziano

Lighting Design for the Worship Market: The Basics - A beginner's guide to starting the lighting process in Worship Market. This session will provide an excellent introduction for anyone taking their first steps into worship lighting: Includes understanding power requirements, fixture types, placement, and the importance of lighting in a worship setting.

Lighting Design for the Worship Market: The Drama - This session will cover the design principles in lighting a drama. Creating a design thru the eyes of the writer and directors. Using lighting techniques to enhance the directors vision.

Using Color to Enhance the Worship Experience: - This session will explain techniques in using color to enhance church productions. Using color allows the ability to tell a story while creating harmony or visual interest in our space. The importance of positioning, concept, application, color, texture, and psychology will be discussed.

 

Matt Stockman

 

All of Matt's classes are at the WMIT Studios

 

Radio 101: A Crash Course in Christian Broadcasting

 

On Air Basics

 

Preparing Your Resume & Aircheck

 

Cecil Stokes

Pitch Your Story for a TV Network - Cecil Stokes will listen as you pitch a show idea for a newly created television network, Halogen. Appointments will be scheduled and you will be required to sign a release form.

Private Appointments - Check schedule

Sarah Anne Sumpolec

The Art & Craft of Screenwriting - A workshop that will help give you a solid start in writing your first screenplay or making your fifth one even better. Topics will include: Common Mistakes, Choosing Your Story, Formatting, Plotting and Character Development. Be ready to participate and come with any questions you might have.

Josiah Williams

The M & M's of Marketing - Discover key areas of effective promotion. Get past theory into practically building the fundamental blocks of successful marketing. In this hands-on workshop, attendees create a convincing marketing message, identify their target market, and pinpoint methods that will work specifically to reach their goals.

The Power of Promotional Products - If you think that promotional products are junk, trinkets, and giveaways, then you are missing the mark on this powerful medium. In this creative session, learn the true value of promotional products and how to effectively reach out with your message, create ongoing response, and quantify the performance of every marketing medium you use. Promotional products have been rated the best form of advertising that give maximum results; discover how to successfully use them.

Eric Wilson

Writing the Wrong Way - A blank page strikes fear into the heart of most writers. If a creative God fuels our art, why do we struggle with it? When does storytelling move from an idea in the head to a step of blind faith? After years of learning how to write the "right" way, Eric has published ten novels by doing it the "wrong" way.

Bankrupt, Suicidal, and Christian - Pursuing art can be a slow dance with depression, a subject often avoided in Christian circles. In his twelve-year journey from a debut novel to a NY Times bestseller, Eric has tapped lessons for both the spiritual and writing life. Caution: be prepared for the honest truth.

Targeting Those on the Fringes of Faith - The Christian creative arts are sometimes accused of being inferior, irrelevant, or sappy. Eric has long had a heart for those on "the fringes of faith," ones burned by religion or afraid to give God a try, but can stories bridge this divide? As storytellers, there are ways to craft relevant characters and scenarios without compromising our faith.

 

ACTOR'S TABLE

Look for the sign "GOT ACTORS?" on a networking table in the new Johnson Spring Convention Center and tape your headshot on the posterboard. Then leave at least 25 copies of your recent headshot/resume, business card with contact information, demo reel, and whatever other printed material you have to sell yourself! Then conference attendees can take your info with them and contact you when they're holding auditions.

Acting Table will be included in the Gideon Gala, Wednesday morning, 9:45-12:00, June 3.

 

NETWORKING TABLES FOR STUDENTS

Students attending the Gideon have the opportunity to get the word out concerning their business, talents or needs by taking advantage of our networking tables located in the Johnson Spring Convention Center, in the Holly lobby, which is the downstairs lobby. Please adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome for all involved.

GUIDELINES:

  1. Set-up for product (display material such as fliers, business cards, and give-away's which might consist of magnets, book marks, etc) will be Sunday, May 31, between 12:00-4:00 at the Johnson Spring Convention Center, in the downstairs Holly lobby.
  2. There will be NO individual tables-you must share table space.
  3. Tables will be open to all attendees throughout the conference and film festival, starting from 10:00 PM Sunday evening, May 31 through 12:00 PM, Thursday, June 4.
  4. DO NOT leave anything considered of value on these tables.
  5. All product must exemplify the spirit of Christ. Gideon directors will walk through after set-up to ensure material will not be controversial or offensive to fellow Gideon attendees. Any "questionable" items may be removed at the discretion of the directors.
  6. Product left behind after the Gideon has ended, will be donated to charity.
  7. Student Networking Tables will be included in the Gideon Gala, Wednesday morning, 9:45-12:00.

 

 

 

2008 Workshops