Free Panel Discussions on Independent Filmmaking

As readers of this blog know, I’m Chair this year of the Arts and Entertainment Section of the State Bar of Michigan, otherwise known as ACES.  Below is a press release for one of our upcoming events.  I hope you can make it.

–Matt

Free Educational Panels at the 47^th Ann Arbor Film Festival

The Arts, Communications, Entertainment & Sports (“ACES”) Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan is co-hosting with the Ann Arbor Film Festival (“AAFF”) two free educational panels during the 47^th Ann Arbor Film Festival.

The “Michigan in Motion” panel discussion is taking place on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the WORK Gallery in Ann Arbor.  The new film tax incentives in Michigan created a national buzz in the past year, with Hollywood film projects receiving much of the attention.  But what do the film tax incentives mean for the independent filmmaker and new media artist?  Who qualifies, and what projects benefit most?  Are the incentives working as intended and what’s their future?  This panel serves to provide an insider’s guide for independent filmmakers from several of Michigan’s experts in the field, including tax specialist Julie May and attorneys and ACES members Howard Hertz and Ethan Bordman.

The “Remixing the Rules” panel discussion is taking place on Thursday, March 26, 2009, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. also at the WORK Gallery in Ann Arbor.  One of the most critical and ongoing debates in the global entertainment industry is the battle over fair use rights and copyright law in the arts.  Whether music, film, new media or beyond, this issue does not just affect these industries, it is redefining the entertainment world as we know it.  Join us for an animated and educational discussion on copyright law, fair use, and infringement; where our panel members considers the current state of copyright law, whether it is compatible with the growing movement of remix art and culture, and whether it is serving or stifling the very creativity it is supposed to foster. Panelists include sample-based filmmaking legend Craig Baldwin, Negativland founding member Mark Hosler, and copyright attorneys and ACES members Larry Jordan and Matt Bower.

Both panels are free and open to the public as part of the commitments of the AAFF and ACES to educational outreach.  The WORK Gallery is an exhibition space provided by the U-M School of Art & Design, and is located at 306 S. State Street, Ann Arbor.

About the Ann Arbor Film Festival

The Ann Arbor Film Festival is internationally recognized as a premiere showcase for creative, inspiring, and influential films of all types: avant-garde and experimental, story-based narratives, documentaries, and animation. As the longest-running film festival of its kind in North America, the AAFF is steeped in a rich tradition of ground-breaking cinema. Thousands of influential filmmakers have showcased early work at the AAFF, including luminaries such as Kenneth Anger, Agnes Varda, Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono, Gus Van Sant, Barbara Hammer, Lawrence Kasdan, and George Lucas. The 47^th Ann Arbor Film Festival takes place March 24 – 29^th, 2009.

About the ACES Law Section of the State Bar

For thirty years the Arts, Communications, Entertainment & Sports Law Section and its members have helped thousands of artists and entertainers by participating in and supporting the cultural organizations and activities of the arts, communications, entertainment and sports industries of Michigan.  ACES supports these industries through partnerships, seminars, public service programs, advocacy, and publications, as well as through fostering and developing the professional skills and knowledge of its members.  Membership in the ACES is open to all members of the State Bar of Michigan.