A Look Back at TIVA in 2019

2019 really was a year focused on quality over quantity. While we did not host as many events as we have in years past, we worked to ensure that the panels and events we did host we memorable and beneficial to the TIVA membership. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the past year’s highlights.

TIVA/WIFV/SAG-AFTRA/PGA/Actors’ Center Winter Holiday Party

January 25 | Sidney Harman Hall

This year’s winter celebration was bigger than ever, with partnerships from not only longtime past co-host Women in Film and Video, but also SAG-AFTRA, the Producers Guild of America, and The Actors’ Center. Attendees mixed and mingled with friends, family, co-workers, and past and future collaborators at this traditional blow-out gala event.

Show Us Your Reel

March 7 | Interface Media Group

This year’s Show Us Your Reel event (emceed by TIVA Executive Director Todd Clark) was (as we’ve become fond of saying) like an open mic night — but with more talent on display than most. Attendees brought either their reel, a sample of their music or announcing skills, or just came and told us why they should be hired! As always, this event was packed with talent — attendees talked or presented for about one to two minutes before their reels were shown, with accomapnying Q&A and networking both before and after (though time afterward was limited as we crammed in every possible bit of content we could in the time available).

Getting Started in Your Media Career

March 9 | DC Independent Film Festival

A fast-paced “speed-meeting,” where questions were answered on all things media and career in a workshop format where small groups had a chance to learn from the experts and each other. Participants talked with a producer, director, post-production expert and cinematographer.

Stonehenge Auditions

April 17 | Interface Media Group

In conjunction with Team Jabberwocky, TIVA co-hosted the final of three sessions for this year’s Spring Stonehenge Auditions! This special event is for the benefit of our members and the larger production community, and as such was a bit different from our usual meeting fare. Stonehenge Auditions is a mass audition where actors are videotaped delivering 90-second film and TV monologues — in rapid succession, in front of dozens of filmmakers and casting directors who need talent for upcoming projects. Producers and actors have reported over 1,500 roles in over 600 projects being cast starting with auditions at Stonehenge since it started in 2005. Over 30 actors registered and auditioned in a fast-paced afternoon of creative expression, career building and fun.

Video Kit Hands-On Showcase

June 3 | DC Camera

A fantastic gear panel (moderated by TIVA Executive Director Todd Clark) and hands-on demonstration was held on Thursday, June 6th, at DC Camera! This was the first time that TIVA has partnered with DC Camera — attendees checked out the latest in equipment, and submitted their names for a discount DC Camera rental package giveaway. DC Camera is Washington DC‘s premier motion picture and photography equipment rental facility, providing exceptional service to professional filmmakers and photographers in the Washington DC Metro area.

2019 Mega Tech DMV Gear Sale/Exchange

June 29 | Barbizon Lighting

Together with our co-sponsor, the Virginia Production Alliance, and marketing sponsors DMV Gear Exchange and Hurlbut Academy, TIVA coordinated a massive Gear Sale on the grounds of Barbizon Lighting with over 20 separate vendors and close to 50 buyers/visitors. This was a great opportunity for folks to unload gear that was in need of a new home, be it production gear, post-production gear, or any flotsam related to the film/video/audio industry. For folks who needed gear, it was a chance to see that gear in person, talk to the owner, and make some handy purchases!

And as if that weren't enough incentive, at the event TIVA members renewed their membership for a flat $75! New members joined TIVA for just $60, a 50% savings! Both specials were available only if you attended in person! We also fired up the grill and cooked up some delicious food, with drinks and dessert! The ticket price included food and drink, and all sellers were provided a table. Many wonderful items were raffled off — including one lucky winner of a free entry to the 23rd Annual Peer Awards.

The Future of Learning in Extended Realities

September 12 | Mind & Media

This fascinating and trend-observing panel (moderated by Todd Clark) asked and answered the questions What is gamification and how can it help your business? Is now the time to look at gamification as a business tool? Does it really represent a whole new direction for achieving the goals you have set for your company? How can gamification help a small business compete with large brands? How can you start using gamification to introduce game design elements into non-game applications and make them more fun and engaging — and profitable — for your business?

VPA State of the Industry Expo

September 19 | Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center

This annual event — produced by the Virginia Production Alliance (VPA) and supported by the Virginia Film Office — celebrates film, television, advertising, and video production. The SOI is designed to spark economic activity in Virginia as a whole, and more specifically in each region where the gatherings are held (Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads). These events have maintained their popularity over the years and routinely draw 200 or more attendees in each location.

Virginia Film Office Director Andy Edmunds gave the keynote address, and TIVA was recognized from the stage as a key sponsor and partner, and at our information table dozens of visitors learned more about our programming, panels, the Peer Awards and the value of becoming a TIVA member.

Podcasting Q&A and Audio Equipment Insights

October 24 | Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center

Attendees at this Todd Clark-moderated panel found out more about the latest in podcasting and how it might be a great opportunity. Hosted by Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center, the audience heard about the rise in narrative storytelling in podcast form, as well as opportunities available to everyone (and some of the gear required). The panel explored the booming interest and likely content delivery of podcasts and answered questions such as: Is this a path to boost your brand? What makes a podcast successful? What equipment and set-up is required? How do you build an audience?

We also held the 2nd annual VOG auditions for the 23rd Annual TIVA Peer Awards — look for your chance to vote on your favorite talent soon!

All in all, an impressive array of activities and opportunities for our members. And the year’s not over yet! Check out the special showcase article in this newsletter to see the amazing things TIVA will be up to at The Video Show just next week!