What did you do before your involvement with the MFC?
After college, where I studied screenwriting and Jungian film analysis, I moved to Maine and got a job at WGME, Channel 13, as a Broadcast Technician. Over the past six years I've been an audio tech, studio camera operator, master control operator, and anything else that was needed. In my spare time, I kept writing and became active in the local community.
A few years ago I became involved with the Maine Green Independent Party, one of the largest state Green parties in the nation, with over 33,000 registered voters. I currently serve as the state party Treasurer, and I recently ran for School Committee in Portland. Local politics has been my way to stay involved with the community and promote progressive values such as community-based economics, sustainability and social justice.
What does the Executive Director do for the MFC?
As Executive Director, I manage the day-to-day the details of running a nonprofit corporation, develop member benefits, and reach out to other organizations in the community to foster relationships that strengthen our own organization. I am currently developing a relationship with Hour Exchange Portland to expand our Talent Exchange/Time Bank. Soon the hours collected by our members while working on film and other projects within the Collaborative can be traded for just about any service you can think of--health care, auto maintenance, singing lessons... you name it, you can probably find an Hour Exchange member that offers it. I am also working on setting up a group health insurance plan for members. It is an exciting job that brings opportunities to meet new people, learn about my community, and develop benefits for all the great members of the Collaborative.
What do you see in the future of the MFC?
I've been involved with the Collaborative from day one and still believe the initial dream holds true. We are creating a collaboration between filmmakers and artists from all mediums that will develop a film industry that is of Maine, by Maine, and for the world. Because of the talent that we will help foster, filmmakers from around the world will be excited to shoot here, because they will know that Maine not only has the beautiful landscape that already attracts large film projects, but also has the talent, locally, to pull off the project--no matter how daring. This in return will bring economic benefits to the whole state. I believe that the creative economy is the key to creating diverse employment opportunities in eco-friendly, sustainable, and culturally stimulating industries.
Any other message you'd like to share with members?
Stop by the Studios. Let us know how we can help you. What benefits do you need? We can only be as great as our members. You make everything possible. So stay active and involved, and don't be afraid to hold my feet to the fire. I want to serve you, and make your experience as a Collaborative member as rewarding as possible.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
