Among the many benefits for MFVA members (and my personal favorite) are the regular meetings for our members.  Meetings take place in towns from Camden to Portland, from Lewiston to Bangor and are structured in a variety of formats.  Many are set up as forum-style meetings, with specific topics presented by a panel of experts. Sometimes we meet for film screenings with live music.  All meetings include time to meet with colleagues over food and drinks.

As a member, I have been a fortunate recipient of the regular roster of MFVA meetings throughout the years.  I’ve learned about animation with Sputnik Animation, lighting and camera techniques with Rob Draper (“Spitfire Grill), script writing with Jay Cox (“Gangs of New York”).  I’ve listened in on panels with producers, project developers and CEOs of broadcast companies.  I’ve learned: where to get the funds, who can help make my project great, and how to market it. It’s hard not to leave a meeting feeling invigorated about your next project , usually with a pocket full of new business cards!

Here in Maine, one factor has greatly enhanced our ability to hold top-notch meetings; we can boast several first rate film festivals and an internationally respected Film and Television school.  MFVA benefits greatly from the support these organizations provide.  Many of our meetings have been held at these facilities and we’ve been able to enlist teaching staff and visiting lecturers as well as utilize resources like screening facilities, classrooms and equipment. 

One of the greatest benefits of the meetings is the opportunity to chat, network and simply schmooze!  At every meeting I spot many familiar faces and see an equal number of new ones.  At some of the first meetings I attended, MFVA board members made sure that I got introduced to new people.  Now, as a board member myself, I truly relish the chance to do the same!

While meetings have been a mainstay of MFVA for many years now, there’s one new facet, which I hope will greatly enhance the scope of our meetings.  Our new website here offers a member forum dedicated specifically to post meeting discussions.  Members now can share ideas, ask questions and continue dialog which began at the meetings.  I’ll be asking our panelists to periodically check in and field any questions directed at them.  Simply go to our Community Page and click on “MFVA meetings”.  You can read about the last four meetings we’ve held and see for yourself the amazing variety of venues, panelists and entertainment!

Thanks so much for your support!  Please remember that your membership is one of the best ways to ensure the ongoing success of our great meetings!