Oregon Media Production Association (OMPA)

01/31/2024

Hello! We are excited to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 TAO Oregon Technology Awards. TAO invites you to put forward your company or any outstanding company in the Oregon or SW Washington region.
Nomination Deadline: March 7th, 2024
What’s New: To streamline the process, we’ve introduced a Google form for nominations. Each nomination will be meticulously reviewed by our dedicated committee. Gain insight into the questions by visiting the Nomination Form (link in the OMPA Instagram bio).
Don’t miss the chance to showcase excellence in technology—nominate today!
Award Information
This coming May, our community will gather to recognize 8 companies for their accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to the industry and community. We will also honor a Student of the Year and 3 Teachers in the Portland Metro Area.”

Visit for more info!

01/31/2024

Music Video Month presents “Winter Sessions” at Lovely Rita in The Hoxton this January and February. Live music and curated experiences brought to you by Vision Studios and Black Bulb Magazine heating up the winter months with specialty cocktails from Dregs Vodka and a killer lineup on Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm.

1/31/24 - Onry with opening DJ set by Laylow
2/7/24 - Rain Ezra opening for Neboo with Northern Draw on the decks

A part of MusicOregon’s Music Video Month, with support from Oregon Film and Barefoot sound, this is the mid-week energy you don’t wanna miss!

01/25/2024

The need to support Portland’s film production and media industry is paramount. Portland is often a sought-after location for commercial shoots because of its proximity to Los Angeles, its quick access to coastal and forest terrain, and its streamlined permitting systems.

The film production and media industry has brought almost  $700 million into the local economy over the past five years and further solidified Portland’s reputation as one of the top locations to produce movies, TV shows, and commercials.

“I’m grateful the City recognizes the value of our local film industry and is taking steps to support us in a very challenging year,” said Mike Neal, local film worker and co-chair of the Oregon Media Production Association’s advocacy committee. “Commercials and other short-form productions have helped keep our crews and local businesses afloat during the ongoing strikes in Hollywood. The City’s resolution to subsidize permit fees for commercial shoots will help local producers while also boosting Portland’s image as a film-friendly city and commercial production hub.”

This announcement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Commissioners Rubio and Ryan, the Oregon Media Production Association, Oregon Film, and the Portland Events and Film Office at Prosper Portland.

01/23/2024

Music Video Month presents “Winter Sessions” at Lovely Rita in The Hoxton this January and February. Live music and curated experiences brought to you by Vision Studios and Black Bulb Magazine heating up the winter months with specialty cocktails from Dregs Vodka and a killer lineup on Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm.

1/24/24 - Izzy Baba Melo with opening sets and percussions by Floyd Vader and Cee White
1/31/24 - Onry with opening DJ set by Laylow
2/7/24 - Rain Ezra opening for Neboo with Northern Draw on the decks

A part of MusicOregon’s Music Video Month, with support from Oregon Film and Barefoot sound, this is the mid-week energy you don’t wanna miss!

01/18/2024

Permit fee subsidies EXTENDED!! 🎉 The need to support Portland's film production and media industry is paramount. Portland is often a sought-after location for commercial shoots because of its proximity to Los Angeles, its quick access to coastal and forest terrain, and its streamlined permitting systems.

The film production and media industry has brought almost $700 million into the local economy over the past five years and further solidified Portland’s reputation as one of the top locations to produce movies, TV shows, and commercials.

“I’m grateful the City recognizes the value of our local film industry and is taking steps to support us in a very challenging year,” said Mike Neal, local film worker and co-chair of OMPA’s advocacy committee. “Commercials and other short-form productions have helped keep our crews and local businesses afloat during the ongoing strikes in Hollywood. The City’s resolution to subsidize permit fees for commercial shoots will help local producers while also boosting Portland’s image as a film-friendly city and commercial production hub.”

This announcement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Commissioners Rubio and Ryan, OMPA, Oregon Film, and the Portland Events and Film at Prosper Portland.

01/12/2024

Wheretheq***rs Grow are calling for submissions from QTBIPOC and or LGBTQIA2S artists/filmmakers local to the PNW! The "Where the Qu**rs Grow" Film and Arts Festival is a celebration of q***r voices, creativity, and diversity. Their festival aims to provide a platform for Q***r artists, filmmakers, and performers to share their stories, challenge norms, and foster a greater sense of community. Submission deadline is January 31st, 2024 (https://forms.gle/JPYFPrNChEoofqwM6)!

12/06/2023

The OMPA Advocacy Committee in conjunction with the City of Portland and Prosper Portland are proud to share an incentive for commercial work in the City of Portland.
As members of the local film community we are aware of how the strikes are impacting the local industry and we are continuing to work on ways to help through government and other avenues. This success while not a solve is a step in the right direction.
Special thanks to Commissioner Rubio, Commissioner Ryan and Elyse in the Portland film office for their support and guidance.

Link in bio to access the full article and read more now!

12/02/2023

Applications are now open for Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission's $2,000,000 grant! The grant program supports local entities in producing video content to be shared on the community media center channels to support project-related goals and objectives.

Pre applications close December 5th! Learn about eligibility and how to apply at www.mhcrc.org/community-grants/apply/

11/17/2023

Join PATHWAYS x Creatives of Color Oregon (COCO) for a speed-networking event at Lights, Camera Connection hosted by Open Signal: Portland Community Media Center! Mentorship sessions are held 1-3pm and are a fun, fast-paced and exciting way to meet the community, connect with future mentors, and meet industry leaders in a safe and supportive environment! The event is a femme & non-binary centered networking affair. All are welcome and PATHWAYS and COCO participants will be given scholarships to join in, network and celebrate! Supported by OMPA, Oregon Film, Outside the Frame, and Project Management Gs.

Doors open at 11am. There will be giveaways, a waffle bar, and production activities throughout the day.

Open Signal (2766 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212)

Learn more and RSVP at https://www.opensignalpdx.org/calendar/event/8457

11/17/2023

OMPA is excited to offer Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training to members of our community. While we continue to do our own work behind the scenes, we also want to help cultivate a more inclusive and equitable work environment across Oregon’s media productions. We firmly believe that every individual, regardless of their position, plays a vital role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for people from diverse backgrounds. In this training session, Cinthia Manuel from Autentica Consulting, you’ll delve into ‘Inclusivity Behind the Scenes’ and explore social identities, power dynamics, privilege, and explore the presence of White Supremacy in the media industry. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas and tools to carry forward in your work and your role. All are welcome! Please join us on November 30th from 2-5pm. Register link in our IG bio. This training is funded in part by Oregon Film.

11/06/2023

Thanks to all who attended our recent event AI For Creatives and Businesses moderated by Nisha Burton. The event showcased AI’s potential to enhance creative work and strengthen business processes. Our panel of industry leaders, AI specialists, and creative professionals highlighted AI’s applications in filmmaking, visual effects, animation, and more. Attendees gained insights into the latest advancements and discovered innovative tools and resources to push the boundaries of their craft and embrace the future of storytelling in the age of AI. See the recap video and a list of AI Tools on our website’s Recourses tab (link in bio)! Thanks for hosting us!

Thank you to our awesome panelists:
- Tyesha Snow, VP of Product at WellSaid Labs
- Em Ivers, Microsoft’s Physical Operations Studios
- Jim Geduldick, Virtual Production, Visual Effects Supervisor, and Cinematographer
- Brady Benware, Co-founder of GPT Now

We also extend our gratitude to 52 Limited and TAO, for partnering with us. Enjoy!

11/03/2023

The OMPA Advocacy Committee, in conjunction with the City of Portland and Prosper Portland, is proud to share that effective immediately through the end of the year, the City is waiving permit fees for commercial production shoots.

As members of the local film community, we are aware of the impacts of the Hollywood strikes, and continue to work on ways to help, through government advocacy and other avenues. The City’s resolution, while not a solve, is a commendable incentive and notable boost for our industry in a time of need.

Special thanks to Commissioner Rubio, Commissioner Ryan and Elyse in the Portland Events and Film Office for their support and guidance.

11/01/2023

OMPA's Executive Director from 2000-2008 Dona Jennison recently passed away. She led our organization with a kind spirit and steady head for nearly a decade and is remembered fondly by many in the industry. You can see sentiments shared from the community in her retirement video [https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/NDvZJqoELG/fi-125f79e8-b207-439e-bbb1-903ae4b3f763/fv-69f6c10b-273b-4c8e-996d-d6dbdd561a9e/Dona%20Video.mov] If you would like to celebrate her remarkable life, you are invited to a memorial service and reception Saturday 11/11/2023 at 1:00pm at Sunnyside Church in Clackamas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gales Creek Children’s Diabetic Camp or Clipped Wings in memory of Dona Jennison. Checks should be made out to Clipped Wings and a notation that money should go to Special Olympics Parent Grant Fund.

10/31/2023

Check out "Black Sheep", a music video produced, directed and edited by OMPA member Matt Hemmerich for their band, Phosphene, a shoegaze, dream pop outfit residing in Portland, OR. It’s a song called “Black Sheep” from their new album, Transmute, that released on September 15th.

Inspired by psychological horror and The X-Files, they took advantage of the dense and moody Oregon coast to capture the ominous nature of this song. And with just three days to shoot, they filmed at Cape Meares and Tunnel Beach in Tillamook County, while capturing their studio performance at Picture This in Portland, OR. Their aim was to create a timeless and cinematic atmosphere, so everything from the black and white grading and wardrobe to the frame rate and practical effects was intentional.

Phosphene presents “Black Sheep,” the new single from their forthcoming album, Transmute, out September 15th.Stream/Buy: https://phosphenepdx.bandcamp.com/al...

10/31/2023

Lights, Camera, Connection is a femme & non-binary centered networking affair. All are welcome to attend to support Open Signal: Portland Community Media Center’s efforts to advance gender equity in film and video media arts and celebrate the community. Register today at https://community.opensignalpdx.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=2581

10/27/2023

The annual Women In Film Portland holiday party is back! Friday, November 10th from 7-9pm at Only Today Studio 🎉 Pre-registration required, RSVP at https://wifpdx.wildapricot.org/event-5458321
WIF members enter for FREE!
Register and attend as a nonmember for $20 and receive a code to get an annual membership for 50% off!
Their annual holiday event is a festive occasion to mix and mingle with a wider creative community & celebrate the 2023 Vision Grant Recipient. Enjoy tasty noshes from Charcuterie Me, a signature beverage, desserts, strike a pose with a Ready Set Pose photo booth, and you might even win big in their silent auction fundraiser!
They'll also be unveiling our first-ever merch line with t-shirts and tote bags for sale!
So much to celebrate this year! Reserve your ticket now, space is limited.

10/06/2023

There's still time to apply for a $10k production grant! Deadline is Monday, October 9. In partnership with , the is excited to offer a new grant opportunity created to amplify previously unheard stories of Portlanders.

The Amplify Portland: Local Filmmakers Production Grant aims to create opportunity for filmmakers utilizing local talent, crew and vendors during production.

Our focus is on the professional development of the local industry and bringing exposure to Portland via its presence on screen.

Grant funds are intended for Portland-based independent film productions to support and offset the cost of the production process. The funding is designed to support the production
phase of local films including features, shorts, animations, documentary and narratives.

Three grants of $10,000 each will be awarded.

portlandfilmoffice.com/amplify-portland-grant

09/25/2023

A 2023 Oregon filmmaker survey found that 1 in 3 respondents have either witnessed or experienced something non-consensual on professional film sets. And if they said something it was not addressed.

When harassment happens at work, people are almost always around–and if they aren’t around, they can be quickly summoned to show up. Join us for a free online training to learn how to safely and effectively intervene when you witness workplace harassment.

RSVP to receive the Zoom link in our bio!

This event is made possible through support from the Portland Events and Film Office and the Oregon Film & Video Office.

09/21/2023

SEEKING VIDEOGRAPHER for TONIGHT’S EVENT! As AI takes center stage in our industry with writers and actors taking a stand for creative control, consent, and fair compensation, OMPA is acutely aware that the resulting strike is having a significant impact on many of our members who are typically hired on these struck projects. We see that this moment presents an invaluable opportunity to engage in a thoughtful dialogue - exploring the challenges, opportunities and considerations that AI presents - so that we are better equipped to conscientiously navigate the path forward with this new technology. Although our event is sold out, we'd like to share a recording with those who cannot attend in person. If you'd like to provide videography services in exchange for access to the event and a modest stipend, please reach out to [email protected].

09/20/2023

💻 Introducing AI Panelist for tomorrow’s event:

JIM GEDULDICK

Jim Geduldick, a Virtual Production, Visual Effects Supervisor and Cinematographer inspired by the power of emerging technologies for creatives and storytelling brings a career of pushing the boundaries of marrying technology and creative solutions. He has worked across film, TV, broadcast, experiential, music videos and action sports films. Working alongside teams of engineers, designers, CG artists, animators and fellow cinematographer to inspire new uses of emerging technology and methodologies for projects across industries.

He has been able to be a industry leader in virtual production, visual effects, volumetric capture and realtime workflows. He has been working with in recent years implementing tools in AI and machine learning across various projects across industries.
With his varied background in traditional production, visual effects and realtime he has been able to collaborate on award-winning projects for Disney, Amazon, Sony, Redbull, Epic Games and many others.

OMPA.org/events to RSVP now!

09/19/2023

Meet our AI Event Panelists!
OMPA.org/events to register now! 💻

EM IVERS
Over the past 17 years, she's shaped emerging tech at Intel, Nike, and Adidas as an interaction designer, specializing in spatial and ubiquitous computing. She's a design lead driving product and UX strategy, experimenting with cutting-edge tech like mixed reality and computer vision. Em's focus? Unrelenting curiosity and a deep sense of responsibility for creating tech that betters the world.
Em is currently at Microsoft's Physical Operations Studios, blending mixed reality, connected spaces, and more to empower people with spatially-aware tools and data. Recently, she designed conversational AI experiences (even some quirky bots) and the tools behind them. Catch her discussing UX for XR, innovation strategy, and design ethics at workshops and talks. (Yep, we talk design ethics in all of them).

BRADY BENWARE
Brady, a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader, is passionate about harnessing AI's creative potential for business growth by automating routine tasks. Co-founder of GPT Now, he guides businesses in leveraging AI's transformative power. Brady's expertise spans diverse industries like commercial insurance, property management, and beverages.
With over two decades of experience, Brady excelled as a Vice President at Siemens, overseeing a 9-figure B2B SaaS unit in semiconductors. As an entrepreneur, he co-founded an app helping a million people eliminate debt. Brady, holding a PhD in electrical engineering, authored 60+ peer-reviewed papers and holds 16 patents, with a focus on AI/ML applications.
Brady believes in tailoring AI to fit businesses, a philosophy at the heart of GPT Now's mission: AI should serve businesses, not the other way around.

09/19/2023

Meet our upcoming AI Event Panelists: NISHA BURTON 🎉

With a decade of leadership experience as the founder and Chief Creative Officer of an XR creative agency, Nisha is deeply passionate about emerging technologies, including AI. Her extensive skill set in Creative Direction spans from award-winning films to transmedia marketing campaigns and immersive VR/AR experiences for industries like real estate, healthcare, and education. Notably, Nisha has collaborated with top companies such as Nike, Goodwill, and MTV. She also co-founded and managed 'Design Reality,' a leading tech event series in the Pacific Northwest, growing its membership from a few hundred to over 5,000. With a track record of hosting and speaking at these events, drawing 160-220 XR professionals monthly, Nisha is a recognized figure in the industry. Drawing from 14 years of filmmaking experience, she's committed to educating fellow filmmakers and creatives on the seamless integration of emerging technologies, particularly AI/VR/AR, into their projects and workflows.

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TYESHA SNOW
Tyesha is an accomplished product, design, and strategy leader with over 20 years of experience delivering exceptional digital products. She is currently VP, Product at WellSaid Labs, the world's premier AI text-to-speech provider. Before WellSaid she was a Managing Director at the award-winning product design firm Work & Co. Tyesha has worked with early-stage companies to find product market fit and grow their teams, and with large brands on their core product offerings. She brings a wealth of knowledge from the design, product, and now machine learning worlds.

OMPA.org/events to register NOW! Spread the word 😎

Stay tuned for more panelist information throughout the week leading up to this amazing event!





experience.pdx

09/15/2023

Join us for an exciting event around how AI can enhance your creative work and strengthen your business processes. Our panel will feature industry leaders, AI specialists, and creative professionals who will highlight the potential of AI in various creative fields, including filmmaking, visual effects, animation, and more. Gain insights into the latest advancements and how they can be leveraged to amplify your creative and business output. Discover innovative techniques, tools, and resources that can empower you to push the boundaries of your craft and embrace the future of storytelling in the age of AI. Get your burning questions answered and gain a deeper understanding of how AI is transforming the creative landscape.

We will also provide time for networking and a chance for you to connect with fellow creative workers, filmmakers, AI enthusiasts, and industry experts. Come exchange ideas and tap into a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about leveraging AI in the creative realm.

Date: Thurs, Sept 21 from ~5-7pm
Location: TBD
Organizations: TAO, OMPA, 52 Limited

Panelists:
TYESHA SNOW - VP, Product at WellSaid Labs
EM IVERS - Microsoft's Physical Operations Studios
JIM GEDULDICK - Virtual Production, Visual Effects Supervisor and Cinematographer
BRADY BENWARE - Co-founder of GPT Now

RSVP at:
ompa.org/events

09/14/2023

Just a reminder that the Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF) annual tax credit auction will take place starting at 9a on Monday, September 18, 2023 and run for 5 days until 5p on Friday, September 22, 2022.

$20M of Oregon state tax credits will be available to purchase in $500 increments by auction at a minimum bid of 90% of face value. This means you can purchase a $50,000 Oregon state tax credit at auction for as little as $45,000. This is a great way to pre-pay your state taxes at a discount and direct your tax dollars to an industry that provides jobs, small business growth and ongoing marketing value for the state. Find out more about the auction, its mechanics and benefits at the link in OMPA’S bio!

Most recently this program has helped provide jobs, spending and international audiences for the state of Oregon by hosting Guillermo del Toro's Oscar winning animated film "Pinocchio" and the sci-fi feature "65" starring Adam Driver which spent almost $500k in hotel and accommodation costs on the Southern Oregon Coast. These projects bring new talent to the state to utilize our crews, locations and businesses and to celebrate Oregon's long history of storytellers.

Please share the link to the Tax Auction Newsletter with friends, clients or colleagues who may be interested: https://bit.ly/3jjWEs1. This will keep them in the loop on all the messaging being sent out about this program.

Thank you for your support.

Tim Williams
Executive Director - 971 254 4021
[email protected]

09/14/2023

Students, have you heard of Franklin Film School? They are located within Portland Public Schools. One of their missions is to connect students with paid and unpaid opportunities within the local film/media/commercial world in Portland!

Learn more below.

Franklin Film School is a four year program within the Career Technology Education programming at Franklin High School in Portland, OR. Franklin students have an opportunity to study filmmaking using state of art, industry standard equipment.

09/07/2023

TONIGHT!! 🎞️✨Meet: Kamryn Fall - Dearest Eva EP. 1

Kamryn Fall (she/her) is a filmmaker, director, and dancer. She works with theaters, musicians, and artists to explore the ways art and technology support each other. She produced and directed the one act Most Massive Woman Wins in March of 2019. In 2020 she created a series of music videos for Kingsley's upcoming album to highlight Black joy and magic. Previously, Kamryn completed a fellowship in the pilot year of Open Signal's Black Filmmakers Initiative. She recently completed post-production for the limited series Dearest Eva, a project of love that highlights Black joy and tells an un-historical story of Victorian romance. This project was a Kryptic Films LLC production, which Kamryn founded as a director and editor, for the purpose of community centered art.

Synopsis about film:
The objective of Dearest Eva is to create a timeline in an alternate world, without slavery, gender oppression and land theft so that we can see how Black and brown folks would have lived in this Victorian aesthetic and what that looks like. By removing the historical machinations of colonization we allow the tension to grow from the drama of a typical dysfunctional family. In this way BIPOC folks can experience the joy and heartbreak of human life that is so often told only from a white lens.

09/07/2023

TONIGHT!! ✨🎟️ Meet: Monty Wolfe - Look up!

Growing up gay in rural Louisiana, Monty Wolfe found kinship and connection through cinema, but it wasn't until he moved to Portland that he was able to meet like-minded filmmakers and begin his journey of cinematic discovery. Monty graduated with a BA in Film from Portland State University School of Film in 2020. He has 4 award-winning narrative shorts and a prize-winning screenplay under his belt, and recently completed his first feature film with his long-time collaborator, Ian Southworth. 

FILM SYNOPSIS: In this existential comedy, a misanthropic teenager manipulates those around him in search of attention and affection.

09/07/2023

TONIGHT!! 🎟️ Meet: Emma Duvall - Julia

Emma Duvall is a Portland based Korean-American filmmaker and actor. At the end of 2020, Emma was awarded the Tell Your Story Grant from Oregon Made Creative Foundation, Oregon Film, and the RACC for BIPOC filmmakers. She later received BendFilm’s BIPOC Women Production Grant in 2021, which she live pitched for at BendFilm’s 18th annual festival. Both grants supported the completion of her debut short film, Julia - a story based on her mother’s experience growing up in a South Korean orphanage. Julia went on to premiere at BendFilm Festival, and has been dubbed a “galvanizing fact-based gem” by rogerebert.com. Julia most recently screened at Hollyshorts Film Festival last August.

09/07/2023

TONIGHT! 🎞️ Meet: Cristian Paluso - Faye: An Interlude

Cristian Paluso is a writer and filmmaker who has built a resume of feature screenplays, pilots, shorts, music videos, and documentaries. Cristian got a foot in the door through background acting and production assistant work and has since evolved into an independent filmmaker with the help of the Portland film community.