I’m gearing up for one of my favorite work events of the year, IFP’s Independent Film Week. This time, however, I’ll be wearing two hats: as Arts Engine’s Filmmaker Services Manager, I’ll be attending the filmmaker presentations featured in the “Spotlight on Docs” section. Here, I catch a glimpse of what’s coming down the doc pipeline and get to scout potential projects for the monthly screening series I program, DocuClub. Every month, audiences gather to watch the rough cut of a documentary and offer thoughtful feedback for the filmmaker on the cut. The post-screening discussion is facilitated by an experienced and knowledgeable moderator. It is through “Spotlight on Docs” that I met Judy Lieff, whose Deaf Jam we work-shopped last May (moderated by the immensely talented director and producer Doug Block). This year once again I’ll be on the lookout for exciting films for DocuClub.

In addition, I’m also attending IFP to represent Damelo Todo, my debut as a producer on a feature-length documentary. Our production team had previously benefited from IFP’s guidance when we participated in its Rough Cut Lab last April. Film Week, in turn, will further assist us in bringing the film to fruition.

Although I have acquired a lot of experience with dealing with filmmakers who are going through the process of getting their films completed (via the aforementioned DocuClub, and also through fiscal sponsorship, the other program I manage at Arts Engine), it is quite new to me to see what it’s like to be on the other side of filmmaking. In other words, it’s both exciting and terrifying to meet with producers and broadcasters and find the common ground that will help to get our film made and distributed. The next few days will be challenging — not to mention exhausting — but I hope the insight I acquire is both interesting and helpful to everyone who reads my posts.