“The Magic of Movie Making” event will feature a live film shoot, silent auction and dance party
Pittsfield, Mass.— Berkshire Film and Media Commission’s (BFMC’s) first Gala benefit will be held Saturday, November 6, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight at the Masonic Temple, 116 South Street, Pittsfield. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the Berkshire film community and to experience the magic of movie making during a live film shoot that will be held at the event. Technical direction for the live shoot will be provided by visual effects pioneer and director Douglas Trumbull (2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Blade Runner, Silent Running and Brainstorm).
BFMC’s Executive Director Diane Pearlman says, “We are very excited about our first Gala. Since the organization’s goal is to bring film productions to the region, we thought it would be unique to have guests observe a live film shoot or even participate if they wish. It should be an exciting evening!”
The Berkshire Film and Media Commission is a non-profit organization established in 2009 by film and media professionals to promote and facilitate filmmaking and new media opportunities in Berkshire County. By organizing and marketing area resources, locations and talent, BFMC works to bring film, television and new media productions to the Berkshires as an economic initiative for the region. Film productions provide significant economic benefits to an area. A large proportion of spending is centered near production locations and can represent major sources of revenue for local merchants. Film production benefits many types of businesses in a community, Pearlman notes, including hotels, inns, restaurants, caterers, gas stations, car rental companies, building rentals, building supply stores, hardware stores, security firms, clothing stores, ambulances and paramedics, and antiques stores to name a few. Studies show that tourism increases in areas where films are shot.
In addition to the film shoot, BFMC’s “The Magic of Movie Making” Gala on November 6 will feature a lively dance party and an exciting silent auction with items from Berkshire celebrities such as Karen Allen, Elizabeth Banks, Frank Miller and James Taylor. The event includes a raffle with objects and services valued at over $10,000, donated by more than 70 Berkshire County businesses. Bountiful hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and delectable desserts will be served. Festive attire is suggested. Parking for “The Magic of Movie Making” event will be available behind the Masonic Temple on South Street. Additional parking will be offered at TD Bank, 99 West Street, where limousine service will be provided from TD Bank’s parking lot to the party. Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased online at www.berkshirefilm.com, by sending a check to BFMC, P.O. Box 323, Great Barrington, MA 01230, or by placing a credit card phone order with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation at 413.229.0370.
“We’re so grateful to the many Berkshire businesses and individuals who have contributed to our raffle and silent auction,” says Pearlman. “The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. I think people realize that by bringing film, television and commercial production to our area, local businesses and individuals will see immediate benefits.”
Pearlman adds, “As a non-profit, BFMC relies on contributions from Berkshire residents and local businesses. By supporting the BFMC as a sponsor or donor, area businesses are supporting the economic future of the region because film productions will help local merchants. According to the Massachusetts Film Office, every dollar of direct spending by the film industry creates $1.50 to $2.00 of indirect spending on businesses where the movie is shot. Our mission is to bring some of that spending and creative enterprise to Western Massachusetts.”
BFMC’s Board of Directors are William Beautyman (Chair), Jenny O’Haver (Vice Chair), Ronald Frohne (Treasurer), Jayne Atkinson, Michael Gill, Lauri Klefos, Jeff Kleiser, George Minkoff, Barbara Newman, Mark Rhodes, Carl Sprague, Douglas Trumbull and Kelly Vickery. BFMC’s Board of Advisors members are Karen Allen, Elizabeth Banks, Nan Bernstein, Joe Cacaci, Tim Lovett, Sandra Thomas, John Toole and John Whalan. BFMC’s Gala Committee includes Holly Joyce (Chair), William Beautyman, Joseph Finnegan, Ronald Frohne, Debbie Francis, Susan Geller, Barbara Newman, Nanci McConnell, Andy Reynolds, Mark Rhodes and Douglas Trumbull.
The Berkshire Film and Media Commission is a fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.
For more information about the Berkshire Film and Media Commission visit www.berkshirefilm.com, e-mail info@berkshirefilm.com or call 413.528.4223.