NJ-NY-PA networking

[Jay Rodriguez]

Hey crew, I'm here in NJ wondering why it feels like I'm the only film maker in the state. I know there are at least a dozen of us on this board that live in NJ or close enough to it.

It's nice to have friends and family in our corner but in my experience that has only helped up to a certain point but, with people with the same passion in your corner things are much different and productive creatively and technically.

I say we group up and have a monthly meeting to support each other and stay connected. I will find a location, set a flexible date/time and arrange all of the other necessities to make this happen.

We can go over anything during these meets from camera settings, screen writing, lighting, sound, directing/acting tips.... ANYTHING!

I don't know it all but I do know the best way to learn is by teaching what you already know.

So, who thinks this might be beneficial?

[John C Lyons]

great idea "coffee" and I hope its a success

unfortunately i live on the far side of the state of PA so i will not be able to make the trek.

[Jay Rodriguez]

great idea "coffee" and I hope its a success

unfortunately i live on the far side of the state of PA so i will not be able to make the trek.


Would of been cool to have you come out, how far is Erie from Philly?

[John C Lyons]

:( its like 6-7 hours

[Jay Rodriguez]

:( its like 6-7 hours


Okkaaaaaaaaaayyy well, that's not that bad! LOL, j/k..... :thumbsup:

[blckhawk542]

That's a good idea Coffee.

I'd definitly go. But where thats the thing...theres like no places in Jersey.

btw...about the dolly thing...maybe saturday if i can try..cuz im busy this whole week except that day.

[Jay Rodriguez]

That's a good idea Coffee.

I'd definitly go. But where thats the thing...theres like no places in Jersey.

btw...about the dolly thing...maybe saturday if i can try..cuz im busy this whole week except that day.


Cool, I knew you'd be all for it... :thumbsup:

I have a nice location in Clark, NJ exit 135 Garden State Parkway where a friend owns a nice diner and has a HUGE parking lot in case anyone wants to bring or build a dolly or anything else of size.

Also, I'm really cool with the folks at the Starbucks in Linden on Rt. 1&9 north. There's a huge parking lot there too and it's right off of the NJ Turnpike.

[blckhawk542]

NJ Turnpike is tadddd far. I think the location in Clark is better.

....jus need more people to go now....

CALLING ALL TRI-STATE DVX-MOVIE MAKERS!! FROM PA, NJ, AND NY!! Join the fun!!

[tumbleweed]

I think it's great and ambitious to try to set up a networking group. I am interested - however (isn't there always a however) it all depends on the date and place. I'm in Hoboken.

[Jay Rodriguez]

I think it's great and ambitious to try to set up a networking group. I am interested - however (isn't there always a however) it all depends on the date and place. I'm in Hoboken.


don't worry about that... if the majority of us who want to make this happen are located in the same general area then we'll meet accordingly.

Hey blckhawk542, put this thread as a hyper link into your sig like I did so we can spread the word out better.

[jasonstogz]

Hey Coffee. I live in Manhattan, and my DVX friend lives in Jersey City. We would love to network.

[Jay Rodriguez]

Hey Coffee. I live in Manhattan, and my DVX friend lives in Jersey City. We would love to network.


jasonstogz, EXCELLENT! I'm just waiting for some more people to join in (around 8-10 people) and then I'll get a location and date all set up.

Is your friend a member on this site?

so far we have:

myself - linden/work in J.C.
tumbleweed - hoboken
blckhawk542 - west orange
jasonstogz - manhattan







__

[blckhawk542]

I hope this isnt scheduled sometime in the middle of August...because I wont be in Jersey...im going on a family vacation for 3 weeks......

I leave the end of the first week of August and comeback the last day of August....

[wawacoffee1]

hey I like the idea, I live in wilmington Delaware though

[Jay Rodriguez]

ah even if we had the meet in north NJ it's only an hour away from you..... I go down to the springs in Delaware every summer.....


lol, wawacoffee1..... great name! I love Wawa's coffee

[tucker07205]

I'm all for it.....I'm in Hillside NJ....I know some other people that might be interested....Fill me in on the location. dreamenterprises@comcast.net

[dr_stupid]

Hey - I'm interested! I live in Philly. I don't know about big parking lots and such, but there's obviously a million places we could meet in the city if it's a more convenient location...

[Jay Rodriguez]

List is growing

myself - linden/work in J.C.
tumbleweed - hoboken
blckhawk542 - west orange
jasonstogz - manhattan
wawacoffee1 - Deleware (possible)
tucker07205 - Hillside
dr_stupid - philly

[Jay Rodriguez]

Hey - I'm interested! I live in Philly. I don't know about big parking lots and such, but there's obviously a million places we could meet in the city if it's a more convenient location...

A parking lot isn't required. I've just been to too many car meets where the parking lot is a huge must that's all..... I'm like shell shocked with parking lots! lmao

[rjohnson]

I am in philadelphia and fully support this.
ron johnson
2159892976

[Jay Rodriguez]

Good to have you join in Ron! :thumbsup:


myself - linden/work in J.C.
tumbleweed - hoboken
blckhawk542 - west orange
jasonstogz - manhattan
wawacoffee1 - Deleware (possible)
tucker07205 - Hillside
dr_stupid - philly
rjohnson - philly

[bokser]

I'm on board but where is Clark, NJ exit 135 Garden State Parkway
basiclaly how far is that from brooklyn (where I'm coming from)?

[Chris Messineo]

Coffee,

What is your purpose/goal behind forming this group?

The reason I ask is this, I run a screenwriting group in New Jersey. We have met every month for over 7 years and the group has been a tremendous success. We have an agenda for every meeting and an overall goal for the group.

However, this screenwriting group is my second attempt. My first attempt 10 years ago was a disaster. I had a tremendous desire to be with other screenwriter's but once we got together it was a jumbled mess.

I am also in NJ (New Providence) and while I have my own production company (Off Stage Films) I would be interested in joining a "film group", but my question is why are we getting together? What is the purpose? What is our goal? Is it just to meet some people from DVXUser.com? Or do you intend to flesh some of this stuff out at the first meeting?

I think if you can think some of this stuff out, you will find the group has a much better chance of being a success.

Chris

[Jay Rodriguez]

I'm on board but where is Clark, NJ exit 135 Garden State Parkway
basiclaly how far is that from brooklyn (where I'm coming from)?

We haven't set a location as of yet as I want it to be a fair travel for everyone so by this time next week we should have a good amount of film makers willing to meet up and I'll have a better idea of a "central" location.

myself - linden/work in J.C.
tumbleweed - hoboken
blckhawk542 - west orange
jasonstogz - manhattan
wawacoffee1 - Deleware (possible)
tucker07205 - Hillside
dr_stupid - philly
rjohnson - philly
bokser - brooklyn

[Jay Rodriguez]

CMessineo, I hope you do meet up with us at least for the first meeting as I'm a fan of your work.

Ok, as for the purpose and overall goal of meeting:

The overall purpose is to network film makers together and hopefully develop a supportive local community. Do I have an agenda for the meeting specifically? Not really. I feel that we are all getting together for our own purposes as each will contribute what we are strong in.

It's good to sit down and have overall discussions with people in your craft. I've learned more in a day just by talking with people in that specific area then I have in a year by reading manuals, DIY's or articles. I'd love to hear how another guy built his dolly or what he found to be the best DVX settings under certain lighting conditions or what field mixer and mic he likes best and why.

I'm very new to film making and don't really know anybody in the field so just meeting these guys will be worth while for me. It's great building new relationships and it's even greater to get a call by someone who loves film making and hear: "Hey, I need a DP, gaffer, producer, camera guy or whatever for my short, are you free"?

Will this meet be an on going event? I didn't intend on it being that but if we all show up and hit it off then hell yeah we can meet every month or so.

I think it will be good to do something like this and would certainly be productive overall. :beer:


Hope this answers your questions.

[jasonstogz]

Hey Coffee. My friend is a member of this site as well. Although, I am not sure what his screen name is. I mostly get on the site to check out everyone's clips. It helps me in understanding the full capacity of the dvx. When my friend and I work on projects, we usually find ourselves under-crewed. I would love to network so as to exchange services on each others shoots. I will keep checking in on this thread to see the progress on setting up the meeting.

[bokser]

Yeah I agree with CMessineo that we should have someone planning what will happen at the meetings... so it wont be too disorganized... or we can discuss that in the first meeting...

some ideas...
people can actually give 5-10 minute talks about their projects that they are working on... or actually have comstruction techniques talk about the equiptment they are building...etc...
it would also be nice if besides networking we can shoot some 30 sec or so shorts, and swicth roles each time, like director, DP, grip, etc... even actors...

we can also show footage of each others work and tear into it (jn a nice way of course) with our opinions and what can be improved... and all that jazz...

this may be or seem like too much so let me know what you guys think of those ideas.

Thanks.

[dr_stupid]

Agree that it will be valuable just to meet for fun and comaraderie, but also that the time will be best spent if we come up with some goals and an agenda as well. Especially for those who might have to travel a little ways to get to the "central location."

I think our primary reasons for meeting (other than for shits and giggles) is that we want to learn from each other, and since we are relatively close geographically, we want to know if there are opportunities to pool our resources. Resources being equipment, expertise, or time.

I think a good approach to the first meeting would be to go for a few simple goals:

1) Introductions --
Everyone spend some time talking about who they are, what their background and level of experience is, and what they are currently working on. What are your major needs or problems right now that someone else might be able to help with? What particular skills do you have that might be of value to someone else?

2) Equipment --
It might be nice for everyone to bring and/or describe the major pieces of equipment they own. This would allow us to take a look at any equipment we are interested in or considering purchasing ourselves, and also see if there are any opportunities to pool resources, e.g. "you could use my dolly for that shoot you were talking about if I could borrow your boom pole..." Homemade stuff and work-arounds would also be great to display so we can see how people have accomplished various things on the cheap.

These two simple things will help us get to know each other and see if our group is a good match up of various resources that might allow us all to get some help above and beyond what we already get from this forum.

After that, we could mess around with some shooting and lighting as suggested above, or maybe spend some time showing little clips of stuff that we have made and are either proud of, or could use some suggestions/critique/help with.

What do you think?

[brownhood]

I agree with the Dr.
Coffe good idea.
Has anyone thought about the upcoming Dv expo at the Jacob Javitz Conv. Center, NYC... July, 18,19,20,21 2005.......... I'm sure most of you serious guys are planning to attend... this could be something to "break the ice" if we could figure out how to hook up... I plan to attend on the 19 and 20.... what do you think about it, its 2 days away......... http://www.dvexpo.com/east/
I live in Long Branch and work in Linden, so I'm open to all locations for meetings... I'll be checking in and keep me informed.

Cbrown223@aol.com

[blckhawk542]

Im going sometime this week...i think im going on the 20th. its gonna be maddd funn

[Jay Rodriguez]

The suggestions are excellent and exactly how I envisioned it. I think the "first" meeting would be more of an introduction towards each other, our back grouds, current standings and some what of an inventory run down as we just hang out an have coffee or something. Remember, this is all based on your comfortability. Not everyone is an open book like me... lol

So, after our first meeting I'll take a list to see who's willing to continue a monthly meet. I think we should all work a short project together as well. Working a project will expose each other to new working methods and techniqs. I have a few short stories that I'd be willing to open up to everyone and I'm sure you guys have some ideas as well so let me know how you feel about that or maybe it's just something we can discuss when we all meet up.

I'll have a location all set by next weekend.

[Jay Rodriguez]

myself - linden/work in J.C.
tumbleweed - hoboken
blckhawk542 - west orange
jasonstogz - manhattan
wawacoffee1 - Deleware (possible)
tucker07205 - Hillside
dr_stupid - philly
rjohnson - philly
brownhood - long branch
CMessineo (possible)

[bokser]

myself - linden/work in J.C.
tumbleweed - hoboken
blckhawk542 - west orange
jasonstogz - manhattan
wawacoffee1 - Deleware (possible)
tucker07205 - Hillside
dr_stupid - philly
rjohnson - philly
brownhood - long branch
CMessineo (possible)

and me.

[Romelio]

coffee...I'm also interested. I just got involved in the craft. I got a dvx100a and some gear but I am a newbie. I just moved to bloomfield nj .. near newark. Let me know my email is Romelio@comcast.net
thanks

[dr_stupid]

Just want to add that I am also a newbie - not a pro. I may have some trouble with scheduling, too -- my real job is sometimes highly inflexible. I'd like to make it if I can, though...

[Jay Rodriguez]

myself - linden/work in J.C.
tumbleweed - hoboken
blckhawk542 - west orange
jasonstogz - manhattan
wawacoffee1 - Deleware (possible)
tucker07205 - Hillside
dr_stupid - philly
rjohnson - philly
brownhood - long branch
CMessineo (possible)
bokser - ??
Romelio - bloomfield

[Jay Rodriguez]

lol, sorry bokser


Romelio, just keep an eye on this thread over the next week for any updates.


dr_stupid, I think most of us here are new to things.

[brownhood]

For all of us Newbies the DV expo East(NYC) is a great place to check out gear, software, networking, etc.....
Its this week..... if have the free time, its worth the trip.

[Jay Rodriguez]

For all of us Newbies the DV expo East(NYC) is a great place to check out gear, software, networking, etc.....
Its this week..... if have the free time, its worth the trip.


I'm going to try to make it but my wife is going out of town and guess who's the baby sitter............ ugh............. lol :undecided

[Chris Messineo]

Coffee,

I would love to be part of a NJ Filmmaker's Group.

I'm glad to see there is so much interest for a group in New Jersey.

I have some experience (good and bad) in groups like this and hopefully we can create something powerful and lasting.

I think you should definitely start with a basic meeting for introductions and general conversation.

At that meeting, we can all talk about where we would like to see it go.

Let me know where and when,

Chris

[Jay Rodriguez]

I'll be sure to let everyone know what the date & location will be. I'm looking to have all of the details by te weekend.

[GenJerDan]

'K. Maybe I'll still be in NJ.

Dan

[Jay Rodriguez]

'K. Maybe I'll still be in NJ.

Dan


Dan when are you going back?

[GenJerDan]

The morning of the 1st.

Assuming I haven't gone insane before then. 12 days in NJ...

Middletown, by the way. Well, New Monmouth, actually, but no one would have heard of that except maybe Brownhood.

Dan

[Jay Rodriguez]

Ah yeah I know where that is.... It's about 25 minutes away from me. Yeah man, you should try to make it to our meet. It would be cool to meet up with everyone including you.

Hey are you going to that DVExpo in NYC?

[GenJerDan]

Hey are you going to that DVExpo in NYC?

Nah. Can't. I'm coming in for my Father's 80th... Poor planning on the Expo's part, having it then. :)

Then again, if it was the following week, I'd have to miss it for my 30th HS reunion.

Can't wait to see how old and fat everyone has become. :grin:

Dan

[brownhood]

The morning of the 1st.

Assuming I haven't gone insane before then. 12 days in NJ...

Middletown, by the way. Well, New Monmouth, actually, but no one would have heard of that except maybe Brownhood.

Dan


Yea Dan...... know exactly where you are....lol.. you're right, better off w/ Middletown........
Tues., 7/19 was the only free day I had to attend the DV expo..... I enjoyed myself alot, got to talk w/ alot of vendors... got some ideas rolling in my head. I must say, its a must go for you Apple/FCP5/FCP Studio users out there. Their demos/classes/presentations were top line.. alot to be learned.
I'm an Adobe user myself, I did see one Adobe rep hanging out and we spoke briefly. Panny had a nice setup...., but still had that HVX200 under glass.....

[Chris Messineo]

The expo was excellent.

I loved the back room presentation by Panasonic on the HVX - very cool stuff.

I skipped the Apple booth because I already have the Studio.

Lot's of friendly helpful vendors there. Really a great show.

Chris

[Jay Rodriguez]

oh man, I'm stuck with the kiddies until Saturday night when the wife gets her a$$ back in town..... :angry: I REALLY WANT TO GO! lol

[jasonstogz]

Went to the Expo. It was really great. Coffee, Let me know if you need any general techie extra hand help on set (we all could use that). If the date and timing is right, I may be able to help. This would be a good way to network.

[blckhawk542]

I loved the back room presentation by Panasonic on the HVX - very cool stuff

where were they showing the HVX presentation? I didnt see the presentation anywhere..was it on a special day?

[Jay Rodriguez]

Went to the Expo. It was really great. Coffee, Let me know if you need any general techie extra hand help on set (we all could use that). If the date and timing is right, I may be able to help. This would be a good way to network.


Cool my man, thanks for the offer and believe me I'll let you know when the dates are set. :thumbsup:

[Chris Messineo]

where were they showing the HVX presentation? I didnt see the presentation anywhere..was it on a special day?

They had big signs up and I believe the presentation was every day.

I saw it on Wednesday from 1 to 3. There were about 60 people crammed in the room checking out the presentation.

Chris

[jasonstogz]

Sounds good. I will keep checking in on the thread, Coffee. I went to school for Theatre, so my main background is acting. I have a large pool of actor friends in NYC in case you need. Film production is something I have gotten into in the last couple of years and really enjoy. Talk to you soon.

[Jay Rodriguez]

jasonstogz, sounds good my friend. We'll talk soon!

[Jay Rodriguez]

Hey guys,
Looking to set everything up for Saturday, August 6th @ 12:30 (not set in stone)

I'm really cool with the folks at Starbucks on RT. 1&9 in Linden and they're ok with us crewing up there.

It's VERY easy to get to as the Turnpike & the GSParkway are all within a mile or so from the location.

I hope this works well for everyone so let me know what you think because it's not just my meeting but rather it's all of ours. :cheesy: lol

[Chris Messineo]

It's a little far for me, but I'm game.

Can you post an exact address for that Starbucks when you get a chance?

My writer's group meets from 9 to noon that day so I wouldn't be able to get there until about 1:00.

Looking forward to meeting you all soon,

Chris

[blckhawk542]

NOOOOOOOOOO I LEAVE ON AUGUST 6TH!!! NOOO!!!!!

..ill catch the next one then....

[Jay Rodriguez]

It's a little far for me, but I'm game.

Can you post an exact address for that Starbucks when you get a chance?

My writer's group meets from 9 to noon that day so I wouldn't be able to get there until about 1:00.

Looking forward to meeting you all soon,

Chris


Chris, can I come by to the screen writing meeting? I write as well and would love to come and spend the morning checking it out.

As for the film makers meeting that we're having, we can make it for 1ish. I just threw 12:30 out there as the "initial & flexable" time.

[Jay Rodriguez]

NOOOOOOOOOO I LEAVE ON AUGUST 6TH!!! NOOO!!!!!

..ill catch the next one then....


Where ya going?

[brownhood]

Ahhhh...... Unfortunately, I'll be working, just down Rt 1 & 9 from StarBucks, at the ConocoPhillips Bayway Refinery...... I work every other weekend.

If anything changes let me know........... was looking forward to being there.

[wawacoffee1]

I have a wedding to go to that weekend but i'll definitely try making the next one

[Jay Rodriguez]

myself - linden/work in J.C.
tumbleweed - hoboken
blckhawk542 - west orange
jasonstogz - manhattan
wawacoffee1 - Deleware (possible)
tucker07205 - Hillside
dr_stupid - philly
rjohnson - philly
brownhood - long branch
CMessineo (possible)
bokser - ??
Romelio - bloomfield

Ok so out of the 12 interested the first four who responded says they can't make it so how about we shoot for the weekend after which is the 13th?

[brownhood]

At this time... Aug. 13th works for me

[Jay Rodriguez]

either date works for me so I guess so far that makes two for the 13th.

[PFP_VIDEO]

Hey what's up. I'm in New Jersey ( West Orange ) and I'm glad to see so many fellow users in the area. I think this is a great idea. If im not working that day i'd like to attend to.

[blckhawk542]

West Orange? Where you live close by?

[stevesnj]

I dont have a DVX can i still join in your reindeer games? :grin:

[Jay Rodriguez]

stevesnj & PFP_VIDEO you guys are more then welcomed to come by!

[tankgirl]

haha...this is my first post. I've been signed up here for a couple of months, but I usually just check out what other people are doing.

I love the idea of getting everyone together in the area, but I am totally booked up in August (I have a brother going to college - it's like moving in all over again) Anyway, I don't know if you are keeping a list for next time (hoping that there will be one) but sign me up if there is!

Good Luck!

[PFP_VIDEO]

What's up blckhawk542, I live off Prospect Ave by all those churches and the the golf course. Good to see another West Orange person here. West Orange is the home of Thomas Edison and where he worked on his motion picture cameras. Work permitting Ill attend, it's not to far from here coffee.

[blckhawk542]

West Orange is the home of Thomas Edison and where he worked on his motion picture cameras.


yes yes yes...the museam is pretty interesting..if you went there...ive been livin in this town for 9 years and i went there like 4 months ago...and i always used to pass by it.
The first movie studio too. Just a big black box on wheels with holes in it for lighting and air, and a barn door.

woah..now that i actually think about it...even though i used to think this town was boring...if you think about it...if Edison never worked on the movie cameras....all of this would probably never exist....woahh....thank god for west orange then...

[Jay Rodriguez]

haha...this is my first post. I've been signed up here for a couple of months, but I usually just check out what other people are doing.

I love the idea of getting everyone together in the area, but I am totally booked up in August (I have a brother going to college - it's like moving in all over again) Anyway, I don't know if you are keeping a list for next time (hoping that there will be one) but sign me up if there is!

Good Luck!


I'll keep you posted if and when we have a second meet....

[Jay Rodriguez]

thank god for T. Edison... But I thought he lived in the town Edison? That's why they named the town "Edison".....

[brownhood]

Hmmmmmm........

Wasn't it Menlo Park?

As in "The Wizard of Menlo Park", I believe his home was there where he worked on his various inventions.

[dr_stupid]

Hey, unfortunately I can't do the 6th or the 13th either -- I'll be on vacation. Will try to catch up to the next one if possible, though!

[Jay Rodriguez]

no problem dr....

brownhood, i might hit google later to research it... lol, it's funny... a buddy of mine said Edison lived in newark too... lol

[blckhawk542]

Hmmmmmm........

Wasn't it Menlo Park?

As in "The Wizard of Menlo Park", I believe his home was there where he worked on his various inventions.


Yes your right

He had a few workshops...he did have a workshop in Menlo Park...but then in 1887 he moved to West Orange in a bigger and modern laboratory

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/edhtml/edtime.html

^^Life Timeline^^

[GenJerDan]

But Nixon never lived in Nixon. :)

At least I don't think so.



Dan

[GenJerDan]

But Nixon never lived in Nixon. :)

At least I don't think so.



Dan

[GenJerDan]

But Nixon never lived in Nixon. :)

At least I don't think so.



Dan

[Jay Rodriguez]

Jesus Dan, you have a studdering problem tonight? LOL

3 of the same posts in a row

[GenJerDan]

Plllllpth! The site kept hanging up. I even checked to make sure it *didn't* post before I tried again. Guess they were all stacked up over Manitoba or something.

C*n*d*! What do you expect. :)

Dan

[Romelio]

Came back to check the status of the meeting. Do we have a fixed date and place yet? I'm looking forward for it.

[FlintMI]

I'm in for this meeting as well. Live in the Village.

[blckhawk542]

maaaaaaddd pppl....dammn i wish i could come to this...is there going to be one in september?

[Jay Rodriguez]

The meeting specs are now posted here:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?p=261342#post261342

I really hope everyone can make it. :thumbsup:

[RomanJaquez]

Coffee I would to attend unfortunately I can't make it because I will be shooting a music video the 13th...

Also, I will need some help to ninish a music video in Manhattan, tomorrow Thursday. if you or any body is interested call me ASAP 518.961.2725 or email me at romanjaquez@mac.com

[tucker07205]

Sorry......can't make it......maybe next time

[Romelio]

So when is the date, time and place that has been decided on? I just logged back in.
I'm looking forward to meeting some of you guys.

[Jay Rodriguez]

So when is the date, time and place that has been decided on? I just logged back in.
I'm looking forward to meeting some of you guys.

The meeting specs are now posted here:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=31177