Every independent producer, whether shooting a film or a client video asks the question: studio or location? The MCAI April 2011 meeting presents a very special panel of production experts to lay out the pros and cons of each. You'll appreciate their insights and enjoy their stories.

We’ll be meeting at Orange County’s largest studio with standing sets, The Silver Dream Factory.  You’ll get a studio tour of the Hospital, Police Station and Airplane Cabin sets (see separate article in this month’s Blast) as well as an informative discussion with our expert guest speakers about the advantages and disadvantages of shooting in a controlled studio or braving the vagaries of a location shoot.

Heading the panel is the owner/founder of Silver Dream Factory, producer Roland Canamar. Lest you think he has an axe to grind (or a studio to rent) you should know that Roland still shoots on location whenever it’s appropriate.

Roland will be joined by Michael A. Soto who has years of multi-camera television, field and stage production experience both as producer and Production Manager. Currently he is the producer of  the series, “Criss Angel Mindfreak,” an award winning entertainment series on A&E. He also developed and produced “Deception with Keith Barry” for Reckognition / Discovery and created/produced “House of Cards” on Tru TV. Michael has also been UPM on  “Hanna Montana” and  “Judge Judy.” You won’t want to miss this meeting!

Also on the panel is Actress-Producer-Director Renee O’Conner. Renee knows more than most about the difference between studio and location production—both before and behind the camera—from he time on the hit syndicated series Xena, shot in New Zealand. She played Gabrielle and also directed a few episodes. (For more on Renee see the adjacent article)

Roland Cañamar is an award-winning Producer/Director who has been involved in the film and television industry for over 20 years. He started shooting 8mm films at the age of 12 years old. This is how he discovered his passion and currently directs, produces and works as a director of photography anywhere from nationwide commercials to feature length films. Roland also heads up one Orange County's largest motion picture facility inside the 30 mile studio zone, Silver Dream Factory.

Don't Miss This Meeting! As Always, bring a friend and plenty of business cards, headshots, etc. Come early for Networking and food.

EVENT: LA/OC Chapter of MCAI – Monthly Meeting

DATE: Wednesday April 20th, 2011

TIME: 6:15 Social Networking over light food and refreshments. Program begins at 7:00

LOCATION: SILVER DREAM FACTORY
1181 N. Knollwood Cir.
Anaheim CA 92803
(714)836-1853

COST: Non-MCAI Members pay $17 at the door or $12 if prepaid via PayPal at the OC New Media Meetup Group http://www.newmedia.meetup.com/82/
Students with ID and MCAI Members pay $5. Please pre-register if you are coming!

DIRECTIONS:
From The SOUTH: Take I-5 North to Anaheim. Exit at MAGNOLIA AVE (EXIT 114), toward CA-91 E. Turn RIGHT onto MAGNOLIA AVE. (If you are on BUCKINGHAM ST and reach N BUCKINGHAM ST you've gone about 0.1 miles too far) Turn RIGHT onto W. WOODLAND DR. Take the 1st RIGHT onto N KNOLLWOOD CIR. Silver Dream Factory will be on your left.

From The NORTH:Take I-5 South to Anaheim. Exit MAGNOLIA AVE exit, (EXIT 114A). Turn RIGHT onto MAGNOLIA AVE. Turn RIGHT onto W WOODLAND DR. Take the 1st RIGHT onto N KNOLLWOOD CIR. Silver Dream Factory will be on your left.