It all started as a sidewalk conversation on 4th Street last November. Laura Morton was walking down the sidewalk outside of Spalding University, where she was (and still is) a screenwriting student in the brief-residency MFA in Writing program. Blair Mackenzie, who had just graduated from the Spalding MFA program, also in screenwriting, was getting into her car when she saw Morton and called her over. The two writers discussed frustrations with the local film business and started hatching an idea that they continued discussing over lunches for the next nine months.
Both Mackenzie and Morton want to see national filmmakers choose to make films in Kentucky. They also want to see local film professionals hired to work on Kentucky films. To accomplish these dreams, the two women created FLIK – Film Live in Kentucky.
Morton has an extensive background in film production, having worked recently on the local films “2nd Serve” and “Land of Tomorrow.” Mackenzie, a writing instructor at Galen College of Nursing, holds an MBA with a concentration in marketing in addition to her MFA. The two women believe that their filmmaking and business expertise can combine to offer staffing, employment, and networking resources for local filmmakers. These are lofty goals for a niche industry. Mackenzie and Morton know that their organization will take time to evolve, so they have created a tiered mission, first aiming for what is most possible as their services become more widely known:
1. Educate local filmmakers about the industry:
Both Morton and Mackenzie have lived in New York and Los Angeles where it is easy to take the plethora of educational film classes for granted. Since Louisvillians don’t have access to this excess, FLIK is creating educational opportunities here in Louisville. The FLIK Forum, to be held November 9-10 at The Brown Hotel, will be the first educational event. Morton hopes the FLIK Forum will start the conversation between local filmmakers.
2. Connect Kentucky filmmakers to one another:
FLIK seeks to create networks throughout the state and keep those collaborations going. Eventually they hope to create a social network with an online database connecting filmmakers with film professionals for promotion and jobs.
3. Entice outside films to come to Kentucky and provide a concierge service for staffing, location, and equipment needs: Mackenzie and Morton feel that Kentucky has many benefits to offer filmmakers, but they hope to increase those through the work of FLIK.
“We have a varied and beautiful landscape, loads of talent, and available funding,” said Mackenzie.
The FILK Forum
Morton believes the November forum is the first step in getting the word out about FLIK and connecting filmmakers to one another.
“First, we need to find the people,” said Morton.
The event will begin on Friday night with a meet and greet, but the real action begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 10. Morton and Mackenzie have lined up an impressive group of speakers and panels.
“It’s going to be a crazy-assed, punch-in-the-stomach, intense day,” said Morton.
The ubiquitous Gill Holland, local film producer, will be the keynote speaker. Other speakers include Pat Stipes, director of the Kentucky Film Office and broadcast media specialist at the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism; Dan Flaherty, director and producer of nonfiction television; Jamie Buckner, director, producer, and screenwriter; and Helena Kriel, screenwriter and Spalding MFA professor.
According to Mackenzie, Kriel played an important role in the development of FLIK.
“[Kriel] used to always say, ‘Write where you are. Don’t try to write a screenplay because you think screenplays are always made in California or New York or Orlando. Write it to take place in Louisville because you know that place,’” said Mackenzie. “That’s one of the things we want to celebrate because we’re very proud of Louisville.”
Morton hopes the forum will inspire local film professionals through the examples of the speakers.
“You don’t need a million dollar budget to go out and make a great film,” said Morton. “You don’t need the fanciest, highest paid actors to do it. Go and do it! There are stories here to be told. There are talented crew members to work on it. We have the elements here to make great films.”
In addition to inspiration, the two hope that the forum will offer meaningful connections between local filmmakers.
“We’re really hoping that people connect, that it’s not only educational but something six months down the line, someone says, ‘Do you know a prop master?’ and they say, ‘Actually, I met this girl at the FLIK Forum,’” said Morton.
Mackenzie and Morton’s enthusiasm is palpable. Part of that excitement is due to the response they’ve received from statewide film organizations.
“The Kentucky Film Office has given instant support,” said Morton. “So has the Louisville Film Society. It’s amazing.”
Morton and Mackenzie are keeping up the momentum, planning monthly educational meetings after the FLIK Forum. Subjects they would like to cover include the business of acting (how to earn a living as a film actor and receive fair compensation) and the ins and outs of becoming a production assistant.
If you are a local filmmaker, a film student, a seasoned production assistant, a novice screenwriter, or simply an individual interested in learning more about film in Kentucky, visit fliknetwork.com for more information. Students who are interested in attending the FLIK Forum are eligible for full tuition scholarships, but must be nominated by their university department chair.
-Amy Miller
The Details:
FLIK Forum
When:
Meet and Greet,
Friday, November 9, 5-8 p.m.
FLIK Forum,
Saturday, November 10,
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where:
The Brown Hotel, 335 W. Broadway, 16th floor
Cost:
$100 before November 1
$200 after November 1
Price Includes:
Networking packet, swag bag, Meet and Greet, meals, speakers, and panels
FLIK
fliknetwork.com
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