Diane Pearlman: Executive Director, Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative (BFMC) & Independent Film & Visual Effects Producer
BFMC maintains an online production guide and locations library, and assists productions with permitting, location scouting and finding local crew and equipment. Since it’s inception in 2009, BFMC has facilitated numerous film, television and media projects.
We asked Diane, What advice would you give to a new female filmmaker?
“Find a female mentor – someone you can shadow and learn from. Work on their project; listen to how they handle production issues; be a sponge. Never be afraid to ask questions. It’s important to pursue your art, but also to understand the business aspects of filmmaking. As your career develops, put your heart into the projects that inspire you, but be willing to take on the the projects you may love a bit less, but will pay the bills! Most importantly, treat people well and with respect. This is a business about relationships and networking. The person you hire on one shoot may be the person who hires you on the next.”
How long have you been a WIFVNE Member?”
Not sure how long I’ve been a member – maybe 2.5 years? I’ve been a member of New York Women in Film and Television for 20 years and now have a dual membership to both.”
What goals do you have for 2016 we should know about for filmmaking?
“Besides planning networking events, educational and workforce development courses for BFMC, I’m producing a short film for award-wining actor, Karen Allen (Starman, Animal House, Indiana Jones films). The film is based on a Carson McCuller’s short story, “A Tree. A Rock. A Cloud” and will shoot in the Berkshires in June of this year.”
Upcoming Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative Events:
Our next BFMC networking event will Tuesday, March 8th at Eastworks in Easthampton, MA. We are producing the event with the Easthampton City Arts as part of the Plug Into the Creative Economy in the Pioneer Valley. To find out more, watch our Facebook page or join our email list on our website: berkshirefilm.org
