MISSION
Minnewood was founded to aid the development of independent filmmakers in communities around the world by connecting them with educational resources through networking opportunities, workshops, and on set training.
Our non-profit cooperative strives to provide its members the opportunity to develop production skills and professional etiquette while furthering their career in media production. In doing so, Minnewood pushes its members to grow not only technically but also creatively, so as to disseminate creative and diverse content into the international media landscape.
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION & INDEPENDENT MEDIA
Storytelling is an art that is rooted in cultures and traditions around the world. The exercise and experimentation of this art form enriches life by connecting individuals across the world in examining and enjoying the human condition. This type of artistic expression has long provided ways of analyzing issues in social and political environments. Minnewood believes the continuation of this type of analysis is vital in order to further understand and quell the physical and emotional hurdles present in daily life.
Today, large corporations with hidden monetary and political agendas have increasingly monopolized mass media and the distribution of information. Minnewood believes that independent productions are vital toward bringing diverse voices, viewpoints, and newfound creativity to the media landscape. Minnewood believes that all media, whether it be produced by mainstream conglomerates or independent filmmakers, should be open to criticism and review by the public. This is the only way in which media creators can reflect on the repercussions of their work and become responsible for the effects that it has on their audience.
NETWORKING & EDUCATION: HOW MINNEWOOD WORKS
Minnewood is built by a group of individuals who believe in the power of the media. The organization is free to join and available to anyone who is interested in becoming a media producer.
Minnewood connects its members with ongoing productions and professionals in their area of interest. Members are then encouraged to learn a subject or craft by spending time on set or interviewing an industry professional. In doing so, members have the chance to network with potential job hires and contacts in the local industry. Members then create a video segment or article to be distributed online. The content created goes on to educate the public through the Minnewood website and other online outlets.
Minnewood also promotes and hosts workshops, classes, and training events covering different aspects of production. Although workshops and classes teach practical techniques, we encourage our membership to push the bounds of traditional media by taking creative risks on shorts and low budget productions. Minnewood believes that this push will create a new playing field where independent productions can exist detached from traditional methods of distribution.
EXPANDING PRODUCTION IN LOCAL AREAS
By helping to create more skilled technicians in Minnesota and the surrounding areas, Minnewood will entice well-funded high-level productions to shoot in the state, ultimately increasing the number of jobs in the local industry. Additionally, more resources and personnel will be available for local Creatives to launch homegrown projects.
USE OF FUNDS
All donations to the organization are tax-deductible through Springboard for the Arts. Funds provided to Minnewood contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the website, lectures and workshops for our members, screenings of independent work in local theaters, business cards for our members, and other networking and educational activities.
FUTURE PLANS FOR MINNEWOOD
The following is a brief list of future plans for the expansion of the organization:
Hosting Screening/Premieres with Q&As and networking parties.
Podcasting an educational lecture series.
Production grants for minority filmmakers and socially conscious projects.
Film festival assistance for filmmakers.
Host educational and networking programs nation wide.
