By Dave Ferrier
Photos by Enoch Purnell

The latest Pennsylvania Film Industry Association event, hosted at Zee Bar, The Spring Garden Social Club, attracted over 150 actors filmmakers, directors, producers and other industry professionals who support film work in Pennsylvania. Attendees enjoyed the complimentary appetizers, drink specials, and inviting ambiance of the venue which served as one of the settings in the award-winning Philadelphia-based film Equity.

The featured speaker of the evening was Marc Bienstock, producer of the movie Split, who is currently working in the Philadelphia area with M. Night Shyamalan on producing Glass - the sequel to his thriller Unbreakable. The audience was invited to submit questions for Marc to answer. Several questions focused around how to get a film seen or distributed. "Put your shorts or trailers on YouTube and develop a following," Marc advised. Marc accentuated the importance of getting the work seen, whether that is through film festivals, YouTube, or other channels. He also mentioned that it was essential to have patience and to not take things in the business personally. The Chair of PAFIA, David Haddad, chimed in with some qualities that Marc embodies and those needed in a good producer. "You have to be brilliant, an amazing negotiator, and easy on the eyes."

Marc continued to give more valuable advice during the question and answer session. "You need to have a relationship with local casting directors and agents." Three casting agents were present at the event for attendees to network with: Diane Heery from Heery Loftus Casting, Melanie Forchetti from Mike Lemon Casting, and Kimberly Skyrme from Kymberly Skyrme Casting.

In addition to the Q&A, the event had giveaways, prizes, discounted headshots by Michael E Pearson - The Foto Wizard, and networking opportunities. A significant number of people signed up for PAFIA membership while current members volunteered to serve on various committees.

The event was hosted by Pennsylvania Film Industry Association and sponsored by Expressway Cinema Rentals. Sponsors for the raffle prizes included: Eka Dance Academy, Philadelphia Acting Studio, Fright Factory Haunted Attraction, and David J Witchell Salon.