Our party last month was a roaring success -- we spent much more money from our meager treasury than we expected ... but that was wonderful. It meant that we had a far bigger turnout than we expected.

But it wasn't just the quantity of people that showed up, it was the quality. We had people of all ages, types, and walks of life -- all of whom had this in common: their love for this business and their drive to be a part of it.

What pleased me most about this year's party was not only the chance to see a lot of old friends and colleagues, but all the new people I met. We had many new faces at the party, many of whom had never been to an MCA meeting or event. This huge amount of new blood tells me that the film and video production community in St. Louis is vibrant and growing.

Our job at the MCA is to serve people like you -- to help you hone your skills, meet like-minded people, and celebrate and encourage you in your career and your creativity. In fact, we'd like to serve you even more. As I've found over the decade-or-so that I've been involved with MCA, the more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it.

As the frivolity of summer draws to a close -- and we turn to more serious pursuits, whether they be school, a job or business, or new projects -- we hope you'll include the MCA in your plans. 

 

I'd like challenge all of you -- those who came to the summer party (we had a whopping 83 people there), and those who didn't: Get more involved in the MCA than you've ever done in the past.

 
1.) If you're one of the many new people who came to our party, come back again .. and again, and again, and again. You're always welcome to our meetings and events, whether you're a member or not.

2.) If you've come to some of our meetings, but have never joined, now is the time. Your membership dues provides some good benefits (see www.mca-i.org). Some of your dues comes back to the St. Louis chapter -- and every penny of dues, advertising revenue, and other money we receive goes to serving you better -- to finance the meetings, the newsletter, and the parties. So, whatever you put in, you'll get back many-fold.

3.) If you work for a company -- either in communications or with a communications or video department -- encourage your company to get a corporate membership. It's a great way to keep your employees and co-workers up-to-date on the latest industry information, and to scout for new talent for your firm.

4.) If you're a student, get a student membership. By starting to develop those industry contacts now, while you're still in school, you'll have a leg up on the competition when you graduate.

5.) If you are a member of MCA, but have never gotten involved, we'd love to have you on our board. In fact, even if you're a new member, or a soon-to-become member, we'd love to have you on our board. Serving on the MCA board is easy -- we get together for lunch once-a-month, and your duties are minimal. It's structured so that no one is so overburdened with work that they burn out, as happens in many organization. Many of our board members have been active for years, even those with demanding jobs, a hectic family life, and other pursuits. We try to get at least some new board members every year. No experience is necessary -- just a desire to serve.

6.) Get involved in other ways (and this is open to both members and non-members): suggest a meeting topic (and maybe even become one of our presenters); write articles for the newsletter (a great way to promote your business or service, providing your article is informative and not a thinly-disguised sales pitch). Send us press releases about your awards and achievements.

7.) Last, if you're one of those rare people who read our newsletter, but have never been to one of our meetings, please come and check us out.

  

Networking and improving your career is vital, especially in this topsy-turvy economy and competitive industry. Wherever you're at in your career in film and video -- a beginner or a seasoned pro -- there's a place for you in the St. Louis chapter of MCA-I.

 

Mike Ketcher

MCA-I, St. Louis Chapter President 

 

Above & Beyond Productions is proud to announce their new location: 
1832 Victor Street (near intersection of Gravois and Jefferson)
St. Louis, MO 63104
314-968-3654   (this number is the same) 

www.aboveandbeyond.tv
New offices include a new edit suit, larger disc duplication and printing services, plus DVC Pro and DV field production packages.

St. Charles, MO -  On September, 13th, 2008, The Art of Film Productions will be holding a networking event entitled "Artist United." This networking event is an opportunity to bring together people from different creative fields and areas of expertise. Musicians, filmmakers, actors, producers, models, fashion designers, and anyone involved in media and/or the creative process are invited.

The goal of this event is to bring artists, entrepreneurs, and media professionals together to help promote themselves and collaborate with other professionals in their field NS different creative fields.

The event takes place at Midwest Music Pit in St. Charles, MO. This location is an 8,000 square foot venue and has three separate areas. The main area will include a beverage bar and company tables. Music labels, modeling agencies, video production studios, internet startups, fashion designers, and entrepreneurs of all stripes will have the opportunity to set up tables to promote their product and/or services. The other room will have a stage that will have rock performers early in the evening. Following that, a fashion show will be the highlight at 10 PM on the main stage. Finally, a short set of local hip-hop performers will close the show.  While all that is going on, there will be a room with a large projector showcasing St. Louis's independent music, movies, trailers, and more on a huge projector screen.

Join us early from 7:30pm-10:30pm at Midwest Music Pit;
1860 Scherer Pkwy., St. Charles, MO 63303.

For more information regarding Artist United, please contact Matt Schmitt at artoffilm@hotmail.com or by phone at 636.724.3000.