Upcoming Events

Filtering by: “Workshop”
The Art of the Edit - Part 1
Oct
13

The Art of the Edit - Part 1

Discover the art of editing as a storytelling tool in The Art of the Edit – Session 1 🎬💻. Join us online Sept 23rd for an interactive beginner-friendly workshop designed to spark creativity and clarity in your filmmaking journey.

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Oct
20

The Art of the Edit - Part 2

Organizer: 

SWAMP and Hakima Video Production

Session 2: Crafting the Cut — Rhythm, Audio and Workflow

Pre-Session Materials

  • PDF: Rhythm and Audio Tips

  • YouTube Clips: Examples of pacing, transitions, and sound design

  • Student Reminder: Bring rough cut or editing notes to share

Live Breakdown (1.5 Hours)

0:00–0:15 Check-In and Peer Sharing

Students share screens to show rough cuts or editing challenges. Group feedback and encouragement

0:15–0:35 Editing Styles

Fast versus slow, rhythmic versus chaotic — students watch clips and discuss how editing creates tone

0:35–0:55 Transitions and Audio

J-cuts, L-cuts, fades, music, sound effects — instructor demos and students suggest edits in real time

0:55–1:15 Workflow and Media Management

Naming files, organizing footage, saving versions — students share their own systems and learn best practices

1:15–1:25 Student-Led Demo

One or two students share screen and walk through their edit. Instructor and peers offer feedback

1:25–1:30 Homework Briefing

Finalize one-minute edit and prepare to present next session

Optional 30-Minute Q&A
Individual feedback
Troubleshooting creative choices
Students can share screens for deeper review

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Oct
27

The Art of the Edit - Part 3

Organizer: 

SWAMP and Hakima Video Production

Session 3: Your Edit, Your Voice — Showcase and Feedback

Pre-Session Materials

  • Presentation Tips PDF: How to talk about your edit

  • Reminder Email: Time, format, and encouragement


Live Breakdown (1.5 Hours)

0:00–0:10 Welcome and Setup

Instructor explains feedback format and screen sharing tips


0:10–1:10 Student Presentations

Each student shares their one-minute edit. Instructor and peers offer affirming, constructive feedback


1:10–1:25 Group Reflection

Students reflect on what they learned, what surprised them, and what they’re proud of


1:25–1:30 Wrap-Up


Final thoughts, resources for continued learning, and invitation to stay connected


Optional 30-Minute Q&A
Career paths in editing and media
How to keep practicing
Students ask final questions or share future project ideas


Workshop Goals and Impact

Empower Creative Thinking

Students learn to make intentional editing choices that shape emotion and meaning


Demystify the Editing Process

Focus on universal principles, not software — accessible to all students


Foster Cultural Storytelling

Editing becomes a tool for amplifying voice, community, and lived experience


About the Partners

S.W.A.M.P.
Southwest Alternate Media Project has been a cornerstone of Houston’s independent media scene for decades, supporting emerging filmmakers and amplifying diverse voices through education, grants, and community programming.


Hakima Video Production
Founded by a veteran broadcast journalist and educator, Hakima Video Production is a wisdom-driven media company focused on legacy, empowerment, and cultural storytelling. Hakima specializes in youth mentorship, hands-on filmmaking, and community-centered media education.

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First AID/CPR/AED Certification
Sep
20

First AID/CPR/AED Certification

Lights. Camera. Safety! In partnership with Liberty Safety Co. and the Heart Saver Institute, we offer a first aid certification course for film professionals. This training equips crew members with essential emergency response skills, ensuring a safe and confident production environment.

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Seed & Spark: Distribution Down Low
Sep
9

Seed & Spark: Distribution Down Low

Distribution Down Low

with Sav Rodgers, Marketing Director, Seed&Spark

Distribution is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood topics for independent creators. We break down the current landscape of distribution for indie films and series, including the different avenues to take, the right questions to ask potential partners, and most importantly, the economics for every window, from theatrical through VOD and beyond.


This event will be hosted through SWAMP’s Zoom platform.


Organizer

Sav Rodgers

Marketing Director, Seed&Spark

Originally from Kansas, Sav Rodgers is a filmmaker and screenwriter whose feature directorial debut CHASING CHASING AMY (Tribeca '23) is about the complicated legacy of Chasing Amy (1997) and its profound impression on his life. The TED Talk he gave in 2018 kickstarted this filmmaking journey, and spurred the writing of scripts that center on highly specific, surprising stories about queer people. His screenplays have been recognized by GLAAD, Outfest, ScreenCraft, among others. Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Media list, Sav is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Transgender Film Center, a nonprofit aiming to help trans creators bring finished films to audiences around the world. Sav is a proud University of Kansas graduate and still sports KU baseball caps wherever he goes.

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FSI Demo at The Storyhive
May
10

FSI Demo at The Storyhive

Flanders Scientific (FSI) is coming to Houston for a one-day tradeshow-style demo at The Storyhive. Get hands-on with their latest production monitors, including the XMP310 and DM242, and ask your questions directly to the experts.

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LOCATION SOUND WORKSHOP | Presented by Brian Maratea
Apr
26

LOCATION SOUND WORKSHOP | Presented by Brian Maratea

Join sound mixer Brian Maratea for an introduction to location sound recording for film, television, and digital media.

Whether you’re a beginning filmmaker or a content creator looking to upgrade your production sound, this workshop will equip you with the essential skills to capture clean, professional-quality audio on set. Participants will learn how to use Zoom F8 mixer/recorder, shotgun microphones, handheld dynamic mics, and wireless lavalier systems. Through guided instruction and practical exercises, attendees will learn how to record, monitor, and manage audio in real-world production environments.

Brian Maratea is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in location sound recording. His credits include  Logan, Dallas, and The Plot Against America among otjers. Brian's years of expereince on a variety of projects has informed his recent work teaching audio.  Brian shares his expertise as an instructor in Houston Community College's filmmaking  program enriching the next generation of sound professionals. Brian's expertise in capturing high-quality sound on location makes him a valuable resource for aspiring sound professionals.​

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Finding Truth in Performance:An Embodied Directing & Acting Intensive
Mar
30

Finding Truth in Performance:An Embodied Directing & Acting Intensive

Join Kate Phillips, director/performer and HCC Filmmaking faculty, for a dynamic two-day scene workshop designed for directors, actors, and anyone curious about embodied performance. In this class, you'll explore a directing and acting approach that fosters living performances—the kind an audience can’t look away from. Performances that feel real, dynamic, and full of paradox and conflict. Vulnerable and vivid performances require intentional care for actors and the process. Through a blend of hands-on scene work, tools for sustaining fresh and compelling performances, and an emphasis on emotional safety and curiosity, you’ll learn how to tune into your own body and emotions as tools to create richer characters and deeper connections between scene partners, actors/directors, and the audience. Whether you're a director guiding actors or an actor exploring a role, this workshop will equip you with techniques to keep performances alive, even through long rehearsals and production days. Bring a scene you’re working on, or choose one when you arrive.

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Finding Truth in Performance:An Embodied Directing & Acting Intensive
Mar
29

Finding Truth in Performance:An Embodied Directing & Acting Intensive

Join Kate Phillips, director/performer and HCC Filmmaking faculty, for a dynamic two-day scene workshop designed for directors, actors, and anyone curious about embodied performance. In this class, you'll explore a directing and acting approach that fosters living performances—the kind an audience can’t look away from. Performances that feel real, dynamic, and full of paradox and conflict. Vulnerable and vivid performances require intentional care for actors and the process. Through a blend of hands-on scene work, tools for sustaining fresh and compelling performances, and an emphasis on emotional safety and curiosity, you’ll learn how to tune into your own body and emotions as tools to create richer characters and deeper connections between scene partners, actors/directors, and the audience. Whether you're a director guiding actors or an actor exploring a role, this workshop will equip you with techniques to keep performances alive, even through long rehearsals and production days. Bring a scene you’re working on, or choose one when you arrive.

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