Upcoming Events

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.
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
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.

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.

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.

Bright Future: Women's Grip & Electric Workshop
This is a beginner-friendly, practical workshop open to all women wanting to gain experience in lighting.
Even if it isn't your goal to become a Grip or Set Electrician, aspiring photographers, DPs, and other department workers who want to understand this side of the set are welcome.

Part One: The Misconceptions of Color Grading
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding color grading today that impact your final image.
If you are an indie filmmaker, join us for the start of this three-part series, where Dan Diaz will cover what you need to know about your image before sending it off for color grading.

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.

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.

Stop Getting Overlooked! How to Get Hired in Film & Media
Presentation is everything—including how you present yourself to a production company, agency, producer, or director. This workshop will teach you how to professionally showcase yourself and your skills to increase your chances of getting hired in film and media.

Producing Workshop with Michael Swanson & Screenwriting Masterclass with Christine Swanson
Join Michael Swanson, VP at NBC Universal, and award-winning filmmaker Christine Swanson for two hands-on workshops at Texas Southern University. Choose one or bundle both and save!

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.

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.

Workshop | Filing your Taxes as an independent contractor in the arts
Filing Taxes for Independent Contractors in the Arts Workshop
Join HCAS and SWAMP on March 8, 2025, for a hands-on workshop with CPA Miles Harper. Learn how to file taxes as an independent contractor in the arts, get personalized advice, and make tax season stress-free!

Best Gals Women’s Gaffer Workshop
Join the Houston Women's Grip and Electric Workshop to network and learn about lighting and equipment in the film industry.

Houston Post Meet-Up: Tania Mesta Editing Workshop
Join us for the next Houston Post Meet-Up featuring editor Tania Mesta! Learn insider tips and tricks to elevate your editing skills and take your work to the next level. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and gain valuable industry insights.