JUSTIFY YOUR ATTENDANCE

Use the below form letter to send to your university or employer to help justify attending Filmscape 2024! Text in [RED] is meant to be changed

Dear [Insert name here]

 As a faculty or staff member, I am requesting funding to attend Filmscape Chicago, an educational conference and trade show that focuses on expanding the capabilities and experience of attendees in film and television production.

Filmscape Chicago is a nationally recognized organization that fosters growth, education, and communication among Union and non-union crews, manufacturers, educators, students, content creators, and emerging artists. Although the organization runs many programs throughout the year, it holds an annual event in June focusing on education and networking for the rental community and the general public. This year's event will take place from June 21st to 23rd at CineCity Studios in Chicago, IL. As a representative of [UNIVERSITY], attending this event could be highly beneficial for me. 

Filmscape is an annual event that brings together talented individuals from our community and promising emerging artists. The conference spans three days and offers workshops, technical displays, and presentations, providing opportunities for independent filmmakers, students, and studio technicians to showcase their work. In addition to this, there are exhibits and networking events to foster professional development and learn advanced techniques from a diverse range of visiting educators.

The conference emphasizes the technical side of our industry and is responsible for scheduling workshops, speakers, and presentations that highlight the various careers possible in the film and television industry. Attending Filmscape Chicago offered a valuable opportunity to learn about many of the tools, techniques, and approaches.  One of the highlights of each conference is when our instructors candidly discuss their careers and approaches to their craft and are readily approachable to all attendees.

Filmscape Chicago is the primary educational trade show in the Midwest, featuring networking opportunities and businesses related to lighting design, cameras and lens technology, sound, costumes, and post-production. As I attend this event, I will research various aspects of design and technology, enabling me to develop more innovative solutions for my work at [UNIVERSITY].

The conference is free to attend, and all training sessions are also free. Travel, including airfare and hotels, is around $1000-$1500.

So, I am requesting your assistance with these expenses for this calendar year, as my involvement in this conference is an essential part of my professional growth. The continued participation of our faculty, staff, and students on this national stage increases the reputation of our institution. Any financial assistance offered would be deeply appreciated so I may attend this year’s Filmscape Chicago. 

Attending the various programming sessions, exploring the expo floor, and networking with thousands of technical artists, professionals, and educators in the film and television industry would benefit my teaching, creative work, and scholarship