Presenting, FORTITUDE

"Fortitude" is OMPA’s new column about the trials, tribulations, successes and victories of our members during these strange times — stories of true grit, creativity and resilience, written by David Poulshock and contributing guest writers.

Climb every mountain
(and enjoy your cupcakes)

How Portland filmmaker Devin Fei-Fan Tau views the world we live in.

Read Devin's Story

Hand Sanitizer or Stress Reducer?

How Dig One helps its community of media professionals stay creative.

Read Eric's Story

Want to become a contributing writer? Sign up on our volunteer form or email info@ompa.org.

Next OMPA Event | Monthly BIPOC Meetup

Thursday, August 20 | 3-5pm | Free

Are you a BIPOC* professional seeking community with other Oregon creatives? Join our next Creatives of Color Collaborative to network, give or get advice, and ask questions in a safe space. OMPA Diversity Committee member Karina Lomelin Ripper will host the August meetup. Come say hi, catch up, and make new connections!

About Karina: Karina Lomelin Ripper is a first generation Mexican-American and an independent director and producer. You can check out her work at Fort Ripper. She is also the co-chair of the Portland Film Fatales.

RSVP for Zoom info

*Note: The virtual Creatives of Color Collaborative events are a safe, private space for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) to talk openly. While we appreciate allies, please respect this need.

Industry News

Things to Know

Bookmark it! We're still adding to our list of places to find and hire creatives who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, or nonbinary.
Snag a spot in the Southern Oregon Virtual Filmmaking Seminar, presented by Klamath Film and Southern Oregon University’s film program. Daily online classes start next Monday, August 10.
Stream local indie work for free! “Pedal Through” follows three women on a 132-mile bike-packing trip through Central Oregon. The short film was funded by a grant from the Oregon Made Creative Foundation.
We added three new virtual events this week from Women in Film, PIGSquad, and Film Fatales.
Campaign US Agency of the Year: Entries open now, nominations due by Nov. 12

Government Assistance Updates

PUA vs. UI: Stuck in limbo between regular unemployment and PUA? You may get relief soon through a new “Benefits While You Wait” workaround. According to acting agency head David Gerstenfeld, “We are confident this group of Oregonians are eligible for benefits because they lost their job due to COVID-19, we just don’t know which program they are eligible for yet.” Learn more—but wait to be contacted.
PPP: Extended deadline is August 8. As of July 31, SBA still had $130 billion to lend. Small operations encouraged to apply! Learn more or find an SBA lender. (A second PPP package is under consideration, but don’t rely on that to happen soon, if at all.)

Oregon Production Protocols | Last Updated July 31

We hope things are starting to pick up for everyone! Remember to follow the most recent protocols, last updated July 31.

Additional clarification on when PPE is required; PPE guidelines for crew working near actors
Removed suggestion for 10-minute daily safety meetings—they should be as long as necessary to keep everyone safe and informed.

Go to Production Protocols

In Case You Missed It | “Sound Advice” with Marmoset

Last week we joined up with indie filmmaker Zen Freese and the music licensing experts at Marmoset to talk about music rights. Our panelists teach you how to find and use the sounds you want, while keeping your project legit!

Portland residents: Remember to VOTE in the special election!

Commissioner Nick Fish was a huge advocate for us, and by voting you can have an impact on the future of city relations with our industry. Ballots must be mailed by today, August 6, or dropped off by 8pm on August 11. (Lost your ballot? Order a replacement.)

Candidate Dan Ryan recently shared his support of our industry in an interview we did with MusicPortland and Regional Arts & Culture Council. (Loretta Smith’s campaign did not answer requests to join.)

Member News

Tonight, Northwest Film Center launches The Cinema Unbound Drive-In at Zidell Yards. The event series, which runs through September 27, welcomes guests to safely gather and experience the power that truly radical and entertaining cinematic storytelling can bring. Starts August 6 with John Lewis: Good Trouble.

Tune in on August 8 to a virtual release/Zoom watch party for Chess Match, followed by Q&A with star Paul Bright and filmmaker Tim Serewicz.

Oregon-made series Trinkets took home two Daytime Emmys—Outstanding Young Adult Program and Outstanding Writing for a Children’s or Young Adult Program. Congrats to the many locals who worked on the show, including First AD & OMPA board member Ime Etuk.

HouseSpecial animated two new characters for CNN’s upcoming election coverage. In it, a symbolic donkey and elephant assure they are 6-feet-apart before arguing politics.

LAIKA is celebrating 15 years! Watch this 5-minute featurette and go behind the scenes with the talented creators who bring their one-of-a-kind style to life.

Shop the PDX Columbia Employee Store through Sunday, August 9!

Our friends at Columbia sent a special pass along that you can share freely with friends and family, and your guests do not have to be with you to use it. That means you can share the love but still safely shop alone. Don’t forget to bring your mask!

Download Your Columbia Store Pass