Missouri Ozarks Veterans in Entertainment

02/05/2026

Q1 networking event for Southwest Missouri veterans working in entertainment Wednesday March 25, 2026 6-8pm at American Legion Post 639, 2660 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807

01/16/2025

The production assistant workshop is now a Missouri registered apprentice program. Seats are limited so register now.

🚨 Update for Our Production Assistant Workshop 🚨

Due to a flight delay, the Production Assistant Workshop with Forrest Viola will now begin at 12 PM and run until 6 PM on Saturday. This slight change ensures Forrest will be ready to share his industry expertise after arriving Saturday morning.

We also have tickets still available: https://www.ozarksfilmfoundry.org/events/production-assistant-extensive-workshop-2

Thank you for your understanding! We can’t wait to see you there for this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the best. 🎥

01/15/2025

Southwest Missouri Film folks: The Production Assistant Workshop at The Ozarks Film Foundry is an Official Missouri registered apprenticeship course and graduates will be able to list themselves as Registered Apprentices in the Missouri Film Office Production Services Directory. By hiring registered apprentices, productions qualify for a greater tax credit, thisenhances your ability to get hired on set. The first one is this Saturday, registration is $50 and space is limited.

11/25/2024

🎬✨ Join us tonight for FilmsGiving 2024! Join us from 6PM-9PM for an incredible evening of food, films, and community! 🍂🍽️

Here’s what to look forward to:

🌟 Special Speakers:
Ken Childers (SW Missouri Film Office, The Ozarks Film Foundry, and Film in MO Board Member)
Curtis Killingsworth (College Station Theater)
Kait Hernandez (FemMediaForum)

🎥 Film Showcase and Q&A:
Autumn Girgin’s ‘House of the Rising Sun’ Trailer, with a discussion of her upcoming film Spirit
Michael Murray’s ‘Leonard Heck’
Kaleb Fobair’s ‘Roadkill’

🍲 Potluck & Food Drive:
Bring a potluck dish to share!
Bring canned food items or non-perishables to donate to our local food bank.

Let’s come together, celebrate the art of filmmaking, and give back to the community. We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

10/22/2024

This is a great opportunity to learn the ropes before you get on set: Led by industry professional Forrest Viola, this hands-on course will teach you essential Production Assistant skills and guide you through the complexities of the industry. Forrest brings a wealth of experience, having worked on major productions like Impractical Jokers, The Irishman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones, and Apple’s Severance, and much more! Forrest has also built a successful career as a DGA 2nd Assistant Director and screenwriter, with international projects and a finalist position in the 2023 Richmond 48 Film competition.

🎬 Launch Your Career in Film & Television! 🎬

Have you been searching for the perfect way to jumpstart your career in the film and television industry? Whether you’re a recent graduate, looking for a fresh start, or following a lifelong passion, this comprehensive course will provide the solid foundation you need to break into "The Biz!"

Led by industry professional Forrest Viola, this hands-on course will teach you essential Production Assistant skills and guide you through the complexities of the industry. Forrest brings a wealth of experience, having worked on major productions like Impractical Jokers, The Irishman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones, and Apple’s Severance, and much more! Forrest has also built a successful career as a DGA 2nd Assistant Director and screenwriter, with international projects and a finalist position in the 2023 Richmond 48 Film competition.

You’ll gain real-world tips and industry insights that will prepare you for your first day on set and beyond!

What You Will Learn: 🔧 Set-Ready Skills – Master the essential tools, skills, and workflow you’ll use daily as a Production Assistant. 📄 Resume & Network Building – Learn to craft a standout entertainment resume and build a strong professional network. 🎬 Explore Set Departments – Discover the various departments that make up a production, and find your path on set. 🎤 Industry Language & Etiquette – Get hands-on practice with call sheets, set lockups, and working with top talent. 🤝 Networking Mixer – Wrap up the course by meeting key industry players and fellow participants at an exclusive mixer.

If you're ready to break into the exciting world of film and television, this is the perfect place to start your journey!

1300 W. Poplar St

Register here: https://www.ozarksfilmfoundry.org/events/production-assistant-extensive-workshop

10/09/2024

📚 "Character & Plot: Keeping Balance" with Jeff Clinkenbeard 📚

Join us for a deep dive into one of the least taught yet most essential aspects of storytelling: achieving balance between character development and plot! 🎬 Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned writer, Jeff Clinkenbeard will teach practical techniques for keeping your story engaging and dynamic while exploring the critical connection between backstory and character change.

Key Takeaways:
How to create compelling narratives with balanced characters and plot
Techniques for aligning character growth with story progression
Avoiding common pitfalls in character-driven stories

Jeff Clinkenbeard’s impressive work spans projects like Ripple (Sundance Film Festival) and SATO48, among many others. Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your storytelling skills! ✍️



🔗 Register Here: https://www.ozarksfilmfoundry.org/events/creative-writing-character-plot-keeping-balance-with-jeff-clinkenbeard

08/24/2024

Brothers and sisters we need each other! Let’s connect and work together.

08/24/2024

Brothers and sisters, we need each other! Let’s connect and support each other in every way.

08/22/2024

SW MO Veterans there is currently only one Veteran owned company or service provider listed on the Missouri Film Office website. Producers need to hire us to fulfill the requirements for the Film Tax Credit. If you are a Veteran and work in the film industry, get yourself registered.

08/10/2024

MOViE veterans roll call 1800 hours 22 August at Mother’s Brewing in Springfield!