The Filmmakers workshop
Our Mission:
Is to nurture filmmakers and give participants necessary skills and knowledge to get paying jobs on film sets while building a community of hard working and talented individuals.
First let’s define “Filmmaker”. In Mad Wife terms, a filmmaker is anyone involved with making movies. Either behind the camera or in front and everything in between.
Now that we got that out of the way… What is the Mad Wife Filmmakers workshop? We are excited to introduce a community driven, educational, environment for all filmmakers at any stage in their career. As of right now we will be meeting twice a week for an hour and a half each time at our Mad Wife Studio in central Reno (near the airport).
We like to call our workshops “Flowshops” the idea is that every time we meet it is a raw new experience where every attendee gets to learn something new about the filmmaking process. We will have what we are calling “Source Material”. Typically, in the form of a short film. During each meet up, we will use this source material as our base of learning, so drop-ins don’t feel left out, but members still feel like they are learning something new and moving towards their goal.
Speaking of goals… What is the goal of taking these workshops? To enhance and continue your filmmaking skills in an enriching and supportive environment so you can go out and get industry jobs or take the bull by the horns and make your own thing. Either way the support of the community and the studio will be backing you!
Each meet up we will be working the source material and when ready we will officially create a proof of concept from the source material. By the end of each film every attendee will have had the opportunity to handle equipment in multiple areas of filmmaking and have usable demo footage to help market themselves when applying for that next sweet gig.
Attendance Options
(Please note these are introductory prices and may increase soon.)
Drop-in
See what it's all about- Drop into any offered workshop (including the official film day.)
Unlimited Monthly
(Recommended)- Attend any of the 8 offered workshops during the month ($25 per meet up; we recommend this option to get the most out of this experience).
- Includes the final shoot.
- Lock in the $200 introductory rate for 3 months.
Get It Made
Your script is our source material- Do you have a script? Then this may be the option for you. Have your script be the source material.
- Experience all levels of filmmakers working with your script as we break it down and film it.
- Includes everything the “Unlimited Monthly” plan offers.
- At the end, you will have an amazing in studio proof of concept of your film.
- For an extra fee (to cover production costs) we can create an on-location film. (Please reach out via email for more details).
Please hit the Sign up button and fill out the questionnaire. It helps us better understand our community. No obligation or payment is due until you attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an acting Class?
No. But actors are encouraged to take these workshops! You will learn what directors, cinematographers, and other crew positions are looking for from actors and how to better carry yourself on camera. You will also learn how to better communicate with crew. And if nothing else, you’ll get lots of footage for your demo reel. If you are looking for traditional acting classes we recommend checking out “Take 2 Performers studio”
Do I get to use footage from these workshops for my reel?
Absolutely! As a matter of fact, that is one of our main priorities. Everyone is allowed to use footage from their workshops in their demo reels.
Why do you recommend taking all 8 workshops per month?
Our workshops are formed on what we call a “Flowshop” structure. This means every meet up you have the opportunity to try new things. It is our belief that this maximizes growth and learning in those “ah-ha” moments and the only way to get that is to be there!
Is it worth dropping in if I can't make each workshop?
Yes! Some is better than none.
Is this a certified program?
Not currently but that could change with time. The goal is to teach participants skills that will help get them jobs.
Is Gear Provided?
All required gear is provided. However, we highly recommend that you bring your own gear. If you do want to handle the higher end gear you must show a level of gear competency.
So what will I actually learn?
That is up to you! The foundations for learning everything from pre-production to final delivery and everything in between will be covered. The idea is that you’ll have ample opportunities each time we meet to observe, have hands on experience, and educational conversation.
How much experience do I need?
None… or you can be an absolute master. It doesn’t matter where you are in your filmmaking career everyone is welcome!
Who is the teacher?
The workshops are led by Andrew Arguello, the founder of Mad Wife Productions. We also plan to have other industry professionals join us for specifically focused meet ups.
Studio Space
Mad Wife Productions is now Mad Wife Studios! We have officially moved into a new home. Our studio offers a 20-25 foot wide cyc wall. Mostly white but we can paint it to be any color. We also offer a full color and edit suit, ADR set up, 1000/mbps internet, and a studio approved server for safe storage and upload. One thing that makes our space unique is that you can rent the space for as long as you need, and you DON’T need to rent our gear to film here. This space is available for rent. Please shoot us an email for more info.
Audition Self-Tape Studio
Since COVID the rise of self-tapes have become the norm in our industry. But now YOU have to worry about being a director, cinematographer, and editor. While also finding a reader and then worrying about delivery to agents and casting directors. Then, you go up against other actors with professional home studios. So, by request, we are offering Studio Self Tapes. We handle all the aspects and pains of self-taping so you can focus on being an actor.
We will handle –
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Hi-def camera with rich, crisp visuals and color.
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Pristine, clear mic’d audio
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Beautiful 3-point soft-lighting setup, with adjustable color-temp to flatter all skin tones
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Props and basic furniture
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Professional reader and scene coaching
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Options of grey and blue backdrops
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Teleprompter
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Instant Playback of takes so you can make adjustments as you wish.
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Immediate editing and tape delivery (we edit and send your audition BEFORE you leave)
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Full body slating
Please contact us for current pricing.
Demo Reel Creation
Scene Selection
Get scenes from a MWP movie- Have you been in a Mad Wife film? We can help you select, cut out, and deliver a high quality export for you to use in your demo reel.
Demo Reel
Get everything together- Already have all your scenes. We can cut, edit, mix, and deliver an industry standard demo reel.
Shoot a Scene
at our studio- Want to get a whole new scene starring you? Stop by the studio and we will help get you a scene, scene partner, and everything else needed to shoot a high quality scene to use in your demo reel.
Shoot a scene
at a location- Want your scene to be in a place other than our studio? We can travel to an awesome location and get you the scene of your dreams.