Overview
Join AbelCine for a special event on Saturday, October 7: our Chicago Cinema Tech Expo!
Last year's Fall Tech Expo was such a success that we are doing it again — except this year we've expanded the event to a whole new space, with more gear, workshops, and activities. This is a free, full-day event, so don't miss out!
Event Schedule
The day's activities will include:
Manufacturer Booths
Manufacturer booths will be set up in the large ballroom located in the same building as AbelCine Chicago, on the 2nd floor. Attendees are encouraged to visit each booth, go hands-on with new gear, and get their questions answered by manufacturer specialists.
Manufacturers in attendance will include:
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...and more!
Educational Workshops
AbelCine Technical specialists will be leading multiple hour-long workshops on varied topics, ranging from an overview of VR acquisition, to prepping cameras on-set as an AC, to developing a project as a producer. Workshops will take place both in the AbelCine Chicago space and in the larger ballroom area. There will be a small cost when registering for individual classes.
Workshop topics will include:
AC 101 On Set (Note: this workshop is now sold out. If you are still interested, please add yourself to the waitlist.)
This one-hour workshop is based on our popular Digital AC workshops. This class is designed to give you a good grounding in the most important aspects of a professional motion picture camera. You will learn about the key components that are used to build a professional camera system and will become familiar with the functionality of pro tripod and fluid head platforms.
Class size limit: 10
Instructor: Megan Donnelly (Training Manager, AbelCine Chicago)
Digital Cameras for Producers
Presented in partnership with IFP Chicago, this one-hour workshop is based on our popular Digital Cameras for Producers class. Understanding the technical aspects of digital filmmaking is crucial to making smart budget decisions. This introductory class will prepare you to choose the right tools for the job and understand the benefits of your equipment investment.
Class size limit: 20
Instructor: Jeff Lee (National Training Manager, AbelCine), John Otterbacher (IFP Chicago)
Intro to VR
This one-hour workshop is based on our popular Introduction to VR class. This introductory class will cover the artistry and storytelling of VR, starting with the history of VR and all the way through today's existing content. Different types of VR filmmaking and VR acquisition will be discussed.
Class size limit: 20
Instructor: Geoff Smith (Camera Technology Specialist, AbelCine NY)
Creative Panels
Taking place in our Learning Point theater, these panels will feature cinematographers and other creative professionals discussing both creative and technical topics.
Featured panels will include:
Cinematic Lensing
There are those who think that lens choice can affect the look of a project even more than the choice of camera. With today’s cameras becoming ever more powerful and affordable, the choice of glass is often one of the main ways filmmakers can add a unique look to what they’re shooting. This panel will explore the the creative, aesthetic, and technical considerations that go into choosing the perfect cinematic lens for a project. Moderated by Jeff Lee (National Training Manager, AbelCine)
Speakers
Al Collins
Al Collins is currently in charge of Panavision Chicago’s optical service and repair department. Throughout his optical service career he has worked with various rental houses including Victor Duncan/Panavision, Schumacher Camera, Fletcher Camera, and VER. He has also worked with the lens manufacturer Fujifilm/Fujinon. During his tenure he has received factory training from many of the leading cine lens manufactures including ARRI, Fujinon, Leica, Thales Angenieux, Vantage Hawk, ZGC Cooke, and of course Panavision.
Ted Lichtenheld, DP
In 1973, Ted Lichtenheld graduated from the University of Iowa Film School, where he made the award-winning documentary Box 99. Ted moved to Chicago and worked as a commercial film editor before joining the union as a camera assistant and working on commercials and films like The Blues Brothers, The Hunter, Pennies From Heaven, and Coal Miner's Daughter. In 1981, Ted moved to LA, where he worked on commercials for Ron Dexter, Sid Avery, Leslie Dektor and others. He also worked as a camera assistant on films like Coccoon, American Flyer, and Gung Ho. In 1989, Ted moved back to the midwest to write, produce, and direct the indie film Personal Foul. In Chicago he worked as a camera operator on films such as Midnight Run, Home Alone, Trains, Planes, and Automobiles, The Company, Prairie Home Companion, My Best Friend's Wedding, Groundhog Day, and The Ice Harvest, among others. Ted's work as a DP includes 2nd Unit on The Untouchables, Stranger Than Fiction, Rudy, Divergent, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and APB, as well as main unit work on Underemployed, Sirens, ER (8 seasons), and Shameless (8 seasons and counting). imdb
Andrew Wehde (DP)
Andrew Wehde has been a member of ICG for over eight years. Living in Chicago, Andrew has made a name for himself shooting ad work for over 12 years. His style of photography is non traditional; his late start as a photographer introduced him into documentary photography early on, following rock bands who struggled in the underground circuit. His respect for the source has been the driving force behind his lighting style and his experience with these varied styles allows him to create a look that comes across natural but cinematic. The last few years, Andrew has found a niche photographing amazing chefs and restaurants such as The French Laundry, The Restaurant at Meadowood, Danny Bowien/ Mission Chinese, Roy Choi, Daniel Patterson, and Sean Brock to name a few. Once the recent comedy boom expanded, Andrew has found himself being called upon to DP some of the biggest specials for Bo Burnham, Hasan Minhaj (Netflix), and Jerrod Charmichael (HBO). The past summer, Andrew wrapped his second feature film, produced by a24 and Scott Rudin productions, and directed by Bo Burnham. www.andrewwehde.com
Creative Forces: All Stars
Based on our popular Creative Forces evening event series, this panel will focus on an industry leader or working professional who will discuss what inspires them in their career and beyond. Speakers analyze creative elements from a variety of mediums — from film clips, to photography, to illustration and more — and participate in a dialog with the audience. Moderated by Megan Donnelly (Training Manager, AbelCine Chicago)
Speakers
Jayson Crothers (DP, Chicago Fire)
Jayson Crothers first picked up a motion picture camera at 18 and immediately fell in love with its ability to capture and create new stories and experiences. Since then he’s never stopped peering at the world through a viewfinder. He is currently serving as the Director of Photography for Season 6 of Producer Dick Wolf’s NBC hit Chicago Fire – he shot Season 4 and 5 as well after handling 2nd Unit duties on season 2 and 3. Prior to joining Chicago Fire, he photographed nearly two dozen features, recent highlights include shooting Amnesiac and the festival hits Coldwater and It Happened Again Last Night. His work has screened theatrically and on network and cable television, as well as at festivals such as SXSW, Tribecca, Camerimage, etc.
In addition to all of his work behind a camera, Jayson served as the Technical Editor for A Shot in the Dark, a book about digital cinematography and lighting. He’s also enjoyed teaching Cinematography workshops and seminars across the US, the Philippines, and Kosovo.
A member of Local 600, Jayson holds a BA from Columbia College Chicago as well as an MFA from the American Film Institute. jaysoncrothers.com
Rohn Schmidt (DP, Chicago PD)
Rohn Schmidt worked as a Director of Photography on twenty-two low and medium budget independent features before switching emphasis to television production. He has been the Director of Photography on eleven MOW and over 195 hour episodes of cable and network TV, including The Shield and The Walking Dead. He is currently shooting Season 5 of Chicago PD. imdb
Community Programming
We've partnered with some amazing Chicago filmmaking community organizations to present unique and educational programming. These activities will go on throughout the day and will take place in the ballroom space as well. Our community partners include:
Register for Stage 18's Speed Networking session now! (limited to 30 spots)
Register for Free Spirit Media & Kartemquin Films' Incubating Diverse Voices roundtable now! (limited to 25 spots)
We'll be expecting a big turnout for our Chicago Cinema Tech Expo so make sure to RSVP now!
