About

As of 3/1/12, Chicago DIY Film is being spun off as a separate, non-monetized site. Up until then, it was a part of the Chicago Art Machine network and subsidized by the network (and consulting service arm). Kathryn Born was at the helm of the network and Robin Dluzen largely ran the editorial and operational aspects of the magazines. We are proud of the 300 posts written by a collection of great filmmakers and writers in Chicago, providing a “worm’s eye-view” of the filmmaker scene between September of 2010 – February of 2012.

We had planned to “hang up” Chicago DIY Film until 2013, and let this website stand as archive. However, Heather Reitsma, the third member of our team, has formed a soft spot in her heart for this site, and wants to keep it going. So as of late February, we handed over the keys to Heather. Her mission statement is below.

Mission Statement for Spring 2012

“To be an independent filmmaker in Chicago is a labor of love, pure and simple. For a DIY filmmaker to make a film, it takes resourcefulness, dedication and tenacity to fulfill their creative vision. After a film is completed, then there is the challenge of distribution and attracting attention. At a time when even big name production companies are searching for solutions in a rapidly changing industry, the little guys have to be even more wily in their quest to bring their labors of love to a public that is thoroughly distracted.

At DIY Film, we are not much different from independent filmmakers – we are rogue media source that is broke, with only our ideas to keep us warm at night. We’re here simply because we believe that Chicago filmmakers deserve coverage and one more place to find resources. Over the coming months, there are not many things I can promise as I take over DIY Film for 2012. My goal is a humble one: to stay open for local filmmakers. There may be job boards, film event coverage, articles and trailer features, but what is most important is that we remain open for the love of local filmmaking, pure and simple.”

-Heather Reitsma

 

By Kathryn Born

The subtitle of this site is “Notes from the Digital Film Revolution”. When YouTube.com was launched in 2005, it seemed like the “Hollywood system” for selling your screenplay or become a director was no longer needed. With the internet as a distribution system, and digital cameras and editing software becoming affordable, it seemed like a grassroots revolution would take over. The internet audience would find the next generation of directors, screenwriters and producers and online content  would  an alternative to TV and cable.