Film studio heads rarely make general public appearances, let alone teach. Larry Meistrich, head of Nehst Studios and producer of the Oscar winner Sling Blade, turns that concept on its head!

Coming to Sacramento October 15,16 & 17, Meistrich presents the acclaimed, weekend-long Aspiring Filmmakers Boot Camp so those interested in film careers can get the rare opportunity of educatation and interaction with a film industry leader who is running a film financing, production and distribution company in today’s entertainment world. At the boot camp Meistrich shares a lifetime of insights, knowledge and powerful tips to help successfully navigate the film business – whether as a writer, director, producer, actor or other interest. Attendees will emerge changed and ready to tackle the film world, armed with the know-how, motivation and tactics to succeed.

Film Boot Camp attendees will:
* Learn the necessary steps and secrets to successfully produce a feature film or series.
* Understand the business side of filmmaking - including financing, packaging, marketing & distribution.
* Get an unprecedented opportunity to learn to pitch scripts & ideas, with an opportunity to make a deal.
* Have an open forum of communication to an industry leader for 3 days.

Filmmakers can learn the skills of their craft in a variety of places - but the only way to learn to enter and navigate the business is from someone who has done it successfully – and who continues to do it. Larry, known for his no-bull, take-no-prisoners approach to teaching, will equip you to swim with the sharks, dive for treasure, and come back alive to talk about it. At the same time, attendees receive valuable access and personal interaction with Larry for the entire 3 days in a comfortable and casual atmosphere – so all questions can be asked and nothing is off the table. Attendees will come out of this camp changed and ready to tackle a variety of film careers, armed with the know-how, motivation and tactics to succeed. Spending an intensive weekend with Larry, learning the thinking process and tools you need to succeed in the complex and competitive film business – attendees will learn to produce a feature film or TV series from beginning to end - securing the script to financing to distribution, and the highlight of the weekend is a pitch session on Sunday where attendees will learn how to pitch scripts, ideas and TV show concepts, and then have a chance to pitch ideas in a safe, comfortable environment - where there is an actual opportunity to make a deal with Meistrich’s company.

Boot camps have already been the source of successful talent ‘finds’. Michael and Daniel Carberry, 19, attended a recent boot camp, showed their reel, and were hired to direct Nehst's national series for Mountain Dew. Kevin Kerwin and Kate O'Neil were‘discovered’ at a recent boot camp and Nehst hired them to direct and produce the feature length documentary "Running America", now in distribution.

Larry Meistrich launched Nehst Studios at Cannes in 2007, creating a cutting-edge film financing, production and distribution company that integrates entertainment with today’s technology. Nehst has offices across the country and a production studio in Cleveland, Ohio - with several films in various stages of development, production and distribution and is always looking for the next great idea or talent! Current films in production include “Lilith”, “Strangeland II: Disciple”, “The Kid Who Only Hit Homers” and more.

In addition:
* Meistrich has produced more than 100 films, commercials and music videos including the Academy Award® winning Sling Blade, the Academy Award® nominated You Can Count on Me, Henry Fool - winner of the Best Screenplay award at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival, Croupier, and New Jersey Drive.
* His pictures have won the gamut of international awards including Golden Globes, SAG and DGA Awards, Top Five category awards at Cannes, Sundance and Berlin.
* Meistrich has taught master classes at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, University of Miami, Syracuse University – Newhouse School, and University of Austin; and has been a guest speaker at the Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Berlin and New York Film Festivals, as well as Sacramento's own Film and Music Festival.

Details: The Aspiring Filmmakers Boot Camp is co-sponsored by The Art Institute of Sacramento and the Capital Film Arts Alliance, and will be held in Sacramento on October 15-17, 2010 at the Art Institute campus, located at 2850 Gateway Oaks Dr., Sacramento CA 95833. The cost to attend the 3-day film boot camp seminar is $395 for general public, $300 for CFAA or other film organization members, or only $150 for students or military active or veterans (contact us by phone at 916-600-6477 or email info@nehst.com for specific discount codes). Because of the small group format, seating is limited – so reserve your seat today. For more information or to register, visit: www.filmboot.com

AND – Friday Oct 15th is the opening night for the boot camp and is open to the public at no charge, featuring a discussion on the state of the film industry with Larry Meistrich. All are welcome as Meistrich presents ‘Successful Filmmaking in the 21st Century’ - at the Art Institute of Sacramento. So for all who want to know more about this exciting industry and how to position themselves for success, this is the chance you’ve been waiting for.

Photos:
1) Larry Meistrich, Tony Sheppard, Joe Carnahan at the last Sacramento Aspiring Filmmakers Boot Camp
2) Larry Meistrich takes questions from Jonathan Kieffer at the 8th Annual Sacramento Film and Music Festival, at the Crest Theatre, August 2007.