Learn filmmaking from an expert: NCCMC hosts documentary filmmaker at May 11 class

April 15, 2011
by Barbara Kornreich

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Eric Metzgar kicks off New Castle Community Media Center’s Guest Lecturer Series on Wednesday, May 11, at 5:30 p.m. with “Directing the Documentary,” a two-hour class that will cover multiple topics including interviewing strategies, story development, field shooting and music scoring.

Metzgar is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker whose most recent film, “Reporter,” follows Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof through the Congo. “Reporter” premiered in 2009 at the Sundance Film Festival and was broadcast last year on HBO.

“Eric’s films are incredibly creative and inspiring and we’re thrilled to offer his class to the community,” said NCCMC Executive Director Carrie Krams. “Anyone with an interest in telling stories through film or video will benefit from Eric’s wealth of knowledge and experience.”

NCCMC introduces Metzgar’s work on its new big screen

On Wednesday, May 4, one week prior to Metzgar’s class, NCCMC will host a free screening at 5:00 p.m. of “Life.Support.Music,” Metzgar’s 2008 film that documents the recovery of guitarist Jason Crigler after he suffered a devastating brain hemorrhage while onstage during a concert.  The film, which aired on PBS’ P.O.V series and had a successful run on the international festival circuit, is a stirring family saga that chronicles the Criglers’ courageous struggle in the face of despair and horrifying odds. 

Metzgar will use his work on “Life.Support.Music” to explain his documentary process, so participants signed up for his “Directing the Documentary” class are strongly encouraged to attend the screening of “Life.Support.Music.” The film will be shown on the Media Center’s new 8’ x 7’ permanent projection screen, which was recently donated and installed in the NCCMC studio.

“With our expanded space and new big screen, we’ll be hosting more events like this from now on,” explained Executive Director Krams.  “So don’t despair if you can’t get into this one. We’ll be having another one soon. You can check our website and Facebook page for announcements.” Write to Carrie Krams at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to add your name to NCCMC’s mailing list.

Both the screening and Metzgar’s class will be held at NCCMC studios at 400 King Street in Chappaqua. The fee for the class is $35 for NCCMC members and $45 for non-members.  The screening is free although registrants for the class will have priority for the screening. To register for “Directing the Documentary,” and/or the screening of “Life.Support.Music,” subscribe by clicking HERE. The screening is limited to 20; the class is limited to 15. If the class is full, send us an email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to put your name on a waiting list.

To watch a trailer of “Life.Support.Music,” Click HERE.

Barbara Kornreich is on the board of New Castle Community Media Center.