My visit to Bitfire Studios
by Beverly Nault
If you’ve been screenwriting for longer than a minute, you’ve probably heard how important it is to network, network, network. And not just with other writers. But if you’re like me at all, as most writers are, you’re a little on the introverted side and/or don’t know where to start.
(Stay tuned for a bonus reel and links)
Here’s a good place to start: Jump feet first into learning about how films are actually made. But get ready for a brisk ride because things are changing quickly. In an industry that morphs almost daily due to new technologies, techniques, and ideas available to large studios as well as indie filmmakers, we all need to strap in and learn how things like AI, streaming services, and technology changes work, at least on a superficial level.
To follow my own advice, I recently attended “Call to Action,” an open house and mixer at Bitfire Studios in Scottsdale. They asked for an RSVP and charged a small fee, but once there, I understood the need for those and enjoyed the tour. The facility was fascinating, and the opportunity to ask questions and meet the gearheads, ahem, people behind the tech, was worth the amount charged.
First, I attended a demonstration and Q&A of the LED studio, which was set up as an interactive escape room. This clever way to demonstrate the real-time capabilities was mesmerizing and inspiring. The technology that can place a scene anywhere in the world is impressive.
Among their support suites, I toured their podcast room, a green room (not to be confused with the green studio), and a hair and makeup room. A broadcast studio and editing and sound mixing rooms were among other state-of-the-art facilities. A gaming studio shares the space, and the two enterprises swap talent when needed.
Adult beverages were served in a studio converted for the evening to a mingling and vendor room. The energy around the high-top tables was contagious, and while the tech chatter mostly—okay, all of it—went over my head, I was glad I attended to learn what goes on in the business beyond my keyboard.
So, get out there and explore, mingle and network! What about those awkward moments where I don’t know what to say, ask, or even chat about with strangers, Bev?
I’m glad you asked, and apparently, you and I are not alone in that anxiety because Arizona Filmmakers posted this clever video with great pointers to help us all flex our mingling mojo: Networking from Arizona Filmmakers.
Here’s one pointer I’ll never forget: “Watch the feet.” (Catch the callback to feet?)
Bitfire Studios/Phoenix is located at:
2840 East Mohawk Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Here’s a reel of the “Call to Action” event and shots of their facilities: Bitfire Sizzle
See you around the valley!
About Beverly Nault: Beverly Nault was a technical writer for an aerospace software company before she began writing creatively for publication. In 2011, her first novel, Fresh Start Summer, and memoir Lessons from the Mountain, What I Learned from Erin Walton, written with actor Mary McDonough, both released. Since then, Bev’s had ten novels and several short stories published. She’s been a freelance editor for fiction and non-fiction writers, a first reader for a literary agency, and staff acquisitions editor for the literary journal, Eastern Iowa Review. Bev lives in Mesa with her husband Gary where she dabbles in tennis, and excels at spoiling their three grandchildren.
