Documentary films are hot! They are passionate, compelling–and in demand! Join OC Media Alliance and OC Screen Writers Assoc. for Secrets of Successful OC Documentary Filmmakers, a special program featuring four successful OC filmmakers sharing their experiences in creating, producing and distributing documentaries. Between the four, their award winning documentaries cover the gamut: Nature-Adventure, Sports, Social Issues, Historical subjects and more. All this at a very special location: The Bowers Museum.

In the last decade, documentary films have really come into their own—not only with cable networks such as Discovery but also increased theatrical exposure. And it’s not just Michael Moore either--Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg and Steven Soderburgh are getting into the Doc field as well. On Thursday, February 25, 2010 you’ll meet our distinguished Orange County documentary filmmakers who will show clips of their work and share their creative, production, distribution and fundraising experiences. This is a great opportunity to ask questions of four experts in the field.

This very special evening is a joint presentation of the Media Alliance of Orange County (MAOC) and the Orange County Screen Writers Association (OCSWA) and sponsored by The Bowers Museum and Corporate Video & Film. Do not miss these fascinating experts and their diverse approaches to documentary filmmaking.

David Bojorquez, is a documentary filmmaker, Executive Producer and principal of Vision4Media.Their mission is creating Socially Conscious Original Content for Film and Television. Whether the subject is sports, music, natural history or life after death, Bojorquez packs his media with positive social meaning and value. Besides documentaries such as The Big One, The Moss Method and Journey of Loss, Discovery of Hope, the company produces commercials and marketing projects for non-profit organizations. Bojorquez has numerous Telly awards and honors from the NY Film Festival. David’s partner, Keith G. Myers, has participated in the Bridge/Gap Financing of dozens of motion pictures and has been an Associate/Assistant Producer in several feature films through Profile Entertainment.

Peter Buffa, CEO of Petrone Communications, is a media, corporate communications and intergovernmental consultant. His most recent film is Titans of History, a documentary on the history and construction of the monumental World War II era Tustin Blimp Hangars. These dual wooden landmarks still loom over the now-closed Tustin, CA Marine Base adjacent to the District regional shopping center. As a producer-director-writer Buffa’s documentaries have concentrated on science and history. His work in documentary television has earned numerous awards, including two EMMY statues and kudos from the New York and Moscow Film Festivals. In 1983, Mr. Buffa formed Petrone' Communications, Inc., a media production and consulting firm, to provide consulting services to numerous public agencies on the development and implementation of public outreach, Buffa is also a member of the OC Transportation Authority and a former mayor of Costa Mesa, California.

Jay Grewall is a Multimedia Producer working in interactive design, web development, graphic design and motion graphics/ainmation. A graduate of UCLA’s Entertainment Media Studies, Grewall has researched and delved into numerous industries including automotive, bodybuilding and fitness, entertainment, and internet. After seeing the reactions of many non-fighters in response to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) he decided to put together If Mother Only Knew to shed light on the state of mind of MMA participants. It compares the stories of various fighters and examines the psychology and motives of today’s Mixed Martial Arts athletes/fighters. If Mother Only Knew takes a raw, in-depth look at the psyche of fighters, their views on pain, and what goes through their minds during their fights. Other documentaries have explored the topic but this is the first to take an expert journalistic approach in answering the question on everyone’s mind, WHY.

Richard Theiss is as an independent producer, writer, director and cinematographer who also runs RTSea Productions. A veteran filmmaker with over a dozen years in TV, commercial and motion picture production, his longform documentary, Island of the Great White Shark, is available in several retail outlets and on Amazon. Theiss and his film are in demand for screening/lectures nationwide. He has been featured at events such as, Gray’s Reef Ocean Film Festival, Savannah, GA, Santa Barbara Ocean Film Festival, Santa Barbara, CA and Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute, La Jolla, CA. Mr. Theiss has delivered footage for National Geographic's Wild Chronicles on global warming, PBS, Discovery Communications, Animal Planet, and the History Channel's Modern Marvels, among others. A professional diver for over 25 years, Theiss has worked as a safety diver for television and motion pictures including Orion Pictures Navy SEALs. He is a certified scuba instructor, lecturer, consultant on ecotourism for Sharkdivers.com, contributes to the RTSea nature blog, and is a national member of the prestigious Explorers Club. He also serves on the board of the OC Chapter of Media Communications Association International (MCAI) While Nature filming is a particular passion, Theiss also produces commercials, corporate videos, and media for the web.

ABOUT The Bowers Museum: One of Southern California`s finest museums and Orange County`s largest, the Bowers Museum is a great location for Filmmakers and offers over 15,000 square feet of event space that can accommodate intimate parties of ten to parties of over a thousand guests. From presentations in the state-of-the-art Norma Kershaw Auditorium to cocktail parties on the Historic Balcony, intimate dinner receptions in the Gloria and Si Fluor and Family Gallery to charity galas in the John M. Lee Court; the Bowers Museum provides the perfect setting for any type of event.

Do not miss this exciting evening with four successful Orange County producer-directors dedicated to the art of documentary filmmaking.

EVENT: Secrets of Successful OC Documentary Filmmakers
PRESENTED BY: Media Alliance of Orange County (MAOC) www.maoc.org and
Orange County Screen Writers Association (OCSWA) www.ocscreenwriters.com/
SPONSORS: Bowers Museum http://www.bowers.org
and Corporate Video & Film http://www.cvfstudios.com/   
DATE: February 25
TIME: 6:00 PM social & networking
6:45PM presentation
LOCATION: Bowers Museum 2002 N. Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92706 at the corner of 20th St. There is plenty of free parking for the museum across 20th Street.
DIRECTIONS: Take the I-5 Freeway Main St SOUTH in Santa Ana and go about 1 minute to 20th St. http://www.bowers.org/index.php/visit/directions
COST: $10 if prepaid via PayPal online at www.maoc.org or $12 at the door.

Pre-registration is now closed but space is still available. Please pay at the door.

Submitted by John W. Coleman

A producer, director, writer and consultant for over 20 years, John Coleman works in all media. He is the CEO of Twin Oaks Communications, Inc www.twinoaks.tv based in Mission Viejo, CA. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Media Alliance of Orange County as Secretary. Coleman can be reached at:twinoakscom@cox.net