Calendar – Past Event

PRODUCER NEEDED
The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is seeking a project leader with significant
experience in documentary filmmaking, including producing/directing, project
management, shooting and editing.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
During its 2010 event, the Savannah Music Festival (SMF) will present its 5th annual
Swing Central High School Jazz Band Competition & Workshop. The three-day jazz
intensive brings twelve of the nation's finest high school bands to Savannah to work with
an incredible crew of jazz educators led by Associate Artistic Director Marcus Roberts,
including Wycliffe Gordon, Ted Nash, Jason Marsalis, Roland Guerin, Marcus Printup,
Jim Ketch, Leon Anderson, Gerald, Jeff and John Clayton, Terrell Stafford, Obed
Calveire, Jack Wilkins, Chris Crenshaw, and David Stryker. In addition to being expert
educators, many of the Swing Central clinicians are considered to be among the best
living jazz musicians. Over the three days of Swing Central, participating student
musicians get to receive hands-on instruction from the clinicians, perform in downtown
Savannah, and watch their mentors perform in live settings during the internationally-
acclaimed SMF.
Through a new technology plan, SMF is planning to use the development of a Swing
Central microsite, videography and the creation of a short documentary film about the
Swing Central experience to digitally document and disseminate the creative and
academic work of jazz artists, enhance communication between the students and
teachers, and connect members of the jazz community with each other.
Video Content:
i.
Instructional: Before March of 2010, interviews with Swing Central clinicians
will be conducted, including a biographical introductory segment and
comments/suggestions about performing the two Swing Central 2010 test pieces,
and instrumental lessons. Segments will be used for content on the Swing Central
microsite at savannahmusicfestival.org, and for a documentary project.
ii.
Documentary: All video, audio and photography content will be used to create
a short documentary about the Swing Central experience, both from the
perspective of the jazz musicians/educators and the high school students
attending. The documentary will be shopped to GPB Television and other PBS
stations, and pitched to film festivals.
Some key elements to be captured:
a.
Marcus Roberts, Rob Gibson and their Swing Central staff: One
of the most unique and talented pianists in all of jazz, Roberts has remained
1
committed to the instruction and mentoring of young jazz students throughout
his career. Rob Gibson, a long-time advocate of jazz, has devoted his
professional life in large part to the perpetuation of the idiom. All Swing Central
clinicians balance their ambitions as artists with staunch commitments to the
education of the next generation of jazz musicians.
b.
Preparation and anticipation of performance and competition:
A jazz band's visit to Savannah for Swing Central is akin to the finals at state for
a basketball team. With bands traveling from as far away as Washington state,
the process includes countless hours of rehearsal, individual practice, and a
variety of efforts to help raise the funds needed to make the trip. The road to
the final competition round at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts in Savannah
contains many potent stories, motivations and outcomes.
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES & EXPECTATIONS
A brief statement citing key reasons for interest in the project.
•
Relevant history and experience working in/around music and/or arts
•
presenting.
A project timeline, including phase one (pre-event artist interviews and coverage
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for website) and phase two (in Savannah March 31 through April 2) and phase
three (producing/editing).
A fee structure, demonstrating the ability to accomplish this project within SMF's
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budget guidelines.
A snapshot of the project team, including those already on board: SMF staff
•
(producers and project coordinators), audio engineers, web developer,
photographers. If using freelancers or outside resources for other positions please
indicate them as such (SMF reserves the right to approve/disapprove of selected
resources).
Any additional materials or stipulations that you see fit to include.
•
If you have any questions, please call or email Ryan McMaken or Jane Levy at 912-234-
3378 x104 or x101 - ryan@savannahmusicfestival.org or
jane@savannahmusicfestival.org
PLEASE SUBMIT MATERIALS AND PROPOSALS NO LATER THAN 5 PM
(Eastern Time) ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009.
A selection will be made by Tuesday, December 1st at Noon (Eastern Time).