Tuesday, August 31st, 6:30-9:30pm
Join us at our next workshop focusing on Freelance 101! Come meet with industry leaders giving you real world advice on searching and landing freelance jobs, organizing yourself, how to pay your taxes, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can survive the life of a freelancer!
Our Panel:
Michelle De Long – President/Executive Producer Mimi Productions
Michelle has spent her entire television and production career as a freelancer, from her first part time job at a small TV station in Parma, Ohio, to 15 years as a “daily hire” for NBC News, as a segment producer for the Hallmark Channel and on tons of corporate gigs. She won a few Emmys and a lot other awards along the way, all as a freelancer. Now as the President of her company, Mimi Productions, the skills she learned coping as a freelancer have taught her how to run a successful business and survive.
Marci A. Rolnik – Legal Director, Lawyer for the Creative Arts
Marci Rolnik joined Lawyers for the Creative Arts in 2004. She has advised clients in all areas of art and entertainment and specializes in intellectual property rights protection for motion pictures. She is a former Chairman of the Chicago Bar Association’s Media and Entertainment Committee and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts Division of the ABA Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries. Ms. Rolnik serves on the Board of Directors of Independent Features Project (IFP/Chicago) and is an adjunct professor in the Film & Video Department at Columbia College where she teaches Legal and Business Affairs and Harper College where she teaches Intellectual Property.
Ms. Rolnik is a frequent speaker in the areas of copyright, rights acquisition and transfer, contracts, incorporation, and business planning for the literary, visual, and performing arts. Ms. Rolnik graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, and Loyola University School of Law in Chicago. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois and in the United States District Courts for the Northern District of Illinois.
Brad Chmielewski – Motion Designer, Daily Planet
Brad was first introduced to design through the skateboarding industry, and punk rock which helped shape his D.I.Y. attitude. Brad has been rocking the motion scene in Chicago for a few years and loves every pixel pushing moment. Also he is an avid craft beer lover, traveler and video podcaster. He has been co-hosting an online video series about craft beer for two years entitled Hop Cast. Through both design and craft beer Brad has met a large number of interesting and creative people both in-person and online. These connections have allowed him to brainstorm and collaborate with other passionate and motivated people.
Martin Kamenski – CPA, RockstarCPA
Martin Kamenski is the President and Founder of Rockstar CPA, Chicago’s premier creative and entertainment industry accounting firm. He oversees all professional staff and handles a large book of clients personally. With a background in small business and nearly a decade of experience running his own practice, Martin has helped many struggling artists find their financial bearing and build successful careers. His expertise in entertainment industry issues includes services such as tax planning and compliance, audits, business management, tour accounting, production accounting, and advisory services.
A certified public accountant who has worked with artists and independent business owners in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. He graduated from Marquette University with bachelors degrees in Accounting and Theater Arts, and a masters degree in Accounting. His firm, Rockstar CPA, is dedicated to working with artists and creative professionals of all calibers.
Non-Members $20
Members $10