thePULSE
New site brings movie buffs together
By Carly Greenwell
A new web site is creating a buzz in Massachusetts. Ourfilmspace.com brings together all people interested in the acting, producing and writing of films. Much like MySpace is to music, this web site is to the movie industry. Creator Douglas Kirkpatrick recognized the growing popularity of this scene in Massachusetts.
“We started it because we’re very exciting about the Massachusetts Film Tax Credit that’s driving production in Massachusetts,” said Kirkpatrick. “It’s a place where actors, actresses, filmmakers, crew and writers can all come together and network and work together on projects. It doesn’t have the noise that’s on MySpace or something like that. It’s more of a group type of community.”
People can blog, post videos and chat with each other. Over 800 people have become members.
Kirkpatrick started out as a corporate attorney in California. He became involved in the movie industry while out on the west coast. When he returned in 2004 to MA, he continued his work in the field. He’s done production work for MTV, Paramount Classics and Paramount Indie Productions. He’s found the web site to be a great way of discovering talent.
“The web site is like having a tight family,” said Kirkpatrick. “I’ve made so many friends online and now we’re meeting and collaborating together. It’s kind of a cool phenomenon.”
One of the projects to spawn from ourfilmspace.com is a new digital channel called ourtvspace.com. The channel will feature a 12-episode series that will premiere in October. Filming will take place in West Brookfield. Over 150 members of ourfilmspace.com will be involved with the series.
“It’s ‘Dawson’s Creek’ meets Lost Boys,” said Kirkpatrick when asked about the series.
With so much promise shown already, the future looks bright for the web site. It will be a go-to place for all local residents interested in the movie industry.
“I hope that this web site is a way where people can network with others in the film industry and that it leads to other career opportunities for them that leads for a way for them to make money and have a great experience at the same time,” said Kirkpatrick.
Check out www.ourfilmspace.com to become a member!
Photo: Douglas Kirkpatrick
I’m another proud member of OFS and I’m very grateful to Doug for starting it up. I’ve meet some many great people on the site so far. My career seems to be on a major upswing and networking on OFS has been a big part of it. I recently made a short film with another member who also wrote and starred in it. I also got a chance to work on the 48HR Film Challange in Providence for the first time as a result of joining OFS.
I would encourage anyone who studing to be in film to join our family and find some projects to be a part of it’s worth it for the experience, credit and lasting friendships to be made.
Creating lasting friendships through collaboration is the most important thing to me as a member of the site and that’s one of the main reasons why Doug founded the site and for that I’m proud to be on OFS.
– Chris Williams “Good-bye Joe Productions”