Calling All Movie Buffs

“Come one, come all, come everybody!” said Jack Presnal, founder of Community Film Studio Santa Barbara, Inc, about the upcoming debut meeting taking place on April 29 at 2 p.m. at the Marjorie Luke Theatre.

This meeting will mark the launch of the company’s mission to create community-based, feature-length films for audiences here and around the world. Modeled after a community theater company, Community Film Studio Santa Barbara (CFSSB) is inviting all Santa Barbara residents to find out more about how they can be a part of CFSSB’s many upcoming plans.

“It takes an army to make a movie,” explained Presnal. “There’s a job for everybody. It doesn’t matter about your experience or lack thereof.”

Experienced film professionals are especially invited to become mentors to the young and old alike. Area musicians are also invited to contribute their musical talents to soundtracks.

CFSSB is the world’s first nonprofit community film studio to invite all people interested in making movies — no matter their background — to join, learn, and participate in every aspect of a film’s creation and distribution. “If we can prove that this works, hopefully others will start up similar companies across the countries,” said Presnal.

Presnal first came up with the idea for the company about a year ago. “I started thinking about my background in education, in photography,” explained Presnal. “Movies really have a way of reaching people — everybody was so energized at the idea of doing this.”

Presnal stressed that education is a critical component of the organization. “It’s as much a school as a production company,” he said, “We hope that for those people who want to aspire, if we can help them to reach their career goals, that’s great.”

People currently on the organization’s board of directors include musicians, videographers, editors, bookkeepers, and even a physician. “The committee includes people who, at one time or another, had some engagement in the world of production. This is an opportunity for them to get back into it,” said Presnal.

Memberships for CFSSB are $25 for the individual and $50 for the entire family and will be accepted via cash, check, or credit card. For more information, visit www.cfssc.org.