“Visual Affects” continues to build speaker offerings

July 2010 – MILWAUKEE, WI – Southeastern WI Arts Guild is pleased to announce “VisualAffects” will now include Shawn Monaghan of Firestarter Films on its presenting panelof speakers. The event to highlight the film and television industry and its impact on theMilwaukee Area will take place at ComedySportz on Monday, August 16 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Monaghan is co-founder of Firestarter Films, which offers local filmmakers the opportunity topresent their films and talk with their audience afterward. This interactive forum has helpedlocal filmmakers network with others in their field as well as their audience.

Jonathan Jackson of Milwaukee Film, also a sponsor for the event, agreed that groups likeFirestarter are key to the growth of the visual arts, and that ‘Visual Affects’ is an ideal forumto exhibit its importance to Milwaukee’s culture. "The moving media production communityin Milwaukee is healthy and on the verge of thriving, “ he said, adding, “I am delighted tosee ‘Visual Affects’ highlighting this industry and am happy to share the story of the economicimpact it makes and even more importantly, how it could grow with targeted support."

The evening also precedes the Milwaukee Film Festival, which takes place September 23 toOctober 3, and is growing in popularity. Last year’s festival drew 20,000 movie goers to thecity, and “Visual Affects” is therefore positioned to be a warm-up event to this year’s show.

Along with Monaghan, our presenters will take the stage at approximately 6:30 and include:

• Jonathan Jackson, Executive and Artistic Director of Milwaukee Film, which isresponsible for Milwaukee’s Film Festival, and instructor at UW-Milwaukee’s FilmDepartment
• John Kishline, screen and stage actor, most recently appearing in Public Enemies and hasbeen active with Next Act Theatre since 1998
• Neille Hoffman of Aurum Design Studio in Milwaukee; located in the Third Ward,Aurum creates award-winning visuals and video presentations for national film,television and commercial clients including The Oprah Winfrey Show, McDonald’s andTrek among many others.
• Dave Fantle, Vice President of Public Relations for VISIT Milwaukee; he has helpedto bring such projects as Transformers 3 as well as American Idol to the Milwaukeearea and is a passionate advocate for a more positive business environment for the filmindustry to make Milwaukee a destination
• Dick Chudnow, Co-creator of ComedySportz, whose film credits include movies such asSpy Hard, KGOD (Pray TV), and Hysterical. His television credits include: Amazing Stories,
  Medix, and a guest appearance on The Tonight Show.

Registration prior to the event is $20, and attendees can reserve a spot by linking to http://sewiartsguild.blogspot.com/. Cost at the door is $25.
ComedySportz is located at 420 S. 1st Street in the Walker’s Point neighborhood, just south of Downtown.

About Southeastern WI Arts Guild:The mission of the Southeastern WI Arts Guild (S.W.A.G) is to expand the footprint of thecultural arts throughout the region. S.W.A.G was founded as a central resource for the Arts andBusiness Communities to engage and build mutually-beneficial relationships together. S.W.A.Gproduces innovative cultural events, internet and social media services to drive the developmentof a sustainable “cultural alliance” throughout the region.

Denise Konkol, Director of Communications (414) 526-1162

Dan Laske, President (262)853-6063