Miss Porters and Scene First Film Festival

I was at Miss Porters School a few months ago, screening A Hero for Daisy and talking with the girls at a school-wide event... and no surprise, I found the girls energetic, articulate, and thoughtful. Long time head of school, Burch Ford, just announced her retirement. Burch has done amazing work both with and for generations of girls - and she will be greatly missed.

This photo was taken this spring - I am in the center on the floor - surrounded by the stupendous Miss Porter's Rowing Team, which inaugurated their new boathouse earlier this year.

Next up - I have the privilege to do a work-shop/panel discussion for the newest hippest film festival, Scene First, which debuts in North Carolina, June 14-17th. In the interest of full disclosure, I am on their board of advisors. This film festival is the first of its kind - devoted exclusively to student film works. So for those of you in school who have made shorts, films, music videos, animated works - now is your opportunity to showcase your inspirations. The website is: scenefirstfestival.com. In attendance during the festival will be: Gary Winick (director of Charlotte's Web and 13 Going on 30); Alan Blumquist (executive director of Walk the Line, Chocolat, Cider House Rules); Rick Butler (production designer - Philadelphia, 28 Days, The Talented Mr. Ripley); Ben Palmer (founder - The Barbarian Group, award winning interactive agency); and others.