Master Pre-Production: Learn from DGA Veteran Kenny Chaplin!

Are you ready to elevate your production skills? Join Director's Guild of America veteran Kenny Chaplin for an intensive two-day Pre-Production Workshop! Whether you're transitioning from indie sets to larger productions or just starting out, this workshop provides the practical knowledge you need to navigate real-world pre-production.

Presented in partnership with FilmToledo: https://filmtoledo.com/

What You’ll Learn: This workshop dives deep into the structure and demands of pre-production, covering topics such as:

• Department responsibilities during prep (AD, camera, stunt, wardrobe, set dec, and more)
• Breaking down scripts for scheduling and budgeting
• Hands-on training in Movie Magic Scheduling
• Working with casting and background performers
• Planning for set communication and production reports
• Preparing call sheets, prep schedules, and the on-location production office

This session is ideal for anyone aiming to step into a crew role, develop a production-ready short or feature, or understand how larger-scale sets operate. It's especially useful for those pursuing entry-level film positions or expanding into coordinating roles.

Meet Your Instructors:

Kenny Chaplin

Brings nearly three decades of on-set experience in film and television. A DGA member, Kenny has worked with acclaimed directors like Terrence Malick, Ridley Scott, and Ang Lee. His impressive credits include The Thin Red Line, Ride with the Devil, Body of Lies, Judging Amy, and Roswell. Kenny previously led our sold-out PA workshop and is returning to Columbus by popular demand!

Michael DeSanto

Executive Director, FilmToledo Owner, Bad Atom Studios

An award-winning filmmaker based in Toledo, Ohio, Michael DeSanto has been creating independent films, commercial and web content since 2006. His company, Bad Atom Studios, has been involved in several solo and collaborative filmmaking efforts with area writers,directors and production companies. Michael is currently the executive director of FilmToledo, the regional film commission covering Toledo and Northwest Ohio. He is committed to showcasing local talent and highlighting film, art and design in the region.

Charles Wetzel Jr.

Networking Coordinator, FilmToledo Actor, NexGen Talent

Charles Wetzel Jr. has become one of Northwest Ohio's nost prominent and successful actors, with a career spanning independent films,commercials, and as Networking Coordinator for FilmToledo. Over the last six years, Charles has been involved as an organizer, judge and host of the CommUNITY Film Fest featuring films from filmmakers with disabilities. Charles previously studied at the Indy Actors Academy and completed two terms at the Second City Training Center in Chicago.

Workshop Pricing & Series Info: This Pre-Production Workshop is the first in a three-part Production Workshop Series presented by Film Columbus.

The series also includes:

• Production Workshop (August 23–24)
• Post-Production Workshop (October 4–5)

Tickets:

• Individual Workshop: $39
• Student: $19
• Three-Workshop (Prepro, Production, Post): $99

Participants may register for one workshop or attend the full series for maximum value and skill-building.

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Seats are limited and expected to fill quickly. Secure your ticket and take a step toward becoming a more confident, capable filmmaker.

Kenny Chaplin brings nearly three decades of on-set experience in film and television. A DGA member, Kenny has worked with acclaimed directors like Terrence Malick, Ridley Scott, and Ang Lee. His impressive credits include The Thin Red Line, Ride with the Devil, Body of Lies, Judging Amy, and Roswell. Kenny previously led our sold-out PA workshop and is returning to Columbus by popular demand!

An award-winning filmmaker based in Toledo, Ohio, Michael DeSanto has been creating independent films, commercial and web content since 2006. His company, Bad Atom Studios, has been involved in several solo and collaborative filmmaking efforts with area writers, directors and production companies. Michael is currently the executive director of FilmToledo, the regional film commission covering Toledo and Northwest Ohio. He is committed to showcasing local talent and highlighting film, art and design in the region.

Charles Wetzel Jr. has become one of Northwest Ohio's nost prominent and successful actors, with a career spanning independent films, commercials, and as Networking Coordinator for FilmToledo. Over the last six years, Charles has been involved as an organizer, judge and host of the CommUNITY Film Fest featuring films from filmmakers with disabilities. Charles previously studied at the Indy Actors Academy and completed two terms at the Second City Training Center in Chicago.