Free Video Services for Boston Artists
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Productions for FABA have wrapped! We are now in the post production phase for our 2023 artists.
2023 FABA RECIPIENTS
Follow @FABA.BOSTON on Instagram for updates, artist resources and opportunities
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
For Artists By Artists (FABA) is a technical assistance program for artists in Boston to access free high quality video production services to support and propel their creative practice. Five Boston artists will be selected through an application process to receive services in the summer of 2023.
As artists, we are tasked with constantly marketing ourselves in a social media-centered industry. Video content is vital to a creative career across all disciplines - but many marginalized artists cannot access high quality video services.
To address this, FABA is producing video content tailored to artist’s specific needs - completely free of charge, thanks to the support of the City of Boston’s Arts & Culture office. Video assets will help Boston artists gain upward mobility in their creative careers and gain access to more opportunities, such as grants, fellowships, and residencies.
FABA is not only providing services to artists of marginalized identities, but is also hiring marginalized artists to work on our program and productions - creating jobs and opportunity on both ends to help sustain and grow Boston’s creative workers. Our goal is career growth for everyone involved in our program across various creative industries in Boston. Priority will be given to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and creative workers living in Boston neighborhoods most impacted by COVID-19. Please see our “FAQ” below for more specifics on eligibility.
FABA is designed and produced by Stephanie Houten Multimedia LLC, and has been awarded funding by the Workforce & Professional Development Consultants for Artists & Creative Workers Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2022 through the City of Boston’s Arts & Culture Office.
Behind the scenes: “Like He Gets To Love Her” Music Video.
Artist: Mel Fine
Photo by Lexie Peipmeier
VIDEO SERVICES
FABA is intended to increase creative opportunities for Boston artists by providing them with high production value video content they may not otherwise be able to access. Most artists will use videos for marketing, websites, social media accounts, grant proposals, and submissions. FABA producers will provide guidance on seeking creative opportunities and how to use video content to strengthen applications, submissions, and social media marketing.
Some artists may opt for non-marketing centric uses for video services, such as music videos or creative performance videos. We are open to ideas and will work with artists to design video deliverables that best fit their needs and fit within the scope of production. Please see our “FAQ” below for more examples of types of video services we can offer.
FAQ
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For Artists By Artists (FABA) is a technical assistance program for creative workers in Boston to access free high quality video production services to support and propel their creative practice. This program not only provides technical assistance for artists, but also provides jobs for creatives in film, graphic design, and more. FABA is designed and produced by Stephanie Houten Multimedia LLC, and was awarded funding through the City of Boston’s Workforce & Professional Development Consultants for Artists & Creative Workers Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2022.
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Artists who live and/or work in Boston, MA are eligible to apply for video services through FABA. “Working in Boston” is defined as having the majority of full-time work taking place in the city of Boston. Artist groups, such as musical groups, art collectives, and art studio collectives, whose members are at least 50%+ those who live and/or work in the city of Boston, are also eligible to apply.
Per the City’s RFP agreement, artists most impacted by COVID will be prioritized in the application process. This means we will prioritize applicants who are:
Women, nonbinary, trans, and/or genderqueer
People of color
Immigrants
Living with disabilities
Neurodivergent
People with lower levels of education
LGBTQIAP+
Living in the following neighborhoods: Mattapan, Dorchester, Allston/Brighton, East Boston, Roxbury/Mission Hill, Fenway/Kenmore.
Please reach out to us if you have questions regarding your eligibility.
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Our goal is to produce videos most useful to you as a creative worker. Some examples of videos we are offering are music videos, performance videos, behind-the-scenes video, marketing/promotional content, advertisement-style video, art installation documentation, creative event videos, and more. We are open to your ideas and will work with you in the planning process to design video deliverables that work for you. Productions are limited to one day of filming, and video lengths will vary based on the nature of the video design.
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FABA is produced by Stephanie Houten, a filmmaker and director of photography based in greater Boston with years of experience working with artists, nonprofits, and grassroots communities to produce high quality video content. Stephanie’s crews are composed of fellow Boston local artists who are skilled in graphic design, writing, directing, producing, film set work, and video editing. You can view work produced and directed by Stephanie Houten by clicking “video” at the top right corner of this page. In addition, you can follow FABA on Instagram to stay in the loop on creative gig opportunities for FABA productions.
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Yes! We encourage you to apply and let us know why you think video can help you as a creative worker. If selected, will work with you to conceptualize a design for video for your specific practice. We will help guide you on how to best use video content on your digital platform like social media and websites.
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Artists will meet with the producer and director to conceptualize and plan their video during pre production; approximately 2-4 meetings. Filming will take place on one full day. After filming, there will be opportunities for 2 additional meetings during the editing and revision process to provide feedback and revision requests.
Throughout the process, communication will take place through email, where artists may need to respond to the producers about plans and logistics.
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Currently we are slated to start pre-production and planning in July and August of 2023, with filming in late August/early September. Editing will begin as soon as filming ends and may last through the winter of 2023. Videos are scheduled to be completed and ready for use no later than January 2024.
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Creative workers do not need to have their own studio to be eligible for FABA video services. We will work with you to determine a good location to film your video, whether it’s a studio, an outdoor space, your home, or another reasonable location.
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Applications are open until July 12, 2023, with selections and notifications being made the following week. The deadline may be extended pending the number of applications received.