Networking Is A Challenge
Let’s be honest, networking can be uncomfortable. Walking into a room full of strangers, making small talk, wondering if you belong? It’s a lot. That used to be me. It still is sometimes.
But connection is the heartbeat of this industry. And even if it feels awkward, showing up opens the door to real opportunities—collaborators, gigs, community. So here’s something to try this month.
Your mission:
• Go to 1 event (I’ve listed 10 good ones).
• Find me.
• Stand by the cheese cubes, people always want to talk to the person next to the cheese cubes.
• Meet 3 new people.
No speeches required. Just introduce yourself. Ask someone what they’re working on. Swap info. That’s how this works.
And hey, if one of these events catches your eye, reach out to me. Send me a message or reply to this newsletter. Whether I’m going or not, I’ll help ease those nerves by making your first introduction, so you don’t have to navigate the room solo.
See you at the cubes.
What: Give and Get Feedback on Doc WIPs
When: Tuesday, May 6
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Where: 9 Market Street, Ellenville, NY 12428
Join us for a fun and interactive event where documentary filmmakers around the Hudson Valley can give and get feedback on their works in progress. Contact your host Melody Gilbert (melodygilbert01@gmail.com) if you have something you want to show. Space is limited.
RSVP HERE.
What: “Trying” Work-In-Progress Screening @ HUDSY
When: Tuesday, May 6
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: 721 Broadway, #Studio B, Kingston, NY 12401
Join us for the final feedback screening for Kyle Turgeon’s new live audio-visual show "Trying". Kyle performs the score live, looping and layering cello, synth and piano, to build an unfolding soundscape, while he projects live-sequenced, chance-based visuals behind him.
RSVP HERE.
What: May Business for Breakfast 2025 - “How Film Supports Business in OC”
When: Thursday, May 8
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 am
Where: Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, 231 Creamery Pond Rd, Chester, NY 10918
Summer Crockett Moore of Choice Films moderate this event with Orange County Chamber of Commerce, NY! Come join us to see all that Orange County NY Film Office and NYS Film has to offer!
Register HERE.
What: The Elevated Founders Community: She Means Business Workshop
When: Friday, May 9
Time: 12 - 3 pm
Where: 143 Broadway, Hawthorne, NY 10532
A Workshop & Headshot Session for Female Entrepreneurs & Creatives. Presented by Louisa Vilardi. Your registration includes the workshop, light refreshments, and a mini headshot session with Louisa Vilardi of Louisa Vilardi Photography.
RSVP HERE.
EVENT CANCELLED
What: Creating Your Actor’s Reel Workshop with Jessica Green
When: Saturday, May 10 Time: 2 - 6 pm
Where: Senate Garage, 4 N. Front Street Kingston, NY 12401Pre-purchased tickets are $30 for non-members & $20 for UPWIFT membersTickets at the door are $40 for non-members & $30 for UPWIFT members
Venmo: @ UPWIFT
More info HERE.
What: Asbury Shorts USA
When: Saturday, May 10
Time: 7 - 9:30 pm
Where: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale, NY 12472
Asbury Shorts USA returns to the Rosendale Theatre for a 14th year. Strongly recommended for ages 16 and way above.
Buy tickets HERE.
What: The Power of Story-driven Video Marketing (Complimentary Masterclass)
When: Thursday, May 15
Time: 1 pm
Where: Online
Who: Tom Langan of Talex Media
In just one hour, you’ll discover how to craft and implement a brand story that not only captures attention but compels your audience to take action. Walk away with a simple, yet powerful storytelling framework you can immediately apply to your marketing—no fluff, just results.
Join The Masterclass HERE.
What: Connect.HV May Meetup + Concert in Kingston
When: Wednesday, May 21
Time: 6 - 10 pm
Where: Senate Garage, 4 N. Front Street Kingston, NY 12401
We're back at the Senate Garage for our May meetup, with a special musical guest TBA!
Get Tickets HERE.
What: The Mashup: May 22 at RMV Cellars
When: Thursday, May 22
Time: 5 - 8 pm
Where: RMV Cellars, 103 Burroughs Dr, West Park, NY 12493
An evening of creative networking and connecting for the Hudson Valley. Our past Mashup events have EACH brought on average 400+ people out, and we hope to see you in the mix.
NEW THIS MASHUP: Speed Networking! This exciting new addition is designed to spark quick, meaningful connections and foster new creative relationships in a fun and fast-paced format. (Please note: Speed Networking will start at approx. 6:30pm)
A collaboration between HUDSY and the incredible organizations below: Arts Mid-Hudson, Bardavon Presents, ConnectHV, Cornell Creative Arts Center, Hudson Valley Improv, Hudson Valley Women in Business, HUDSY, INSIDE+OUT Upstate NY, Kingston Film Foundation, Moonshot Initiative, Stepping Stone, Stockade Works, The Art Effect, TMI Project, Un-hinged Speed Dating, Unison Arts, UPWIFT, Woodstock Film Festival
Get Your Ticket HERE.
What: CREATIVE IMPACT MIXER 2025
When: Thursday, May 29
Time: 5 - 8 pm
Where: Storm King Arts Center, 1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553
Get ready for a night where art ignites, ideas flow, and connections spark! Join us at the breathtaking Storm King Art Center, perched atop one of the most spectacular views in Orange County, for an evening of live music, bites, drinks, and creative synergy.
Have an event you’d like me to share? Fill out this form or email the details, and I’ll add it to my social calendar.
Please share this with anyone you think will benefit from this Call Sheet!
Tara Latorre - hudson valley producer, connector, and passionate cheerleader