These are interesting times for creatives. We are facing all kinds of obstacles, yet we are resilient as storytellers and have been for millennia. Artificial Intelligence is the latest technology threatening our ability to earn a living as a media professional. But, just like every other God-inspired tool since the beginning of time, as human creators we make choices with how to use the instruments we have been given. Will we use AI in a pursuit to inspire humans to do better? Will we challenge the growing usage of AI as a tool for manipulation and propaganda or will we use AI for good? At Belltower Pictures, The Good Road and Shockoe Records, we are exploring the possibilities. I am looking to the Infinite Transcendent and tapping into the "Wisdom Economy."
About the Presenter:
When Craig Martin yells, “stop the van!” his The Good Road co-host, Earl Bridges, gets worried. It usually means Craig wants to get out and film something potentially bizarre happening by the side of the road. Craig is almost always unfazed in dangerous environments because he has spent the past 30 years filming in war zones, disaster zones and remote villages in more than 85 countries.
Craig Martin is an experienced visual storyteller, film-maker and writer with more than 30 years of experience. As a video/film producer, director, writer and editor, Craig has produced hundreds of projects both long and short form. With an MA in Communications from Baylor University, Craig has explored a variety of formats including dramatic and journalistic storytelling with a focus on documentary. In addition to his film accomplishments, Craig has contributed multiple articles for national publications. He produced the feature length docudrama The Insanity of God distributed internationally by Word Films and screened in more than 500 theaters through Fathom Events. This film had a national theatrical release with a viewership of 88,000 and sold $1.2M in tickets. He is Executive Producer on Free Burma Rangers, a Fathom/LifeWay documentary that screened in theaters nationally in February 2020. He Executive Produced Anahita: A Mother’s Journey airing on PBS and won an Upper Midwest Emmy. Phil Cooke, a nationally renowned filmmaker, writer and founder of Cooke Media Group in Burbank, CA, says “Craig has been in demand internationally as a media producer and executive, and as a result is particularly experienced working in diverse cultures, leading highly skilled teams, and dealing in high stress situations..”
Currently, Craig is the co-host and producer of a Daytime Emmy nominated TV docu-series called The Good Road. This series explores the world of philanthropy and Season Five is airing through American Public Television and World Channel with Season Six coming in the fall of 2025. Craig lectures on Artificial Intelligence and has written two books on the topic; 1:0 Commandments: You May Never Yield a Return and 1.0 Commandments: Home is in My Head. Craig has also produced a podcast called Philanthropology and written a memoir called Confessions of a Philanthropologist.
Craig lives with his wife and twin 22-year-olds in Richmond, Virginia.
A great headshot can make all the difference. But what separates a professional, casting-ready headshot from one that misses the mark?
Join us for an informative evening focused on helping performers understand the power of a strong headshot and how to make sure yours works for you.
We are excited to welcome special guest Guido Venitucci, a renowned headshot photographer from New York City, along with another industry professional who will share expert insights on creating headshots that stand out.
During this interactive session, Guido will photograph sample shots to demonstrate:
What colors photograph best
Wardrobe choices that enhance your look
Background options for commercial vs. theatrical submissions
Key elements that make a headshot look professional and casting-ready
Whether you're updating your portfolio or just getting started, this session will help you understand how to level up your headshot game.
Light snacks and beverages will be served.
Free for all VPA and SAG-AFTRA members.
As a VPA member, you're allowed to attend meetings and professional development events throughout the state. It's all included in your annual membership.