It’s an industry, not a hobby, baby!

Spoiler Alert: this email includes registration for four unique, upcoming film workshops.

The State of Indiana Film

Last Thursday, Indiana’s film community made history. In partnership with Film Indy, The Box Media, Hoodox, and 12 Stars Media, we hosted the state’s first-ever State of Film, bringing together nearly 100 industry professionals from across Indiana.

The energy in the room was undeniable. Filmmakers, producers, and creatives gathered to connect, strategize, and discuss ways to make Indiana a real player in film production. We also had the privilege of hearing from Louisville Film Commission Chair, Soozie Eastman, who shared key insights on how states like Kentucky are driving significant film industry growth.

Wait . . . why is Pattern talking about the film industry?

As you know, Pattern’s mission is to fuel the growth of Indiana’s creative economy—and the film industry is a critical part of that vision. With seismic shifts reshaping the industry, including a growing exodus of independent filmmakers from Hollywood, now is the time to take action. Indiana has a chance to position itself as a serious player in the evolving film landscape, and we’re ready to seize the moment.

A thriving Film & Media industry doesn’t just benefit filmmakers—it drives growth across multiple sectors. Productions bring in millions in spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, equipment rentals, and local businesses, while providing high-quality jobs for Indiana’s creative workforce. From camera operators to carpenters, from caterers to post-production specialists, from makeup artists to wardrobe stylists, and set designers, a healthy film industry fuels a steady pipeline of work, keeping talent employed, local economies thriving, and Indiana’s creative economy on the map.

We Know Indiana Has What It Takes—Now It’s Time to Scale Up

Just across the river, Kentucky’s film industry impact hit $203 million last year—proof that smart incentives fuel serious economic growth.

That’s where SB306 comes in. This bill, currently in the Ways and Means Committee, would make Indiana’s film tax credit transferable—a game-changer for attracting investment—and extend its lifespan to 2035. We’re not just hoping for progress; we’re making it happen. Calls are being made, meetings are happening, and we are helping to make sure that Indiana’s professional film industry is making its voice heard.

What’s Next? A Bigger, Bolder Vision for Indiana Film

If cities like Louisville and Cincinnati (did you know that Cincy is in the running to be a new location for Sundance?!!) can grow thriving film industries, so can we. And why stop there? Imagine a tri-state film powerhouse—Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio—where talent, resources, and incentives combine to create one of the most attractive production hubs in the country.

That’s the vision. That’s the opportunity. And we’re here for it.

Here are those workshops we promised!

Register for our upcoming workshop series, Film Lab, which offers an educational and networking experience for emerging filmmakers and those curious about the industry. We’ve put together a great curriculum with partners Hoodox, 12 Stars Media, Heartland Film, and Film Indy that covers a range of topics. 

• March 20, Jennifer Haire, Deonna Weatherly, and Stephan Dekemper will present 9 Essential Practices for Filmmaking in Indiana
  

• April 3, we'll chat with Kevin Grazioli of Bayonet Media on Business, Finance, and Funding for filmmakers
  

• April 17, the creative team behind Dirty Laundry will discuss using art to bring a movie to life
  

• May 15, we'll head over to the Heartland HQ to hear about Demystifying Distribution

We want to acknowledge that support from the Herb Simon Family Foundation and the Samerian Foundation is making this series possible!

One final note on SB306 for the road:

We’ve put together this SB306 Action Plan that outlines why the bill matters, who needs to hear from you, and the most effective ways to take action to make sure it passes—whether it’s contacting legislators, mobilizing your community, or sharing key messages.

The next three weeks are crucial for showing support for the bill. While we already have strong representation from Central Indiana, we urgently need voices from Northern and Southern Indiana. If you live in Fort Wayne, Elkhart, South Bend, Evansville, Jasper, New Albany, or surrounding areas, your support is critical. Legislators in these regions need to hear directly from filmmakers, business owners, and community members about why SB306 matters for your local economy.

Photography credit: Sean Molin. (To see more pics of the State of Film, visit the event page on Facebook.)

P.S. We love these guys!