Every great film starts with a spark—learn how to turn yours into a production-ready project with Chet Hunter Pancake and Jen Davis at WVIFF 2026’s two free filmmaking workshops.

10:00 AM – Chet Hunter Pancake will present his projects South Branch Stories Inc. and short film “Me and My Daddy.” During the global pandemic, Pancake began to turn away from documentary to short narrative fiction screenwriting and directing. Pancake developed the project “Me and My Daddy” inspired by family events and the writing of his sister Ann Pancake. The project script was accepted by the Stowe Story Lab including Pancake’s selection as a national Stowe Story Lab Fellowship finalist in September 2025. The film is a realization of his goal to shoot an “art cinema” short in WV in the Eastern Panhandle where he grew up with regional input, cast, and crew. The journey from script to screen included regional workshops, family discussions, translation of family events inclusive of literary concepts to script, securing authentic locations, and a six-day indy production in October 2026. Pancake will review the process, share stills from the film, and discuss the on-going potential for community based independent art cinema work in WV.

11:00 AM – The Production Checklist with Jen Davis: Jen Davis is a writer, Producer, and Production Designer with years of experience across multiple departments and disciplines on the East Coast. She’s an avid supporter of in-state filmmaking and independent production, having helped produce several movies and TV shows in West Virginia. Jen will lead a seminar about the needs of production that independent filmmakers often overlook. From tax incentives and the use of Pass-through companies to insurance, contingency, and other important production considerations. Jen will walk you through a checklist you can use to ensure your project is ready for production. A blend of creativity and practicality, this seminar will explore tips on how to maximize your budget and make your production shine.

FREE ADMISSION

Location:
Folklore Music Exchange
191 Summers Street
Charleston, WV 25301