PITTSTON, PA — WVIA has announced that the public station will return as the official media partner for the 2025 NEPA Film Festival. The festival takes place April 4-6 at the Waverly Community House in Waverly. 

WVIA will offer a series of educational workshops led by its production team. These sessions aim to inspire and equip both aspiring and seasoned filmmakers with practical skills and insights to enhance their craft. WVIA’s Student Showcase is also returning this year. 

WVIA educational workshops: Empowering filmmakers 

• "Production Management 101" with Ron Andruscavage: This workshop covers the essential processes of organizing, budgeting, and scheduling a film production from pre-production to post-production. Attendees will learn how to coordinate logistics, manage crew and resources, and ensure projects stay on time and within budget. Effective production management is crucial for a smooth workflow, minimizing risks, and efficiently bringing a creative vision to life. This workshop takes place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. 
• "Real Life to Reel: Crafting Authentic Documentaries” with Tim Novotney: This is an interactive workshop on documentary filmmaking that explores techniques for identifying real-life stories, conducting insightful interviews, and capturing spontaneous moments. Participants will also examine ethical filmmaking practices and learn strategies to transform raw footage into compelling narratives, all within an engaging and supportive environment. This workshop takes place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. 
• "Storytelling Masterclass: Practical Tips to Enhance Your Work" with Alexander Monelli: Participants will immerse themselves in all aspects of storytelling. Whether searching for a new movie idea, overcoming writer's block or aiming to tell more engaging stories, this workshop will ignite creativity and provide practical methods to enhance storytelling in film and beyond. This workshop takes place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 6. 

• "Demystifying Distribution" with Chris Zellers: This session explores the various channels available for film distribution, offering guidance on optimizing reach and utilizing useful tools in the journey. Real-world case studies from WVIA’s award-winning digital short series, including "VIA Short Takes" and "Pizza!", will be examined. This workshop takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 6. 

Cultivating the next generation: The WVIA Student Showcase 

WVIA’s Student Showcase shines a spotlight on the creative voices of high school and college filmmakers from across the region. Students submitted their short films for the opportunity to have their work screened on the festival’s big screen, in front of an audience that includes fellow filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts. 

This initiative provides young filmmakers with a platform for exposure, recognition and professional networking. “Encouraging young filmmakers and providing them with real-world opportunities to share their work is central to our mission,” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA’s chief content officer. “The WVIA Student Showcase is a testament to our belief that storytelling is a powerful force, and every filmmaker—no matter their age—deserves the chance to be heard.” 

Workshop admission is included with a NEPA Film Festival day pass, allowing attendees to gain practical knowledge while enjoying a weekend immersed in cinema. 

For more information about WVIA’s workshops and the NEPA Film Festival, visit the NEPA Film Festival website.