Angelo Giordano has been around for years in the entertainment industry. Known for producing Las Vegas shows like the popular Voices, now playing at the Hilton, and running a company that functions as a management agency and recording label and handles sports and casino marketing, Angelo is now in the process of launching The Giordano Theatre. Targeting the last Friday in March to open its doors at the Hilton, he describes it as "an independent film theatre. What that means is that it will showcase independent films, studio pictures, inspiring filmmakers and also Hollywood type pictures. It's a real mix. We also do shorts as well and documentaries and there's no theatres out there that are distributing shorts and documentaries."

Recently I exchanged emails with Chris when he approached me about doing a review of his film Knock 'Em Dead, Kid. Instead, I asked him to write an article about how he made his movie. This way other filmmakers will have the opportunity to learn about someone else's experience. I'd like to publish more articles like this, so if you'd like to share the story of how your film got made, please send it to me at info@filmmakersnotebook.com. Now, I hope you enjoy the first Filmmaker's Diary from Chris Golon.

Atieh Attarzadeh, a talented Iranian female director, is presenting her recent documentary to the attention of film festival directors worldwide.

This month two Film Financing Conferences are being held in Los Angeles. First there is the 2nd Annual Film Finance Forum beginning on the 2nd and running through the 4th at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, then on the 8th and 9th the 2010 International Film & TV Summit is being held at the Luxe Hotel.

Although I think about signing up for film courses, I never seem to have the time or funds available. However, because of the developing technologies and business models within the industry, I have been taking various seminars and attending conferences for over two years. One of the most informative online courses I've found is producer/director David Basulto's Film School On Demand FSOD 101 Make Your Movie Now, which in 10 Lessons covers the major aspects for making a first film.

Many aspiring and professional filmmakers, who don't live in cities like Los Angeles and New York, often wish they could take advantage of the seminars and programs offered there.

This year I bought myself one Christmas present – a copy of "Think Outside the Box Office" written by filmmaker Jon Reiss. Without a doubt it should be required reading for anyone interested in making movies from amateurs to seasoned professionals, especially since traditional distribution models have been broken and the current alternatives are being constantly evaluated and debated.

On Saturday February 27th and Sunday February 28th Mitchell Block, executive producer and co-creator of the Emmy Award winning Carrier, will once again be offering his two amazing seminars: Financing and Producing Documentary Programs and the Documentary Tune- Up. Last April I made the trip to Santa Monica and signed up for day one with Mitchell and it was definitely worth it. Every hour was filled with valuable information and there was no fluff.

If you are a filmmaker looking for valuable legal information online, subscribe to Attorney Mark Litwak's Entertainment Law Resources Newsletter. Each issue features an article written by Mark focusing on a particular aspect of the law. The latest piece entitled "Distributing Your Indie Film" offers tips for leveraging deals and improving terms when negotiating.

This time of year reflects the festive air of a holiday season for the creative community with the Academy Awards looming ahead on March 7th.