“I’ll illuminate a few projects we were able to successfully complete here, and how the state tax incentives were essential as was the support of our local community,” Brian Kohne explained. “I’ll also share of the Academy for Creative, a media school I’ve built in recent years that is beginning to thrive. We offer degrees in Creative Media, Filmmaking, Graphic Design and soon, Animation. Island creatives no longer need to leave the island to receive high- level educational opportunities in media.”

KIHEI — The writer and director of the movies “Kuleana – Maui” and “Get a Job” will be the guest speaker at the next virtual MauiTechOhana on April 13.

Hawaii’s Brian Kohne is also an award-winning music producer (Barefoot Natives, Willie K) and will “talk story” at the virtual meeting, presented by Maui Economic Development Board with support of the County of Maui.

“I’m hoping attendees gain a greater sense of our interconnected industries, the arts, media and motion pictures,” shared Kohne. “That in order to build a thriving, sustainable industry here on Maui, that we must place an equal emphasis on infrastructure, workforce development and education.”

An Art and Radio/TV/Film graduate of San Jose State, Kohne returned to Maui in 2005 from Silicon Valley. Kohne is principal of Hawaii Cinema Inc. and director of the Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

Speaking about opportunities on Maui, Kohne said, “Productions from outside Hawaii will come and go, and once the pandemic is no longer a major, governing issue, producers and studios will return to business as usual in chasing the ripest tax/financial incentives in determining where they will spend their time and money. So, we must continue to invest resources to support and grow an industry from within. It is not enough to provide crew; Hawaii residents must originate viable productions in order to truly enjoy the benefits of the arts, media and motion picture industries.”

The virtual meeting will take advantage of breakout rooms to encourage information sharing and social interaction amongst the participants.

Maui TechOhana is on April 13 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. online via Zoom. Registration is necessary, and places are limited. For more information, visit www.mauitechohana.com.