Art and Face Paint!


Convention Prep
I wanted to clear something up - Dead of Winter is as much a Horror Convention as it is a Film Festival. There will literally be people there that come exclusively to booth hunt, and will not see a single film. And that's okay! Everyone should fan the way they want to fan!
As someone who ran a table since the debut of the event, I can tell you that one key thing I learned:
Know. The. Audience.
Horror fans are really cool people, but not everyone gives a flying fig about how to film an interview with one camera. No, horror fans at a horror convention want to be surprised and thrilled, but in the genre they came to see. So the Friendly Filmmaker booth is focusing JUST on horror.
Rebecca Hickman, SPFX HMUA extraordinaire, is going to be offering Makeup Effects both days! (You can reserve a spot by replying to this email.)
Here is just a sample of Rebecca's work:

And on Sunday you can also buy physical prints of Jeremy Arruda's work, in support of the film Mother Grimm by filmmaker and friend Jason Lake.
Here's a small sample of Jeremy's amazing art:

We also will have Horror Cookies and stickers and feature teasers and so much more!
(Wait, what's a Horror Cookie? Come by the booth and find out!)
Book Update
Still completing the edits to the Friendly Filmmaker Checklist . Despite DOW and other commitments, I haven't slowed down. The page count has already DOUBLED as a result of recent feedback, which only makes the final product better. Stay tuned!

FEB 21-22
DEAD OF WINTER HORROR FESTIVAL
DCU CENTER, WORCESTER, MA
Horror filmmakers and fans!
Part Convention, Part Film Festival, DOW has it all!
The team is hosting for the 3rd year, and it's going to be AMAZING.
Films, panels, cosplayers, photo ops, and booths to send chills up your spine. Get ready!
The DCU Center is the official home of Dead of Winter Horror Festival 2026! Get your tickets today.
SAVE THE DATES
MARCH 7
SOUTHIE FILM FESTIVAL
BOSTON, MA
March 7th, 2026, the first ever Southie Film Fest (SFF) is debuting right in the heart of Southie at Seapoint Bar & Grille. Submit here if you are interested! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1JK50uMT13S56BgLUa2hcqLIQgh-djrFY-4d0ecCDXuJx1w/viewform
MARCH 18-22
BOSTON UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
BOSTON, MA
BUFF seeks films that celebrate alternative visions and sounds, offering a platform that connects filmmakers with one another and our intelligent, engaged, and incredibly passionate audience, and encourages new ideas in celebration of work that pushes the envelope in style.
MARCH 20-22
LOIS WEBER FILM FESTIVAL
WEST NEWTON CINEMA, NEWTON, MA
More information to come! Very exciting things cooking.
If you want to be a sponsor, email me!
APRIL 9-12
NEW BEDFORD FILM FESTIVAL
NEW BEDFORD, MA
More details to come!
APRIL 15-19
RHODE ISLAND BLACK FILM FESTIVAL
PROVIDENCE & NEWPORT, RI
A powerful celebration of Black storytelling, culture, and creativity. Save the dates!
MAY 2
STRANGE MAYNARD FILM FESTIVAL
MAYNARD, MA
Filmmaker Erica Stockwell-Alpert is hosting 5 Hours of fun films! Come out and see some unique horror and comedy shorts made by the community!
MAY 7
LINCOLN SUDBURY STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL
SUDBURY, MA
Filmmakers Karin Trachtenberg, Julia Trueblood, and Liz Bishop are hosting a premiere for their latest short screened alongside local student shorts! Submit films before Feb 15 and Save the date!

CASTING
PAID / NON UNION - CT by New England indie producer Derek Barrus
We are currently in pre-production for a super graphic horror comedy short about an undead addict returning from the grave to reconnect with his son in a borderline grindhouse style film.
STEPH: (F, late 20’s - mid 30’s) a goth/ gangsta Latina trap queen , the unhinged ex of the protagonist and mother of Dante, when she’s not flipping drugs she’s casting hexes upon her enemies in the hood.
DANTE: (M, 6-11 ) Dante is the small, shy, perpetually sick son of Steph and the protagonist, he lives in a state of uneasy tension under the turbulent and majorly dysfunctional care of his wildcard mother.
**PATTY: (F, LATE 50’S - 60’S ) The doting oblivious mother of the protagonist who, although embedded in an awful crime-addled world maintains a 1950’s housewife disposition and treats her middle aged undead drug addict son with tender care.
**CREEP: (M, late 30’s - late 50’s) The overweight, unkempt absolutely disgusting neighborhood creep, heavily into voyeurism and breathing hard through his mouth.
**These roles have partial nudity, actors will be working with an intimacy coordinator.
Production is in New Haven CT in March / June
March 7th (Steph)
June 13th ( Patty, Creep, Steph, Dante)
June 14th (Steph, Dante)
Paid gig / non union
Rate is $150 per day
Food provided
IMBD Credit
Please send headshot / resume / reel to: [email protected]
With the subject: DIRT
CASTING
CASTING CALL by Giro Studio – PAID | EDUCATIONAL VIDEO SHOOT | CAMBRIDGE, MA
Looking for 3 actors for a series of short educational training videos being filmed at a professional studio in Cambridge, MA. These videos are designed for clinician training and will involve scripted dialogue. There are 2 videos, scripted to be ~10-15 minutes each. Each actor would only be responsible for one of the 2 videos. One video needs 2 actors.
Acting experience is helpful but NOT required — we welcome amateur and non-union actors who are comfortable on camera and able to follow a script.
Project Details
- Shoot Dates: April 13th or 14th, 2026
- Time Commitment: Approximately ~4 hours (half day)
- Compensation: PAID, pay will be shared upon inquiry. Meals and travel expenses not included. Non-union.
Roles Needed
1. Mrs. Morris
- African American woman
- Appears age 70–75
- Portrays a participant with mild cognitive impairment
- Warm, thoughtful, expressive
2. Mr. Khan
- South Asian man
- Appears age 75–80
- Portrays a research participant
- Calm, reflective presence
3. Mrs. Malik (Caregiver / Daughter)
- South Asian woman
- Appears age 40–45
- Portrays daughter and legal authorized representative
- Supportive, engaged, communicative
How to Submit
Please email [email protected] with:
- Your name
- Which role(s) you are interested in
- A recent photo (phone photos are totally fine)
- A brief note about any on-camera or acting experience (optional)
CASTING
From SLATE CASTING:
We are currently casting Transgender Actors, age 18-50, for an upcoming museum installation project in Boston.
$1000 compensation. Must be local to New England.
Please pass along to anyone you know who may be interested!
Send headshot, resume if you have one and your city/state to [email protected]
CASTING
Casting Call via Castillo Holliday Films! Location not specified but the company is based in Boston.
We are casting 4 people for a video featuring a fast paced small court sport.
Who we want
• People who enjoy sports and movement
• Experience with tennis, ping pong, or pickleball is a plus
• Comfortable being active on camera
We are building a diverse group of players and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Small stipend available.
DATES TBD
Please fill out this Google Form to be considered.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfenyMM6bQmJf7WvZEgKu2UvpxamU0lLa80TL5GoYqC9y5SCA/viewform
CASTING
CASTING CALL FOR FEATURE FILM by Julia Lauren Casting!
*Open to nonunion/union actors. Paid opportunity! Looking to cast multiple roles.
BIPOC Actors: 20-30 years old
Travel allotment provided.
Filming summer 2026. First table read spring 2026. Location: Massachusetts
Send headshot/resume to [email protected] if interested!
VIDEOGRAPHER
Videographer gig in CT for Jenny from Orange Elephant Press:
Greetings from CT!
I'm a the founder of Orange Elephant Press an independent publisher dedicated to creating books and educational materials that center disability and neurodiversity.
I'm interested in creating a 2-3 minute promo video to communicate the mission of Orange Elephant Press and build excitement for our first children's title, "A Seedling's Wish."
I'm looking for a videographer / editor who has experience with promotional videos, light motion graphics, and accessible captions and audio descriptions.
Preference will be given to videographers who identify as disabled or neurodivergent, as lived experience is central to the mission of Orange Elephant Press.
The shoot likely won't take place until summer, so we have time to get a feel for each other and the scope of the project.
I’m more interested in alignment, communication, and collaboration than high-gloss production.
If you are interested, please e-mail 1-2 examples of relevant video work and a brief note about why this project resonates with you to [email protected].
CASTING
Voyager has worked with several companies in the Boston area including MIT’s The Engine.
CHARACTERS: 6-10 Doctors, Nurses, and Patients, mid-30s to mid-50s. Actors will play multiple roles. All roles are non-speaking.
COMPENSATION: $350/10, plus use of your footage
DATE: 1 day, targeting February 17, 18, or 19
LOCATION: Medford, MA
UNION STATUS: Non-Union
To apply, please fill out the casting form at: https://forms.gle/v162hE3uUHneSGRf8
Feel free to send any questions to [email protected]
STUDENT FILMS
CALL FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FILMS
!!! LAST CALL !!!
MetroWest and surrounding area high school students are invited to submit short films for a community screening on May 7 at Lincoln-Sudbury High School.
Selected student films will screen alongside the premiere of award-winning filmmakers Julia Trueblood, Karin Trachtenberg and Liz Bishop latest short, followed by a Q&A and community reception.
Films 2–8 minutes | No submission fee
Submit here: https://forms.gle/Qpgd3UF2e232Ef266
Deadline to submit Feb 15th
Questions? [email protected]
"Emerging Voices: An Evening of Short Films" is made possible with generous support from Middlesex Bank and funding from the Southborough, Sudbury, Lincoln, Concord and Carlisle Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
P.A. Needed
Awesome sounding pirate themed, remote PA gig!
PAID: Looking for a production assistant for documentary.
Hi everyone! My name is Bryanna Reynolds and I am an independent filmmaker based here in Los Angeles but originally from Australia. I am producing my first short film "The Last Eight" and I am looking for a production assistant.
The documentary tells the story of the city of Burbank Community coming together over the course of 2025 and building a float for the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
The float is a pirate ship and the overall film has a sense of adventure, urgency and emotional reflection of people coming together.
I need a production assistant to help me with festival research, submission, and general outreach to communities and people involved in the float. The job can be remote.
Thank you so much! I look forward to connecting with you all!
Please reach out on the official page The Last Eight [https://www.facebook.com/groups/428311350577561/user/61586111588614/] or on Instagram @thelasteight_film
CALLING ALL CARS!
SEEKING LOCAL VEHICLES – FEBRUARY FILM SHOOT (NH)
Independent narrative film seeking dark-colored winter SUVs (ski racks preferred but not required) for a brief exterior/night scene at a private residence.
• Vehicles will be filmed briefly pulling into a driveway at very low speed with headlights on, then parked
• No faces or license plates shown
• No acting or dialogue required
• Late-night, single evening
• $250 honorarium per vehicle + screen credit
Quiet, atmospheric moment in a character-driven indie film.
Please email: [email protected]
Vehicle make/model/year, color, and February availability.
Central New Hampshire
Professional indie set
IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6323958/
Here’s our award-winning short film that inspired this feature: SIBLINGS trailer – https://youtu.be/X3K7pk0Uc14?si=TFgdc3xrVeaZGwY8
CASTING
Short film entitled "Black Salt".
Logline: During a winter blackout, a young woman becomes trapped in her isolated cottage during a snowstorm, in which she awakens spirits bound by ancient rules, forcing her to fight through the night to survive her own home.
Filming will be mid-late March in Central Mass (on a Saturday). The shoot will only be 1 day. All roles will be paid. Non-Union. Crew call to follow once casting is complete. The following roles are:
- Savannah (20s)
- David (30s-40s)
- Gloria (45-70)
Please email resume/imdb page and acting reel to [email protected].
Check out his Director's reel: https://youtu.be/MaDq7y9cBaQ
and imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4217786/
CASTING
MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN
Writer/Director: Cole McIlvaine, Tufts University
About the Film:
An 86-year-old man confronts the quiet symptoms of dementia through a visit to his barber and a call from his son. This is a quiet, character-driven short film about an aging man confronting change during his haircut. The film relies on subtle, realistic performances in a small-scale setting.
SEEKING:
Role: "Michelle"
Female, ~50s, New England local preferred
Scatter-brained, thoughtful, talkative
A hairdresser/barber who loves her job but is looking for a new life.
• Dialogue-driven performance with subtle humor
• Filming in Somerville/Cambridge MA
• March 7th & 8th
• PAID
To Audition, Send headshot & resume (if available), and a short video introducing yourself to: [email protected]
Subject: Casting – Michelle - Your Name
PRODUCER
ISO: Production Designer for a feature film shooting March 2026 in Providence, RI.
LOSERS IS A PUNK COMEDY ABOUT two aimless best friends, trying to dig themselves out of a hole in a decaying Rhode Island town.
Paid opportunity with a great team of dedicated artists who love art and cinema (and DVD nostalgia).
Please email with photo references of work. [email protected]
**As always, if you know of any paid local gigs, reply to this email and I’ll share with the rest of community!**

LATE NIGHT IN PROVIDENCE
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Link: https://seedandspark.com/fund/late-night-in-providence-season-2#story If you have any filmmaking fundraisers you know about, let us know!
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THANK YOU!
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As always, tell your filmmaker friends to sign up for this free Newsletter. Spreading the word helps the community and network grow!
Friendly Filmmaker CommunityI am VERY excited to bring this community to you. You've heard the spiel, here are the full deets ICYMI: https://ko-fi.com/post/A-Shadow-Launch-and-News-about-Growth-G2G41JPF6M Reminder: The member cap for initial launch is 100 people! It's $2/mo - just enough to cover the cost of running the platform. For newsletter friends, the first month is free. If you want a code, reply to this email. Friendly Filmmaker CHECKLISTReminder! “The Friendly Filmmaker Checklist” is still in the Preorder phase! The preorder window is being extended due to a delay with the printer, but we will be shipping soon. If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, pick one up today! Thank you so much to everyone who has preordered already! Coaching CallsWanna pick my filmmaker brain? https://www.friendlyfilmmaker.com/coachingcalls Plus, even if this might not help you specifically, if you happen to know someone who's just starting their filmmaking journey and wants to save hours of pain and frustration, share this bounty!
Happy filming! Julia 🎥 🎬 🎞 Friendly Filmmaker |

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