Community testing phase complete!
As Promised!
It's official! The sign up link on the website redirects to a waiting page, and no new sign ups are allowed.
New features are being added to help our existing Members, and others are being optimized.
Next week, I will announce the Public Launch date, as well as a shortlist of new benefits Members will get their hands on.
For example...
Storyboard Templates!
Hey you fellow directors out there, what do you do when you want to storyboard shot ideas for your next film?
Do you buy a blank notebook and draw boxes all over the place?
Do you look around for a ruler?
Maybe buy a box of flash cards?
Oh, no! Did you forget to leave room for notes about the action or dialogue or lens choice?
All of the above?
Yeah, me too.
That's why I built the Storyboard Template Generator!
Just fill out a form about your project, choose your aspect ratio from a dropdown, and this stateless form will generate a printable PDF booklet for you, customized to your project, with boxes rendered in your desired aspect ratio, and space for your shot-specific notes!
For example, using friend and filmmaker Jason Lake's upcoming project as a demo...
This tool is already up in the FREESOURCES tab in the Community (or just click the pic above).
Enjoy!
SEPTEMBER 19
"THE LAST GOODNIGHT" PREMIERE AND CANCER FUNDRAISER
MILLBURY, MA
From Out Of Time Pictures, Rob Levinson presents the heartbreaking story of a devoted couple spending one final night together, as one is dying from Pancreatic Cancer. Ian Lyons and René Zara star as Mark and Olivia, give performances that are honest, heartbreaking, and incredibly moving.
We will also hear from Dr. Stephanie Dougan from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, giving her professional insight into ongoing pancreatic cancer research. And we will hear from pancreatic cancer survivor Martha Gold, who will speak about her deeply personal journey.
Every ticket purchased directly supports pancreatic cancer research through Dana-Farber and The Jimmy Fund.
SEPTEMBER 26
LOIS WEBER "SHE, WHO SCARED" EVENT
WEST NEWTON CINEMA, MA
6:00-9:30pm
Join us for THE kickoff to Spooky Season, a killer fundraiser 👻hosted by the Lois Weber Film Festival!
The Night's Festivities include...
* an incredible Panel Discussion titled "Miss-Represented: The Importance of Gender Equality and Queer Representation in Horror" (moderated by author Annamaria Veneziano, with panelists: Amelia Favata, Julia Tutko-Balena, Jason Lake, & Brody Bellamy)
* a Horror Film Screening (films: "Fortune Teller", "Mother Grimm", "Manic", "Peel", "The Chexorcist")
* a Costume Contest
* raffles
* tons of fun and networking
All proceeds support the Lois Weber Nonprofit's Mission to highlight and celebrate equality in the film industry!
EVERY TICKET IS 100% Tax Deductible - an official tax reciept will be emailed to you after purchase.
Ticket Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/she-who-scared
Annual Shawna Foundation fundraiser
$10,910/$10K -- fully funded in just two weeks!
Shawna Foundation founder and director Skip Shea and his team run an annual fundraiser during the month of August (into September) to honor the life and independent artistic spirit of Shawna Shea.
The foundation runs scholarships, as well as the three film festivals we've come to know and love, (and other programs - you should sub to their newsletter if you haven't yet).
All donations are tax deductible, and fuel the programs for the rest of the year. Although they have been funded for this year, the needs of a Nonprofit are always there. So Donate to the Shawna Foundation's PayPal link here: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/1392300
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***If you have any filmmaking fundraisers you know about, let us know!*** |
CASTING
(PAID, $250/day)
Filmmaker Amina Razgui will be directing the short film Clerical Error.
Logline: A diligent library archivist uncovers a dark secret about his town, he just needs to find someone who will listen to him.
Shoot Dates: October 2, and October 5
Location: Brockton, MA
Genre: Dark Comedy Thriller
Nonunion
Roles:
Steve (Lead): Male, 20’s/30’s (Oct 2 & 5)
A diligent archivist that struggles to stand up for himself.
Creed: Male, 50’s/60’s (Oct 5)
The tired director of a library. Tough, but fair with his employees.
Officer Murphy: Male, 40’s/50s (Oct 2)
A grumpy bike cop who just wants his shift to end.
Jill: Female, 40’s/50’s (Oct 2)
A town councilwoman determined to stay in power.
If you are interested please send headshots to [email protected]. A reel or recorded monologue is appreciated!
CAST & CREW CALL
Haunted Gallows in RI is hiring!
Be part of a live immersive horror experience! Haunted Gallows is hiring for a variety of roles including scare actors and hair/makeup artists.
For more info, apply directly on their website here:
https://hauntedgallows.com/employment/
CASTING
Project type: short film for MFA thesis project
Character: Jude (25, female) - a vampiric creature who blends into society, but chooses to live a solo, nomadio life. She is inherently a people-pleaser, but she puts on a tough exterior.
Logline: In the wake of a blood borne plague, a vampire and a mutilated girl search for life beyond the power lines.
Location/Dates: Providence, RI in Mid-October
Non-union
Payment TBD (likely a flat rate)
IMDb/meals and transportation covered
Email [email protected] with a headshot and resume
CREW
CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS ⭐️🎬
KGD Studios is seeking a Paid Line Producer / Unit Production Manager (UPM) for our upcoming feature film shooting in NYC/CT in Summer 2027!
You like Bottoms? Booksmart? Crush? This project is for you!
This is a combined role. The ideal candidate has a strong background in low-budget indie filmmaking, local NYC/CT vendor relations, and building efficient, positive sets.
Project: Logline
Format: SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget Agreement
Production Dates: Summer 2027
Location: Connecticut / New York City
Distribution Target: SVOD/VOD Streaming Platforms
About the film:
Two best friends with opposite personalities accidentally land themselves in major trouble after a school mishap. Forced to pay off their debt by working in the neglected drama club, they find themselves in over their heads dealing with friendship challenges, unexpected romances, and self-discovery in this comedic coming-of-age feature film.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead budget optimization, create initial breakdowns, and maintain rigorous daily cost tracking.
- Recruit and hire below-the-line crew.
- Source and negotiate competitive rates for equipment, locations, and vendors.
- Manage day-to-day physical operations.
- Secure necessary municipal permits in NYC/CT.
- Oversee the master production schedule.
- Ensure strict adherence to the SAG-AFTRA Ultra-Low Budget Agreement parameters, payroll guidelines, and general legal/safety compliance.
Interested? Send all resumes to:
[email protected]
CASTING
JODI PURDY CASTING DIRECTOR is seeking a MIXED-RACE (BLACK & CAUCASIAN) NON-UNION ACTRESSES for a Paid Principal role in an upcoming Documentary Film.
AGE: 25–35
STATUS: Non-Union
PROJECT: Documentary Film
NEW ENGLAND LOCALS ONLY
TO SUBMIT
Email: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Mixed Race Actress
Please include:
Name
Cell Phone
Email Address
Location
Height
Wardrobe Sizes
Recent Photos:professional headshots are not required
Acting Resume or List of Credits
Acting Experience: Theatre, Television & Film
1-Minute Introduction Video telling us a little about yourself
VIDEO SUBMISSION
Please share your introduction video via Google Drive or send it as an email attachment.
CASTING
Title - Six Loaded Chambers
Project type - Short Film
Compensation - PAID, $50/day, 4 days total.
Dates - To be decided, anticipating a total of 6 days worth of shooting on weekends in October and November.
Locations - Central and Eastern MA
Non Union
Logline - A mysterious stranger is back in town for revenge.
Roles:
Rourke - A brooding crime boss in charge of a vicious gang. Actors must be comfortable with smoking as well as stage production Blank Guns. Age: 40 - 60. Ethnicity: White / European Descent
Buck - The "second in command" of the gang, he has a very big chip on his shoulder and always has something to say. Actors must be comfortable with smoking as well as stage production Blank Guns. Age: 30 - 50. Ethnicity: Any
Desperados - Various members of the gang. Actors must be comfortable with smoking as well as stage production Blank Guns. Age: 30 - 50. Ethnicity: Any
Dealer - A local drug dealer under the protection of Rourke's gang. Actors must be comfortable with smoking as well as stage production Blank Guns. Age: 20 - 30. Ethnicity: Any.
Bartender - Works behind the bar of a spot that the gang frequents. Actors must be comfortable with stage production Blank Guns. Age 40 - 60. Ethnicity: Any.
Old Timer - An older patron at the diner. Age: 50 - 60. Ethnicity: Any.
Tradesmen - A patron at the diner. Age: 18 - 100 Ethnicity: Any
Extras - various extras needed for multiple scenes. Age: 21 - 100. Ethnicity: Any.
Please submit headshots, a reel, and a resume to [email protected]
CASTING
Short film: HOT DANCING GRANNY in search of a Script Supervisor fluent in Mandarin (read/write in Simplified) and English.
Production dates are currently a 2-2.5 day shoot between 10/1-10/4. Stipend available.
Please send us an email at [email protected]
You can learn more about our film here: https://tinyurl.com/fundhdg
**As always, if you know of any paid local gigs, reply to this email and I’ll share with the rest of community!**
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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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