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Reminder, on SEPTEMBER 1st, the Beta phase of the Friendly Filmmaker Community officially ends. The sign up link on the site will close. No one will be able to join until we re-open the doors to the Public (date TBA).
If you want to join before that point, get one month free and be locked in at $2/mo forever, NOW IS THE TIME.
Hit REPLY on this email and get an invite code. Again, I'm not making any ads or posts on Social Media. This is ONLY meant for friends on this Newsletter list.
PERKS!
At the end of the day, our Community Mission is to cut out the nonsense, and let independent filmmakers and artists connect meaningfully to each other.
Our Platform offers:
* No Bots
* No Ads
* No Algorithms
* Human Moderators
* First dibs on all Casting and Crew calls
* Easy Networking within the community
* Bonus custom filmmaking tools and resources
* Extra deep-dive filmmaking videos
and more amazing features coming.
You've been with us since the beginning.
Come see what we've built.
AUGUST 29
FREE CT Film & TV Alliance NETWORKING EVENT
359 Waterville Rd. Avon, CT 06001
This free event is a celebration of Co-Founder Ed Cohen. Also spotlighting the amazing work of Susan Mitchell and the US Horse Welfare & Rescue organization. Their work helps save beautiful and wonderful horses.
There will be live music, a screening of multiple student short films, and the Premiere of the Documentary "Hollywood to Hartford", produced and directed by Board Member Steven Emirzian.
Free to attend. Donations encouraged, supporting the CT Film &TV Alliance education fund, and the CT US Horse Welfare & Resources Foundation.
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 RenΓ© 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
Mark Your Calendars for the offical kickoff to Spooky Season, hosted by the Board Members of the Lois Weber Film Festival! Join us for...
* a Horror film screening (films TBA)
* an incredible Panel Discussion (panelists and host TBA)
* a costume contest
* raffles
* networking
All proceeds support the Lois Weber Nonprofit's Mission to highlight and celebrate equality in the film industry!
Ticket Link coming September 1st.
For now, mark your calendars!
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
"The Ride"
$3,233/$3.5K -- There's still time to donate!
Filmmaker Ryan Nunes and writer/actor Paul Kandarian are making a new film that promises to be spectacular.
The film follows Gizzy, a grad student visiting her grandparents while carrying the weight of a deeply personal decision. Nervous and afraid of being judged, she turns to her grandmother for support, but their conversation reveals the complicated divide between love, faith, fear, and acceptance.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-ride-a-film-on-family-and-compassion
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***If you have any filmmaking fundraisers you know about, let us know!*** |
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 βοΈπ¬
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: 25β35
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
Charlotte White Living History
Directed by: Alyssa Botelho | Exhibition by: New Bedford Whaling Museum
Weβre seeking an actress to portray Charlotte White, a Westport healer, midwife, and provider of poor relief, for the New Bedford Whaling Museumβs upcoming immersive living-history experience.
LOGLINE
Westport healer Charlotte White welcomes visitors into her early 1800s home, sharing stories of her life, work, community, family, and the changing world around her.
CHARLOTTE WHITE (40 - 50)
Wampanoag & African American woman.
Warm.
Resourceful.
Deeply rooted in her community.
A Westport healer, midwife, and provider of poor relief. Knowledgeable about plants, herbs, and folk remedies.
Naturally nurturing, with a generous spirit and a strong sense of faith. Proud of the Wampanoag and African American communities and traditions that shaped her.
A thoughtful woman with a poetic soul, a sharp memory, and plenty to say when someone gives her the chance.
ββββββββββ
Shooting Date: Late September 2026 (one day) Currently targeting September 26 or 27
Shooting Location: Rockland, MA
Compensation: $700
Self-Tape Deadline: August 29, 2026
Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezLdah3JtCQwlhkdvN2oouNQDN-h-7JEVA2RmER74HfFzUag/viewform
CASTING
Last minute call: Filmmaker Yang Wu is shooting UGC-style social media shorts for a game brand and are currently looking for male talent in the Boston area.
- Project: UGC Social Media Shorts β Game Brand
- Shoot Date: Late August β Early September
- Location: Boston Area
- Talents: Men ages 25-45
- Compensation: $250 / Half-Day Slot
Weβre looking for someone who is energetic, expressive performing on camera. UGC or commercial experience is a plus, but not required.
If interested, please email with your headshot and reel:
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]
CREW - SOUND
π¬ PAID β SOUND MIXER / BOOM OP β AUGUST 30
Looking for a Sound Mixer / Boom Operator for a low-budget film shoot.
π Date: Sunday, August 30
π Locations: Saugus & Medford, MA
π° Pay: $400/day
ποΈ Must have own sound/boom kit
Weβll be shooting several short narrative scenes throughout the day.
Please email [email protected]
CASTING
Seeking Paid "injured citizen" role players for a National Guard training exercise:
- Where: Joint Base Cape Cod
- When: August 25, 26 & 27, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
- Pay: Paid, plus free food & drinks
- Requirements: 18+, valid state ID, no experience needed
- Sign up: https://forms.gle/8e9K7xAr1HA7Rsr7A
CASTING
Jodi Purdy Casting Director seeks Non-Union People of Color for a series filming in the Boston area.
These are Background Roles:
Men and Women
21 to 45
Shoot Dates:
August 18th
10 BG
3pm - 7pm
August 19th
14 BG
1pm - 6pm
August 20th
8 BG
1pm - 4pm
Filming is in the Back Bay
Typical Lounge Patrons: casual chic, smart casual. Look like you want to step out but not go to a gala. Nighttime glam.
VIP Guests: Men: Crisp T-shirt, nice jeans, loud or expensive-looking shoes and jewelry.
Women: Expensive, slightly understated but definitely still sexy.
Submit: Photos, Name, Cell, Email, Location, Dates available
Subj: Series Casting
GRIP P.A.
NOW HIRING β Utility PA (Grip & Lighting Experience Preferred)
We're looking for a Utility PA to assist with grip and lighting on a short film scene.
π Location: Medford, MA
π Date: Sunday, August 30
π² Rate: $250/day
We're looking for someone who:
β’ Experience on film sets
β’ Knowledge of grip equipment and basic lighting
β’ Reliable, hard-working, and a team player
Please email [email protected] with your resume and phone number.
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 Iβll 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! βThe Friendly Filmmaker Checklistβ 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 havenβt 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 π₯ π¬ π Friendly Filmmaker |
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