Friendship Always Wins
Major Achievements
As promised last week, I wanted to talk about some truly amazing things that the Friendly Filmmaker Community has achieved -- both here in the Newsletter, and in the Paid Community.
2026 is only half over, and we've seen some beautiful and unexpected feats. Here's a short list:
- Subscribers to this Newsletter have grown by 33%. New film friends are finding us, slowly and organically, by word of mouth alone. That in and of itself is incredible.
- Open rates (and click rates) for "Friendly Filmmaker Friday" are DOUBLE the industry average for newsletters like this, which is a great indicator that ya'll are finding these updates actually useful.
- The Friendly Filmmaker Paid Community has had several dozen gigs posted this year that either expired and/or were filled before the Friday Newsletter could send them out. đź‘€ Wow!
- This is the first year where we were directly sent more gigs/events than we aggregated. 🥹 That's huge. It means film folks are starting to see us as a dependable platform to get the word out. I am truly humbled and overjoyed.
- Here's one that knocked my socks off: Over the last month, there have been a handful of gigs that were posted to the Paid Community and to the Newsletter ALONE, and were filled within days, without ever being posted to other social media platforms. 🤯🙌
- Lastly. Several kind souls made donations to the Friendly Filmmaker mission this year, to fund our efforts here, and even to gift-sponsor Community subscriptions for folks that might need help getting one. You know who you are. I continue to be deeply grateful and I carry your kindness in my heart as we keep building.
I am floored by these adventures.
It's such a clear signal that what we're doing is making a real difference. Art matters, and making art with friends makes it all the more worth while. We're growing together.
One film project at a time.
One conversation at a time.
One friendship at a time.
Thank you all for being so awesome.
48 Hour Updates
Congratulations to Jordan Pacheco and Nicky Lowney for having their Poster Designs nominated for the Best Poster award this year!
Stay tuned for more updates on how "Thumbderdog" and "Clean As You Go" are doing. And if you participated in the Boston 48 Hour Film Project and want to share updates on YOUR project here, hit reply and let us know! We'd love to root for you!
JUNE 8
BOSTON 48 HOUR FILM BEST-OF SCREENINGS & AWARDS
SOMERVILLE, MA
6:30pm - Crystal Ballroom at the Somerville Theater
The Boston 48 Award Nominee films screen again! And then awards! Save the date!
Even if you didn't make a film this year, even if you didn't know about the 48 Hour Film Project at all, this is a great screening and networking event to go to.
TICKETS AND INFO WILL BE UPDATED HERE: https://www.2026boston48.com/
JULY 16-19
SHAWNA SHEA FILM FESTIVAL
WORCESTER, MA
Stay tuned! The annual event of the year!
https://www.shawnafoundation.org/ssff-film-festival
"My Favorite Creature"
Boston-based filmmaker Matilda Morales is fundraising for her Drama Comedy short about a young girl named Mimi obsessed with her twenty-something-year-old trainwreck neighbor, Natty. When Natty suddenly falls silent on the other side of their shared wall, Mimi embarks on a child’s odyssey to save Natty from a fate she doesn’t fully understand.
The Seed&Spark just started, and it's already at 19%!
Follow and Donate here:
https://seedandspark.com/fund/my-favorite-creature
"Cutting It Short"
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
New Haven-based filmmaker Edna L. Biesold successfully hit the Greenlight Goal for her short Rom-Com Cutting It Short!
Thank you to Carol Drewes for sharing this project with us!
We look forward to seeing how it turns out!
Follow the project here:
https://seedandspark.com/fund/cutting-it-short
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***If you have any filmmaking fundraisers you know about, let us know!*** |
CASTING
ISO: Chinese American Actress 40+ that speaks Mandarin and English
HOT DANCING GRANNY is looking for a Chinese actress (45+) that speaks Mandarin and English to play our lead role: Sue. We’re targeting a late summer/early fall shoot in Boston, travel & lodging can be provided if needed. Open to SAG and non-union actors. This is a PAID role!
Fill out this form to apply:
https://forms.gle/iThY7Gg1i8ecVGYz5
Please DM us on Instagram @ hotdancinggranny with any questions!
HOT DANCING GRANNY is a short film dramedy about three generations of Chinese women — a well-intentioned, second-generation daughter; a skeptical, immigrant mother; and a spunky, secret-influencer grandmother visiting from Beijing — who scramble to film themselves dancing for a self-tape audition when long-buried tensions boil over.
CASTING
Casting Notice for Corporate Project
Dave Habeeb is directing a short film in June 2026 and looking to hire (3) non-union, Asian actors for the lead roles at a rate of $1,000/day (based on a 10-hour day).
We are looking to cast (2) females, (1) male, and the actors need to be able to portray characters, a CEO and her direct reports, a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and a Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), that are within the 30-to 60-year-old range.
This a corporate/educational-style project that will be rehearsed and filmed in the Boston area over the course of 1 to 2 days. Actors must be able to provide their own business attire wardrobe, but additional per diems will also be provided to cover parking, local-area mileage, or public transportation.
Craft Services will be provided for cast and crew on rehearsal and filming days. Seeking local hires only: no travel or other accommodations paid.
If interested, please email Dave Habeeb at [email protected] with your resume, headshot, reel, and availability no later than June 1, 2026.
CASTING
Now casting the LEAD ROLE in short film Duet For The Dead, a poetic love/ghost story about love, forgiveness and redemption by Jack Millard:
Seeking an actress 26 to 40 years old. Pretty, athletic, small town vibe (not glamorous). Being able to play the guitar is a plus.
Shoots June 12th, 13th, 14th, in New Hampshire.
Non-Union. $100 a day, gas/food/lodging, great tape for actor reel and film festival play and a wonderful creative experience.
Please send up to date headshot and resume. An acting reel is a big plus to [email protected]
CASTING
HEARTS IN HARMONY
Project Type: Short Film
Genre: Grounded Romance Drama / Indie Drama
Tone: Emotional realism in the style of A24-influenced indie films, and intimate character-driven storytelling.
Location: Baltimore, MD ( & surrounding areas )
Filming date: July 25th
Union Status: Non-Union
Shoot Duration: 1 Day Shoot / Single Location
Compensation: $200 / Copy, Credit, Meals
Production Type: Independent Short Film
LOGLINE
After a wedding night leaves lifelong best friends Chloe and Aiden alone in a quiet, emotionally charged moment, an unexpected confession of love forces them to confront buried feelings, past heartbreak, and the risk of destroying the only relationship that has ever truly felt like home.
CHLOE — LEAD
Female | 30-35 | Any Ethnicity | 5’5 or Shorter
Sharp, emotionally intelligent, guarded underneath warmth. Chloe deeply loves Aiden but has avoided acknowledging it due to past relationship trauma and fear of losing their lifelong friendship. She’s emotionally conflicted throughout the film — wanting connection while fearing the consequences of it.
This role requires:
• Strong emotional realism
• Comfort with layered, conversational dialogue
• Ability to balance vulnerability with emotional self-protection
• Strong listening/reactive acting skills
• Natural chemistry and grounded emotional presence
PROJECT DETAILS
Hearts in Harmony is an intimate, dialogue-driven short film centered around one emotionally vulnerable conversation between two best friends after attending a wedding reception. The story explores:
• emotional honesty
• fear of intimacy
• timing
• unresolved love
• the risk of changing a meaningful friendship
The film leans heavily into realism, subtle performances, silence/subtext, and lived-in emotional dynamics rather than heightened romantic drama.
AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS
📧 [email protected]
Please submit:
• Headshot
• Resume (if available)
• Demo Reel or self-tape
• Contact Information
Self-Tape Scene: Selected applicants will receive sides from the script for a chemistry-focused self-tape audition.
Email Subject Line: HEARTS IN HARMONY – [ROLE NAME]
IDEAL PERFORMANCE STYLE -- We are looking for actors who feel:
• natural on camera
• emotionally grounded
• capable of subtle realism
• comfortable with pauses, silence, and conversational overlap
• more “lived-in” than theatrical
This project is performance-driven and relies heavily on authentic chemistry and emotional truth.
CREW - MULTIPLE
Crew needed for student short film:
Senior Skip Day
Logline: When an overachieving athlete is convinced to skip school by a carefree classmate, the two form a budding connection as they spend the day wandering around Boston.
Looking for: Sound mixer, gaffer, 1st AC, PA
Shoot Dates: 8/3-8/14
Rates:
Gaffer: $200/day
AC: $200/day
Sound: $250-300/day
PA: unpaid
Contact: Ruby Zatz [email protected]
CASTING
CASTING CALL - DRAMA SHORT FILM SHOOTING NEXT MONTH
Non-Union, $100/day
Title: "My Ghost"
Logline: When the love of his life suddenly moves on, Phil is forced to pick up the pieces on his own.
EMAIL: [email protected] with headshot and/or reel, and I'll send you the sides and deadline.
CHARACTERS
PHIL'S DAD (late forties-to-early-sixties)
Divorced yet financially successful, Phil's dad has done everything he can to provide his adult son Phil with a good life. He's less of a talker, more of an action-taker. When Phil comes to him for life advice, it's a little awkward at first, but he realizes that he must offer a different kind of support for him in this vulnerable moment.
VANESSA (early-to-late-twenties)
Young woman with a fiery spirit who loves having a good time. An extrovert who shows no signs of slowing down, loves hanging with her girlfriends and having adventures. The type to reschedule her therapy session the night before because she's at the bar. Deep down, she knows she's compensating for something, but she'll get to it eventually when she's not as young and having as much fun.
ELIZA (mid-to-late-twenties)
Witty young woman with a calm demeanor. She does a lot more staying in vs. going out on her weekends. The type to light up some candles and read her favorite book. Smart, converses well, doesn't require anyone's validation. Her introverted nature leads to her spending a lot of time on her own, and she wouldn't hate the chance to meet someone who shares her hobbies.
JC (mid-to-late-twenties)
The main character's best friend, or so he thinks. JC is also a fiery, sometimes toxic guy who doesn't take a lot of shit. He tends to be the loudest in the room. He's generally mistrusting of women his age, and stays very loyal to his guys.
ELI (mid-to-late-twenties)
Close friend of our main character Phil, Eli is a thoughtful guy who, though he doesn't always want to step on toes, will go to bat for you at the end of the day. He's smart, funny, and understanding. An all-around hero. He understands how toxic JC (above) can be but still loves him in spite of it.
COSTUMER
From Chris Centrella:
Looking for wardrobe/costume designer for a monster for a low budget short, 1 full day shoot with a potential for a half day shoot later.
Non union, pays $250 flat plus production buys all the supplies/costumes.
Shoot day is either 13th or 14th of June in the greater Boston area.
Please email [email protected].
CASTING
CASTING CALL — "Bar Car" | Connecticut Feature Film (PAID & FULLY FUNDED)
We are in pre-production on a character-driven independent feature film and are seeking talented local actors for six principal roles.
This is an actor-first production. We rehearse collaboratively, we value your instincts, and we build the work together. If you have strong improv chops and love the craft, we want to hear from you.
ROLES AVAILABLE:
JOHN — Male, 40s. A polished, charismatic executive. Charming and commanding, but carrying more than he lets on.
MATT — Male, late 20s. A talented creative in the middle of a slow unraveling. Funny, vulnerable, and genuinely hard not to root for.
KIM — Female, 40s. Sharp, confident, and effortlessly in command of any room. A woman holding her own in a man's world — and then some.
BRILL — Male, 30s. Gregarious, quick-witted bond trader. The guy who keeps everyone laughing — until the moment calls for something more.
LOUIS — Male, 50s. Impeccably dressed, larger than life, and full of stories that may or may not be true. A genuinely unforgettable character.
CHESTERFIELD — Male, 60s. The elder statesman of the group. Wise, warm, and holding onto his dignity with both hands.
PRODUCTION DETAILS:
Shooting July 2026 | Overnight shoots in Danbury, CT | Connecticut-based actors strongly preferred
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Improv experience required
Availability for overnight shoots
Collaborative, professional attitude on set
Comfortable working on an independent feature
COMPENSATION: $30/hr and up, commensurate with experience
TO SUBMIT:
Email [email protected] with your headshot and video reel. Please include a brief note about which role interests you.
SOUND MIXER
ISO: Sound Mixer for short film
You Are My Sunshine is looking for a local on set sound mixer for a low budget short film shooting in Dartmouth, MA July 15-18 (will only shoot for 3 days within this time frame, still locking picture dates).
Must have own kit.
Rate: $350/day including kit (3 days of work)
Please send resume + reel/work samples + kit information to [email protected]
More information on film: @yams.shortfilm on IG.
SOUND MIXER
Seeking MA-based Sound Designer/Mixer
Molly Bynum is seeking a stellar sound mixer for an ultra-low budget SAG Feature Film shooting in Millis, MA and surrounding areas this fall.
Must have your own kit and be available Aug 17-19 and Sep 21-Oct 13. Rate is $210/day.
Finding someone based in the eastern MA/Boston greater area is a high priority as housing is unfortunately unavailable.
Please reach out for more details: [email protected]
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
CREW CALL — "Bar Car" | Connecticut Feature Film (PAID & FULLY FUNDED)
We are in pre-production on a character-driven independent feature film and are seeking an experienced First Assistant Director (1st AD) to join our team.
This is an actor-first production. We rehearse collaboratively, we value performance, and we are building a tight, focused set environment. We’re looking for a 1st AD who can balance efficiency with respect for the creative process and help lead a smooth, professional shoot.
ROLE: FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (1st AD)
A strong on-set leader responsible for executing the director’s vision through scheduling, coordination, and crew management. You’ll be the backbone of production — keeping the shoot on time, organized, and running safely while maintaining a positive set culture.
PRODUCTION DETAILS:
Shooting July 2026 | Overnight shoots in Danbury, CT | Connecticut-based crew strongly preferred
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
• Prior experience as a 1st AD (indie feature experience preferred)
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage overnight schedules and keep production on track
• Calm under pressure, solutions-oriented mindset
• Collaborative, professional attitude on set
COMPENSATION: Paid (rate commensurate with experience)
TO SUBMIT:
Email [email protected] with your resume and any relevant credits. Please include a brief note about your experience and availability.
We’re looking for the right person to help us run a tight, efficient set and bring this project to life.
**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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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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