What a great night!
Two Thumbs Up!
Thanks to the Boston 48 HFP production team (headed up by Andrew Osborne) for an amazing series of 48 Screenings this past week at the historic Somerville Theater!
It was so much pure fun to see our film with an audience. THUMBDERDOG was incredibly well recieved. The jokes got laughs, the credits landed, and even the Q&A was funny.
It was a great night, and I'm so glad I got to share it with so much of the cast and crew. :-)
PS - I was only able to see two screenings, but literally EVERYONE'S films were incredible! The competition is fierce, haha!
Community
The Friendly Filmmaker Community has hit some major milestones this past month. Next week, I'll tell you more details, but for now, the TLDR is that you are all amazing, and thank you for being you. Keep on creating!
JUNE 8
BOSTON 48 HOUR FILM BEST-OF SCREENINGS & AWARDS
SOMERVILLE, MA
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/
"Cutting It Short"
ONLY 4 DAYS LEFT!!!!
New Haven-based filmmaker Edna L. Biesold is fundraising for a short Rom-Com (which is also a POC for a feature), called Cutting It Short. The target shoot dates are this summer in Connecticut. Providence-based actor (and member of the Friendly Filmmaker Friday list for ages) Carol Drewes has been cast as Mrs. Guilford (congrats, Carol!) and she sent this to me directly.
Biesold says:
"We're telling a funny story about the messy reality of relapse, using the unlikely genre of rom-com to challenge the universal stigma around addiction. We passed the 50% mark for our Seed & Spark campaign last week, and we're scheduled to begin filming in June!!"
Click for more info and donate here!
https://seedandspark.com/fund/cutting-it-short
Let's show this team some love!
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***If you have any filmmaking fundraisers you know about, let us know!*** |
CREW - SOUND + PA
Filmmaker and musician Aaron Emmanuel is directing a short action-comedy, called "The Bird Puppeteer" shooting in New Bedford on May 28-30 (Thurs-Sat, all three days).
Shooting days 9-10 hours, specifically, from 9 AM to sunset each day.
Looking for a sound recordist who has own equipment, including three lavs as three actors will be on camera at once.
Microbudget short, offering $400 for all three days. (As well as food, copy, credits, and if you need a place to stay, there’s lodging available.)
(Also in need of 1-3 PAs on those same dates, unpaid, but guaranteed food/copy/credits.)
Contact Aaron via email:
CREW - SOUND
ISO Sound Recordist/Mixer for a new short film from Dreaming Giant Media on 5/23 and 5/24.
Shooting in Ashby, MA (day 1) and Franklin, MA (day 2).
$150/day plus credit and meals.
Please email producer Jimmy Jackson for more info: [email protected]
CREW - SOUND
Sound Recordist for Quiet Riot Productions:
Sunday, May 17th from approx 12p-8p in Providence, RI
Indie documentary. Pays $800.
Please reach out to [email protected]
CREW - INTIMACY COORDINATOR
Seeking Intimacy Coordinator
Looking for an intimacy coordinator for a proposal scene on a non-union production on Wednesday, May 20th in Worcester, MA. $150/6. Please reach out to [email protected] with resume if interested.
CASTING
CASTING CALL — 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.
CASTING
Paid Acting Opportunity | Cambridge, MA
Casting 3 actors for a series of short nurse training videos filming on Friday, May 29th in Cambridge, MA. All 3 actors are needed for the full day (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
This is a non-union, paid opportunity. Compensation will be shared upon inquiry. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments will be provided. Transportation costs will not be covered. Prior acting experience is preferred, as there will be no teleprompter on-set and you must have the ability to memorize lines.
ROLES - Ethnicity is open for all roles, age ranges are firm
ACTOR A — Woman, Ages 40–60
Appears in 2 of 3 videos. Will play a nurse (scrubs provided) and a central character in a workplace conflict scenario. Must be comfortable portraying emotional range — including frustration, composure, and resolution. Must bring a business casual outfit for filming.
ACTOR B — Woman, Ages 20–30
Appears in all 3 videos. Will play a nurse in two scenarios (scrubs provided) and a business casual office worker in a third. Must bring a business casual outfit for filming.
ACTOR C — Man, Ages 25–55
Appears in 2 of 3 videos. Will play a nurse (scrubs provided) and a business casual office worker. Must bring a business casual outfit for filming.
VIDEO OVERVIEW - Scripts will be provided in advance so actors can prepare
Video 1 (~5 min) — All 3 actors
A workplace conflict between two nurses, followed by a debrief with a colleague, and a resolution. Set in a breakroom/hallway setting. Medical scrubs will be provided to wear.
Video 2 (~5 min) — Actors A & B
A nurse delivers difficult news to a patient. Intimate, low-key setting. Requires emotional sensitivity and natural delivery. Medical scrubs will be provided to wear for nurse.
Video 3 (~5 min) — Actors B & C
Two coworkers navigate a workplace conflict — filmed three different ways with identical blocking. Business casual attire required to be provided by the actor.
TO SUBMIT
Please email [email protected] with:
• Your name
• Age
• Which role you're submitting for
• A recent photo and a reel(s) of acting you have done in the past
• A resume of past experience
Producer will be in touch with those who reach out – thank you!!
CASTING
CASTING FOR SHORT FILM (PAID)
SYNOPSIS: An unsuspecting EMT is taken hostage by an armed fugitive.
DURATION: 2 days of shooting max
WAGE: $100/day
ROLES:
- SEAN (20s-30s) a rookie EMT doubting his medical skills after a mistake
- LUIS (30s-40s) Hispanic male, a career criminal, on the run after getting into a gunfight with police
LOCATION: TBD (Southern MA)
DATES: TBD
This is not SAG. Beginner independent filmmaker looking to make something dope. If interested, please email filmmaker Zavius Aponte at [email protected] with headshots/recent photos.
HMUA
BUFFALO, NY:
HMUA person needed for nonunion short film "The Business," shooting for three days in Buffalo: Sat May 30th, Sun, May 31st, and Mon, June 1st. $200 per day plus a small kit fee. Film is a crime drama, most of the characters are men. Probably shooting noon - midnight. [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!**
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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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