The Unspoken Fight
We are human. We all feel that lazy-bones, knee-jerk, inertia-driven response whenever someone tells us about an in-person event.
When everything can be streamed on demand, and home is comfy, and the fridge is full, what could possibly lure you out of that cozy nest?
Simultaneously, as filmmakers, WE know the love and craftsmanship that goes into our art, but when we put on our "Event Coordinator" hat to invite friends to an evening out, we have an unspoken fight on our hands...
We have to go toe-to-toe with that invisible Ghost of Comfy Couch Present.
In other words, what's the appeal?
What can we offer friends and strangers alike as we ask them to buy a ticket and get gussied up and travel to locations unknown to spend an evening supporting us and our endeavors?
The answer is deceptively simple: Make it awesome!
Secret Time!
Next Saturday, September 26, the Board members of the Lois Weber Film Festival are offering a night of no-holds-barred Spooky fun and entertainment.
On top of the already announced allures -- the panel, the guests, the films, the networking, the Costume Contest, and the Raffles (details in Events listing below) -- we never told you about the PRIZES you could win!
Here's a short list!
- Horror-themed Wine and Coffee Basket (donated by Magenta Manor Productions)
- Script Review Consulting Package (by award-winning writer Gabrielle Rosson)
- VIP Passes for the enitre Lois Weber Film Festival in March
- Mulitple Sponsor Surprises (including Vouchers, Gift Cards, and Merch)
- and a secret surprise from Friendly Filmmaker!
We want to make sure everyone has a fun night!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/she-who-scared
I can't wait. See you there! 👻
PUBLIC LAUNCH DATE
As promised last week, here's the announcement of the Public Launch Date for the Community live.
**drumroll** 🥁🥁🥁
DECEMBER 1st, 2026!
We will have more information coming soon about the features that will roll out, but for now, save the date :-)
Thank you to all the current Community members! Your faith in the Friendly Filmmaker network and mission means everything. 🎬
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 19
KIT ANNUAL WORKSHOP DAY: ANIMATION
RETINA CREATIVE LAB, EAST PROVIDENCE, RI
Registration closes Sept 15!!!!
FREE!
A free day of animation workshops!? You better believe it!
This is our big annual KITs event. This year’s theme is animation and we have some great speakers including Allan Neuwirth, Debra Solomon, Ng’endo Mukii, Gina Kamentsky, and a surprise final guest.
Attendance is free. You must RSVP to attend. This allows us to purchase the right amount of snacks and lunch for everyone. All in Providence, Rhode Island.
RSVP with this link: https://bit.ly/4xk8YeP
This free event is possible thanks to a grant from @risca1967 and our wonderful partner @TongalTeam.
Note: we love our early learners! High school students are welcome to attend, but must have an adult guardian with them.
SEPTEMBER 25
SHORT FILM NIGHT
PROVIDENCE, RI
FREE!
Filmmaker Jimmy Caputo and friends are hosting a night of local trailers, videos, and short films at the Back Lot in North Providence. A Q&A and film networking portion to follow. Doors at 7pm. (Free parking in lot.)
Films:
- SOLITUDE by Kody Fraser
- SO YOU WANT TO STEAL A KIDNEY by Kristen Falso-Capaldi
- RJ BIGABOO - DISASTER IN DING DONG, TX by Jimmy Caputo & Anthony Mattera
- WELCOME TO WAR-WHACK by Connor Morley
- THE LINDA ELDRIDGE PROGRAM: Ep 1. by Snaff Zubberano
SEPTEMBER 26
LOIS WEBER "SHE, WHO SCARED" EVENT
WEST NEWTON CINEMA, MA
6:00-9:30pm
Reminder: 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" (moderator: author Annamaria Veneziano
panelists: Amelia Favata, Julia Tutko-Balena, Jason Lake, & Brody Bellamy)
* Horror Film Screening
(films: "Fortune Teller", "Mother Grimm", "Manic", "Peel", "The Chexorcist")
* Costume Contest!
* Raffles (hundreds of dollars in prizes!)
* Tons of fun and networking
All proceeds support the Lois Weber Nonprofit's Mission to highlight and celebrate equality in the film industry!
The goal of the night is to raise $10,000 for the year!
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
NOVEMBER 17
WIFVNE ANNUAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE
GBH, 1 Guest Street, BOSTON MA
11am-5:30pm, and optionally 5:30pm-9:30pm
Join us for a day of networking and workshops!
Extensive details and tickets here:
https://wifvne.org/event-6791899
Annual Shawna Foundation fundraiser
$10+/$10K -- fully funded in just two weeks!
Ending soon!
Shawna Foundation founder and director Skip Shea and his team run an annual fundraiser every mid-August to mid-September, to honor the life and independent artistic spirit of Shawna Shea.
The Foundation funds scholarships, three film festivals, poetry events, screenings, 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 entire year, and beyond. Visit 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
Male Actor for HVAC Video Campaign
We are looking for a male actor to appear in a series of short-form promotional videos for a prominent HVAC company in Massachusetts.
We would prefer someone who is familiar with HVAC equipment or has experience working in the HVAC industry, as you will be interacting with HVAC products on camera. However, if you are interested in the role and do not have HVAC experience, you are still encouraged to apply.
We’re primarily looking for someone who is comfortable and natural on camera, can deliver scripted lines well, and can bring personality to the videos.
Project Details:
- Pay: $300 for the day
- Filming Time: Approximately 4–6 hours
- Location: Westfield, MA area
- Filming Date: TBD, most likely mid-to-late October
- Multiple short-form videos will be filmed during the session
- Scripts will be provided
- You will be interacting with HVAC equipment and products on camera
- Content is being created for a prominent HVAC company
To Apply:
Please email [email protected] with:
- Your name
- Headshot or recent photos
- Demo reel, acting clips, or another example of you speaking or performing on camera
- Any relevant acting or HVAC experience
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
CASTING
PAID CASTING CALL — HARTFORD, CT
Story Real Studios is casting older adults for an upcoming national television commercial for Solenvia Caregivers.
We are currently seeking:
• Seniors ages 80+
• Adults ages 60–65
Filming date: Monday, September 28, 2026
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Rate: $700–$800 for the filming day
No professional acting experience is required. There are no speaking lines to remember, just acting out everyday scenes (talking with a caregiver, etc)
To be considered, please send the following to [email protected]
• Name and age
• Current photo
• Phone number
• City and state
• Any previous on-camera experience, if applicable
CASTING
Send headshot/resume/inquiries to [email protected], and don't forget to confirm day rates.
GAFFER
🚨Urgent GRIP/GAFFER Needed for micro Budget films 🚨
Location: Upstate, NY
Pay: $150 Daily
18th - 22nd September (5 days)
*Must have drivers License.
Looking for someone who is experienced in either gaffing or gripping, as there can be overlap between the two roles. No equipment is needed, as we already have our own equipment.
There is also an additional $350 stipend for anyone with a valid driver’s license.
Submit info to: [email protected]
CREW - multiple
PAID ISO: Local Crew in Storrs, CT (UConn Main Campus)
Hi all!
Working with an independent documentary team who will be filming 4 days in the CT area, Sept 29 - Oct 2.
Would love to connect with local CT folks or people who can work as locals in the following positions:
1. B Camera Op (w your own gear) - $800/10
2. AC - $650/10
3. G&E - $850/10 (w equipment if possible)
4. PA - $250/12
Email [email protected]
HMUA
NYC - looking to connect with HMU people available for a shoot Oct 23-25 for very simple, natural looks.
3 actors total.
Rate is $750 + kit fee (this is out of the director's pocket for a very modest budget short film; if it is not your rate, no worries).
Hope to connect!
email [email protected]
INTERNSHIP
Flirt Films is currently offering a PAID student mentorship to an exceptional post-secondary student to learn about film production, film markets, film development, and who can work out of our Montreal office. Starts at $20/h. Ideally 30h/week or part time.
Do you know any currently enrolled students to be part of this incredible Montreal-based mentorship?
CAST AND CREW
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
(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
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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Friendly Filmmaker CommunityClosed for renovations! Public Launch date is October 1st! 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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