November 2020                                                                     Issue 2.5.     Vol. 1 

Get those reels ready!

October got away from us and by the time we blinked it was November. Happened to you too? Thought so. But the good news is, in this issue we’ve got double the content so bear with us. Our community has grown exponentially and with that, we’re excited to announce our new interview series featuring filmmakers of color and their journeys navigating the industry. If you are interested in being interviewed, hit us up! Speaking of community, Tieisha Thomas, booked her first feature film and a commercial within a week of signing up for Actors Access and Ana Lydia Monaco just wrapped production on her film “Lola’s Journey”, completing her third phase of successful crowdfunding. This month we have TWO events coming up—the first with long-standing pillars in our East Coast community IFP and the second a virtual Thanksgiving event just for Filmmakers (we call it Filmsgiving). All of this right after the long-dreaded US elections. Vote, please! 🗳It’s been a long year but, our production workshops are coming back, BIGGER, LONGER, and BETTER than before. If you’re an underrepresented filmmaker looking to foray into the commercial space then the virtual MiFILM Branded Lab is for you, but space is limited so get those reels ready. AND MORE... 

Upcoming Events 

Whether you're seeking representation in the industry or building your crew for a passion project, these upcoming events will leave you feeling ready to conquer your goals!

In this event, hosted by Minorities in Film in partnership with IFP, we’re sitting down with the agents, managers, and lawyers that advocate for the very talent we seek to amplify in the conversation for diverse representation and inclusion.

Usually, it goes like this... We meet at someone's apartment with a potluck of food and a huge projector, sitting around a table with people speaking different languages from various parts of the world yet, somehow bonded over their love for film. 

This year, we're bringing our traditions to the web on

Monday, November 30th, 2020

in an event we now call

FILMS-GIVING

, thanks to Ian!

It was originally dubbed the Last Supper but, Jesus had that copywritten. Lol. 

Announcements 

You asked. We answered. This Lab is unlike anything we have ever done or seen. Created to demystify the process of working in the commercial space, we hope The Branded Lab will be one of many to ensure the representation of minorities in media. Submissions open soon and will be announced by mailing and on our website. So make sure to check your emails in the coming weeks. 

Get Inspired!Tieisha

started off onstage, performing in last summers acclaimed Public Works adaptation of Disney's Hercules. During the pandemic, her stage performances were postponed, so she set her sights on making the inevitable pivot to film and television. She spent the past months updating her headshots, reels, investing in masterclasses, and equipment to do self-tapes. In September she uploaded all of her material to Actors Access,

"THE profile seen by Networks, Studios, Casting and Filmmakers"

. After optimizing her profile, she booked her first commercial and a feature role in

B-Boy Blues, directed by Jussie Smollet. 

 Follow her on

Instagram

! 

Ana Lydia

is a Mexican-American filmmaker who writes, directs, and produces heartfelt character-driven stories that highlight people rising above the ashes of adversity and injustice. She originally sat down with us to talk about her journey in film struggling with mental health issues and the impact of her identity on her work, interview coming in 2021! Since then she has successfully wrapped production of her latest film "Lola's Journey" during COVID, completed Phase 3 of crowdfunding for the film, and is employed in her first writer's room! 

Congratulations to You BOTH! 

When a young woman is blamed for her life-threatening health issues due to her size, a medical emergency pushes her to advocate for her life.

Jobs 

New York - Butter Music and Sound

is looking for a

Production Coordinator/Assistant 

Are You Hiring? Submit a Job to our portal. 

ICYMI...

Providing Opportunity to Grow Talent from AICP on Vimeo.

Brittany and Ian have been running around town telling anyone willing to listen about the amazing community here at MiFILM. Last month the Association of Independent Commercial Producers invited them to present on the Commitment to Change Zoom webinar highlighting organizations that exist to create opportunities across the spectrum of filmmaking, advertising, and marketing for people of color, specifically the Black community.  We're Thankful for YOU!