Kamala Avila-Salmon’s Post

⚠Helping Soho House⚠ Soho House wants to help emerging filmmakers again this year by backing three winners with 15k each to make a short film. Or do they? Calling ALL filmmakers, they state. The only catch? All of these new filmmakers may have to to pay at least *£50 per month to enter the competition. Soho House used previous examples of films like ‘No More Wings’, ‘Hoop Dreams’ and ‘Coffee Shop’ – all by underrepresented creatives – to promote their initiative. We believe this is a huge barrier for less privileged talent. We’d bet, on average, if you can comfortably afford a Soho House membership, then it’s less likely you’ll need backing from them to support your career in the arts. So how can Soho House & Co do a better job of backing the underrepresented talent they’re shouting about? We suggest: ✔️Open the competition to non members ✔️Include membership as a prize for the three winners  ✔️Update guidelines to include a character who is a guest vs the story involving two members (broaden the scope of storytelling) ✔️Info in the guidelines about Soho Fellowships to help with accessibility  ✔️Remove requirement for a photo in your member's application process 💷 But £50 p/m isn’t that much? If someone's from a less privileged background, living in London, taking on unpaid/low-pay internships then having to budget for drinking/dining out at their venues then yes, it definitely puts a strain on new creative talent. This is a great initiative and we’re fully behind the ethos. Sadly we’ve had a lot of talented filmmakers in our network excited about this, only to be disappointed when they’ve realised they have to pay to play. 💡 What’s your opinion on film initiatives/competitions with a paywall? Would love to hear thoughts in the comments ➡ *If under 27. £105.83 per month + £550 joining fee for over 27’s. Campari Group #JoAddy #SohoHouse #inclusion #diversity #film

Opportunities for emerging talent need to be open to everyone. 📢 Especially in the creative sector, where just 27% of the workforce comes from a working class background (compared with 39% of the wider UK workforce). 🎬 If creative organisations are serious about attracting underrepresented talent - the Social Mobility Employer Index can help: https://lnkd.in/eDNunVQZ

𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟑𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝟏𝟎-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝. 🤯 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝. I watched family members work tirelessly for years, never quite achieving the life they desired. That freaked me out. I wanted to have freedom. So as a young entrepreneur, I worked hard to have that NOT happen. “I’ll put in the time then I’m going to be rewarded!” Now, that mindset was useful... to a point. This gave me the gift of being willing to put in the work. But here's the catch: I was wildly inefficient. Looking back, it's so clear to me now. The missing piece of the puzzle, the key I was overlooking all along... FOCUS. When I started, I heard from people that you need multiple sources of income- which is true. But no one told me to build them one at a time. So I always had multiple things going on at once. I was building my production company, which evolved into a full-blown advertising and marketing agency, offering everything from PR to commercials to branding, all the while attending film school. I completed three different international film festivals - Chicago International Film Festivals, New York International Film Festival, and the Serve City International Film Festival. When I was starting my second film, we even started a publication because we couldn’t afford to market it. I made a magazine and got other people to pay for ads so that I could promote it. And I didn’t stop there. I also ventured into other businesses. I created other partnerships to make more money such as real estate. But this "more is better" mentality backfired... I eventually crashed and burned because I was spreading myself too thin. Sure my output increased, but my input? Not so much. There were moments when I was losing everything, and I’ve slept on an air mattress in someone else’s house to be able to recover from all those things. It was during this moment that I found the guidance I desperately needed. That's when I finally learned about "The One Thing To Win" from having the right mentors. “𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.” Think of it like this: Imagine a restaurant owner who keeps adding new dishes to the menu before perfecting the original ones. They end up with a HUGE menu, a stressed-out staff, and a bunch of mediocre dishes. No thanks! Instead, master those first few dishes, build a loyal following, THEN expand. Need help finding your ONE Thing? Ask yourself these questions: 👉What's the ONE area in your business you should be focusing on right now? 👉 Where's the ONE place you can WOW your clients? 👉 What's the ONE thing you should focus on this month, this week, TODAY? Remember: Small, consistent steps in the RIGHT direction lead to BIG results. Start with ONE thing, and crush it! 💪

Focus is the answer to all your challenges.

This shot list officially changed the trajectory of my entire career. And this is also the first time it has seen the light of day outside of the original crew since about 2015. Daniel Harmon and I created this shot list after Harmon Brothers 🦄 hired me to Produce and 1st Assistant Direct this viral campaign. We always knew it would do well, but I had no idea that this production would go on to be written in college textbooks, grab over 100 Million Views and create Tens of Millions of Dollars of wealth for the awesome owners over at SQUATTY POTTY LLC. A lot of late nights went into the creation of this shot list as the puppeteering had to be executed perfectly along with the proper VFX plates to make the demonstrations crystal clear for the public. I look back at this bizarre and crazy time with fondness as it officially put the nail in the coffin of the traditional commercial as we know it. This production made Trackable Performance Media prolific in the video marketing world and I would be asked a hundred times over the same year if I could make peoples' companies "The Next Squatty Potty". Harmon Brothers 🦄 ended up buying my company, Jamestown Films and I became a partner and senior creative director there for 5 memorable years. I left 2 years ago to found another company, Buck Wild Media and still call the Harmon Brothers my dear friends. These guys really are legends. #SquattyPotty #FilmMaking #VideoProduction #Casting #BehindTheScenes #ActorLife #Filmmaker #CreativeProcess #MovieMagic #CastingGold #VideoMagic #FilmCrew #SetLife #CreativeCollaboration #Founder #CEO #Marketing #VideoMarketing #CreativeDirector #VideoAdvertising #BusinessGrowth #BuckWildMedia

Leah Henry of Fully Focused Productions | Million Youth Media (MYM YouTube) shares with us their grassroots strategy and explains why they are the trailblazers for inclusivity in the film industry for young people. But here are some key takeaways from our discussion: The film industry can feel tough to enter, but with the right tools, strategies, and connections, you can turn your passion into a career on set or behind the scenes. If you're ready to leap, here are key steps to get you noticed and kickstart your journey in this dynamic field: 🌟 Essential Tips to Launch Your Film Career: Build Your Portfolio Early: From indie films to short YouTube videos, every project counts! Showcase your skills in a way that reflects your versatility and passion for storytelling. Network Like a Pro: Get involved in film festivals, workshops, and industry events. Connections can be everything in the film world—find mentors, join local meetups, and introduce yourself to others in the field. Start Small, Think Big: Many successful filmmakers started in entry-level roles like PA (production assistant) or in internships. This hands-on experience helps you learn the ropes and can lead to bigger roles over time. Learn the Lingo & Tools: Familiarize yourself with industry-standard software and jargon. Programs like Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, and Adobe Premiere are must-know tools in editing, while Maya and Cinema 4D are top for VFX. Master Storytelling: Whether you're a director, writer, or editor, understanding the art of storytelling is essential. Study classic films, analyze story structures, and practice developing engaging narratives. Stay Up-to-Date on Trends: The film industry is constantly evolving with new technology and platforms. Follow industry blogs, attend film conventions, and keep an eye on innovations like virtual production and immersive storytelling. 🔑 Quick Wins to Boost Your Profile: Short Films: Produce or collaborate on short films to gain hands-on experience and build your portfolio. Social Media & Personal Branding: Showcase your journey and projects on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to build an audience and connect with industry professionals. Skill-Building Workshops: Platforms like MasterClass, Skillshare, and local film schools offer affordable ways to learn from experts and add relevant skills to your toolkit. Film Festival Entries: Submitting your work to local or international film festivals can be a great way to get noticed. Many filmmakers started their careers with standout festival entries. Breaking into film may not be easy, but with focus, drive, and the right resources, you’ll be on your way to telling unforgettable stories on the big screen! 🎥 #FilmIndustry #Filmmaking #BreakingIntoFilm #CreativeCareers #FilmmakerTips Watch: https://lnkd.in/evzR_CZj Apple Podcast: https://lnkd.in/eVwQTeZ2 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e64ZrT_q

Navigating the Film Industry: How Emerging Filmmakers Can Get Ahead with Practical Steps As someone who has produced films and navigated the complex terrain of the industry, it's crucial to break down the essentials of what makes a project succeed. Let's dive into some real talk about critical elements you should focus on: 1. Understand Your Audience: Start with clear research on who your film is for. This shapes your script, your marketing, and ultimately, your distribution plans. 2. Network Relentlessly: Establishing connections is key. Attend industry events, film festivals, and workshops. Remember, your network is your net worth. 3. Master the Art of Pitching: Learn how to succinctly and effectively communicate the essence of your film. This is crucial for attracting funding and gaining interest. 4. Secure Funding: Explore multiple avenues—from film grants to crowdfunding platforms to securing private investors. 5. Focus on Distribution Early: Start thinking about distribution channels early in the development process. Whether it’s streaming services, theatrical releases, or festival circuits, plan ahead. 6. Emphasize Marketing: Develop a marketing strategy that goes beyond just the release phase. Utilize social media, content marketing, and public relations to build buzz. 7. Collect Feedback: Screen your work to small test audiences to gather insights and make necessary adjustments. 8. Never Stop Learning: The industry is always evolving. Stay informed about new technologies, industry trends, and filmmodic narrative techniques. For all you emerging filmmakers out there, these steps are not just suggestions; they are necessary for you to carve out a space in this competitive industry. Keep pushing, keep learning, and let's make those film dreams a reality. Looking to deepen your filmmadic knowledge and network with like-minded professionals? Don’t miss out on upcoming industry events and workshops—stay engaged and elevate your craft.

This is an article I wrote a while back for Stage 32 (stage32.com) which was republished today: How Independent Filmmakers Build & Manage Their Relationships. I hope it is helpful and feedback is as always appreciated! #Stage32 #indiefilm

The City of Ft. Worth, 101 Film Studios, and Tarrant County College partnership is a formula for economic development success. And can be duplicated in other communities. "It’s impossible to overlook the connection to Taylor Sheridan and his intention to deliver projects to Texas. Bringing the Sheridan machine to the state means there’s a lot to do to ensure there’s enough crew. To make it possible, the commission banded with 101 Studios, the company behind “Yellowstone,” “Mayor of Kingstown” and others, to learn which crew crafts were the least-represented in the area. Then, they partnered with nearby Tarrant County College to address the urgency in training the necessary personnel. TCC rolled out what Hill calls a “micro-credentialing program” to fast-track production needs with three certificate programs currently on the roster: a gaffer/grip certificate, a hair and makeup certificate and a light commercial construction certificate. The three programs take anywhere from 165-213 hours to complete, depending on which is chosen, and some of the work can be completed online for additional flexibility. Some of the written curriculum was even completed by 101 Studios. Twenty local experts worked on the instructional videos, sharing their real-life experiences with students as part of the coursework. Hill says the plan is to continue working with local productions to identify areas of need and further grow the certifications programs. The film commission hasn’t stopped there with getting locals into the workforce. They host quarterly mixers in conjunction with other community organizations, sometimes with guest speaker panels designed to both educate and network. Hill says people have secured jobs thanks to these industry get-togethers as well. Gannon points out that Texas can be Anywhere, USA, what with its rivers, lakes, Americana farmland and small towns that can exist within any era. It becomes easy for productions to come in and set up shop. Supporting productions at any stage and within any place within the state is vital to the production industry’s success there. There are also vendors galore. “We don’t have to ship in any kind of equipment,” Gannon explains. “We’ve got grip, electric, camera, even down to Film Fleet, who supplies all the kinds of trucks and trailers you would need. beneficial to productions — and crew— is how the state itself operates. “We don’t pay a state income tax,” says Jensen, “and that attracts a lot of people who are interested in building a family and having a career.” He also notes that the state has fewer regulations and more enticements to do business than many other places."

Networking can be difficult and intimidating but always necessary and often fulfilling! From finding people you enjoy working (or dreaming!) with, to reducing the risk of a business deal by negotiating with people you know and trust, building good professional relationships is a key element of any business, especially the film industry. David Zannoni (who I met online some years ago) has written many good industry articles, but this is probable my favorite, as this is not something I've read about often. Here he breaks down the anatomy of the business relationship. Additional networking tips that have worked for me: approach other people to offer something, instead of (or as well as) asking for something; consider that it's ok (and often well received) to break the ice talking about family, pets, food, or TV shows; and remember that there are other people that get just as nervous as you when networking. What has worked for you? #filmindustry #networking