When you’re an independent filmmaker, there are a few different ways of working within the TV/streaming space. You could be a TV repairman (of any gender!) or work for the cable company. Those are pretty good. But! If you’re reading this blog, chances are your ambitions run a little more toward creating the content actually populating these devices and platforms. In that case, you could A) create a brand-new series and become its ruthless, dictatorial showrunner, or B) step into an already-existing series as the director of an individual episode.
For the former, there’s always our Episodic Lab. But for the latter, there’s the Film Independent Episodic Directing Intensive–where in just three whirlwind days, a diverse cross-section of veteran directors, showrunners, actors, executives and cinematographers provide a heavy-duty brain dump to six up-and-coming filmmakers, sharing their experiences and knowledge of the episodic directing landscape.
For the former, there’s always our Episodic Lab. But for the latter, there’s the Film Independent Episodic Directing Intensive–where in just three whirlwind days, a diverse cross-section of veteran directors, showrunners, actors, executives and cinematographers provide a heavy-duty brain dump to six up-and-coming filmmakers, sharing their experiences and knowledge of the episodic directing landscape.
- 5/22/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
Exclusive: Film Independent has named the six filmmakers selected for its third annual Episodic Directing Intensive: John Gutierrez, Lorena Lourenço, Alfonso Morgan-Terrero, Huriyyah Muhammad, Kelsey Taylor and So Young Shelly Yo.
A three-day program, the Intensive welcomes veteran directors, showrunners, actors, cinematographers and executives to share their experiences and knowledge of the episodic directing landscape. Notables set to appear this time around include Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Johnson Cheng, Gloria Fan, Georgina Gonzalez, Liz Kelly, Shari Page, Jeremy Podeswa, Alysia Reiner, Beth Schacter, Nancy Schreiber, ASC, Yira Vilaro, Rina Varughese and Daniel Willis, among others.
“In this ever-changing landscape, we are thrilled to support these talented directors and equip them with the knowledge to launch and sustain careers in episodic directing,” said Dea Vazquez, Associate Director of Fiction Programs.
Read more about this year’s Intensive participants below.
John Gutierrez
John Gutierrez is an award-winning Latine writer/director from California. He...
A three-day program, the Intensive welcomes veteran directors, showrunners, actors, cinematographers and executives to share their experiences and knowledge of the episodic directing landscape. Notables set to appear this time around include Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Johnson Cheng, Gloria Fan, Georgina Gonzalez, Liz Kelly, Shari Page, Jeremy Podeswa, Alysia Reiner, Beth Schacter, Nancy Schreiber, ASC, Yira Vilaro, Rina Varughese and Daniel Willis, among others.
“In this ever-changing landscape, we are thrilled to support these talented directors and equip them with the knowledge to launch and sustain careers in episodic directing,” said Dea Vazquez, Associate Director of Fiction Programs.
Read more about this year’s Intensive participants below.
John Gutierrez
John Gutierrez is an award-winning Latine writer/director from California. He...
- 5/22/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Fabula, the production company of internationally renowned brother filmmakers Pablo Larraín and Juan de Dios Larraín, has appointed Yira Vilaro as Vice President Of Film And Television, Deadline has learned.
Vilaro joins from Anonymous Content, where she worked as VP Film & TV for a year and a half. Previously, she held roles as a development executive at Amazon Studios, and as Director of Development at Macro, prior to that working at companies like Imagine Entertainment, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and WME, among others.
In her new role, Vilaro will focus on Fabula’s growing slate of English-language features and series. She reports to Andrew Hevia, Head of Fabula North America, and will work out of the company’s Los Angeles office. News of her hiring comes on the heels of an ASC Award nomination for Ed Lachman, cinematographer of Fabula’s El Conde, as well as the naming of the...
Vilaro joins from Anonymous Content, where she worked as VP Film & TV for a year and a half. Previously, she held roles as a development executive at Amazon Studios, and as Director of Development at Macro, prior to that working at companies like Imagine Entertainment, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and WME, among others.
In her new role, Vilaro will focus on Fabula’s growing slate of English-language features and series. She reports to Andrew Hevia, Head of Fabula North America, and will work out of the company’s Los Angeles office. News of her hiring comes on the heels of an ASC Award nomination for Ed Lachman, cinematographer of Fabula’s El Conde, as well as the naming of the...
- 1/20/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Academy’s Science and Technology Council Adds New Members
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences have appointed David Pierce, Andy Serkis and Jeffrey White to it’s Science and Technology Council 2021-2022 membership, bringing its roster to 25 individuals.
Pierce’s previous roles include working as an assistant chief and chief operations officer at the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center at the Library of Congress — where he was responsible for the acquisition, conservation, documentation and digitization of the public archives of motion pictures, TV and radio sound. Pierce has been an Academy Member-at-Large since 2019.
Serkis is an award-winning actor with performances including “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “King Kong,” “The Planet of the Apes” trilogy, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and will next appear in “The Batman.” He has been a member of the Academy’s Actors Branch since 2012.
White, who is currently an executive producer consulting with Drafthouse Films,...
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences have appointed David Pierce, Andy Serkis and Jeffrey White to it’s Science and Technology Council 2021-2022 membership, bringing its roster to 25 individuals.
Pierce’s previous roles include working as an assistant chief and chief operations officer at the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center at the Library of Congress — where he was responsible for the acquisition, conservation, documentation and digitization of the public archives of motion pictures, TV and radio sound. Pierce has been an Academy Member-at-Large since 2019.
Serkis is an award-winning actor with performances including “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “King Kong,” “The Planet of the Apes” trilogy, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and will next appear in “The Batman.” He has been a member of the Academy’s Actors Branch since 2012.
White, who is currently an executive producer consulting with Drafthouse Films,...
- 12/7/2021
- by Jennifer Yuma
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features has acquired the worldwide rights to writer/director Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou, from MacRo and Entertainment One (eOne) out of Cannes’ virtual market.
In addition to writing and directing the film, Chon (above), who has previously won multiple festival awards for Ms. Purple and Gook, also stars alongside Academy Award® winner Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl), Mark O’Brien (Arrival), Linh Dan Pham, and Emory Cohen (Brooklyn). The film was financed by MacRo and eOne. Producers are Chon, Charles D. King (Mudbound), Kim Roth (Tigertail), and Poppy Hanks (Sorry To Bother You). Clara Wu, eOne’s Nick Meyer, Zev Foreman, and Eddie Rubin are executive producers. Greta Fuentes of MacRo and Yira Vilaro are also co-producers. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
Blue Bayou tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the...
In addition to writing and directing the film, Chon (above), who has previously won multiple festival awards for Ms. Purple and Gook, also stars alongside Academy Award® winner Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl), Mark O’Brien (Arrival), Linh Dan Pham, and Emory Cohen (Brooklyn). The film was financed by MacRo and eOne. Producers are Chon, Charles D. King (Mudbound), Kim Roth (Tigertail), and Poppy Hanks (Sorry To Bother You). Clara Wu, eOne’s Nick Meyer, Zev Foreman, and Eddie Rubin are executive producers. Greta Fuentes of MacRo and Yira Vilaro are also co-producers. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
Blue Bayou tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the...
- 7/2/2020
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Focus Features has acquired the worldwide rights to “Blue Bayou,” the latest film from indie writer and director Justin Chon, the distributor announced Thursday.
The latest film from the director of “Ms. Purple” and “Gook” was acquired out of the Cannes Virtual Market from MacRo and Entertainment One, who financed “Blue Bayou.” Focus will distribute the film in the U.S., while Universal Pictures International will release it abroad.
Chon also co-stars in “Blue Bayou,” which he wrote and directed, along with Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien, Linh Dan Pham and Emory Cohen.
Also Read: Edgar Wright's 'Last Night in Soho' Gets New 2021 Release and First Look Image (Photo)
“Blue Bayou” tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States who is forced to confront his distant past and what it means for his own future and his family’s when he unexpectedly faces deportation.
The latest film from the director of “Ms. Purple” and “Gook” was acquired out of the Cannes Virtual Market from MacRo and Entertainment One, who financed “Blue Bayou.” Focus will distribute the film in the U.S., while Universal Pictures International will release it abroad.
Chon also co-stars in “Blue Bayou,” which he wrote and directed, along with Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien, Linh Dan Pham and Emory Cohen.
Also Read: Edgar Wright's 'Last Night in Soho' Gets New 2021 Release and First Look Image (Photo)
“Blue Bayou” tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States who is forced to confront his distant past and what it means for his own future and his family’s when he unexpectedly faces deportation.
- 7/2/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“Blue Bayou,” the latest project from acclaimed independent filmmaker Justin Chon, has been acquired by Focus Features, Variety can report exclusively.
The studio brokered a worldwide deal for the film’s distribution rights out of the Cannes 2020 virtual market, which was financed by MacRo and Entertainment One. Focus will handle domestic rollout, while its parent company Universal will distribute internationally.
Chon, who wrote and directed the film, also stars alongside Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien (“Arrival”), Linh Dan Pham and Emory Cohen (“Brooklyn”).
The film tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States who is forced to confront his distant past and what it means for his own future and his family’s when he unexpectedly faces deportation.
Chon got his early acting start in the “Twilight” Saga, and went on to create indie darlings like “Ms. Purple” and “Gook.”
“Justin...
The studio brokered a worldwide deal for the film’s distribution rights out of the Cannes 2020 virtual market, which was financed by MacRo and Entertainment One. Focus will handle domestic rollout, while its parent company Universal will distribute internationally.
Chon, who wrote and directed the film, also stars alongside Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien (“Arrival”), Linh Dan Pham and Emory Cohen (“Brooklyn”).
The film tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States who is forced to confront his distant past and what it means for his own future and his family’s when he unexpectedly faces deportation.
Chon got his early acting start in the “Twilight” Saga, and went on to create indie darlings like “Ms. Purple” and “Gook.”
“Justin...
- 7/2/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Macro Television Studios is teaming with Jezebel filmmaker Numa Perrier to develop the erotic thriller series Toxic.
Charles King’s media company inked the deal with the actress-writer-director for the series which will follow a seemingly everyday couple who thrives on pillow talk and erotic thrills. Subtle red flags become alarmingly dangerous as their relationship and future together spirals beyond control.
“We are so thrilled to be working with Numa, a singular talent whose fresh voice and perspective offers a unique take on a genre that has been mostly male-dominated,” said Marta Fernandez, President of Macro Television Studios.
Perrier, who created the series, will serve as executive producer and will write and direct the pilot via her House of Numa production banner. Fernandez and Yira Vilaro, Director of Development, will oversee for Macro Television Studios.
Perrier’s coming-of-age cam girl drama Jezebel premiered at SXSW in 2019 and went on...
Charles King’s media company inked the deal with the actress-writer-director for the series which will follow a seemingly everyday couple who thrives on pillow talk and erotic thrills. Subtle red flags become alarmingly dangerous as their relationship and future together spirals beyond control.
“We are so thrilled to be working with Numa, a singular talent whose fresh voice and perspective offers a unique take on a genre that has been mostly male-dominated,” said Marta Fernandez, President of Macro Television Studios.
Perrier, who created the series, will serve as executive producer and will write and direct the pilot via her House of Numa production banner. Fernandez and Yira Vilaro, Director of Development, will oversee for Macro Television Studios.
Perrier’s coming-of-age cam girl drama Jezebel premiered at SXSW in 2019 and went on...
- 5/5/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Justin Chon is continuing to champion Asian narratives with his lastest project Blue Bayou, which is being co-financed by Charles D. King ‘s MacRo and Entertainment One. Chon will also star in the film alongside Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien, Linh Dan Pham, and Emory Cohen.
The pic marks the third Asian familial-centric drama from the Twilight Saga actor, who found success with his last two films, Gook and Ms. Purple, with the latter performing solidly at the box office when it opened in Los Angeles earlier this year. Blue Bayou was written by Chon, who will also direct the piece as production will commence this month.
Inspired by true events, the plot tells the story of Antonio, a Korean adoptee raised in the Us who is...
The pic marks the third Asian familial-centric drama from the Twilight Saga actor, who found success with his last two films, Gook and Ms. Purple, with the latter performing solidly at the box office when it opened in Los Angeles earlier this year. Blue Bayou was written by Chon, who will also direct the piece as production will commence this month.
Inspired by true events, the plot tells the story of Antonio, a Korean adoptee raised in the Us who is...
- 10/14/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: MacRo is on board to finance and produce Blast Beat, a drama which is being directed by Esteban Arango, who also co-wrote the piece with Erick Castrillon. Moises Arias (Five Feet Apart) and Mateo Arias (Kickin’ It) are attached as the leads with Wilmer Valderrama (NCIS) and singer Kali Uchis confirmed to co-star. Daniel Dae Kim (The Good Doctor) is nearing a deal to join the film.
MacRo’s Charles D. King and Poppy Hanks are producing the project with Erick Castrillon and Ty Walker. It’s described as an energetic, youth-driven, metal-blasting coming of age story that follows two Colombian brothers as they adjust to life in the Us of A.
Greta Fuentes and Yira Vilaro will serve as executive producers on behalf of MacRo.
The Arias brothers are repped by Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin & Associate and Myman, Greenspan, Fox, Rosenberg. Valderrama is repped by UTA and Silver Lining...
MacRo’s Charles D. King and Poppy Hanks are producing the project with Erick Castrillon and Ty Walker. It’s described as an energetic, youth-driven, metal-blasting coming of age story that follows two Colombian brothers as they adjust to life in the Us of A.
Greta Fuentes and Yira Vilaro will serve as executive producers on behalf of MacRo.
The Arias brothers are repped by Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin & Associate and Myman, Greenspan, Fox, Rosenberg. Valderrama is repped by UTA and Silver Lining...
- 8/20/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Winston Duke, Zazie Beetz, Bill Skarsgård, Benedict Wong and David Rysdahl are set to star in “Nine Days,” a drama with supernatural, spiritual elements, from director Edson Oda, it was announced on Friday.
Oda will make his directorial feature debut on the project, which is produced by Mandalay Pictures, Nowhere, Juniper Productions and MacRo, in association with The Space Program, Mansa Productions, Oak Street Pictures, 30West, and Datari Turner Productions.
Jason Michael Berman is producing for Mandalay Pictures and Mette-Marie Kongsved and Laura Tunstall are producing for Nowhere. Matthew Lindner is producing for Juniper Productions, and Datari Turner is producing on behalf of his Datari Turner Productions.
Also Read: 'Black Panther' Star Winston Duke Exclusive StudioWrap Portraits (Photos)
“I’m thrilled to be working with such an incredible cast and amazing team. So grateful for all the support I have received. ‘Nine Days’ is a very personal story to me,...
Oda will make his directorial feature debut on the project, which is produced by Mandalay Pictures, Nowhere, Juniper Productions and MacRo, in association with The Space Program, Mansa Productions, Oak Street Pictures, 30West, and Datari Turner Productions.
Jason Michael Berman is producing for Mandalay Pictures and Mette-Marie Kongsved and Laura Tunstall are producing for Nowhere. Matthew Lindner is producing for Juniper Productions, and Datari Turner is producing on behalf of his Datari Turner Productions.
Also Read: 'Black Panther' Star Winston Duke Exclusive StudioWrap Portraits (Photos)
“I’m thrilled to be working with such an incredible cast and amazing team. So grateful for all the support I have received. ‘Nine Days’ is a very personal story to me,...
- 6/7/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In a hot package to perk up a slumbering marketplace, Black Panther‘s Winston Duke is set to star in Nine Days with Deadpool 2‘s Zazie Beetz, It‘s Bill Skarsgård, Doctor Strange‘s Benedict Wong and David Rysdahl. The film is written and will be directed this summer by Edson Oda, the celebrated commercials director who is making his feature debut behind the camera.
Here’s the logline: In a house, distant from the reality we know, a reclusive man (Duke) interviews prospective candidates, a personification of human souls – for the privilege that he once had. To be born. The film is financed and 30West and CAA Media Finance are representing worldwide distribution rights and are taking it out to the town.
Oda is a 2017 Sundance Screenwriters Lab Fellow and Nine Days was developed through the Sundance Institute Feature Film Program Labs.
Pic is a co-production between Juniper Productions,...
Here’s the logline: In a house, distant from the reality we know, a reclusive man (Duke) interviews prospective candidates, a personification of human souls – for the privilege that he once had. To be born. The film is financed and 30West and CAA Media Finance are representing worldwide distribution rights and are taking it out to the town.
Oda is a 2017 Sundance Screenwriters Lab Fellow and Nine Days was developed through the Sundance Institute Feature Film Program Labs.
Pic is a co-production between Juniper Productions,...
- 6/7/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Women in Film Los Angeles has partnered with Ghetto Film School to launch a filmmaker development program aimed at women of color.
Wif will work with six Ghetto Film School participants for mentoring and master classes to be held as part of a yearlong development program dubbed Insight. At the end of the program, one participant will get the chance to produce a short film as part of Wif’s fall 2019 production program.
“We’re in a moment when diversity and inclusion are forefront for industry decision makers. But to see accurate representation, the culture has to shift at an essential level,” said Maikiko James, Wif’s director of programs. “Women of color filmmakers require a strong network of advocates with a stake in their success in order to start seeing their numbers increase at the rate they should, and that’s what this partnership is designed to create.”
Mentors...
Wif will work with six Ghetto Film School participants for mentoring and master classes to be held as part of a yearlong development program dubbed Insight. At the end of the program, one participant will get the chance to produce a short film as part of Wif’s fall 2019 production program.
“We’re in a moment when diversity and inclusion are forefront for industry decision makers. But to see accurate representation, the culture has to shift at an essential level,” said Maikiko James, Wif’s director of programs. “Women of color filmmakers require a strong network of advocates with a stake in their success in order to start seeing their numbers increase at the rate they should, and that’s what this partnership is designed to create.”
Mentors...
- 10/2/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
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