Liana, aka VAMP, proves you don’t have to fit into one box to thrive in film. From puppets to production, her journey shows how embracing all your passions—and building community—is key.
Filmmaker William Hellmuth joined CFA to reflect on his short film "Alone" and the power of storytelling through collaboration. From adapting literature to overcoming VFX hurdles, William’s journey shows how courage, community, and creative vision can bring indie films to life.
At NAB 2025, senior colorist Cody Baker shared how collaboration between colorists and DPs shapes storytelling. From lookbooks to shared language, his insights highlight the power of communication, tech, and trust—core values embraced by CFA to support underrepresented filmmakers.
At NAB 2025, Katie Bignell of Festival Formula emphasized that choosing the right festivals not just the biggest, can elevate a film’s impact. Her insights support CFA’s mission to guide underrepresented filmmakers toward meaningful industry connections.
Director Michael Green and cinematographer Skeeter Jones share how clear communication, mutual respect, and creative adaptability powered their work on Clica. Their collaboration echoes CFA’s mission: uplifting underrepresented voices through community, craft, and inclusive storytelling.
DITs are the unsung heroes behind the camera, blending tech and creativity to protect a film’s visual integrity. As immersive filmmaking expands, pros like Dane Brim show how DITs adapt to new tools like Apple Vision Pro—proving their evolving role is key to modern storytelling.
Discover key advice for emerging filmmakers as Graham Sheldon shares insights on community, technology, and building a career in the film industry.
Creating a successful film or web series often begins with a shared vision. Timothy Reese and Danielle Beckman, founders of Brooklyn Quarter, share how their gaming nights evolved into a thriving creative collective producing original content in Los Angeles.
At NAB 2025, the Latinxorcists showcased their mission to uplift Latino voices in horror through free workshops, a podcast, and an upcoming anthology—fostering community, mentorship, and bold storytelling in Hollywood.
At NAB 2025, Butcher Bird Studios’ Stephen and Lillian shared how story-first thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration can thrive under constraints offering insights that align with CFA’s mission to uplift and empower underrepresented filmmakers.
Filmmakers are turning to Strada to bypass the high costs and delays of cloud storage. Debuted at NAB 2025, this local-first tool lets teams access and collaborate on massive video files in real time—without uploads, downloads, or cloud fees—streamlining post workflows.
At NAB 2025, Haeleigh Royall spoke with XLCS Designs founder Will Montaghan about how his CNC-machined camera cages empower filmmakers with limited resources. With user-driven features and rugged, lightweight design, XLCS is redefining durable, accessible gear for indie creators.
Filmmaker Will von Tagen shares his journey from small-town Idaho to professional sets, highlighting lessons on storytelling, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. He now empowers emerging filmmakers to maximize their tools and embrace constraints as a path to innovation.
At NAB 2025, CFA hosted a panel with André Dantzler (SociallyU) and Sean von Tagen (Pro Cyc) on the evolving tools of virtual production—from green screen agility to LED immersion—offering lighting tips, hybrid workflow insights, and real-world lessons for modern filmmakers.
Explore the creation of "For Sale," a short film by Sarah Nixon and Evan Rashby, highlighting their collaborative process, challenges faced, and key filmmaking tips.
Jonathan Davis shares insights from his experience creating "Falling In" in just 72 hours, revealing tips and challenges for emerging filmmakers.
