Festival Focus: NALIP Convention
By Thomas White
www.documentary.org

When the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) first convened in 1999 in San Francisco, 50 people showed up for what was a promising debut. Seven years later, despite competition from SXSW, Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival and Miami International Film Festival, the 2006 NALIP Conference attracted 500 filmmakers, producers and executives to Long Beach, California this past March. And with P.O.V. vice president Cynthia Lopez co-chairing the event, the offerings for docmakers were in abundance. In addition, Margarita De la Vega-Hurtado, executive director of the Flaherty Film Seminar, announced a partnership that would enable NALIP’s student members to attend the seminar at a significantly reduced rate.

“Storytelling for Docs: Turning News and History into Great Narrative” broke down the process of creating a narrative, with each participant—Paul Taylor (War Letters), Danny Haro (Pancho Gonzalez) and Laurie Kahn-Leavitt (Tupperware!)— showing clips from their respective films and deconstructing their storytelling strategies.

“The Documentary Broadcaster: Strategies for Approach” offered attendees a glimpse into the programming processes of a range of outlets, with representatives from CNN, WGBH, National Geographic and The History Channel offering their words of wisdom, and independent producers St. Clair Bourne and Ciara Byrne weighing in with their war stories from the other side. Bourne advised Latino filmmakers to not be defensive about their culture. “You are the future,” he declared. “You are empowered by your people and your audience.” Moderator/filmmaker John Valadez advised, “Take the Latino experience in multiple ways, saying, ‘I’m not just a Latino; I’m an American.’ And see yourself for all your facets and build on all of those.”

NALIP offered two documentary forums for evaluating both sample tapes and pitches. The panelists advised not to submit slick trailers, but to include as much information as you can convey, or select a scene that would effectively tell the story. Consulant Fernanda Rossi stressed the importance of being aware of other work on the same subject, while Richard Saiz of ITVS urged filmmakers to ask themselves, “How is a general audience going to relate to your story?”  Ralf-Peter Piechowiak of the German channel ZDF advised filmmakers to be clear about their message and to “know who you’re pitching to and know how the film will resonate with a general audience.”

The true highlight of the weekend was a case study presentation of the hit 2005 film Mad Hot Ballroom, led by director Marilyn Agrelo and then-P.O.V. executive producer Cara Mertes. After presenting a few clips from the film, Agrelo related the story of the making of the film—from its genesis as a magazine article by the film’s  producer/writer, Amy Sewell, to its much-coveted status as a bona fide documentary hit. But the journey from anonymity—it was a first film for both of them—to fame would prove to be a bittersweet one, with its rewards and lessons. It’s a cautionary tale about what happens when Big Hollywood comes knocking at your door.

After researching the many public schools in New York City that participate in a ballroom dancing competition, Agrelo and Sewell selected three schools in regions distinguished by their respective cultural and class compositions, dynamics and rhythms. In addition, the filmmakers set a production timeline of ten weeks, before which they would also need to raise the budget. After 200 solicitations that failed to yield much funding, the filmmakers formed an LLC and financed the film through their respective families and through investors. They also hired an editor at the beginning of the process, to create the film as they went along.

“I wasn’t interested in the competitive aspect of this story,” Agrelo said. “This was a story about a journey the kids were taking—the desire to rise above from different realities.”

After submitting Mad Hot Ballroom as a work-in-progress at the 2004 IFP Market, the film caught the attention of attorney/sales rep John Sloss at Cinetic Media, who advised Sewell and Agrelo to submit the film to Sundance, which turned them down. Mad Hot Ballroom was accepted into Slamdance, so the filmmakers had the Park City audience of studios, distributors and press—which came out in full force for the final screening. “The funny thing about it was, when we were ten minutes from the end of the film, everyone was on their Blackberrys e-mailing each other,” Agrelo recalled. “I’m thinking to myself, ‘These Hollywood people are so rude!’ When the credits came up they all ran out of the room! There were ten people left! I had five kids from the film for a Q&A for ten people!”
Sewell and Agrelo had entered a territory that few documentarians have had the opportunity to explore: the domain of the feeding frenzy of majors and mini-majors, ratcheting up their acquisition prices to un-doclike levels. Paramount Classics ended up distributing the film.“They did really well in many respects, but the concept of having a hit documentary was something they were not really prepared to market in the same way as they could have,” Agrelo noted. “There were so many things that we were interested in doing. I had so many interesting excerpts that I wanted to put on the DVD. They said, ‘We’re not really marketing this to people who go to the art house or people who go to film festivals. We’re not marketing to people who are interested in director’s commentary. We’re marketing to people who shop at Wal-Mart.’ So there were no extras on the DVD.”

“As much as I’m thrilled with what happened, I also feel that there was something more that could have happened,” Agrelo continued. “This film explored some themes that I was hoping would be more talked about, like the different ways in which these kids see the world. There were some issues in the film that the studio chose not to highlight.”

Overall, the Mad Hot Ballroom experience has opened doors and created opportunities for Agrelo. She, Sewell and their investors have started a foundation, and among its possible areas of support include arts programs in the New York City public schools. Agrelo has also been meeting with studio executives and fielding scripts. She also intends to return to her ongoing documentary-in-progress, entitled Us and Them, which contrasts the culture and perspectives of her family in Cuba and her family in the United States. “This is a story common to all Cubans,” she explained. “All families are divided by politics—something completely outside of ourselves, and yet it makes us have very different points of view. The points of view of those who left Cuba are different from the points of view of those who stayed.”
Agrelo was feted with an ESTELA Award at the NALIP Gala Awards Dinner that concluded the conference. The award, according to the conference program, “honors talented Latino/Latina filmmakers who, either through a stunning debut or a steady rise in a relatively short period of time, have distinguished themselves through their work to date.”

Thomas White is editor of Documentary magazine.

www.documentary.org.

NewLatino Filmmaker Screening Series

NALIP-New York, in association with Anthology Film Archives, cordially invites you to the 2006 SHORT ENDS SHOWCASE on Wednesday, September 20th, as part of its NewLatino Filmmaker screening series (now in its 6th year!). During this year's venue we focus our attention on narrative short films created by six emerging "writer/directors" from the New York region.

These six dynamic films run the gamut of aesthetic styles and subject matter, but all take an intriguing look at the frailties of the human condition, and take you on a cinematically diverse roller-coaster ride.

— “The Negative” by Cruz Angeles
— “Victoria Para Chino” by Cary Fukunaga
— “Seeking Solace” by Derek Velez Partridge
— “Scar Tissue” by Angel David
— “Mariposa” by Elvira Carrizal-Dukes
— “Betty La Flaca” by Hugo Perez

Q&A with filmmakers in attendance after screening. Curated by Edwin Pagan

Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Anthology Film Archives
32 Second Avenue at Second Street - NYC
$5 admission ~ at the box office
8:00PM - Networking Reception - Wine, cheese and snacks provided
8:30PM - Shorts Screening Program

For full film descriptions and filmmaker bios, please visit: www.nalip.org/newyork/newlatinofilm

The ¡Adelante! Film Forum
October 19-21, 2006
University of Texas San Antonio Downtown Campus
Contact: Lisa Cortez Walden,
nalip.sanantonio@yahoo.com
www.nalip.org

October 19-21st, NALIP San Antonio will host the first annual ¡Adelante! Film Forum.  This intensive, three-day conference will bring media industry experts and scholars to the local film community to share secrets and to strategize about the future of independent media. Through workshops and panels, filmmakers will learn how to meet the challenges of the exploding diversity of new markets and genres. Topics included will be: grantswriting for your project, bridging media and academia, finding your market, getting an agent, practicing your pitch, Internet distribution, Latina/os in film, and much more.

Registration:   FREE to NALIP members and UTSA students with i.d. $25.00 for the general public (all access pass)

Space is extremely limited so registration is highly encouraged.
To register, find out the complete schedule, or get the latest information, visit our website at www.nalip.org or e-mail us at nalip.sanantonio@yahoo.com.

This conference has been made possible through the generous support of the Bicultural-Bilingual Studies Division, the Mexican American Studies Program, the
Women’s Studies Institute, and the College of Public Policy at the University of Texas at San Antonio, The San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, the National
Association of Latino Arts and Culture, The San Antonio Film Commission, KLRN, The Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP), The San Antonio Educational Partnership, Andrews Kurth, G2E Services, and Siebert Brandford Shank.

Two Documentaries Co-Written and Co-Produced by NALIP Member Nancy de los Santos to Air as Part of PBS Series Voces

In Los Angeles the docs air on KCET.

The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood Cinema

Part 1 – September 16 @ 9 PM
Part 2 – September 23rd @ 9 PM

Lalo Guerrero the Original Chicano

Thursday  October 12th @ 8 PM and Sunday October 15th @ 10:30 PM.  

Voces is a thirteen part series hosted by Edward James Olmos and showcasing the best of Latino culture.
 
You can get information about Voces and airings in other cities on their website.
www.voces.tv

Written by Melinda Lopez
Directed by NALIP member Juliette Carrillo

How do we forgive the past?
When Sonia learns of her son's decision to leave college, enlist in the military and fight against terror in Afghanistan in the weeks following 9/11, memories of her own childhood overwhelm her. She struggles to reconcile being forced as a young girl to leave Cuba at the dawn of Fidel Castro's rule with her own responsibilities as a mother facing uncertainty.
Set between post-revolutionary Cuba and post-9/11 America, Sonia Flew telescopes the large cultural and political forces of an historic moment to examine their impact on the intimate lives of ordinary men and women. Sonia is a Cuban-American woman smuggled as a child out of Cuba and into the United States as a part of Operation Pedro Pan. Secure in a world filled with parental duty and Jewish tradition, Sonia's existence is fragile, yet peaceful. But when terrorism strikes American soil and Sonia's only son enlists in the military, Sonia must find a way to come to terms with her past, her lost parents, her own children and her adopted country - or risk losing everything that she loves.

Where: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; also 7 p.m. Oct. 8
Ends: Oct. 15
Price: $30 to $65
Contact: (949) 497-2787 or www.LagunaPlayhouse.com
Running time: 2 hours, 5 minutes  

Dine Out To Save Lives and “Stop the Violence” During the Month of September 

Over 500 Women Killed: Hollywood, L.A Businesses and Prominent Citizens Making a Difference
 
Los Angeles, CA – Over the last decade, more than 500 women have been abducted and brutally murdered in the Juarez City, Chihuahua State, Mexico and El Paso, Texas (U.S.) Border Region, an area often referred to as "The City of Death.”   Most of the victims were poor, young working girls.  Some victims were as young as 5 and 6 years old, and the majority of the victims were teenagers and young women between the ages of 17 to 22. Although numerous suspects are in custody, activists and families of victims believe the Mexican authorities have not solved most of the crimes and the killings continue.
 
Hollywood and L.A business owners are stepping up to the plate to make a difference. During the month of September the restaurants listed at www.wereallycare.org are holding Dine Outs in a display of solidarity for the young women losing their lives. Until September 27, 2006, participating restaurants will donate a generous percentage of receipts to Peace at the Border Films LLC for their work on projects designed to help create a non-violent and quality living and working environment in the area such as their work with victim’s mothers on a film about the Femicide, "Border Echoes-Ecos De Una Frontera.” This is a documentary based on the investigation efforts of Diana Washington, a journalist in El Paso, Texas, who put her life on the line to expose the high-level corruption that she believes has protected the killers. She contends that serial killers, drug dealers, violent gangs, a group of powerful and copycat killers are among the suspects who are still at large.
 
The Juarez femicides have gained Hollywood's attention and are the focus of several forthcoming movies: "Bordertown" with Jennifer Lopez, "The Virgin of Juarez" with Minnie Driver, and "Loteria" (in development with HBO). "Border Echoes-Ecos De Una Frontera" is a factual account about the disturbing and tragic crimes occurring next door that should stir us all to action.

Call for entries for 2007 Phoenix Film Festival

The Phoenix Film Festival is now accepting entries for the 2007 festival taking place April 12 to April 19, 2007 at Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theatre. Going into its 7th year the Phoenix Film Festival has become the largest film festival in Arizona.

Why submit?
We offer packed houses, great parties and an incredible experience that filmmakers rave about. And don't forget that Moviemaker Magazine has named the Phoenix Film Festival one of the top 20 festivals worth the entry fee.

Go to http://www.phxfilmfestival.com/submissions.html  for more information. 

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
Call For Entries

Submissions are now being accepted.

April 12-15, 2007
fullframefest.org
919.687.4100

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is now accepting feature length and short film or video submissions for the 2007 festival in Durham, NC on April 12-15. Eligible documentaries are those finished after January 1, 2005.

Submission deadlines:

  • Regular deadline: October 15th ($35)
  • Final deadline: November 30th ($55)

Full Frame distinguishes shorts and features as:

  • Shorts: any film less than 40 minutes in duration
  • Features: any film 40 or more minutes but no longer than 180 minutes in duration

Full Submission Guidelines

2nd International Aarhus Festival of Independent Arts
Call For Submissions
Deadline November 20, 2006

AFIA, emerging as one of Scandinavia’s most exciting events for independent film and newcomer filmmakers is seeking fictional, documentary, animation, experimental films and music videos produced after January 1st, 2005.

AFIA relies on auteur films, on young early masterpieces by directors who are at the beginning of their career, who are highly talented and internationally unknown (yet). As result we present a rigorous selection of premieres, strictly reserved to quality and individual voices without compromises. 

The festival, held across Aarhus between 25 April and 30 April 2007, brings together film fans, filmmakers and international film executives with a common passion for the very best in independent cinema. AFIA is a place to enjoy the movies and meet people who make them! Last year 192 films from 44 countries were screened and almost half of 192 directors were present.

Upcoming Scandinavia: The festival’s very own competition is exclusively reserved for Scandinavian directors, aged less than 21 years. We discover and present young Scandinavian talents, those who dream about entering the film industry in future.

The festival awards six Jury Prizes: Best Fiction Short, Best Debut Feature,
Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best Music Video and Upcoming Scandinavia Award. The Jury may also define special Jury Awards for Excellence in a specific field and Honorable Mentions by its own discretion.  

Two audience awards—Jameson Audience Choice Award and Jameson Ultra Short Award—sponsored by the Festival’s official sponsor, Jameson
Denmark, will be given to audience favorites.

The submission deadline is November 20th. To find out how to submit your
film please go to our web site http://www.afianopop.com or email us at
mk@afianopop.com

Video Producido por Jóvenes Educa a Padres y a Estudiantes Latinos de Escasos Recursos Sobre los Beneficios de Tomar Clases de Colocación Avanzada

El Proyecto de Productores Jóvenes de Media Arts Center, San Diego y el Proyecto del Consorcio de Colocación Avanzada, en sociedad con la Oficina de Educación del Condado de San Diego, (División LRET), y Educación Migrante (Región IX) se enorgullecen en presentar El Programa de Colocación Avanzada: Lo Mejor Para Nuestros Estudiantes/ The Advanced Placement Program: The Best for Our Students, un video documental corto que se estrenará el jueves 5 de octubre a las 5:30 PM en El Centro Educativo Regional del Condado Norte (North County Regional Center- NCREC, 255 Pico Ave. San Marcos CA. 92069)

El Programa de Colocación Avanzada: Lo Mejor Para Nuestros Estudiantes /The Advanced Placement Program: The Best for Our Students es un video documental corto que presenta entrevistas cándidas con estudiantes de preparatoria Latinos que están inscritos en cursos de colocación avanzada en el Condado Norte de San Diego, CA,  Sus padres, consejeros y administradores proporcionan ideas claves sobre las realidades y beneficios académicos posibles al avanzar temprano por el camino universitario al cursar exitosamente las clases y los exámenes del Programa de Colocación Avanzada.  Los Estudiantes en esta película recomiendan los cursos de colocación avanzada a quienes estén considerando continuar sus estudios superiores porque, “Ellos conseguirán una experiencia universitaria aquí, a nivel de preparatoria”

Los Productores Jóvenes y los entrevistados estarán presentes para preguntas y respuestas.

El estreno es GRATIS y está abierto al público. Se llevará a cabo en El Centro Educativo Regional (North County Regional Education Center/ NCREC, 255 Pico Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069)

Este proyecto fué patrocinado en parte por The Stuart Foundation, The San Diego Foundation, The Community Technology Foundation of California, The Commission for Arts and Culture, y por el Proyecto del Consorcio para Colocación Avanzada, en sociedad con La Oficina de Educación del Condado de San Diego (División LRET) y Educación Migrante (Región IX)

Acerca del Documental de Colocación Avanzada y el DVD:
Para más información acerca del documental de colocación avanzada, o para comprar el DVD, por favor póngase en contacto con: Dr. Arturo Cabello, Proyecto del Consorcio de Colocación Avanzada; 760).510.5843/ Acabello@sdcoe.net, o con Kate Trumbull, Media Arts Center San Diego: ktrumbull@mediaartscenter.org / 619.2300.1938 x 102.

Subaru Returns as Presenting and Official Automotive Sponsor of the 10th International Latino Film Festival
The Auto Channel Sun, 17 Sep 2006 8:08 PM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it will return as the Presenting and Official Automotive Sponsor of the 10th International Latino Film Festival (ILFF) - San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to providing funds and other support to the organization year-round, Subaru has expanded its support to include the Youth in Video Program that is designed to inspire and…

The AOL Latino 2006 Hispanic Cyberstudy Breaks New Ground by Analyzing Internet Usage across Acculturation Segments
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Mon, 18 Sep 2006 7:00 AM PDT
NEW YORK----Sept. 18, 2006--AOL Latino new study demonstrates that the Hispanic internet landscape is bicultural internet continues to be the best source to make final brand decisions for most online Hispanics

J Lo, hubby celebrate legend
News 24 South Africa Mon, 18 Sep 2006 2:16 AM PDT
Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony have found themselves somewhat outside their respective comfort zones in making their new film.

Online Hispanic Audience Is Predominately Bilingual
 Sept. 18, 2006 NEW YORK AdAge.com
According to a new study released today that looks at how internet usage varies by level of acculturation for the more than 16 million U.S. Hispanics online,  "the Hispanic online audience is bicultural in nature. They're consuming content in both languages that appeals to their passion points. There are differences in content consumption and time spent online," said Mark Lopez, publisher, AOL Latino, which led the study.

Toronto awards: Mexican filmmakers pull upset
The Hollywood Reporter Sun, 17 Sep 2006 3:11 AM PDT
TORONTO -- A trio of Mexicans triumphed at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday when their U.S. independent drama "Bella" captured the People Choice Award, voted on by festival audiences.

Sweet, soapy "Betty" works Thursday shift
Sun, 17 Sep 2006 11:21 pm PDT
Reuters - Thursday is the new Tuesday for the new season that begins Monday night.

BELLA takes top prize at Toronto
Sun, 17 Sep 2006 03:30 pm PDT
AP - Mexican-born director Alejandro Gomez Monteverde's feature film debut, the unheralded "Bella," took the top audience prize at the 31st Toronto International Film Festival. International critics gave an award to the controversial British TV movie "Death of a President," which centers on a fictionalized assassination of President Bush. Full Story

Latin viewers "Desperate" for hit soap
Reuters via Yahoo! News Tue, 19 Sep 2006 1:47 AM PDT
Araceli Gonzalez saunters across the sidewalk in pale pink pumps and a matching silk robe, chatting amiably with her assistant and garnering gawks from the grips. With her long legs, ivory skin and considerable cleavage, she is, physically speaking, the polar opposite of Gabrielle Solis.

"Greetings From Tucson" Star Dies
Sep 16, 10:20 AM (ET)

TOLUCA, Mexico (AP) - Teenage actor Pablo Santos, who starred in the television series "Greetings from Tucson," died after a small plane in which he was riding crashed in Mexico, a hospital official said Saturday.

The Piper Malibu crashed Friday just over a mile short of the runway as it was making its approach to the airport in Toluca, some 35 miles west of Mexico City, according to the Mexico State Security Agency. Six other people were hospitalized.

Santos, 19, was taken to the Social Security Hospital, where he died Friday, hospital spokeswoman Irma Garcia Guardarrama said.

Santos starred as the son of a Mexican-American family portrayed in "Greetings from Tucson," which ran on the WB network from 2002 to 2003.

He had appeared in numerous episodes on other television programs, including "Boston Public,""Law & Order" and "American Family," as well as films such as "Sea of Dreams" and "Party Animalz."

Born in Monterrey, Santos moved with his family to Los Angeles when he was 12.

Officials were investigating the cause of the accident.

Art Director Wanted For High Budget Feature Film

Looking for an Art Director of the highest caliber to begin pre-production of a high budget movie filming in China, tentatively slated to begin by Nov 1st or sooner.  Production office will be in Beijing, so temporary relocation is a must. Knowledge of Chinese NOT required. Academy award winning actor already cast in lead.  High quality and credited experience absolutely necessary.   I will check credentials on IMDB and around town.  NO BEGINNERS.

TO SUBMIT: Please email resume/filmography to: filmproduction2006@yahoo.com

Part-Time Personal Assistant

Immediate opening for Household Helper/Personal Assistant for busy executive. Part time Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM. Duties include errands, laundry, shopping, light housekeeping etc. Must be extremely reliable, resourceful, organized and have a car. Absolutely MUST live in the Santa Monica / Venice area.

Salary $500 per month plus gas allowance.

To Apply: E-mail resume and contact information to: msrp21@hotmail.com

Coordinator, Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program

Beverly Hills, CA

Job Description:
Primary Purpose of Position
-Provide support to Director and staff of the Sundance Documentary Film Program for all DFP activities.
-Develop and maintain databases, conduct research, assist in
tracking department budget
-Coordinate the Sundance Documentary Fund, a grant-giving program to support documentaries worldwide dealing with contemporary human rights, freedom of expression, social justice and civil liberty issues.
-Coordinate House of Docs Program in Filmmaker Lodge at the
Sundance Film Festival.
-Coordinate DFP Labs at Sundance Resort, assist as needed for Independent Producer's Conference.
-Coordinate new initiatives for DFP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program Coordinator General: 
-Working with Director and DFP staff, coordinate and support all DFP initiatives, including the Sundance   
-Documentary Fund, Labs, House of Docs, programming initiatives, travel, research, web content and updating for DFP section of the SI site.
-Assist with Filmmaker Lodge/House of Docs Program at Sundance Film Festival
-Coordinate travel and expense needs for Director/other staff as needed.
-Assist with correspondence with outside festivals, workshops, and documentary community in general.
-Mailing of catalogues and tapes.
-Maintain periodical subscriptions for Director.
-Make dubs for doc program needs.
-Filing.
-Maintain Documentary Program Library, databases and research files.
-Coordinate new initiatives activity as needed.

Fund Specifics:
-Initial database entry of proposals, including the materials received, the budget materials and the tapes
-Track incoming applications including receipt of proposals
-Initial notation of mandate fit
-Respond to "SDF inquiry emails" regarding general Fund questions
-Respond to SDF inquiry phone calls regarding Fund questions
-Monitor SDF database  (proposals, applicants, contacts and materials)
-Assist Manager in preparation of selection meeting
dockets and tapes
-Organize and track library of all completed film materials
-Track Grant requirements for finished projects in database (requested materials, and all press related materials)
-Assist Manager in maintaining the SDF website with timely updates for recently completed films
-Coordinate the materials needed for publications (SDF Catalogue, etc.)

House of Docs Program at Filmmaker Lodge:
-Assist Manager with onsite moderator/panelist needs, keep panels running ontime, assist with panelist invites
-Assist Manager with onsite coordination of all panel programs and special events
-Coordinate materials produced for House of Docs Program

Additional Responsibilities:            
-Monitor Documentary Film Program and Sundance Documentary Fund website to note outdated information
-Actively research and track progress of international and US doc projects and film markets
-Strategize with associates outreach opportunities for different DFP programs
Knowledge, Skill, and Education

1.     Employee is required to have authorization to work in the United States.
2.    BA or equivalent required, preferably in media, cultural, history or international field/s. Knowledge of documentary field preferred.
3.    Knowledge of and interest in global and human rights issues.
4.    Must display excellent communication skills: verbal, written and public speaking.
5.    Experience with project management, coordination and logistics.
6.    Ability to work closely with international and US constituents and applicants.
7.    ***Ability to manage extensive database for applicant, proposal, and grant tracking purposes.***
8.    Filemaker, Excel, Microsoft Word, basic web skills, e.g. HTML, Photoshop, needed.
9.   Documentary production/programming/research experience, familiarity with ethnic media traditions, experience in a non-profit setting a plus. Preferred applicant will have an interest in social issue media.

Problem Solving/Decision Making
Must have clear understanding of DFP's mandate and ability to judge eligibility of written and film sections of proposals in relation to mandate.  Must be diplomatic when working with potential applicants and grantees, and be able to clearly explain and relay accurate information regarding Fund's mandate. Must be organized when assisting Director. Must be able to coordinate logistics and volunteers for the Filmmaker Lodge, House of Docs Program, which includes responding to panel and outreach table needs. 

Apply To: Kristin Feeley (Kristin_Feeley@sundance.org)

CASTING CALL: Culver City, CA

Casting Two Infomercials
1. Cellulite Cream (Seeking Women 30 - 45)
2. Laser Hair Removal (Seeking Women and Men 25 - 45)

Cellulite Cream
Do you work out and eat right, but you just can’t lose that cellulite on your bum and thighs?

We are seeking women of all ethnicities and ages between 30-45 who want to try the best cellulite cream on the market-- for FREE! This product works!!!

You will not be testing this product- it is already FDA approved. It is safe and effective. We are seeking a group for marketing purposes only. This is for an infomercial. This identical product will be sold in an upscale retail store for $100.
Ideal candidates are attractive and outgoing. We are looking for people who have great legs, good muscle tone, and who are not overweight!

In addition to receiving the product valued at $100, participants will also get a $200 expense reimbursement at the end of the program.

If you are interested, we will be meeting with people on Wednesday, September 27th. Times will range from 9:30am until 6:30pm, and should last no longer than 1 hour. We want to make sure your skin is right for this before we select you. This takes place in Culver City, please take that into account when you call for you appointment time

This is an 8 week program. If selected, you’ll come in on Monday, October 9th from 6pm to 8pm for a 2 hour meeting to receive and learn how to use the product.

Then, you’ll come back on: Thursday, October 5th for a “before” photo, and Thursday, December 7th for an “after” photo. All appointments should only last about 1 hour and we’ll work around your schedule as best we can, but you must be available. The location for the meetings and shoots is Los Angeles. Exact location TBD. Please take that into consideration before you call for your appointment.

***If you are selected to participate and your results are great, you will be asked to give an honest, unscripted, on-camera testimonial for our infomercial. All participants need to be okay with this.***

Please DO NOT call if you have participated in an infomercial within the last 2 years. WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS!

To Get An Appointment: Please call (323) 962-6529 ASAP.


At-Home Hair Removal Laser

We are seeking women (and a few men!) of all ethnicities ages 25-45 who want to try a new at-home hair removal laser tool– for FREE!

This safe, tested laser has been a top seller in Europe for over a year. Be the first in the USA to experience the at-home process that safely, effectively and painlessly removes hair from your back, legs, arms, and underarms. It instantly removes hair, the hair then grows back finer and softer until it doesn’t grow back at all. (This product is NOT for your face or bikini area.) Unlike waxing, this laser works on stubble so you don’t have to grow out your hair for weeks before you can use it!

You will not be testing it, it is already FDA approved. It is safe and effective. We are seeking a group for marketing purposes only.

Ideal candidates are attractive and outgoing. We are looking for people who have great legs and are not overweight!

We need people who will be able to show a difference in pictures. If you’ve been battling hair growth and paying lots of money to have someone else help you remove it, this is for you!

In addition to the receiving the product valued at $300, participants will also get a $200 expense reimbursement at the end of the program.

If you are interested, we will be meeting with people on Wednesday, September 27th. Times will range from 9:30am until 6:30pm, and should last no longer than 1 hour. We want to make sure your skin and hair growth are right for this project before we select you. This takes place in Culver City, please take that into account when you call for you appointment time.

This is an 8 week program. If selected, you’ll come in on Monday, October 9th from 6pm to 8pm for a 2 hour meeting to receive and learn how to use the product.

Then, you’ll come back on: Friday, October 6th for a “before” photo, and Friday December 8th for an “after” photo. All appointments should only last about 1 hour and we’ll work around your schedule as best we can, but you must be available. The location for the meetings and shoots is Los Angeles. Exact location TBD. Please take this into consideration before you call.

***If you are selected to participate and your results are great, you will be asked to give an honest, unscripted, on-camera testimonial for our infomercial. All participants must be okay with that.***

Please DO NOT call if you have done an infomercial within the last 2 years. WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS!

To Get An Appointment: Please call (818) 771-8058 ASAP.