Connecticut Film Initiative, LLC

04/09/2020

It's happening!!

Production is beginning again! We hope everyone has been staying safe and healthy and is looking forward to getting back on set!

We are still looking to fill two major roles for "DIVINE" a fun web-series!

We will be shooting short scenes, monologues and character pieces to add content to the DIVINE YouTube Channel to monetize and build an audience before the series launch.

-Shooting "character teasers" will take place starting in October and be about 3-4 weekends. Your character will not be needed for every single weekend and it will be a one day shoot (Either Saturday or Sunday).

-Episodic shoots will be in late fall/early winter & will take place on the weekends (Saturday/Sunday)

Copy, credit, meals & travel provided.
Non-Union
Shooting in New Haven/Shoreline CT Area
All shoots will take place on the weekends (Saturday/Sunday)
*COVID Safe Set Certified*

Submit headshot, resume and reel to [email protected] with the name of the character you would like to audition for in the subject line. We will then reply with further upload instructions!

Self-tape auditions only!

-Questions can be directed to the email address listed above!

Thank you to everyone who has auditioned so far! Help spread the word (like, share & tag your friends) to reach our OTTO and ANGEL!

************************************

*See photos and additional descriptions in the photos attached to this post!*

SYNOPSIS:
Otto Namir is just like every other millennial navigating his 20's in the city. He has a dead end restaurant job, a few close friends, and a crippling mixture of anxiety and self-loathing. The only difference with Otto is that he is the second coming of Christ. Literally. But other than performing some miracles as a child, he hasn't done much for anyone. And that whole rapture thing? TBD.

Then comes Edie. The first person that seems to accept Otto for who he is, without expectation. She's individualistic, she's tough, she's loving- oh, and she's also the anti-Christ.

What unfolds is a chaotic dark comedy that explores that it truly means to be "good," and what it takes to love unconditionally.

SEEKING:
OTTO:
Male 20-30
Open ethnicity/middle eastern
Otto Namir is the second coming of Christ, born as a Brooklyn millennial. He’s conflicted with the weight of this knowledge and his desire to live life as a normal dude. He’s compassionate, shy, unsure of himself. note on race-Otto doesn’t necessarily need to be middle eastern, but he does need to look accurate to what Jesus would have looked like geographically. No more blond haired blue eyed Jesus’s!

ANGEL:
Male, 18-30
African-American/Latino/Open ethnicity
Ottos closest friend who he meets through work. Angel is funny, outgoing, always trying to pull Otto out of his shell. He also genuinely cares about Otto and his anxieties. Could possibly be younger and look up to Otto in a brotherly way.

02/09/2020

Huge congrats to director of photography Jonathan Henderson for winning this years “Best Cinematography” at the New Haven 48 Hour Film Project Awards for his incredible work on this years film "3°C“ for the 48 Hour Film Project! Shoutout to for another successful film challenge!

21/07/2020

Huge thank you to everyone who voted for CTFI & the CT Entrepreneur Awards for making this possible!!! 💛 So grateful for another year of filmmaking in CT! THANK YOU!

30/03/2020

Thank you everyone for your patience as our projects have been put on hold due to COVID-19.

In the meantime, we are opening up auditions for the webseries DIVINE and have several more roles to fill!

OTTO & ANGEL

Email: [email protected] for sides and additional video submission information!

Shooting in the Haven area. Compensation: travel cost & meals provided.

SYNOPSIS:
Otto Namir is just like every other millennial navigating his 20's in the city. He has a dead end restaurant job, a few close friends, and a crippling mixture of anxiety and self-loathing. The only difference with Otto is that he is the second coming of Christ. Literally. But other than performing some miracles as a child, he hasn't done much for anyone. And that whole rapture thing? TBD.

Then comes Edie. The first person that seems to accept Otto for who he is, without expectation. She's individualistic, she's tough, she's loving- oh, and she's also the anti-Christ.

What unfolds is a chaotic dark comedy that explores that it truly means to be "good," and what it takes to love unconditionally.

SEEKING:
OTTO:
Male 20-30
Open ethnicity/middle eastern
Otto Namir is the second coming of Christ, born as a Brooklyn millennial. He’s conflicted with the weight of this knowledge and his desire to live life as a normal dude. He’s compassionate, shy, unsure of himself. note on race-Otto doesn’t necessarily need to be middle eastern, but he does need to look accurate to what Jesus would have looked like geographically. No more blond haired blue eyed Jesus’s!

ANGEL:
Male, 18-30
African-American/Latino/Open ethnicity
Ottos closest friend who he meets through work. Angel is funny, outgoing, always trying to pull Otto out of his shell. He also genuinely cares about Otto and his anxieties. Could possibly be younger and look up to Otto in a brotherly way.

Pass the quarantine-time by by submitting an audition tape and tagging friends who you think might be a good fit!

Thank you everyone and be well!

24/03/2020

Special Thanks to Film Professor Joshua Novo for having CTFI Co-Founder Christina as a guest speaker for the Post University PFA304 course on Film: The Reel Experience last week! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with students through discussing Mise En Scene from an actor's standpoint, and the emotional responses elicited through film. CTFI is especially grateful to have fielded student questions on the healing power of film, with the development of our Film For Therapy mission. This is a perfect time to stay safe, stay healthy and delve into your art!

08/03/2020

Our new non-profit division Film for Therapy is proud to be the first fiscal sponsor for a profound documentary feature; Dont Forget to Leave.

Please take the time to support an incredible documentary. This piece is a profound look at Tim Landers, an incredible member and founder of several bands (Transit, Misser, Off & On and Cold Collective). Tim unfortunately lost his battle to mental illness and opioid additions. This piece will be a tribute to his life and legacy while taking a raw look at the struggles too many find familiar.

Thank you to local filmmakers Kyle Kuchta and Bill Fulkerson for contributing your talents to this piece. ❤️

Any support; likes, shares and comments help to generate more eyes on the project and the campaign.

Thank you CTFI family!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/don-t-forget-to-leave-documentary-feature #/

04/03/2020

YouTube Webseries Updates-How to Get Involved

Putting together a YouTube series channel on behalf of CTFI's Entertainment Division. The goal is to generate more content, extend CTFI's digital reach, while providing material for those who participate to add to portfolios to further opportunities.

If you're interested in participating, please email [email protected] with you name and what you would like to help with (ie: acting, writing/submitting material, crew, etc)

04/03/2020

Tap the center suggestion word to fill in the blank!

I’m going to be famous because ____.

29/02/2020

❗️Please Share❗️ CTFI is proud to announce that Film For Therapy, what once began as a social movement within our initiative, is now officially recognized as the Non-Profit Organization, Film For Therapy, Inc! We have many projects in the works, which advocate for social causes and raise awareness for the many afflictions rampant in society, while utilizing film-making as a new medium of art therapy. FFT INC is also serving as a Fiscal Sponsor to productions that we believe exemplify the heart of our mission. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support that we have received to make this vision a reality, and we are ready to hit the ground running! FFT is currently seeking a dedicated team of volunteers to serve as members of both our FFT project committees and Advisory Counsel. We seek to provide our CT community members with the opportunity to bring unique and healing film projects into fruition. If you have experience in the following areas, or are simply creative or psychologically minded and looking to explore these passions on a deeper level, please send a message to Christina S. Share your story and how you would like to get involved!

-Development (including event planning for both live events, crowdfunding and potential grant writing)
-Marketing
-Finance
-Legal Support

Contributing your expertise and experience will help to increase the impact of Film For Therapy and it's mission. You will directly assist in advancing the presence of the non-profit causes of fellow organizations in which we form partnerships. These include raising awareness for issues such as bullying, addiction and domestic violence. We would love to hear from you, and get you involved!

18/02/2020

Opinion | Female-led production companies are changing Hollywood for the better

Where are my female filmmakers at?! 💁‍♀️

Women in the entertainment industry are advocating for others and themselves in a way that’s really benefiting our society and culture.

16/02/2020

CT Entrepreneur Awards > Vote

Thank you to everyone who has voted so far for the Connecticut Film Initiative Entrepreneur Awards 2020!
We are nominated in TWO categories:

Corporate/Industrial: http://ctentrepreneurawards.com/Vote/ct-film-initiative,-llc

Community Builder: http://ctentrepreneurawards.com/Vote/dani-scott

Please keep voting! It takes only a second (the link brings you right to to voting page) and the support helps us to further our reach to local CT communities AND provide jobs for filmmakers! 🎞 ⭐️
Thank you so much! Happy voting!

CTFI serves as a professional film-making resource for Connecticut creatives of every niche. We foster togetherness through the production of award winning original films that best showcase the strengths of CT artists, while encouraging the growth of lucrative job opportunities in the state. CTFI of...

11/02/2020

CASTING CALL:

Pilot for web series development. Non-Union. Shooting locations in CT: TBA in early Spring. Most likely New Haven area. Compensation: travel cost & meals provided.

SYNOPSIS:
Otto Namir is just like every other millennial navigating his 20's in the city. He has a dead end restaurant job, a few close friends, and a crippling mixture of anxiety and self-loathing. The only difference with Otto is that he is the second coming of Christ. Literally. But other than performing some miracles as a child, he hasn't done much for anyone. And that whole rapture thing? TBD.

Then comes Edie. The first person that seems to accept Otto for who he is, without expectation. She's individualistic, she's tough, she's loving- oh, and she's also the anti-Christ.

What unfolds is a chaotic dark comedy that explores that it truly means to be "good," and what it takes to love unconditionally.

SEEKING:
OTTO:
Male 20-30
Open ethnicity/middle eastern
Otto Namir is the second coming of Christ, born as a Brooklyn millennial. He’s conflicted with the weight of this knowledge and his desire to live life as a normal dude. He’s compassionate, shy, unsure of himself. note on race-Otto doesn’t necessarily need to be middle eastern, but he does need to look accurate to what Jesus would have looked like geographically. No more blond haired blue eyed Jesus’s!

ANGEL:
Male, 18-30
African-American/Latino/Open ethnicity
Ottos closest friend who he meets through work. Angel is funny, outgoing, always trying to pull Otto out of his shell. He also genuinely cares about Otto and his anxieties. Could possibly be younger and look up to Otto in a brotherly way.

MARA:
Female, 20-30
Open ethnicity
Edie’s childhood friend and Angel’s new roommate-the social link between the other three characters. Mara is charismatic, has a quick wit, and a strong personality. Always looking for the next party and opportunity. Also the only person-aside from Edie’s mom-who knows what Edie is and keeps that secret for her (while also never taking it too seriously)

TO SUBMIT:
Please send a headshot (and resume if you have one/ wish to submit one) to [email protected] with the subject "PILOT" in the subject line.

Once we receive your email, we will send you sides to audition via video submission. We will send you more detailed instructions on your video audition once we receive your headshot!

Thank you!

11/02/2020

Saturday January 25, 2020 was a day to celebrate the initiation of the unique up-and-coming non-profit Film for Therapy, INC.

Film for Therapy is a movement within the Connecticut Film Initiative (CTFI) where local filmmakers collaborate with local non-profits and use the members of the organization to create films advocating for social causes while developing a powerful marketing tools to further their mission(s).

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the event. We raised a little over our goal of $1,000!!

Huge thanks to the talented and brilliant local artists, creatives and businesses that generously donated their time, talent and services to the Balloon-Pop Giveaway!

Please tag yourself and your friends!

09/02/2020

CT Entrepreneur Awards > Vote

WOW! CTFI is honored to be nominated for the CT Entrepreneur Awards 2020 for the second year!

CTFI is nominated in the Corporate/Institutional category along with some incredible upcoming businesses! Last year, we were honored to take home the award for Economic Development! co-founder Dani Scott is also nominated in the Community Builder category.

Please take the time to VOTE for Connecticut Film Initiative by clicking the link below! Don't hesitate to vote like crazy because there is no limit to how many times you can vote!

These events are important to spreading the message statewide about our mission and goals. Now with Film for Therapy, a movement within CTFI, becoming a non-profit, it's important we keep growing so we can continue to bridge the gap between filmmaking and our local communities!

Please LIKE, SHARE AND COMMENT to spread the word!

http://ctentrepreneurawards.com/Vote/ct-film-initiative,-llc

http://ctentrepreneurawards.com/Vote/dani-scott

CTFI serves as a professional film-making resource for Connecticut creatives of every niche. We foster togetherness through the production of award winning original films that best showcase the strengths of CT artists, while encouraging the growth of lucrative job opportunities in the state. CTFI of...

26/01/2020

Thank you to everyone who took the time yesterday to come support our new upcoming nonprofit Film for Therapy! 🖤 🎥

We have a TON of photos from the event that we will be posting soon! So be sure to check back in and TAG yourselves! 📸

Thank you to BAD SONS Beer Co. for being incredibly kind and accommodating. The staff is unmatched and the beer is delicious! Thank you for all you and the BadSons team did to make this event a success. Cheers! 🍻

22/01/2020

Connecticut Breweries, Events, Festivals, & News | CT Beer

Huge thanks to CTBeer.com for adding our Film for Therapy Fundraiser: BadSons BreweryTakeover event to their event calander! Really appreciate the support in spreading the word!

Be sure to check them out if you are a beer lover and are looking for fun events in CT!

Thanks again guys! Cheers 🍻!!

The most comprehensive news, events, and information portal for Connecticut breweries and events. Daily coverage of CT craft beer industry news and updates.

13/01/2020

Check out the latest updates from Women in Film and Video: New England!!! Including a mention for CTFI’s event Brewey Takeover: Brewed for Film at BadSons Brewing in Derby in JANUARY 25, 2020!!

Feel free to send us a message with any questions! Thank you Alecia Jean Orsini Lebeda for including us in this newsletter and thank you for your ongoing support!

Secure your tickets before it’s too late!

Cheers! 🍻

The WIFVNE Wire: January 2020 - Lots of member news and updates! https://mailchi.mp/womeninfilmvideo/the-wifvne-wire-january2020

13/01/2020

Connecticut Film Initiative, LLC | Creating opportunities for film makers in CT

Check out our updated website with all the information for our Brewery Takeover: Brewed for Film, where 100% of everything raised will go towards our up and coming non-profit Film for Therapy!

Thank you to Studer Solutions for always keeping our website fresh and up to date on everything happening! Anyone who needs a professional website (without the stress of setting one up) we highly recommend their services!

Check it out and be sure to buy your tickets for the brewery takeover happening JAN 25th!

Thank you to everyone who continues to support CTFI and Film for Therapy!

Cheers! 🍻

https://ctfilminitiative.com

Connecticut Film Initiative OUR MISSION CTFI seeks to serve as a professional film-making resource for Connecticut creatives of every niche. We foster togetherness through the production of original films that best showcase the strengths of artists, while encouraging the growth of lucrative film-mak...

17/12/2019

The Magical Beauty Of Looking Up At Trees In The Middle Of A Forest Capture By Photographer

In honor of our December Photo Challenge, (hosted on our Instagram page ), day sixteen’s theme is “down low.” These photos are stunning! 🖤

Head on over to our Instagram page, give us a follow and join in on the December Photo Challenge to keep your posting game strong to finish off 2019! 🌟

Don’t forget to tag CTFI so we can see & share your photos!

Happy posting!

https://www.instagram.com/ctfilminitiative/

By Mayukh Saha / Truth Theory Manuelo Bececco is an Italian photographer who has recently captured the silent beauty of trees in his inspiring landscape imagery. …

01/12/2019

Who is ready to end the year strong?!

Join us in CTFI's first photo challenge for all artists and filmmakers! This is your chance to help us get to know you and our followers while engaging with some creative content!

1) Post ANYTHING you feel fits the daily word. Seriously! Get creative and have fun! (But of course, be sure to credit if you use anyone else's work in your post!)

2) Post your photo/video on your Facebook/Instagram page along with the daily word so your own followers can keep up with the challenge!

3) Tag on Instagram and Facebook so we can see the participants and give you a shout-out on our pages!

As artists, it is important to maintain a social media presence that best fits our individual artistic brand. We made this challenge vague enough for every artist (no matter how experienced) to participate while also adding the accountability to post daily. If you miss a day though, don't worry! just jump back on wherever you can!

Thanks for participating and be sure to like and share to get other artists on board!

31/10/2019

Happy Halloween from our founders! Share your favorite or movies with us and stay tuned for some exciting updates on our divisions! 🎃

24/10/2019

CTFI is honored and humbled to be named the winner of the 2019 Collision All-Stars Pitch Competition at Connecticut Connections this evening! The entrepreneurial ecosystem in our state is incredibly strong and we were blown away by the talent showcased by our fellow business owners tonight. We especially thank Sound Web, Middletown Entrepreneurial Workspace (MEWS) the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce and Tim Laubacher of Sound Web pictured with our founders at the close of the competition

23/10/2019

CTFI has been invited to pitch at the COLLISION ALL-STARS PITCH EVENT tonight during the Connecticut Connections Expo at the Red Lion in Cromwell. 🖤

Starting at 5:00PM, the winning business teams from the previous MEWS COLLISION pitch nights will come together and pitch their start ups!

Come show your love and support for entrepreneurs in CT and vote with “investment chips” to determine the all-star winner!

Follow this link for more info! https://collisionct.com/collision-all-stars-2019/ .

18/10/2019

West Hartford author hosts book signing in Hartford

West Hartford News coverage of tonight’s event, that we were so grateful to be a part of!

WEST HARTFORD — This year on Thursday, Oct. 17, Susan Omilian of West Hartford marks the 20th anniversary of the death of her 19-year-old niece Maggie, killed by her ex-boyfriend

17/10/2019

Book Launch Today! Join CTFI’s Founders as we celebrate the empowering work of our friend Susan Omilian, with a dramatic reading of an excerpt from her book “Emerge: The Opening of the Human Heart and the Power Of Love”

05/10/2019

CTFI is honored to screen our film “After 48 Hours” at the Mystic Film Festival this weekend. Last night was our film showing, followed by a Directors Panel Q&A at the La Grua Cultural Center with some amazing fellow filmmakers!

28/09/2019

Christina and Dani were thrilled to be guests on another episode of Abstract Framework, but this time just for fun! Check out our earlier interview on Women in Film and then click the link below to get to know our silly sides, and watch us play the MovieWed Game! Who once set her ringtone to the Halloween theme song? Who chooses Steve Carrell as her partner in crime for a Buddy Film? Who may or may not know her biz partner best? (Hint: It's the one who got so excited to talk about Broadway, that she jumped the gun and messed up the flow of the game 🤣) Filming and re-watching this made us both laugh out loud. We thank Christian and Nelson for such a fun experience. And yes, we're still friends 😉

We welcome back Connecticut Film Initiative, LLC for another video as we play The Moviewed Game and determine how well they know each other's movie tastes. Will they be in sync? Will it break apart their friendship? Find out here: https://youtu.be/LYuB3UK_AKs

24/09/2019

Mambo, New Haven pizza and whale attacks: Mystic Film Festival has dozens of movies, panels, Q&As

Connecticut Film Initiative, LLC piece “After 48 Hours” is screening Friday, October 4th at the Mystic Film Festival! We are so honored to be apart of an incredible lineup of films!

Who’s attending or has films they were apart of screening at the festival?! Let us know in the comments so we can look for you! 🙌🏼🎥

The second annual Mystic Film Festival is Oct. 2 to 6 at five locations in Mystic, Stonington, New London and Niantic. The festival will show six narrative features, 12 feature documentaries and 57 shorts.

23/09/2019

In inspiring Emmys speech, Alex Borstein tells women to 'step out of line'

One of the most powerful speeches from last night’s that really hit home. If you haven’t had a chance to watch our interview with Abstract Framework on what it means to be Women in the Film Industry, read this amazing speech by Alex Borstein and scroll down for our inverview here on this page!

https://www.google.com/amp/s/ew.com/emmys/2019/09/23/emmys-speech-alex-borstein-tells-women-step-out-of-line/amp/

In her hilarious-turned-powerful Emmys acceptance speech Sunday night, Alex Borstein shared the inspiring story of her grandmother who survived the…

19/09/2019

CTFI’s founders are thrilled to take part in this amazing event to launch the latest publication of inspirational author Susan M. Omilian JD of . Join us on October 17 to learn how to transform your life from surviving to thriving, and pick up a copy of the book Emerge, signed by Susan ☺️

09/09/2019

We are so excited to share that our short film After 48 Hours has made the official slate to be screened at the on October 4th! Join us at the La Grua Center in Stonington at 6:30 to see our film alongside 7 other outstanding pieces, followed by a Q & A panel with our director/producer and lead actress/producer

08/09/2019

At the end of the day CTFI is a business, and we’re always looking to share our experiences and hear from fellow ! As entrepreneurs, we’re humbled and honored to have had an amazing year so far, as the recipients of the Economic Development Award through the , the arts industry/ overall winning business of the Collison Pitch Competition and the Business of the Month at . You can find us on and and our founders on the
Are you a or ? What are some things that motivate you and what are some of you’re successes? Let’s build each other up!

02/09/2019

Sending a huge thanks to Christian and Nelson for 1. having us as guests on to discuss women in the film industry, overcoming set mistakes, the creative bonds that form in the process and 2. Sending us these behind the scenes photos ☺️We had a blast today and we encourage everyone to check out Abstract Framework! More details on our episode to follow 🍿(And nope, we aren’t ... the cup wasn’t in the shot 😉)

30/08/2019

Mystic Film Festival

CTFI's "After 48 Hours" was just selected to screen at the Mystic Film Festival under the Short Fiction category! We can't wait to bring our project to this audience! Our entire film was made by our CTFI team of 4 (Dani, Christina, Jonathan and a special voice-over by Kyle) for the 48 Hour Film Project, and we thank all who have watched and supported us on this journey ☺️ More info to follow on screening dates and our Q&A

We are excited to announce our selection of films for the 2nd Annual Mystic Film Festival!

Feature Films

Around The Sun (UK)
Julia Blue (Ukraine/USA), Directed by Roxy Toporowych
Lift (USA)
Mass Hysteria (USA)
Sew The Winter To My Skin (South Africa)
The Incoherents (USA)

Feature Documentaries

Finding Bobbi (Canada)
Going Attractions: The Definitive Story Of The Movie Palace (USA)
Humpback Whales - A Detective Story (UK)
JFK The Last Speech (USA)
Manry At Sea ~ In The Wake Of A Dream (USA)
One Big Home (USA)
Pioneers In Skirts (USA)
Pizza, A Love Story (USA)
Six Locked Doors: The Legacy of Cocoanut Grove (USA)
Somewhere To Be (USA)
The Mamboniks (USA)
The Wild (USA)
Tidewater (USA)

Short Fiction

Acts Of Contrition (USA)
After 48 Hours (USA)
An Evening At The Diner (USA)
Barking Mad (Australia)
Cavan (USA)
Coma (USA)
Dispel (USA)
Dodgson (USA)
Dreamers (USA)
Eclipse (USA)
Elephantbird (Iran)
In A Bind (USA)
In A Landscape, Dreaming (USA)
Intermedium (USA)
Home Is Where (USA)
Lawyer Lady (USA)
Mama It’s Cold Inside (USA)
Maybe Tomorrow (USA)
Now Or Never (USA)
Participant (USA)
Processing (USA))
Ready To Go (USA)
Sac de M***e (USA)
Simmer (USA)
Sorry, Not Sorry (USA)
Still Young (UK)
The Bumbry Encounter (USA)
The Girl Next Door (USA)
The Last Call (USA)
Trop C’est Trop / I’ve Had Enough! (France)
Tumble Dry (USA)
Ways To Look At The Moon (USA)
Where Were You (USA)
Within and Without (USA)

Documentary Shorts

Baba’s Next Chapter (China)
Beneath The Ink (USA)
Love Birds (USA)
Outside The Box: Inside The Mind Of An Artist On The Autism Spectrum
Quiet Hours (USA)
Sacheen (USA)
The Last Trap Family (USA)
The Guy: The Brian Donahue Story (USA)
The Pull (USA)
The Ocean Knows No Borders (USA)

Student Films

Bound East for Cam Rahn (USA)
Caleta Tortel (USA/Chile)
China White (USA)
Dede Deltron (USA)
Deserving (USA)
Elvis (USA)
Finding Refuge (USA)
Hidden (USA)
Let’s Be Friends (USA)
Outsider (USA)
Second Helping (USA)
Vagous (USA)

27/08/2019

More peeks Behind The Scenes for - The “workspace” we created with finished and unfinished artwork for the lead characters in our first Entertainment Division film “Be Afraid: Do It Anyway. AND the camera we filmed this piece on 🎥