September 2026 Mini Slate: Industry Greenlights and Gateways

JOB POST

Theater & Improv Instructors / Interns

Pay: $20 – $45 (Depending on Experience)
How to Apply: Interested candidates can apply via the Application Link (https://www.jotform.com/262582323319154) or send a brief email with their resume to cagla@leapstartafterschool.com.

• About the Role
  We are looking for an energetic and engaging teacher to lead theater and improv summer classes for elementary-aged children. This role focuses on building confidence, stage presence, and teamwork through dynamic and interactive exercises, culminating in a performance each week.

• We are hiring teachers to teach children ages 5–11 during summer break and optionally during Fall, Winter & Spring seasons of school year.

• Responsibilities  – Lead daily theater games, improv exercises, and rehearsals.
  – Guide students in developing vocal projection, character creation, and stage presence.
  – Direct short scenes, monologues, or collaborative plays for end-of-camp showcases.
  – Maintain a high-energy, safe, and inclusive camp environment.
  – Manage daily schedules and coordinate with camp assistants and staff.

• Qualifications  – Experience teaching, coaching, or leading activities for elementary-aged children.
  – Background in theater, performing arts, improv, or public speaking.
  – Strong classroom management and group leadership skills.
  – High energy, patient, and expressive teaching style.
  – Ability to adapt activities to varying skill levels and learning styles.
• Program Style– Performance-based
  – Interactive and high-energy
  – Collaborative group environment
  – Skill-building focused (acting & speaking)
• Roles– Instructors with 3+ years of independently leading camps and classes
  – Interns and assistant teachers with under 3 years of experience

JAPAN SHINY AWARDS- FREE ENTRY LINK

DEADLINE: October 28
We exist to help new & diverse filmmakers get into advertising production, connecting emerging directors with the advertising production industry through the Shiny Awards, held at leading ad agencies worldwide.

This year we’re bringing the Awards to Tokyo for the first time, in partnership with Mt Melvil, and we’re looking to celebrate not only emerging directors based in Japan, but also Japanese diaspora filmmakers around the world.

The Japan Shiny Awards will take place on 5th November in Tokyo, with entries closing on 28th October.

As an incentive for emerging filmmakers, we’re offering free entry for the first 50 filmmakers to submit their work via this link:
https://form.jotform.com/262634966826168

READY SET PITCH

Virtually Attend: September 22

Our current CAAM Fellows Asuka Lim, Eli Hiller, and Cindy Martin, who have been developing their documentary works-in-progress with their mentors since March, will be presenting their works to a jury of representatives from ITVS, Sundance Institute, Film North, and SFFilm. The winning pitch, which will be announced later in November, will receive a $10,000 grant from CAAM, with funding support by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF).

Ready, Set, Pitch! will be taking place virtually from 12-2 p.m. PT, and you are invited to get a sneak peek at their projects and cheer on these emerging makers.

NETWORKING EVENT

WHEN: September 30

code AFI15 at checkout!

We’re hosting a mega-community mixer in collaboration with Cinehaus on Sept 30th in DTLA and wanted to invite you all!

We’ll be doing curated (hand-chosen) 1:1 creative matchmaking conversations ✨ designed to help you actually meet the people you want to meet, whether that’s directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, editors, or future collaborators.

This will be followed by an awesome Q+A with a writer from X-MEN ’97 and the Head of Acquisitions at Studio Dome!

Plus, we have an AFI discount (YAY!), use the code AFI15 at checkout!

Ticket link here!

It’s a casual, friendly vibe 🍻 and a great way to meet fellow filmmakers outside the usual festival or on-set environment.

Come make new creative connections, swap ideas, and grow your film community. We would also truly appreciate any help you can give us in spreading the word to others!

Would love to see you there! 🎥

FILM REPRESENTATION SUMMIT

WHERE: Hollywood, California (location confirmed a week prior to the event)

WHEN: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

WHO: 150+ Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander filmmakers

We would like for you to join us at our Film Representation Summit on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 10 AM to 4 PM in Hollywood, California.

Registration is free and light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

The summit is organized by a coalition for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander filmmakers, which includes NAACP, NALIP, NHMC, CAPE, Latino Filmmakers Network, Chicano Hollywood and Film Representation, and sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Los Angeles City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez.

DIRECTOR GRANT

DEADLINE: September 21

The Netflix x NALIP Director Incubator is a premier career acceleration program designed to support emerging directors in creating bold, original short films. The Director Incubator is open to directors of all backgrounds and identities. We support short films that center stories told from the perspective of women. Meaning that women’s experiences or perspectives should be meaningfully reflected in the story.

Over the past five years, the program has provided production funding, professional development, mentorship, and unparalleled industry access to exceptional filmmakers. Beginning this year, the program will invest more deeply in each selected fellow, awarding 4 directors with $45,000 production grants to create proof-of-concept short films that meet the demands of today’s evolving independent film landscape. Fellows will also receive individualized guidance, career development opportunities, and the chance to showcase their work to industry leaders.