October 2026 Mini Slate: Industry Greenlights and Gateways

SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL SCREENPLAY AWARDS

FEE WAIVER CODE: AFIWRITERS

 

Our fellow alumni, Robert L McCullough, would like to give back to the AFI community with a fee waiver code to submit to the Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards.

PAID THEATER & IMPROV TEACHING OPPORTUNITY

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 durin ... SHOW MORE

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
SHOW LESS

FRAMELINE COMPLETION GRANT

GRANT

 

DEADLINE: October 9

 

You are welcome to submit documentary, narrative, experimental, animated, or episodic projects about LGBTQ+ people and their communities. Before submitting your work, please review our eligibility requirements and guidelines below.

 

The Frameline Completion Fund provides grants to both emerging and established filmmakers. This program seeks to provide a much-needed source of financial contributions to artists who are struggling to secure funding to complete their works.

FILM REPRESENTATION SUMMIT

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.

 

HALLOWEEN HORROR FLASH FICTION WORKSHOP

WHEN: Saturday, October 17

 

Coupon: HOLLYWOOD

Valid through October 12 for in-person and online participation.

About the event

What if you could walk into a Hollywood workshop with an idea—and walk out with a complete scary short story?

 

SHOW MORE

WHEN: Saturday, October 17

 

Coupon: HOLLYWOOD

Valid through October 12 for in-person and online participation.

About the event

What if you could walk into a Hollywood workshop with an idea—and walk out with a complete scary short story?

 

On Saturday, October 17, Heart of Hollywood Magazine invites writers, storytellers, filmmakers, and horror lovers to spend one afternoon creating an original horror story under the guidance of award-winning author and editor Sandy Rodriguez and filmmaker and Heart of Hollywood Magazine founder Giovanna Salas.

 

Available IN PERSON or ONLINE, so you can participate wherever you are. You’ll write, revise, receive professional feedback, and leave with a Certificate of Completion, plus the opportunity to have your story considered for publication in an upcoming Heart of Hollywood horror anthology.

 

What You’ll Take Away

  • A completed 900–1,500 word horror story

  • Professional and peer feedback

  • A revised draft

  • Certificate of Completion

  • Consideration for publication

  • Byline and author bio if selected

  • Connections within the creative and entertainment community

  • Full copyright ownership of your story

 

The in-person workshop will take place at YIYA International’s Hollywood headquarters, generously sponsored by founder Carrie Wang. Limited to 12–16 in-person participants.

 

And This Is Just the Beginning

There is a bigger vision behind this workshop. Our goal is to build a creative pipeline where strong original stories developed through our workshops can eventually move from the page to the screen. As we grow, we hope to develop selected stories into short films and other visual productions, creating opportunities for writers and filmmakers to collaborate and bring original stories to life.

 

Walk in with an idea. Walk out with a story. Space is limited—reserve your spot today.

 

1 (323) 705-2111 · manager@heartofhollywoodmagazine.com

SHOW LESS

FREE ENTRY

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:
SHOW MORE

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

SHOW LESS

THE NEW FILM FUNDING FRONTIER: BRANDS AS STORYTELLING PARTNERS

When: November 3rd, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm PST

Where: Zoom

Tickets: $15 Members; $25 Non-Members; $10 Students

 

Join Women in Film SF for a one-hour virtual presentation and Q&A on how filmmakers can position their projects for brand funding without compromising creative vision. Producer/Director Lindsay Kent will be joined by branded content consultant and executive producer Gary Freilich for a practical conversation about building mutually beneficial partnerships between creators and brands.

As traditional advertising becomes less effective—especially wi ... SHOW MORE

When: November 3rd, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm PST

Where: Zoom

Tickets: $15 Members; $25 Non-Members; $10 Students

 

Join Women in Film SF for a one-hour virtual presentation and Q&A on how filmmakers can position their projects for brand funding without compromising creative vision. Producer/Director Lindsay Kent will be joined by branded content consultant and executive producer Gary Freilich for a practical conversation about building mutually beneficial partnerships between creators and brands.

As traditional advertising becomes less effective—especially with younger audiences—brands are increasingly looking for authentic stories, mission alignment, and deeper emotional connection. This session will explore how to identify the “why” behind your project, articulate its audience and impact, and frame your film, series, or media concept as an opportunity for brands to become true storytelling partners rather than passive sponsors.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to pitch brand-funded projects, what brands are looking for, and how to build partnerships rooted in shared values, audience engagement, and long-term creative potential. The approach draws from the idea that brands can become storytellers and co-creators when their mission aligns with the beliefs and passions of their target audience.

Register Here:  WIFSFBA

SHOW LESS

SUPPORT THE ALUMNI FUND

Alumni Fund gifts are solely designated to support the future of the AFI Scholarship Fund.

DONATE