Happy FriYAY, Stage 32 Community!

One of my favorite things about being Head of Community here at Stage 32 is connecting you with opportunities that don’t just inspire you creatively, but give you the tools to level up your career. And next week, we’ve got one you absolutely don’t want to miss.

We’re teaming up with SAGindie to bring you an incredible FREE webcast: Short Films, Big Plans: Building Powerful Indie Shorts That Launch Careers

Join Us Live

Tuesday, October 22nd at 11:00 am PT

And if you can’t make it live — don’t worry. As long as you register, you’ll receive the full recording in your Stage 32 Education Library to watch anytime.

Register by clicking here (it’s free!)

Why This Webcast Matters

When you’re starting out as an indie filmmaker, short films are one of the most powerful career-building tools you have. They can serve as your creative calling card, your proof of concept, or even your launchpad to features or television.

But getting your short film to stand out, that’s where the challenge lies. Limited resources, small teams, and uncertainty about how to turn a short into a lasting opportunity often leave filmmakers stuck. That’s exactly what this webinar is designed to fix.

Together with SAGindie, we’re bringing you an exclusive conversation with three powerhouse filmmakers who have each used short films as a springboard to lasting success. This panel will help you navigate the creative, practical, and strategic sides of short filmmaking, from early concept to festival debut to career breakthrough.

Meet Your Expert Panelists

Huriyyah Muhammad (Writer, Director, Producer)

Huriyyah is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has been celebrated at festivals including Sundance, Tribeca, AFI, and the Austin Film Festival. She’s an alum of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women, a Film Independent Episodic Directing Fellow, and a NAACP Image Award nominee. Her acclaimed shorts Outgrown and Wonders won multiple Best Short and Best Cinematography Awards, while her recent project Chocolate with Sprinkles — an NAACP Image Award nominee and HBO Short Film Competition winner — showcases her signature blend of humor, heart, and humanity. Huriyyah’s success proves that short films can spark long-term creative careers when paired with intentional storytelling and strategic positioning.

Franklin Ritch (Writer, Director, Editor)

Franklin is a rising voice in independent cinema whose career took off through his short film work. His early projects, including Bedridden and The 27 Deaths, led to his acclaimed feature debut The Artifice Girl, which won the Golden Audience Award at the Fantasia International Film Festival and earned him a spot on Filmmaker Magazine’s list of “25 New Faces of Independent Film.” His journey from local short filmmaker to internationally recognized writer-director is a blueprint for indie creators looking to break through with bold, original storytelling.

Darrien Michele Gipson (Executive Director, SAGindie)

As Executive Director of SAGindie, Darrien has spent nearly two decades educating and empowering independent filmmakers to bring their visions to life with professional actors under SAG-AFTRA’s low-budget contracts. A graduate of UCLA and USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program, she has dedicated her career to helping filmmakers bridge the gap between creative ambition and professional execution. Darrien travels the world mentoring emerging creators, speaking on panels, and championing diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry — and her insight into indie film strategy is unmatched.

What You’ll Learn

Here’s a look at what we’ll explore in this can’t-miss discussion:

Creative Development for Impactful Shorts

Learn techniques to craft a powerful story and visual identity that commands industry attention.

Effective Team-Building Strategies

Discover how to assemble and lead a collaborative team that elevates your short film from idea to finished product.

Key Early Considerations for Long-Term Success

Understand how to plan your short strategically from the start, treating it not just as a film, but as a stepping stone in your career.

Career Case Studies and Real-World Insights

Hear from Huriyyah and Franklin on how their short films opened doors to festivals, agents, and studio opportunities, and how you can apply those lessons to your own journey.

Who This Webcast Is For

This session is for any creative professional looking to understand how to leverage short films for career growth, including:

• Filmmakers and producers developing short projects
• Actors seeking to collaborate on meaningful indie films
• Writers exploring proof-of-concept storytelling
• Crew members wanting to expand their creative network and credits

Whether you’re planning your first short or ready to use your next one as a launchpad, this conversation will help you clarify your path forward.

Keep the Conversation Going

The best part about events like this is that the learning doesn’t end when the webcast wraps. After the panel, head into the Stage 32 Filmmaking Lounge or Producing Lounge to share your takeaways, connect with fellow attendees, and continue building your creative network.

Short films are more than just a format, they’re a proving ground for your voice, your vision, and your future. So, join us for this conversation, get inspired, and take that next step toward turning your short into something extraordinary.

So what are you waiting for? Click here to register for FREE now!

Can’t wait to see you there!

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