(BPRW) Black filmmakers and creatives can now access resources to help them succeed in Hollywood. The nonprofit Black Film Space (BFS) has just launched a new membership platform to advance opportunities for Black filmmakers and expand representation in front and behind the camera. The two Black Film Space membership plans offer up tiered levels of access to the collective’s platform of industry resources, discounts on tools and film festival submission rates, 75-plus workshops and on-demand courses led by accredited TV/film professionals, valued at more than $2,000.
The platform also gives creatives access to the BFS filmmaker database, screenwriting accountability group, member-only events, and its newly launched mentorship program. Members can apply for up to $3,000 in grants annually and save on BFS industry events, including technical workshops, the BFS summer mixer and screenwriters retreat. Promotional pricing for the silver and gold member plans are $70/year and $100/year, respectively, through Nov. 30. Filmmakers and creatives of African-descent at all experience levels can submit.
“Since we launched Black Film Space, we’ve become more clear on the needs of our collective,” cofounder Lande Yoosuf (Privilege Unhinged, Second Generation Wedding, Love in Submission) reflects. “As filmmakers in an inclusion-challenged industry, we know firsthand that Black filmmakers can feel frustrated, marginalized and stifled, so we work to be a resource for skill enhancement and community support to help Black creatives bring a variety of Black stories to screen and thrive in their careers.”
Since 2015, the non-profit organization has doubled its community of 5,000 Black creatives to over 10,000 nationwide. Emerging filmmakers have benefitted from shared opportunities via the BFS Google group, Facebook community and the Black Film Space podcast. Over the years, Black Film Space’s advocacy has established partnerships with media giants like HBO, American Black Film Festival (ABFF) and Ava Duvernay's ARRAY and provided a multitude of filmmaker programs with Hollywood heavyweights. Film workshops, panelists and Q&A open forums with writer and director, Shaka King (Judas and the Black Messiah); director and editor Sam Pollard (Mr. Soul, Juice, Jungle Fever, Mo Betta Blues); director Pete Chatmon (“Black-Ish,” “Grown-Ish,” “The Last OG,” “Greenleaf”); writer/director Nijla Mumin (Jinn, “Insecure,” “Queen Sugar”) and others have helped to establish Black Film Space as a leading go-to resource for Black content creators.
Co-founder Reggie Williams (The Third Rail, An Anomalous Love) adds, “Lande and I are elated to roll out this membership plan, advancing us toward our mission of helping the next generation of Black filmmakers successfully navigate the issue of diversity and representation in the TV/film industry.”
Get connected: BlackFilmSpace.com and FB/IG/Twitter @BlackFilmSpace.
