Equity Films: Economic Development for Nontraditional Storytellers Partner With Individuals, Organizations

The mission of Equity Films is to launch an economic development strategy where (1) nontraditional storytellers partner with individuals, organizations, and institutions to unlock potential, create opportunities, and build stronger futures in rural, underserved and underrepresented communities and (2) to spark the creation or expansion of ancillary business in support of the film industry.
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Our Goals: Over the next few years, Equity Films will work to: (1) create local and regional quasi-systems and partnerships to promote and support the development of the film industry in rural and underrepresented places; (2) introduce filmmaking and explore industry competencies that create economic opportunities for creatives in underreached communities; (3) support initiation of local and regional film clubs in middle and high schools while forging dynamic regional partnerships between local public schools and college systems; (4) host regional short-film festivals and student-led film festivals in Bertie County.

Our Objectives are (1) to advocate for a regional Film Commission to serve Northeastern North Carolina; (2) connect students and adults to pathways to certifications and other film trade competencies through local, state and national workshops, classes, and online learning opportunities; (3) work with school district superintendents and school principals to establish film clubs where students can learn and produce short films of national quality; and (4) host the inaugural Pecan Pickling Short Film Festival and guide a student-led short film festival.

This summer, with support, we hope to initiate SWIFT: Students Working In Film Today. SWIFT students will work on a film set in eastern/northeastern NC, learning as they support the professionals crafting a new film. Ten students will discover how their interests and talents line up with jobs on a film set: productions assistants, grips and gaffers, props, costumes, and set designers, hair and makeup, camera operator, and rigger. The summer may spark an interest in becoming a producer, director, writer, editor, composer, or social media manager.

Businesses and Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Through SWIFT and the Pecan Pickling Film Festival, Equity Films will launch a workforce development initiative with wide ramifications as our community learns how their talents and interests can become jobs in film-related businesses. The film industry relies on a wide range of ancillary businesses to support the production, distribution, and marketing of movies. Some of the key ancillary businesses that support the film industry include:

Post-production companies: These companies provide editing, color grading, sound mixing, and other post-production services to filmmakers.

Visual effects companies: These companies create digital effects and animations for movies, such as computer-generated characters, explosions, and other special effects.

Music and sound design companies: These companies provide original music, sound effects, and other audio elements for movies.

Talent agencies: These companies represent actors, directors, writers, and other creative professionals in the film industry, helping them find work and negotiate contracts.

Catering and craft services companies: These companies provide food, drinks, and snacks for cast and crew during filming.

Transportation companies: These companies provide transportation services for cast, crew, and equipment during production.

Insurance companies: These companies provide insurance coverage for film productions, protecting against losses due to accidents, injuries, and other unforeseen events.

Marketing and distribution companies: These companies help promote and distribute movies to theaters, streaming services, and other outlets.

Overall, the film industry is an amazing ecosystem of creativity that relies on a diverse array of businesses to support the creation, distribution, and promotion of the movie industry.

More about the Film Festival

A Pecan Pickling Short Film Festival is published on Film Freeway for filmmakers to submit their projects. As of mid-May, we have received 30 submissions through Film Freeway. The Festival, scheduled for September 8-10, 2023, will offer experienced and up-and-coming short filmmakers a platform to introduce their work and pursue projects that explore a range of themes. The three-day event will host workshops and screen short films of various lengths (five minutes and under 40 minutes) and genres to include: (1) a Hybrid Category of youth filmmakers teaming up with adult filmmakers to tell great stories and; (2) an Innovation Category threading hope and faith in storytelling as essential to telling compelling stories. The festival seeks to host some of the most creative films by some of the most promising local, state, and national filmmakers, with a particular interest in submissions from emerging local and state filmmakers including (high schools, film schools, colleges and universities) in northeastern/eastern NC, that builds a sustainable pipeline of fresh new talent throughout the industry. The festival will provide opportunities to meet other filmmakers, build collaboratives and gain exposure to new audiences. Student filmmakers will gain invaluable real-world experience and exposure, network with other creatives, and lay the foundation to leverage their work for professional success.