By:Grace Santos
January 29, 2025
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Grace Santos Executive Produces Two Series Chosen by the NATPE Global Pitch Showcase

MIAMI (January 30, 2025) – NATPE Global has selected only five projects for its prestigious Pitch Showcase, and Grace Santos is set to executive produce two of them.

The NATPE Global Pitch Showcase is an international live pitch event aimed at advancing the development of TV projects in the scripted programming space. This year, five standout projects were chosen to pitch live on stage to industry executives and TV professionals.

“I’m incredibly grateful to NATPE for this opportunity to share our projects with such influential decision-makers,” said Grace Santos. “Being selected as a finalist is a huge honor, and I’m excited to collaborate with my talented team to bring these stories to life. This is a chance to connect with the industry and showcase narratives that resonate globally.”

The Coolest Labels Set in 1990s Miami, The Coolest Labels is an eight-episode limited series based on the novel of the same name. It captures the struggles and triumphs of high school students in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. Root High School opens its doors to hundreds of displaced and traumatized teens from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Amid rising tensions, the series explores whether the students will unite or fall apart. The novel, pilot script, and series bible are written by Fred Smith, who attended the real-life high school during this tumultuous time. One of the directors attached to the series is Nayip Anthony Garcia, a director renowned for launching the careers of young talent and collaborating with top artists such as Camila Cabello and Sofia Carson. Grace Santos serves as executive producer.

Lost Ghosts A mystery-driven crime series, Lost Ghosts is set in rural Manitoba, Canada. The first season follows Toronto-based freelance reporter Charlie Merchant as she investigates the disappearance of two girls. The journey forces Charlie to confront her Ojibwe heritage, the dangers surrounding an oil fracking operation accused of poisoning the community, and the issue of violence against women and girls. Writers S.M. Turrell, a TIFF Filmmaker Lab Alumnus and award-winning Metis director/writer, & Andrew Kirkwood, an experienced writer, bring their creative synergy to the project. Gabriel Correa an award-winning director with director credits on Riverdale and assistant director credits on The Twilight Saga, Supernatural, directs, while Kevin Leeson (1922, The Confirmation), Correa, and Grace Santos serve as executive producers.

About NATPE The National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) is a global content association dedicated to shaping the future of television and streaming content. Renowned for its prestigious conferences and showcases, NATPE brings together top industry leaders, decision-makers, and creative talent. Its events often feature high-profile speakers, including studio executives, showrunners, and influential creators, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation in the entertainment world. This year, the NATPE conference will be held in Miami from February 5-7, 2025, with the Pitch Showcase scheduled for February 6. The NATPE Global advisory board features industry leaders such as Javiera Balmaceda (Amazon MGM Studios), Sheila Aguirre (FremantleMedia), Courtney Thomasma (AMC Networks), Scott Herbst (Lionsgate), Harry Gamsu (Warner Bros. Discovery Television Group), among others. http://global.natpe.com

About Grace Santos Grace Santos is an Executive Producer, Producer, and Attorney with an extensive track record in film and television. Her producing credits include the upcoming teen comedy Almost Popular (2025) directed by Nayip Anthony Garcia and starring Ruby Rose Turner (Disney’s Descendants), Isabella Ferreira (Netflix’s Incoming), and Elijah M. Cooper (Disney’s Goosebumps, CW’s All American) and AFI DWW’s Silk (by Catherine Dent, starring Shohreh Aghdashloo) and Election Night (by Tessa Blake, starring Peri Gilpin). Grace has held leadership roles in entertainment companies that have financed, produced, and distributed hundreds of films and television content, including VP and Head of Business Affairs and Operations for Gamechanger Films, Development and Production Executive at Patriot Pictures, Vice President of Business Affairs and part of the programming team for the Bentonville Film Festival, and Director of Business & Legal Affairs for RLJ Entertainment/ALLBLK/AcornTV (now part of AMC Networks). She also serves on the Board of FilAm Creative, a Los Angeles nonprofit that champions Filipino American stories. Grace was part of the 2020 Producers Guild of America Power of Diversity Lab.

Collaborators for Lost Ghosts:

Kevin Leeson: Kevin has produced over 20 film and TV projects, including Life on the Line (starring John Travolta) and The Confirmation (starring Clive Owen). https://imdb.com/name/nm1016634/
Gabriel Correa: An award-winning director, Gabriel has helmed several episodes of the Netflix/WB hit Riverdale. A graduate of Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado in São Paulo and the Vancouver Film School, he also directed Beautiful Gun, winner of the Directors Guild of Canada BC Short Film Awards. Gabriel’s background as an Assistant Director includes work on The Twilight Saga, Godzilla, and seasons 2 through 12 of Supernatural. https://imdb.com/name/nm3286970/
S.M. Turrell & Andrew Kirkwood: Sean and Andrew have collaborated since 2005 on screenplays, series, and novels. Sean, a TIFF Filmmaker Lab Alumnus, is a Métis filmmaker with multiple awards for dramas and documentaries. Andrew, an honours graduate of Carleton University’s English program, is a freelance writer of screenplays, series, articles and poetry.

Collaborators for The Coolest Labels:

Fred Smith: Fred writes novels, screenplays, television series, and articles. His novel, The Coolest Labels, is set in Miami in 1992 and is about a group of disparate teens trying to put their lives back together amid the traumatic wake of Hurricane Andrew. The Closet, a collection of dark short stories and Invisible Innocence: my story as a homeless youth, is the autobiographical story of a former abandoned teen. http://theonlyfredsmith.com
Nayip Anthony Garcia: Nayip is a director that has launched the careers of Johnny Orlando, Mackenzie Ziegler, Carson Lueders, Kylie Cantrall, Ruby Rose Turner, and countless more. Nayip has also partnered with top artists including Tim McGraw, Camilla Cabello, Alessia Cara, and Kelsea Ballerini. His expertise in youth culture translates seamlessly to scripted youth-based content. http://nayipramos.com

With a team of seasoned creatives, each bringing unique expertise and accolades, these projects exemplify the collaborative spirit that drives groundbreaking storytelling.

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By:Grace Santos
September 6, 2024
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Preparing Pitch Materials to Secure Financing for Your Feature Script

Preparing Pitch Materials to Secure Financing for Your Feature Script

By: Grace Santos

September 6, 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, creating the right pitch materials is crucial to securing financing for your feature film.

With over 14 years of experience in the industry, working for finance companies, production companies, and distribution companies, and working across departments such as business affairs, legal, creative development, production, and operations, I’ve seen firsthand what works when pitching to studios and investors.

Below, I’ve broken down the essential materials you’ll need for two common scenarios:

Pitching to an established company that has a positive track record in producing films
Pitching to Investors/Financiers and you retain more control of your film

Scenario 1: Pitching to Established Production Companies

When pitching to established companies that have a proven track record in producing films, you need to make a strong first impression with polished materials. These companies typically handle all the heavy lifting once they option your project, so you don’t need to worry about providing a full financial breakdown. Here’s what you’ll need:

Screenplay: Your script should be polished and reviewed multiple times. Consider hiring a professional script doctor to refine your work. Simple issues like typos, lack of structure, or one-dimensional characters can turn off a potential company. While some companies may have development funds to work on scripts with potential, most will only respond to high-quality, ready-to-shoot material.
Logline, Short Synopsis, and Character Descriptions
Writer’s Bio: A brief introduction to your background and relevant experience.
Director’s Materials (if applicable): If you have a director attached who hasn’t yet helmed a successful feature, include:
- Director’s reel
- Director’s bio and resume
- Director’s statement
- Director’s lookbook (a visual guide showing how they envision the film).
Producer’s Bio and Resume (if applicable): If a producer is attached to the film, and the producer is still building a track record, include these.
Actor’s Reel and Bio (if applicable): If an actor is attached who is not A-list or B-list, provide their reel, bio, and resume.

You do not need to include a full analysis of the financials of comparable films, a business plan, pre-sales, a budget breakdown, etc. If the company likes your project, they will likely ask you to sign an Option Purchase Agreement and take over from there.

Side note on attachments:

Be selective on who you attach to your project. Some companies might be reluctant to take on a film with too many producers, a director who can’t attract A-list actors, or actors who don’t trigger pre-sales or negative pickup deals.

Scenario 2: Pitching to Investors/Financiers and Retaining Control

When you’re pitching to private investors and you wish to maintain business and creative control over your film, the required materials are much more detailed. You’ll need to convince potential backers not only of your story but also of your film’s financial viability. Here’s what you should prepare:

Pitch Deck:
- Short Synopsis
- Summary Page (logline, a brief casting summary, and an overview of the financial plan) (1 pg)
- Target Audience
- Character Descriptions, Attached Cast
- Director’s Bio and Links to the Director’s Reels
- Director’s Statement
- Director’s lookbook (a visual guide showing how they envision the film)
- Bios of Key Team Members (producers, writers, key crew)
- Timeline for financing, casting, pre-production, production, post-production, delivery, and distribution
- Financial Plan:
  - How much funding are you raising?
  - What will the funds cover? Are the funds only for production or also for marketing and other costs?
  - What’s the minimum investment required for each investor?
  - What are the investor’s returns (premium, backend split, etc.)?
  - The Waterfall (Detail how and when investors will get paid. The “Waterfall” refers to the order in which profits are distributed among stakeholders).
- Distribution Plan
- Marketing Plan
- Are there pre-sales or a negative pickup deal already in place?
Screenplay: Ensure your script is polished and ready for production.
Production Schedule and DOODs: Investors that have invested in films have an eye for making sure the production schedule makes sense.
Line Item Budget: Investors that have invested in films have an eye for making sure the budget can actually deliver a quality film; they also want to see that the budget is not top heavy (i.e. have the budget going to one producer rather than for the whole film)
Phase II Documents:
- Once you attracted serious interest from accredited investors, you’ll need to prepare legal documents such as a more detailed Business Plan, Private Placement Memorandum (PPM), Operating Agreement, and Subscription Agreement.
- Be prepared for the costs associated with these legal documents—initial preparation can cost a minimum of $20,000. Then additional legal fees (the time it takes for attorneys to attend investor meetings with you, send documents to investors, obtain signatures, etc) can range from $500 to $1,500 per hour.
- Business Plan: This document expands the pitch deck, offering more detail about the film’s concept, audience, market analysis, financial projections, and risk mitigation. It details how much money is needed, how the funds will be spent, and how investors will potentially profit. The goal is to present the film as a viable investment opportunity, explaining how it will be made, marketed, and monetized.
- Private Placement Memorandum (PPM): A PPM is a legal document given to potential investors that provides detailed information about the investment opportunity, including the risks involved. It outlines the terms of the investment, the rights of the investors, and the potential return on investment. The PPM protects both the filmmakers and the investors by clearly defining these terms and ensuring transparency.
- Operating Agreement: This document governs the relationships between the investors involved in the film project. It outlines roles, responsibilities, and financial rights (such as profit distribution) within the production company or LLC formed for the film. It’s crucial when multiple parties are involved in the financing and production of a film.
- Subscription Agreement: A legal contract between the film production company and an investor. It’s signed when an investor decides to invest in the film, confirming the amount of their investment and the terms outlined in the PPM. It essentially binds the investor to their commitment and confirms their understanding of the risks and rewards.

Please note that there are other materials needed if you’re raising funds for a slate of films, rather than just one film, or if you’re raising funds for a company, rather than just one film.

By tailoring your materials to your audience—whether it’s a large studio or a private investor—you’ll increase your chances of success. Well prepared materials not only demonstrate professionalism but also give potential backers confidence in your ability to deliver on your vision.

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By:Grace Santos
February 9, 2024
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Guest on Influence Women

Thank you Kathleen Cook for having me as a guest speak on the Influence Women Podcast.

http://InfluenceWomen.org

Influence Women’s Vision is to empower global women who are engaged in media, entertainment, music, leadership, and all areas of the arts whose foundations are based on a Biblical worldview to collaborate, flourish, and create a radical cultural change.

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By:Grace Santos
August 12, 2022
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My mom’s obituary

On August 11, 2022, Cristina Santos, loving wife, mother, and Lola, passed away.

Cristina was born on March 9, 1946, in Atlag, Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines, to Eduardo and Evangelina Silva-netto. One of two girls and five boys, she moved with her parents to Valenzuela, Philippines at age 16. It was there, at Caloocan Unida Church where her father was pastor, that Cristina met her future husband, Arturo Santos. Cristina and Arturo graduated from Philippine Christian University in 1966 and married in Washington, D.C. United States on September 4, 1971.

Cristina and Arturo were “church planters”, establishing Bible study and prayer meeting groups along the East Coast from New Jersey to Florida, many of which grew into Filipino-American churches. The couple helped people feel comfortable learning about God’s love by incorporating the Filipino language and customs into church services and activities – and especially Filipino food, which Cristina loved to cook and prepared for the weekly gatherings.

She was also an entrepreneur, owner and operator of five laundromats with snack shops in Tampa from 1986 to 1997 before moving on to Associated Marine Institute / AMI Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping youth develop into responsible and productive citizens. She remained there until her ‘retirement’ – which lasted only a year before her energetic nature called her back to work as a caregiver. Proud of and committed to her community, Cristina was a dedicated fundraiser for the Philippine Cultural Foundation in Tampa.

In her last Facebook post, on July 29, 2022 Cristina wrote: “I can fully serve the Lord to the fullest until the day He takes me home to His Glory! ‘ONLY ONE LIFE will SOON PASS, but what’s done for CHRIST will LAST.’ I encourage everyone to serve, commit our life to Him alone! He will never leave us or forsake us.”

Cristina was preceded in death by her father, Eduardo, her mother, Evangelina, and her brother, Danny. She is survived by her husband, Arturo, daughters Grace and Joy, son-in-law Ricky, grandchildren Ciara Faith and America, sister Abigail, and brothers Benoni, Ephraim, Gomer and Bobby.

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By:Grace Santos
April 30, 2021
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Filtered, a feature film musical

Thank you for this review, Mike Haberfelner!

“One just can’t but love the concept of this movie, it’s social satire/commentary with some pretty dark moments, packed into a musical, with all the superficial wholesomeness tthat genre suggests – and that “superficial wholesomeness” fits the story rather perfectly, too, as the artificiality of the vlog-verse is one of the central themes of the film. The music’s suitably catchy then and really hits the tone of the film, right in the middle between comedy and drama, without overdoing it in either way, also thanks to the performers who keep things grounded (both in their singing and acting) – and the result is a quite unusual and in its seeming innocence rather thought-provoking movie.” – Mike Haberfelner
Link to full piece:
http://www.searchmytrash.com/movies/filtered(2020).shtml

Also, thank you for posting, Broadway World!

https://www.broadwayworld.com/tampa/article/Sunscreen-and-Sarasota-Film-Festivals-To-Premiere-Musical-Feature-FILTERED-About-Mental-Health-Among-Teens-20210417

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sunscreen and Sarasota Film Festivals To Premiere

Musical Feature About Mental Health Among Teens.

(Los Angeles, CA, April 17, 2021) – The feature film teen musical, Filtered, is making its world premiere at the Sunscreen Film Festival’s closing night, then immediately thereafter will be presented at the Sarasota Film Festival.

Filtered is a powerful, poignant, honest look at social media told by the teenagers who live it.

The film is based on the stage musical by Katie Combs, who is also the co-director and co-producer of the feature film. Combs explains, “It originally began as a song cycle, then developed into a full show concept on a car ride with two of my students as they shared their real-life experiences. It is my intention that this film will spark honest, intergenerational conversations around mental health and the impact of social media in teens.”

When S. Roy Saringo (co-writer, co-director, co-producer, and also the cinematographer and editor) saw the stage musical, he immediately approached Combs about making it for the screen. “The main message that’s important to me with Filtered is realizing that times have changed, technology has advanced, and the world has gotten smaller, but connection to each other has always been a staple in humanity and social media has been redefining “connection” in deceiving ways. I want Filtered to give audiences a chance to “eavesdrop” on the Zoomer generation,” he explains.

“We are thriller to have Filtered’s filmmakers here in the Tampa Bay Area, and this incredible cast, who, for many of them, this is their first film festival. It’s always a great feeling to have your local films thriving at these festivals.” – Ben Daniele, Sunscreen Film Festival Programmer.

“Filtered” showtimes at the Sunscreen Film Festival:

Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 4:20pm

Sunday, May 2, 2021, at 5:30pm

https://sunscreenfilmfestival2021.sched.com/event/h3Mb

“The Sarasota Film Festival is delighted to showcase such a thoughtful, inspired film led by such talented young people.” – Harrison Bender, Sarasota Film Festival, Programming Consultant.

“Filtered” virtual screening information

at the Sarasota Film Festival:

https://sarasotafilmfestival.com/film/?id=605abed5a71676004cdd5606

Executive Producer Grace Santos adds, “When Roy sent the script to me, I knew I had to join the team. I named Ethos Pictures LLC for two reasons: (a) Ethos means character and I love great character driven work; and (b) Ethos per the Greek meaning of character is the underlying beliefs and ideals that characterize a community or society. ‘Filtered’ contains both of the reasons. It sparks conversations about mental health and social media in our society.”

For more information on Filtered, please visit the following links:

IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt13535874/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/FilteredMovie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Filteredmovie

Hashtags:

#FilteredMovie

#FilteredMusical

#SunscreenFilmFestival

#SarasotaFilmFestival

About Writer, Director, Producer Katie Combs: Katie Combs is a member of Vocology in Practice, an organization that stays on the cutting edge of vocal science and technique, and has been writing, directing, and producing young adult and children’s shows for over twenty-five years. Her original show Carrots was featured in the Broadway Bound Festival. Her published works include full musicals for live theater and commercial songs. She currently runs a non-profit, Bay Area Performing Arts & Casting, that teaches young artists the application of performing arts principles, as well as guiding students to find, prepare, and participate in professional opportunities. One of her pilot scripts, The Curious Journeys of Samuel Mullins, was recently a finalist in the Los Angeles Screenwriting Competition, a quarter finalist for ScreenCraft’s Family Screenplay Competition, semifinalist at the Atlanta Screenplay Awards. http://katiecvocal.com

About Writer, Director, Producer S. Roy Saringo: Roy Saringo is a Filipino-American filmmaker and graduate of Full Sail University in Orlando, FL. He served 4 years active duty in the U.S. Navy and 3 years active reserve in the U.S. Army Reserves. Roy has adapted three novels into screenplays as a writer-for-hire for producers, and has two additional original feature-length scripts. He is a director, writer, editor, and producer with Ethos Pictures LLC, Asian Pacific American Scene, Inc., was the director of video production for a prominent marketing agency in the Tampa Bay area, and is also freelancing in videography and editing.

About Executive Producer, Grace Santos: Raised in New Jersey and Tampa, Florida, from first generation Filipino parents, Grace Santos is an award-winning actress, attorney, award-winning producer, and executive based in Los Angeles. She founded the nonprofit Asian Pacific American Scene Inc in Florida to tell more Asian American stories, the nonprofit Grace Faith Inc to help single moms and their children, and Ethos Pictures LLC, a film/tv production company and a management company for writers and directors. She’s also a creative development executive and business affairs executive with Patriot Pictures in Hollywood. Grace Santos is an alumna of the Producers Guild of America Power of Diversity Lab. http://grace-santos.com

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By:Grace Santos
June 16, 2020
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Producers Guild Power of Diversity

I’m thankful to be part of this program.

Producers Guild Of America Unveils Participants For 16th Annual Power Of Diversity Master Workshop

Producers Guild Of America Unveils Participants For 16th Annual Power Of Diversity Master Workshop

By Dino-Ray Ramos

June 16, 2020

The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has revealed the 14 participants for its 16th annual Power of Diversity Master Workshop.

The 14 producers selected for the annual workshop represent 10 projects in TV, film, unscripted and documentary. The eight-week workshop offers twice-weekly master classes on pitching, premise development, film finance, line producing, demystifying the writers’ room, agent & manager representation, distribution, deal-making and the world of virtual & augmented reality, headlined by some of the top producers & executives in the industry.

The participants were chosen from hundreds of applications reviewed by a PGA-member led selection committee. n addition to twice-weekly masterclasses, each project will be assigned two PGA member mentors who will provide in-depth feedback, make referrals and become champions for their projects to the industry.

“The impact of the coronavirus pandemic is profound and widespread. However, our industry is still a business built on relationships,” said Master Workshop Co-Chairs Sasheen Artis and Matt Johnson. “Without this level of access, many folks from underrepresented communities will remain on the sidelines and their stories will never be told. Now more than ever, it is imperative that established producers become allies and lead the charge in opening doors for diverse voices.”

The Class of 2020 is:

Jenny Callaghan & Randi Matthews with the documentary feature, The Luxury of Life: Disparities in Maternal Care
Marie Cheng with the animated TV comedy, Everybody Screams At Me
Gabrielle Cordero & Christina Licud with the reverse immigration TV comedy Gringas
Shari Ellis with the animated TV comedy Fangirl
Addison Henderson & Kevin Polowy with the sci-fi action TV drama The Healer
Duran Jones with the vampire TV drama Daywalkers
Surekha Paruchuri with the Gen Z political TV comedy Millie for President
Grace Santos & Elesha Barnette with the period feature International Sweethearts of Rhythm
Mynor Sosa with the veteran suicide feature Shotgun Lullaby
Harold Williams with the unscripted comedy Unpacking Black

As a precaution against the coronavirus pandemic, the PGA has suspended all-in person activities for the year. That said, all mentoring support and classes will be virtual.

“Producing amid a pandemic is something that we will all have to get used to,” said Artis and Johnson. “We knew that we had to figure out a way to pivot and ensure that including diverse voices remains top of mind for the industry. Diversity & Inclusion can no longer be an afterthought to be ‘peppered in’ later.”

PGA Workshop alums include a roster of producers that have gone on to work on top television shows and major films, including LaToya Morgan (two-time NAACP Image Award-nominee for Turn: Washington’s Spies, Into the Badlands), Eugene Rhee (Into the Dark: Flesh & Blood, Despite Everything) Aaron Rahsaan Thomas (S.W.A.T., Sleepy Hollow, CSI: NY, Southland), Ben Lobato (Ice, Queen of the South, Justified), Hollie Overton (Shadowhunters, The Client List) and Sarah DiLeo (Bless Me, Ultima).

In addition, the PGA Diversity Committee has fostered partnerships with international producers’ organizations, accepting creatives from around the world into the Power of Diversity Master Workshop, and in exchange, conducts the Workshop on four continents, in Jordan, South Africa, Brazil and Taiwan.

The Power of Diversity Master Workshop is free and open to members and non-members of the PGA. Applications for next year’s program will be available February 2021.

By:Grace Santos
May 17, 2020
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PGA Diversity Workshop

2020 has been a tough year so far. But I did receive some good news. I’ll be part of the 2020 Producers Guild of America Power of Diversity Master Workshop!

I’m very thankful for Elesha Barnette. We met at the 2011 UCLA Professional Program in Producing. She’s not only a producer, but also a wonderful writer, director, production designer – I’ve seen her in action on the “Last Life” series and she is amazing! http://eleshabarnette.com . Then she sent her feature script to me – “The International Sweethearts of Rhythm” a story inspired by the lives of the all girl swing band that performed from the late 1930s to the early 1950s. I fell in love with her script.

And I couldn’t stop researching more and more about the lives of the real women. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of them before. They broke box office records and played opposite jazz greats, even though they had so much against them (they came from a poor economic background, were women, majority women of color, in a segregated time). Their story must be told!

I’m also thankful to Patriot Pictures for financing diverse, inclusive, untold stories and supporting females and people of color.

Thank you Producers Guild of America and the Diversity Mentor Team! I can’t wait to learn more from you over the next few months and get this story on screen to audiences!!!

More about the program: https://www.producersguild.org/page/pga_diversity?

By:Grace Santos
November 20, 2016
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Election Night, an award winning dramedy

A politician’s family waits in the green room on election eve – will the speech be a celebration or a concession? The last 350 votes have yet to come in, and the nerves rattle the family into a comic whirlwind of wild theories, long-held secrets, and a revelation that nobody saw coming.

ELECTION NIGHT has been selected by extraordinary festivals around the world and has won awards, which include: Cannes Film Festival Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the American Pavilion, DC ShortsFest, Florida Film Festival, Hollyshorts, International Festival of Women – Jakarta (Award of Excellence), Los Angeles Comedy Festival, Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Sarasota Film Festival, Seattle ShortsFest, Toronto Inside Out, USA Film Festival (Special Jury Award).

Chosen as one of eight projects to participate in AFI’s prestigious Directing Workshop for Women, the film was directed by Tessa Blake and was written by Blake & her husband, Ian Williams, Produced by Catherine Dent (The Shield) & Grace Santos (that’s me!), and stars Peri Gilpin (Frasier).

Catherine Dent!

Thankful to Catherine for bringing me onto another amazing project. Our first project was Silk – more info about that project here: http://grace-santos.com/silk/

Here’s a pic of Cat and I at Hollyshorts representing Election Night.

Theatrical Release!

A short film could obtain a theatrical distribution deal!?! 🙂

Shorts HD put together 7 short films and called it “Stars In Shorts: No Ordinary Love”. Election Night is paired up with shorts starring Julia Louis Dreyfus, Dick Van Dyke, Matthew Modine and more!

Here’s the press release on Deadline:

ShortsHD Kicks Off One-Week Theatrical Showcase Of Short Films Featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus & More

And a photo of Election Night actor Caitlin Zambito and me at the cocktail reception:

Crowd Funding!

Crowdfunding is a great way for the community to help artists. I’ve used kickstarter and indiegogo on other projects and it is usually months of hard work. But this is the first time that I worked on a project that reached its goal and even more – $20,000 – within ONE (1) week!

Tessa Blake and Ian Williams are amazing – check out the cute video and campaign they put together: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/election-night#/

They are a great team to work with. No wonder so many people wanted to give to the project right away.

Indiewire Project of the Day!

Also the first time I worked on a production that was named Indiewire’s Project of the Day 🙂

http://www.indiewire.com/2014/05/project-of-the-day-election-night-26592/

Cannes!

My first time with a project at the Cannes Film Festival American Pavilion Emerging Artist Showcase!

Here’s a picture of Tessa and I at a Cannes party overlooking the water at sunset 🙂 #CannesFilmFestival #FrenchRiviera #LaCroisette

And fun times walking through the crowded red carpet and up the beautiful white staircase:

More film festivals!

We were blessed to attend several film festivals. Here are two pics from the LA Comedy Fest, with Ian Williams (Tessa’s husband, Election Night co-writer, behind the scenes producer, and so much … he and Tessa are totally a #PowerCouple ) and Dyami Kerr (one of my best friends and was Key Set PA on Election Night but is now producing his own films). During this Q&A, Ian told the audience that he usually starts writing by thinking of an intense situation and then it takes off from there.

Some Behind the Scenes Photos!

Of course the Millennium Biltmore Hotel would have such a fancy sign for filming:

Hat, sneakers, sunglasses … ready for posting filming notices around downtown Los Angeles:

More of our cute actors:

Ellen and me bossing the crew:

With writer/director Tessa Blake:

CREDITS

Starring Peri Gilpin, Jake Johannsen, Caitlin Zambito, Cole Jensen,

Melissa Tang, Noel Arthur, Aedra Ho

Directed by Tessa Blake

Written by Tessa Blake & Ian Williams

Story by Ian Williams

Produced by Catherine Dent & Grace Santos

Co-Produced by Stasia Droze

Consulting Producer – Cynthia Granger

Associate Producer – Brent Austin Knight

Cinematographer – Jim Jost

Editor – Cristina Rackoff

Production Designer – Shamim Seifzadeh

Costume Designer – Deanna Marie Saul

Costume Consultant – Victoria Auth

Casting Director – Lisa Zagoria

First Assistant Director – Li Lu

Second Assistant Director – Allan Aguilar

2nd Second Assistant Director – Jeremy Chang

Script Supervisor – Cheryl Starbuck

Camera Operator – Jason Goebel

First Assistant Camera – Lex Rawlins

Second Assistant Camera – Christy Friers

DIT – Michael Hubbard and Colleen Marshall

Still Photographer – Stasia Droze

Gaffer – David Klassen

Best Boy – Kyle Behrens

Electrician – Chad Buning

Key Grip – Anthony Yamamoto

Grip – David Libertella

Grip / Driver – Eric Hunter

Make-up Department Supervisor – Jennifer Zide-Essex

Key Make-up – Laura Monteleone

Key Hair – Dana Kelley

Assistant Editors – Yuri Chernykh and Sophie Worm

Digital Colorist – Derek Hansen

Sound Editor and Designer – Laurent Kossayan

Re-recording Mixer – Elliot Tyson

Production Sound Mixer – Scott Stolz

Boom Operators – Michelle Guasto and Dyami Kerr

Art Director – Heather Shephard

Prop Master – Paulina Bugembe

Costume Assistants – Sandra Wasche and Joyce Tom

Assistant to Director – Jack O’Shea

Office PA – Ellen Esling

Key Set PA – Dyami Kerr

Production Assistants:

Alberto Mazzotta, Connor Falson, Courtney Klembara,

Eleonora Mozzi, Jessica Jazayeri, Marco Fabbro,

Stephanie Acosta, Tanya Gillette, Toyin Giwa

Studio Teacher – Amber York

Catering – Full Moon Pickles, Jen Smith, Steve Saenz

Craft Service – Gary Matosian

Background Performers:

Samy Abdulahad, Stella Ademiluyi, Dila Andersen,

Sophie Avedikian, Camille Banville, Beau Bassewitz,

Ricardo Benavides, John Bohan, Haley Brown,

Morgan Cavanaugh, Chia Yu Chen, Nikki Cicurel,

Drew Wheeler, Armond Dorsey, Jessica Escobar,

Adrian Gomez, Mike Graham, Jeanette Hattan,

Blake Hubler, Ephraim Hui, Leslie Ivy, Cate Jo,

Veronica Johnson, Doug Kiphut, Sarah Klein,

Gabriel Lawrence, Stina Lundberg, Gabriela Macera,

Michael Martin, Natasha Maslova, Lena Maslova,

Kanika Mehta, Molly Moore, Catherine Pineda,

Nicolas Quinten, Geraldine Ramos, William Rabiej,

Kalyn Rivers, Dana Robie, Suellen Romani, Hiair Salvador,

Terra Scott, Annie Sims, Greg Sims, Shaniece Smith,

Kayla Sokolowski, Suvi Sola, Jessica Strong, Mariela Ticas,

Jenny Torgerson, Marian Wer, Emily Yan, Joel Zegna,

Ty Anaya, Rene Bremond, William Carson III, George Clarke,

Gretchen Dickason, Debra Eckloff, Winifred Elam, Gigi Glynn,

Jonesey Harp, Ramiro Huerta, Piankhi Iknaton, Houston Isabelle,

Laura Juilly, Kaisli Kaprielle, Dominic Lee, Melissa Monroy,

Angelica Neece, Rhoda Pell, David Perez, John Rodiger,

Jay Suzara II, Magaly Varela

SPECIAL THANKS:

Big Sky Edit – Chris Franklin, Cheryl Panek, Agnes Gunawan

Mark Gethin, Amanda Ornelas and MPC

Michele Gan and Serves You Right Catering

Poleng Hong, Caron Haley, and the Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Anthony Medina, Deb Aquila, Geoffrey Nauffts, Cynthia Silver

Monica Nordaus, David Petrarca, Jason Lyon, Lucy Blake-Williams,

Noah & Colette Jost, Debbie Merlin, Rob & Gaby Greenberg,

Daisy von Scherler Mayer, Salem Suber,

Patty West, Trilby Beresford, Joe Petricca, Chris Schwartz, Nicole Ettinger, Terra Abroms,

Denise Brassard, James West, Robert Myrtle, Robert Vaughn, Justin La Forge, Zach Moller

The Directing Workshop for Women 2014

Edited on an Avid

HD Equipment courtesy of Sony Corporation of America

Lenses courtesy of Clairmont Camera

Camera Dollies by Chapman / Leonard Studio Equipment Inc.

Grip and Electric Equipment by Castex Rentals Inc.

SONGS:

DEPTH OF FIELD

Courtesy of APM

FROGGY WENT A COURTING

Written by Linda Worsley

Performed by Rosewood Studio Orchestra

Courtesy of Redmesa Music

JUST RIGHT

Written by Ian Williams

Performed by eastcoast

Courtesy of Strike Music

AFI Directing Workshop for Women

Funded by:

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences

Jean Picker Firstenberg

Jean Picker Firstenberg Endowment

Nancy Malone

The Bob and Dolores Hope Charitable Foundation

Sony Corporation of America

The Adrienne Shelly Foundation

Roz Wyman

And other generous corporations and individuals committed to providing

opportunities for women in the media arts

Election Night Patrons:

Amy Barrett & Jonathan Lethem

Emma Hewitt & Jason Isaacs

Jason Lyon & Tim Hartley

Election Night Angels:

Sandra T. Blake

Louis & Sophie Girard

David Petrarca

Richard & Carole Williams

The rest of the wonderful indiegogo donors in no particular order:

Eileen Funke, Kaz Brecher, Jen Chambers, Shark Adelic, Amy Heidt,

Jace Alexander & Maddie Corman, Liz Tidy, Emma Hewitt & Jason Isaacs,

Peter Rukavina, Lucy Blake-Williams, Dan Helias, Ted Ridgeway, Debbie Rubenstein,

Neil Reimann, Dan Etheridge, John Hawbaker, David Curtis Smith, Steve Ducey,

Joey Xanders, Stacey Hawkins, Penny Franks, Diana Coatney, Silvia Spross,

Kimberlee Smith, David Sampliner, Garret Savage, Lauren Meltzner and David Fox,

Heather Holst-Knudsen, Susan Comfort, Patrick Breen, Sam Stephenson,

Ilana Levine & Dominic Fumusa, Peter Hirsch & Cusi Cram,

Michael Angelo Stuno, Claire Campbell, Mere Berg, Nar Commerce,

Stasia Droze & Jim Jost, Katharine McFarland & Luke McGowan

Sean & Jordana Williams, Martha Egger, Salem Suber, Sharon Ben-Meir

George & Laurie Gilmore, Parker Bent, Stephanie Barish & Scott Chamberlin

Dave & Lari Cabanilla, Tony Brackett & Robert Speiser, Jordan Imbrey,

Scott Bullock & Danielle Cheriff, Henry Stevens, Donna Obeid, Paul Marcarelli,

Cynthia Birdsill, Jeffrey Lieber & Holly Long, Alec Guettel, Alex Yong,

Rick Maechling, Marty Stonerock, Mary Rachel Dudley, Colette Ballou,

Michael Maren & Dani Shapiro, Catherine Dent, Heike, David and Leo,

Susan Hoffman Hyman, Laura Guzik-Cohn, Mary Ellen Klee,

Amy Barrett, Alyssa Newman, Kevin Coggins, Geoffrey Nauffts,

Mark Freund & Trice Koopman, Bliss Broyard, David Petrarca,

Alberta Nassi, Elizabeth Trundle, Diana Coatney,

Quinn, Jana & the Kofford Gang, Doug & Kristine Christensen

Jennifer Hatfield, Ben & Kara Weber, Laurie Winkler Thurtle

Amy Scott, Seth Shelden, Louis & Sophie Girard, Dennis McFarland & Michelle Blake,

Chuck Price, Sam Polk & Kirsten Thompson, Monica Nordhaus,

Jason Lyon & Tim Hartley, Sam King, Margaret Boyer, Dana & Lindsay Bowen,

Katie Kosma, Lars Lucier, Jodi Kantor & Ron Leiber, Ehren Gresehover,

Tammy Oler, Catherine Corpeny, Richard & Carole Williams, Betsy Cadel,

Caitlin Reed, Kelly Wachowicz, Sean Patrick Williams, Oz Benamram & Gali Freedman,

Steve Williams, Jamie Block, Gaby & Rob Greenberg, Andrew Erlichman,

Betsy Peyton, Lorraine Tobias & Alex Draper, Sandy T. Blake,

Todd Walker & Inge Kautzman, Shannon Worrell, Chris Chapman,

Virginia Heffernan, Joy Huang, Michelle Williams-Vaden, Pippa Bianco, Patty West

Trailer:

By:Grace Santos
September 9, 2016
1

BFFfestival2016

I hope you have as much fun watching our videos at the 2016 Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) as we had attending / working at the fest.

Xo,

GS (1/2 of Grace Squared)

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer (or past employers or future employers)

What is BFF?

The Bentonville Film Festival’s mission is to provide a commercial platform for female and diverse voices. It’s the only festival that I know of that guarantees distribution to the winners on all platforms – theatrical (through AMC), digital and television (through ARC, Anchorbay/Starz, TV1, or Lifetime), and home video (through BFF’s founding sponsor Walmart and the other sponsors previously mentioned). It was co-founded last year by Academy Award Winner Geena Davis and Hollywood Exec Trevor Drinkwater.

Why is it in Bentonville, Arkansas?

We work most of the year out of Los Angeles but last month was my first time visiting Arkansas in my life! Geena Davis explains on Jimmie Kimmel:

Awesome Panels!

BFF offers tons of awesome educational panels.

For example: “In Control Of Her Own Destiny. Friday, May 6, 11:30am, Crystal Bridges Museum. Moderator Alex Cohen (NPR); Panelists: Geena Davis, Kimberly Paisley, Nia Vardalos, and Meg Ryan. For an industry that offers so few opportunities for women and minorities, increasing numbers of talented women are pushing back by taking control of their own interests rather than depending on the powerful commercial studios. This panel will feature celebrities who have taken control of their destiny by starting their own production companies and making their own films.”

There are a lot more panels, but I had to mention this one. Being a female and minority and coming from a middle-low income immigrant family with no family connections in the entertainment industry, it’s been a bit challenging to obtain acting and directing roles. So I decided to attend law school and obtained production certifications in order to produce my own work. I am thankful to also be working for a company that helps others like me in the industry! #ILoveBFF

Who/What is Grace Squared?

Grace Chong (GC) heads Finance and Grace Santos (GS) heads Business & Legal Affairs. Together we are GRACE SQUARED. GC: “We’re both Asian and have a selfie stick” 🙂

We visited Jared (who is BFF’s Volunteer Coordinator), introduced a few films, and walked around downtown:

How we negotiated our terms with a television executive to get a tv show for us:

Brian was supposed to be our Crystal Bridges Museum tour guide:

GC explained to Brian and I what NWA means and it is not with attitude:

And of course we had to visit Walmart, BFF’s founding sponsor:

I’m trying to work on last minute contracts for the fest but GC and her snapchat:

We don’t just have videos, we also took lots of photos!

Shopping!

Lots of great places to shop in Arkansas too (according to GC, she’s the fashionista and shopper of this duo and I just follow around with a cam):

The Films!

We met Joey Lawrence (“whoa!”), Catalina Rodriguez, and Candice Barley of “Saved By Grace” at 21C:

And also got to hang with wonderful Geena Davis Institute’s Social Media Manager Christy Lee Hughs and filmmaker Anna Elizabeth James of BFF’s showcase film “Emma’s Chance”:

A League of Their Own Reunion Game!

BFF’s co-founder Geena Davis starred in the awesome “A League Of Their Own” so BFF has a reunion game every year with the actors of ALOTO and the original real life players.

Geena Davis and Rosie O’Donnel at last year’s fest.

Would be soooo great if Rosie and Madonna attend next year!!! Talk about amazing entertainers!

I’m posing with BFF Co-Founder Trevor Drinkwater. Grace Chong left the day before so only half of Grace Squared this time.

If you ever need an amazing operations leader, hire Dave West!

Amazing local BFF team Courtney and Brad Lawless. We were trying to get a jumping photo hahaha

And amazing local BFF team Courtney and Brad Lawless. We were **TRYING** to get a jumping photo while they were clearing the field hahaha

Entertainment!

Either I’m a loser with no friends or I am super VIP showing up to the Darius Rucker concert in this by myself:

Sold out show!

When we went to BFF’s music events at The Meteor, we caught ARC Entertainment’s General Manager, Scott Moesta working on his laptop lol:

Meet Scott and Vinko of ARC Entertainment and also Rodney – BFF’s Director of Research:

Artist Patrick Hunter is so talented! He paints a portrait to clips of music and it is timed perfectly! This time, he chose to paint Prince to Prince music at the Opening Party of the Festival. I cried. #RIPPrince

I also met jazz musician Marcus Johnson at BFF’s Opening Party. He’s like me – not just an artist, but also has a law degree and attended the University of Miami! We’re posing with M&M’s (one of BFF’s sponsors is Mars) and on the white carpet (one of BFF’s sponsors is Clorox … get it white instead of red carpet?)

The Box Office!

Awesome supporters!

David Lightfoot and Pam Lightfoot are so freaking cool! Always supporting BFF in so many ways! The day after the festival, they invited a few people still left to yummy barbecue at their place. Here’s a pic I took of David, Paul Prado (BFF’s awesome Director of Filmmaker Relations), and you know Brian.

How I became both staff and filmmaker at BFF

Thank you Olivia Lerner for hiring me! Our Alchemy LLC was the largest independent distribution company in the United States and managed legal and accounting for BFF. Last October 2015, she hired me and here’s a picture of some of the business and legal affairs department at the company holiday party: Olivia, Aaron, Trevor Morishita, and me. It’s unfortunate that companies go out of business, but I’m thankful for the friendships I made at Alchemy and for that company bringing me to my BFF family.

Also thank you Catherine Dent and Tessa Blake for bringing me into the AFI DWW family! More about that program here. I produced Silk (link here) and Election Night (link here) and Election Night screened at BFF 2016 so I got to be both a BFF Staff Member and BFF Filmmaker! 🙂

Thanks for reading/watching my journey! Hope to see you at the festival next year and also at our smaller events throughout the year in Los Angeles, New York City, and Bentonville (probably more cities soon!)

The professional videos and pictures of the VIP are here:

http://www.BentonvilleFilmFestival.com – http://www.BentonvilleFilmFestival.com

http://www.facebook.com/BFFfestival – http://www.facebook.com/BFFfestival

http://www.twitter.com/BFFfestival – http://www.twitter.com/BFFfestival

http://www.instagram.com/BFFfestival – http://www.instagram.com/BFFfestival

Posing at our Los Angeles office when I first joined BFF in 2015, with Wendy Guerrero (head of Programming), Gina (head of Sponsorships and Marketing), Courtney Lawless (Gina’s right hand pal & wonderful BFF social media!), GC (head of Accounting/Finance and ½ of #GraceSquared)

By:Grace Santos
December 28, 2015
0

Odessa

LOGLINE

A desperate mother is forced to make a perilous border crossing to save her child’s life.

About the photos in this post: Some are screen grabs from “Odessa” film: copyright Ethos Pictures. Some are behind the scenes photos by Michael Rushton www.RushtonImages.com : copyright Ethos Pictures. And photo editing by our writer/producer Doug Johnson.

SYNOPSIS

(Warning: Spoilers). In a post-apocalyptic, oil-starved future, an American woman (Estrella played by Grace Santos) hires a guide known as a “dowser” (Victor played by Ricky Wayne) to coyote her across the border and through the desert on horseback to a town where stockpiles of the gasoline she desperately needs can be found. If caught, the two will be shot on sight, but they manage to dodge the heavily-armed border patrol and steal twenty gallons of fuel before heading back to the U.S. When her guide is shot by a border patrol sniper at the fence, we discover that the country they’ve been in isn’t Mexico, but the sovereign nation of Texas, which has seceded from the union with a monopoly of the mainland’s oil reserves, and after Estrella barely manages to escape on her own through a smuggler’s tunnel (though now with only half the gasoline she came for), we learn that she needed the fuel not for a vehicle, but for a generator that powers the medical equipment which keeps her gravely ill child alive.

TECH NOTES

Total Running Time: 13 minutes 20 seconds (including credits)
Camera: Shot on an Arri Alexa
Formats available for screenings: DCP, HDCAM, DVD, Blu-ray Disc
Shooting Locations: border of Unites States and Mexico in Texas and New Mexico
Completion Date: January 2015

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

“Odessa Makes You Think and Feel.” – Richard Propes, The Independent Critic (http://www.theindependentcritic.com/odessa)
Odessa “has a post apocalyptic beauty that can only be rivaled by films like THE ROVER, THE ROAD and of course the MAD MAX franchise.” “Not only do I want to see more of ODESSA I feel that this could be the type of show that could change our way of thought in the future.” – Travis Brown, Horror Movies Uncut (https://horrormoviesuncut.com/2015/05/01/sci-fi-short-odessa-takes-home-grand-jury-prize-at-gasparilla-international-film-festival/)
“This taut, gripping, short film horrified me more for its relevant, real-word authenticity …” – Damsals With Chainsaws (https://damselswithchainsaws.wordpress.com/2015/04/29/odessa-short-film-review/)
“Two very talented main actors take the lead and set the tone for one of the best short films I’ve seen in a while, both Ricky Wayne and Grace Santos work well together and are two fascinating actors to watch.” – The Scream Review (https://thescreamreview.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/review-odessa-2015/)
“Aside from its crisp production value, Odessa – a short film mind you – accomplished what the majority of today’s features lack: It made me think, feel, and most importantly, want to explore more of the world the filmmakers and actors created”, says Joe Belcastro of the Florida Film Critics Circle and the Southeastern Film Critics Association, a member of the Gasparilla International Film Festival 2015 Grand Jury. (http://www.themovienetwork.com/press/producers-tricky-treat-comes-new-post-apocalyptic-sci-fi-award-winning-film-odessa)

FILM FESTIVALS

Cannes Film Festival Short Corner, Cannes, France
Grace Santos at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival
Savannah Film Festival, Savannah, Georgia – Official Selection
Hollyshorts, Hollywood, California – Official Selection
Gasparilla International Film Festival, Tampa, Florida – Official Selection and Grand Jury Award for Best Short Film
Louisville International Film Festival, Louisville, Kentucky – Official Selection
Worldfest, Houston, Texas – Remi Winner
Plaza Classic, El Paso, Texas
Wasteland Film Festival, California City, California – Official Selection
Santa Fe Film Festival, Santa Fe, New Mexico – Official Selection and Winner of Best SciFi Short

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

While developing a very similar project in Canada, based not in Texas, but in the far reaches of the north, Odessa was forwarded to me. I was not only struck by the quality of writing and brilliant economy of the short story, I was struck by the tangibility of the premise. The world of the script isn’t a post-apocalypse crawling with zombies or hordes of punk rock gangs; it is a vision of the near-future that is entirely possible and all too real. This was a story to tell.

In addition to the premise, I was really drawn to fact that the protagonist was female, which seems to be rare in the history of this genre. It wasn’t a female substituted in a male role either, as she has genuine motivations and female attributes.

Odessa is many things, a western, an apocalyptic near future sci-fi, a road story, a chase film, and ultimately a family drama. I embraced the many things it was and melded the choices. Some moments intentionally harkens epic cinema, other moments have a far grittier documentary inspired approach. The choices were intended to bring the best out of scenarios, framing the dusty West Texan landscapes in an visually impactful way, while lending a more on the fly approach to acting moments with the purpose of enhancing realism and believability.

In my view the blend of contrasting styles, in combination with edit pace, score, and creative sound design, works to sustain tension and create energy when necessary and tension is a key factor in the film, as is the feeling of release in the end. Ultimately, I was hoping the blend of style choices and inspirations would create a modern sort of film language, one with an eye on the past and one looking keenly to the future.

DIRECTOR’S VISUAL STYLE GUIDE

STORYBOARDS

PRODUCTION NOTES

BTS Photo of Producer Andrew Shebay giving Director Sean Michael Turrell a birthday cake right after we wrapped. We shot “Odessa” during Sean’s __th birthday! (Still photographer www.rushtonimages.com)

THE DIRECTOR

Q: Why did you approach Sean Michael Turrell to direct?

A by Actor/Producer Grace Santos: When I moved from Florida to California, I drove along the US-Mexican border and fell in love with the landscape (I even ended up exploring New Mexico for 4 days instead of just driving through). I knew “Odessa” would need a director with a great visual style that could capture this beauty. A couple weeks after I found the script, I attended the Palm Springs International ShortsFest because one of my films was screening there. There, I watched Sean’s film “Follow”, which lead me to do more internet research on Sean and I came across many of his music videos. After seeing his short film and music videos, and after meeting him in person at one of the festival parties, I knew he would be perfect to direct “Odessa”. Then I had to figure out how to convince him to work on an ultra low budget production and with me (someone with few credits). Again I thank Doug for writing a great script to attract a great director.

BTS photo of Director Sean Michael Turrell, Writer/Producer Doug Johnson, and Actor/Producer Grace Santos conversing between takes in New Mexico.

THE SCRIPT

Q: How did you come up with this script?

A by Writer Doug Johnson: Odessa was written as an exercise through Trigger Street Labs, which is an online community of writers and filmmakers created by Kevin Spacey and producer Dana Brunetti. The writing side of the platform is geared toward features, but once in a while a group will get together and write short scripts that are variations on a theme. This particular anthology was organized by a Welsh writer named David Brough, and the only story criteria were that the script be no more than eight pages, and that it contained a major plot twist that was completely unexpected. The story world for Odessa was something I’d been mulling over for about a year, but hadn’t come up with a hundred-page storyline that excited me enough to commit to paper. When David told me about his idea, it seemed like the perfect excuse to get off my ass and do something with that story world. I had no idea where the script would go or who the characters were, just a goal and an obstacle to it. The result was nothing like what I’d thought it would be. I started off writing an action script, but by the time I reached Fade Out, I’d written a drama. Our very sharp producer Grace Santos read the script and opened my eyes to the fact that the post-apocalyptic world of Odessa was the ideal context for a series of overlapping vignettes, and we’re hard at work developing those stories now.

Q: Why did you choose this script to produce?

A by Actor/Producer Grace Santos: I did not meet Doug in person until the day before the shoot, as he lives in New York and I live in Los Angeles – technology is amazing. I’ve produced 21 plays and 6 shorts and have been searching for high quality material to finally jump into features and series. I stumbled across the logline for “Odessa” on InkTip.com and initially thought about passing because the description said it was only a 10 page script. But the simple logline compelled me to contact Doug to obtain the full script.

I fell in love with the story immediately because of the character of Estrella. Estrella is multidimensional and those are the roles I’m looking for as an actress. I wouldn’t be believable as a character like Lara Croft, a hot tough chick. I’m a mother and can identify with moving way beyond my comfort zone and making sacrifices for my child.

Also, the script delivered a compelling, personal drama that touched on the issues of border security and immigration. Around the same time that I found “Odessa” in June 2013, a university study was released analyzing the trends and demographics of 2,238 people who died in south central Arizona from 1990 to 2012 after crossing the border illegally. The study made an observation that stuck with me while reading “Odessa”, and comes up again and again in the debates and the news: “We’re missing the point. The answers don’t lie in border security. The answers lie in understanding the economics [that drive migration.]”. Most of my past projects have touched on a political or social issue. I’m drawn to those issues – I studied religious studies and law even though I was already a member of AEA and SAG. I also named my production company Ethos because “character” means more than just an individual, but is also used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, nation, or ideology. I look for character driven works and also works that analyze how relationships between characters mime society and society’s ideas.

Furthermore, the way Doug set up the story-world generates endless possibilities for the development of more characters and dramatic storylines. So I am “forcing” Doug to continue to work with me to develop “Odessa” into a bigger work. In summary, the script hit so many of my sides and goals: compelling story, great characters, foundation for a series, personal acting goals, my socio-political side, beauty, and so much! I can’t believe I convinced Doug to work with me!

THE PRODUCERS

Q: Why did you approach Andrew Shebay to produce?

A by Actor/Producer Grace Santos: There is something about June of 2013: I found the script, the university study about border security was released, and I attended the Palm Springs International ShortsFest where I met Sean and Andrew. Andrew told me that he was a Texas based producer, so I mentioned how I’m trying to produce “Odessa” but am not sure if I will be able to film it in Texas (even though the setting is Texas) because of costs. After the festival we kept in touch and he messaged me once in a while about how great it is to film in Texas and how he knows filming in Texas would be way cheaper than filming in Los Angeles. He has a pretty enthusiastic personality … everyone has to meet him. He obtained almost half of the budget, found all the locations, coordinated the production design with Richard and Doug, and fed the cast and crew yummy food! “Odessa” would not have been made without his charismatic personality pushing everyone along.

Q: Why did you approach David Moscow?

David Moscow and Grace Santos speaking on a diversity panel at the Santa Fe Film Festival

A by Actor/Producer Grace Santos: I met him way before June 2013. We met on set on a 2007 production. I “made” him become my go-to person for business advice. He has been in the business for many many years as both an actor and producer and he also has a similar political side to me. He has such a wonderful personality.

Q: The writer, Doug Johnson, is also a producer?

A by Actor/Producer Grace Santos: I hit the jack pot with Doug. He is not only a writer. He has worked in post-production for over a decade, passion for story, photoshop/graphic design skills, and makes fake weapons that look so real on the screen. I didn’t know these things about him when I found his script because his website only advertises himself as a writer. I have discovered these things little by little through emailing and skyping during the development of the short and series. I told him he is going to end up being a leading showrunner. Just wait and you all will see.

THE CAST

Question: What were the character descriptions posted during the
casting process?

VICTOR (Lead): Male, age 35-45, Hispanic, coyote with a heart, the man who can find you what you need on the far side of the border fence and will get you there and back for a price. A scavenger and survivor, a resourceful scrapper and pragmatist whose weakness is empathy.
SAM (Lead): Male, age 30-40, any ethnicity, tough but smart and caring father/husband who lost his livelihood as a trucker/mechanic when the nation’s oil supplies were cut off. Now struggling with inability to provide for his family.
ELIAS (Supporting): Male, age 6-8 (to play 6), Mixed Race son of Sam (breakdown above) and Estrella (Hispanic mother). Serious illness keeps him bed-ridden but remains eternally optimistic. The portrait of innocence with a face that lights up a screen. One page part, but an important dramatic role in final scene of the film / first episode.

Question: How did you get the Cast?

A by Actor/Producer Grace Santos: Both Ricky Wayne (The Walking Dead, House of Bones) and Will Haze (Banshee, One Tree Hill) have over fifty credits each in film and television, but I actually met them in Tampa, Florida, not Los Angeles. We attended the Performers Studio Workshop in which Kathy Laughlin CSA taught the Eric Morris Method of Acting. I sent Sean their acting reels and Sean said they are absolutely perfect for the roles. I feel really blessed that Ricky and Will took the time to fly into Texas for this project when they definitely do not need to add to their credits or acting reels. They are very talented and giving people. I cannot say enough about them. I met Anthony Escobar (Prison Break) through the El Paso Film Commission. He was accidentally listed as an Assistant Director instead of an actor and I am happy for the mistake. He knows everything about El Paso filmmaking (the local actors, crew, locations) and was so giving without asking for anything in return. When I did internet research on him (yes, it appears that I perform a google search on everyone prior to doing business with them), I came across his acting reel. He is talented so I asked Doug to write a role for him. We met Manny Rubio and Isa Rubio through Anthony. Our original cast member for the role of Elias booked a bigger project so could no longer work on “Odessa”. Manny was already working with us and when the casting issue happened at the last minute, we were more than happy to find out that Manny had the cutest actress daughter and it worked perfectly to change the role of the son into a daughter.

THE CREW

Question: What was your experience working with the crew?

A by Actor/Producer Grace Santos: Crewing up was difficult since I did not know anyone in El Paso. I knew some people in other cities but didn’t realize that Austin was 8 hours away and Dallas was 12 hours away – gosh Texas is a large state! I first did some internet research to try to find a local El Paso production company that would like to co-produce the film with my company. When that fell through, I posted ads on the Texas Film Commission website and Craig’s List in El Paso, TX and Las Cruces, NM, and I started calling people in the directory of the El Paso Film Commission.

Our Cinematographer, Stephen, flew in from Toronto with Sean. They worked together on a series in which they had to move around from city to city. I joke around that I hired Stephen because I saw Keith Urban on his website.

I found the Art Director Richard Glass through the El Paso County Film Commission directory. We bonded over the phone because of our love of the stage/theater.

The Costume Designer, Jennifer, contacted me when she saw my post on the Texas Film Commission site. When I saw that she designed for Director Griff Furst, I had to hire her. I took an acting workshop with him and know he is very picky about who he hires on his team. Jennifer and I spoke on the phone and although she is based in Mississippi, she was willing to drive to El Paso for the production because she liked the script so much.

I’m not exactly sure how Andrew found our Key Makeup / Key Hair / Costume Supervisor, Ronnie. I’m just glad he found her. She and her assistant Henry worked such long hours and helped every department. I really adore them and keep asking Ronnie to move to Los Angeles.

Our Assistant Director Stefon and Key Grip Eric are my friends from Los Angeles. I couldn’t find locals for these roles and I have worked on more than one project with Stefon and Eric and know their work ethic so I felt more secure having them on the team.

Carlos, our Sound Mixer, joined the team a couple hours after we had already started filming. There was a communication issue with our prior sound mixer. Carlos was listed on the El Paso Film Commission directory and I am so glad I didn’t freak him out with a panicked 6am phone call. I’ve found out that things always happen for a wonderful reason … Carlos is more than a sound mixer, he is also an award winning filmmaker, and I can’t wait to collaborate with him on projects.

Some people advise against posting on Craig’s List, but I’ve had pretty great luck finding great people through it. On Odessa, my “Craig’s List Greats” are Michael Rushton (our Still Photographer) and Jamie Medrano (our 1^st Assistant Camera). They are so professional! And check out their websites to see their talent!

Michael Charsky was not one of our crew members per se. He is the location manager for Indian Cliffs Ranch and I’m not sure how Andrew found him but I’m glad he did. Not just because I dig Mr. Charsky’s style (his clothes, hat, boots, beard, pipe, gun, jeep) and the books he reads and listening to his stories about the sets he has worked on. He totally drilled me about safety on set. And he provided creative input. I really appreciate everything he did for us.

I thought finding a local animal wrangler would be difficult because the film commission websites did not have anyone listed in El Paso. Thank goodness for google. Susie is based in Las Cruces NM, which is just an hour away. It was important to find someone local because we were very low budget and shipping horses would have been expensive. Yet we also couldn’t just rent a horse from a local ranch – we had to make sure they were trained for filming. Safety first! Susie, her assistants, and her horses are so professional, and I would recommend Susie to anyone. I don’t know if Susie was thinking ahead or if it was just part of the movie making magic, but one of her assistants, Laura Mandell (an award winning horse riding competition gal) is exactly my size and we had the same hair length. There was a narrow section on a cliff and Susie strongly argued against me riding the horse there. It was easily handled with Laura becoming my double. Also, Susie always provided creative input to Sean and Doug by letting them know how she thinks a horse would react in certain places of the script.

The rest of the team members are friends of our dear Anthony. He’s such a great person that he attracts great friends. Lorena Mojica is one of the best Script Supervisors I’ve worked with. She was constantly right there, taking notes, pointing things out to Sean right away. Her twin sister Marisa Mojica is an actress and thought she was just going to be a stand in, but she ended up being a wonderful 2^nd AC. Our PA’s, Arcye Evans, Lucius Morton, Ulises Cosio, Anthony Aguila, Cesar Meza, worked so hard running errands, moving sets, digging holes in the ground, etc.

PRODUCTION DESIGN

Question: How was your experience working on “Odessa”?

A by Art Director Richard Glass: The one thing I did want to comment on was the cleverness and creativity I saw by all the participants –making something from nothing, or as they say, “taking chicken shit and making chicken salad”. It is an amazing thing when a group of artists come together in harmony and cooperation and work together on something, and then God comes down and adds a little more–that little something extra that no one individual can take credit for, yet there it is. Particularly, when we were at the finish line and Grace gave that wonderful performance next to a cold bed, with lighting wizardry making us think it was daytime, and just enough set dressing to fool the audience completely. Those are the moments when all the efforts are rewarded, when an artistic triumph happens and you almost pinch yourself in disbelief. Try and explain it to a non-artist. For me, those moments are what life is all about.

COSTUME DESIGN

Question: How was your experience working on “Odessa”?

A by Costume Designer Jennifer Schreck: I was thrilled when I was brought onto the project. When the script finally revealed the reason behind Estrella’s journey, I had tears in my eyes. In costuming this project I really had to think on what would make the most sense for each character and getting into their head was my favorite part. The story is gritty and the landscape harsh so it was a fun challenge to get the costuming distressed in such a way that it looked natural and showed the hardship these characters faced on daily basis. I was able to work closely with the makeup artist and combine our ideas (and pigment dirt) to make sure the makeup and costuming each had the same look and color palette and the overall result looked great on camera.