We are here to make movies like never before. If you would like to join us, the door is open. 

Our mission is to unite a dynamic community of individuals who are bound by a shared enthusiasm for storytelling through film, TV, and content creation. We aspire to convert imaginative ideas into compelling cinematic experiences. Whether you’re an emerging or aspiring filmmaker, actor, writer, influencer, or any of the important roles necessary in making a film, or if you are just someone captivated by the allure of the making movies, our film club offers a collaborative environment to bring visions to life. Come join us, and together, let’s craft movie moments that leave a lasting impact and ignite inspiration, on a level equal to Hollywood movies.

The film club convenes officially every two weeks for a dedicated production meeting. During these sessions, we deliberate on the upcoming project, evaluate the previous one, and address aspects related to social media and YouTube content. Roles for upcoming productions are assigned, and we collaboratively resolve any issues or challenges. This is also the platform where new members are warmly welcomed, and collective decisions about the club are made.

Beyond these regular meetings, there’s extensive collaboration among members actively engaged in various projects, including films, trailers, and YouTube content. Coordination spans the entire spectrum of the filmmaking process, encompassing pre-production, writing, production, set design and construction, location scouting, props, post-production, editing, special effects, and all the diverse activities and roles integral to bringing a film, trailer, or video to fruition.

Project managers and directors my meet regularly with the club founders to keep projects on task and resolve any issues or concerns in production. And production managers may hold meetings with their production to keep a project on task.

Additionally, we’re committed to organizing workshops and classes, open to all members, on a regular basis to enhance skills and foster continuous learning.

The official production meetings serve as a collaborative forum where decisions are made, and ideas are shared, with an open invitation extended to all members. During these sessions, we collectively evaluate the previous film project, conducting a comprehensive review of what proved effective and areas that require improvement. Our overarching objective is a continuous enhancement in the quality of our productions every two weeks.

Subsequently, we embark on the process of selecting and planning a new project. As a group, we engage in collaborative storytelling, crafting the plot together. We determine the requirements for this production, encouraging members to volunteer for specific roles needed for the film, and strategize the entire creative process.

In a parallel discussion, we apply the same collaborative approach to our weekly YouTube video. Deliberations focus on identifying the most compelling content for the upcoming week, and as a collective, we decide on the distribution of tasks and roles among volunteers for that project.

Production ideas are selected as a group. All member’s ideas are equally important. We start each project selection with a pitch session. We go around the table and anyone with an idea for the next project, film trailer or youtube video can pitch their idea. 

The group then narrows down the ideas, to a few final choices. We  then, together, make a final decision of what project to go forward with based on the idea itself and any potential difficulties or issues we may have to overcome compared to another proposed idea.

Our entire objective here is to work together to choose and execute great ideas into great productions. 

The film club operates as a collaborative hub for professional artists, with the overarching goal of creating films and videos at a top-tier professional standard. Our primary emphasis is on the production of film trailers designed to rival those of Hollywood. We strive to achieve a level of quality that is indistinguishable from mainstream film trailers. In addition to our primary focus, we also aim to create entertaining and engaging YouTube content for our club.

As a collective of professionals, we retain the flexibility to explore a diverse range of projects. While our core focus remains on producing high-quality film trailers, we have the creative freedom to delve into additional content such as shows, sketches, shorts, and any other engaging projects that align with our professional ambitions. This freedom allows us to nurture creativity, have fun, and continually push the boundaries of our artistic endeavors.

We want to make awesome films and videos while also helping each other get better at what we do. Here’s how we decide who does what:

1. Everyone is Welcome: All members can join in on any project, but if someone can’t because of a busy schedule or other commitments, that’s okay too. 

2. Sharing Ideas: We all pitch in with ideas for our projects, and once we agree on one, we plan it out together.

3. Volunteering for Roles: People decide what part they want to play in the project based on what they’re good at or want to learn. Everyone has a chance to take on different roles.

4. Leadership and Decision-Making: For each project, we pick someone to lead, like a project manager or a head director. They make final decisions, but they work closely with the team to get everyone’s input.

5. Support and Growth: As we move from one project to the next, people can try different roles, and we’re all here to help each other get better. No one gets left behind or stuck doing the same thing.

Role assignment within our film club is a dynamic process shaped by several key considerations. First and foremost, let’s revisit our dual objectives: producing exceptional professional-level films, trailers, and videos, while also leveraging our projects as tools for rapid skill advancement and professional growth. To achieve this, we embrace a philosophy that encourages all members to participate and contribute in any field where they possess proficiency or aspire to develop proficiency.

When it comes to role assignment, it begins with the project itself and members volunteering for roles, establishing an assignment-based hierarchy. During project selection, all members contribute ideas, and once a concept is collectively chosen, we collaboratively outline the project’s concept.

The decision-making process for project roles involves members volunteering based on their skills and interests. Every member is included in each project, with the flexibility for individuals to sit out if conflicts arise. Roles are assigned based on a collective decision, and we often designate a head person for each role. The head person takes the lead but involves the entire team in decision-making. For instance, a project may have a project manager, a cast, writers, a head director, and various assistant directors.

As we move on to the next project, roles and positions shift, allowing different members to explore and excel in different capacities based on project needs and individual preferences. We encourage a supportive environment where all members help each other grow in any chosen position or role. Our collective talent, diverse areas of expertise, and shared passion are harnessed to consistently elevate the quality of our productions, ensuring that no member is left out or relegated to a subordinate position.

Yes, anyone can join the film club. We welcome everyone from professionals to complete novice. Anyone who wants to learn and grow with the team and make great film, is invited to join.

No. The only things you need to join our group are passion, a team mentality, creativity and a willingness to learn hands on. 

No, there are no membership fees. Your only commitment is to the projects you choose to be a part of. Once you join and take on a project, your responsibility is to see it through to completion.

After the initial four-week production cycle (which will be extended initially to allow for a smoother filmmaking process), the film trailer or YouTube video, depending on the project, will be posted and promoted by the project’s social media manager. Following this, we convene at our next scheduled production meeting to review both the process and the final product.

During this review session, we celebrate our successes and highlight the aspects that worked exceptionally well in the film or video. We also openly discuss the elements that didn’t quite meet our professional standards and collaboratively devise strategies to improve them in the next production.

This constructive feedback sets the stage for another pitch session, where new project ideas are presented. The cycle repeats, with each iteration allowing us to enhance our skills and elevate the quality of our productions. The goal is continuous improvement, ensuring that with each project, we refine our approach and create even better content in a rapid and efficient manner.

Getting involved in the weekly YouTube channel is easy and follows the same process as our film projects:

1. Pitch Session: Right after we decide on the film project, we have a pitch session for the YouTube channel. Everyone can share ideas for the channel.

2. Idea Selection: We collectively decide on the idea for the YouTube video, just like we do for the film project.

3. Role Assignment: We figure out what roles are needed for the YouTube project, and members volunteer to fill them. This happens in a similar way to how roles are assigned for the film project.

By being part of the film club, you are automatically involved in the YouTube channel. It’s a collaborative effort, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute ideas and take on roles in both the film projects and the weekly YouTube videos.

Yes, virtual attendance is allowed for members who typically attend meetings in person, with some limitations. For instance, if you have a crucial social or family commitment and are unable to be physically present but still want to participate in the next production, you are welcome to attend the meeting virtually.

However, there are some considerations, especially for writers. While we currently allow virtual attendance, it is important to note that there are limits to its effectiveness. Virtual participation may not fully support the creative process, production efficiency, and the camaraderie of the group. These policies are subject to change as we experiment and find the best balance between virtual and in-person engagement.

Joining the film club is a straightforward process:

1. Attend a Production Meeting: Simply come to one of our production meetings. When you arrive, take a seat, and as a new face, we’ll ask you to introduce yourself. From that moment, you are welcome and encouraged to pitch ideas and participate as if you are already a full member.

2. Involvement in the Meeting: Throughout the meeting, engage with the discussions and activities. This is your chance to be a part of the creative process and share your ideas.

3. Official Invitation: At the end of the meeting, we’ll approach you and ask if you would like to officially become a part of the group.

4. Paperwork: If you’re interested, we’ll provide you with the necessary paperwork to fill out. Once completed, you are officially a member of the film club.

It’s a simple and inclusive process, designed to make everyone feel welcome and actively involved in our creative endeavors.

To stay updated on club activities and announcements, we use two primary channels:

1. Group Texts: We utilize a group text system to send out mass updates on club activities and important notifications. This allows for quick and direct communication with all members.

2. Film Group Website: All events, meetings, and relevant information are posted on the film group website, specifically in the schedule section. This serves as a centralized hub for members to access and reference upcoming activities.

By employing these two communication channels, we aim to keep everyone informed and engaged in the latest happenings within the film club.

Members do not receive direct payment for their participation in projects. Any funds generated through advertising, the YouTube channel, or any other club-affiliated revenue stream are reinvested directly into the production and marketing budget. This enables the club to create more substantial and higher-quality productions collectively. It’s important to note that no individual, including club founders, receives monetary profits from the club.

However, there is an opportunity for members if a project or trailer gains attention and is selected for full production. Members credited on the original production are given the first option to work professionally on the full production under a paying contract. This way, while financial compensation is not provided for regular club activities, members have the chance to transition into paid roles if a project progresses to a professional level.

If a film trailer or any club production is selected for full production under a paying contract, the payment for each member working on that film will be determined in accordance with the union rules governing the film’s production or under negotiated terms based on the specific contract that the film operates under. In essence, the payment structure will align with industry standards and the contractual arrangements in place for the particular production.

Yes, participation in projects is entirely voluntary. Flexibility is a key principle in our club, recognizing that members have both passion for filmmaking and other commitments in their lives. At production meetings, we seek volunteers to fill roles for upcoming productions. If you have a schedule conflict within the timeframe of the next production, you are free to sit it out.

There are two exceptions to this voluntary rule:

1. Commitment to Roles: If you volunteer for a role in a production, you are committed to fulfilling that role for the duration of the production cycle (typically two weeks). This commitment is crucial for the smooth functioning of the team, and not respecting this rule is grounds for expulsion from the club.

2. Active Participation: If you join the club but never volunteer for any work, never take on a role, or contribute to a project, you may be asked to stop coming. While we have an open-door policy, we also aim to maintain a high-energy environment with quick results and rapid growth. Active participation is encouraged for the benefit of individual and collective growth within the club.

Yes, members receive full credits for their contributions. Recognizing and acknowledging the individual efforts and contributions of our members is an important aspect of our club culture. Every member involved in a project is credited accordingly for their role and contribution to the overall production.

The credits for each project are decided and agreed upon during the pitch session of the production meeting. This collaborative session allows members to discuss and determine the specific role titles for the project, ensuring that everyone’s contributions are appropriately recognized in the credits, and everyone is happy with and committed to their role in the production.

Certainly! Members are encouraged to use the projects they work on for their portfolios or reels. We understand the importance of showcasing individual talents and accomplishments, and we fully support our members in using the work they contribute to the club as part of their professional portfolios. Feel free to leverage these projects to demonstrate your skills and advance your career in the industry.

The rights to the projects created by the film club are the sole property of the club itself. This means that the club holds ownership of the intellectual property, including but not limited to films, trailers, and videos produced under its umbrella. Members contribute to the projects collectively, and the club retains the rights to ensure proper management and control over the produced content.

Yes, members can showcase the full projects at film festivals and other events, but certain conditions must be met. The agreement to showcase a project at a film festival or event requires prior approval from the club organizers and the members leading that specific project. Additionally, the members involved in the project must come to an agreement on the allocation of any benefits (such as awards or recognition) and the associated costs related to showcasing the project. This ensures that there is clear communication and consensus within the club before projects are presented at external events.

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of project materials within the film club. These restrictions are in place to ensure a positive and collaborative environment for all members:

1. Exploitation Prevention: Any individual found exploiting the projects or fellow members for personal advancement will be removed from projects. The focus is on collective growth and professionalism.

2. Negative Reflection: The use of project materials in a way that negatively reflects on the club or any of its members is strictly prohibited. This includes any action that could harm the reputation or integrity of the club or its participants.

3. Right to Restrict Material: The club reserves the right to restrict project materials, as well as any video, audio, or text material associated with the club, at any time and for any reason.

These restrictions are in place to maintain a positive, collaborative, and respectful atmosphere within the film club.

Intellectual property rights are managed with a clear ownership structure within the film club. The intellectual property belongs to the club itself. Here are some key points related to intellectual property rights:

1. Club Ownership: The intellectual property rights to projects belong to the film club as a whole.

2. Participant Rights: Participants in a project have the right to be credited for their contributions to that specific project.

3. First Rights to Monetization: Participants also have the first rights to participate in any venture that directly results from their concept and is monetized outside of the club. For example, if a movie trailer is chosen for a feature film, the participant who wrote and directed the trailer has the right to choose whether or not to be part of the full production. (This applies to any role in the production.) If they choose to participate, they will be appropriately compensated based on the contract under which the project was picked up.

This structure ensures a fair and clear approach to intellectual property rights, providing credit to contributors and acknowledging their involvement in subsequent monetized ventures.

Yes, there are formal contracts and paperwork for members to fill out. These documents help establish clear guidelines, expectations, and agreements within the film club. Here’s an overview of the paperwork:

1. Medical Contact Form and Information Sheet: Collects important medical information and general personal details.

2. Skills and Interest Sheet: Gathers information about members’ skills and interests within the realm of filmmaking.

3. Privacy Policy: Outlines how personal information is collected, used, and protected by the film club.

4. Code of Conduct Agreement: Establishes behavioral expectations and standards for all members.

5. Membership Agreement: Details the terms of membership, including the use of name and likeness, agreement to club rules and guidelines, and a commitment to follow the payment agreement.

6. Payment Agreement: Outlines any financial arrangements or compensation agreements.

Completing these documents helps ensure that members are on the same page, understand their rights and responsibilities, and contribute to a positive and respectful club environment.

All members are expected to fulfill their commitment to the projects they volunteer to work on. If a member needs to leave a project before its completion, it is considered a serious matter, and there are consequences:

1. Risk of Expulsion: Leaving a project before completion without a valid reason may risk expulsion from the club. This is because team members are relying on each other to fulfill their commitments, and consistent departures can disrupt the collaborative process.

2. Common Sense Exceptions: There are exceptions to this rule for common-sense reasons such as a death in the family, a prolonged stay in the hospital, etc. However, if leaving a project prematurely becomes a pattern for an individual, even with generally accepted reasons, the club reserves the right to limit their involvement in any project.

3. Loss of Credit: If a member leaves a project before its completion, they lose all rights to credit on that project.

It’s important for members to communicate effectively, manage their commitments responsibly, and understand the impact of their participation on the collaborative efforts of the club.

Disputes or disagreements within the film club are recognized as a normal part of the creative process, and there are mechanisms in place to address them:

1. Set and Forget Mentality: Within the context of a project, there is an encouragement for a “set and forget it” mentality. Members are encouraged to leave long-term resentment aside and understand that clashes and frustration can be a natural part of the collective creative process.

2. Creative Differences: If the dispute revolves around creative differences, the hierarchy of the production is followed. The head director makes the final decision. If necessary, the project manager becomes the arbiter.

3. Club Founders: If conflicts persist and are not resolved at the project level, the club founders have the final say on any matter.

4. Personal Disagreements: Matters of personal disagreement, including bickering, gossiping, bullying, or any disruptive behavior, are subject to review by project managers and club founders. The club reserves the right to expel members at any time for any reason if it is deemed necessary to maintain a positive and respectful environment within the club.

The aim is to address conflicts swiftly and effectively, allowing the club to continue its collaborative and creative endeavors without prolonged disruptions.

Absolutely. Members are welcome to collaborate on external projects independently of the film club. The club is a platform for professional growth, mutual support, and collaboration, and members are encouraged to build friendships and professional relationships within and beyond the club.

As long as the involvement in external projects does not directly undermine or damage the club or its members, the film club fully supports the individual and collective growth and ambitions of its members outside of the club’s formal activities. This approach fosters a network of creative professionals who can continue to support and collaborate with each other beyond the immediate scope of club projects.

Financial matters, including budgeting and expenses, within the club are initially handled with a zero-dollar budget approach. Here’s how financial aspects are managed:

1. Zero-Dollar Budget: Initially, the club operates on a zero-dollar budget. This means that all necessary gear and props are supplied through the personal and professional resources of the founding members.

2. Volunteer Contributions: Members are encouraged to volunteer any production equipment, props, locations, etc. However, by volunteering these items, members acknowledge that they are not entitled to monetary compensation for their use and are not eligible for reimbursement for any lost or broken equipment or assets.

3. Creative Solutions and Teamwork: The immediate objective is to start acquiring funds for a budget through social media revenue, YouTube sponsors, and other funding avenues. However, the emphasis is on creative solutions and teamwork to address financial needs and constraints.

As the club evolves and gains more resources, the financial approach may adapt, but the focus remains on collaborative problem-solving and leveraging the collective resources and talents of the members.

Project timelines within the film club are determined by the specific needs of each project. The goal is to complete each project relatively quickly, typically within a two-week timeframe. Here’s an overview of the project timeline:

1. Pitch Meeting: The initial pitch meeting sets the stage for the entire project. During this meeting, the idea, concept, structure, necessary tasks, and role allocation are decided.

2. Immediate Action: After the pitch meeting, the writing team is expected to have the script written and ready within days. Simultaneously, location and props need to be secured, and any sets or effects must be initiated promptly.

3. Regular Collaboration: The director and production manager work closely with each production group throughout the entire process. This collaboration spans from pre-production to post-production, release, and promotion.

This efficient and rapid timeline is designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and the ability to produce high-quality content in a relatively short period. It encourages members to be proactive, collaborative, and resourceful in bringing their creative ideas to life.

The film club provides access to some essential equipment from the onset, including cameras, lighting, and sound equipment. As the budget of the club grows, additional resources and equipment will be acquired to enhance the capabilities of the club. However, the club also embraces creative solutions and resourcefulness, especially when running multiple projects simultaneously or when faced with scheduling challenges. In such cases, members may rely on alternatives like iPhone filming, creative lighting solutions, ADR (Automatic Dialogue Replacement) sound recording, and other inventive approaches to ensure the successful completion of projects. The emphasis is on adaptability and making the most of available resources to bring creative ideas to life.

Yes, there are designated spaces for in-person meetings and projects within the film club. Currently, there are two designated spaces, and efforts are ongoing to aquire additional locations. The first space is located in the LBN TV studio in Dover, Ohio, and the second space is in the work area of MAD Bros Games & Hobbies in New Philadelphia, Ohio. These spaces serve as central hubs for in-person meetings, collaboration, and the execution of various film projects.

The film club primarily utilizes mass communication through a group text message system and an online schedule board on its website. Mass updates, notifications, and important information are disseminated to members through the group text message system. Additionally, the online schedule board on the club’s website serves as a centralized platform for posting and accessing information about events, meetings, and schedules.

For project collaboration and day-to-day communication, members are encouraged to use personal communication methods such as text messages and phone calls as needed. This approach allows for efficient communication both at the group level and on a more individualized basis.

Absolutely. The film club actively offers training workshops for its members. These workshops cover a range of aspects related to filmmaking, including acting, writing, editing, sound, lighting, and more. The goal is to provide members with opportunities to enhance their skills, learn new techniques, and contribute to the overall growth and expertise of the club. Workshops serve as a valuable platform for continuous learning and improvement within the filmmaking community.

Members can seek feedback on their work through the built-in feedback system within the club. At the conclusion of each production, the club holds a meeting specifically dedicated to assessing the recent project. During this meeting, members discuss how the production went, identify strengths and weaknesses in both the process and the final product, and provide constructive feedback to one another. This feedback loop is designed to facilitate continuous improvement, allowing members to learn from each project and collectively enhance their filmmaking skills. This will allow us to be making professional productions in a much shorter time than any other approach, and allow our individual members to get better faster with hands on experience.

As of now, there are no scheduled social events or networking opportunities outside of projects, but it is an ambition for the future of the club. The club recognizes the value of fostering a sense of community and networking among its members. As the club evolves, there may be plans to incorporate social events and networking opportunities to further strengthen the bonds among members and provide additional avenues for collaboration and professional growth.

Members can contribute ideas for club improvement during production meetings. These meetings serve as a structured open dialogue where members can discuss various aspects of the club, its functions, and potential areas for improvement. This forum allows for the free exchange of ideas, suggestions, and feedback, providing members with the opportunity to actively contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the club. Through this collaborative process, the club aims to incorporate valuable input from its members and continually improve its overall functioning.

If a member decides to leave the film club completely, while the club regrets their departure, the member retains full credits for their contributions to the productions they were involved in. The club acknowledges and recognizes the contributions of its members, even if they choose to discontinue their involvement. The focus is on maintaining a positive and respectful atmosphere throughout the member’s tenure, and they are acknowledged for their part in the collaborative efforts of the club.