Filmmaker How To Session with the Film Lab

The Film Lab The Film Lab is a 501(c)(3) not for profit that has been dedicated to the promotion and support of gender and ethnic parity in entertainment media since 1998. The Film Lab accomplishes that goal in three ways: (1) education; (2) outreach and support; and (3) production. Education – The Film Lab runs monthly events that are open to the public ranging from screenings to seminars to Q&As, all designed to increase awareness of the current state of diversity in media and to provide audiences with the tools and motivation to effectuate positive social change through entertainment. Outreach-Support – The Film Lab runs various programs ranging from the famous 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition to filmmaking how-to workshops to networking parties, all of which work to connect people of color, particularly Asian Americans, and mainstream media executives and to create mentorship and distribution opportunities for people creating diverse works. The 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition is arguably the Film Lab’s most important annual event; bringing together A-list judges and established and aspiring filmmakers across the globe. People of all colors, backgrounds, religions, and cultures with a common goal: to battle inequality through creativity; to promote gender and ethnic diversity through entertainment; and to challenge stereotypical mainstream constructions of race, gender and sexuality. Top Shootout films have screened at the Asian American International Film Festival and the Time Warner Theatre in New York City and aired on CrossingsTV. The screenings typically sell out. Production – The Film Lab produces media with positive and prolific perceptions of women and people of color. The TV series, Film Lab Presents currently airs on CrossingsTV (Time Warner Cable & Xfinity). We also have an online channel, AAFL TV, to which viewers can subscribe to for free at youtube.com/asamfilmlab. Film Lab’s Numbers in a Nutshell The Film Lab has approximately 8,000+ members across the globe and attracts hundreds of filmmakers annually to compete in its 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking competition, resulting in a staggering body of bold, innovative and diverse entertainment. The first seasons of Film Lab Presents, the television show, that aired on the municipal channel, NYCLife, had a strong following of primarily Caucasian viewers, with top shows getting over 1 million viewers. The Film Lab has a strong social media presence from their website – www.film-lab.org - to Facebook pages, Twitter (@asamfilmlab), Tumblr, Instagram, and Pinterest, with hundreds of thousands of clicks on a weekly basis. Film Lab’s Partners and Sponsors From executives at ABC, CBS and NBC to companies like Final Draft and MasterClass, a multitude of high-level entertainment companies and professionals have recognized Film Lab's incredible work to support gender and ethnic parity in entertainment media. The Mayor of New York City has recognized Film Lab's President for her acting and activism work (see an excerpt here) and officially welcomed the Film Lab's 72 Hour Shootout filmmakers in 2020. Film Lab’s Partners and Sponsors From executives at ABC, CBS and NBC to companies like Final Draft and MasterClass, a multitude of high-level entertainment companies and professionals have recognized Film Lab's incredible work to support gender and ethnic parity in entertainment media. The Mayor of New York City has recognized Film Lab's President for her acting and activism work (see an excerpt here) and officially welcomed the Film Lab's 72 Hour Shootout filmmakers in 2020.