Make Your Movie: The Power of Networks in Independent Filmmaking

Have a story you want to tell but aren’t sure how to turn it into a film? Make Your Movie: The Power of Networks in Independent Filmmaking is a conversation designed for students, emerging creatives, and anyone curious about how films actually get made—without a Hollywood budget or industry connections.

This panel brings together filmmakers from UC Berkeley's very own Cinematic Arts & Production Studios and industry professionals, Marisa Guterman '10 and Keith Gerchak of Double G Films, to explore how collaboration and community power every stage of independent filmmaking. Panelists will share how personal, professional, and campus networks have helped them find collaborators, access equipment and funding, navigate creative challenges, and move projects from idea to screen. Through real-world examples, you’ll see how relationships—rather than resources alone—often make the difference in bringing a film to life.

Whether you’re just starting out, developing a project, or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of independent filmmaking, this event will leave you with concrete tools, inspiration, and a clearer path forward. No prior filmmaking experience required—just curiosity and a passion for storytelling.