CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indie Film Incubator is a program thrown by Cleveland Camera Reno that allows local filmmakers from all backgrounds to turn their ideas into movies.
This year, out of many submissions, six filmmakers of different backgrounds and experience levels were chosen to bring their stories to life: Amanda Bergeman, Payton Burkhammer, Matthew Hribar, Joyce Kostakis, Madison Ledyard-King and Nate Shively.
From dramas, to comedy, a sci-fi coming of age and more, their concepts are as diverse as they are interesting.
And this refining work is a process that happens between the finalists and local film professionals who give advice and share resources along the way.
The six filmmakers support one another throughout the production process as well.
"We have six of us come together and collaborate on each other's projects and bounce ideas off each other, which is great because getting a room full of people to read the script and just give their input has been crucial," said one of the filmmakers.
And these stories have come to fruition with the first public screening of all six films happening tomorrow at the Capitol Theater. As the filmmakers prepare for their opening night, they told 3News this process has taught them more about filmmaking and about our city.
"Think this project has really taught me that the film community here in Cleveland is really strong and very supportive."
The program helps keep filmmakers from Northeast Ohio in Northeast Ohio. A crucial piece for keeping creative filmmakers in the area.
"This is kind of opening my eyes to how big of a network it is in the Cleveland filmmaking space."
The 2023 Cleveland Indie Film Incubator Screening, hosted by Cleveland Camera Rental will be on November 29th at 7:00 PM at the historic Capitol Theatre located at 1390 W 65th St, Cleveland, OH 44102.
You can find more information about the event and featured films here.