✨The Light Leaks | May Newsletter ✨

[Remember these messages are the only time we reach your inbox directly, so they’ll be longer messages. No spam, just the good stuff. Revisit it and bookmark any links in a tab for later!]

Welcome back to our monthly newsletter!  

As we embark into a new month, we're even more confident in the importance of our community as a platform and safe space. In an industry plagued by discrimination and systemic challenges, The Light Leaks isn't just a community—it's a lifeline.  

For seven years, we've been dedicated to providing opportunities for gender-diverse filmmakers to showcase their work, connect with peers, learn new skills, and more. But our work doesn't stop there. We must continue to come together to teach, celebrate, hire, and support each other.

Think about those moments that hit close to home—the frustration of hearing a qualified friend say they're getting paid less than their male colleague or the disappointment of seeing justice slip away with the overturning of Harvey Weinstein's #MeToo offenses in New York. These moments show us the importance of pushing forward together. So as we celebrate seven years of the Light Leaks shape a future where everyone has a seat at the table.

Voices in Focus - 7 Year Anniversary Recap

'Voices in Focus' was a beautiful morning of celebration and heartfelt conversations with our creative community. From enjoying brunch delights to the connection card game that delved deep into our filmmaking journeys, every moment was a testament to The Light Leaks’ incredible seven-year journey and those who have supported us.🩷 As a special memento, everyone received our new creative branding guide called "Crafting Your Story” (coming to the online store this summer) as well as gifts from Olipop and Seven Sundays Cereal. Want to relive the magic? Head to our blog to read more and see photos: Voices in Focus: 7-Year Anniversary RecapStay tuned for more videos capturing the voices of our filmmakers from this day, and don't forget to grab your exclusive Seven Sundays Cereal discount code for some tasty, sunflower-powered inspiration! 👀

We Are Banned from Tiktok :( Last week we woke up to see that our TikTok account had been permanently banned on the grounds of ‘authenticity and integrity’. Under these policies, what is described is malicious intent through conspiracy theories and misinformation. The Light Leaks do neither. The posts that provoked the ban were both graphics from our creative opportunities.We’ll keep you all updated as we try to gain access back to our accounts - and if anyone happens to have any connections to Tiktok, we welcome the help. This is a loss to us a small business that reaches our community via word of mouth and social media but regardless we’ll keep our heads high and continue fostering TLL. 

Join Us This Month: Upcoming TLL Events

Creative Power Hour: May 28 (Virtual, Free)

Did you enjoy Creative Power Hour last month? Every month you can TLL team member, Brielle W as she hosts our free digital coworking event. Save the date, our next session is on ✨May 28th! ✨ Get inspired, get productive, and connect with fellow creatives in our free virtual event.⁠ This event is ideal if you need some time to focus on a specific project and want to do so in an accountable but judgment-free space!

RSVP here

Are you ready to take your creative journey to the next level? We're thrilled to announce the launch of virtual and 1:1 consulting calls for creatives! Whether you're an individual seeking guidance or a brand looking to refine your digital strategy, we're here to empower you every step of the way.Led by our founder, Kim Hoyos—a filmmaker and digital strategist—you can choose a 30 min or 60 min call dedicated to a Creative Career Check-ups or a Digital Strategy and Social Media Consultation. 

• With experience working across production, digital, social impact, and event planning at MTV, mitu, NBC, and others, Kim is not only a seasoned filmmaker but also a digital strategist with a passion for creative organization.

Our goal? To provide you with the direction, resources, and judgment-free space you need to tackle your creative goals head-on. We’re offering these calls on an ongoing basis, if you have any questions - please reach out! Book your call here!

• Introducing #CrowdfundingFriday: Join us every Friday on Instagram (@The_LightLeaks) as we showcase independent creatives! Spread the word and encourage your friends to submit via IG DM to be featured. Let's grow support for the next generation of talent together!

• In Film Nerd Moment, we cover the positive impact of diversity behind the camera. Let's champion equal opportunities in Hollywood and pave the way for a more inclusive industry!

Shop TLL

• Feeling overwhelmed by hustle culture? Us too. That's why we created this guide—with love and intention, by creatives, for creatives. It's your personalized roadmap for professional and creative development, focusing on intentional steps and self-appreciation.  For just $3, with instant download available, this guide is your friendly companion on your creative journey. Let's celebrate your wins, big and small, together! LEARN MORE

• Hey there, loyal subscribers! As a token of our appreciation for your continued support, we're excited to offer you an exclusive discount. Use code TYFORSUBSCRIBING at checkout to enjoy 15% off all items on our online store, including events!

Creative Opportunities Highlights

🎬 Seeking grants and funding opportunities tailored for women, nonbinary filmmakers, and BIPOC artists? Look no further! Explore our 'Creative Opportunities' page for a curated selection of grants, projects, and resources designed to support diverse voices in the industry. Save the link and empower your filmmaking journey today!

Visit TheLightLeaks.com/creative-opportunities to learn more!

The Light Leaks Collaborations

Looking for high-quality music and sound effects for your next film project? Look no further! Check out Soundstripe their huge library of assets are perfect to enhance your videos for social or commercial projects. Use THELIGHTLEAKS at checkout to get a discount off your plan!BTW creatives, we love this site because you can cancel anytime and there’s no monthly agreement! And the plans are affordable!

As our super special email subscribers, we're thrilled to share some exciting developments brewing at TLL with you first.Here's a sneak peek at what's on the horizon:

1. Get ready for a revamped Patreon experience! Simplified tiers, exclusive TLL videos, early access to content, and more are on the horizon. We can't wait to spill all the details soon!

2. Exciting news! We're developing motel keychains for our online store, featuring unique sayings and potentially personalized names. Got any clever ideas? We're all ears! EX: 

3. We're planning a June meetup in NY for Pride/Tribeca Film Festival—stay tuned for more info!

4. Seeking to elevate your online presence? Prepare for the launch of "Crafting Your Story Online," our upcoming creative branding guide designed to help you shine authentically in the digital realm.

Thanks for sticking along to read this email and for supporting the Light Leaks. We can’t wait to keep bringing new events, content and more to our community!

With love,The Light Leaks Team

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