Hello  ✨ 

🇺🇸July🎇! We’ve made it through half of 2021, and what better way to celebrate the halfway mark than with a little highlight reel of all the things our wonderful community has done so far, has in the works, and is determined to change for the better in film and media! Here are our picks this edition🤍

• 🎞️ NEW PROJECT SPOTLIGHT 🎞️ "Motherland" by Ariana Martinez is a documentary that acts as a love letter to her mom’s heritage and Ecuadorian roots. Watch how she navigates her identity while beautifully capturing her culture.

• TW: How did YOU feel about “Promising Young Women?” There’s been a lot of discussion on who felt reflected in the storyline and who felt it missed the Feminist mark. Read Sophie H's exploration of “Promising Young Woman” through the lens of justice for victims of sexual assault and abuse and where the film connected and disconnected with these real-world issues.

• “I first started writing stories from a heterosexual perspective but over time I accepted myself and started writing more Queer stories and as I became more aware of Trans rights and Trans activism. Trans people often became the star of my stories. I'm no longer just telling stories but creating change in my community and showcasing Trans and GNC people in a more positive and accurate light.” - Giselle Ariel Bluez in her interview with TLL

• 🎞️ Do you want to watch more films by female and nonbinary filmmakers? We got your back! Find your new favorite indie creator here.

• Monday, what a concept. We’re taking you on a little TLL Time Loop! This first half of the year has gone by in a flash—here’s what we were watching back in January.

• Sitting on a killer horror story idea? Submit to Killer Shorts Screenwriting Contest, be sure to use code TLL50OFF for 50% off your submission fee! PS, there is no limit to the amount of times you may use this code. Share it with friends too!

• Are you crowdfunding on Seed&Spark? If you have a draft campaign created on the site, get a FREE 30-minute consultation with the best of the best! Our friends on the team are offering 1-on-1 call mentoring to folks in TLL community. Sign up now!

• 💸💸Discount time!! Soundstripe is a site for creators to find stock music, SFX, or stock video for their projects. Use our Soundstripe affiliate link or code THELIGHTLEAKS to get some $ off!

• Assistants in Hollywood are speaking out on social media about the industry’s gatekeeping via non living wages. As they fight on through contractual negotiations, industry writers are starting to stand with this community of script coordinators, writers assistants and other assistants.

• Stand-up comedian Jaboukie Young-White will be doing just that at HBO, adapting Vanessa R. Panfil’s book The Gang’s All Queer: The Lives of Gay Gang Members for TV. What’s more?✨Issa Rae✨is heading the project as executive producer. 

• We’re losing out on “Good Girls.”😭😭😭The drama series has been canceled after four seasons on NBC, and a move to Netflix is dead in the water. RIP to a real one.

• 🏆AWARDS ALERT🏆The initial voting phase is over, pencils are down and now we wait for Emmy nominations to be announced on July 13. Variety has their prediction on who might snag a nom (The Crown, Bridgerton and The Handmaid’s Tale, to name a few) — who’s on your short list?

• Let’s talk about forced perspective: Some of the most iconic films have worked with it, and anyone can learn to work with the unique visual elements the style offers! Curious about how to add it to your toolbox? Check out this tutorial on how to create the illusion. 

• Don’t forget! We’ve got a running list JUST FOR YOU, filled with film & TV creative opportunities, labs, fellowships, grants, and more. Bookmark it!

• Submissions open June 21 for Tanya Saracho’s Ojala Ignition Lab - this lab⁠ is to help writers to gain industry, all while developing a television pilot script from start to finish. This lab is for anyone who haven’t yet been staffed or whose careers have been stalled by repeating lower staffing levels, as well as storytellers from other disciplines who desire to enter the television space.

• Here at TLL, we value our community's needs and creative ideas. That's why we created The Light Leaks Feedback Form. Is there something you want to see more or less of from us? Submit your thoughts and let us know!

• Like what you see? Be sure to follow us on social for more highlights, more empowerment, and more education. Here's to spreading light! ✨