Screen Presence Event Series 2026

You don’t need a finished script or prior experience — just an idea you care about.

While the pathway supports filmmakers beginning new projects, the sessions are designed to be useful to practitioners at any stage — whether you are starting, collaborating, or looking for new voices to work with.

The first half of the Screen Presence 2026 program is designed as a connected pathway — two three-part series that help filmmakers move from ideas into real work, with each session building momentum and clarity along the way.

The From Idea to Screen series grew out of a question we hear almost every week:

“I’ve written the script — where do I actually start?”

Rather than answering that one-on-one, we’re creating a shared space where filmmakers can learn from lived experience, exchange practical steps, and find collaborators within the community.

You’ve written a script — here’s where you actually start. The pathway begins 26 February. Book your place: www.trybooking.com/DJCGX

Each session stands alone — come to one or follow the whole journey. Industry guests and practitioners regularly attend individual sessions. Together, the program reflects how work actually moves: from self-initiated making, to clarity, to articulating a project, and finally presenting it publicly with community and industry support.

FROM IDEA TO SCREEN

Running on Thursday nights at 7pm-9:30pm on February 26, March 19 and April 30…

From Idea to Screen focuses on momentum, permission and simply getting the work to exist.

1. Making a Short Film with (Almost) No Budget

How to start before you feel ready — using what you already have.

This session focuses on removing the biggest barrier filmmakers feel — waiting for permission. Our speakers share how they made their first shorts using limited resources and community support.

You’ll leave with practical ways to start immediately and a clearer understanding of what a “first film” actually needs to be.

Tickets $20 www.trybooking.com/DJCGX

2. Building Momentum Through Crowdfunding with Ravi Chand

Turning a private idea into a project other people can support.

Once a project exists, the next challenge is proving it has an audience.

This session explores crowdfunding as a momentum tool — not just raising money, but activating community, testing your idea publicly and building early supporters. We’ll cover how campaigns work, what makes people contribute, and how filmmakers manage the emotional and time demands of running one.

You’ll leave understanding how to turn a private idea into a supported project.

More about Ravi at warriortribefilms.com/ravi-chand

Tickets $20 www.trybooking.com/DJSBE

3. Navigating Short Film Funding Pathways

Understanding where funding fits, and how a short film opens doors.

After momentum comes structure.

This session breaks down how filmmakers move from self-initiated work into formal funding. We’ll discuss grant pathways, what assessors actually look for, and how a short film can strategically lead toward future projects.

You’ll leave with a realistic view of funding options and how to position your project within them.

Tickets $20  www.trybooking.com/DJSCW

FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN

Running on Thursday nights at 7pm-9:30pm in May, June and July (dates to be announced)..

From Script to Screen shifts to commitment and articulation, supporting filmmakers ready to move one project forward.

4. Writing Achievable Short Films

Designing a story you can actually produce, not just imagine.

Now the focus shifts from making anything to making something deliberate.

This session looks at writing short films that can actually be produced — designing scripts around accessible locations, manageable cast sizes and practical budgets without losing creative ambition.

You’ll leave with tools to reshape an idea into a producible project.

5. Pitching Short Film Ideas

Learning to clearly explain your project so others can join it.

A project moves forward when other people understand it.

This session explores how to clearly communicate your film — to collaborators, funders and partners. We’ll cover what a pitch needs, how to articulate tone and intention, and why clarity matters more than performance.

You’ll leave able to confidently explain your project and invite others into it. This session prepares filmmakers for presenting their projects publicly at the MCBA Script Pitch Competition, the final step of the pathway.

6. MCBA Script Pitch Competition

Presenting your film publicly and beginning real industry conversations.

This is where the pathway lands.

Selected filmmakers will share their projects in front of industry guests and the Screen Presence community. The evening focuses on the moment a private idea becomes something you can share, invite collaborators into, and begin building for production.

For the audience, it’s also the full circle: watching how a project grows from an early spark into a piece of work ready to exist in the world.

The winning filmmaker receives a $500 cash prize and ongoing support from a Screen Presence mentor.