
Upcoming Events

Camera vs. Character: Balancing Imagery & Performance with Michael Lucker
Join professional screenwriter and professor Michael Lucker (Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Mulan II, DreamWorks, Disney, Paramount) for an in-depth, 90-minute masterclass on crafting screenplays that are as visually striking as they are emotionally engaging.

Watch BLUR: A HuMech Story at Los Angeles Comic Con
CFA is proud to spotlight DK Greenley’s BLUR: A HuMech Story, an award-winning sci-fi thriller officially selected for the Los Angeles Comic Con Sci-Fi Screening Block. Catch the screening from 1–2 PM in Room 403B, then stay for a filmmaker panel moderated by actress Vera Vanguard at 4–5 PM.

CFA Film Challenge
Cinematography for Actors (CFA) is excited to announce its next Quarterly Film Challenge, taking place November 8 to 11, 2025! Over 72 action-packed hours, filmmakers will have the opportunity to craft unique short films with the support of CFA's extensive resources and community.

ISF Wrap Party
Join us as we celebrate the ISF cohort and toast to their incredible work! Connect with the CFA community, share stories, and enjoy an afternoon of networking and celebration.

ISF - The Next Step: Career Goals & Strategies (Virtual)
In the final ISF session, Yaroslav Altunin helps writers reflect, establish a writing routine, and set 3- and 6-month career goals beyond the cohort.

ISF - From Writing To Directing: When to Make Your Own Films (In-Person, Streamed Virtually)
Award-winning writer/director Jamie Parslow leads an in-person ISF seminar on making your own films and navigating the film festival circuit.

ISF - Navigating Creative Collaboration w/ special guest Andrew Lang (Virtual)
Creative Executive Andrew Lang joins Yaroslav Altunin for an ISF session on how scripts move from pitch to production through collaboration with directors and producers.

ISF - Representation and Competitions
A guest writer and industry rep lead this ISF session on agents, managers, and fellowships—helping writers navigate the business side of screenwriting in 2025.

NOT Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab August Submission Deadline
Cinematography for Actors (CFA) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2nd edition of the NOT Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab! Applications close August 11, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this program!

ISF - Structure & Genre (Virtual)
A guest writer leads this ISF session on screenplay structure, exploring the three-act model, alternatives, and workflow tools like outlines and beat sheets.

CFA 4th Film Challenge Wrap Up Party
Join us for the 4th Film Challenge Wrap Party on August 8th, 2025, from 6-9 PM to showcase your creations, connect with fellow filmmakers, and enjoy an evening of celebration and networking.

ISF - Seminar #2 (In-Person and Streamed Virtually)
In-person seminar held at the CFA Studio in Los Angeles taught by one of our industry mentors. Writers based in Los Angeles are encouraged to attend in person to connect with fellow writers and mentors. These seminars will also be streamed for ISF writers not based in LA.

CFA 4th Film Challenge
Cinematography for Actors (CFA) is excited to announce its 4th Quarterly Film Challenge, taking place August 1-4, 2025! Over 72 action-packed hours, filmmakers will have the opportunity to craft unique short films with the support of CFA's extensive resources and community.

ISF - The Action Block (Virtual)
Yaroslav Altunin leads an ISF session on writing cinematic action and movement, followed by a live workshop of writer-submitted pages.

A Big Night at CFA Studio — You’re Invited
On July 22, we’re unveiling something major. Join us for a night of music, celebration—and one very big announcement.

ISF – Writing Good Dialogue (Virtual)
Yaroslav Altunin leads an ISF session on writing subtext, unspoken tension, and natural dialogue—followed by a live workshop of writer-submitted pages.

ISF – Seminar #1 The Art of The Pitch Led by Jason Shuman
Jason Shuman leads an in-person ISF seminar on pitching, sharing insights from his work on Acapulco and years of industry experience.

ISF – How To Give A Note: How To Take A Note (Virtual)
This ISF session, led by Yaroslav Altunin, introduces writers to the fundamentals of giving and receiving notes, followed by a live workshop of new pages.

ISF – The First Meeting & The Logline (Virtual)
The first ISF cohort meeting, led by Yaroslav Altunin, kicks off the program with a deep dive into expectations, peer collaboration, and screenplay formatting basics. This session is by invitation only and exclusive to 2025 ISF Cohort members.

CFA x League of Filmmakers: Cinegear Eve Rooftop Party
Join CFA and League of Filmmakers for a Cinegear rooftop party with gear, DJs, and fellow filmmakers. RSVP required—see you there!

NOT WIP Lab Screening + Launch Party!
Join us for the very first NOT Work-in-Progress Lab on June 2nd at CFA Studio, 7:00–9:30 PM. This unique, curated event invites you to watch short films in development and give real feedback—just like a studio test screening. Limited seats available—RSVP here!

CFA Community Gets 50% Off Tickets to the 2025 Hollywood Climate Summit
Cinematography For Actors is proud to partner with the 2025 Hollywood Climate Summit, happening June 2–4 in Los Angeles and online. The Summit brings together storytellers across film, TV, music, and gaming to explore how creativity can drive real climate action. CFA community members receive 50% off tickets this year.

CFA 3rd Film Challenge Wrap Up Party
Celebrate the outstanding creativity and dedication of our filmmakers at the 3rd Quarterly Film Challenge Wrap Party! Join us on May 9th, 2025, from 6-10 PM for an exclusive showcase of the short films created during the challenge.
Connect with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals, enjoy special presentations from our event sponsors, and toast to the power of storytelling in a vibrant community setting. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of networking, inspiration, and celebration!

NOT Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab May Submission Deadline
Cinematography for Actors (CFA) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the May edition of the NOT Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab! This unique lab, running later this month, offers filmmakers the chance to receive structured feedback and professional insights to elevate their short films beyond the rough cut stage.
Applications close May 9, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this transformative feedback experience with CFA!

CFA 3rd Film Challenge
Cinematography for Actors (CFA) is thrilled to announce its 3rd Quarterly Film Challenge, happening May 1-4, 2025! This 72-hour creative whirlwind invites filmmakers to push their limits and produce standout short films with CFA’s industry support.
Celebrate your hard work and network with fellow creatives at the Wrap Party on May 8th, 2025, from 6-9 PM. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to showcase your talent and connect with the CFA community!

Sound Workshop with Nico Pierce
Join us April 22 for a hands-on Sound Workshop with Nico Pierce — covering mic techniques, boom placement, live mixing, and lav setup.

Join CFA at NAB Show 2025: Connect with Industry Pros & Save on Passes
Join Cinematography for Actors (CFA) either in person or virtually at the NAB Show, happening April 5-9, 2025 in Las Vegas! Discover the latest in media, entertainment, and technology while connecting with industry professionals. Stay tuned for updates on where to find us at the event and online. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and pass discounts.

Screenwriting 101 with Austin Bunn
Looking to write or refine your first short film script? Sundance-alum Austin Bunn, author of Short Film Screenwriting: A Craft Guide and Anthology, will guide you through the essentials of screenwriting structure in this FREE SESSION designed for actors and cinematographers looking to create award-winning shorts.
BONUS: Copies of Austin’s book will be available for purchase at the in-person event.
Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your storytelling skills—sign up now!

CFA Networking Night: Celebrating UNG Students in LA!
As we celebrate the University of North Georgia (UNG) film students exploring LA’s film scene, we’d love for you to help welcome them into the CFA community.
Join us for a CFA Networking Night at the studio! It’s the perfect chance to connect with fellow filmmakers, actors, and industry pros in a relaxed, creative setting.

Virtual DaVinci Resolve 101 with John Parenteau
Join us for a hands-on virtual workshop with John Parenteau, designed for anyone looking to sharpen their editing skills in DaVinci Resolve. Whether you're a beginner or need a refresher, this session will walk you through the essentials—from navigating the interface to mastering basic editing and color grading.
Don't miss this chance to level up your editing skills—secure your spot today!

Hands-on Lighting Workshop with Great Video Maker (GVM)
Join GVM Lighting In-Person Workshop!
Join our GVM Lighting Workshop at CFA Studio to explore affordable LED lighting solutions.
Workshop: 11 AM–3 PM PST, Networking: 3–4:30 PM PST.
Ideally, you can also join us virtually through this link!

Wrap Up Your Month at the CFA Café!
Visit us at the CFA Café! Whether you're here to network or dive into a project, we’ve got you covered. Grab your spot before it’s gone!

Exclusive Workshop: Film Festival Strategy with Katie Bignell of Festival Formula
We're excited to announce that Katie Bignell, Founder and Film Festival Strategist at Festival Formula, will join the CFA community for an exclusive virtual workshop.
Katie will share her expertise on the fundamentals of festival strategy, including submission processes and selecting the most suitable festivals for your films.