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Meet Larry Laboe of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA)

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Laboe.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Larry. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles was founded in 2007. The organization exists to support, promote, connect and provide resources to emerging filmmakers all around the globe. We host monthly film festivals in Los Angeles throughout the year where the general public and industry professionals can attend to view works by up-and-coming filmmakers and connect with the cast and crew. The festivals host receptions with a full bar, music, screenings and Q&A’s.

Has it been a smooth road?
Running a non-profit organization always has its challenges. Overall, things have been very positive and we’re very proud of the filmmakers we’ve been able to support and the audiences we’ve been able to provide access to. Over the years there has been consistent validation that this organization is needed and very much appreciated by industry professionals, talent and LA residents. Our programs are very popular and well-attended. Our patrons keep coming back for more because the level of storytelling and artistry that we showcase is some of the most exciting available.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) story. Tell us more about the business.
NFMLA exists to help promote and connect global independent filmmakers. Our core program is a monthly film festival, held primarily in Downtown Los Angeles at the South Park Center. Our program differs from most film festival formats. The typical film festival is held on an annual basis for approximately 7-10 days and screens anywhere from 150-200 films. Instead, our festival is held one day per month, 12 months a year. On average, we showcase approximately 15 films per month or 180 films per year.

We’ve found that our model allows each filmmaker a more focused approach to a festival screening, providing them with more attention for promotion and relationship building. Instead of popping up once a year and going dark until the next edition, we’re always open and advocating for emerging storytellers, as well as providing continuous opportunities for those in LA who love indie movies to come to experience some of the most exciting new voices in the cinema!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The independent film industry has definitely seen some major disruption over the past 10 years. We’ve seen DVD distribution virtually disappear, the theatrical window shorten, crowdfunding spring up and budgets for indies shrink. On the other end of the spectrum, we’ve seen the episodic business boom, both in digital and traditional television. We see lots of opportunity for filmmakers in episodic but remain hopeful for cinema and the theatrical experience. There are many interesting models floating around which could be game changers for the indie marketplace, including companies such as MoviePass and Sinema.

Pricing:

  • $5 – Single program ticket to NFMLA Film Festival (includes admission to 1 program)
  • $15 – VIP all-access program ticket to NFMLA Film Festival (includes admission to 3 programs + open bar)
  • $75 – Single annual membership (includes access to over 36 programs + open bar for an entire year)
  • $100 – Dual annual membership (includes access to over 36 programs + open bar for an entire year for both you and a guest of your choice)
  • $35 – Student annual membership (includes access to over 36 programs + open bar for an entire year)

Contact Info:

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