What an incredible time AWD South had at this year’s BronzeLens Film Festival! It was a delight to witness AWD Directing Member Ebony Blanding win the BronzeLens Georgia Filmmaker of the Year Award! Congratulations on a much-deserved honor.
The energy, the films, and the conversations at BronzeLens were truly inspiring. It was wonderful connecting with so many talented creatives, celebrating diverse voices, and being part of such a vibrant community.
A big thank you to everyone who joined AWD South and made the experience unforgettable—we left feeling motivated, encouraged, and proud to be part of such a powerful network of storytellers.
Until next year, BronzeLens—you were amazing! 🎬💫
*Award photo by Daniel Morris
AWD visited the Zeiss cinema lens showroom in Los Angeles for an in-depth, hands-on workshop led by David Warner. Attendees learned about the history and craft development behind Zeiss optics, their anti-reflective T* coating (multilayer coating allows for maximum light transmission and low susceptibility to reflections), the unique look of the Supreme Prime Radiance lenses and how their warm feel and blue flares compare and compete with classic vintage glass. AWD Directors also got a closer look at the legendary Master Primes (the first lenses designed without focus breathing—and saw live demonstrations of breathing when focus is racked), as well as the cp3 line. In the test bay, attendees mounted and tested various lenses and in the projection room learned how to check lenses with image circles for exposure and focus falloff.
The session wrapped up with plenty of knowledge shared (along with some Zeiss hats and stickers to take home). Huge thanks to David Warner and Emily Miele at Zeiss for guiding us through such an insightful and inspiring day! AWD Directing Members can check their Member Center for information on AWD’s lens loan program with Zeiss.
AWD partnered with Roadmap Writers for a three-part virtual pitching series hosted by Jaime Kawamoto (Roadmap) and Kylie Eaton (AWD). Across three sessions—Comedy, Genre, and Drama—over 30 Roadmap Success Story writers pitched original projects live to AWD’s directing members.
Each writer shared a five-minute pitch followed by Q&A, creating opportunities for AWD Directors to discover new voices, connect with repped screenwriters, and spark potential collaborations. Over 50 new connections were made between AWD Directors and Roadmap Writers!
Thank you to all the talented writers who pitched, and to our members who joined us for these dynamic sessions!
AWD hosted guest speakers from the ACLU and Tahirih Justice Center, who important information on rights for immigrants and first amendment rights.
Attendees were able to ask both general and personalized questions. A recording of part of the discussion will be available in the Member Center.
In this informative workshops, AWD Members gained key insights from Chiquita Banks, Esq. on how to stretch their budgets, including: How state tax credits work and which expenses qualify; Tips for maximizing rebates through timing and proper documentation; Strategies for planning productions in incentive-friendly states.
CPA Matt Watkins down the following: Not all insurance is the same—know what covers your shoot; One accident can stop production in its tracks (and drain your budget); Getting coverage early protects your crew, your gear, and your vision.
Bottom line: insurance isn’t extra—it’s essential.
Participants of this lively discussion gained invaluable insights into creating and pitching a successful series including:
Proof of Concept Matters: Terri shared how developing a strong proof of concept can capture attention and secure opportunities for a full series.
Pitching with Clarity: Attendees learned techniques for pitching a show, including presenting the vision, tone, and character dynamics effectively.
Collaborative Storytelling: Niya Palmer and Jade Novah highlighted the importance of working closely with writers, directors, and actors to bring authenticity and humor to the story.
August’s Social Sunday was hosted virtually by AWD Board Members Maria Valdez and Jan Johnson Goldberger. The intimate conversation included discussions about prioritizing one’s mental health in times of uncertainty and ideas on how our members can feel empowered. The attendees talked about focusing on what’s in your control
as well as taking time to celebrate the big and small wins. Resources of non-profits were also shared.
Huge thanks to Katie Bignell, Founder of Festival Formula, for leading an essential workshop on navigating the film festival circuit. Katie emphasized the importance of building a strategic festival plan based on your short’s genre, target audience, and the specific attributes that make it stand out. She also reminded directors that patience is key—a festival run can last two years or more, and it’s normal not to be accepted right away.
The workshop covered how to identify red flags from less reputable festivals and best practices for submissions, giving directors concrete tools to save time, money, and stress while finding the right festivals—and the right audience—for their films.
The Works in Progress Program’s August event featured a TECH TALK with the latest AI tool for video creation from Lightricks Senior Account Executive Josh Pasternak. Members were awed and fascinated by the video and dialogue integration capabilities. VIEW A DEMO HERE.
After the Tech Talk, two short works in progress were screened by AWD members Imole Lapido and Sandy Parker. Both female-focused, mind-bending films impressed members by their high production value and storytelling. Jessica Silvetti wrapped up the program with her impressive Director’s Reel.
AWD members joined us for an eye-opening session with TheGreenShot, a software designed to track and reduce the carbon footprint of film and TV productions. The demo showed how the app streamlines an often complex process, helping to seamlessly bring sustainability into every production.
We’re excited to continue educating our membership on how to make productions more sustainable — and to highlight tools that help directors lead with both creativity and responsibility.
Directing Members can check their Member Center for the recording.