A word of welcome from SAGindie’s two newest employees, Amanda LaFranco and Colin McCormack…
FROM AMANDA:
The shoes I’ve gotta fill…
Ellen left a pretty big legacy here at SAGindie, and I’m only just realizing how much of a challenge living up to her reputation is going to be; to put in comparison, it’s like when Russell took over for Auerbach. However, I love what SAGindie offers to filmmakers and I am effused to be able to help connect producers with actors, and to get those on-screen gems we call “indie films” made. Whether your style is Fruitvale Station, Napoleon Dynamite, or even Eraserhead, I’m here to help! Though I may be stuck in an office all day, I’m metaphorically on the front lines with you – so I will be slogging through those thick contracts to find the answers you need.
I’m a Jersey girl born and raised (yes I love Bruce Springsteen), who has finally settled in Los Angeles after a series of grand adventures in Boston. I’m obsessed with the films and themes explored in 1970s cinema from Jaws to Two-Lane Blacktop. However, any time a theater is showing the venerable classics Star Wars, The Princess Bride, or When Harry Met Sally… trust me, I’m there. After seeing my own film come to life on screen I realized I never want to stop creating, so I make a conscious effort to capture my wildest imagination on a page every day.
Personal bragging rights include: running with the bulls in San Fermin (thankfully still in one piece), racing Astons with the Queen from Geneva to Brussels (she was on holiday), and sipping whiskey at the base of Kilimanjaro with Hemingway (that’s a story for another time).
But enough about me, let’s talk about your project and how SAG-AFTRA’s low-budget contracts can help it become a reality.
FROM COLIN:
Hey there, how’s it going? You alright? My name is Colin and I’m the new guy – or “the new Will” – taking over the proverbial internet reins for SAGindie. Don’t worry, I’ll grow on you like fine wine (is that a saying?). I’m here to help get the word out about SAG-AFTRA’s low-budget agreements on the interweb and via (when absolutely necessary) personal interaction.
But don’t fret if you happen to be a pale, hunchbacked writerly type like me. You can keep up to date on SAGindie news, events, interviews, and other fun stuff through our blog, newsletter, Twitter, or Facebook – all from the comfort of that corner in your living room you call your “home office.” I urge you to stay tuned for some exciting developments, as we will be giving the website a facelift in the coming months (though this being Hollywood, we’ll likely attribute the new look to “resting” and “drinking lots of water”).
Originally hailing from the Detroit area, I moved to LA just before Michigan started its filmmaker tax incentives. Since those tax credits did not alleviate five months worth of snow, I decided to stay on the West Coast. I’m fascinated by the creative development process, and get excited/jealous when I read about great “why didn’t I think of that?” movie ideas. I’ve written a few movies, which are all still toiling in good ol’ development. If forced to pick some favorite films, I’d have to include a double-feature of The Graduate and Harold and Maude, though I also have a particular affinity for 1980s comedies (Tootsie, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, and Heathers among the obvious greats).
I’m thrilled to be a part of SAGindie and look forward to lending my support to those courageous souls known as independent filmmakers.