IFA Chicago
2024 Program Overview

At The Table

Produced in partnership with SAG-AFTRA Chicago, this initiative pairs completed scripts with professional actors for a table read and curated feedback session. This is especially valuable for projects in the process of finding investors and exploring casting possibilities. Only member projects will be considered for selection; the event itself is open to the public.

Image: At The Table event featuring “Three Hours” by Aemilia Scott in 2020. SAG actors pictured here are Jaye Ladymore, Rio Lewis, and Adam Brown.

The Business of Filmmaking

IFA Chicago is committed to providing the business knowledge, mentorship, and resources to make independent filmmaking a sustainable career. The “Business of Filmmaking” program empowers independent producers with the knowledge they need to create high-quality, commercially viable, and financially successful projects. Speakers and topics will be announced on a regular basis. Open to the public and free for members.

Creative Inclusion Internship

The Creative Inclusion Internship is a paid opportunity for individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. This is ideal for entry-level creatives or filmmakers who are looking to move their creative work forward with a flexible schedule to support those efforts. In addition to administrative support, interns receive accountability, mentorship, and industry connections to advance a specific creative project. Applications are accepted on an annual basis, typically in the first quarter of each year.

In Focus with….

Formerly Executive Talks. A series of intimate conversations with nationally-known, independent filmmakers, producers, and entrepreneurs. Designed to cultivate knowledge, transparency, and insight into the business and entrepreneurial nature of filmmaking. Followed by a local Producer’s Meet Up and networking hour. Open to the public and free for members.

Previous guests have included Academy-Award nominees Peter Saraf and Diane Quon, director/writer/producer George Tillman Jr., writer/director Sam Bailey, television director Daniel Willis, director Kris Rey, and others.

Image: George Tillman Jr in virtual conversation with Creative Cabinet Member and Co-Founder of The TRiiBE, Morgan Elise Johnson in 2021.

Fiscal Sponsorship

IFA Chicago serves as a non-profit entity for projects seeking charitable donations for member projects.

To learn more, review the criteria and apply, click here.

To view and support our current projects, click here.

Fireside Chats

In partnership with Candidly Connecting and expert Khalilah Lyons, Fireside Chats bring together filmmakers and entrepreneurs for discussions on how to create more diverse and inclusive film sets and company cultures. Participants walk away with tangible takeaways to implement in their own projects.

Leadership for Creatives

Specifically curated for independent producers, department heads, and entrepreneurs, this seminar series teaches the managerial and communication skills necessary to lead a team. Areas of focus include leadership training, communication, diversity, equity, inclusion, conflict mediation, listening skills, supporting the creative process, the art of networking and others. Speakers and topics will be announced on a regular basis. Members only.

Magic Hour

Our annual fundraiser celebrating the vision, diversity, and innovation of Chicago’s film creatives. Join 400+ fellow film professionals and fans for a magical evening of dancing, entertainment, unique silent auction, and networking with who’s who in Chicago’s film and television scene.

Previous honorees have included writer, director, actor McKenzie Chinn and former President of Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Alex Pissios.

Member Meetups

A chance for IFA members to share project updates, resources and job opportunities, and build their professional network. The first half of each meeting focuses on a different aspect of the filmmaking process, and features a local industry expert to kick off the festivities.

Member Screenings

Selected member projects are screened for a wide audience, followed by a moderated Q&A with the filmmaker and networking hour. We feature rough cuts with audience feedback sessions, project premieres, and member showcases. Audiences are curated in partnership with the filmmaker(s) and are often open to the public.

Rise n’ Shine

A networking brunch for women-identifying and non-binary filmmakers produced in partnership with Mezcla Media Collective and other local organizations to foster diversity, inclusion, and support. Delicious cocktails, mocktails, and snacks (often in the form of pancakes) are always present.

Open to the public and free for members.

Image: Rise n’ Shine in-person meet up in December of 2021 at IFA Offices.

The Hub

Our flagship community building program, we offer affordable private and shared office and event space, including an 80-seat screening theater, conference room, and beautiful kitchen and lounge right in the center of  Cinespace Film Studios. It’s the perfect space to work,  meet and network with fellow content creatives. Membership included.

1 to 1

Industry professionals, who are also members of our staff and Creative Cabinet, open their doors to meet 1-on-1 with filmmakers to discuss projects and/or professional development. Meetings are available during weekly office hours. Members only.

PREVIOUS Community Initiatives

Producer’s Survey

We believe that independent producers are integral to the core of IFA’s mission, and feel that it is important to understand the specific needs of Chicago’s independent producers in order to further customize our resources and programming. This led us to develop and launch the Chicago Producer Survey in February 2021. The survey, completed by 110 producers, was open to Chicago-based producers working in all mediums and formats. The questions asked related to producers' affinity for the position, their understanding of the different facets of producing, level of experience, obstacles, areas for possible impact and demographic information.

We presented the data to over 40 producers at a virtual town hall. The resulting report provides an analysis of Chicago’s producers from three angles: who they are, what they know and what they need. Check it out here.

Creativity + Wellness Survey with OTV

In 2021, IFA partnered with OTV and Northwestern University to launch the Creativity and Wellness in the Chicago Film Community Survey. These insights will help guide IFA and others in promoting healthy work spaces and inclusivity throughout the industry. Check out the results here.

Chicago Media Standards

A legally-vetted guide to creating safe workspaces free from sexual harassment and discrimination, created in partnership with many organizations in Chicago in 2017.  To learn more, download the Standards, and support the cause here.

Indie Film Town Hall

A virtual convening of Chicago’s independent film and media-making community to discuss the challenges that face our industry and actions we are taking in support of each other and Chicago-area creators in these difficult times. In partnership with Cinema / Chicago during the first year of the pandemic. This is not currently an active program.

Pitch-A-Thon

Produced in partnership with SeriesFest and SecondCity in 2022, this event gave comedic independent creators the opportunity to participate in an exclusive live pitch session with top television, new media and digital executives. All selected projects received pitch mentorship and live feedback; the winning pitch received continued industry mentorship, passes to SeriesFest, and a cash prize.