Letter From The Editor
WELCOME READERS
October brings a mix of Hollywood tradition, red-carpet glamour, and inspiring stories. We open with a feature on Santoro’s Submarine Sandwiches, a Burbank landmark that has been serving generations of locals and studio crews for nearly 70 years. From its signature Italian cold cut to its role in the community, Santoro’s proves that loyalty and simplicity never go out of style.
We then turn to the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, spotlighting this year’s biggest winners, standout performances, and unforgettable moments that continue to shape television’s golden age.
Fashion fans will enjoy an inside look at designer Jack Sivan’s solo New York Fashion Week debut, where the SIVAN Boulevard collection brought the rhythm and diversity of New York streets to the runway. Actress Charlotte Kirk also shares her journey in the upcoming erotic thriller Compulsion, discussing her creative process, inspirations, and the challenges of pushing boundaries on screen.
Beyond the spotlight, we explore opportunities for writers with a guide to publishers across the U.S. and Canada, and we highlight the philanthropic vision of Keri Anne Kimball, whose work bridges entertainment, nonprofit leadership, and community impact.
From classic sandwich shops to couture fashion, award shows to groundbreaking film, this issue captures the energy, passion, and creativity that define Hollywood today.
Prather
Publisher
New Upcoming Releases
New Upcoming Releases
On a Roll Since 1956: The Santoro’s Playbook for Staying Power
A stubbornly simple menu, cult-favorite condiments and a community that keeps coming back for more.
By Kathleen Castagnoli
Just a stone’s throw from Warner’s Brothers studios, just 4 blocks from the 5 freeway, sits one of the city’s tastiest institutions: Santoro’s Submarine Sandwiches.
“How long you been coming here?” Longtime owner Sal Palilla asks a patron sitting at one of the metal patio tables outside the shop.
“Gosh, it’s got to be at least 30 years. It’s the best.”
Burbank Boulevard has been home to Santoro’s for nearly 70 years. During that time, not much has changed — from the shop’s frontage signs to what it’s most famous for: the Italian cold cut sandwich.
“All of our sandwiches come on the same Italian roll we’ve had for the last 69 years,” says Palilla, who purchased Santoro’s from the Santoro family almost 30 years ago. “We purposely don’t try to add too much because if you’ve been a customer here for a very long time, it’s one of those places where you want to go and have what you’re familiar with.
Richard Santoro and Sal Palilla in 1996
Secret Sauce of the Valley
What brings in studio execs, celebrities, city leaders, high school teams and generations of Burbank locals?
It’s the condiments — a signature chopped mix of pickle, onions, tomatoes, seasoning and olive oil popularly referred to as the “Valley relish.”
Customers rave about this tangy blend, whose scent hits you the moment you walk through the door. Sometimes, you’ll catch it on set, too — Santoro’s has catered for numerous Burbank studios and productions over the years, delivering not only cold cuts but hot pastrami, meatballs and Italian sausage.
“I’ll serve 100 people on set and maybe talk to someone, hand them a card,” Palilla says. “The next time they come in, I usually ask if it’s their first time here, and they’ll say yes, but you came to our set and catered this event for us.”
If you’ve ever watched a blockbuster or sitcom or filmed in the LA area over the past 69 years, chances are someone in the crew was eating a Santoro’s sub between takes. It’s not unusual for the shop to get last-minute orders for dozens of sandwiches headed straight to Warner Bros. or Disney.
“That’s the fun part,” Palilla says. “You’ll have these huge productions, and then someone from the crew comes back later with their family because they liked the food so much.”
From 3-Foot Subs to Cannolis
Santoro’s is looking to expand catering think office lunches, birthday parties, Super Bowl spreads, fundraising events, baby and bridal showers, even weddings. Customers can order 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-foot subs with chips and salads, trays of meatballs, sausage, and pastrami trays, fruit platers, meat and
cheese platers, sandwich platers, or one of the Owner’s Favorites combos, named after original owner Pat Santoro, his son Richard and Palilla himself.
One constant? “There’s no lettuce in any of our sandwiches,” Palilla says. “I visited the original location back East in February, and it’s still the same.”
Santoro’s roots trace back to Massachusetts. When Pat Santoro grew tired of the brutal winters, he moved to sunny California and opened Santoro’s in 1956 just down the boulevard from its current location at 1423 W. Burbank Blvd.
“The old location was right across from the entrance of Lockheed Martin, the largest employer in Burbank at the time,” Palilla says.
“Back then, there was no McDonald’s, no Burger King, no fast food around. We were right there, so we’d stay open during all three of Lockheed’s shifts to catch everyone.”
At the time, Burbank was still more aerospace than entertainment. Hungry engineers and mechanics on their breaks lined up outside Santoro’s for hearty subs — fuel for the workers building the planes and rockets that helped define America’s mid-century identity.
By the 1970s, as aerospace downsized and the entertainment industry surged, Santoro’s clientele and location shifted. Studio executives, sitcom writers and grips began to fill the tables once packed with Lockheed workers at the location where Santoro’s still stands today.
And yet, the shop’s simple menu never changed.
Loyalty in Every Bite
While the Valley has transformed since those days, Santoro’s has stood the test of time with its original sandwich menu and, as Palilla proudly notes, “the same meat guy, the same sausage guy and the same produce guy for 40 years.”
“We try to be loyal because our customers are loyal,” he says. “And you get loyalty by having a consistent product and not gouging people, right? People know what they want.”
Still, a few additions have made their way onto the menu: a chicken salad sandwich, a roasted turkey sandwich, two new salads and cannolis with shells imported from Sicily.
“I’d say ours are on par with any cannoli in the Valley,” Palilla says.
The biggest change? Condiments.
“Thirty years ago, we’d go through two gallons of mayo a week. Now we go through one a day,” he says. “The younger crowd, they want the sauces and the spreads. We don’t put vinegar on because of the pickles, and because we want you to taste the quality of the meats and cheese, as opposed to masking it with an Italian dressing.”
No Wheat, No Swiss, No Lettuce
Ordering at Santoro’s isn’t quite like most places. The person who takes your order is the same one making your sandwich and ringing you up, so you can watch it being built in real time.
“I think that’s what gives [Santoro’s] that comfortable, familiar feeling, and people like that,” Palilla says. He also admits there are certain requests that never fly.
“You know it’s going to be a bad day when someone comes in and says, do you have gluten-free bread? Do you have wheat bread? Nope. Or can I get Swiss cheese? We only serve Provolone. Then they ask for lettuce, and when you say no, they say, great, I’ll take some Italian dressing. You just know they’re never going to be happy with that sandwich,” he says with a laugh.
“Usually if it’s someone I can joke with, I’ll ask them, can you get a hot dog at McDonald’s? When they say no, I say, well, you can’t get wheat bread. It’s just not what we do.”
Asked if Santoro’s belongs alongside iconic Los Angeles food spots like Pink’s, Philippe the Original and Canter’s Deli, Palilla doesn’t hesitate.
“Seventy years is a long time, and unless you put out a good product and give good service, you’re not going to be around. It’s not going to happen. So, yeah, we are part of the food culture.”
Like those other institutions, Santoro’s has
“That’s when you realize it all means something.”
achieved something rare: becoming both timeless and beloved across generations.
More Than a Sandwich Shop
The shop is also deeply woven into the local community.
“When these kids from the high school come in and ask, can you donate? I donate,” Palilla says. “Sometimes, I double donate, because that’s what we do. You go to all the high schools, see my banners hanging up there, because we are part of the community.”
Generations of families have walked through Santoro’s doors — sometimes together. There’s a favorite story Palilla loves to tell:
“This older couple comes in on Valentine’s Day, they were in their 70s. I was razzing the husband a bit about being a big spender, right? It’s a sandwich shop. And his wife says, with a tear in her eye, that their very first date was at Santoro’s. That’s when you realize it all means something. We deal with stars, but we’re still a small town with that small town feel.”
Even Santoro’s employees are part of that legacy. Many stay for years, often until their career path takes them elsewhere.
“I tell them, this is a job you’re going to have until you get your career. There’s no reason to go any place else — you’re not going to make more money, and you’re not going to have the freedom you have here,” Palilla says.
Regulars often ask about former employees by name. “When employees leave, customers will ask, what happened to Sally? What happened to Carrie? What happened to John? I tell them, well, they got a job at so-and-so.”
Palilla’s own seven children have all worked in the shop at one time or another. He says owning Santoro’s has even helped him put all of them through college.
“It’s a lot of fun and I enjoy my customers,” he says. “There’s always a story, and I want to hear it. When they sit outside, I’ll go out and they often invite me to sit with them. It’s fun. What a great tradition.”
Still Serving After 70 Years
Customers travel from Orange County, Lancaster, even Las Vegas to get a taste of Santoro’s. Some even take sandwiches to the Burbank Airport.
“I can’t tell you how many people take our sandwiches on flights — you wouldn’t believe it,”
Palilla says.
After sampling Santoro’s hot pastrami, sausage and meatball sandwiches — and, of course, taking home a classic Italian cold cut with the legendary condiments — it’s easy to see why the shop has thrived for seven decades.
When asked how Santoro’s will mark this significant milestone in November, Palilla says, “We’ll probably sell sandwiches, chips, and a drink for $7.”
Better line up early. On the 50th anniversary, the shop sold sandwiches for 50 cents, and the line wrapped the block. As for the future?
“Whenever the time comes, I think whoever takes over is going to be a good steward,” Palilla says. “Because there’s a legacy here. It’s one of the main reasons I did this — there’s just not many places with a legacy like this.”
If You Go
Santoro’s Submarine Sandwiches
1423 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA (818) 848-8888
Hours: Mon–Sat 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun closed santorossubs.com
Order online for pick up or delivery at ChowNow, GrubHub or DoorDash.
Must-Try: The Italian Cold Cut on that signature roll, topped with Santoro’s special condiments.
Runner-Up Favorites: Hot pastrami, meatball sub, Italian sausage.
Sweet Finish: Cannoli — shells imported straight from Sicily.
Good to Know:
Don’t ask for lettuce, Swiss cheese or wheat bread. You won’t get it.
Catering options range from 3-foot to 6-foot subs — perfect for game days, birthday parties or even weddings.
Order early if you’re planning a big event. The 6-footers are showstoppers.
Parking is limited, but the sandwiches are worth the squeeze.
Original Owner Pat Santoro
Since 1956, SANTORO’s has provided the highest quality catering fresh-baked bread, top quality meats, freshly diced vegetables, and our ledendary Santoro’s blend of spices and oil to the studio and film production industry.
Hot Meals
Choice of entrees: Pastrami - Meatball - Sausage - Vegetarian
Large Subs
(Must order by 2pm day before)
3ft - feeds 15-20 | 5ft - feeds 25-30
4ft - feeds 20-25 | 6ft - feeds 30-35
Sides: Salads
Potato - Macaroni - Pasta
Caesar - Coleslaw
Soups
Clam Chowder - Potato Chowder
Minestrone - Chicken Noodle - Chicken Rice
Tomato & Roasted Pepper
77TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
77TH Emmy Awards WINNERS & NOMINEES
Outstanding Comedy Series
Winner
The Studio Nominees
Abbott Elementary
The Bear Hacks
Nobody Wants This Only Murders In The Building Shrinking
What We Do In The Shadows
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Winner
Seth Rogen - The Studio Nominees
Adam Brody - Nobody Wants
Jason Segel - Shrinking
Martin Short - Only Murders In The Building
Jeremy Allen White - The Bear
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Winner
Jean Smart - Hacks Nominees
Uzo Aduba - The Residence
Kristen Bell - Nobody Wants This
Quinta Brunson - Abbott Elementary
Ayo Edebiri - The Bear
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Winner
Jeff Hiller - Somebody Somewhere Nominees
Ike Barinholtz - The Studio
Colman Domingo - The Four Seasons
Harrison Ford - Shrinking
Ebon Moss-Bachrach - The Bear
Cont.
Michael Urie - Shrinking
Bowen Yang - Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Winner
Hannah Einbinder - Hacks Nominees
Liza Colón-Zayas - The Bear
Kathryn Hahn - The Studio
Janelle James - Abbott Elementary
Catherine O’Hara - The Studio
Sheryl Lee Ralph - Abbott Elementary
Jessica Williams - Shrinking
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series
Winner
Bryan Cranston - The Studio Nominees
Jon Bernthal - The Bear
Dave Franco - The Studio
Ron Howard - The Studio
Anthony Mackie - The Studio
Martin Scorsese - The Studio
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
Winner
Julianne Nicholson - Hacks Nominees
Olivia Colman - The Bear
Jamie Lee Curtis - The Bear
Cynthia Erivo - Poker Face
Robby Hoffman - Hacks
Zoë Kravitz - The Studio
Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
Winner
The Studio Nominees
The Bear Hacks
Mid-Century Modern
The Rehearsal
Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
Winner
The Studio Nominees
Abbott Elementary
Hacks
The Rehearsal
Somebody Somewhere
What We Do In The Shadows
Outstanding Drama Series
Winner
The Pitt Nominees
Andor
The Diplomat
The Last Of Us
Paradise
Severance
Slow Horses
The White Lotus
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Winner
Noah Wyle - The Pitt Nominees
Sterling K. Brown - Paradise
Gary Oldman - Slow Horses
Pedro Pascal - The Last Of Us
Adam Scott - Severance
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Winner
Britt Lower - Severance Nominees
Kathy Bates - Matlock
Sharon Horgan - Bad Sisters
Bella Ramsey - The Last Of Us
Keri Russell - The Diplomat
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Winner
Tramell Tillman - Severance Nominees
Zach Cherry - Severance
Walton Goggins - The White Lotus
Jason Isaacs - The White Lotus
James Marsden - Paradise
Sam Rockwell - The White Lotus
John Turturro - Severance
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Winner
Katherine LaNasa - The Pitt Nominees
Patricia Arquette - Severance
Carrie Coon - The White Lotus
Julianne Nicholson - Paradise
Parker Posey - The White Lotus
Natasha Rothwell - The White Lotus
Aimee Lou Wood - The White Lotus
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series
Winner
Shawn Hatosy - The Pitt Nominees
Giancarlo Esposito - The Boys
Scott Glenn - The White Lotus
Joe Pantoliano - The Last of Us
Forest Whitaker - Andor
Jeffrey Wright - The Last of Us
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series
Winner
Merritt Wever - Severance
Nominees
Jane Alexander - Severance
Gwendoline Christie - Severance
Kaitlyn Dever - The Last of Us
Cherry Jones - The Handmaid’s Tale
Catherine O’Hara - The Last of Us
Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series
Winner Slow Horses
Nominees
Andor
The Pitt
Severance
The White Lotus
Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series
Winner
Andor
Nominees
The Pitt
Severance
Slow Horses
The White Lotus
Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series
Winner Adolescence
Nominees
Black Mirror
Dying For Sex
Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story
The Penguin
Outstanding Television Movie
Winner
Rebel Ridge Nominees
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Cont.
The Gorge Mountainhead
Nonnas
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Winner
Stephen Graham - Adolescence
Nominees
Colin Farrell - The Penguin
Jake Gyllenhaal - Presumed Innocent
Brian Tyree Henry - Dope Thief
Cooper Koch - Monsters: The Lyle And Erik
Menendez Story
Outstanding Lead Actress In Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Winner
Cristin Milioti - The Penguin
Nominees
Cate Blanchett - Disclaimer
Meghann Fahy - Sirens
Rashida Jones - Black Mirror
Michelle Williams - Dying for Sex
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Winner
Owen Cooper - Adolescence
Nominees
Javier Bardem - Monsters: The Lyle And ErikMenendez Story
Bill Camp - Presumed Innocent
Rob Delaney - Dying for Sex
Peter Sarsgaard - Presumed Innocent
Ashley Walters - Adolescence
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Winner
Erin Doherty - Adolescence Nominees
Ruth Negga - Presumed Innocent
Deirdre O’Connell - The Penguin
Chloë Sevigny - Monsters: The Lyle And ErikMenendez Story
Jenny Slate - Dying For Sex
Christine Tremarco - Adolescence
Outstanding Directing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Winner
Adolescence
Nominees
Dying For Sex
The Penguin
Sirens
Zero Day
Outstanding Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Winner
Adolescence
Nominees
Black Mirror
Dying For Sex
The Penguin
Say Nothing
Outstanding Structured Reality Program
Winner
Queer Eye
Nominees
Antiques Roadshow
Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives
Love Is Blind
Shark Tank
Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program
Winner
Love On The Spectrum Nominees
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas CowboysCheerleaders
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked
The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives
Welcome To Wrexham
Outstanding Reality Competition Program
Winner
The Traitors Nominees
The Amazing Race
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Survivor
Top Chef
Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality Competition Program
Winner
Alan Cumming - The Traitors Nominees
RuPaul Charles - RuPaul’s Drag Race
Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Daniel Lubetzky - Shark Tank
Kristen Kish - Top Chef
Jeff Probst - Survivor
Outstanding Directing For A Reality Program
Winner
The Traitors Nominees
The Amazing Race
Love On The Spectrum
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Top Chef
Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama Or Variety Series
Winner
The Daily Show: Desi Lydic Foxsplains Nominees
Late Night With Seth Meyers: Corrections
The Rabbit Hole With Jimmy Kimmel
The Tonight Show: During Commercial Break
Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction Or Reality Series
Winner
Adolescence: The Making Of Adolescence Nominees
Hacks: Bit By Bit
Making Of The Last Of Us
Only Murders In The Building: UnlockingThe Mystery
The White Lotus: Unpacking The Episode
Outstanding Performer In A Short Form Comedy Or Drama Series
Winner
Desi Lydic - The Daily Show: Desi Lydic Foxsplains Nominees
Nathalie Emmanuel - Die Hart: Hart To Kill
Kevin Hart - Die Hart: Hart To Kill
Tom Segura - Bad Thoughts
J.K. Simmons - Die Hart: Hart To Kill
Outstanding Talk Series
Winner
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Nominees
The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Outstanding Scripted Variety Series
Winner
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Nominees
Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
Winner
SNL50: The Anniversary Special Nominees
The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime ShowStarring Kendrick Lamar
Beyoncé Bowl
The Oscars
SNL50: The Homecoming Concert
Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)
Winner
Conan O’Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark TwainPrize For American Humor Nominees
Adam Sandler: Love You
Ali Wong: Single Lady
Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years
Sarah Silverman: PostMortem
Your Friend, Nate Bargatze
Outstanding Directing For A Variety Series
Winner
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Nominees
The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Outstanding Writing For A Variety Special
Winner
SNL50: The Anniversary Special Nominees
Conan O’Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark TwainPrize For American Humor
Cunk On Life
Sarah Silverman: PostMortem
Your Friend, Nate Bargatze
SIVAN Makes Solo NYFW Debut with “SIVAN Boulevard” for Spring/ Summer 2026
New York, NY, September 14th, 2025 –Brooklyn-based menswear label SIVAN made his official solo New York Fashion Week debut for the Spring/Summer 2026 season on Sunday, September 14th. The presentation titled SIVAN Boulevard brought to life the spirit of New York and the diversity of individuals regularly seen on its streets through an immersive presentation at The Ellery, with the property’s stunning terrace featuring quintessential views of Midtown Manhattan setting the tone for the season.
An homage to New York and its endlessly watchable streets, SIVAN Boulevard draws inspiration from mid-century street photography and the theater of daily life — commuters in motion, neighbors on errands, and the after-hours crowd slipping intonight.
The collection channels mod silhouettes softened with funk inflections, filtered through SIVAN’s signature tailoring, creating a wardrobe that feels both timeless and unmistakably of the present.
“For this collection I wanted to capture the rhythm of commuters moving down a New York block,” says designer Jack Sivan. “Our work begins with tailoring, but expands into pieces that live on the street; clothing
you can imagine being worn from day to night, office to bar, in step with the city.”
While Fall/Winter 2025’s Hotel SIVAN staged its characters in a luxe interior, this season’s runway transforms into a city boulevard, each look embodying a persona passing through the day.
SIVAN’s core of precise, soft tailoring is expanded with functional workwear in vintage cotton drill, airy casual suiting in linen and cotton, and sleek eveningwear in silk dupioni and tropical wools.
This season also embraces pattern and print with vintage-sourced fabrics, Japanese uneven-yarn cottons, tartans, and geometric silks, underscoring the collection’s narrative of eclectic urban life. The result: a full wardrobe of looks that balance craft and character, tradition and immediacy.
Every piece is made locally in New York, either in Jack Sivan’s Brooklyn atelier or through long-standing Garment District partners. With sustainability a constant in the brand’s ethos, garments are constructed in natural fibers and often incorporate deadstock fabrics, ensuring both rarity and responsibility. Show casting, too, reflects SIVAN’ bespoke philosophy: models are chosen months in
advance so that garments can be created for the individual, a gesture toward inclusivity that is as practical as it is principled. “If my job as a tailor is to make clothes that fit,” Sivan notes, “then it’s only right to show the wide range of people they’re meant to fit.” Models that walked in the show included Paralympic gold medalist Steve Serio, speaker/ actor / writer Aubrey Smalls, journalist & tv host Lauren Ezersky, actor Ato Essandoh, art & style personality Dayle Berke, alongside David Ross Lawn, Phillip Choma, David Hand, and Nikhil Kapoor, among others.
About SIVAN
Founded by designer Jack Sivan, SIVAN is a Brooklyn-based menswear label redefining modern tailoring through narrative-driven collections, artisanal construction, and a commitment to sustainability. Each season explores character and setting, merging heritage craft with a contemporary sensibility. For more information, please visit www.JackSivan.com or follow @SIVANapparel
Charlotte Kirk on the erotic thriller, Compulsion
By Alex A. Kecskes
Born in Kent, England, Charlotte Kirk’s passion for acting began at the age of 11 when she saw Gone with the Wind. She performed in Greek tragedies Agamemnon and Arturo Ui, along with plays such as A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, and Hairspray. Having attended the prestigious Italia Conti School of Acting in London, her skills were further refined working with Jigsaw Performing Arts in the UK and Susan Batson and Lee Strasberg in New York City.
In early 2015, Charlotte landed a starring role in the sci-fi thriller Vice. Since then, she has completed seven feature films, including the female lead in the film-noir comedy No Panic, With a Hint of Hysteria, and the female lead in the psychological drama The Depths, which garnered awards in seven film festivals. She also appeared in How To Be Single and Ocean’s 8. In 2018, Charlotte co-wrote The Reckoning with Neil Marshall. Shot in Budapest, Hungary, and released theatrically around the world, she won multiple awards for her dramatic performance in the film. Most recently, Charlotte completed the action horror feature The Lair, co-written and directed by Neil Marshall.
In the erotic thriller Compulsion, Charlotte is Diana, a charismatic and ruthless thief who becomes involved in a twisted relationship with another woman, played by Anna-Maria Sieklucka.
Thank you for taking the time for this interview. What attracted you to this erotic thriller?
Charlotte Kirk: Neil (Marshall) and I had done a few films before this—action, sci-fi, horror. We were talking about doing an erotic thriller. And after lots of research, Neil was inspired by the old Giallo movies with lots of twists and turns like Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction—all those amazing classics—but adding that Giallo element to it. So I told myself, I have to do this.
The setting of the film—Malta—must have been inspiring.
Charlotte: A lot of films are actually set in Malta. It wasn’t Italy, but it definitely had that ItalianGiallo-European vibe. We went back recently for the Maltese-Mediterranean Film Festival. Compulsion competed there, and it was like going back to the film. It’s just an amazing place. Compulsion didn’t win, but it was an epic event.
As co-writer, what were some of the obstacles you faced in the story or character development?
Charlotte: The most challenging part was when Evie starts out as the protagonist, but turns out to be not who you think she is. Everyone’s kind of bad in this film, so walking that fine line to ensure your characters are likable was a challenge. We’re all kind of bad in a way. So we wanted to make sure that Evie and Diana
were not all going to be likeable characters that fit the idea of a conventional film. But I think the story required that. We always go back to story. And that’s the story we wanted to tell.
Where did the idea of the Maltese Phantom come from?
Charlotte: We were definitely inspired by the Giallo films--their famous black leather and gloves. And that slasher vibe. When I saw that costume, I said, “This is awesome.” And I like having that mask so you don’t know who the killer is.
The stabbing scene with Reese, Evie, and Diana was long, brutally violent, and powerful.
Charlotte: I know. I feel like with a lot of films, you stab someone once, they keel over, and they’re dead. But in reality, it’s not that easy to kill someone. And that’s the big lie in many films. So we decided to make it as realistic as possible. Maybe it was slightly overkill (laughs). It was one of my favorite scenes in the film and the most fun to film. But it was a challenge because Neil said, “We’re not going to cut, we’re going to get this in one take.” So the pressure was on because the cleanup with all the mess on the floor was a big deal. We had time to rehearse it. But it was very mechanical. Neil said, “Think of yourself as two hyenas.” The knives didn’t really have any blades, so there were so many things to be thinking about in terms of camera angles. There was also the dialogue and all the intricate moments that had to come together. I’ve never done a take like that without a cut to break things up.
What film or actor influenced you to become an actor?
Charlotte: The classics always inspired me— Marlon Brando, Vivian Leigh, Liz Taylor. That era and everything about those films and the actors in them. I love and admire Nicole Kidman. How all the roles she chooses are so different. She’s a chameleon and very inspiring.
Are you currently thinking of other film genres— like comedy?
Charlotte: I just finished a Christmas comedy film with Jason Isaacs. The entire film was improv. That was something. We were told: this is the story and this is your character. The director would say action, and we would just go off for like forty minutes. I’d never
done improv to this extent. It was fantastic. I felt like my comedic talents had just shone though in the film. It’s called Mistletoe and Wine.
You’ve played a wide range of roles in films and TV. What have you learned about working in this business that truly surprised you?
Charlotte: How tough it is. I moved to the States when I was 19. I knew I wanted to act. I packed up my bags, went to the US, and it was tough. Being on set is one thing, but the business side is brutal. So I guess underestimating how tough it is, how you need such a thick skin in this industry. Being so emotionally open and available when you need to on set for your character. But then, when you’re not on set, you need that thick skin. When films and reviews come out, you need that tough resilience to keep going.
Any advice for young actors trying to break into the business?
Charlotte: You just have to do it. The great thing about making films now is that you can practically shoot a movie on your phone. You can put it on YouTube, and it goes up. So just do it. If and when you’re offered work in the industry, take it—no matter what it is, especially when you’re starting out. If you connect with the role, do it. Because you never know what’s going to hit or where you’re going to shine.
What was it like seeing yourself on screen in your very first acting gig?
Charlotte: Ohhh, I never really like watching myself. You know you’ve made a good film when you can watch it with an audience and not be so objective (laughs). It’s tough, I feel like you have to let some time pass before you watch yourself on film. If you’re in the screening room, your recall moments—oh, that was tough to shoot, oh, I remember that. It’s difficult to watch it as an audience.
What were you like in high school? The girl most likely to…?
Charlotte: Most likely to say the wrong thing. I always said what was on my mind. I never really had a filter. I’d put my hand up in class, and my teacher would react, “Oh, it’s Charlotte again.” Another outburst. I was kind of a nerd who took extra classes because I really wanted to get good grades. I did go to drama class, and I even took weekend drama classes.
THE LEDE COMPANY EXPANDS
Strengthening Support for Talent and Brands Across Europe
Paris, September, 19th, 2025 - The Lede Company proudly announces the launch of its Talent division in Paris, marking a key milestone in the agency’s European expansion. Following the creation of its Talent division earlier this year in London, Lede Paris now extends this expertise to continental Europe, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to shaping the future of talent strategy on a global scale.
Building on The Lede Company’s strong reputation in Los Angeles, New York, and London, the Paris office will serve as a strategic hub to:
• Support brands in developing impactful and culturally relevant talent strategies.
• Champion local talent, providing them with international visibility and opportunities.
• Accompany Lede-represented talent when activating projects, campaigns, and appearances across Europe.
Led by Olivier Bourgis (President) and Carlos Freixeda (who has just been appointed Senior Vice-President of Global Communications and Marketing for The Lede Company and Ritual Projects), Lede Paris will deliver a comprehensive 360° approach spanning brand partnerships, event opportunities, media relations, public image consulting, and representation during Europe’s most significant cultural and industry moments.
A Global Vision, Anchored in Europe
With this expansion, The Lede Company strengthens its position as a trusted partner at the intersection of talent, brands, and media. By blending international expertise with local insight, Lede Paris aims to craft innovative campaigns, build meaningful partnerships, and amplify voices that shape contemporary culture.
About The Lede Company
Founded in the United States, The Lede Company is an independent, full-service communications agency structured around two core divisions: Talent (PR and public image for personalities) and Brand (strategic PR, entertainment marketing, events, and influencer engagement). The agency represents some of the most influential voices across entertainment, fashion, film, music, and contemporary culture. With a growing presence in Europe through its Paris office, The Lede Company Europe is building an integrated, forward-thinking model for the next generation of cultural impact.
Press Contacts (Europe)
Olivier Bourgis (President) –olivier.bourgis@ledecompany.com
Carlos Freixeda (Senior Vice-President) –carlos.freixeda@ledecompany.com
Olivier Bourgis
Carlos Freixeda
84 Manuscript Publishers with Geographic Limitations
United States
Red Adept Publishing
This multi-genre small press has managed to end up with a number of books on the New York Times Bestseller list. They are only open to submissions by US citizens.
Epicenter Press
Founded in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1988, Epicenter Press, Inc. is a regional press publishing nonfiction books about Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
Chesapeake Press
This small press publishes books and podcasts for kids focused on promoting American democracy.
Hub City Press
A respected press with great distribution. They publish books of literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, regional nonfiction, nature, and art. They only publish work for adults. They accept non-agented submissions during 2-3 open reading periods a year. According to their website, “Hub City publishes writers living in or from the South. What’s the South? A complicated issue, to say the least, but the short answer for our purposes: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia. At the same time, we’re interested in boundaries, borders, and in-betweens, so if you want to make a case for a state not listed here, we’ll take a look.”
Texas Review Press
They have a number of reading periods a year, some are paid contests, some are free, some are focused on nonfiction (regional and otherwise) and others on poetry. Each year they read for the TRP Southern Poetry Breakthrough Series which highlights a first full-length collection by emerging authors from each state in the southern United States. There is no reading fee. The state rotates every year. In 2025 it is Virginia.
University of Georgia Press
They do not have strict geographic guidelines, but
much of what they publish is about Georgia and the American South. Although they also publish on a number of other subjects.
Heyday Press
Heyday is an established independent and nonprofit publisher that focuses on California and the American West. They publish nonfiction books that explore history, celebrate Native cultural renewal, fight injustice, and honor nature.
NDSU Press
NDSU Press exists primarily to stimulate and coordinate interdisciplinary regional scholarship. These regions include the state of North Dakota, the Red River Valley, the plains of North America (comprising both the Great Plains of the United States and the prairies of Canada), and comparable regions of other continents.
Amble Press
This press which focuses on publishing work by queer writers from underrepresented backgrounds, doesn’t officially state on their website that they don’t accept international submissions but several of our international subscribers have been informed otherwise, so I’ve added them to this list.
Sasquatch Books
They publish “visual nonfiction by gifted writers, artists, chefs, naturalists, and thought leaders whose work reflects the adventurous, creative, DIY spirit of the PNW (the Pacific Northwest)”. The Pacific Northwest, unlike other regions, involves both the US and Canada. They don’t say anything about not allowing Canadians to submit as long as the work reflects the region. They have good distribution.
Gray and Company
They only publish nonfiction books about Clevaeland, Northeast Ohio, and Ohio.
Forest Avenue Press
This Portland based press publishes fiction and the occasional memoir. They only allow submissions from U.S. residents. They have one reading period per year.
The University of Arizona Press
The premier publisher of academic, regional, and literary works in the state of Arizona is open to direct submissions. They are open to international authors but much of what they publish is focused on the region.
Bottom Dog Press
A small press that mostly publishes working class literature and Appalachian Literature.
Ooligan Press
This student-run press publishes regionally significant works of literary, historical, and social value to the Pacific Northwest.
White Stag Publishing
White Stag Publishing accepts for full length manuscripts “Poetry, Prose / Fiction, Non-Fiction, Hybrid Work, & Ritual Projects in the scope of our thematic elements, which include alchemy & the occult with intersections of science & magick, witchcraft & activism, mysticism & spirituality, & / or the supranatural”. They are only open to submissions from US residents. They are closed to submissions at the time of this update, but plan to reopen in October 2025.
Cornerstone Press
Cornerstone Press is a traditional press in that it doesn’t charge its authors, but they are an unusual press in that it is run by students at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. You can learn more about the press and how it is run, here. They generally focus on publishing emerging regional authors from the midwest, but they will consider all original, well-written, and polished submissions from authors, which is why we have reviewed the press.
Loblolly Press
Loblolly Press is seeking submissions that embody a profound sense of place, particularly focusing on the Southern and Appalachian regions. They say the work they publish “uplifts queer, BIPOC, elder, and rural voices from the American South.” They are based in Asheville, NC, and they prioritize writers and submissions from Asheville and the surrounding area, but are open to submissions from authors throughout the US. Their reading period is November 1st –December 31st.
Filter Press
A regional press that is focused on Colorado history, aimed at both the fiction and non-fiction market,
most of what they publish is for educational or museum sales. Work must fit within their existing catalogue.
Cave Hollow Press
They publish contemporary, literary, or mystery fiction from Missouri and Midwest based authors.
Torrey House Press
They are interested in well-crafted work with environmental, natural history, or natural landscape themes, and writing which explores the value of well-managed public lands and the transformative power of wilderness focusing on the American West.
Agate Publishing
They are open to proposals for nonfiction on Midwestern topics or by Midwestern authors, for their Midway imprint. They are open to submissions on other topics by authors based outside the Midwest for other imprints.
Two Dot
This imprint is named for the tiny Montana town of TwoDot.They are “dedicated to revealing the big stories that shaped the history of the West and sharing the smaller stories that provided its color and texture and have taken this vast region into the future.” You can see their submission information here.
The Globe Pequot
The Globe Pequot imprint of The Globe Pequot Publishing Group. The imprint focuses on publishing “New England history, cooking, traveling, architecture, gardening, entertainment, and anything that celebrates New England and travel.”
Canada
Anansi Press
A wonderful Canadian press focusing on publishing a wide range of literary works. They accept work by Canadian citizens or residents, or Indigenous Peoples from Turtle Island and around the world who are eligible to hold Canadian citizenship. If you are based in Toronto, they have a wonderful bookstore, that only sells the books they publish, which is a great way to get a feel for what they are interested in.
Groundwood Books
My favorite Canadian children’s book publisher, and an imprint of Anansi Press, they are open to children’s nonfiction, and novel-length fiction as
well as picture books. They have two open reading periods a year.
Red Deer Press
A respected and established publisher of children’s books. They used to be open to submissions from outside of Canada, but they’ve recently limited their perimeters to only “encourage” Canadian authors, and they are now only open to submissions via post.
The University of Calgary Press
They accept a wide range of nonfiction from Canadian and international authors. They also accept literary work from Canadian citizens and permanent residents. They have four main imprints.
Second Story Press
This Canadian feminist press considers submissions in a wide range of genres, from Canadian authors. They occasionally publish non-Canadians, but this is very much the exception.
Caitlin Press
Caitlin Press is a British Columbia based literary press. They only publish authors from Canada, the majority being BC-based.
Dagger Editions
Caitlin Press’s new imprint focuses on publishing literary fiction, nonfiction and poetry by and about queer women (those who identify as queer women, including trans women or trans men, or anyone who includes this in their personal history).
Brick Books
One of my favorite Canadian Poetry presses. They only publish full-length manuscripts by Canadian citizens or landed immigrants living in Canada. They also have a great yearly subscription.
Touchwood
They only publish Canadian writers, with a strong preference for writers based in western Canada. They publish a wide variety of nonfiction as well as literary fiction and memoir.
Invisible Publishing
Invisible Publishing publishes literary fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction by Canadians.
Coach House Books
Coach House Books is one of the largest publishers in Canada. They are a wonderful press that primarily publishes Canadian authors. They publish poetry,
literary fiction, and select nonfiction; they’re not accepting drama currently.
Cormorant Books
Cormorant Books publishes literary fiction, literary nonfiction, and poetry. They are only open to Canadian authors. They are currently only open to submissions of adult fiction and nonfiction.
DCB Young Readers
The children’s and young adult imprint of Cormorant. They are only open to submissions of middle grade fiction and nonfiction, and young adult fiction and nonfiction currently. They are only open to Canadian authors.
Dundurn Press
One of the largest Canadian presses. They publish a variety of fiction and nonfiction.
ECW Press
They are only open to fiction and poetry books submitted by Canadians; there are no citizenship restrictions on writers submitting nonfiction.
Freehand Books
A Canadian press that started out as as an imprint but is now independent. They publish literary fiction, literary nonfiction, memoir and graphic literature. They have good distribution.
Ronsdale Press
A literary house that publishes a wide variety of work including children’s books. They accept work only from Canadian citizens or landed immigrants to Canada.
NeWest Press
NeWest publishes outstanding literary works by established and emerging Canadian authors at the rate of 10-12 books a year. They are especially interested in publishing books by Western Canadian authors or which explore Western Canadian themes. They have good distribution.
Talonbooks
They publish work of significant literary or cultural importance by Canadian authors. They are no longer accepting fiction submissions.
Wolsak and Wynn
At the very start of their guidelines they state: “We are a Canadian press dedicated to publishing clear, passionate Canadian voices. As such, we publish very
few non-Canadians. However, we encourage Canadian authors of diverse backgrounds and communities to submit.” Their books are well edited and beautifully printed. They accept mailed submissions only during open reading periods.
Turnstone Press
They are only open to specific fiction genres, nonfiction, and poetry. Please see their submission page for details. Authors must be based in Canada.
Baraka Books
Baraka Books is a Quebec-based English-language book publisher specializing in creative and political nonfiction, history and historical fiction, and fiction. They also have a translation imprint.
Véhicule Press
They primarily publish Canadian authors. At the time of this update they are only open to submissions of nonfiction.
At Bay Press
At Bay Press is a respected literary publisher of fiction and nonfiction, including poetry. They do publish “literary mysteries, thrillers, and noir and are interested in quality submissions in the science fiction, fantasy and graphic novel genres as well”. They publish very few books a year.
Nightwood Editions
Nightwood Editions publishes poetry and fiction by writers across Canada, as well as nonfiction about Canadian writing.
Random House Canada
The Canadian arm of Random House changed their submission policy have opened their policy exclusively to LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC writers, as well as those from other traditionally underrepresented communities. They are particularly looking for “High quality commercial fiction in the following genres: literary, romance, speculative fiction, historical fiction, and mystery. Please note that we do not currently accept screenplays, stage plays, young adult fiction, children’s fiction, or picture book queries. All non-fiction submissions must be submitted via a literary agent.” They are open to submissions internationally, but prioritize Canadian writers.
Tundra Books, Puffin Canada, Penguin
Teen Canada
These children and teen focused Canadian imprints are open to direct submissions by underrepresented
authors and illustrators only. Authors need not be Canadian.
Mythic Roads Press
They are currently only accepting Canadian-authored full-length novel submissions (unagented or agented) in the fantasy, science fiction, and romance genres. They are a small press and have only been actively publishing books for just over a year. They are sometimes open to international submissions. They are based in Alberta.
Orca Book Publishers
This respected small press publishes books for children. They now have two submission periods a year.
Lorimer
They publish a large range of nonfiction by and for Canadians, including, Canadian history, regional nature guides, biographies of Canadians.
Lorimer Children & Teens
This Canadian small press has very specific guidelines for the submissions they are accepting. They publish fiction and nonfiction aimed at younger readers.
Harbour Publishing
This respected BC based Canadian publisher mostly focuses on topics pertaining to the Pacific Northwest, including fiction and nonfiction.
KERI ANN KIMBALL
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Television Academy Foundation College Television Awards
(LOS ANGELES – Sept. 23, 2025) — The Television Academy Foundation today announced the opening of the submission period for the 45th College Television Awards, a spring 2026 ceremony that recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced storytelling from colleges and universities nationwide, along with two significant additions to the program. The deadline for entries is Oct. 10, 2025, at 5 p.m. (PDT) through the TelevisionAcademy.com/CTA/submit portal.
“For 45 years, the College Television Awards has been a career launching pad for emerging storytellers and content creators. Widely regarded as the most prestigious honor a media arts student can receive in the U.S., it continues to spotlight the next generation of talent,” said Tina Perry, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “We’re proud to offer this one-of-a-kind opportunity that celebrates talented media-arts students and helps provide access to the entertainment industry. We encourage students nationwide to submit their work for consideration.”
New for the 2026 awards program is the “The Chance Perdomo Legacy Scholarship,” a $10,000 scholarship awarded to the winning college team in the Comedy Series category. Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios created the scholarship as a tribute to the late Gen V actor Chance Perdomo who passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2024.
In addition, the Foundation has also introduced a new Scripted Series category solely for graduate students, spotlighting creators whose specific screen credits are producer, writer and director and whose functions support those credits.
Emulating the Emmy® Awards selection process, College Television Awards entries are judged by Television Academy members. Awards and over $40,000 in cash prizes will be presented by television stars at a red carpet ceremony in Hollywood to winning teams in nine categories: Animation Series; Comedy Series (for undergraduate students); Commercial, PSA or Promo;
Drama Series (for undergraduate students); News; Nonfiction Series; Scripted Series (for graduate students); Sports; and the Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Award.
Criteria for the awards reflect industry standards of excellence, imagination and innovation across categories. Nominations will be announced Nov. 19, 2025.
The program also includes exclusive opportunities to network and connect with industry executives over three days of professional-development events with top entertainment-industry talent and executives for all participating nominees prior to the awards ceremony held at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, California. College Television Award winners may also have the opportunity to participate as collegiate fellows and screen their projects at SeriesFest, May 6-10, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
The $10,000 Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Award recognizes either a student-produced program focused on people with disabilities or emerging artists with disabilities and is underwritten by the Loreen Arbus Foundation. In addition, the Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award, a $4,000 cash prize, is presented to each year’s College Television Award-winning project judged to best highlight ahumanitarian concern.
The Foundation has also announced the formation of a College Television Awards Honorary Committee comprised of industry talent who will serve as ambassadors for the program. Along with the Foundation’s board of directors, the Honorary Committee is invited to serve as jury members for the Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award. Confirmed members for the 2026 ceremony include: Carlacia Grant (Outer Banks), Timothy Omundson (This Is Us), Chris Perfetti (Abbott Elementary), Melissa Peterman (Happy’s Place) and Rebecca Wisocky (Ghosts).
Nominees and winners of the 45th College Television Awards automatically become members of the Television Academy Foundation’s alumni family, gaining
access to year-round networking opportunities, events and professional- development resources.
Prominent College Television Awards alumni include CNN national correspondent Natasha Chen; Shrek 5 director Brad Ableson; Escape at Dannemora executive producer Brett Johnson; Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado director Alberto Belli; 60 Minutes producer Shachar Bar-On; Maya and the Three executive producer Jorge R. Gutierrez; Outlander orchestrator Benjamin Hoff; and CBS Mornings producer Catherine Cannon.
The deadline for entries is Oct. 10, 2025, at 5 p.m. (PDT) through the online portal at TelevisionAcademy. com/CTA/submit; application fee is $25. Detailed submission guidelines, rules, eligibility criteria and category descriptions are available online. For more information, applicants can also view the College Television Awards Information Session.
The 2026 College Television Awards is supported by philanthropists and corporate partners, including The Loreen Arbus Foundation, Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios.
About the Television Academy Foundation
Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Television Academy Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of television while educating and inspiring those who will shape its future. Through renowned educational and outreach programs, such as The Interviews: An Oral History of Television Project, Access: Behind the Screens, College Television Awards, Student Internship Program and the Media Educators Conference, the Foundation seeks to widen the circle of voices our industry represents and to create more opportunity for television to reflect all of society. For more information on the Foundation, please visit TelevisionAcademy.com/Foundation.
Your Secret Weapon To Cultivate Authority Is… (This may surprise you…) By Melanie Rembrandt
You open your favorite newspaper, and your competitor’s face is smiling back at you helping a local charity. The feature article includes positive testimonials from community members, a full history on your competitor and contact information to obtain more information.
Guess who potential customers, patients and clients are going to call?
Hint – Not you! Ugh!
Don’t Let This Happen!
Instead of experiencing this negative surprise, be proactive and use the power of public relations, or PR, to your advantage. Why? Public relations refers to all the communications you have with your internal and external audiences. It’s about sending the right message to the right people at the right time, so that…
When reporters, producers, publishers, and other influential media members share your information, you get third-party credibility you can’t get any other way.
This is not paid advertising. Instead, someone else is talking about you, and it has credibility because you didn’t pay for it. In fact, one article like the one mentioned above can catapult your brand awareness and credibility (in front of your target market) within seconds. And the best part? It only costs you time and effort.
That’s why PR is your secret weapon when it comes to cultivating authority.
How PR Works.
If you want to take advantage of PR, there are several initial starting steps you can take:
• Research the media members who cater to your target market;
• Develop a story idea, introduction or pitch that relates specifically to each (yes, I said “each”) media member’s audience;
• Practice your pitch and contact each media member directly, one-on-one;
• Conduct appropriate and regular follow-up;
• Provide a sound bite, photos, videos, insights, and more at a moment’s notice; and
• Review activities and make changes to improve results.
Rinse. Repeat.
Yes, this takes A LOT of effort. That’s why most business owners outsource their PR to an expert. Sure. You can just send out a boring press release to hundreds of media members at one time or hire an inexpensive administrative assistant to help you.
But your phone won’t ring.
You get what you pay for. This is because PR is about targeted communications and actually having “relations” with your “public.” It’s about creating just the right message for just the right person at just the right time. Without doing the work necessary, you just waste resources – and you may even make a BAD, irreversible impression with the media that lives online forever!
PR can help you cultivate authority fast.
It just needs to be done correctly for the best results. The good news is that your competition is probably not using public relations right now. So, the question is, will you take advantage of this secret weapon before they do?
Author Melanie Rembrandt is an award-winning publicist, author, content strategist, and speaker who helps overwhelmed entrepreneurs have more time to thrive! If you want to boost sales, awareness and credibility fast with a unique combination of targeted SEO copywriting, ghostwriting and public relations, get more information at Rembrandt Communications®, https://www.rembrandtwrites.com.
FESTIVALS
Florida Film Festival – 35th Edition
Hosted at the historic Enzian Theater in Orlando, the Florida Film Festival is one of the U.S.’s top indie showcases, screening 160+ films across American independent, international, and shorts programs. It is Oscar®-qualifying in all short categories.
Key Details:
• Early Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Event Dates: April 10 – 19, 2026
• Location: Maitland (Orlando), Florida, US
ASVOFF – 17th Edition
Founded by Diane Pernet, ASVOFF is the world’s first film festival dedicated to fashion, style, and beauty. The Paris-based event screens shorts, features, and documentaries, and tours globally with showcases at institutions like the Centre Pompidou and Guggenheim.
Key Details:
• Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Event Dates: November 13 – 16, 2025
• Location: Paris, France
FUNDING & PROGRAMS
Deadline Reminder: Frameline Completion Fund
The Frameline Completion Fund offers grants up to $5,000 to support LGBTQ+ films nearing completion. Open to international applicants, the fund requires a full cut of the film and closes submissions soon.
Key Details:
• Deadline: September 26, 2025
• Support: $1,000 – $5,000 completion grants
• Eligibility: Filmmakers worldwide
Opening Soon: The Whickers Film & TV Funding Award
One of the world’s most significant documentary awards, The Whickers offers £100,000 for the best director-led documentary pitch, plus a £20,000 development award for the runner-up. Open internationally, the 2026 round kicks off this fall.
Key Details:
• Applications Open: November 19, 2025
• Support: £100,000 main award, £20,000 development award
• Eligibility: Filmmakers worldwide
