Message From The Board
Dear Ozarks Film Friends,
We’ve got some exciting news to share, so make sure you read all the way to the end! But first, we want to update you on all things happening at the Ozarks Film Foundry (TOFF) and the Southwest Missouri Film Office (SWMFO). It's been a busy and productive year, and the last quarter has been especially eventful. From supporting local filmmakers to attracting new productions to the region, we’re thrilled to share the progress we've made and what's ahead.
Film Foundry & Southwest Missouri Film Office Updates:
Over the past several months, SWMFO has been hard at work supporting film productions across Southwest Missouri. In partnership with the Missouri Film Office, we’ve had the pleasure of helping bring a variety of projects to life here in the Ozarks. One of the most exciting recent developments was our involvement in the film Dust to Malibu, co-produced by Springfield’s own Shelly Gibson. The project is a testament to the growing recognition of Springfield’s filmmaking
talent and our region’s potential as a filmmaking hub. If you missed the news, you can read more about Dust to Malibu in the article from KY3 here.
These are just a few examples of the ongoing efforts of the SWMFO to build a thriving film economy here in Southwest Missouri. By assisting productions, providing location scouting support, and connecting filmmakers with resources, we’re working to establish the region as a prime destination for film and television projects.
Meanwhile, TOFF has been busy with our own initiatives to support local talent and provide opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work. In partnership with Yellow Bike Magazine, we’ve hosted a series of Filmmaker Showcases that highlight the incredible work being done by the region’s filmmakers. These events have not only provided a platform for local talent but also helped to build a sense of community among the filmmakers in our area.
We’re excited to announce that the final Filmmaker Showcase of the year is coming up on December 13th at 7:30pm, Studio 1 at the Foundry. If you haven’t had the chance to attend one of these screenings yet, this is the perfect opportunity to see some of the best work from our local filmmakers and celebrate the creativity flourishing here in the Ozarks.
In addition to the screenings, TOFF and SWMFO have continued to host our monthly film industry social mixers. These mixers are a great opportunity for filmmakers, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the world of film to connect, share ideas, and collaborate. Our next mixer will be held Monday, December 2, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Moxie Cinema. Join us for drinks, snacks (available from Moxie’s concessions), and good conversation as we wrap up an exciting year in the Ozarks film community.
Major Announcement: The Inaugural Film Festival coming in September 2025!
Now, for the big news! We are thrilled to announce that in September 2025, TOFF and the Southwest Missouri Film Office will be launching an inaugural SW Missouri film festival (name TBD). This exciting new festival will focus on celebrating independent television and film projects created specifically for TV. We’re so excited to offer a platform for creators to showcase their work, whether they’re emerging voices or seasoned industry professionals.
The festival will feature a diverse range of categories, including:
● TV Pilot Script Competitions
● TV Feature Film Competitions
● Proof-of-Concept Shorts
● Pilot Episodes
● Pitch Competitions for TV Series Concepts
The goal of the festival is to spotlight the incredible creativity and innovation happening in independent television and provide a space where creators can connect with industry professionals, expand their networks, and bring their ideas to life. We believe that by offering a platform to independent voices, we can help elevate the Ozarks as a key player in the evolving independent television landscape.
The festival is not just about showcasing projects—it’s also about fostering collaboration and networking. The festival will create opportunities for filmmakers, writers, producers, and other industry professionals to come together, share their work, and explore new ideas. Whether you're a seasoned TV creator or just starting out, the event will provide a space for you to grow, learn, and find the support you need to take your project to the next level.
We can’t wait to see what exciting ideas emerge from this new initiative. We’ll be sharing more details about the festival as we get closer to the January 2025 launch of the website. So stay tuned for more details including submission guidelines, event schedules, and more.
Looking Ahead
As we close out 2024, we are incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made and the community we’re building in Southwest Missouri. With the support of all of you—our filmmakers, partners, sponsors, and fans—we are creating a thriving film culture in the Ozarks. We can’t wait to continue the momentum into 2025 and beyond.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and hope you’re as excited as we are about the future of film in the Ozarks.
Warm regards,
The Ozarks Film Foundry & Southwest Missouri Film Office Team
Upcoming Events:
Film Industry Mixer: Dec 2, 2024, 6:00-8:00 PM at Moxie Cinema
Filmmaker Showcase: Dec 13, 2024, 7:30pm, Studio 1 at The Foundry
Inaugural SW Missouri Film Festival: September 2025
Stay tuned for more details and updates!
RECAP of Previous Events:
Ribbon Cutting at theTHIRDFloor
On November 7th, a community of arts and local businesses came together to celebrate the amazing offering of space by the Gillioz Theater and its financial support by the Hatch Foundation. Both the Springfield AND Republic Chamber of Commerces had a ribbon cutting ceremony at TheTHIRDFloor; an innovative space that brings six local non-profit arts organizations under one roof.
The Southwest Missouri Film Office is very pleased to both share offices AND collaborate with:
•Mosaic Arts Collective
•Ozarks Lyric Opera
•SATO48
•Missouri Jazz Orchestra
•Two Black Ravens Foundation
We had about 100 people listen to speakers and leaders about this amazing place to grow our amazing arts community.
FILMSGIVING 2024
We had an amazing time at FilmsGiving! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed canned goods for our food drive—your generosity is deeply appreciated. A special shoutout to Kait Hernandez for her incredible work in organizing and hosting this wonderful event. Your efforts made the evening unforgettable!
Upcoming Events:
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