A large majority of the film industry has been put on hold because of COVID-19. Big budget blockbusters and indies alike have halted production as Hollywood establishes protocols that will allow casts and crew to return to work safely. That said, if there is anything that filmmakers are, it is both creative and resourceful. 

There are many things to look to as inspiration during these difficult times to keep your creative energy flowing and your filmmaking dreams alive. 

For those that are able, a page could be taken out of Sam Levinson’s book. The “Euphoria” creator shot a secret film during the pandemic with stars Zendaya and John David Washington entitled “Malcolm & Marie”. Compliant with guild and medical regulations, the cast and a “lean” crew travelled to Monterey, Calif., for a two-week quarantine prior to filming. Pods and strict regulations, including social distance guidelines, were then enforced during filming, which all took place at the Caterpillar House, an isolated 33-acre plot in Carmel. 

For those with budgetary constraints, an excellent example of using your limited resources to create something is Shudder’s terrifying new horror film, “Host.” Set entirely on Zoom, the film follows five friends who embark in a virtual seance during the real-life lockdown, and when one friend makes a dire error, things take a turn for the worst. 

Both of the above are perfect examples of how filmmakers can take advantage of a wide variety of resources to ensure films continue to get made during this difficult time. However, we also understand that these opportunities are still few and far between. Luckily, organizations within the industry have also put together resources, from funds to webinars, to continue to assist and inform filmmakers. 

Below are other resources that filmmakers can continue to check out during COVID-19:

• Sundance Collab’s list of webinars, tips, and guides
• Film Independent’s list of relief funds
• Documentary.org’s coronavirus resources for documentary filmmakers
• SAG Indie’s COVID-19 resources for filmmakers and actors
• And for our local creatives, the Virginia Production Alliance’s resource list

“Story can change the world.” 

We at Washington West Film Festival live by this saying. It speaks not only to the power of art, but also to the transformative nature of a medium like film.

Many of us go to the theater for pure entertainment, where we can unplug from our surroundings and be transported into the vastness of a galaxy far, far away, or a world where superheroes protect us from the most threatening of foes.

Storytellers can also use film to explore far more personal truths, by shining a light on real world narratives that have shaped the society we live in.

In today’s world, these voices are more important than they’ve ever been. 

Story can change the world because it teaches us to dream big, and share the ideas we conjure up in our imagination with people around the globe. Story can also change the world because it can educate us about the real world fears and injustices that people experience in their day-to-day lives. 

Film can give a voice to those who have something important to say, with a trust and certainty that their own experience will inform not only what’s on the screen, but what happens off-screen as a result. 

Whether it’s the story of a fictional character like Luke Skywalker, or a real-life hero like Martin Luther King Jr., film has the ability to inspire us in ways nothing else can.   

The goal of this space is to engage our community — storytellers and audiences alike — to seek out stories that inspire them. We will highlight films and filmmakers who speak to Washington West’s ideals through interviews and recommendation lists, and will inform readers of local events and other opportunities where they can connect with their fellow film lovers. 

And most important, we look forward to sharing the stories of Washington West with you.