Make films. Build networks.

The CFC is a one-of-a-kind Los Angeles based film contest in its ninth year. Work together with other filmmakers and make your own short film for the chance to be seen by industry decision makers and win over $12,000 in prizes! 

The concept is simple: Give help to at least one other filmmaker in the competition and receive help from at least one other filmmaker in the competition. The best films, as chosen by our celebrity jury, will be shown to a full house at the prestigious Harmony Gold Theater.  
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​We founded the CFC because we’re filmmakers too, and we know how important networking really is. We strive to build an environment all about collaborating—not just making a movie, but meeting and working with other filmmakers. The end result? More connections, more opportunities, and more movies! Are you a writer in search of a shooter? An editor looking for a director? Don’t worry- we help you find the people you need to execute your vision! ​

2020 Judges

Lauren Craniotes
Lauren Craniotes is an agent at the legendary Gersh Agency and the former Vice President of Production at Sony Stage 6. She is also a veteran Hollywood Producer and accomplished film executive. She formerly worked at Warner Bros and is also a producer of independent film.
Gus Krieger
Gus Krieger is an award-winning writer/director/producer of stage and screen. His first produced feature screenplay “The Killing Room” premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. In 2012, Krieger served as Associate Producer on the horror feature “Would You Rather” and produced "Fender Bender" for Shout! Factory in 2016. As writer-director-producer, Krieger’s feature films include the philosophical thriller "The Binding," and the 2018 Slamdance Audience Award-winning hip-hop drama "My Name Is Myeisha."
Diandra Lyle
​Originally hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, multi-faceted artist, Diandra Lyle, has a vast array of experience ranging from film, television, theatre, commercial, voiceover, and radio - to hosting, improvisation, sketch comedy (trained at Second City), and even stand-up.  Diandra has starred in independent features and made-for-television movies, she’s also guest starred in a number of popular shows: NCIS, Bones, Shameless, Code Black, American Woman, Rosewood, Young & The Restless, Chicago Justice, Pearson, and more. Diandra’s most recent adventure has taken her to New Orleans, where she has been filming a brand new show for Disney. Can’t say what it is just yet, but it’ll be a good one! 
Hayley Littman
Hayley Littman is the president of Littman Talent Group, an ATA AFTRA Franchised Talent Agency in Los Angeles, Atlanta and soon to be in NY. Littman Talent Group has developed a reputation for being a hands on boutique agency. Understanding the market and its trends has helped Littman continue its vibrancy and growth over the years. Their bookings have been consistent with the trends of the growing platforms from Apple TV + Series Regular bookings, to countless Network GS recurring to big budget features; their belief has always stayed consistent . When actors and agents both believe in the same core values with care and consideration given to those around them, success is imminent. 

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Chantal Rickards
At the end of 2019 Chantal Rickards stepped down from the role of CEO of BAFTA in Los Angeles after nearly five years in post.

Prior to her role at BAFTA LA, Chantal was Head of Programming and Branded Content at WPP’s GroupM media agency MEC. She brought to MEC a wealth of TV production and management expertise having spent the early part of her career as a researcher, producer, executive producer, and director of Factual Entertainment programs such as Through the Keyhole, This Morning, Masterchef and Countdown. Chantal is now a film consultant and Board Director based in London. 
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Julien Lasseur and Brian Groh
Winners of the 2019 CFC Jury Award, Julien Lasseur and Brian Groh are a filmmaking duo well traveled on the short film festival circuit with multiple awards and bushels of “Official selection” laurels attached to their films. Best known for taking rich characters on wholly original journeys, they continue to build their portfolio of produced works as they move into feature films. In the meantime, Project Greenlight, Vimeo Staff Pick and Funny or Die are just a few of the platforms featuring their work. 

Filmmaker Spotlight