The Events and Film Office at Prosper Portland, in partnership with Travel Portland, has selected three recipients of the Amplify Portland: Local Filmmakers Production Grant. The Amplify Portland Grant seeks to create opportunity for filmmakers using local talent, crew, and vendors during production. The grant contributes to productions that build professional development within the local industry and bring exposure to Portland through unique stories with diverse representation both in front of and behind the camera.
This is the first cycle of the new grant.
A panel of industry representatives reviewed 76 proposals before selecting the top three productions, which will receive $10,000 each.
“We weren’t sure what kind of proposals we’d see in this first cycle, so the fact that we received 76 unique, diverse, and varied projects from local Portland filmmakers really bodes well for the future of the Portland film industry,” said Elyse Taylor Liburd, film industry project manager for the Events and Film Office.
The three recipients are:
“Bridge to Table” from Café Medium Productions. This series of documentaries created by producer Lathen Gorbett and executive producer Anne Marie Gorbett started at the beginning of the pandemic as a response to negative press about Portland. The stories highlight the resilience of the local food industry and the people who make it happen. Short episodes will showcase the behind-the-scenes stories, connections, and cultural beauty of Portland’s small business food scene.
“Lulu’s Clubhouse,” a series of episodes launched by director/writer Scott Braucht. Inspired by Peewee’s Playhouse meets Oregon Art Beat, the show is hosted by local drag queen Lulu Lucious who travels from her clubhouse to highlight the unique stories of different local businesses that are queer, BIPOC and/or women-owned. Lulu’s inquisitive nature hopes to draw visitors to support local Portland businesses and get people talking and celebrating all things Portland.
“Hasaan Hates Portland” from writer/director Mischa Webley. This dark satirical comedy series follows the adventures of a quiet Black man trying to navigate his way through the absurd, hypocritical, and downright strange stuff he experiences in what’s been called America’s whitest city. Based on real life experiences, each episode will unapologetically feature something that Hasaan hates about Portland. Challenging hard truths about Portland, the show will highlight new perspectives with a comedic twist.
All three projects have started production and are supporting professional development for local cast and crew.
