About OIF
OIF is an unincorporated association of film professionals and enthusiasts; a collaborative organization consisting of persons with a common interest. OIF continues to grow and has become a grass-roots catalyst helping to grow participation in the independent film industry.
The group was founded by Lenny and Tzvia Lorusso, a couple that was looking for a way to break into filmmaking. In the spring of 2016, a post was placed in the Orlando Craigslist titled “Who Wants to Make a Movie?” A meeting with the handful of respondents led to the birth of a OIF, a diverse and inclusive filmmaking community.
Today, OIF numbers over 12,000 members and provides opportunities for local independent filmmakers, crew, and talent; to connect, gain hands-on experience, build résumé credits, grow and showcase their productions on the big screen with grandeur!
The main program produced by OIF are a series of script-to-screen film challenges, held throughout the year. Selected films are showcased on the big screen. The premiere screenings at a commercial theater are followed by a Red Carpet Awards Ceremony. Networking parties are also held so that connections between cast, crew and production leads can be made face to face.
For early enthusiasts, OIF facilitates entry into the field of filmmaking by facilitating and promoting active engagement in independent productions. OIF offers a platform for film crew and talent to network, collaborate and hone their skills; Members can gain experience and add to their knowledge base. OIF also promotes the growth of the Florida Independent Film community in general. Since then, OIF has grown to screen hundreds of local films at commercial theaters, with thousands having attended .
Whether you are a beginner interested in learning more about making a film or are a veteran in the industry wishing to network with crew and cast members, you’ll find being a member in the OIF family pays off.
The Central Florida screenings and awards galas have been held at various venues, including Universal Studios, the Orlando Museum of Art, Disney Springs (AMC Theater), the iconic Wayne Densch Theater in Sanford, AMC Altamonte Springs, Full Sail University, and elsewhere.
If you are located in Florida and would enjoy a chance to participate in local productions, meetings, or events, start now by joining a local facebook group! This is also where you can stay current with most of our activities.
We screen our Facebook group applicants, please state the locality you are in when applying. General membership is FREE, active participation is encouraged.
Part of our mission is to help people learn and advance their expertise in filmmaking and related arts. One of the ways we accomplish this is by producing Film Challenges. This platform has proven to be very effective in the personal growth and advancement of all participants.
OIF produces periodic script-to-screen challenges, currently about two per year per regional market area. The current areas served are the Greater Orlando Region and the Greater Tampa Region.
For mature Regional group (about 1,000 members or more), writers can submit a script in three designated short film genres. Scripts are reviewed for content, adherence to the genre and other factors. After a quick review, the selected scripts are posted.
Now the film part of the challenge begins. A production lead selects cast and crew, mostly from within the group, or by bringing in new members. Locations, shooting schedules, etc. are prepared and the film then goes to the editor.
The final film is submitted by the deadline to qualify for awards. A panel of judges will score each film in 13 categories for each genre. Winners are presented an OIF crystal award at the ceremony following the screenings.
Independent production teams are formed, mostly by networking with other members, to produce a short film. Writers, directors, producers, actors, cinematographers, audio recordists, composers, artists, editors, make-up artists and many others come together to complete a film. The Challenge culminates in a screening at a large commercial theater, which is followed by an elegant awards ceremony. A networking party and an after-party are usually part of the mix as well; allowing for even more connections to be created.
The hands-on experience gained by participating in these productions and working with others is invaluable. Participants learn how to work with multiple sets of crew and talent and are then able to exchange ideas and expertise. Most of the Challenge Productions will provide film credits to the participants which they are able to add to their resumés and portfolios. The connections made by participating in these can lead to long-lasting relationships that can help film industry careers advance rapidly.
Challenge Participants also vie for awards. A panel of external judges votes on 13 categories in each genre of the Challenge. At this time, the Orlando Branch has 3 genres per Challenge, the Tampa, New York, and Los Angeles branches have one genre per Challenge.
At the end of each year, or early the following year, an Annual Awards Ceremony is held, along with a Networking Party. Here the Best of the Best Short Films of the Year, as well as the Best Actor and Best Actress of the year are given awards. These awards recognize the progress, and efforts these talented OIF members have achieved during the year. At some point, we hope to accompany the annual awards with cash prizes as well.
At this time, Challenges are limited to participants in the Central Florida area (Orlando and Tampa). Metro New York City and Los Angeles are coming online soon.
Most of our communications related to these challenges take place in our local private Facebook groups, which are open to people residing in the same geographic area. Anyone with any film industry skill level, from none to expert is welcome. You must reside within 50 miles of a Chapter location:
If you qualify, please visit the respective FB to join our collaborative film organization and set yourself up to advance in a career in film!