Welcome to OIF – Organization of Independent Filmmakers

OIF stands for the Organization of Independent Filmmakers.
We started out in Orlando, Florida in 2016 as the Orlando Independent Filmmakers. We had an interest in visual storytelling, and so wished to practice making films. A social media post led to a meeting with five initial members joining in our new group. Since then, we have evolved into a multi-city film community with thousands of active members participating in all aspects of filmmaking.

Shortly after inception, OIF evolved into a platform that began conducting periodic Script-to-Screen Challenges that members may choose to participate in. Writers and production leads send in scripts according to the current Challenge’s guidelines (genre, running length, format, etc.). Upon acceptance, they assemble a production team, which is relatively easy to do since a good number of anxious cast and crew members were easily approachable and ready to join. Producers, cast and crew are able to gain valuable experiences to grow their craft, network with others and even create film production enterprises to dive deeper into the film production industry.

Actors gain experience and film credits, which lead many of the more serious members to gainful employment in the industry. Each Challenge culminates in a private Theatrical Screening of the collected productions, followed by an Awards Ceremony and Networking Party. Gowns and suits grace the red carpet as guests pose for photos. Then the parties allowed for more connections to be made or solidified. This process repeats itself several times a year, with each Challenge showing clear progress in the overall quality of the productions. The personal growth and experience of participating cast and crew members is very noticeable.

We are elated to have grown a platform that allows anyone with a spark of ambition to be able to reach out and touch their dreams. For many, our group today has become more of a “film family” which we expect to continue to nurture and grow.

Lenny and Tzvia Lorusso,
Founders and Managers,
OIF

Member Participation

This site is an extension of our private Facebook groups, where most of our live discussions currently take place.
OIF was founded by a dynamic couple intent on learning how to produce films and bringing more independent film production to the Sunshine State. So far, they have managed to help build a large local small-budget film industry, which they hope will continue to grow beyond the State of Florida. They continually help and encourage numerous people become involved and grow their skills and talents.
If any member needs guidance or has questions, they are more than willing to assist, simply reach out.

At this time, membership in our Facebook group is open to those living one of the OIF chapters and therefore able to participate in local productions. You must live in or near the area served by that particular chapter. All member candidates are screened.

To join any of our private facebook groups, you must be local to that area. Please be sure to answer the candidacy questions and submit your request to the appropriate group:

Orlando Group (Flagship) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/OIFOrlando
Tampa Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oiftampa
Los Angeles Group (Launching late 2024): https://www.facebook.com/groups/oiflosangeles
New York Group (Launching 2025): https://www.facebook.com/groups/oifnewyork
Atlanta Group (Launching 2025): https://www.facebook.com/groups/oifatlanta
Miami Group (Launching 2025): https://www.facebook.com/groups/oifmiami/

Members get the most out of the group by networking and participating in one or more of the productions taking place during one of the group’s “Challenges”. The Challenges allow teams to form where people come together to produce a film.

Most of the productions allow anyone to join, be it someone with little to no experience to some one with extensive experience for a talent or crew position. These challenges are a great way for “newbies” to learn and break into the field of film production. They are also a great “hands-on” way for people to practice and improve their skills allowing for an invaluable FREE education in film production.

These productions further allow people who wish to the opportunity to try different positions on a production team. This makes it so much easier for them to know which position they’d like to settle in going forward.

You can expect to become a member of the “OIF family” a large community of like-minded people that have grown together.

You can help the group and yourself by becoming an active participant in the conversation and join a production. Whether you’d like to write and/or direct that short film you’ve always thought about, want to give acting a shot, or have that fancy dance move shown to the public, OIF is the perfect community for you. All productions are judged by a panel of Independent judges. This helps measure and validate your progress. OIF attempts to have several Challenges each year, and screen the qualified productions at a large commercial theater for you, your family and friends to see.

These screenings are followed by an Awards Ceremony where the OIF Crystal Awards are given to those the judges believed merited them. Hundreds of short films have been screened with thousands having attended. OIF offers you an unparalleled opportunity to participate in star-studded settings and experience a bit of the glamour and emotions exploding at these events. Many of our members have gone on to work in the Industry alongside famous actors, producers and directors. All this starts with you being willing to working with others so together we all move forward.