Weekly Portrait: Escaping Winter's Time Loop
A Reckoning in Doc World, The Americans Turns 10, Streaming Premieres, and Phil
Happy Groundhog Day, friends!
We have to ask:
Whatever world you find yourself in (again) today, we hope you find joy in it and the work at hand. Let’s take a look at your creative responses this week to the existential absurdity of daily living!
Jean Ellen and Kasia,
Co-Founders, Portrait
Roll of Honor
Premieres, Awards, Press, and Standout Member Work This Week
Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power: Streaming Premiere Tonight on Peacock
We’ve been eagerly awaiting this film’s streaming release since we shared it in December. Directed by Portrait member Geeta Gandbhir and Sam Pollard, “Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power” chronicles young Black activists who risked their lives to secure voting rights and expand Black Power in Alabama. The film has just been shortlisted for Sima Studio’s 2023 Feature Documentary and is on a number of acclaimed watchlists as we head into Black History Month.
Gunther’s Millions: Now Streaming on Netflix
The world’s richest dog! A sex cult! Madonna! If you couldn’t help but love “Tiger King,” then “Gunther’s Millions” — produced by Portrait member Olivia Becker — might just be for you. From the SF Chronicle:
But although this tight, four-chapter show shares some of [Tiger King's'] animalistic DNA, it turns into a rather touching study of manic depression and the imaginative/delusional lengths seeking a cure can inspire. Well, that and greed.
The Americans: A Look Back, Ten Years Later
Yes, it’s been a decade since the iconic show premiered. From Portrait member and show costume designer Katie Irish:
In honor of the 10 year anniversary of The Americans premiere, I'm taking the opportunity to do a deep dive into some of the costumes.
S4 had many fun challenges not the least of which was creating the maternity wear for Pastor Tim's wife, Alice. We were able to source late 70s and early 80s patterns, and my incredible tailor Sarah made everything in house for her including some gorgeous smocking work.
From Vulture: A Reckoning in Documentary Film
If you’re in the doc world, you’ve likely seen this piece over the past 24 hours. It’s a wild read for any Portrait member. Shoutout to Portrait member and The Atlantic development director Linzee Troubh for her white-hat / voice-of-reason moment in the story:
Boys Club: Dramatic Table Read Tonight in LA
Speaking of Hollywood: what happens when a female directing duo’s first big Hollywood gig is threatened by a murder? That’s the premise of Portrait member Sonya Goody and Claire Lowery’s satire/thriller. If you’re in LA, come enjoy a dramatic reading tonight at 7 pm at the The Cats Crawl.
Top Docs Podcast: First Sundance Filmmaker Interviews Out Now
We were thrilled to host the Top Docs Podcast at the Portrait House in Park City —because it meant we got to listen live as Sundance filmmakers told the stories behind their films.
For the rest of you, the first two episodes in Top Docs’ Sundance series are now live. Portrait members and Top Docs hosts Ken Jacobson and Michael Merrill interview the filmmakers behind “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” and “King Coal.” More episodes to come!
Have something exciting you’d like to see here?
Share it on Portrait and we’ll include it next week!
Window of Opportunity
Weekly Jobs, Grants, Labs, Intensives, Deadlines, Events, and More
Coming Soon / Closing Soon:
Programs + Intensives
The Gotham: U.S. Features in Development submissions for the 2023 Project Market. Applications now open. Information Session March 1st.
The Gotham: Virtual Meet Up for Narrative Creators. February 7th.
Show & Tell Webinar: Step #1 for Fundraising & Distribution: Identify Target Audiences. February 9th.
Film Independent Documentary Lab: Application deadline February 10th
Women in Film: Financing Intensive, Line Producers Fellowship, Specialty Producers Fellowship, Business Fellowships, Artisan Fellowships, and Crew Fellowships. Application deadlines February 13th.
Jobs/Gigs Roundup
Contract Video Producer, Podcasts, American Public Media
Senior Editor, CNN Business
Senior Video Producer, Y Combinator
Producer, Long Format, CBS Reports (Documentary Series)
Senior Producer, The Situation Room
Head of Production, Cartoon Network
Have an opportunity? Share it on Portrait and we’ll include it here.
End Credits Scene of the Week
We love spotting your work in the wild — including the wilderness of Time Square (another strain of suspended time?). Shoutout to Portrait member and producer Andrew Helms and the “Stolen Youth” team. More on the premiere next week!
Until then, friends,
—JE + K