What is The Backlot?
As someone who never went to film school, didn’t have a connection at a major studio, and started the journey into film well after my college years, I know it can be tough to get going in this industry. In fact, I am still working to make my mark in film.
That’s why I started this newsletter - because through many conversations, discussions, and projects, I’ve learned that there are a lot of people in this industry looking to build a community and connect with each other. My hope is that by sharing my journey with you, this newsletter can provide a place for others to share their own stories, connect with one another, and grow our community.
As for the name - well, backlots at film studios were places where there were often permanent outdoor sets, office buildings, and places for productions to film their scenes. Nowadays, backlots are pretty uncommon because of the growth of CGI and digital effects. Backlots were also places where the filmmakers would hang out between shoots, connect with other departments, and bask in that cliched movie-making magic. That’s why, for us - the crew - the makers - hanging out at The Backlot is a good way to remind us that community lies at the center of the movie-making process.
So, whether you are a cinephile looking to hear about the inner workings of the filmmaking process or an emerging filmmaker looking for your big break, this newsletter is a way for us to get to know one another, learn from each other stories, and build a career in the beautifully complex world of filmmaking.
About Keegan Sentner
I am a film producer, writer, and journalist from Bend, Oregon. I’ve recently produced the short documentary Return to Sender and am currently working on two other feature documentary films, about conservation on the Jersey Shore and a team of blind outrigger paddlers in southern California.
I’m also the founder of Camp Five Films, an award-winning commercial and documentary film production studio based in Bend, Oregon.
In addition, my freelance journalism work includes articles in notable publications such as Earth Island Journal, Outdoor Life, and Trails Magazine.
You can see more of my work here.
Why Subscribe
In the world of indie-filmmaking, getting a start is difficult. There is a lot of gatekeeping, requires a lot of dedication, and can often feel like banging your head against a wall.
That’s why I want to use my experience as a chance to help others and share my experiences, learnings, and knowledge through my many successes and failures in this industry. In addition, this newsletter will also give you a chance to join a community of others trying to find their way into the film industry.
Together, we can learn from one another and grow forward into a new generation of filmmaking and creativity.
What You Will Get Each Week
For Free Subscribers, you will get access to the free version of the newsletter, which will include…
🎞️ Sunday Evening posts covering topics that affect anyone working as an emerging filmmaker in this changing industry
🎬 A weekly list of film recommendations that include where to find and stream the films online
🗞️ 3 quick news updates from the latest happening in the industry
PAID SUBSCRIPTION MEMBERSHIP COMING SOON
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