Paul Feig, through his digital media company Powderkeg he started with Laura Fisher, has launched a new female director program titled Powderkeg: Fuse, a new development incubator for female filmmakers.
As its first initiative, Powderkeg: Fuse selected six short films submitted by a group of ethnically diverse women, and all of them will begin production in Los Angeles this week. Forty female directors were invited to submit their ideas based on a prompt, and the chosen six were paired with top producers and casting directors to develop their short.
When the short is completed, it will be distributed as part of the Fuse Anthology, a total of 30 minutes in length, all tied together thematically.
The last section of the prompt read, “This mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct micro-culture is the source of endless conversation and comedy. Finding your own identity in this city might take one or even two moves – BUT once you find it – you are home.”
“Each of these women has a very unique comedic voice and aesthetic and we are thrilled to be able to bring their short film to life. These are talented directors ready for the next step in their career and we hope this is the beginning of a long working relationship with each of them,” said Feig and Fischer in a statement.
Most recently, Powderkeg finished production on the short form scripted series “East of La Brea” created by Sameer Gardezi. Currently, it is in production on a half-hour scripted comedy at YouTube Premium and has a multi-plot deal at EKO.
The following filmmakers were selected:
Hannah Levy and Adriana Robles – “Francis 2.0” set in West Hollywood
Jess de la Merced – “Phony” set in the San Gabriel Valley
Thembi Banks – “Baldwin Beauty” set in Baldwin Hills
Talia Osteen – “Shabbos Goy” set in Pico Robertson
Lizzy Sanford – “Freckle and the Shih Tzu”
Jeanne Jo – “Rachel From New York “set in Frogtown