Making Movies

In 2022, the Asbury Park Arts Council (APAC) was seeking opportunities to elevate the art of filmmaking within Asbury Park.

Michael Sodano, President of APAC and founder of the ShowRoom Cinema, recalled a program he and his team developed and screened at the movie theater to promote the city in a positive light. Dubbed the AP’N3 Film Challenge, the event encouraged members of the community to produce a 3-minute film in 3 weeks, using Asbury Park as the back lot. A panel of film professionals reviewed the submissions and the top rated entries would be shown on the big screen. The audience – and Mike – were enthused. “I never saw such creativity and camaraderie packed into 3 minutes. It was a race and it was a chance at making a first time movie, with little to lose.”

Relating the event to Carrie Turner, Executive Director of APAC, it became clear that the AP’N3 could evolve into a major initiative for APAC, attracting filmmakers throughout Monmouth County. Asbury Park has been a muse for artists throughout its history, why not continue that inspiration on film? Carrie and the APAC Board of Directors rolled up their sleeves and got to work adopting the event to their network of creatives.

Nancy Sodano, former co-owner of the ShowRoom Cinema, jumped on board to oversee the program for APAC as she had at The ShowRoom. “We love being able to see the talent in these films and feel the excitement in the room when we screen these labors of love.” The AP’N3 in 2022 was held at the House of Independents to an enthusiastic audience of movie lovers. Engagement was as high as those in attendance were there to support local filmmakers and vote for their favorite film in the Audience Award category.

Four years later, the AP’N3 has outgrown Asbury Park venues and has moved to the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC) and takes place on Sunday night, November 9th at 6:30PM. The Challenge has also expanded to cast a wider filmmaker net beyond filming within the borders of our fair city. A new category allows films to be shot anywhere as long as they evoke the Asbury Park vibe. We look forward to screening 13 finalists with their family, friends, filmmaking teams and supporters joining our local community of short-film lovers for an evening of creativity and entertainment. The After Party, this year, will be held at Taka, an Asbury Park signature restaurant and long-time benefactor of the arts.

Most filmmakers are amateurs, their short films may lack big effects and production elements, but their viewpoints are genuinely original, their take on the city is refreshing and their talent is undeniable. These films become their career calling cards going forward, and only time will tell what’s ahead for them.

An explosion of opportunities for careers in filmmaking could be around the corner. Asbury Park Arts Council is working to advocate and elevate filmmaking on a variety of levels. Partnering with the Asbury Park High School, filmmaking professionals have spoken to groups of students expressing an interest in storytelling through film. Formal instruction for students interested in the trades associated with filmmaking is being launched next year at the Asbury Park High School. APAC has created Filmmaker Meet-Ups – bi-monthly forums to share best practices, experiences and networking with creatives in the business – which are being held at the Asbury Park Library. APAC is preparing the Asbury Park community to be a central player in the big filmmaking footprint for the new Netflix studios being built nearby in Eatontown.

Mike, Nancy and Carrie are pleased to be in a position to produce the AP’N3, bringing more film and filmmakers into the mix of art that is so integral to the fabric of Asbury Park. The Premiere Event is a night of excitement, artists coming together to support each other, cheer on the winners and rub shoulders with other talented creatives.

Nancy said. “We feel we are paying it forward to give something of ourselves to the next generation of local filmmakers with a contest that’s exhilarating. What a gift.”
For tickets and more information, see FilmAsburyPark.com.