ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
We, as a coalition of entertainment industry professionals in the state of Connecticut, have come together exclusively for/to build a cohesive unit to support all types of productions ranging from Digital Media, Commercials, Music Videos, Feature Films, Short Films, Documentaries, Broadcast Media, all types of Television Programming, big and small, to bolster the current filmmaking community to make it stronger in order to attract more productions to the state. The Alliance is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to improve, maintain, and build the film and television entertainment industry in Connecticut.
OUR OBJECTIVES
1
Bring all Connecticut filmmakers, creative executives and talent together to network, work together and support each other.
2
Build up and support our state’s entertainment industry.
3
Help create new job opportunities and develop new ways to bring more productions to the state.
4
Speak with a strong and unified voice to push for more support and better tax credits for the state.
5
Advocate for better working conditions, better pay and more union job opportunities.
6
Education and training for creatives, crew and talent so everyone can improve their craft and expand their opportunities for jobs.
MEET OUR BOARD
The CTFTVA Board members represent a wide range of experience in the entertainment industry from across the great state of Connecticut. Learn more about each of our board members below.
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CTFTVA PRESIDENT
Owner, Crooked Smile Agency
Meriden, CT
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donn-quijada-609129285/
https://crookedsmileagency.com/
Donn Quijada is the owner of Crooked Smile Agency, a production service company and casting agency based in Connecticut. Over the past 10 years Donn Quijada has personally worked on over 100 productions from music videos, commercials, tv shows, feature films, short films and much more. Originally from Connecticut with a passion for the arts, specifically music and productions, Donn realized at an early age that there were not many resources for local talent or crew to find work that they can be proud of and exercise their artistic nature on various platforms. Which is why he created a company that does exactly that, finding jobs and placing local talent and crew on numerous productions and assignments. This passion to help others find work in the film industry is what led him to join The Connecticut Film and TV Alliance, as their goals align perfectly with Donn’s aspirations and visions for the great state of Connecticut.
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CTFTVA VICE PRESIDENT
Producer / Director, Firesite Films
Groton, CT
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecasten/
Over the past thirty years, Alec has won numerous awards as a commercial / music video director, documentarian and narrative filmmaker. His fascination for cinematic storytelling evolved at the age of twelve, while tinkering with his fathers Bell & Howell 8mm camera. Alec's persistence for creating narratives led him to the University of Bridgeport's Department of Cinema and Television, where he graduated in 1990 with a BFA in Cinema.
Following graduation, Alec became a freelance director spending time in NY, DC. ME, & VT. In 1995, he moved back to Southeastern New England to become a staff director / editor at Sonalysts Studios in Waterford, CT.
In 2008, Alec created Firesite Films LLC, a full service video production company that specializes in high-end commercial and video content, corporate video production, branded storytelling, and digital marketing videos that help businesses, nonprofits, and global brands connect with their audiences.
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CTFTVA CO-FOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER
Education Committee Chairman
New Haven, CT
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardcohen/
Ed Cohen is a native of New Haven, CT and a graduate of the University of Connecticut, Class of 1969. In 1965, he founded Bands Unlimited which later morphed into Miriam Cohen Productions with his wife as his business partner. The business soon became the largest independent music management/booking agency in New England: managing five bands and booking one hundred. Simultaneously, he was playing second sax, percussion, and was backup singer for “The Gravy Train.” In 1974, Ed encountered Dave Biro and his invention, The BiroTron - widely recognized as the rarest instrument in rock music history and arranged a meeting with Rick Wakeman, keyboardist of YES. The Biroron was used on recordings by YES, Wakeman, Tangerine Dream and extensively on the road.
Ed returned to CT in late 2018, and currently manages Italian-American composer/musician/engineer Max Di Carlo and Second Sight, a classic rock band composed of current and semi-retired major moguls in the film/TV industry. He also manages Ray Griggs. Latest additions to the team are Steve Johnson, Rob “Rob the Drummer” Gottfried, and Marston Smith “Lord of the Cello.”
In 2021, Ed began a parallel career in filmmaking as a location scout, locations manager, associate producer, product placement specialist, and has since worked on ten feature films to date. After meeting Jonathan Black, the two co-founded the Connecticut Film & TV Alliance in June 2023. Ed has served on the board of the CTFTVA since its founding, working to get 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, prevent the state legislature from abolishing the Film/TV Tax Incentive, roll out the first Health Benefits program for gig workers, and grow the membership to 600. Ed looks forward to continuing this important work to build the film industry in the state and is enjoying actively working in the film and music industries.
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CTFTVA BOARD MEMBER
Dept. Head/Professor, Digital Media & Design, UConn
Storrs Mansfield, CT
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathere/
Heather Elliott-Famularo is a dedicated fine arts administrator, educator, and filmmaker. She currently serves as the Department Head of Digital Media & Design in the School of Fine Arts at the University of Connecticut. She earned a MFA in Art and Technology from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BFA in Art Media Studies from Syracuse University. Elliott-Famularo is an award-winning filmmaker/artist whose varied research interests include documentary film, fine art video installation, photography, and collaborative digital humanities projects. Her work has been published and exhibited internationally in Canada, Hungary, Italy, and Poland as well as at iDMAa and SIGGRAPH, where she has also acted as curator and juror of numerous exhibitions.
As department head at UConn, Elliott-Famularo is known for her impactful leadership - building bridges between the humanities, arts, and sciences. Her most prominent collaborations include the Human Rights Film and Digital Media Initiative, STEAM-related projects in art+science communication, creation of a Digital Public History minor, and sports entertainment with UConn Athletics. She is excited about the future of filmmaking in Connecticut and is committed to building the industry to provide opportunities for young promising filmmakers and fuel the creative economy in the state!
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CTFTVA BOARD MEMBER
Assistant Director / Producer, Myke Foo Media
New Fairfield, CT
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mykefurhman/
Myke Furhman is a three time Emmy award winning producer and director with almost two decades of production experience, from coast to coast. With stints in Los Angeles, New York and Savannah, Georgia, his portfolio ranges in everything from feature films to commercials, from producing to directing and even editing.
The Connecticut native returned home to continue his production ride, having now shot several films and television shows in and around western CT. His love for film has always been there, but he made the choice to make it a career when he was given the opportunity to be on the set of Adam Sandler’s “Mr. Deeds,” which was shot in New Milford during Myke’s senior year at New Milford High School.
His passion, coupled with being a true local with a never ending rolodex of contacts and resources throughout the area, has allowed him to excel throughout the current Connecticut film renaissance. Recent credits include directing the feature film “Candlewood,” as well as serving as first assistant director on Bob Yari’s “Summerhouse,” “ReEntry” starring Emily Deschanel, and “The Thursday Night Club.” He has also led production efforts for a number of commercials and branded content for CT companies such as ESPN and NBC Sports.
In addition to working on professional productions throughout the state, Myke currently owns and operates his own production company Myke Foo Media and is a co-founder of “World’s Greatest,” an athlete-first, Olympian-focused content company.
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CTFTVA BOARD MEMBER
Events Committee Chairman
Filmmaker / Producer / Director of Photography
Hartford, CT
www.instagram.com/alessandrosunrise
Alessandro is a CT-based documentary filmmaker, producer, and cinematographer. Alessandro has worked as an Associate Producer on multiple films shot in Connecticut including Marathon (The William Meredith story), and Diamond Ruff with Young Feature Films. Alessandro was the assistant director and associate producer for the Film Industry Mixer networking event for over seven years. He is currently a DP for commercial video and a Junior Partner for Castle Fires Entertainment.
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CTFTVA TREASURER
President, Joe Young Entertainment, LLC (JYM)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-young-592493168/
Joe Young is an award-winning cartoonist, filmmaker, producer, writer, and teaching artist with a distinguished 35-year career. He holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Goodwin University and has made significant contributions to the arts and entertainment industry, particularly in nurturing talent and enhancing the cultural and social fabric of Connecticut.
Joe is the creative force behind the newly released KEMET comic property, which boasts a readership of twenty million in Black newspapers nationwide. As the President of Joe Young Entertainment, LLC (JYM), he oversees the distribution of original digital content to streaming TV channels and media outlets. His pioneering work includes being the writer and executive producer of Hartford’s first major homegrown book-to-film project, Diamond Ruff. He is also the President of Hartford’s Got Talent, a non-profit agency that showcases talent and connects the community.
A Guinness World Record holder, Joe created the World’s Longest Comic Strip in 1999, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the arts. His accomplishments extend to co-producing the feature film PEP, filmed in Hartford, CT, and executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. Joe was also an EP on the movie “Midas” which in 2025 was #1 on the Starz streaming service.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Governor Ned Lamont declared June 19, 2024, as “Joe Young Day” in Connecticut, celebrating his extensive impact on the arts and entertainment industry. Joe's volunteerism and dedication to inner-city youth earned him the Daily Point of Light award from the White House in 1999.
Joe's current leadership roles include serving as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of The University of Bridgeport, Ambassador for the Bushnell Theater, Chair of the City of Hartford Film and Media Commission, and theThe Boyz Foundation. Joe also has a donor-advised fund “Young Edutainment Fund” at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
In collaboration with Smokey Robinson, Joe’s animated Robinson’s poem “Black American,” which was featured on ABC’s Emmy award-winning show The View. His work and achievements have garnered national attention, with features in prestigious publications such as People, Ebony, GQ, and Jet Magazine, and appearances on major media outlets like C-Span, CNN, and the Black Family Channel.
Joe Young’s influence and accomplishments have also earned him titles such as Amazon National Best Selling Author, a feature in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and recognition among the NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks in CT. His dedication and passion for the arts continue to inspire and shape the industry.
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CTFTVA BOARD MEMBER
Production Designer & Art Director
Woodstock, CT
Lily Bolles is a Connecticut based Production Designer and Art Director. She graduated with her BFA in film and television from the Savannah College of Art and Design and has been working in the art department for the past 15 years, allowing her to work on 50 different productions.
Movies that she has designed have premiered at SXSW (Jakob’s Wife, 2021), Tribeca (Suitable Flesh, 2023), The American Film Festival and the Independent Film Festival Boston (CROOKEDFINGER, 2024) and the Cinequest Film Festival (Voices Carry, 2025).
Lily has a passion for storytelling and to the idea of advancing the narrative of a film through the art and symbolism portrayed on screen. While based in Connecticut, Lily has traveled to make films in Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Illinois, New York and Massachusetts.
With her strong team of Connecticut and New York locals she is proud to be a part of representing Connecticut filmmaking and is dedicated to helping it thrive in the coming years.
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CTFTVA BOARD MEMBER
Producer / Director / Writer / Actor
Hartford, CT
Stephen Emirzian has worked in the industry for more than twenty-five years.
At the end of 2019, Steve produced a sitcom conceptual pilot called “The Big Shot” starring Bern Nadette Stanis (Thelma from “Good Times”) and actor Chris Barnes (Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm) which can currently be seen on Amazon Prime.
Emirzian has self-published a memoir, “Life at 24 Frames Per Second,” that deals with his life in the entertainment industry and the comical ups and downs he dealt with along the way.
Steve has been the editor and writer for dozens of newspapers and magazines over the years. He also had a weekly arts/entertainment column called “Center Stage.” Later, he hosted a podcast by the same name and interviewed local filmmakers and industry professionals.
As a former commissioner with the Hartford Film and Media Commission, Steve helped support film and television production being filmed in and around the city.
Steve’s most recent job included teaching filmmaking and scriptwriting to students at a summer program called “CAN DO!”
Steve was recently hired as the emcee/interviewer for the award-winning Armenian documentary, “My Sweet Land” that premiered in Connecticut at the Cinestudio atTrinity College in September.
He’s also an executive producer and director for the upcoming documentary, “Hollywood to Hartford: Connecticut’s Film Locations” streaming summer of 2026.
EVENTS COMMITTEE
The CTFTVA Events Committee is comprised of a talented group of industry professionals. Our goal is to create lasting partnerships with a variety of organizations across our great state. We help connect our members with each other, and with seasoned professionals they can learn from. Learn more about each of our Events Committee members below.
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CTFTVA Events Committee Member
Producer / Comedy Writer / Cameraman
Neal produced his first major event bringing the popular NYC networking and education event “Global Entertainment Media Summit” to Connecticut in 2005 with 2 full days of panels, live music, a fashion show, organizational directors and keynote speakers such as Lee Abrams, CPO of XM satellite Radio, Broadway producer of Hair, Michael Butler, and Indie Filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman, Troma Entertainment (Toxic Avenger). From 2007 to 2013, Neal set out on his own creating the Film Industry Mixer, focusing on the driving force behind most projects; the filmmaker, along with writers, producer, directors. He grew the event from 150 attendees to 500 attendees showcasing local, regional, and national filmmakers, talent, and organizations. The event consisted of Panelist, VIP interviews, and talent showcase in music, acting, and fashion. The events included notable guest speakers: Executive producers like Mark Lipsky (Eddie Murphy Movies), Stephen Simon (What Dreams May Come, Bill & Ted’s excellent Adventure), Larry Meistrich (Sling Blade), Barry Kats (Dane Cook Movies: Good Luck Chuck, My Best Friends Girl, Employee of the month) along with a long list of people with Network TV/Film credits: Norman Bryn (Make up artist, Cloverfield, Saturday Night Live). Neals goals were to bring enough talent in to start attracting distributors like Doug Schwab of Maverick Entertainment and ultimately, financial investors. During the years above, Neal produced several features: “London Betty” narrated by Clint Howard (The Waterboy) with actor Danial Von Bargain (Super Troopers, Malcolm in the Middle, Seinfeld) Trailer (video link) and was associate producer on Diamond Ruff starring (Fredro Starr, Felicia “Snoop” Pearson (The Wire) Trailer (Video Link) and took on various production roles for network TV including boom mic operator for Toddlers and Tierras, music video for American Idol winner Nick Fradiani (Video link), and videographer, lighting and sound for Country Music Television (Kid Rock and Cheryl Crow) (Video Link) Neal is a strong supporter of union jobs for people working for cast and crews of major studios in hollywood and networks with budgets, but also believes in supporting non union productions of students and independents just starting out with little to no budgets. Neal currently works in the communications department for the American Federation of Teachers Connecticut, shooting and editing videos supporting Teachers, PSRP’s, State Employees, & Healthcare workers since August 2000.
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CTFTVA Events Committee Member
Owner, JT Design
jodylynntalevi.wixsite.com/jtdesign
Professional Graphic Designer for 20+ Years, portfolio includes: Cover to Cover Magazines, Logo Design, CD/DVD/LP Covers & Inserts, (Carly Simon’s “Live at Grand Central”) Pitch Decks, SM Graphics, Podcast Covers, Ads, Event Posters, etc. I did the graphics for 3 the previous Film Industry Mixer Events and the CT Film & TV Conference 24 and am curently working on magazines, movie pitch decks and film festivals.
Stolen Innocence Music
Songwriter 35yrs (60+ song catalog, many in production) Focusing on sync licensing for film, tv, online media and placments with artists.
Listen at:
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CTFTVA Events / Education Committee Member
Non-Union
Dana Wine is an Actor, Director, and Screenwriter. She is best known for the combination of these titles in her feature film, Nadia’s Request starring Robert Miano (Best known for Sunny Red in Donnie Brasco.) Dana has worked on other full features such as Code13 Unreadable, and shorts such as, The House on Ivy Lane, and Bubbles.
She has worked on Hallmark sets and other local film productions, in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Training includes full police/weapon training, CPG-CP Group Training and Security, Bean Town Staties, Self Defense, University of Connecticut (UConn), Screen writing, UConn, Dramaturgy, UConn, Acting, Manchester Community College, Lark Studios, Actor’s Gym. Commercial acting, Boston Casting.
Represented by: @tinakinirymgmt
Nadia’s Request sizzle: https://youtu.be/RKGpaFSa-PM?si=kFKOFM7Ttc1se7Pq
Dana Wine Acting Reel: https://youtu.be/TNKLAzGiDTg
Dana Wine Commercial for Historic House: https://youtube.com/shorts/YK93qXl_fPQ
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CTFTVA Events Committee Member
Actress / Host/ Comedian
SAG-AFTRA, AEA
Wethersfield, CT
www.facebook.com/melissa.b.ward.39
www.instagram.com/melissabrookeward
Melissa Brooke Ward holds a BA in Theatre Production and Communication from The University of Delaware, where she had the privilege of studying abroad in London for Public Speaking and Media Analysis. She began her acting career directly after graduation, taking classes in NYC and accepting jobs soon afterward. Melissa has most recently reprised her award winning role (Best Supporting Actress, After the Wait, Christian Film Festival) as Veronica Bourbon in the web series The Newly Weds, a spinoff of the feature film After the Wait. She has had principal work in Blue Bloods, shot in Brooklyn, The Yorkie Werewolf, shot in Vermont, Lucky Penny, shot in Staten Island, and has filmed extensively with Dakoyenne Productions based in New Jersey. The COVID outbreak led her to CT to be with close family members, and when lockdown lifted and things began to open up again, she decided to stay put, loving her roles as daughter, sister and Aunt. Her quality of life greatly improved, enhanced by the surprising amount of film and television opportunities right here in Connecticut! Melissa signed with Tina Kiniry Management in West Hartford, CT, and has modeled for Kimberly Boutique in West Hartford and Glastonbury Lifestyle magazines. She has worked on different sets here in CT, from Hallmark movies to Disney Plus, and is committed to helping the film industry grow right here in this versatile state of Connecticut.
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CTFTVA Events Committee Member
Natalja Schnittler is a SAG-AFTRA actress with extensive international and U.S. screen and stage experience. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Drama from the Kharkov Institute of Arts (Ukraine) and completed advanced professional training through the International Theatre School STD in Moscow, as well as movement training with IUGTE in Austria.
Natalja has appeared in multiple television productions across the U.S. and Europe, including Echo Valley (Apple Studios), Wataha (HBO), and numerous guest and co-star roles in scripted series produced in Poland and Eastern Europe. Her early career was rooted in classical theatre, performing leading and supporting roles at the Donetsk Academic Republican Theater for Young Spectators, where she developed a strong foundation in character-driven storytelling.
Now based in Connecticut, Natalja works regularly in the Northeast market and is active in film and television projects throughout Connecticut and New York City. She brings a strong on-camera presence, emotional depth, and cultural versatility to her roles. Fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish, with working knowledge of German, she is frequently cast in internationally grounded and multilingual projects.
Natalja is passionate about supporting the continued growth of the film and television industry in Connecticut and values collaboration with local creatives and production teams across the region.
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CTFTVA Events Committee Member
Production Assistant
Torrington, CT
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
This Committee is responsible for working with private and public universities, colleges, high schools, and vocational trade schools to provide a bridge between education and the film and television industry, with a focus on job creation, job development, and retention of students.
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CTFTVA Education Committee Member
Actor / Author / Choreographer
Coryse Villarouel is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, SAG-AFTRA actor, and children’s book author. She has served as a principal dancer with two Caribbean dance companies in Connecticut and has choreographed for pageants and the Connecticut West Indian Parade, where her choreography has won “Best Dance” multiple times.
As an actress, Coryse has appeared in numerous Hallmark Christmas movies, has served as a stand-in for notable actresses, and has held leading roles in several independent films. Across dance, film, and literature, her work celebrates culture, creativity, and storytelling, bringing vibrant narratives to life on stage, screen, and page.
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CTFTVA Education Commitee Member
Actress SAG-AFTRA, /TV/ Media Bloomfield, CT
https://www.instagram.com/arshennamichalhines
https://www.facebook.com/arshenna.hines
Arshenna Michal Hines, also known as “Woman of Many Faces,” is a professional actress, commercial print model, vocalist, and songwriter with a diverse and accomplished career in the arts and education. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and Psychological Studies from Cambridge College in Massachusetts and has served in various educational roles, including Language Arts Teacher and Reading and Literacy Consultant for schools and performing arts programs.
Arshenna serves as a Town Commissioner for Bloomfield’s Public Art Commission and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, ASCAP, and CSWA. She received professional training as an actress and vocalist with Hartford Stage, Hartford Conservatory, The Artists Collective, and the New York Actors Studio.
She began her modeling career with John Casablanca’s Modeling School in 1998 and later landed her first national television commercial as a principal for Coupon Bug. Signed with Dynasty Talent Agency, Arshenna secured numerous professional credits across voiceovers, corporate videos, hosting, commercial print and fashion modeling, theater, film, television, jingles, and musical projects.
Her notable credits include being featured as the principal actress in an Essence Magazine Fair Housing Campaign, serving as the exclusive face of Yale Health through a Billboard campaign, and performing at Yale Repertory Theatre in Breath Boom as the Mother. She was also featured on the cover of The Messenger Newspaper in her hometown of Bloomfield, Connecticut, and honored by City Beat Media as an Excellence in Multimedia recipient.
Arshenna’s stage work includes lead and principal roles such as Isabelle in the off-Broadway musical Fatima and Charlaine in Ain’t Misbehavin’. As a vocalist, she has performed at the Bushnell’s Annual Read Aloud Program, entertaining over 1,500 students, and has appeared at festivals throughout New York, Rhode Island, Danbury, and beyond. She has also opened for legendary artists including Maxi Priest, Elan Trotman, and DMX, and has performed as a background vocalist for renowned jazz musician Erick Frazier.
Her musical repertoire spans Blues, Jazz, R&B, and Pop. Storyteller Paulette Carter describes her as “a gifted actress with a distinctive voice that entices the listener and leaves audiences cheering.”
Arshenna’s mission is to lead with resilience and purpose, using her experiences as an actress and educator to empower unity, inspire growth, and encourage perseverance toward success.
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CTFTVA Education Committee Member
Actor / Author / Video Producer
As an actor, Harry has appeared in over 60 films and more than 90 commercials and corporate videos. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and has extensive academic experience, including serving as an Adjunct Instructor at Eastern Connecticut State University. Throughout his career, he has created and conducted acting classes for young dancers and teens, and has organized table-read events to help screenwriters showcase their original works for television and film. As a video producer, he has created and produced content focusing on mental health, politics, and current social issues. Harry is also the author of two books: Peace by the Sea and Finding Peace by the Sea.
JOIN THE ALLIANCE
We would love to have you join the Connecticut Film and TV Alliance. Be a part of a movement to build and create a strong and long-lasting entertainment industry in our great state.
Contact Us.
We are excited to hear from you! Please reach out and join us in building a strong Film and TV Alliance across Connecticut.
Complete this form, or contact us at: