#14 - Interview with Larry Laboe, Co-Founder of New Filmmakers LA. - Pt 1

May 18, 2023

41 min episode · 2 min read

Larry Laboe,Interview With Larry Laboe

Episode

41 min

Read time

2 min

Topics

Startups

AI-Generated Summary

Published Dec 25, 2025

Key Takeaways

✓Distribution access: New Filmmakers LA connects feature filmmakers with distributors at Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu through curated industry screenings. Seven out of ten filmmakers who specifically request distribution help receive offers from companies like Gravitas Ventures, Vertical Entertainment, or direct streamer deals.
✓Festival strategy: The organization programs monthly festivals with rolling submissions, reviews 200 films per month, and programs 2.5-3 months ahead. Every selected filmmaker receives a MovieMaker magazine interview and access to 100+ industry executives annually, creating press coverage useful for future fundraising and distribution negotiations.
✓Personal narrative power: Filmmakers who articulate their unique background and life experiences often secure opportunities over those with superior technical skills alone. One writer with no TV experience landed a Gossip Girl staff position by sharing her tutoring experience with wealthy Bel Air families during a pitch meeting.
✓Multiple revenue programs: Beyond festivals, New Filmmakers LA operates a Warner Brothers Discovery development program that awarded $100,000 in 2021, a STARS TV writers program for premium cable staffing, high school mentorship, and the upcoming Anthony Ruhlin memorial grant, all with open applications for non-alumni filmmakers.

What It Covers

Larry Laboe, co-founder of New Filmmakers LA, explains how the nonprofit connects emerging filmmakers with industry executives, distribution opportunities, and year-round programs including grants, mentorship, and monthly festivals that screen 15-18 films.

Key Questions Answered

•Distribution access: New Filmmakers LA connects feature filmmakers with distributors at Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu through curated industry screenings. Seven out of ten filmmakers who specifically request distribution help receive offers from companies like Gravitas Ventures, Vertical Entertainment, or direct streamer deals.
•Festival strategy: The organization programs monthly festivals with rolling submissions, reviews 200 films per month, and programs 2.5-3 months ahead. Every selected filmmaker receives a MovieMaker magazine interview and access to 100+ industry executives annually, creating press coverage useful for future fundraising and distribution negotiations.
•Personal narrative power: Filmmakers who articulate their unique background and life experiences often secure opportunities over those with superior technical skills alone. One writer with no TV experience landed a Gossip Girl staff position by sharing her tutoring experience with wealthy Bel Air families during a pitch meeting.
•Multiple revenue programs: Beyond festivals, New Filmmakers LA operates a Warner Brothers Discovery development program that awarded $100,000 in 2021, a STARS TV writers program for premium cable staffing, high school mentorship, and the upcoming Anthony Ruhlin memorial grant, all with open applications for non-alumni filmmakers.

Notable Moment

Larry Laboe moved to New York City at age 16, got emancipated, secured representation within his first week, and earned $3,000 from his initial commercial booking, launching a career that eventually led to producing NBC shows adapted from Sundance short films.

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