By love-89.com The Bay List application page. (Bay List)
The creative platform Bay List is partnering with the East Bay Film Collective to nurture talent in the Bay Area’s film and theater scene. Their goal is not only to revitalize the region’s filmmaking energy but also to establish Oakland as North California’s Hollywood.
Bay List is inspired by Los Angeles’ Black List, aiming to support a new generation of creators through both material and spiritual assistance. In contrast, the East Bay Film Collective focuses on enhancing the region’s production capabilities.
The East Bay Film Collective, in collaboration with the Oakland city government, launched a film rebate program in July. This initiative offers a 10% rebate on expenses related to film and theater productions. With a budget exceeding $250,000, additional projects in high-unemployment areas or those partnering with labor organizations can receive an extra 2.5% in rebates.
Among the participants in Bay List is actor and playwright Rafael Casal, who is currently working on a project to help complete ten scripts that are closely connected to the Bay Area and filmed there. Collaborators include NBA star Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media, director Boots Riley’s Cinemama, and actor W. Kamau Bell’s Who Knows Best Productions.
The Bay List application period runs until April 8, 2025, with selected projects to be announced next summer. Applicants must first register on the Black List website and pay a $30 application fee and a $100 review fee, but there are no further costs, and they will have access to training sessions. Additionally, Dolby Laboratories will fully fund the first 150 qualified applicants for one month.
W. Kamau Bell noted that while Oakland is a focal point, their next step is to expand throughout Alameda County. Rafael Casal highlighted Bay List’s impact on encouraging Bay Area creators and continues to host playwright salons, where invited participants can foster and inspire each other’s creativity.
Participant Alexandria Jones emphasized the importance of these gatherings, noting that many playwrights believe opportunities are limited when, in reality, they are abundant. Fellow participant Fego Navarro shared that attending the salons provides valuable feedback from others; what begins as casual conversation often turns into passionate discussions where everyone shares their projects, creating a sense of renaissance in the film and theater industry.