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“Caged Lion”: An Outlook on NFL Fandom

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We’re thrilled to introduce John Paul Kerfoot, a seasoned filmmaker in the industry! His latest project, “Caged Lion,” has earned him a spot as a finalist for the Best Mockumentary Micro Film Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival.

Inspiration Behind the Film
John Paul Kerfoot’s Caged Lion offers a fresh comedic take on the Detroit Lions’ fandom. Kerfoot, a lifelong Detroit Lions and NFL enthusiast, initially aimed to create a serious documentary about the team’s history. However, the challenges of obtaining NFL rights led him to pivot to a more personal and comedic approach. Inspired by his long-running web series Not So Pure Michigan, Kerfoot envisioned a story about a man who vowed to live in his basement until the Lions made it to the Super Bowl. This concept, blending his passion for comedy with his love for the Lions, set the stage for a unique film where the team serves as a backdrop to a character-driven narrative.

Challenges in Filmmaking
For Kerfoot, the biggest challenge was transforming a high-concept idea into a grounded screenplay. The process of writing was a test of discipline, as he had to overcome distractions and hold himself accountable. The screenplay also reflects a personal touch, with the husband and wife dynamic serving as a subtle nod to his own experiences with his wife’s tolerance for his football obsession. This blend of personal insight and comedy added depth to the film’s humorous premise.

Filmmaking Experience
Kerfoot’s journey into filmmaking began at 17 and spans three decades. After studying film in college, he transitioned into video work, shooting corporate videos, commercials, and weddings. Despite the demands of client work, Kerfoot continued to create for fun, leading to projects like his Michigan-comedy web series and Caged Lion. His passion for filmmaking persists, driven by the need to engage in creative projects beyond commercial work.

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Future Projects
Kerfoot is currently focused on his Michigan-related shorts and exploring new ideas. One such idea involves a humorous short film about a political disagreement that leads to an unexpected friendship. This project mirrors the comedic yet reflective tone of Caged Lion, exploring themes of obsession and personal growth.

Contact Information
For future projects, John Paul Kerfoot can be reached through his website, Not So Pure Michigan, Facebook and Instagram. He is also involved in local screenwriting and video production groups on Facebook and is open to discussions with potential distributors or agents.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:

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“Explore the ‘Film Festival Submitter’s Handbook 2024,’ your ultimate guide to conquering the film festival circuit. Whether you’re a filmmaker or screenwriter, this essential resource provides practical strategies to navigate the competitive landscape of film festivals successfully. From crafting compelling titles, taglines, and synopses to creating impactful director’s and writer’s statements, this handbook equips you with the tools to shine in the festival circuit. Learn to develop effective marketing materials, including posters and trailers, and discover the importance of communication and presenting a professional package. With insights tailored to the evolving role of social media and marketing in the film industry, this handbook is your key to festival triumph. Get your copy now and embark on your journey to festival success!”

For film investment opportunities, please see below:

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Entertainment

Is the Dream of Professional Filmmaking Dead?

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The film industry, once a beacon of creative opportunity and stable careers, is facing an unprecedented crisis. From Hollywood’s production decline to the vanishing “middle class” of filmmakers, professionals and aspiring creatives alike are asking: Is it still possible to make a living in film in 2025 and beyond?

The Hollywood Downturn: By the Numbers

Recent reports from major outlets like the LA Times and Film LA reveal a stark reality: filming in the greater Los Angeles area dropped by 22% in the first quarter of this year, with total shoot days down nearly 25%. This isn’t just a local issue—Hollywood’s struggles are a warning sign for the global industry.

Why Is This Happening?

1. The Streaming Algorithm Trap

The rise of streaming platforms has fundamentally changed how content is produced and consumed. Tech-driven companies like Netflix use vast amounts of viewer data to determine what gets made, leading to a glut of similar content—true crime, celebrity docs, and reality shows—at the expense of originality. While this approach maximizes short-term profits, it stifles creative risk-taking and makes it harder for new, innovative projects to get greenlit.

2. Economic Pressures and Runaway Costs

Shooting in California has become prohibitively expensive, with permits and labor costs driving productions overseas to cheaper locations like Hungary and Ireland. Even with recent tariffs aimed at protecting domestic filmmaking, the economics remain challenging for all but the biggest studios.

3. The Disappearance of the Filmmaking Middle Class

Perhaps the most devastating trend is the erosion of the “middle class” in filmmaking—those who built steady careers on commercials, network TV, and mid-budget features. As budgets shrink and studios play it safe, these jobs are vanishing, leaving only high-end blockbusters and low-budget, scrappy productions.

Adapting to the New Reality

Despite the doom and gloom, the demand for high-quality visual content is stronger than ever—just not in the traditional places. The future belongs to those who can pivot:

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  • High-End Specialists: Those who break into the world of big-budget productions for streamers and studios.
  • Nimble Creators: Filmmakers who can deliver top-tier work with small teams and modest budgets, often for commercial clients or digital platforms.

Case Study: Thriving Outside the Middle

One professional filmmaker recounts how, after years of working on high-profile documentaries for Netflix and HBO, he shifted focus to smaller, more agile projects for commercial clients like CoinbaseDespite smaller crews and less gear, these jobs proved more profitable than many traditional gigs, demonstrating that adaptability and reputation can open new doors—even in a shrinking market.

The Path Forward: Practical Advice

  • Embrace Change: The industry will not return to its old ways. Flexibility and a willingness to pivot are essential.
  • Build a Reputation: High-end skills and a strong portfolio can attract both premium and commercial clients.
  • Leverage New Opportunities: Online education, branded content, and direct-to-consumer platforms offer alternative paths to success.

Conclusion

The dream of professional filmmaking isn’t dead—but it has evolved. The middle ground may be disappearing, but opportunities abound for those willing to adapt, learn new skills, and straddle both the high and low ends of the market. The industry’s future belongs to the flexible, the creative, and the entrepreneurial.

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Tyler Perry Hit with Sexual Harassment Allegations in $260 Million Lawsuit

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Overview

Tyler Perry, the acclaimed filmmaker and media mogul, is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s BET series “The Oval” and “Ruthless“. The lawsuit, filed in June 2025 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges a pattern of sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation spanning several years.

Key Allegations

  • Plaintiff: Derek Dixon, actor on “The Oval” and “Ruthless”.
  • Defendant: Tyler Perry.
  • Claims: Sexual harassment, sexual assault, hostile work environment, quid pro quo harassment, and retaliation.
  • Damages Sought: $260 million in punitive damages.
  • Timeline: Alleged incidents occurred from 2019 through 2024.

Details from the Lawsuit

Perry’s Response

Timeline of Key Events

YearEvent Description
2019Dixon meets Perry at a studio event; receives acting opportunity
2020Alleged first assault at Perry’s home in Georgia
2021Further alleged incidents, including at Perry’s private island
2023Dixon moves to California, claims continued harassment and promises of a show
2024Dixon files complaint with the EEOC and resigns from “The Oval”
June 2025Lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court

Media Coverage

Summary

Tyler Perry is currently embroiled in a high-profile legal battle over allegations of sexual harassment and assault brought by actor Derek Dixon. The case centers on claims of abuse of power, coercion, and retaliation, with Perry strongly denying all accusations and vowing to contest the lawsuit vigorously.

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Is the Film Industry Dying? The Truth About Filmmaking in 2025

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Bolanle Media Press Room

The film industry stands at a crossroads in 2025, facing rapid technological changes, economic uncertainty, and evolving audience habits. While some professionals fear for the future, others see opportunity in the turbulence. Bolanle Media Press Room explores the reality behind the headlines, drawing on candid conversations with working filmmakers, directors, and crew members.

The State of the Industry

Unpredictable Work and Shrinking Budgets

Industry professionals report a landscape marked by inconsistency1. Many crew members and directors experience long periods without work, followed by intense bursts of activity. Budgets have tightened, leading to more unpaid hours and increased pressure on freelancers and production companies.

  • Survey data: 78% of UK-based long-form directors say their income is unstable, working on average just 27 weeks per year. Over half report working 60-hour weeks or more, often with no corresponding increase in pay.
  • Freelancer experience: The pandemic boom led to a surplus of crew, but as demand normalized, many found themselves surplus to requirements, with work becoming “consistently inconsistent”.

The Impact of Technology and Social Media

The rise of AI and social media has fundamentally changed how films and advertising content are produced and consumed. Brands now often opt for influencer-driven campaigns over traditional big-budget productions, shifting opportunities and budgets away from established production pipelines.

  • Social media as a storefront: Many filmmakers report that their biggest projects now come through platforms like Instagram, with viral content leading to unexpected job offers.
  • Changing advertising: Companies are increasingly turning to user-generated content and influencer marketing, which requires fewer resources and less traditional crew.

Adaptation and Opportunity

Diversification is Key

Those thriving in the current climate are often those who have diversified their skills and roles1. The advice to “niche down” is less relevant, as industry professionals find success by working across multiple sectors and job functions.

  • Multi-hyphenate professionals: Many successful filmmakers now direct, produce, edit, and even run their own production companies, adapting to whatever opportunities arise.
  • Continuous outreach: Early-career professionals spend significant time each day networking and reaching out to potential clients, often landing work through persistence and visibility.

The Role of Passion and Resilience

Despite the challenges, many in the industry remain optimistic. Passion for storytelling and adaptability are cited as crucial for survival and success.

  • Emotional resilience: The unpredictability of freelance work is emotionally taxing, but professionals stress the importance of staying flexible and remembering why they entered the industry in the first place.
  • No single path: There is no longer a guaranteed progression or perfect plan. The industry rewards those who are willing to evolve, learn new tools, and build strong relationships.

Conclusion

The film industry is not dying—it is transforming. While shrinking budgets, new technologies, and changing workflows create discomfort and unpredictability, they also bring new opportunities for those willing to adapt. The need for compelling stories and passionate storytellers remains unchanged, ensuring a future for those who embrace change and stay curious.


For more insights and interviews with industry professionals, follow Bolanle Media Press Room for the latest updates on the evolving world of filmmaking.

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