It starts with a good story. At its foundation, three goals...

 

Founded by Nina Shelton, Crossing Barriers is a media company that tells stories about women, highlighting, exploring, and celebrating their existence. Scripted dramas and comedies. We share strong, rich stories about women, films with wit and introspection. Each character complex and intriguing – from living a seemingly simple life to those living larger than life. Our mission is to let an array of women see a depiction of themselves and others often underrepresented on the screen.

 

Our budgets are modest. We're in the low budget category. By choice we've picked our lane and stay in it because our strategic plan results in quality films for less. When we start with a good story, our selection process is zoned-in on a narrative that can be shot efficiently. No scripts that require extensive special effects, numerous locations, or large casts. It’s wonderfully engaging stories with delightful plots that meet our needs. Now add to that creative talent in front of and behind the scenes – that’s how our carefully crafted budgets are spent.

 

We open the door for those underrepresented in the film industry to take part in the process. Apprenticeship is the third core element of our business model. Yes, it’s about making a successful film, but we dream about access. We think this glorious industry should not be for the elite few. Instead, we give access to those who don’t have the right connections, or who don’t look like the thousands of others on film sets across America. Our apprentices are minorities, women, people with a disability, those who have been denied access because of their age. These descriptions are no longer barriers. We’ve made a way across the divide.

 

Our business model is a teaching company as much as it is a film production company, providing apprentice-style relationships with experienced crew members who educate and mentor their apprentice, like a teaching hospital. The mentor/apprentice relationship is important. Our apprentices have a passion for film, the ability to perform the task at hand, and are ready to learn and work hard. Our key crews are highly skilled in their fields, yet they are passionate about the role they play in helping others achieve their goals. From directors to gaffers, costume designers and audio mixers, each area of production is opening the door for apprentices to have a long future in filmmaking.

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