Always a Bridesmaid, Never wants to Be a Bride
Director/Co-writer
Portlynn Tagavi
Portlynn is a recent graduate of the AFI Masters Directing Program where she developed her skills as a writer and director for narrative film. Originally from Houston Texas, Portlynn moved out to California in 2010 to study Character Animation at the California Institute of the Arts. During her studies, she interned with Pixar Studios where she developing her skills in visual language and narrative structure. Before attending AFI she spent three years working professionally as a Character and Story Artist for Fox, Paramount, Psyop, the Jim Henson Company (SPLASH AND BUBBLES) and DreamWorks (TROLLS: THE BEAT GOES ON!) before making the jump to live action directing.
Producer
Rich Bailey
Richard Bailey is a graduate of the American Film Institute (AFI) with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Producing. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Communication Studies, Screen Arts & Culture from the University of Michigan. Bailey produced three cycle projects (Ghosts, That Far, and Baked), and one MOS (My Man) at the American Film Institute (AFI). Bailey interned in feature development at Blumhouse Productions, and 42 Management and Productions (2018-2019). He also interned in post-production at Intersport, a sports media company in Chicago. Bailey also worked at the University of Michigan's WOLV-TV as a producer & director for the sports comedy show ULTIMATE SPORTS SHOW, which won best show of the year (2017). He also produced & performed in a documentary parody, 17 For 38: The Dorm Basketball Duel.
Co-Writer
Brandon Gale
Brandon Gale is a native of Los Angeles and a graduate of Brandeis University, where he majored in both International & Global Studies and Film, Television & Media Studies. At Brandeis, he wrote, produced and directed a short film called LIFE IN THE WOOD. He also produced and co-wrote another short film, ABSTRACT. Since graduation, he has been working as a paralegal in New York while moonlighting as a screenwriter and script doctor. He has worked closely with writers from various countries on their work and served as an editor and script supervisor on the set of the short film DERELICT in Baltimore.
Cinematographer
Delaney O'Brien
Delaney O'Brien is an American Film Institute (AFI) graduate with an MFA in Cinematography. She also holds a BFA in Film and Digital Media from Baylor University. Delaney had the opportunity to work on several feature films while at Baylor before moving to New York to complete her degree and intern at a post production house. She worked in New York for five years at both a mixed media production company and an advertising agency. She now lives in Los Angeles and her work has been in the camera department for a number of music videos for artists DNCE, Sum 41, Kris Wu, Megan Trainor and Skip Marley. She recently worked as one of the camera operators for a piece with Lena Dunham and Miranda July. She lensed several short films prior to attending AFI including WESTERN WAGONS and DISHES. While at AFI she lensed four narrative short films and two films on 35mm. She was able to develop her skills for underwater filming for her AFI short, WHEN WE SWIM. Delaney is also an avid stills photographer, working mostly in medium format. Her work as an artist and cinematographer is featured on VoyageLA.
Editor
Farzad l Kiyafar
Farzad Kiyafar is an Iranian filmmaker and editor who lives in Los Angeles & Seattle and earned his BA in Film and his MFA in Theatre from University of Art, Tehran. He also studied filmmaking and Television at Sheridan College in Canada. He directed and edited a few short films in Iran and Canada. His 35-minute film SOMEONE'S GOT TO TALK won the best film in FCI in Montreal and the student award in Tehran. He also worked as a videographer and editor at the Toronto International Film Festival
About The Afi conservatory
Located in the heart of the entertainment community in Hollywood, the AFI Conservatory places a strong emphasis on narrative visual storytelling and personal expression. It is consistently recognized as one of the world’s top film schools. A dedicated group of working professionals from the film and television communities serves as mentors in a hands-on, production-based environment nurturing the talents of tomorrow's storytellers.
Established in 1969, the two-year Master of Fine Arts program provides training in six filmmaking disciplines: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting. Admission to AFI Conservatory is highly selective, with a maximum of only 140 graduates per year.
Past alumni include David Lynch (Mulholland Drive), Darren Aronofsky (Mother, Black Swan), Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life), Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot), and Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman).
BY MAIL
Make check payable to 'American Film Institute'
Note 'They Won't Last #1917' in the check memo.
Mail to:
Thesis #1917, They Won't Last
C/O American Film Institute
2021 N. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Please include a return address with the check so AFI can send a letter acknowledging the donation.
TAX DEDUCTIBLE
The American Film Institute is a Government recognized 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization and holds tax exempt status. Donations made toward "THEY WON'T LAST" may be tax deductible under Section 170 of the U.S. Tax Code. A letter of acknowledgment from AFI will be sent for all contributions.
Fundraising Deadline: January Feb 1st, 2019
Shooting dates: March 19th - March 28th, 2019
MATCHING GRANT
Many companies will match donations made by their employees to non-profit charitable institutions. This can DOUBLE your donation. Your Human Resources Department will be able to inform you if your employer offers this benefit. If so, please select the 'My company will match my gift' on the AFI Web Donation Portal. Please contact us for additional help.
Donation Credits
Donations of certain levels will receive a special credit at the end of the film:
[ Benefactor ] $50 - $449
[ Partner ] $450 - $999
[ Sponsor ] $1,000 - $4,999
[ Executive Producer ] $5,000 - $10,000
IN-KIND
Help comes in many forms. We will gratefully accept any in-kind donations to our film - and you will make the credits! Please contact us and let us know how you can help. We'll gladly accept any of following: Filming Locations (Restaurants, Parking Lots, Houses), Equipment (Camera, Grip, Lighting), Art Department & Construction Supplies, Visual Effects, Color Correction, Sound Mixing, Music Composing ('All I Want' Prod. Fleslit), Craft Services/Catering, Picture Vehicles.
Contact Us
We would be happy to answer any of your questions and concerns. If you are trying to reach a specific team member please be sure to specify in the subject line.
Thank you.
Our Office
Thesis #1917, They Won't Last
C/O American Film Institute
2021 N. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
FUNDRAISER EVENT
THank You
