Antigravity Academy and Dolby Creator Lab Launch Short Film Studio for Next-Generation Filmmakers

Antigravity Academy and Dolby Creator Lab Launch Short Film Studio for Next-Generation Filmmakers

• png

LOS ANGELES, CA - December 2, 2024 - Antigravity Academy, the production banner founded by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Carlos López Estrada, and Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB), a leader in immersive entertainment experiences, have announced the launch of Antigravity Academy's Short Film Studio.

Powered by Dolby Creator Lab, the initiative is designed to empower emerging filmmakers to create bold, exceptional short films. Providing access to the technologies of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos along with Antigravity's hands-on development and production support, the studio amplifies filmmakers' unique voices, equipping them with top-tier creative resources and funding to tell their stories.

In its inaugural session, the program will produce three short films. Each selected filmmaker will receive a $35,000 production grant. The films will be finished in the ultra-vivid color of Dolby Vision and the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos. The program is open to U.S.-based filmmakers over the age of 18 who have no prior feature film or television experience - providing crucial support intended specifically for creatives early in their careers. Along with the grant, selected filmmakers will receive professional development and production support from Antigravity Academy to bring their scripts to life. The program will be overseen by producer Valerie Bush (Dìdi (弟弟)) and Antigravity's Head of Film and TV, Winsor Yuan.

"There are so many extraordinary filmmakers out there and not enough opportunities to bring their movies to life," said López Estrada. "We hope this program can introduce audiences to a variety of stories that haven't been told before."

The launch of Antigravity Academy's Short Film Studio powered by Dolby Creator Lab builds on the momentum of Antigravity Academy's debut feature, Dìdi (弟弟), directed by Sean Wang, which won the Audience Award and a Special Jury Prize at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival before its theatrical release by Focus Features.

The program is a pivotal part of Antigravity Academy's mission to elevate emerging artists, making professional filmmaking more accessible while providing clear pathways for artists to advance their careers.

"The success of our collaboration with Antigravity Academy on Dìdi (弟弟) inspired an incredible opportunity here to expand on our work together and advance our mission to foster next-generation filmmaking," said Glenn Kiser, Director of Dolby Creator Lab. "We look forward to empowering these filmmakers with the magic of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos - allowing them to express themselves and their stories to the fullest potential."

Applications are open from December 2, 2024 - January 3, 2025. For more information and to learn how to apply, visit https://antigravityacademy.co/ShortFilmStudio.

Carlos López Estrada is represented by UTA, M88, and Ziffren Brittenham.

About Antigravity Academy
Antigravity Academy is a creative home for emerging artists, specializing in the development and production of film, television, and short-form projects. Their educational and community-based initiatives are committed to making filmmaking affordable and accessible to all. Antigravity's debut feature film, Dìdi (弟弟), written and directed by Academy Award nominee Sean Wang, premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, winning the Audience Award and Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble (U.S. Dramatic). Acquired by Focus Features, the film was released in July to rave reviews. In television, Antigravity is developing the comedy series SMUGGLERS with FX Networks, in collaboration with This American Life and showrunner Joanna Calo (The Bear).

About Dolby Creator Lab

Dolby Creator Lab was created to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of content creators. Through educational programs, strategic partnerships, and direct artist support, we help artists think critically and creatively about sound and image, unlocking the power of technology to help tell their stories. To learn more about the Dolby Creator Lab Fellowships or the Dolby Creator Lab Podcast, visit https://www.dolby.com

Media Contacts
For Antigravity Academy, contact Elle Keseley at [email protected]

For Dolby, contact Ryan Hatoum at [email protected]