(TEANECK, NJ) -- As part of its milestone 20th anniversary celebration, the Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) presents a Free Filmmaker Boot Camp with award-winning television executive and producer Ashley McFarlin. Presented in partnership with Bird's Eye Entertainment, Inc. and Fairleigh Dickinson University, this one-night workshop will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Fairleigh Dickinson University Library Auditorium on the Teaneck campus.
This dynamic, three-hour session is designed for aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts looking to gain real-world insights and hands-on experience in content creation, development, and distribution. McFarlin—whose extensive background spans network television, reality programming, and creative producing—will guide participants through every stage of the filmmaking process, from concept to pitch.
"This workshop reflects what TIFF has always stood for—education, creativity, and the power of storytelling to make an impact," said Jeremy Lentz, Executive Director of the Teaneck International Film Festival. "We're thrilled to partner with Ashley McFarlin and our friends at Fairleigh Dickinson University to offer this experience free of charge to the community."
The event is free and open to all, but pre-registration is required through TIFF's official ticketing link at www.TeaneckFilmFestival.org. Space is limited and expected to fill quickly.
The Teaneck International Film Festival, celebrating two decades of "films that change the world," continues its tradition of pairing education with activism, community engagement, and creativity.
The Filmmaker Boot Camp will include:
* Intro and Ice Breaker: Participants share backgrounds and creative goals to foster an intimate, collaborative environment.
* Visual Presentation: An overview of the key phases of TV and film production—pre-production, production, and post-production.
* Small Group Breakouts: Hands-on content development and brainstorming sessions.
* Industry Insights: Discussion of financing, staffing structures, and navigating the entertainment business.
* Pitching and Distribution: Real-world guidance on presenting ideas and understanding how projects reach audiences.
* Speed Pitching with Feedback: Participants will ideate and pitch content in small groups, receiving immediate professional feedback.
Now celebrating its 20th year, the Teaneck International Film Festival has earned its reputation as "the film festival with a social conscience." Presented by the Teaneck Community Chorus, TIFF showcases films and events that promote social justice, equality, and community dialogue through the power of storytelling.
Ashley McFarlin, a successful entrepreneur, former television network executive, accomplished author, and faithful steward, has worked in television for over 20 years, and is credited as being a part of the Executive team that launched Bravo’s break-out franchise series, The Real Housewives of the Potomac. As a freelance producer, for most of her career, she touts Executive Producer credits for the award-winning VH1's Girls Cruise; Travel Channel’s cult favorite, The Toy Hunter; Bravo’s ground-breaking and historic series Southern Charm New Orleans, and a host of others.
As a former executive at AMC Networks, she served as VP of Scripted Original Production and Development for both WeTV and the new streaming platform ALLblk.tv. There, she oversaw production of the breakout scripted series, Kold & Windy as well as the critically acclaimed unscripted series, Brat Loves Judy, the first ever documentation of the love story and marriage of two out lesbian women in the entertainment and beauty industries.
Ms. McFarlin has not only taken up impactful space on the buying side of television and film production as a network executive, but she also continues to work tirelessly to create and cultivate new pools of talented writers, producers, directors, and filmmakers through her entertainment firm, The BE Group, LLC. The BE Group comprises of the production company, Bird’s Eye Entertainment, Inc; an educational organization, BELearn, LLC; a book publishing firm, BE Publishing, LLC; and The BE Hub, LLC- a full service studio facility that offers production and consultation services to burgeoning creatives with new concepts for television and film.
As an advocate for honest and entertaining storytelling that reflects the diverse world we live in, Ms. McFarlin has placed herself on the frontline of the entertainment industry, striving to “BE” the change she wants to see. Ms. McFarlin has recently been honored by the Georgia State Legislature for her contributions in the entertainment industry; she has completed the Harvard Business School Executive Management program; she has published a book of daily devotionals, and she holds a bachelor’s degree from Howard University, with a Summa Cum Laude distinction.
