Bay Area Indies
Where independent filmmakers connect
Bay Area Indies (originally founded as Scary Cow Productions in 2007) is a volunteer-based filmmaking collective in the San Francisco Bay Area, bringing together screenwriters, directors, producers, editors, composers, actors and crew members.
Interested in filmmaking? Join us at an upcoming event! Participate in table reads at the monthly Bay Area Indies Screenwriters Group, network at the next Happy Hour, share your movie ideas at a Pitch Meeting, and crew on a Bay Area Indies short film set. No experience is needed for many roles, you’ll learn on set and earn IMDB credits as you go!
Everyone's hard work and creativity is celebrated at our annual Bay Area Indies Film Festival in San Francisco, drawing films from all over the Bay Area—and the world.
Join our mailing list for the latest news.
For filmmakers
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Find your creative community
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Gain experience on a film set
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Learn the craft of filmmaking
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Make your own movie!
For film fans
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Discover exciting new films
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Support independent artists
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Celebrate filmmaking in the San Francisco Bay Area
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Connect with the film community
Upcoming Events
What’s the best way to get your film made or gain experience on set? Meet local indie filmmakers! All of our events are designed to bring the San Francisco Bay Area indie film community together to make your films.
Plus, if you attend three or more events in a year, your qualifying short film will be automatically accepted into that year’s film festival.
Monthly
Screenwriters Group
Get actionable, constructive feedback on your script at our free monthly Screenwriters Group. Hear your work read aloud, strengthen your technique, and learn through supportive group discussion. Open to writers, actors, and crew who want to share a script or listen in to better understand story and screenwriting.
Date: Third Wednesday of every month
Next: August 19, 2026
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Location: Google Meet
If you do not want to RSVP via Facebook, you can email info@bayareaindies.com for a calendar invite and the meeting link.
Bi-Monthly
Bay Area Indies Film Showcase
Supported by Contra Costa Community Television
A curated showcase of independent short films broadcast every other month on Contra Costa Community Television and streamed online, offering filmmakers meaningful visibility beyond the festival circuit. The showcase highlights a wide range of voices and styles, with opportunities for filmmaker Q&As, either in-studio or via Zoom.
Open to all filmmakers via sponsorship from BAI. No submission fee.
Date: Every other month
Next: Aug. 28, 2026 at 7pm PST
Replay: Aug. 30, 2026 at 2pm PST
Tune in:
Comcast 24, Central Contra Costa
Comcast 24, East Contra Costa
Stream: BAI Facebook Page
Stay Connected
Bay Area Indies is built on connection. Join the conversation, meet fellow filmmakers, and stay in the loop between events by joining us on Facebook, Instagram, and signing up for our mailing list.
