Trending PR Campaigns
The best PR campaigns right now, ranked by coverage. Updated daily.
Back
No Drama Filmmaker Initiative
Tuesday 22nd September, 2026
Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Film have teamed up with American Cinematheque and Beyond Fest for a second No Drama initiative supporting emerging genre filmmakers. Up to three filmmakers will receive $50,000 grants to turn short-film scripts into proof-of-concept films, with festival premieres and potential development from Universal and Monkeypaw creating the coverage hook.
Why it worked: It packaged a timely call-to-action (submission deadline) with hard outcomes (TIFF wins, 80% repped) and a first-look path to features.
The lesson: Consider bundling an open application + firm deadline with proof-of-success stats and a guaranteed showcase to beat competing pitches.
Monkeypaw Productions
Universal Film
American Cinematheque
Beyond Fest
5 Sources:
Coverage over time
How this story spread across the media
| Publication | Headline | Date |
|---|---|---|
| tiff.net | Monkeypaw Productions launches NO DRAMA Initiative powered by TIFF & The Universal Filmmakers Project | Tuesday 30th January, 2024 |
| deadline.com | Monkeypaw Partners With TIFF & Universal Filmmakers Project To Launch “No Drama” Initiative For Short Films | Tuesday 30th January, 2024 |
| nbcuniversal.com | Inside the ‘No Drama’ Initiative from Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw, Universal and TIFF | NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA | Monday 4th November, 2024 |
| variety.com | Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Shares Spooky First Look at No Drama Horror Shorts Ahead of TIFF Premiere | Friday 5th September, 2025 |
| variety.com | Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Film Team With American Cinematheque and Beyond Fest for ‘No Drama’ Initiative (EXCLUSIVE) | Tuesday 22nd September, 2026 |