top of page
kindred-films-participate.JPG

PARTICIPATE

BE THE ENGINE
OF MEANINGFUL CONTENT

We need your support to create meaningful content that brings audiences around the world closer, and reminds us that we have more in common than sets us apart.

WHAT WE DO

  • Give communities around the world a chance to tell their stories

  • Provide charities with a powerful tool to engage their audiences

  • ​Inspire the next generation of advocates

HOW YOU CAN HELP

INDIVIDUALS

Many of us are tired of searching through pointless, forgettable, and uninspiring catalogs of shows trying to find something worthy of our attention and time.
 

Join us on a cinematic journey around the world of stories that will engage your heart, expand your perspective, and keep you talking long after you experience the wonder of our TV series.

kindred-films-donations-individuals.jpg
kindred-films-gambia-woman.jpg

CORPORATIONS

We're looking for a corporate partner who is aligned with our overall project values or perhaps a specific cause or story in one of our locations. We have partnered with SalesForce and Final Draft.

We're ready to discuss a multitude of opportunities for corporate sponsorship.

Organizations
& Foundations

The support of foundations and private endowments is pivotal to developing the next stage of our project as we work on new content to continue our support of charitable organizations and schools.

 

Get more information on how to partner with us on these pivotal projects.

kindred-films-donations-organizations-foundations.png
Filming

READY TO GET INVOLVED?

Join us on a cinematic journey around the world of stories that will engage your heart, expand your perspective, and keep you talking long after you experience the wonder of our TV series.

OUR TEAM

The Kindred community began as a team of writers, journalists, and filmmakers who came together at the beginning of the pandemic to create powerful stories about the shared experience of communities around the world during this unique time in history.

This grassroots organization grew by word of mouth, and we were soon collaborating with artists in over 30 counties and developing scripts from over 100 story submissions. Before the end of the year, we were in production on our first episodes.

Kindred is now a 501c3 non-profit of dedicated filmmakers, educators, and community leaders focused on working with communities worldwide to create meaningful stories that unite audiences, raise awareness for important causes, and inspire young change-makers.

Darwin Santa Monica_edited.jpg
Co-Founder & Co-CEO

Darwin Shaw

A former Emergency Room doctor from London, Darwin trained at LAMDA in Classical Theatre before being cast in a variety of feature films, including CASINO ROYALE, PRINCE OF PERSIA, PROMETHEUS, SON OF GOD and JOHN CARTER. He also notably played Saint Peter in the Emmy nominated television series, THE BIBLE.

Since moving to Los Angeles, he has starred in Netflix’s HOUSE OF CARDS and MARCO POLO, Showtime’s HOMELAND and THE BORGIAS, Marvel’s AGENTS OF SHIELD & MOON KNIGHT, Lifetime’s THE RED TENT, and the upcoming Apple project SUGAR.

He trained for 3 months under the guidance director/producer Stephen Surjik, on Netflix’s UMBRELLA ACADEMY and has literary representation with THE CARTEL.

IMG_11101BB92834-9_edited_edited.jpg
Co-Founder & Co-CEO

Will Hawkes

Will has been working as an actor and director for over 10 years with TV roles in GRIMM, BIG LITTLE LIES, THE POLITICIAN and HOLLYWOOD. His film credits include the indy hits SUN VALLEY,  FIRST COMES LIKE and DEVIL'S HOLLOW.

His most recent directorial project, R.V – a story centering on women’s reproductive rights – won numerous festival awards, had a viral campaign that had over half a million views, and partnered with the Reproductive Health Access Project.

Hawkes is a consultant for Nanocrowd, an audience analytics company with clients in the Big 6.
 

​​​​​​

Shirlie Headshot 2.jpg
Managing Director

Shirlie March

Shirlie is an accomplished marketing consultant specializing in startups. With her background in software product management, she founded her consulting practice. Shirlie provides strategic marketing expertise to companies across diverse sectors including high-tech, entertainment, and wine packaging.

 

She is passionate about supporting small organizations that focus on community building and storytelling. Shirlie earned her B.A. in International Relations from Stanford University, and studied at Oxford University. She lives in an off-grid home in Northern California she and her husband designed that reflects their commitment to sustainability.

cc3a8e39-1877-4036-be48-1c2446a14d34_edited_edited_edited_edited.jpg
Director of Community Outreach

Christopher Clawson

For 30 plus years, Christopher has worked in the nonprofit arena, specifically working with and for the arts, LGBTQ+ causes, the youth and religious organizations. Focusing on community outreach, development, stewardship, cause-related marketing, campaigns, events and individual/planned giving. Working with such organizations as the Jackson Fine Arts Institute, the New York Theatre Ballet, amfAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research - NYC), the Riverside Church - NYC, Point Foundation, The Center – NYC, and the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

 

In his spare time, he has written nine fictional novels, created a publishing company that ran for seven years. And currently working on his first screenplay. He brings to the Kindred table a vast knowledge and experience that we welcome.

Tracey photo_edited.jpg
Educational Outreach & DEI Facilitator

Tracey Bowen

Tracey Bowen Bell is an advocate and mentor with over 20 years of experience in higher education. Her teaching experience includes positive psychology, student life skills courses, and world religion. She is well equipped to effectively provide personal, academic and career counseling. She holds an undergraduate degree from Wellesley College in Psychology and Masters degrees from Trinity International University in Religion and Mental Health Counseling.

Tracey’s passion is seeing people live their lives full of faith hope and love. She is a former pageant director, with several years of experience as a contestant and titleholder, including Queen of Queens, Ms. Royalty International.
Residing in Miami, FL, she is also a minister, researcher, writer, vocalist and visual artist with a love for nature.

Sarah Strandring photo_edited.jpg
Social Media Manager

Sarah Standring

Sarah was born with an enthusiasm for life that has always been contagious. Raised in the picturesque Sonoma County, CA, she grew up surrounded by more animals than siblings, fostering a love for nature and companionship. She attended Sonoma State University, where she studied the world of Theatre Arts, honing her creative talents.

 

A true foodie at heart, Sarah's dream vacation revolves around indulging in amazing culinary experiences from around the world. Sarah is excited to be a part of this team and can't wait to contribute her energy and passion!

Bria photo.png
Community Engagement Facilitator

Bria Phillips

Originally from a small town in Massachusetts, Bria always felt a strong connection to film and photography. In college, she majored in film while continuing to hone her skills in portraiture and constantly developing project ideas.

 

This passion for storytelling extended beyond the classroom. Bria even created a short documentary chronicling the trials and triumphs of navigating the music industry. The documentary followed her long-time friend Heyssis's journey of creating her first official EP, "888", capturing the creative process, the challenges faced, and the ultimate joy of achieving a musical dream. Now at Kindred, Bria thrives working alongside a passionate team to connect filmmakers globally and make a positive impact on the film industry.
 

IMG_6949.JPG
Asset Design

Mei Asada

Mei is a talented artist and freelance designer known for her unique ability to explore and capture life itself through various mediums and forms of art. With a passion for creativity and an eye for detail, Mei's work reflects her deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around her. Her art is not just about aesthetics; it's about capturing the essence of life and the moments that make it extraordinary. As a versatile artist, she continually pushes the boundaries of her craft, always seeking new ways to express her vision and inspire others.

CONTACT
US

Sign up for the latest news and explore opportunities with Kindred Films.

Select an option

Thanks for submitting!

CONTACT US
bottom of page