Developed With Support From
A Documentary Film · Los Angeles · 2026
A film revealing how jobs in Hollywood break the cycle of reincarceration
All donations are tax-deductible
In Los Angeles, three formerly incarcerated individuals discover purpose through jobs in film and television, and escape the cycle of reoffending.
Request Deck →Developed With Support From
Dates subject to change as production evolves
Research from the RAND Corporation shows that individuals who receive education and secure employment are 43% less likely to return to prison.
Jobs in film and television offer a rare path forward: a high-paying, unionized industry where fulfilling creative roles are accessible without a degree and background checks are uncommon.
Programs like ManifestWorks, Hollywood CPR, and Streetlights train system-impacted individuals for these careers, and program leaders report that alumni rarely reoffend.
Open Gate makes this largely unseen pipeline visible, humanizing professionals whose stories are often reduced to their records and revealing the extraordinary drive of people determined to prove themselves. By documenting this pursuit in Los Angeles, the film highlights how these programs transform lives and encourages producers and department heads to expand opportunities that strengthen not only individual careers, but families and communities.
Status
Principal photography begins March 2026
Format
Feature documentary ≈ 80 Min
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Director
Adam Goldstick
Intended Impact
Distribution Strategy
Director / Producer
Documentary filmmaker focused on socially driven nonfiction. His work explores overlooked perspectives through proximity, trust, and ethically grounded storytelling. LMU School of Film & Television graduate developing independent projects in Los Angeles.
Portfolio →Producer
Producer with a background in journalism and entertainment marketing. Former managing editor of the Los Angeles Loyolan. Experience at IMAX and Sony Pictures developing high-impact film campaigns and audience engagement.
Producer
Producer specializing in nonfiction production and entertainment finance. LMU Film & Television Production and Business graduate leading fundraising strategy and production planning for the film.
Director of Photography
Los Angeles–based cinematographer working across commercial and narrative projects. Clients include Vogue, Sephora, WarnerMedia, RAP TV, and OVO Records. LMU Film & Television Production graduate.
Portfolio →Sony Social Impact Lab has already committed $25,000 to launch production. Additional support closes the remaining funding gap, expanding production days, participant support, and finishing resources needed to complete the film. Every contribution directly advances the project toward completion.
What Your Donation Unlocks
Documentary stories unfold unpredictably. Flexible production resources (crew time, equipment, and extended access) ensure the film can remain present for the moments that matter most, allowing the story to develop with the patience and depth it deserves.
Support funds reduce barriers to sustained involvement for our protagonists, helping offset everyday responsibilities such as childcare, transportation, and lost work time. This ensures participation remains voluntary, respectful, and grounded in ethical collaboration.
A film about opportunity deserves the highest level of craft. Post-production funding allows the project to work with experienced editors, colorists, composers, and sound designers to create a film that is emotionally resonant and ready for festivals, industry screenings, and impact distribution.
All donations are tax-deductible