Institute Intensive | Creative Collaboration in the Gift Economy // Film with Stephen Bailey

Facilitated by Stephen Bailey, dive into a two-day intensive experience in New York City, where filmmakers, writers, and cultural innovators come together to explore the art of Creative Collaboration in the Gift Economy.  We draw inspiration from Lewis Hyde’s seminal work The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World, where he introduces the concept of the “gift economy.” Unlike the traditional market economy, which is driven by exchange and profit, the gift economy thrives on principles of generosity, reciprocity, and the creation of community through shared resources.

Hyde’s idea of the gift economy suggests that true creativity flourishes when art is seen not merely as a commodity, but as a gift to be shared—a catalyst for building relationships and fostering a sense of collective purpose. In this spirit, this intensive explores how these principles can be applied within the film industry.

This intensive will offer a unique opportunity to engage with the film industry through the lens of generosity, shared purpose, and the profound impact of collaboration.

Over the course of two days, you’ll participate in exclusive film screenings, intimate discussions with directors and writers, and hands-on workshops designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Discover how the principles of the gift economy can breathe new life into your creative projects, and learn from industry leaders who are also navigating the challenges of collaborative filmmaking.

Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, this intensive is designed to deepen your understanding of how art and generosity intersect, creating powerful and meaningful work. Join us to connect with like-minded creatives, gain valuable insights, and leave inspired to bring your own creative visions to life.

Space is limited for this intensive; secure your spot today!

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Details:

Schedule: Two full days, kicking off at 9:30a and wrapping by 5:30p, with opportunities for discussion, learning, collaboration, and connection.

Location: The Hub NYC: 109 E 31st St. New York, NY 10016

Cost: $450 [20% off until Nov 17th! Use code: INSTITUTELAUNCH when registering.]
Your registration includes several of the group meals and all retreat sessions and materials, but does not include lodging. 

Our Guest Speakers & Collaborators Include:

Jonathan T. Coleman | Filmmaker

Jonathan has been EVP at Guy Walks Into A Bar Productions (ELF) since 2015. There, he’s developed TV projects for ABC with Jessica Chastain; the feature film SULLY for Warner Brothers, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Clint Eastwood; and upcoming TV series EARTH ABIDES for Amazon/MGM Studios. He is most recently a co-producer of the film BONHOEFFER, opening nationally in theaters this month.

He also owns a Commercial Production company, specializing in Voiceovers. Some notable clients include IMAX, Porsche, Motorola, Chevrolet, and the U.S. Government.

Jonathan lives in Manhattan with his wife, Karis Danish.

Elizabeth Davis | Actor, Writer

Elizabeth was last seen on Broadway in the revival of 1776 playing Thomas Jefferson while pregnant. She most recently led the historic HENRY 6 productions as Queen Margaret for The Old Globe. Elizabeth is a Tony Award nominee for ONCE, a Drama Desk Award nominee for Roger and Hammerstein’s ALLEGRO and a New York Musical Festival Award winner for DUST CAN’T KILL ME.

Elizabeth just wrapped filming AFTER ALL with Academy Award Nominated Michael O’Keefe & Emmy Winner Don Scardino.

Elizabeth’s lead in the Tony Award nominated play, INDECENT, landed her Los Angeles Drama Critics and Boston Elliot Norton awards. Select Off-Broadway work includes THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI & CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE at Classic Stage Company, MY NAME’S NOT INDIAN JOE at The Davenport Theater, ZORBA! at City Center Encores, WOLVES at 59E59th & 39 STEPS at New World Stages.

Elizabeth has performed regionally at Harvard’s American Repertory Theatre, The Cleveland Play House & The Huntington. Elizabeth world premiered the title role in Alabama Shakespeare Theater’s BUZZ as British director, Buzz Goodbody.

Select TV / Film credits include NEW AMSTERDAM, repeat offender on LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, JIM GAFFIGAN SHOW, TAXI BROOKLYN, FRINGE, & festival darling, TRAUMA IS A TIME MACHINE.

As a writer, Elizabeth’s full length works include MY NAME’S NOT INDIAN JOE, CHILD(LESS), HOME: ENTROPIC and OVERGROWN. Her new album THE APPLE TREE released in 2023. Her newest work, PRODIGAL DAUGHTERS is currently in development.

Matthew Perkins | Filmmaker

Matthew is an award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of Play to Win Entertainment, a production company based in Athens, Georgia, specializing in crafting smart stories for the screen with heart, soul and broad commercial appeal. Known for his critically acclaimed debut feature, The Little Tin Man, Perkins blends humor with emotional depth, creating narratives that resonate with authenticity.

A Georgia native, his early experience performing as Hairy Dawg, the University of Georgia’s beloved mascot, shaped his skill for connecting with audiences—a talent that shines in his filmmaking. Perkins’ work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, USA Today, and ESPN, and for over a decade, he has helped brands and non-profits tell their stories in impactful, creative ways.

His latest project, Fortune, has seen a successful festival run in 2024, earning multiple awards. He is currently developing a feature-length adaptation of Fortune, with plans to shoot in and around Athens, GA, in 2025.

Josiah Junqueira Spencer | Director

Josiah is a Brazilian-American filmmaker who produces, directs, and edits a wide range of projects, spanning from documentary to narrative films. With a unique multicultural background and a diverse set of influences and skills, Josiah brings a distinctive artistic perspective and a focused approach to every project. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of character, storytelling, and visual composition, which is evident in his recent film, Hold. Josiah’s dedication to exploring complex themes and his ability to capture the subtleties of human experiences make him a compelling voice in the industry.

Kelly Strandemo | Writer, Actor

Kelly is a Brooklyn-based actor and writer. As an actor, Kelly has appeared on stages from off-Broadway to LA to London. She can currently be seen on screen in Zander Kirby’s THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME, and in Phillip Guttmann and Sarah Smith’s award-winning short, CARDIFF. Her plays, including PRIMARY and THE CONGRESSWOMEN, have been produced regionally and in NYC.

Kelly holds a Master’s Degree in Classical Acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). HOLD is her first narrative short film.

About your Guide:

Stephen Bailey is a visionary and mentor whose work bridges the worlds of art, faith, and community. With a career spanning over two decades, Stephen has been instrumental in fostering creative collaborations that emphasize the power of storytelling to inspire and transform. As a founding board member of Goldenwood, he has played a pivotal role in shaping its mission to cultivate a new vision for work and creativity grounded in love, faith, and a deep connection to the community.

Stephen’s passion for film and storytelling is rooted in his belief that art is a profound vehicle for exploring the complexities of the human experience. His work often focuses on themes of redemption, doubt, and the intersections of culture and spirituality. Through his leadership, Stephen has guided numerous creatives in discovering and honing their voices, helping them to navigate the challenges of the creative process with authenticity and purpose.

Stephen’s approach to filmmaking and mentorship is deeply relational, encouraging artists and entrepreneurs to see their work as part of a larger tapestry of human connection and cultural renewal. This philosophy underpins much of Stephen’s work, as he seeks to build creative communities where generosity, collaboration, and shared purpose take precedence over competition and profit. His commitment to nurturing a new generation of innovative leaders who are attuned to both the beauty and the brokenness of the world has made him a respected and influential figure in the arts community.