The Sparq

November 17, 2025

A weekly note from Eunice — founder, filmmaker, builder

Hey friend,

This last week had me shooketh, I cannot lie! But I've recovered and I have some really good news!

Here’s what we’re diving into today:

• CEO Story: A Problem, A Pivot, and a Major Win
• Industry Pulse: What You Should Pay Attention to This Week
• Holiday Tips: Don't Let Jive Turkey Take Over
• Did You Speak Up Yet?: Film Funding Study Ends 11/25

CEO Story

The Cold Problem & Quick Pivot

I’ve been reading Becoming by our forever First Lady, Michelle Obama, and one idea really landed with me:
​Every experience shapes us, even the ones we didn’t see coming.

That lesson came full circle this week as we dug deeper into building CineSparq because I discovered something important:

CineSparq has what’s called a cold-start problem.

In plain language, a cold-start problem happens when you’re creating a platform meant to connect two groups. In our case, filmmakers and investors, but both groups want the other to show up first.

Filmmakers want investors ready to fund.
Investors want strong, vetted projects.
And CineSparq must demonstrate value to both AT THE SAME TIME (but how?)

And for context, most platforms struggle with this for years. There are even books about it. In other words, this is NOT a little problem.

But then something dope happened.

Your early survey responses started coming in and suddenly the solution was clear.

You told us you wanted:

• A clear path to becoming investor-ready
• Real structure, support, and systems
• A way to understand where your project stands before pitching

Because of that clarity, we now see a direct path that not only solves the cold-start problem…

But also unlocks enormous value on day one of launch.

Your feedback literally helped me design the first phase of CineSparq in real time and it’s going to allow us to serve filmmakers earlier, deeper, and more powerfully than we thought possible.

And that’s the real magic of becoming:

When you stay open, every challenge becomes a setup for something greater.

Industry Pulse

Keep You Up to Speed

Hollywood is STILL shifting. And while the headlines may feel uncertain, the underlying patterns are opening real doors for indie filmmakers.

Here’s the good news:

1. Streamers are acquiring more completed indie projects. They’re cutting expensive originals, so finished, festival-ready content is becoming more attractive.
2. Brands are investing in authentic creator-led storytelling. They want narrative, culture, and community instead of polished ads.
3. Micro-budget, character-driven films are winning. Audiences are proving they care more about story than fancy effects.

The industry is moving toward leaner productions, stronger concepts, authentic voices, and finished work that’s already proven itself.

For filmmakers like us — storytellers with lived experience, grounded voices, and the hunger to create — this is the moment.

It means:

• You don’t need massive budgets to break through
• You can fund creatively and strategically
• You can sell a completed project faster than ever
• Your lived experiences and community insights are now market advantages
• And with the right packaging and readiness, you are exactly what buyers, brands, and audiences are looking for

Basically, it's showing us that indie filmmakers who prepare, produce smart, and move with intention are perfectly positioned to win in this new landscape.

And that is why CineSparq’s launch timing is so powerful. The market is shifting right into your lane.

Don't Let Jive Turkeys Take Over

5 Tips for a Creative Holiday Season

The holidays are beautiful… but let’s be honest, they can also come with chaos, noise, and plenty of folks (and situations) ready to pull you away from your creative flow.

So here are a few ways to stay grounded, inspired, and productive this season — and not let any jive turkeys steal your creative mojo:

1. Protect small pockets of time. You don’t need hours. Ten focused minutes can move your project forward. Consistency is your secret weapon.
2. Step away when you need to. Protect your peace. Not every conversation needs you. Not every invitation requires a yes.
3. Capture ideas in real time. Record voice notes while you cook. Map scene ideas while traveling. Come up with dialogue while walking in the mall.
4. Curate your inspiration by rewatching movies or shows that inspire you, especially if they align with your chosen genre.
5. Set one creative promise this season (not ten goals) Make a single commitment you can keep no matter what the holiday season brings.

The holidays don’t have to pull you off your creative path.
Protect your time, protect your peace, and protect your joy — because your stories, your vision, and your voice deserve space to grow.

Move gently. Create consistently. And don’t let any jive turkeys steal your spark.

Share Your Perspective

Study Ends 11/25

CineSparq is being shaped in real time, and your insight directly influences what we build next.
If you haven’t shared your perspective yet, this is your moment. Every response helps us solve real challenges and deliver meaningful value at launch.

Your experience matters. Your voice matters. Your feedback strengthens the platform.

TL;DR

• This week we uncovered a serious problem in the CineSparq build
• Early survey responses, uncovered a clear path forward that unlocks major value from day one.
• The industry is shifting in ways that benefit indie creators
• Holidays don’t have to derail your creativity
• Your perspective truly helps shape what we build. The Study closes 11/25.

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