'On My Block' Short Film Project Makes Neighborhood Streets The Star

Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill are often the site of Hollywood movie shoots, attracting everyone from Paul Rudd to Paul Giamatti. But a new filmmaking project seeks to make your shaded, brownstoned street the star itself.

On My Block Films, founded by local resident Ryan O' Hara Thiessen, is "a film challenge that brings communities closer together by inviting filmmakers of all levels to create short narrative or documentary videos on their block
using only their block’s residents as cast and crew."

The cast and crew of the film must be made up of the creator's neighbors, and the work must be shot on your block (indoors or outdoors). For example, a seeder film created by Raven + Crow design team—and —Troy Farmer and Katie Frichtel called "Free Camera" was shot on Union Street between Henry and Clinton Streets where they live.

"In the past couple weeks, Katie and I have gotten wrapped up in this crazy film project that's resulted in us suddenly writing a script for and directing a short film, despite having never done either before," Farmer told Patch.

Farmer's film essentially acts as a how-to, illustrating how other filmmakers-to-be can set about shooting their stories. It also is fun to watch, because it takes place on a street you've probably walked down myriad times. Take a look.

Inspired to participate? You still can! Among other rules and eligibility restrictions, only films shot on location in one of the five boroughs of New York City will be accepted. And each film must be between one and four minutes long.

For more details on how to get involved, visit www.onmyblockfilms.com.

Before you know it, you'll be saying"It's a wrap."