Launched in April 2015, the new filmmakers networking event for the film industry STAY IN CHARACTER! began with founders, Drago Lazetich, and Marianne Kaulima, who partnered with China Indie Film. Tim Giovanni from Crashdown Studio joined the team in 2019. For our independent production arthous film studio, STAY IN CHARACTER! created the award winning short film, "Little Milo" in 2018 doing well for the world circuit of international film festivals. STAY IN CHARACTER! support and our associates support filmmakers, screenings and events. Keeping this site alive pays homage to the late Drago Lazetich.

The purpose of the STAY IN CHARACTER! Filmmakers Network is to connect everyone from stage, video and film backgrounds for sharing helpful resources and network with each other. Film directors, producers, executives and professionals are invited to have open discussions and develop connections “No man is an island,” Drago Lazetich states, “We all need each other. 150+ attended our first event at making it a success, and showing us that there is a need for such a gathering. We would like to make it sustainable and to happen regularly.” The community has grown from China’s  development of acquiring international talent in recent years. The economy of film has China building larger studios and production houses to meet a demand for entertainment, performances and cultural activities. Our future plans include screening local and international projects in different cities around the globe and are open to collaboration with interested partners.