The Department of Cinema and Power is a film production company formed by Gregory Earls and Stacey Holderbach in order to raise awareness amongst the general public regarding issues of social justice, body positivity, racial equity, gender equality, human trafficking, and other compelling social and environmental causes through the use of narrative short fiction filmmaking.

Focusing its efforts on producing high quality short fiction films, DCP’s mission is to educate audiences on issues of social and  environmental importance while entertaining them with captivating storylines, artistic direction, and high caliber performances. In particular, DCP values narrative fiction filmmaking over non-fiction filmmaking due to the simple fact that fiction is more accessible and more easily digestible for a broad audience than documentary film. While documentaries can be incredibly compelling, their reach is often limited to a certain type of viewer who seeks to be informed about the social and environmental issues being explored. Our goal is to reach those viewers who would not ordinarily seek out this education. We plan to do that by producing short fiction films shared via a You Tube channel, whether comedy, drama, action, or even horror, that will not only entertain audiences, but also educate them and inspire them to take action.

DCP represents the intersection of art and advocacy, concentrating on delivering powerful messages of change while also nurturing new and emerging artists in film.  With special attention on creating opportunities for women and minority filmmakers to showcase their artistry, DCP seeks to help close the diversity gap that persists in the entertainment industry. In the recent report from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Inequality in 700 Popular Films: Examining Portrayals of Gender, Race, & LGBT

Status from 2007 to 2014, study author Professor Stacy L. Smith reveals that virtually no progress has been made to increase diversity in filmmaking during the seven years studied. Current filmmaking in Hollywood does not adequately reflect the nation’s demography. This is an issue close to the hearts of DCP co-founders Stacey Holderbach and Gregory Earls.

The Department of Cinema and Power’s strategic plan includes producing six short fiction films per year, all with the goal of raising awareness on issues of social and environmental importance. The subjects explored will vary by film project, and will be produced according to union standards. DCP plans to collaborate with advocacy organizations whenever possible to help further their aligned missions. Organizations of interest include, The Body Positive, The Innocence Project, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST), and LifeSet Network, among others. DCP seeks to use its unique ability to present engaging visual storytelling to a broad audience in order to bring attention to critical issues impacting underrepresented, vulnerable populations and to highlight the need for change.

Thanks to over twenty years of experience working at a major motion picture studio, cofounder Gregory Earls has established significant relationships with other artists and professionals who can facilitate production and contribute to the successful distribution of DCP’s films. And with over a decade of fundraising and administrative expertise, cofounder Stacey Holderbach ensures DCP’s operations will be managed effectively and efficiently. Together, these two passionate leaders will blaze a new path for filmmakers, raising the social conscience of a community (Hollywood), which is often plagued with insincerity, inequality, and inequity.