Glendale filmmaker asks commission to consider helping cover $10,000 filming permit for short movie

A Glendale filmmaker asked the Commission on the Status of Women to explore city assistance for producing a short film she plans to shoot locally.

Anahid Yachian, who introduced herself as a Glendale-based independent filmmaker and GUSD alum, described a 9-minute narrative short called Neli and asked commissioners to consider helping the production offset a projected three-day filming permit cost "of over $10,000," which she said represents nearly 25% of the production budget. She said the project is fully insured and fiscally sponsored by the Alliance of Women Directors, enabling the production to receive tax-deductible contributions.

"We're trying to do this by the book and our fully insured production," Yachian said, noting she welcomed participation from city departments — including fire and police — to ensure a safe shoot.

Staff told the commission the filmmaker had not been placed on the published agenda and recommended placing the request on the commission's December 8 agenda so commissioners could have a full discussion and potentially vote on whether to provide financial support or other assistance.

Commissioners did not take immediate action at the meeting; staff will place the item on the December agenda for fuller consideration and any formal request for city assistance.