THE FILMMAKERS' SANDBOX

A CONSENSUAL CULTURE PROGRAM

99 Days of Devotional Film Development Support for Autistic +/ ADHD Filmmakers

OCT. 20, 2025 - JAN. 29, 2026

The Filmmakers' Sandbox is a small, intentional space for filmmakers committed to bringing their highest-integrity work to form.

It’s designed for those who want their process to be supported through clarity, rhythm, and care — not coerced through productivity shame or extraction.

WHY THIS EXISTS

I believe films are living things. They can’t be extracted or manufactured. They grow through care, time, and devotion.
I believe filmmakers deserve to be supported in a culture of consent, integrity, and real companionship.
I built The Filmmakers’ Sandbox because I know how demanding, isolating, and coercive the filmmaking process can feel — especially for autistic and ADHD filmmakers whose rhythms don’t fit industry standard timelines.
The Sandbox exists as a post-coercive space where process matters as much as the work itself.
It’s for filmmakers who move with integrity + devotion, who listen to their bodies + films at the same time.
It’s for people who know they can’t force clarity, but can tend to conditions where clarity arrives and the deepest work emerges.
Honest processes create honest work.
Being honest with ourselves about our needs and limits — and refusing to push past them in pursuit of success or achievement — is the foundation of consensual creativity.
The Sandbox exists so you don’t have to carry it all alone.
It’s here to hold space with you as you create without betraying yourself in the process.

You are:

  • Deeply devoted to your film and to yourself

  • Craving clarity, structure, and presence in your development process

  • Ready to work in a post-coercive, neuro-affirming rhythm where your limits are honored and your creativity is trusted

 

The Rhythm System: Swashbuckling Good Timers

The Filmmakers' Sandbox runs on a cyclical system: 4-day chunks that rotate between generative and integrative modes. This rhythm supports sustained momentum while building in real rest and reflection.

We will cycle through four distinct modes: Anchor, Swashbuckle, Dock, and Compass.

Here’s what each 4-day mode looks like in practice:

ANCHOR
  • Daily Devotional Writing
  • Write Reality / Ground Visions
  • Track Emotional and Sensory Experience
SWASHBUCKLE
  • Daily Devotional Playing
  • Translate into Fiction/Film Language
  • Mythologize with Metaphor, Story, Character, etc. 
DOCK
  • Rest in Support
  • Watch Movies
  • Close Notebook
COMPASS
  • List Certainties + Audit Process
  • Reorient + Assess Needs
  • Ask to Fill Support Gaps

What’s Included

  • 16 Anchor Writing Calls (30 min each): devotional co-writing to keep you grounded and in motion

  • 4 Compass Orienting Calls (90 min each): group troubleshooting and process support

  • 5 Swashbuckling Calls (60 min each): experimental co-play sessions to try out form, metaphor, and character

  • 0 Dock Calls: because genuine rest is necessary for sustained creativity

= 25 total group calls

+ Group Signal Chat for between-call support, shared structure tools, and visual aids
+ One 90-min 1:1 intake call for personalized direction on your intentions and process
+ One 60-min 1:1 continuation call for personalized direction on the next stage of your process

Pricing

Sliding scale $1,500–$3,000. Payment plans available (3–4 months).
Every participant receives the same level of support—your choice on the scale is simply about what is accessible to you.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, book a 30-minute application call.

On the call, we’ll talk about:
- why you want to join The Filmmakers’ Sandbox
- the film you’re developing,
- and any questions you have for me.

If you want to connect or ask about anything before booking, reach out anytime:
email: sarah.grabman@gmail.com
text: (520)477-7754

This season is limited to 3 filmmakers for the most effective and grounded support for all involved.