Some Kind of Escape
ATLFS Fiscally Sponsored Project

“Some Kind of Escape” is a workplace coming-of-age comedy-drama feature film from Atlanta-based filmmaker Rocco Shapiro and Reel Friends.

  • While suffering through a shift at an independent movie theater, a disillusioned employee reconnects with an old friend, discovering that the place dedicated to other people’s stories might finally force them to confront their own.

    Some Kind of Escape is scheduled to shoot in Atlanta in March 2027, with principal photography planned at the historic Tara Theatre.

  • Rocco Shapiro is a filmmaker experienced in both narrative and commercial storytelling.

    He has written, produced, directed and edited commercials that have garnered over one billion views on YouTube and broadcast with clients such as Grammarly, Xfinity and Nike -- several of which boasted multi-million dollar budgets.

    Rocco's award-winning short films were featured in eight Academy-qualifying festivals including Aspen Shorts Fest, Palm Springs International Film Festival and Atlanta Film Festival. He produced the feature film Frogtown, which received the audience award at four festivals including Florida and Atlanta. Rocco also hosts monthly film programming events at the Plaza & Tara Theaters. Some Kind of Escape will be his directorial debut feature film.

  • Founded by Rocco Shapiro, Reel Friends is an Atlanta-based production company dedicated to crafting dynamic narrative projects with diverse artists in respectful and collaborative environments.

    In addition to producing independent films, Reel Friends has established a growing community of filmmakers and film lovers through curated theatrical programming, special events, and collaborations with Atlanta's independent cinemas.

    From filmmaker Q&As and local short film showcases to unconventional repertory screenings and large-scale mixed media community events, Reel Friends is committed to making cinema an accessible, communal, and memorable experience.

    With Some Kind of Escape, Reel Friends takes its next step in producing original feature films, bringing the same spirit of community and creative collaboration from its screenings to the screen itself.

ATTEND THE FUNDRASING PARTY

MAKE A DONATION

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS FILM (OF $20 OR MORE) ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE THROUGH FISCAL SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED THE ATLANTA FILM SOCIETY. YOU CAN MAKE DONATIONS TO 'SOME KIND OF ESCAPE' THROUGH THE ATLANTA FILM SOCIETY USING THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

  • Donors can send their contributions via Zelle to the Atlanta Film Society which will appear as "Independent Media Artists of Georgia" using the tag “reel friends.”

    Donors will need to provide their name and contact information in order to receive a donation acknowledgment letter for tax deduction. Please submit contact details after donating here.

  • Donors may send checks directly to Atlanta Film Society. Checks should be made payable to Atlanta Film Society. Donors will need to provide their name and contact information in order to receive a donation acknowledgment letter for tax deduction. Please submit contact details after donating here.

    Please mail checks to:

    Atlanta Film Society
    25 Park Pl NE, Ste 1000
    PO Box 5060
    Atlanta, GA 30302-5060

    Please note that the PO Box is extremely important. If the PO Box is not included in the mailing address, we will not receive the check.

  • You can donate to the project through our online fiscal sponsorship portal here.

    While ATLS does not collect any administrative fees for this project, Stripe processing fees will be deducted from the donated amount. As a donor, you have the option to include the 5% fee in your donation so the filmmakers receive your full contribution.

    To avoid the fee being deducted from your donation or covering the cost yourself, you can opt to use check or Zelle donation.

Reel Friends Block Party & Film Fundraiser

October 25, 2026 | Tim Barrett Designs Inc. (10 Krog St NE)

Join Reel Friends for a free indoor/outdoor block party celebrating Atlanta's film community and raising support for Some Kind of Escape.

Located just off the Beltline near the Krog Street Tunnel, the event is open to friends, families and anyone curious about the project.

Come celebrate with us, learn about the film, meet members of our creative community, and help support independent filmmaking in Atlanta.

For additional information regarding the project, larger contributions, or opportunities to collaborate, contact Rocco Shapiro at rocco@reelfriendsfilms.com