Make it your New Year's resolution to forget the gym and head to one of the many exciting events happening around New England this month. Check out the news from local films, upcoming festivals, and filmmaker opportunities. To submit news, e-mail news@newenglandfilm.com.

This may be the era of the big budget blockbuster, but there are some places in New England where you can find a very different kind of cinematic experience. A new season of The Magic Lantern experimental film series begins soon at the Cable Car Cinema in Providence.

Screenplay columnist Susan Kouguell gives you a few New Year's Resolutions to get your next screenplay headed in the right direction. E-mail screenwriter@newenglandfilm.com to have your screenwriting question answered in an upcoming issue.

Behind every great movie, there are usually great actors. And behind every great actor is the casting director that put them in that role. In this new series, we take a look at New England’s casting directors: how they got where they are, and what they’re looking for in an actor.