It's a good month for documentaries, with the LEF awarding $165,000 to local documentary filmmakers, and the DocYard kicking off their summer program. Check out the news for local films, upcoming festivals, and filmmaker opportunities. To submit news, e-mail news@newenglandfilm.com.

How to succeed in the film business without really trying (but actually trying really hard)? More and more, people are recommending that aspiring filmmakers tackle a web series. Screenplay Doctor Susan Kouguell talks to Anne Flournoy, an independent filmmaker who's done so and lived to tell the tale -- her series The Louise Log was just successfully funded for its third season. Email screenwriter@newenglandfilm.com to have your screenwriting question answered in an upcoming issue.

Every month, NewEnglandFilm.com is highlighting exciting new local film projects looking for funding on Kickstarter. This month, help pave the way for two traveling projects: The Crest, a documentary sailing all the way to Ireland, and The Traveling Gypsy, a series traveling away from gypsy stereotypes. To feature your film in this series, e-mail editor@newenglandfilm.com with a blurb on your film and Kickstarter campaign.

Anyone who suggests kids who are still in college don't know what they're doing should meet filmmaker and college junior Alex Thompson, who has produced, written, and directed more films before graduating than some people ever will. And he's just getting started.