Image courtesy of Natalia Bougadellis & Emory ParkerGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Two Astoria-based filmmakers are finalists in the #NewYorkTough PSA contestGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Natalia Bougadellis & Emory Parker’s video made it to the final 5, competing against 600 entries from throughout the stateGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Bougadellis & Parker are the Founders of Blue Slate Films and NXM Photography & VideographyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Blue Slate Films creates content for underrepresented voices in film, including those of women and the LGBTQ+ communityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The duo have also extended this mission into their commercial work for companies including NBC, Bravo, Nike, Pepsi, and moreGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Bougadellis & Parker were slated to begin production on their first feature film, ‘Whirlpool‘Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Unfortunately due to the current circumstances, production on the film was forced to postponeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

However, the filmmakers did not allow COVID to press pause on their creativity and immediately decided to participate in the #NewYorkTough PSA challengeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The aim of the contest is to highlight the importance of wearing a mask in order to stop the spread of COVID-19Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“I always try to look for the silver liningGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Yes, gigs have been cancelledGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Yes, shoots have been postponedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Yes, we don’t know where our next paycheck will be coming from, but we are so grateful for our health and the opportunity to continue doing what we loveGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It’s really a privilege to entertain, educate, and engage with people during such a turbulent time,” Parker explainedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image courtesy of Natalia Bougadellis & Emory ParkerGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

They spent a week driving around the state collecting heartfelt responses from loved ones and strangersGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. ‘You Can Still Smile’ features cinematic footage of New York and its residents, while conveying the message to take care of one anotherGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“We are, first and foremost, storytellersGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It is so important to capture what New Yorkers are going through—to see it in their eyes and hear it in their own words,” said BougadellisGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

In addition their work on the PSA, Blue Slate Films has also launched a digital series, The SlateGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The Slate features artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and more who have made a difference within their respective industryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Voting for the contest ends on Monday, May 25th, with the winner being announce the following dayGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. In order to vote, please visit this linkGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Give Me Astoria would like to congratulate Natalia Bougadellis & Emory Parker for this wonderful achievement! Check out the duo’s nominated entry ‘You Can Still Smile’ belowGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. And be sure to vote before Monday!