Veterans in Media & Entertainment

09/11/2026

The day that changed everything. Whether you were already years into a long military career, making your way through bootcamp, responding to the crisis at Ground Zero, or just showing up to school that morning: 9/11/2001 affected every single one of us in the most profound ways imaginable. 25 years later, we still remember everyone we lost, everyone who sacrificed, and everyone who answered the call to protect our nation from those that would ever do us harm again. It’s been so long since that day, but we will never forget.

08/17/2026

August 19, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM PT
On Zoom

Secrets of the Horror Genre: How it relates to your characters and the audience’s expectations as defined by today’s standards.

This class will provide rules of the genre that every writer should know. Once a writer is aware of these rules and expectations, they can break them more artistically and intelligently... if they dare!

Instructor:
Kimberly Seilhamer is an award-winning, highly creative, and detail-oriented writer, director, and producer with over twenty years of relevant entertainment industry experience. She is highly skilled at taking projects from inception through completion. As a filmmaker, Kimberly has several credits in features, shorts, and television. Her work has been seen on Netflix, Chiller, Sci-Fi, Lifetime, and Redbox. Presently, she has two features streaming on Amazon Prime. Kimberly is a Marine Corps veteran, a long-time member of VME, and a volunteer on VME’s Core Leadership Team.

Register @ vmeconnect.org

08/10/2026

Congrats to two NYC VME members, Kevin Ploth (Shadow Docket) and Allie Delury (The Last Goodbye) for presenting their AWARD WINNING FILMS at the Greenpoint Film Festival August 5-9 in Brooklyn, New York. Way to show the world what Veteran Filmmakers can do!!

Allie Delury Kevin B. Ploth ARTIMIS Theatrical Productions LLC

08/08/2026

August 12, 2026

Register @ vmeconnect.org

Join this super-informative in-person tour of the incredible Panavision facilities in Woodland Hills, California!

This is an incredible learning opportunity for 10 VME members to see Panavision’s unparalleled inventory of optics, cameras, and accessories…and the inner workings of prep bays and how they manufacture lenses, etc. You’ll also learn about Panavision’s roles in films like Ben-Hur, Jaws, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Hateful Eight, and so many more! Plus, you will learn about the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant and you can ask questions to your heart’s content! And here’s the best part for many of VME members — you don’t have to be in college to apply for this grant!

Over 150 VME members took the tours and loved the experience, learned more about filmmaking, and meeting their fellow veterans!

08/07/2026

Headlined by acclaimed illusionist Lex the Illusionist, the night blends close-up magic, mind-bending mentalism, comedy, and live music — with every impossible moment shown big on screen via a live camera setup. Produced with fellow veteran and VME member Russel Coker on camera and lighting.

When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 · Doors 7:30 PM, Show 8:00 PM
Where: HG Theater, 6051 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 207/208, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Tickets: 20 complimentary for VME veterans (waitlist after)

Register @ vmeconnect.org

https://vmeconnect.org/events #!event/2026/8/8/an-evening-of-magic-at-the-hollywood-gower-theater

07/11/2026

BEYOND THE BARRACKS is back on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Join us at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles for an unforgettable evening of storytelling. After a 10-week workshop, an ensemble of U.S. military veterans, including many proud VME members, take the stage with original stories inspired by objects that reflect their cultural identity.

Expect stories that are raw, heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply moving. You may even be inspired to join next year’s program yourself. No acting experience needed, just a story to tell, and they will help you develop it.

Get tickets:
https://vmeconnect.org/events #!event/2026/8/4/beyond-the-barracks-a-night-of-veteran-storytelling

06/21/2026

Today, we honor the fathers who have served both in uniform and in the stories they continue to tell.

Military fathers lead with courage, sacrifice, resilience, and love. Whether they're deployed overseas, behind a camera, in a writers' room, on set, or at home with their families, their service continues to inspire the next generation.

To all the dads in our Veterans in Media & Entertainment community and to those who have supported us every step of the way, thank you for your leadership, your mentorship, and your example.

Happy Father's Day from Veterans in Media & Entertainment. 🇺🇸🎬

06/20/2026