As college campuses buzz with the return of fall semester, aspiring film majors once again brace for the inevitable question: “What can you really do with a film degree in the middle of the country?” Recent University of Kansas alumni Joe DeMarchi and Andy Chanthalhaka are finding answers right here in Kansas City.
The two filmmakers are among a growing number of creatives proving that success in the film industry isn’t confined to the coastal powerhouses of New York and Los Angeles. Through local productions and student projects, both DeMarchi and Chanthalhaka spent their college years sharpening their behind-the-camera skills. But it wasn’t until their paths crossed in a senior-year professional seminar that their vision for what was possible began to shift.
The seminar class emphasized collaboration by simulating real-world productions, forcing students to team up and problem-solve like industry pros. Despite never having worked together before, DeMarchi and Chanthalhaka were assigned to the same group. “When we got lumped together, I remember thinking, ‘Who is this kid with the green hair?’” Chanthalhaka recalls. “But we clicked right away.” That spontaneous pairing would spark the beginning of a creative partnership that’s hoping to reshape Kansas City’s independent film scene.
While KU was great for networking, professors encouraged students to seek professional set experiences and connections in Kansas City. Joe and Andy agree, claiming the best way to gain industry knowledge is being “thrown to the wolves” on their first professional set, ‘Second Chance Stage’. This 2023 HBO show was a great opportunity for local students, with many production assistants being recent grads or current students. The Kansas City film incentive encourages student participation in local productions, offering a 2% workforce development bonus upon the inclusion of students from local campuses. As production assistants, DeMarchi and Chanthalhaka were able to connect with other local students who not only shared common dreams, but common fears too. Between takes and during lunch breaks, conversations began that would eventually lead to their next big move: THE CORPORATION.
Born from a shared sense of imposter syndrome from founding members Joe DeMarchi, Andy Chanthalhaka, Joe Euston, Adriana Colina and Casey Watson, THE CORPORATION began as a tongue-in-cheek nod to office culture. It all started with a discord group. “The idea started off as a bit”, says DeMarchi, “We were filmmakers posing ourselves as these big business guys”. That blend of humor and ambition has resonated with over 300 crew members across Kansas City, finding a “non intimidating atmosphere for young filmmakers entering the industry to connect” within the discord.
THE CORPORATION has since grown into more than just a playful concept. It functions as a hub where young filmmakers can find crew calls, share resources, and gain practical experience in an encouraging environment. By offering opportunities outside of the classroom, the group lowers barriers for emerging talent and helps them take their first steps into the industry.
THE CORPORATION has already produced two projects – In Plain Sight, a short proof of concept set in the world of Aldus Huxley’s 1984 and Flavortown, a music video for local artists TyLee and DragonMa. Both projects were staffed by recent grads from local universities eager to create their own opportunities and each served as both a creative outlet and a training ground. With limited budgets but a motivated crew base, the productions emphasized problem-solving and collaboration—skills that mirror the demands of larger sets. By experimenting with different genres and production styles, the group has been able to test its range while showcasing the potential of Kansas City’s next generation of filmmakers.
In the future, DeMarchi and Chanthalhaka hope to make bigger scale projects with corporation members and show off what Kansas City has to offer. To further legitimize their work, Andy recently launched an LLC for THE CORPORATION, positioning the group to take on client-based video production and expand its reach. A Kansas City-based production company born from a filmmaker group chat.
From green-haired first impressions to grassroots filmmaking, Joe DeMarchi and Andy Chanthalhaka are forging a new path in what they call “The Hollywood of the Midwest”. With a fast-growing network, a shared vision, and a commitment to empowering young filmmakers, THE CORPORATION is proving that Kansas City is a place where film careers can thrive.
Our initial goal was to create work for ourselves, but that has expanded to creating opportunities for our community.