Writer Gaby Fox and director Annetta Marion will be showcasing their film, “Welcome to Theatre,” at the 4th Annual Below the Line Film Festival. This festival, hosted by Chill Bucket Productions in New York City, is set for Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11, 2025. “Welcome to Theatre” is an official selection for the Friday night screenings.
Anya Kai, reporting
“Welcome to Theatre”: A Collaborative Effort
“Welcome to Theatre” is a satirical look at systemic issues of racism and misogyny within the theater world. The film follows two “lovable, mediocre white theatre producers” as they attempt to save their festival from financial ruin in a post-pandemic world. Writer/producer Gaby Fox describes the film as observational rather than strictly autobiographical, noting that many viewers have found the subject matter relatable, which she finds both “gratifying” and “sad.”
The film came about after Fox and Marion met at the Yonkers Film Festival. Marion, a Primetime Emmy Award-winning director, was immediately drawn to the script. She found the words Fox had written for the characters to be “absolutely terrific” and was happy to say “a giant Yes” to the project.
The production of “Welcome to Theatre” was not without its challenges. According to Marion, common obstacles like limited time and money were present. A key challenge was shooting on location next to a train station where trains ran unexpectedly, interrupting filming. However, Marion views such obstacles as “opportunities to learn something new” and stated that she had an “absolute blast” working with the cast and crew, including Fox’s business partner Nora Matz.
The Filmmakers’ Journeys
Annetta Marion transitioned into filmmaking after a career as a computer engineer. She found her passion for filmmaking after “accidentally” making her first film. Marion’s extensive career includes directing television for major networks like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple+. She directed the pilot season of the Amazon Prime series First to the Finish and served as a producer on the critically acclaimed documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which won four Primetime Emmy Awards.
Gaby Fox is an award-winning playwright and the founder of Theatre Revolution. Her work has been recognized for outstanding playwriting and for her activism. Fox has been published in The Best New Ten Minute Plays 2021 and teaches playwriting. She and Marion are already working on a second film together, a short about censorship in education.
About the Below the Line Film Festival
The Below the Line Film Festival, a staple of the independent filmmaking community, was founded by Chill Bucket Productions. The festival’s name honors the crew members and creatives who work behind the scenes and often don’t receive the recognition they deserve. Producers Jeff and George Rocco, along with Dakota Martin, are committed to providing a platform for filmmakers to share their stories, regardless of their budget or connections. The festival, which will also feature an industry panel on “Making a Film on a Budget,” continues its mission to “celebrate creativity, amplify underrepresented voices, and spotlight the power of storytelling on a budget.” The inclusion of films like “Welcome to Theatre” highlights the festival’s dedication to showcasing diverse and impactful stories from filmmakers at all levels.
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