The 2011 American Film Market (AFM®) announced today that Academy Award® and Golden Globe®-nominated Rob Reiner, director and co-writer of “Summer at Dog Dave’s” (Voltage Pictures); talent from the film “Columbus Circle” (Lightning Entertainment), including producer, co-writer and star Kevin Pollak, star Selma Blair and director George Gallo; and producer Lauren Shuler Donner will be among those featured as part of the AFM’s new Industry Conversations program.
These intimate and exclusive sessions will spotlight many of the film industry’s prominent players, giving AFM attendees a rare opportunity to hear directly from key Hollywood and global players through candid discussions. Industry Conversations will be offered free to market attendees daily from Nov. 2-8 (entrance is limited by capacity).
Highlights of the Industry Conversations program include:
Thursday, 3 November, 2011:
- “Columbus Circle” – A Conversation with Actor Kevin Pollak (co-writer & producer), Actress Selma Blair, director and co-writer George Gallo;TBD executive from Lightning Entertainment or another Producer.
“Columbus Circle” is a stylish and riveting thriller about a reclusive young heiress, Abigail, who lives a guarded and sheltered life in a luxurious New York penthouse. But when she is befriended by Lillian and Charlie, the glamorous new owners of the apartment next door, Abigail’s safe and secure existence is suddenly threatened. The film stars Selma Blair, Amy Smart, Giovanni Ribisi, Jason Lee and Kevin Pollak. (Lightning Entertainment; American Film Market World Premiere).
- Flights. Camera. Action. How to make it all happen – A Conversation with Bertram von Munster, Co-creator and Executive Producer, “The Amazing Race.” Hosted by Jack Gonzales, Former Travel Director, Sony Pictures.
Friday, 4 November, 2011:
- The Producer’s Vision: A Conversation with Colombian Producer Rodrigo Guerrero Rojas,Producer, “Maria Full of Grace,” “Contracorriente (Undertow),” “La Cara Oculta.” Hosted by Bertrand Moullier, Naval Conseil, FIAPF Senior Expert for International Affairs.
With the support of FIAPF – The International Federation of Film Producers Associations.
Saturday, 5 November, 2011:
- The PGA Presents: A Conversation with Lauren Shuler Donner,Producer, “X-Men” franchise, “The Secret Life of Bees,” “Any Given Sunday,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “St. Elmo’s Fire.” Hosted by William Stuart, President, Aurora Productions.
Sunday, 6 November, 2011:
- “Summer at Dog Dave’s” – A Conversation with Director/Co-Writer Rob Reiner
A formerly famous western writer attempts to rediscover the talent that made him great in a small rural town. In doing so, he helps a young girl find her wild imagination and helps her mother find love once more. Film stars Morgan Freeman, Virginia Madsen and Madeline Carroll.
(Voltage Pictures, film is currently in post-production)
Monday, 7 November, 2011:
- From the Trenches: The Director’s Viewpoint with Jon Amiel,Director, “Creation,” “Entrapment,” “The Man Who Knew Too Little,” “Copycat,” “Sommersby,” “The Core,” and for television “The Tudors,” “The Borgias,” and “The Singing Detective.”Hosted by John Alan Simon, Writer/ Director, “Radio Free Albemuth;” Producer, “The Getaway;” Former Staff Writer, New OrleansTimes-Picayune, Member, BAFTA/LA Board of Directors.
Presented by British Academy of Film & Television Arts – Los Angeles.
For the full schedule of Industry Conversations, visit: http://www.AmericanFilmMarket.com/industry-conversations
About the AFM
The business of independent motion picture production and distribution – a truly collaborative process – reaches its peak every year at the AFM, when more than 8,000 industry leaders converge in Santa Monica for eight days of deal-making, screenings, conferences, premieres, networking and parties. Participants come from more than 70 countries and include acquisition and development executives, agents, attorneys, directors, distributors, festival directors, financiers, film commissioners, producers, writers, the world’s press and all those who provide services to the motion picture industry.
Founded in 1981, the AFM quickly became the premier global marketplace where Hollywood’s decision-makers and trendsetters all gather under one roof. Unlike a film festival, the AFM is a marketplace where production and distribution deals are closed. In just eight days, more than $800 million in deals will be sealed – on both completed films and those in every stage of development and production – making the AFM the must-attend industry event.
The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the trade association representing the world’s producers and distributors of independent motion pictures and television programs. More information is online at www.IFTA-online.org.
About AFI FEST presented by Audi
Celebrating its 25th year as a program of the American Film Institute, AFI FEST 2011 presented by Audi will take place November 3 through 10 in the heart of Hollywood. Kicking off the awards season each year, AFI FEST offers a crucial avenue of exposure to the entertainment community, while providing appreciative audiences with a festive atmosphere and the very best of global cinema, right in the center of the film capital of the world.
The American Film Market (AFM), November 2 through 9, 2011, is the market partner of AFIFEST. Together, AFI FEST and AFM provide the only concurrent festival-market event in North America. AFI FEST is the only FIAPF-accredited film festival in the United States. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for the Short Films category for the annual Academy Awards®.
Additional information about AFI FEST 2011 presented by Audi is available at AFI.com/AFIFEST. Connect with AFI FEST at facebook.com/AFIFEST, twitter.com/AFIFESTand youtube.com/AFIFEST.
