2020 Exhibitor List

A Conversation with Mark Gill, President & CEO, Solstice Studios

Exploring the future state of the industry; predictions of how independent film, the marketplace, and audience consumption will change.

Moderated by Anthony D’Alessandro, Managing Editor, Deadline

A Conversation with Elissa Federoff, President of Distribution, NEON

Looking ahead to the future of feature film distribution and exhibition; expected challenges and finding ground in a new normal.

Moderated by Brent Lang, Executive Editor, Film & Media, Variety

To reach the global audience, an independent producer’s best ally is their international Sales Agent. Our panel of experts will discuss how to find and work with the right Sales Agent.

Panelists
Tamara Birkemoe, President, Foresight Unlimited
Richard Gray,  Writer, Producer, Director

Moderator
Clay Epstein, President, Film Mode Entertainment

from The Blueshouse Outfit USA

The Players

The Blueshouse Outfit USA
Doug Hansen: Vox (Producer)
Danny St. Pierre: Vox & Guitar (Lionsgate Entertainment)
Britt Draska: Bass (Amblin Entertainment)
Jim Stein: Keyboards & Guitar (Innovative Artists Agency)
Michael Roban: Drums (formerly Global Road Entertainment)
D’Arcy Conrique: Guitar (Barnes & Thornburg LLP – Entertainment Finance Group)

from Mark Vennis & Different Place AND The Blueshouse Outfit London

The Players

Mark Vennis & Different Place
Mark Vennis: Vox & Guitar (Moviehouse Entertainment)
Dave Sweetenham : Bass
Brian Gee: Vox & Drums
Sean Quinn: Vox & Guitar

The Blueshouse Outfit London
Michael Ryan; vox (GFM Films)
Mark Vennis; vox, guitar
Gil Garagnon; guitar
Dave Sweetenham; bass
Brian Gee; drums
Sean Quinn; vox, guitar

Moderator
Caroline Couret-Delegue, Managing Director, Film Seekers

The Documentary marketplace is quickly transforming. New platforms and alliances are providing opportunities for stories that can support a long-form treatment. Producers and distributors will examine the diverse sources of revenue and discuss which co-production models can achieve success.

Panelists
Anna Godas, CEO, DogWoof
Kevin Iwashina, Agent, Endeavor Content
Krista Wegener, EVP, Sales and Distribution Participant, Participant Media
John Von Thaden, Head of Acquisitions, Magnolia Pictures

Moderator
Gregg Goldstein, Contributing Writer, Variety

presented by the Greek National Center of Audiovisual Media and Communication – EKOME 

Join EKOME to discover the safe studio Greece and to find out more about the attractive investment incentives 40 % cash rebate, 30 % on audiovisual production and the current state filming on location in the country.

Panelists
Kostas Kefalas, Faliro House Productions 
Panos Kouanis, President & CEO, EKOME 
Yelena Popovic, International Actress-Filmmaker
Kelly Todd, VP, Feature Production, Endeavor Content

Moderator
Phil Pangalos, Correspondent, Greece of Euronews, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Times & Sunday Times

presented by PEX

User-generated content (UGC) represents the majority of what we consume online, but it also facilitates large amounts of copyright infringement and piracy. If the entertainment industry can gain back control of its content, it can bring value back to distribution rights – recouping production costs and protecting revenue from online piracy.

In this discussion, attendees will learn how they can control the use of their content online to both earn additional revenue and prevent losses to piracy. Panelists will discuss the impacts of piracy in UGC, how content can be controlled, monetized and blocked online, and how the European Union’s Copyright Directive will impact film rightsholders.

Panelists
Bob Barbiere, SVP Digital Rights, PEX
Steven Friedlander
Adam Krentzman, Community Outreach, CreativeFuture

presented by Saniset

As we return to work, understanding our industry’s new safety protocols can be quite the task. Since maintaining crew safety is the number one concern, we will dive deep into understanding the logistics that come along with it, and how they’ve been shaped practically as production is underway.

Panelists
Lorenia May, Covid Compliance Director, Saniset
John Qu, CEO, CITIC New Bridge Media Studios
Natalie Teter, Covid Compliance, A24 Films 
Steve Yandrich, Co-Founder, Saniset 

Moderator
Rebecca Davis, China Bureau Chief, Variety 

You want someone to actually see your movie, right? In this session, you’ll learn some marketing fundamentals and how to effectively collaborate with marketing professionals at every stage of your movie’s journey to the audience. Some of the most successful filmmakers and producers in the business have a deep understanding of marketing. Done well, it can be the connective tissue between a movie and its audience.

Instructor
Richard Baker, President, Silk Factory

Your AFM accreditation offers you access to Cinando’s top-level online tools to prepare and navigate the market. But did you know that you can also benefit from your free Cinando subscription all-year-long? Join us & gather the tools you need to unlock the film industry! Cinando is the premier network for film professionals offering you an amazing gateway into the film industry: contacts, films, practical information about markets, screeners… it’s all here www.cinando.com

Presenter
Charlotte Hurni, Sales & Partnerships Manager, Cinando

Moderator
Clara Morrier, Communications & Marketing Assistant, Cinando

Dan Mazer, writer of Borat and Director of I Give it a Year and Home Alone (reboot) join Director and Host Giles Alderson and Producer/Financier Ian Sharp to talk how to make movies, from indies to studio features, working on set and the writer/director/producer relationship.

Hosts
Giles Alderson, Creator & Host, The Filmmakers Podcast
Ian Sharp, Founder, Sharp House

Guest
Dan Mazer, Writer & Director, LBI Entertainment

presented in partnership with WINSTON | BAKER

During this unique workshop, we highlight new voices and untold stories through a variety of pitch sessions followed by expert industry feedback. Whether you’re a first time filmmaker or an established producer with a new project, we encourage you to sign up and be considered for our pitch session or register just to tune in and attend.

Panelists
Adhrucia Apana, Founder & Producer, Curiosity Entertainment
Janaé Désiré, Media Finance Executive, Creative Artists Agency
Gina Reyes, Television Lit Agent, Verve Talent & Literary Agency
Sophia Yen, Partner, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Viviana Zarragoitia, Vice President, Three Point Capital

Hosts
Katherine Winston,Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Winston Baker
Amy Baker, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Winston Baker

Selected Pitchers
James F. Robinson
www.ZapPictures.com

Ricardo Chut
www.widestory.tv

Maria Allred
Allredfilms.com

Becca Roth
beccaroth.com

Anthony Alleyne
IMDB Details

Julia Fisher Farbman
www.AudreysChildren.com

Carol Bidault de l’Isle
www.mediafusionent.com

presented in partnership with WINSTON | BAKER

During this unique workshop, we highlight new voices and untold stories through a variety of pitch sessions followed by expert industry feedback. Whether you’re a first time filmmaker or an established producer with a new project, we encourage you to sign up and be considered for our pitch session or register just to tune in and attend.

Panelists
Adhrucia Apana, Founder & Producer, Curiosity Entertainment
Janaé Désiré, Media Finance Executive, Creative Artists Agency
Gina Reyes, Television Lit Agent, Verve Talent & Literary Agency
Sophia Yen, Partner, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Viviana Zarragoitia, Vice President, Three Point Capital

Hosts
Katherine Winston,Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Winston Baker
Amy Baker, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Winston Baker

Selected Pitchers
James F. Robinson
www.ZapPictures.com

Ricardo Chut
www.widestory.tv

Maria Allred
Allredfilms.com

Becca Roth
beccaroth.com

Anthony Alleyne
IMDB Details

Julia Fisher Farbman
www.AudreysChildren.com

Carol Bidault de l’Isle
www.mediafusionent.com

AI is slowly becoming part of the process; it can analyze story, streamline pre-production, assess performance, and determine geographically where movies are likely to find an audience. Innovators in the field of film-oriented AI discuss how they acquire and utilize data to predict and articulate a project’s potential for success.

Panelists
Nadira Azermai, Founder, Scriptbook
Tobias Queisser, Co-Founder & CEO, Cinelytic
Andrea Scarso, Investment Director, Ingenious

Moderator
Debajyoti “Deb” Ray, CEO, RivetAI

presented in partnership with the Nigerian International Film Summit (NIFS)

In a country with population of over 200 million, and with very limited screens, the local box office relies heavily on blockbuster local content which before the pandemic closed gaps with Hollywood movies. Local content has contributed immensely to recent growth and exponential increase in box office numbers. It’s important to take a critical look on how the pandemic may have impacted on this success story.

Panelists
Mo Abudu, CEO, EbonyLife Media
Moses Babatope, Co-Founder, Filmhouse Group & Managing Director, FilmOne Entertainment
Patrick Lee, Managing Director, Diamond Cinemas Enugu & Management Consultant, Star Glazers Media
Joy Odiete, Managing Director & CEO, Blue Pictures Entertainment

Moderator
Ijeoma Onah, Founder, NIFS
Craig Shurn, Managing Director, Part 2 Media, Group Director, Filmhouse Group

presented in partnership with EUROVOD

European indie VoD platforms are playing an essential role in a changed audiovisual ecosystem and society, where editorial choices and cultural diversity are key, building a diverse, dynamic and sustainable sector. In 2020 lessons have been learned about how to build on audience behavior when we speak about specialized, independent and local content, proving the value of cooperation between on-demand services, cinemas, festivals and local cultural operators.

Panelists
Denis Février, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Polkatulk / Scenso.tv and VP, Tënk
Agustina Lumi, Tech Project Manager, EUROVOD
Jaume Ripoll, Co-Founder, Filmin
Jean-Baptiste Viaud, General Delegate, LaCinetek 

Moderator
Michael Gubbins, Founder, SampoMedia

presented by RightsTrade

Recent events have accelerated the presence and need for online tools to supplement or replicate traditionally in-person markets and meetings. How do sellers market their new line-ups and maximize the exposure and results in a virtual market setting? How do buyers connect with sellers and view available films and promotional materials? How do buyers and sellers retain relationships? Join us for an active discussion on the future of online licensing – coupled with a live demo.

Demo by Joanna Syiek, Marketing Director, RightsTrade

Panelists
Brian Beckman, Chief Financial Officer, Arclight
Will Gurman, VP, Global Content Partnerships, Pluto TV
Joey Monteiro, EVP Marketing, Sierra/Affinity
Mimi Steinbauer, President & CEO, Radiant Films International 

Moderator
Bill Lischak, CEO, RightsTrade

presented by ROSKINO | PRE-RECORDED SESSION

During this round-table discussion, we will talk about how Russian film companies diversify promotional strategies for their movies entering foreign countries. The interests and needs of audiences vary across the world so Russian film companies and their international partners collaborate to select the most appropriate marketing solutions to appeal to the public in that specific region of interest. Russian industry professionals will share with you their stories of successful integration of Russian movies into the foreign markets.

PANELISTS
Anastasia Bankovskaya, Sales Director, Planeta Inform Group of Companies
Katerina Pshenitsyna, VP International Distribution, Central Partnership Company
Lily Sheroziya, Chief Marketing Officer, TV3
Lidia Strelnikova, Head of international Marketing & Sales, Wizart

MODERATOR
Geoffrey Macnab, Senior Correspondent, Screen International

presented in partnership with the Screen Production and Development Association of New Zealand

Panelists 
Richard Fletcher, Co-President, SPADA, Managing Director, Libertine Pictures 
Rob Tapert, Producer, Executive Producer, Ghost House Pictures, Renaissance Pictures 
Chelsea Winstanley, Producer, Executive Producer, Director, This Too Shall Pass 

Moderator 
Patrick Frater, Asia Editor, Variety 

A good pitch can get a bad film made while a bad pitch can leave a terrific project languishing on the shelf. Pitching is part art (it’s creative), part science (it needs to follow a tight script) and part sales (you have to wow them). Conference attendees will learn the essential rules and tools of pitching from the experts. Volunteers selected in advance will pitch to our expert panel. They will give unvarnished feedback on each pitch – explaining what worked, what didn’t – and why.

Panelists
Cassian Elwes, Producer & Agent, Elevated Film Sales
Elizabeth Haggard, VP, Narrative Film, Participant

Host
Lee Jessup, Screenwriting Career Consultant & Coach, leejessup.com

Click here to review the AFM Online 2020 Pitch Guide

A good pitch can get a bad film made while a bad pitch can leave a terrific project languishing on the shelf. Pitching is part art (it’s creative), part science (it needs to follow a tight script) and part sales (you have to wow them). Conference attendees will learn the essential rules and tools of pitching from the experts. Volunteers selected in advance will pitch to our expert panel. They will give unvarnished feedback on each pitch – explaining what worked, what didn’t – and why.

Panelists
Cassian Elwes, Producer & Agent, Elevated Film Sales
Elizabeth Haggard, VP, Narrative Film, Participant

Host
Lee Jessup, Screenwriting Career Consultant & Coach, leejessup.com

Click here to review the AFM Online 2020 Pitch Guide

A good pitch can get a bad film made while a bad pitch can leave a terrific project languishing on the shelf. Pitching is part art (it’s creative), part science (it needs to follow a tight script) and part sales (you have to wow them). Conference attendees will learn the essential rules and tools of pitching from the experts. Volunteers selected in advance will pitch to our expert panel. They will give unvarnished feedback on each pitch – explaining what worked, what didn’t – and why.

Panelists
Cassian Elwes, Producer & Agent, Elevated Film Sales
Elizabeth Haggard, VP, Narrative Film, Participant

Host
Lee Jessup, Screenwriting Career Consultant & Coach, leejessup.com

Click here to review the AFM Online 2020 Pitch Guide

presented by Apulia Film Commission

Introducing Apulia Film Commission with its service, locations and funding opportunities for International productions.

Presenter
Coming Soon.

in partnership with Blockchain Global Entertainment Alliance

Introduction
Manuel Badel, BGEA, Badel Media

Panelists
Nicole d’Avis, Managing Director, Berklee Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship / Open Music Initiative
Steven Haft, Head of Global Partnerships, Consensys
Jason Kelley, General Manager, IBM Blockchain Services

Moderator 
Jaime Otero, Managing Director, RightsTrade

presented by Turespaña | PRE-RECORDED SESSION

There are many reasons to shoot your film in Spain!

1. Introduction
   Carlos Rosado, President, Spanish Film Commission
2. Shooting in Spain today. New public regulations and programmes.
   Juan Manuel Guimerans, Valladolid Film Office
3. Safe Shootings
   Agustín Atxa, Bilbao Bizkaia Film Commission
4. New Tax Incentive
   Teresa Azcona, Aragón Film Commission
5. Why to shoot in Spain
   Javier Rodríguez Mañas, Consul for Tourism of Spain in Los Angeles
   Elia Urquiza, Producer USA/SPAIN

Presenter
Javier Rodriguez Mañas, Consul for Tourism of Spain in Los Angeles, Tourist Office of Spain in Los Angeles

presented by the Calgary Film Centre

Alberta has opened the province to film and television production in a safe and effective way. This session will feature experts from across the media landscape who have successfully produced, and are successfully producing again, in Alberta. Our experts will share valuable insights and unique opportunities surrounding what the province has to offer.

Panelists
Linda Ambury, Alberta Production Manager and Producer
Luke Azevedo, Commissioner, Film, Television and Creative Industries, Calgary Film Commission
Tom Cox, Executive Producer and Managing Partner, Seven24 Films
Mark Ham, Executive Director, Cultural Industries Branch and Film Commissioner, Alberta Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women, Alberta Film Commission

Moderator
Erin O’Connor, Business Development Manager and Programming Director, Calgary Film Centre

presented by the Polish Film Institute | PRE-RECORDED SESSION

Panel will discuss the international potential for Polish cinema and the advantages of producing with Polish talents.

Panelists
Magdalena Górka, Director of Photography
Jan A.P. Kaczmarek, Composer
Agnieszka Smoczyńska, Director
Krzysztof Sołek, Producer

Moderator
Scott Roxborough, European Bureau Chief, The Hollywood Reporter

in partnership with the African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)

A panel of leading talent from production, distribution and marketing map out a blueprint on how African American content creators can get their projects made and distributed while also finding an audience during this tumultuous time.

Panelists
Jen Barrett, Head of Entertainment, Creative Shop Facebook
Megan Colligan, President, IMAX Entertainment and Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp
Malik Ducard, VP of Content Partnerships, YouTube
Mike Jackson, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Get Lifted Film Co.
Darian A Singer, Managing Director, JPMorgan Chase & Co. 

Moderator
Gil L. Robertson IV, Co-Founder, African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)

presented in partnership with the NAACP

A long line of films, including epics like Birth of a Nation and Gone With the Wind, have been praised for cinematic prowess and ironically denounced for cultural insensitivity. At a time when social perspectives are largely shaped by an endless barrage of deliberately designed media images, film and television content creators are being challenged for contributing to a world of misinformation and division. Are they perpetuating negative stereotypes? Is bias a unavoidable element of art? Should artistic license be subject to revocation in the pursuit of representational equity? What steps can be taken to ensure cultural competence in media?

The NAACP will probe these questions and lead an exploratory forum on the power and social responsibilities that accompany mass media storytelling.

Panelists
Darnell Hunt, Dean of the Division of Social Sciences and Professor of Sociology and African American Studies, UCLA
Brittany A. Little, Vice President, Drama Development, Universal Television
Britta Wilson, Vice President, Inclusion Strategies, Pixar Animation Studios

Moderator
Kyle Bowser, NAACP

presented by JETRO | PRE-RECORDED SESSION

Japanese films have been recently known for their unique Animations and supernatural Horror films. However, as one of the biggest and oldest film industries of the world, there are other genres to explore. We talk about Japanese new trends in film, introducing titles available at AFM. Also, we discuss about Japanese changing societies that we can see from Japanese films.

Presenters
Chiyako Slawinski, Producer, Consultant
Chuck Williams, Producer, Developer, Lightbeam Entertainment, LLC

In partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI)

As the UK industry continues to be impacted by Covid and Brexit, the session will examine how film production has restarted with a panel that has direct hands-on experience of getting things back up and running. It will focus on what films are being made, by whom and how.

Panelists
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive, Film London and the British Film Commission
Anna Mansi, Head of Certification, British Film Institute
Julia Oh, Senior Commissioning Executive, Film4
Alison Thompson, Co-President, Cornerstone Films

Moderator
Jeremy Kay, Americas Editor, Screen International

Gaining attention in an increasingly saturated market is challenging to say the least. Platform leaders will speak to their acquisition needs and strategy, and reveal what types of content have a greater chance at VOD success.

Panelists
Scilla Andreen, Co-Founder & CEO, IndieFlix
Cameron Douglas, VP of Home Entertainment, FandangoNOW

Moderator
Erick Opeka, President, Cinedigm Networks

Hear from industry experts about finding and keeping investors as your film moves from development through distribution.

Panelists
Ryan Broussard, Vice President, Sales & Production Incentives, Media Services Payroll
Gregoire Gensollen, COO, Tucker Tooley Entertainment
Gary Raskin, Managing Partner, Raskin Gorham Anderson Law LLP

Moderator
David Offenberg, Associate Professor of Entertainment Finance, Loyola Marymount University

presented by the Portugal Film Commission / PRE-RECORDED SESSION

Find out more about filming in Portugal: every scenario at a short distance, high talented crews and a very competitive incentive system: Cash Rebate, decisions within 20 working days and a Scouting Program. You can’t skip us; you can’t skip Portugal.

Presenter
Manuel Claro, Film Commissioner, Portugal Film Commission

Greetings from Tromaville! Join Legendary Independent Director, Lloyd Kaufman (President of Troma Entertainment/ Creator of the TOXIC AVENGER) on a journey of 50 #FANTOXIC years in Independent Filmmaking. Fight the Evil Devil Worshiping Media Cartels with “Uncle Lloydie” and his newest movie, Troma’s #SHAKESPEARESSHITSTORM, an unparalleled, outrageous, passion-fueled adventure unlike any Shakespeare imagining ever brought to life!

Moderator
Gabe Friedman, Producer & Former Editor, Troma Entertainment

Everyone in the film business is looking for that next low budget unicorn. Industry decision makers discuss what makes a film investment-worthy and the keys to huge revenue potential.

Panelists
Jillian Apfelbaum, EVP, Content, Village Roadshow Pictures
Nick Spicer, Partner, XYZ Films
Zachary Tarica, CEO & Director, The Forest Road Co.

Moderator
John Rhodes, Co-Founder, Screencraft

Pre-Selling to territorial Buyers is key to financing most independent films. What are they looking for? Which genres and talent? How do you set a budget that will reflect the marketplace? Discover which projects are most likely to sell globally before they are made.

Panelists
Kimberly Fox, Partner & Head of International Sales, MadRiver International 
Jeffrey Greenstein, President, Millennium Media 
Nat McCormick, EVP, Worldwide Distribution, The Exchange

Moderator
Jeremy Kay, Americas Editor, Screen International

presented in partnership with SAG-AFTRA

Intimacy coordinators are fast changing the nature of hyper-exposed work in film and television, creating safer, more comfortable workplaces for actors, while helping productions run more efficiently. Hear how this growing profession is being standardized and empowered, and what producers can expect when working with intimacy coordinators, both now as we navigate working during COVID-19 and as we eventually return to normalcy.  

Panelists:
Amanda Blumenthal, Founder, Intimacy Professionals Association
Gabrielle Carteris, President, SAG-AFTRA
Jim Kleverweis, Executive Producer, “Euphoria,” “Insecure,” “Silicon Valley”
Alicia Rodis, Executive Team, Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC)

Moderator:
David White, National Executive Director, SAG-AFTRA

Unique datasets reveal how film and TV content perform on major subscription VOD platforms.

Instructor
Stephen Follows, Founder of Story Agency & Film Data Expert

presented by Half Moon Films | PRE-RECORDED SESSION

Most filmmakers know how to film a movie. Many do not know how to make a film. They scrap together some money and shoot a film not realizing what it takes to get it to market and how to accomplish it. There is a big difference in shooting a film and making a professional film that can sell. We’ll be showing you the whole process from Script to Market.

Presenter
Greg Lyon, Manager, Half Moon Films

| PRE-RECORDED SESSION

presented by German Films, Service + Marketing | PRE-RECORDED SESSION

Looking for new and fresh film content from Germany? Under the roof of the virtual German Films umbrella booth, German sales outfits ARRI Media International, Beta Cinema, Films Boutique, Media Luna New Films, Picture Tree International, Pluto Film, SOLA Media and Rise and Shine World Sales will be highlighting their upcoming titles in a personal show presentation including film trailers and film clips. Watch out and join us virtually!

presented in partnership with The Producer’s Guide: Todd Garner & Hollywood’s Elite Podcast | PRE-RECORDED

For nearly thirty years, Todd Garner has produced blockbuster films like Anger Management, XXX and TAG. Over the last two years and 100+ episodes, Todd has interviewed Hollywood elite, from the most recognizable on-screen talent in film and TV to veteran producers, showrunners and other industry giants for his podcast, The Producer’s Guide.

Join Todd and his special guest John Cena, WWE wrestler turned blockbuster superstar and comedy master, for this unique AFM episode as they discuss their passion for creating and delivering comedy, the unique challenges the genre presents, and the importance of comedy as catharsis in today’s reality. They may even delve into some untold stories from the set of their upcoming production, Vacation Friends.

Host
Todd Garner, Veteran Producer and Head of Broken Road Productions

PRE-RECORDED SESSION

Host
Ryan Connolly, Filmmaker, Film Riot

Guest
Colin Levy, Writer & Director, Lightning Hill Productions

presented by Apojo Publications | PRE-RECORDED SESSION

The global pandemic has epitomized both the need for authenticity in content and virtualization of traditional channels. During this session you can learn everything you need to know about how to use the Apojo platform as a writer to showcase your work and as a producer to find that next unique script, at the click of a button.

Presenters
Bryony Cole, Actress, Writer, Producer, “Red Heart“, “Blank Face“, “You Listen“, “Always” and “The Unveiling“; Brand Ambassador, Apojo Publications
Nishat Hashem, CEO & Founder, Apojo Publications

presented by ROSKINO | PRE-RECORDED SESSION

In this session filmmaker and Founder of Indie Film Hustle Alex Ferrari and film financier Franco Sama discuss raising money in the times of COVID-19. They also discuss the ever-changing landscape of film distribution, how filmmakers can position their films for success and how to avoid bad distribution deals.

Host
Alex Ferrrari, Founder, Indie Film Hustle

Guest
Franco Sama, CEO, Samaco Films

in partnership with the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP)

Today’s audiences are more critical than ever and now, writers, Producers and Casting Directors are faced with facilitating a new language and environment around culture in their projects that could ultimately cost them money. Panelists discuss how today’s landscape matters in the world of development, and ways to navigate the multi-faceted and complex Latinx and Latin American identity at the global level.

Panelists
Aaron Ashford, Director of Development and Production, Pantelion Films
Liliana Espinoza, Projects Director, NALIP
Carla Hool, Casting Director

Moderator
Christopher Acebo, CEO, Broken English Productions

Give yourself the best chance to break in and learn the guidelines on how to sustain a high profile and successful career as a screenwriter. Learn common mistakes and how to avoid them, how to get the all-important read, strategies for landing representation and finding producers for your work, and how to assure you’re listening to the right voices.  Over nearly a decade of writing screenplays (with multiple paid options/sales) and running Stage 32, Richard “RB” Botto has seen and heard it all. In this class he will provide you the blueprint on how to give yourself the best chance at success in the current environment.

Instructor
Richard Botto, Founder & CEO, Stage 32

In the age of Covid, learning how to crowdsource has never been more important. Join Stage 32 CEO and Author of Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers: Indie Film and The Power of the Crowd for a class that will explain how to put crowdsourcing to use to establish your personal brand and the brand of your projects by using social media, offline efforts and other tools. You will learn all aspects of crowdsourcing including how to identify, engage, and move an army of supporters on your behalf.

Instructor
Richard Botto, Founder & CEO, Stage 32

Learn the best ways directors and producers can work together to ensure a film’s success from intimate knowledge, tips, insights, and horror stories from prominent filmmakers and producers.

Panelists
Gigi Saul Guerrero, Director / Actor, Luchagore Productions, “Culture Shock” “The Purge TVS2”
Travis Stevens, Founder & CEO, Snowfort Pictures
Lisa Whalen, CEO, Company X / SpectreVision 

Moderator
Shaked Berenson, CEO, Entertainment Squad

Because getting your reader to empathize with and root for your story’s protagonist is one of the most important goals for a screenwriter to achieve, Billy Mernit – drawing on 25 years of work as a studio story analyst – shares the industry’s point of view on the kinds of memorable characters that get movies made, and explores the most effective techniques for bringing characters to life on the screenplay page.

Instructor
Billy Mernit, Universal Studio Story Analyst & Former UCLA Extension Instructor

presented by Media Services Payroll Presentation

As production ramps back up, film offices have opened the floodgates for tax credit applications. Producers are seeking locations that not only support set safety but also deliver the most savings. Join our film tax incentive experts as they do a deep dive on each of their disciplines: the application process, preselling your credit for financing, brokering a transferable credit and getting through the audit. An A-to-Z film incentives course from recognized leaders in the field.

Panelists
Nicole Ameln, President and Founder, North Star Incentives, Inc.
David Benavente, Vice President Independent Sales and Independent Services, Cast & Crew Entertainment Services
David Brauer, CPA, Brauer & Co., PC
Marco Cordova, Director of Film Finance and West Coast Tax Credit Investments, Monarch Private Capital

Moderator
Ryan Broussard, VP of Production Incentives and Sales, Media Services Payroll

Getting films into production safely is the biggest obstacle the global industry is facing. Executives, producers and those creating and overseeing production guidelines talk the protocols, costs, and risks associated with production in the time of a pandemic.

Panelists
Chris Moore, Producer, Almost Never Films
Celine Rattray, Partner & Producer, Maven Pictures
Jennifer Westin, SVP, Production, MarVista Entertainment

Moderator
Richard Botto, Founder & CEO, Stage 32

The current climate indicates very few films are headed into production fully bonded. Our panel explores how some productions are attempting to mitigate risk by negotiating insurance, self-bonding, and working with independent equity financiers.

Panelists
Brad Krevoy, CEO, Motion Picture Corporation of America
Brian O’Shea, CEO, The Exchange
John Sloss, Founder, Cinetic Media

Moderator
Jill Goldsmith, Co-Business Editor, Deadline

Script Supervisors are the right hand person to the director, their notes are sent to the editorial room daily, and they oversee all continuity from all departments from script to screen. This session presents an overview of the skills and duties of the continuity/script supervisor and what they bring to a project. Find out why it is so essential to know who this person is, what they do to keep your film’s vision on track, and why they are such a valuable member of your crew.

Instructors
Randi Feldman, Founder, Cinema Workshops
Abbey Spacil, Script Supervisor & Script Editor

presented by Filmocracy

The independent film world has been turned upside down, with production being halted, theaters closing and live events going virtual. What will this mean to the “business” of movies, the function of festivals and the blurring lines of digital distribution?  From economics to discovery, sales to audience engagement, how do we face film exhibition in a new world?

Panelists
Jon Fitzgerald, Founder & CEO, Film Festival Mastery & iGems.TV
Justin Giddings, The Kickstarter Guy/Filmmaker
Chris Gore, Founder, Film Threat
Lela Meadow-Connor, Executive Director, Film Festival Alliance

Moderator
Paul Jun, Co-Founder & CEO, Filmocracy

presented in partnership with the WGAW

Presenters
Bradford Schleder, Contracts Counsel, WGAW
Joy Young-Sang,Contracts Enforcement Specialist, WGA

presented in partnership with The Film Collaborative

Strategic Decisions and Trends with respect to global film sales and video on demand distribution. We will discuss the panelists’ companies’ business models, their experience of the marketplace just prior to the start of COVID-19 and during the pandemic, comparisons between all rights deals and direct VOD platform deals, and expectations regarding sales and distribution for 2021 and beyond.

Panelists
Wendy Bernfeld, Founder/CEO, Rights Stuff
Gabrielle Rozing, General Manager, Fortissimo Films
Todd Olsson, President of International, Highland Film Group
Brian O’Shea, CEO, The Exchange

Moderator
Orly Ravid, Founder & Co-Executive Director, The Film Collaborative and Attorney, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP (MSK)

Producing micro-budget films has become more accessible than ever in recent years, at least from a technical standpoint. But many filmmakers wrestle with the same question – How can I adapt my creative concepts to work on a smaller canvas? This question serves as the foundation for our discussion, and a framework for understanding how to balance creative intent with budgetary limitations, to ultimately create the most viable finished product.

Host
Noam Kroll, Director & Host, Show Don’t Tell Podcast

Guest
Bryan Hill, Screenwriter, The Bryan Hill Project

presented by Caracol TV

Join our session to discover the various advantages of filming in Colombia with Caracol TV. A great variety of locations, state-of-the-art equipment and technology, tax incentives and cash back, are some of the issues that have set the sights of the world audiovisual industry in Colombia.

Presenter
Catalina Porto, Executive Production Manager, Caracol TV

Last year, Harvard Business School showed that films based on Black List scripts made 90% more revenue than other films. Come learn all about the Black List and its proprietary tools to discover some of the best unproduced screenplays – screenplays that make better and more profitable movies.

Presenters
Franklin Leonard, Founder & CEO, The Black List
Terry Huang, Director of Product and Data, The Black List

presented in partnership with SAGIndie

Learn how to hire professional actors for your independent film as SAGindie walks you through the process of signing SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Agreements from start to finish.

Presenters
Eliza Hajek, Manager of Development, SAGindie
Colin McCormack, Communications Manager, SAGindie

presented in partnership with USC Annenberg Hollywood, Health & Society

Participants will learn how Hollywood, Health & Society works with content creators to ensure accurate depictions of health, medicine and science.  Why it’s important for shows and movies to be as accurate as possible will be discussed.  Research and relevant video clips will be presented.

Instructor
Kate Langrall Folb, Director, Hollywood, Health & Society, USC Annenberg Hollywood, Health & Society

African film and television content is on the rise with Netflix’s first African originals all rising to the top in their home market and globally, especially in the US. Meet the producers and talent behind this successful productions that have found global audience with their stories and find out the what the secret to their success is.

Panelists
Mayenzeke Baza, Head Of Distribution & Financing, AAA Entertainment
Bradley Joshua, CEO & Executive Producer, Gambit Films
Rethabile Ramphakela, Co-Owner & Creative Director, Burnt Onion Productions

Moderator
Pascal Schmitz, Co-Founder / Executive Producer / Head of Development & Production, AAA Entertainment

presented by the Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS)

Join the Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS), a statewide professional association of Film Commissions and Offices in California dedicated to promoting filming and assisting productions with locations, permits, resources, and local knowledge, as we discuss the current state of filming on location in various jurisdictions throughout CA.

Panelists
Tasha Day, Manager of Special Events & Filming, City of Long Beach
Sabrina Jurisich, Film Commissioner, Film Shasta
Beverly Lewis, Director, Placer-Lake Tahoe Film Office 
Donna Washington, Vice President of Operations, FilmLA

Moderator
Eve Honthaner, former Deputy Director, The California Film Commission

Motion picture marketing executives will walk you through the key pieces of a successful marketing plan and how the filmmaker can help deliver the necessary elements. Marketing opportunities on every film are frequently overlooked by filmmakers during production. Learn how to capture everything needed for the ideal marketing toolkit.

Presenters
Katherine MacDonald, SVP, Animation, Paramount Pictures
Russell Schwartz, President, Pandemic Marketing Group

As the global VOD space continues to evolve, our executive panel will provide current insights into the marketplace and platforms so you can better navigate both the streaming opportunities and challenges for independent content.

Panelists
Audrey Delaney, SVP, Distribution & Worldwide Marketing, Blue Fox Entertainment
Linda Nelson, CEO, Indie Rights
Lise Romanoff, CEO & Managing Director, Vision Films
James Schamus, CEO, Symbolic Exchange

Moderator
Bruce Eisen, President, Digital Advisors

Have an idea, but don’t know where to go with it? Wrote a scene, but need to make it more engaging? Stopped in your tracks by where to go next with a character or a piece of dialogue? Writing coach Pilar Alessandra will get your story out of your head and onto the page with actionable writing tools to help you push through writer’s block and finish your script.

Instructor
Pilar Alessandra, Author/Consultant, On the Page

One of the greatest challenges facing all screenwriters, directors and producers is the process of developing an engaging premise into a compelling, well-structured story. This workshop explores the art of superstructure, those essential narrative turning points that have held together great stories not only throughout the history of filmmaking, but since Shakespeare and The Greeks. From your opening scene to midpoint to your screenplay’s emotionally engaging climax, you will learn how each of these critical scenes work in synthesis with one another and in the process avoid the pitfalls of the poorly structured story. The final goal of the workshop is a greater understanding of what holds any great story together and a set of tools that participants can immediately apply to their current screenplay.

Instructor
Steven Wolfson, Screenwriter/Instructor, UCLA

Geared towards writers and producers early in their career, our instructor will provide insight on how to assess scripts, develop budgets, and be ready to approach the pitch with a sound interpretation of how finances will support the project.

Instructor
Michael Mandaville, Producer, michaelmandaville.com