Conferences & Programs

Distribution Conference
Time: 9:15am – 12:45pm
Location: Starlight Ballroom, Fairmont Hotel

Working with Sales Agents

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
Maximilian Leo, Founder / Producer, augenschein Filmproduktion
Vanessa Saal, Managing Director, Sales & Distribution, Protagonist Pictures
Emma Slade, Independent Producer, Firefly Films

Moderator
Clay Epstein, President, Film Mode Entertainment

Key Legal Issues: Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Film Productions
Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
Location: Palisades Stage – Loews Hotel

The basics of the legal work necessary to produce feature films in the US are well known. But production deals are not all cookie-cutter. Learn about common mistakes, and how to identify and avoid errors and issues that will not be found in standard forms and books. The discussion will focus on chain of title, how to avoid disputes with investors and financiers, and common clearance issues including music and copyright works. This session will also disclose how to avoid issues in with guilds and completion bonders.

Presenter
Karen Robson, Partner, Pryor Cashman LLP

Blockchain and Cinema: Developments, Opportunities, Challenges
Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
Location: Venice Stage – Loews Hotel

Blockchain technology is creating opportunities for filmmaking and re-shaping the face of the creative industries. This session will study recent developments in rights management efficiency and transparency, as well as demystify blockchain technology. It will also explore how blockchain can be used in film financing, production, and distribution.

Panelists
Manuel Badel, Founder & President, Badel Media
Dr. Patrice Poujol, Founder & CEO, Lumiere; ACIM Lab Senior Research Fellow, City University of Hong Kong

Moderator

Jesse Weiner, Co-Managing Partner, YK Law LLP

Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers: Indie Film
and the Power of the Crowd
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Location: Palisades Stage – Loews Hotel

Boosting Your Micro-Budget
Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Location: Palisades Stage – Loews Hotel

High quality micro-budget films are no longer a novelty, making it essential for producers to follow the key principles of producing for the marketplace. Learn from experts how to maximize every dollar and how to create a small film that will be destined for big success.

Panelists
Seth Caplan, Producer, “Mercy Black,” “First Girl I Loved,” “Blood Fest”
Joy Ganes, Producer,“Premature”, “I’ll Meet You There”
Linda Nelson, CEO, Indie Rights
Benjamin Wiessner, Producer, “Thunder Road,” “Disfluency,” “In a Silent Way”

Moderator
Alex Ferrari, Indie Film Hustle

Working with the U.S. Guilds
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Venice Stage – Loews Hotel

SAGindie and WGAW representatives explain how to secure talent agreements for actors and writers and make your project signatory to the guilds’ agreements.

Panelists
Colin McCormack, Communication Manager, SAGIndie
Laurie Espinosa, Senior Director of Contracts, Writers Guild of America West

Respecting the Genre: Why Do Some Horror Films
Work While Others Don't?
Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Location: Palisades Stage – Loews Hotel

Hundreds of horror films are made every year but only a few really stand out. Why is that? What makes the successful films resonate? Producers, distributors and influencers will explore what makes the genre work for global audiences at every level, from marketing to release to longevity in the horror community.

Panelists
Roxanne Benjamin, Producer, “V/H/S,” “Southbound,” “Body at Brighton Rock”
Adam Goldworm, Founder, Aperture Entertainment
Natalie Metzger, VP of Development & Production,Vanishing Angle
Patrick Ewald, CEO, Epic Pictures

Moderator
William Bibbiani, Writer, Bloody Disgusting; Podcast Co-Host, “Critically Acclaimed,” “The Two-Shot,” “Cancelled Too Soon”