Editor

FILM INDEPENDENT'S 6TH ANNUAL FILMMAKER FORUM OCTOBER 29-31, 2010

Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced today the panelists for the sixth annual Filmmaker Forum, which will be held October 29-31 at the Directors Guild of America, Los Angeles.  The opening night film, keynote speaker, and additional panelists will be announced shortly, as well as the recipient of the 2010 Sloan Producers Grant, to be awarded on opening night.  Film Independent's Filmmaker Forum is a weekend conference that covers production, distribution, documentary, and emerging media.  Filmmakers are given access to some of the most innovative names in independent filmmaking through thought provoking discussions, networking sessions, case studies and presentations on some of today's most interesting new works.   This year, the Forum will introduce more panels on new media and empower filmmakers with the tools and knowledge needed to share their stories in new and innovative ways. 

Speakers for the 2010 Filmmaker Forum include:

• Jen Arnold, director, A Small Act
• Robert Bahar, writer/producer, Made in L.A.
• Robert Baruc, President, Screen Media Ventures
• Julie Parker Benello, producer, Chicken & Egg Pictures
• Silvia Echeverri Botero, Comisión Filmica Colombiana
• Peter Broderick, President, Paradigm Consulting
• Larry Brownell, Executive Director, AFCI
• Keith Calder, producer, Thunder Soul
• Dan Cogan, Executive Director, Impact Pictures
• Scott Cooper, writer/director/producer, Crazy Heart
• Michael Costigan, producer, Cyrus, Welcome to the Rileys
• Mike Farah, President of Production, Funny or Die
• Hans Fraikin, Quebec Film & Television Council
• Sue Hayes, Consultant, Film and TV Production
• Doug Jones, Associate Director of Programming, Los Angeles Film Festival
• Mark Landsman, director, Thunder Soul
• Patti Lee, producer, A Small Act
• Caroline Libresco, Senior Programmer, Sundance Film Festival
• Linda Lichter, Partner, Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler & Feldman, Inc.
• Oren Peli, director, Paranormal Activity
• Steve Peters, co-founder, No Mimes Media, founder, Alternate Reality Gaming Network
• Paula Schmit, Vice President, Film Finances
• Aaron Syrett, North Carolina Film Commission
• Josh Welsh, Director of Talent Development, Film Independent
• Ti West, writer/director, The House of the Devil

Topics for this year's panels are: Evaluate Your Project For Today's Marketplace; Budget Your Documentary; Take Advantage of Domestic and Foreign Tax Incentives; Realize Your Vision On a Budget: Production Case Studies; Find Money for Your Documentary; Genre Films Case Studies; Documentary Case Studies: A Small Act and Thunder Soul; Packaging and Financing Clinic; Documentary Legal Update; The New Distribution Lexicon; Your Marketing Toolkit; Transmedia and Alternate Reality Games; Distribution Case Studies; Crowdsourcing; Day and Date; Short Movies for the Small Screen; and Piracy: The Real Cost of Free. 

IndieLink Tables are another integral experience for attendees and sponsors at the Filmmaker Forum.    Hosting an IndieLink Table offers companies the opportunity to meet one-on-one with attendees for brief sessions. Current companies participating include: Alaska Film Office, Brant Rose Agency, Canon U.S.A., Inc., Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, Emily Schweber Casting, Entertainment Partners, Funny or Die, Ginsberg/Libby, Kodak, Los Angeles Film Festival, Mississippi Film Office, Montana Film Office, Roadside Attractions, Rovi, Sundance, Universal Studios, Without a Box, a division of IMDB.com, and more. To host an IndieLink Table, please contact Kate Walker at 310.432.1255 or kwalker@filmindependent.org.

All those who wish to attend this year's Forum can save more than 40% by purchasing a pass before September 17.  Regular conference passes are $300 for Film Independent members and $350 for non-members.  For more information about this year's Filmmaker Forum or to purchase a pass, visit FilmIndependent.org or call 310.432.1222.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry leader, or a film lover.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent's mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.

Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo.

For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.

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