ALEXIS KRASILOVSKY was born in Alaska, survived sexual assault at gunpoint, know what it’s like to be completely deaf, and has traveled to over twenty countries. She studied film at Yale and CalArts (MFA Film/Video) and is an award-winning filmmaker (“Women Behind the Camera” and other films). Alexis is the author of “Great Adaptations: Screenwriting and Global Storytelling” (– 2nd Place Winner, 2019 International Writers Awards) and Professor Emerita of Screenwriting, California State University Northridge. She is currently adapting a children’s story with Shameem Akhtar about a Bengal tiger in Bangladesh. See www.alexiskrasilovsky.com for more.

We Cover:

Pages 1 through 6 in Producer to Producer.
Finding the idea or the material.
Learning to say no.
Studying scripts.
Development process.
Do you legally have the rights to your material?
Rights acquisition of script and or underlying material.
How to write a logline.
We introduce you to top service people in our industry
A vast majority of Academy Award-winning Best Pictures, television movies of the week, and mini-series are adaptations, watched by millions of people globally. Great Adaptations: Screenwriting and Global Storytelling examines the technical methods of adapting novels, short stories, plays, life stories, magazine articles, blogs, comic books, graphic novels and video games from one medium to another, focusing on the screenplay. Written in a clear and succinct style, perfect for intermediate and advanced screenwriting students

The founder of Jacob Krueger Studio, Jacob has worked with thousands of writers, from Academy and Tony Award Winners, to beginning writers picking up the pen for the first time. Jacob is a WGA Paul Selvin Award Winning screenwriter, playwright, producer and director.

Jacob’s first produced movie, the Emmy Award Winning “The Matthew Shepard Story” (2002) won him the Writers Guild of America Paul Selvin Award and a Gemini Nomination for Best Screenplay. He has collaborated on original film musicals with Tony Award winning composers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Miserables, Miss Saigon) and with four-time Academy Award Composer Michel Legrand (Yentl, The Thomas Crown Affair), as well as a full slate of solo projects ranging from Feature Films to TV and Miniseries.

We Cover:

What are the most common mistakes screenwriters make and how can they be avoided?

This information is excellent for documentary filmmakers because they are writers too. Producers of documentaries and narratives need to know the structure of a feature and how to create their scripts just like screenwriters do.

They say when you finish your first draft you are 7% completed, so what do you do next?

How do writers create multilayered characters like Saul in Better Call Saul?

How do writers approach writing dialogue that is natural and engaging.

What is the difference between plot driven and character driven stories for features and documentaries?

What tools can you recommend to help writers? What books do you recommend writers read?

How do writers deal with producers who are concerned about money? How do you negotiate with a writer who wants you to blow up a bridge when you don’t have that in the budget?

An award winning filmmaker based in London, England. Max has worked on over a dozen feature films and two television pilots as a script consultant and has directed over twenty short films, all with a uniquely charming and whimsical stamp. Since graduating from the prestigious MetFilm School in 2015, he has gone on to write and
direct multiple short films and established Dreamology Pictures.

Max’s latest film as Director was the multi-award winning Hitchcockian thriller and dark comedy ‘Stalled‘, which picked up awards for ‘Best Director’. ‘Best Thriller’, ‘Best Actor’ and ‘Best Cinematographer’ at the Falcon International Film Festival London and participated in the London Lift – Off Film Festival Online on Vimeo On Demand .

We Cover:

Creating your log line, creating a feature or documentary proposal, bios, production plan, budget and financing plan.
What is coverage?
Why do you need coverage?
How to use coverage to improve your script.
What you should get from a coverage expert.
What grantors and donors want in a documentary proposal.
We will learn why coverage on your script is so important. You will know what to
expect from a coverage expert and hear how this benefits you. We discuss how to use this information to improve your script.

We offer information on documentary coverage. We discuss what grantors and large donors want in a documentary proposal. We close the class with production questions. Introduce students to industry people who give good discounts to our FTH filmmakers and who are donors to From the Heart’s Roy Dean Grants.

Kara is the Founder, CEO, and Producer of US-based companies, Reveal Live! Entertainment, and Meeting Street Productions. Kara is a top industry film, television and digital media production and distribution executive.

She is well-respected for her creative approach, wide-ranging resourcefulness and deep industry knowledge. She is known for tackling the most demanding media and entertainment challenges.

We Cover:

Writing a documentary or feature synopsis.
Creating your deck using Tom Malloy’s outline for a deck as all the legal information is current.
Bios of your key people
Finding Comparison projects
How important is your budget?

Robert Siegel, Esq. will answer questions on contracts.

How to find, how to write your proposal, how to win.

Producer to Producer book, pgs. 19-21, 35-44

Joanna Rabiger is a documentary film grant writer and consultant specializing in writing award-winning proposals for independent documentary films since 2004. Films for which she has secured grant funding include American Sons (forthcoming), Storming Caesars Palace (Independent Lens 2023), Building the American Dream (Voces, 2020),
First Vote (America Reframed, 2020), Belly of the Beast (Independent Lens, 2020), Conscience Point (Independent Lens, 2019), Decade of Fire (Independent Lens, 2019), Disclosure (Netflix, 2018), Served Like A Girl (Independent Lens, 2018), Voices of the Sea (POV, 2018), What Was Ours (Independent Lens, 2017) and many more.

Current directors with whom she works include Dan Habib, PJ Raval, Kristina Goolsby, Bara Jichova Tyson, Theresa Loong, and Kim Hopkins.

Producer to Producer book pages 45-68

Kara is the Founder, CEO, and Producer of US-based companies, Reveal Live! Entertainment, and Meeting Street Productions. Kara is a top industry film, television and digital media production and distribution executive.

She is well-respected for her creative approach, wide-ranging resourcefulness and deep industry knowledge. She is known for tackling the most demanding media and entertainment challenges.

Udy Epstein is a distributor and producer of independent and specialized films. Originally from Israel, he studied film at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. In 1994, he founded 7th Art Releasing. The company is noted for its releases of award-winning feature films such as the Academy Award® winning documentary, The Long Way Home. Other films include: Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben
Ferencz, The Jewish Experience, Walter Arlen’s First Century, Persona Non Grata, The Law, Murer: Anatomy of a Trial, 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus, The Prince and the Dybbuk, Portrait of Wally, Jews and Baseball and many more.

With a focus on documentaries and over 25 years of experience in launching award-winning films, 7th Art handles sales and releasing in all markets: theatrical and non-theatrical, festival, educational, television, cable, and home video, including digital and VOD. Their expertise and knowledge of the independent film landscape has lead to major festival awards and multiple Academy Award nominations for our films.

Since 1994, Seventh Art Releasing has been distributing award-winning independent and foreign films domestically and abroad with the mission to bring unique films to the widest possible audience.

Kara is the Founder, CEO, and Producer of US-based companies, Reveal Live! Entertainment, and Meeting Street Productions. Kara is a top industry film, television and digital media production and distribution executive. She is well-respected for her creative approach, wide-ranging resourcefulness and deep industry knowledge. She is known for tackling the most demanding media and entertainment challenges.

Practice pitching to Grant Funders

We have 4 intrepid filmmakers who will pitch us their films and get feedback.

We Cover:

How to Contact a grantor before you submit.
Pitching a grantor.
Creating strategic partners with nonprofits and corporations.
The art of pitching your film for funding and donations.
How to use your nonprofit fiscal sponsor to ask for discounts.

Filmmaker, Editor, and Post Production Consultant. Michael combines his love of filmmaking and art to create living stories that uplift, inspire, and make us feel. Michael has created original content for The Spring Hill Company, YouTube Originals, Fox Sports, Spotify Studios, The NFL Network, and ESPN. When he’s not in production, Michael is a teacher of metaphysical studies and meditation at the Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles. Visit mtorresproductions.comto learn more.

We Cover:

How to shoot interviews to get the answers you need for your trailer.
How music plays an important role in the trailer.
Why funding trailers are a major necessity for docs.
Making trailers for your feature.
Editing your fundraising trailer.

Carole and Michael share different types of trailers you can make. How long they should be and tips on testing trailers. This is a major source of income for documentaries, webisodes and TV series.

Color correction sets the mood of the film.

Sam Dlugach won our Roy W. Dean Film Grant in 1996 and is one of the best colorists in LA. He has over 30-years’ experience working with all types of films. Sam works for a major production company, but moonlights helping indie features and documentaries. He generously gives us his time to serve as a judge for the grant and donates his services to the winners.

We Cover for Investment:

The benefits of color correction
How your color correctionist can advise you on camera settings
Save money on post productions

Finding the right person early in production can benefit you in many ways. Color correction artists advice should be included in choosing and using cameras, setting a mood for each act and much more. Bring your questions for Sam to answer.

Learning script breakdown and completing the breakdown sheet
Advice to make decision for original music or purchase existing.
When and how to bring on your attorney.

Kara Williamson covers script breakdown. Script breakdowns are used for fiction or nonfiction projects with narrative elements like recreations. Maureen Ryan suggests you do this yourself rather than use a computer because it will be much more accurate. Kara simplifies how to do this. During production the producer often makes the script breakdown as the assistant director has not been hired.

Carole Dean and Kara Williamson discuss how important the cover sheet of the budget is. Your breakdown sheet will give you the figures for your budget. As grantors and film funders we give you what we think are important aspects that we look for on the top sheet. How people have lost grants by having their top sheet wrong. It is one of the most important elements in funding and financing your film.

Pages 69 through 75 of the Producer to Producer book.

Jonathon M. Smith, is an actor/writer/producer who has been involved in the film industry for over 15 years. He started his career doing promos for Disney and Vogue as a teenager, and continued to work on multiple sets like Hannah Montana, Greek, Numbers, Heart of Dixie, and The Mandalorian.

At this time, Jonathon is currently producing and starring in a feature film called “The Terrible Children”. It has already been picked up by a distributor and is scheduled to release in the fall.

On top of his film career, Jonathon has done work for SAAS companies and the educational industry.

We Cover for Investment:

When you should create your first budget
Everything but the kitchen sink budget
Bare bones budget
Budgeting software
Top sheet

Producer to Producer book pages 108-111

Kara is the Founder, CEO, and Producer of US-based companies, Reveal Live! Entertainment, and Meeting Street Productions. Kara is a top industry film, television and digital media production and distribution executive. She is well-respected for her creative approach, wide-ranging resourcefulness and deep industry knowledge. She is known for tackling the most demanding media and entertainment challenges.

We Cover for Investment:

Presales
Sales agents
Equity investors
Deferred payment deals
Union signatory film agreements
Donations and fiscal sponsorship

Donna McKenna, CSA, is an award winning, international casting director, producer and educator. She has cast numerous independent films, TV show, episodic radio shows, pilots and web-series during her more than 20 years in the business. These projects have received theatrical distribution and can be seen on Amazon Prime, iTunes,
Apple as well as Direct TV and other streaming platforms.

Among some of her kudos are a Voice Arts Award for Best Ensemble Cast Performance Audio Show, the IndieFest Casting Award, Best Ensemble Casting from Blast Off Film Festival for Alter Ego and most recently received Runner Up 2020 Mandy.com Casting Director Award.

Donna teaches actors the craft of acting, improvisation, and audition techniques as well as a course called “Producing Your Career”, and the McKenna Method Workshops (www.mckennamethod.com).

We Cover:

Hiring a casting director
Attaching an actor or star to your project
Pay or play deal
The casting process
Labor rules for minors
Extras, background actor casting
To be union or not to be union?

Pages 177 through 197 of the Producer to Producer book.

Christopher Debiec is an award-winning writer/producer/executive with an impressive thirty-four-year track record in all aspects of the entertainment industry. Some of his credits include Sylvester Stallone’s Oscar, The Crow for Miramax, The Devil’s Advocate, Mad City for Warner Brothers, The Out of Towners for Paramount Studios, and the ground breaking “first of its kind” live-action animation Dinosaur for Walt Disney Studios.

From 2000-2005, Chris was called on James Cameron to supervise production for the Emmy Award winning Earthship Productions. In 2010, Chris was recruited as Vice President of Production at Entertainment One Television (eOne). He spearheaded the alternative programming division for cable and network distributors such as Syfy, CW, WETV, BET, MTV, A&E, Discovery Channel, Oxygen and Fox Sports. In 2019, Chris was the Production Executive for Leyline/A24’s The Green Knight.

Chris is now the CEO of newly formed award-winning studio Civilized Entertainment.

We Cover:

Create location list
The specifics of location scouting
Check with local film commissions for leads
Alternatives to hiring a location scout
Finalizing location and negotiating the deal
Backup locations
Paperwork and location release form
General liability insurance certificate
Permits
Shoot day protocol
Leave it better than you found it

Entertainment Attorney with 20 over years’ experience with independent feature and documentary filmmakers. He has negotiated contracts with HBO, PBS, and most all streamers.

Visit his website at http://rlsentlaw.com/

We Cover:

Chain of title
Production issues
Financing Paperwork
General agreements
Distribution agreements

Kara is the Founder, CEO, and Producer of US-based companies, Reveal Live! Entertainment, and Meeting Street Productions. Kara is a top industry film, television and digital media production and distribution executive. She is well-respected for her creative approach, wide-ranging resourcefulness and deep industry knowledge. She is known for tackling the most demanding media and entertainment challenges.

“Scheduling is one of the most critical steps in the preproduction process. It’s the road map for the project.” Maureen A Ryan, Producer to Producer

We Cover:

Schedule principals
Shooting schedule analysis
Shooting script analysis
Scheduling each shoot day
Feeding your crew

In 2013, Debbie became a licensed insurance broker and began working at MovieInsure.com, Inc. with brother David Karubian. Debbie continues to work diligently to find the most economical pricing option for the coverage needed. She has enjoyed watching her client’s businesses grow over the years. Clients who started off with short term policies and then graduated to annual DICE policies.

We Cover:

Annual DICE policies
Annual Equipment floaters for owned equipment.
Production Portfolios for Feature Films
Short Term policies
Errors and Omissions

Although, the main office of MovieInsure.com is in Northridge, Debbie is located in Memphis, TN and caters to all U.S. time zones.

Pages 254 -266 in Producer to Producer

Lorenzo DeStefano is an artist extraordinaire, He has written highly successful books, plays and screen plays. He has directed and produced documentaries and shorts.See full resume here

We Cover:

First day of photography to do list
Second day disasters
Wrap check list
Enemy of production
The actualized budget

Born in Brisbane, QLD, Australia, Colette Smartt began her career officially at the age of 11 when she joined The Fame Agency. Colette has a long history of Film, Television, Theater, Modeling, Live performance, Singing, Dancing, Writing and more recently Directing and Producing. Since moving to the United States, Colette has done everything from industrial to commercial shoots, independent film and short film festival projects. Colette continues to study acting and filmmaking. In 2017, Colette was awarded a scholarship to attend a summer intensive for The Film School in Seattle, WA, where studied screenwriting and story development, and production with Tom Skerrit and Disney Pixar story developers to name a few. In 2017, Colette became Co founder, Executive Producer, Writer, Director for Soul Element Films, a creative film collaborative in the Pacific North West.

We Cover:

Preparing for safety in pre-production
Location permissions and planning
Unset precautions and protocols
Security for post and deliverables
Safety protocols for equipment

Pages 301 – 317 in Producer to Producer book

Jonathon M. Smith, is an actor/writer/producer who has been involved in the film industry for over 15 years. He started his career doing promos for Disney and Vogue as a teenager, and continued to work on multiple sets like Hannah Montana, Greek, Numbers, Heart of Dixie, and The Mandalorian.

At this time, Jonathon is currently producing and starring in a feature film called “The Terrible Children”. It has already been picked up by a distributor and is scheduled to release in the fall.

On top of his film career, Jonathon has done work for SAAS companies and the educational industry.

We Cover:

Post Production begins in Pre-Production
Planning for post
Putting together a post production team
Digital workflow example
Deliverables

Pages 320 – 326 in Producer to Producer book

Jerry Deaton, a 35-year music production veteran, launched AUDIOKUT DIGITAL POST to service a growing demand in this age of shrinking film & T.V. budgets: Economical, efficient small-stage audio post-production. AudioKut can provide state-of-the-art technology and personal attention to independent films, documentaries, internet media, commercials, and T.V. projects, with comparable results as large scale post facilities.

We Cover:

DX editing process & ADR process
OMF or AAF delivery of non-edited production audio to the post house & formatting
Music mix levels & EQ’ing
5.1 mixing

David Raiklen is an American composer, producer, educator, and host. David was mentored by Oscar winner John Williams and Pulitzer Prize winner Mel Powel. Dr. Raiklen studied at USC and CalArts and later taught at those universities. He has worked for the major studios including Sony, Disney, Fox, Sprint, Mattel, Warner Bros and PBS, plus independent productions. Hundreds of scores in media. His projects have starred Elliott Gould, Doug Jones, Blythe Danner, and Martin Sheen. David made the New York Film Critics Top Ten with the documentary Heist, short listed for an Academy Award® for Worth, and Mia, A Dancer’s Journey won the Emmy.

Raiklen’s music includes a cinematic hybrid of 21st-century sounds, neoromanticism, post-minimalism, and dance, seasoned with world, jazz, rock and pop. He works with live, acoustic musicians on recordings and concerts, plus custom electronics. David is inspired by the beauty and peace of nature and is an environmental advocate.

Raiklen compositions have been performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Disney Hall. He also was host of a successful radio program, Classical Fan Club, where guests include Yo-Yo Ma and John Williams; host and leader of The Academy of Scoring Arts seminars, and the National Association of Composers LA Conversations. David is currently producing and composing for Space Command, a series of epic adventures set in a hopeful future; creating live concerts, music videos, and producing live Augmented Reality experiences. He is musicalizing the history of the universe in Universe.

Member of TV Academy, NARAS, ASCAP, Board of NACUSA, AAAS

www.davidraiklen.com or on Facebook and YouTube

We Cover:

Music – a director’s secret weapon.
Finding a post production team and what to look for.
Licensing songs – what every filmmaker needs to know.
How to find perfect music for your film.

Tony Panaccio is a 36-year media veteran, having started his career in the 1980s as a newspaper journalist for The Clearwater Sun, The Tampa Tribune and others. In 1989, Tony won the Florida Press Club Award for his eye-witness coverage of the execution of serial killer Ted Bundy, which is also where he met future agency colleague John Wilson. He later shifted his career into public relations with video game producer Capstone, where he also scripted many of their games, including William Shatner’s TekWar. During that period, he was also Shatner’s publicist for his various video game projects.

We Cover:

• Three Pillars — Far too many indie producers focus primarily on the creative side of making films, leaving business affairs and marketing to others — or worse — just plugging along without much expertise in either. A good producer is at least going to understand the basic foodchain of marketing.
• No Marketing Strategy — A film without a marketing strategy is destined to fail, but what IS a marketing strategy? What are the primary obligations of a marketing strategy, and how do they inform the tactical marketing plan?
• Understanding Media — Today’s media landscape is constantly evolving. To keep up with it, you need to understand a little about the modern history of media and where it’s heading in 2024.
• Putting it All Together — PR, advertising, promotions and word of mouth are disciplines — when they are combined properly — can propel even a small indie directly into the national consciousness. So, what are the best practices involved to finish this race?

Pages 361 – 368 in Producer to Producer book

Anabelle is an award-winning actress, writer, director, singer, producer, and C.E.O. of the film production company Blue Boots Entertainment that she operates together with her husband Huntly Munro in Los Angeles.

Anabelle’s artistic focus is dedicated to purpose-driven filmmaking, like spreading awareness about recovery from addiction, healing, and discovering purpose and spirituality.

Anabelle is the founder and director of the ETHOS Film Awards.

We Cover

Film festival strategy
Film festival premiers
Jury and Audience awards
What to expect from a film festival
Posters, postcards, and photos

Learning the Fundamentals of Story Structure

Jonathon M. Smith, is an actor/writer/producer who has been involved in the film industry for over 15 years. He started his career doing promos for Disney and Vogue as a teenager, and continued to work on multiple sets like Hannah Montana, Greek, Numbers, Heart of Dixie, and The Mandalorian.

At this time, Jonathon is currently producing and starring in a feature film called “The Terrible Children”. It has already been picked up by a distributor and is scheduled to release in the fall.

On top of his film career, Jonathon has done work for SAAS companies and the educational industry.

We Cover:

Why Learning How To Write Low Budget Screenplays Will Be Essential in The Streaming Era.
Learn The Basic Story Structure of Modern Films.
Why The Midpoint of A Screenplay Is Important
Understanding The 8 Main Story Drivers
The Most Popular Story Myths
7 Main Types of Story Goals For Your Character
Why It’s Helpful For Your Character To Have A Past Trauma or a “Ghost”

How To Make Your Screenplay / Film Possible On A Low Budget

Jonathon M. Smith, is an actor/writer/producer who has been involved in the film industry for over 15 years. He started his career doing promos for Disney and Vogue as a teenager, and continued to work on multiple sets like Hannah Montana, Greek, Numbers, Heart of Dixie, and The Mandalorian.

At this time, Jonathon is currently producing and starring in a feature film called “The Terrible Children”. It has already been picked up by a distributor and is scheduled to release in the fall.

On top of his film career, Jonathon has done work for SAAS companies and the educational industry.

We Cover:

Learn Why Films Are So Expensive To Make
The Difference Between Genre, Theme, and Script Mechanism
The 8 Different Types of Films That Work On A Low Budget
Examples of Each Type of Films That Work On A Low Budget
5 Films That Were Made For Under $10,000 That Launched Careers (Including Christopher Nolan).

Keith is a filmmaker and Founder of Show&Tell. Over his 12 year career as a documentary filmmaker, Keith produced three films that appeared on PBS and Netflix.

His film Age of Champions screened in over 3,000 communities and generated over $1.5 million—powered by partnerships with groups like AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association and companies like Cigna Health.

Keith has since taught and advised hundreds of filmmakers on their distribution and fundraising strategies.

He’s delivered keynote presentations on distribution at filmmaking organizations like IDA and IFP and his work has appeared in IndieWire and Documentary Magazine.

At Show&Tell, he has helped hundreds of filmmakers raise over $12 million in virtual event ticket sales, donations, sponsorships, and PBS underwriting.

We Cover:

Finding Your Core Audience: Learn how to identify and target the audience that resonates most with your documentary’s message.
Attaching Strategic Partners: Discover how to forge alliances with organizations, influencers, and brands that align with your documentary’s themes and objectives.
PBS as a Distributor: Learn the ins and outs of pitching to PBS and navigating the public broadcasting landscape.
Early Funding through Conventions: Uncover strategies for finding and securing unique opportunities for early funding for your documentary through conventions and industry events.

Carole Dean is the Founder and President of From the Heart Productions, a top-rated 501(c)3 non-profit that supports independent filmmakers by helping them raise funding for their projects. Over thirty years through From the Heart’s fiscal sponsorship program, she has assisted filmmakers in raising over $30 million for their films.

She created the Roy Dean Grant in 1992 and has awarded over $2,500,000 in grants to independent filmmakers, and helped to produce over 80 films through the grant.

We Cover:

Outline for the party
Who makes the ask?
Getting donations before the party
Ongoing support from party participants

Carole Dean is the Founder and President of From the Heart Productions, a top-rated 501(c)3 non-profit that supports independent filmmakers by helping them raise funding for their projects. Over thirty years through From the Heart’s fiscal sponsorship program, she has assisted filmmakers in raising over $30 million for their films.

She created the Roy Dean Grant in 1992 and has awarded over $2,500,000 in grants to independent filmmakers, and helped to produce over 80 films through the grant.

We Cover:

Creating your pitch
Making a good impression
Power of “Body language”
Closing

Karen Everett is one of the world’s leading documentary story consultants, as well as an award-winning documentary filmmaker. She taught editing for 18 years at the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, named the #1-ranked documentary program in America by Documentary Magazine. Karen founded New Doc Editing LLC, an editing and story consulting business. She has helped hundreds of filmmakers structure compelling documentaries for venues such as PBS, HBO, community screenings and top film festivals such as Sundance and Telluride. Author of Documentary Editing, she has directed and produced six of her own documentaries, including the award-winning PBS biography I Shall Not Be Removed: The Life of Marlon Riggs. She can be reached at Karen@newdocediting.com.

We Cover:

How do you shape a mountain of footage into an impactful and entertaining documentary?

In this example-packed seminar, you’ll discover how influential and award-winning documentaries such as My Octopus Teacher and The Inconvenient Truth are structured. Screenwriters have a lot to teach documentary filmmakers about shaping a story, from the Inciting Incident, to the Midpoint, to the Climax. You’ll learn the challenges and art of adapting narrative devices to films about real life. You’ll glean professional tips for logging footage quickly, to accelerate your edit. Participants will also learn how to configure a compelling trailer in three distinct movements. Finally, these days you need more than just a feature length film. Foreign distributors and PBS often want a “TV Hour”, while conferences and educators want a shorter cut for public screenings. A deeply experienced teacher and story consultant, Karen will show you four criteria for cutting a feature down to marketable film lengths.

Kara is the Founder, CEO, and Producer of US-based companies, Reveal Live! Entertainment, and Meeting Street Productions. Kara is a top industry film, television and digital media production and distribution executive. She is well-respected for her creative approach, wide-ranging resourcefulness and deep industry knowledge. She is known for tackling the most demanding media and entertainment challenges.

We Cover:

Creative Process
Focusing & Direction
Content Filming
Financials & Resources

Gary Rubin has over 30 years of experience in the motion picture and television businesses encompassing acquisitions, production, distribution and management responsibilities.

In those years, he acquired nearly 100 films, and helped create multiple nine figures in domestic sales. Learn more at www.grconsultingcareercoaching.com

Gary started GRC, a sales agency and consulting company, which represents both new and older films to a complete set of streaming and distributor clients. GRC also consults on a variety of issues including finance and distribution, for producers, investors, and more. GRC recently oversaw the self-distribution of the acclaimed documentary, The Automat. The Automat was nominated for four Critics Choice Documentary Awards including for Best Documentary Feature.

We Cover:

When should I bring on a sales agent?
Do I really need a sales agent?
What exactly will a sales agent do for me?
What is a typical deal with a sales agent?
What can I expect in terms of results?
Theatrical or streamer?
What should you create to engage a distributor?
At what stage of production do you contact distributors?
What is the current status of film distribution to streamers?

Tony Panaccio is a 36-year media veteran, having started his career in the 1980s as a newspaper journalist for The Clearwater Sun, The Tampa Tribune and others. In 1989, Tony won the Florida Press Club Award for his eye-witness coverage of the execution of serial killer Ted Bundy, which is also where he met future agency colleague John Wilson. He later shifted his career into public relations with video game producer Capstone, where he also scripted many of their games, including William Shatner’s TekWar. During that period, he was also Shatner’s publicist for his various video game projects.

WE COVER:

• What the heck is happening to the media?
• how do producers with viable projects get in the door?
• What are the first steps? What is the best strategy and messaging?
• Who do I to pitch to and how?

Jonathon M. Smith, is an actor/writer/producer who has been involved in the film industry for over 15 years. He started his career doing promos for Disney and Vogue as a teenager, and continued to work on multiple sets like Hannah Montana, Greek, Numbers, Heart of Dixie, and The Mandalorian.

At this time, Jonathon is currently producing and starring in a feature film called “The Terrible Children”. It has already been picked up by a distributor and is scheduled to release in the fall.

On top of his film career, Jonathon has done work for SAAS companies and the educational industry.

We Cover:

Why LinkedIn Co-Founder Said Most 9-5 Jobs Will be Obsolete by 2034.
How To Find The Correct Niche For Your Social Media Platform.
How To Make Money On Ads On YouTube and The Requirements To Become A YouTube Partner.
How To Use Social Media To Make Money Coaching and Providing Other Services.
Examples of Other Successful Content Creators.

Brynn Lucas is an award-winning producer with extensive expertise in post-production supervision, delivery, electronic press kit (EPK), and feature film development and production. She has led numerous successful projects to completion, leveraging her deep knowledge in music videos, film production, and documentaries. With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, Brynn has a demonstrated history of working on high-profile projects, ensuring seamless delivery and exceptional quality in all her endeavors. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre from Stephens College, which has further enriched her skills in the creative and technical aspects of film and media production. Her client list includes Independent Filmmakers, Studios such as WB, Universal, and Paramount, Major Streamers like Hulu, Netflix, and Apple, and Sales Teams/Distributors such as Studio Canal, S&R Films, Saban Films, and Lionsgate.

We Cover:

Understanding the type of sale you have acquired
Breaking down a Delivery Schedule
Getting your project through the QC process
The importance of having an Electronic Press Kit (EPK)

Developed cinematography and film making skills at Paramount Studios (1970’s) while learning from the great Cinematographers and Directors of the Hollywood Golden Era.
Became a Commercial and Television Film Director (mid 1980’s)
Developed as a Producer/writer (mid 1990’s)
Served on the Board of Directors for the AFPF, the French Producer’s Guild (2007-2018).
Serves on Board of Managers of VES Georgia (2018-2024).
Honored by VES as a luminary for career and design patent of Motion Control System
Worked and restructured courses (2003-2013) as a Professor, developing the Cinematography curriculum while teaching film production at Savannah College of Art and Design.
Presents Master Seminars at Eicar (France 2013-present), Sony Institute, Maine Media Workshops, and more
Currently resumed work professionally on movies & television — as Producer, Writer, and/or Director or DOP

We Cover:

When in production should your bring in your DP?
What is the producers roll with the DP?
How to get the best cinematographic work from your DP

Jonathon shares how to survive and thrive as an indie filmmaker. Every class, he will teach different lessons on independent filmmaking to help make your project a reality. He is also A.I savvy and will go over different products and industry trends to keep you up to date on technology in Hollywood.

We Cover:

Why Small Teams Are The Future For Independent Films
Different Tools and Workflows I Used To Create Visual Effects and Title Sequences
Workflows I Used To Drastically Improve Sound Without Location Sound on Site
Explain Why Marketing and Creativity Will Soon Determine Your Success — Not Firmly Cost.

James Forsher PhD has been producing non-fiction programming focusing on Hollywood for over 4 decades (www.forshermedia.com) His television programs include the hour long RODDENBERRY;S TREK (2023), The hour long Elvis and the Girl from Vienna (ORF, 2017), the twenty-six part HOLLYWOOD CHRONICLES for the Discovery Channel (1990), the eight-part PBS series CHANGING CULTURE OF THE WORKPLACE (1995), THE HOLLYWOOD CENSORSHIP WARS for the Arts & Entertainment Network (1994), LOST WARRIORS for PBS (1998) and the thirteen part THE 1960’s for Encore! Feature length specials include HOLLYWOOD UNCENSORED and HOLLYWOOD GHOST STORIES (which have aired on such systems as Cinemax and. Dr.Forsher wrote THE COMMUNITY OF CINEMA: HOW CINEMA AND SPECTACLE TRANSFORMED THE AMERICAN DOWNTOWN (Praeger, 2002).

He has served as a consultant for a number of organizations, including ABC News, PBS Marketplace. He also was a producer of visual content for Pearson and Allyn & Bacon Publishers.

Dr. Forsher is a retired Associate Professor in Communication, having taught at The University of Vienna, California State University, East Bay, Seattle University, Temple University and Florida State University. He has also served as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Vienna and Klagenfurt University in 2015 and received a 2023 Botstiber Fellowship to work out of Central European University in Budapest, Hungary. His background is a blend of an interest in American cultural institutions and communication studies, which he has examined both in written works and as a television producer.

We Cover:

The talk explores the idea behind ‘image rights.’ Everything that goes into a film today is possibly litigious, and we will explore how to protect yourself against that nasty letter you get from an attorney saying that ‘you used material owned by their client.’

Gael Chandler, based in Los Angeles, was nominated twice for a Cable Emmy for comedy editing and has trained hundreds of professionals on digital editing systems and students on editing systems, practices and theory.

She has edited comedies, dramas, documentaries, features, corporate videos, and promos, and cut on every type of medium: film, tape, and digital. Nominated twice for a Cable ACE award for editing a comedy series.

Additionally she has taught editing practices and history at Loyola Marymount University and California State Universities at Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Northridge, and has trained hundreds of professionals, independent filmmakers, professors, and students to operate digital editing equipment.

She is author of the book “Editing for Directors”.

We Cover:

How to shoot right for editing
What an editor brings to the party
Hiring a collaborator
What you want from your editor
In the cutting room: from dailies to first cut

Jon Reiss is a filmmaker, author and media strategist who wrote the book Think Outside the Box Office. His company, 8 Above, creates custom audience-building strategies, theatrical experiences and digital release campaigns for independent feature and documentary films. Reiss has consulted with hundreds of filmmakers and film organizations throughout the world including The Gotham, IDA, Screen Australia, Film Independent, Creative Scotland. Current clients include 1800 On Her Own, Sabbath Queen, Food & Country, The Ride Ahead and The Body Politic.

Reiss helped create and run the IFP/Gotham Filmmaker Lab for ten years. A year ago as traditional outlets for distribution increasingly dried up, he created the 8 Above Distribution Lab. In the Lab Reiss workshops the distribution and marketing of up to ten film teams through the ever changing landscape of distribution and marketing. The third cohort starts in December 2024/January 2025. Click here for more information and to sign up for an information session.

jonreiss.substack.com

We Cover:

Distribution for independent feature and documentary films
How to create custom audience-building strategies
Exciting new theatrical experiences
Building digital release campaigns

Jason Brubaker is the founder of Filmmaking Stuff, a leading resource for indie filmmakers looking to grow their careers and bring their projects to life. With a background in film distribution and digital marketing, Jason has guided countless independent movie producers in crafting unique marketing hooks, creating professional promotional assets, and leveraging digital tools to connect directly with audiences.

A recognized expert in grassroots movie marketing and direct-to-consumer distribution, Jason’s practical, actionable strategies empower filmmakers to navigate the evolving independent motion picture landscape with confidence.

filmmakingstuffhq.com

We Cover:

In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics grassroots marketing strategies, so you can:

Unlock the Secret to Winning Audiences – Learn how to attract viewers and turn them into loyal fans
Master the Four Marketing Channels – How to use free and paid strategies to get your film noticed
What’s Your Film’s Superpower? – Highlight what makes your movie unforgettable
First Impressions Matter – Create assets that grab attention and build credibility
Grow Your Audience with Email – Build a direct connection to your fans

Beth Dolan is an award-winning writer, producer and documentary filmmaker. A graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University’s College of Fine Arts, Beth began her writing/directing/producing career in the New York theatre world before moving to Los Angeles and focusing on the film and television industry. Her film and television production company, Coyote Pass Productions, has provided content for clients — from development through completion — in the commercial, public service announcement, short and long form documentary spaces among other media formats. As a professional writer she has worked on popular network television series under the mentorship of iconic, social justice show runners Norman Lear (“Who’s The Boss?”), Diane English (“Foley Square” and “Murphy Brown”), and Mike Milligan (“Los Beltran”). In recent years she has turned her attention fully, with producing and creative partners, Luis Remesar and Sheila Higgins, to social justice-themed documentary storytelling, where collectively they feel they can contribute their skills to the betterment of humankind. Their recently released documentary STRANGER AT HOME: Healing The Psychological Wounds of War currently airs and streams on national PBS and The WORLD CHANNEL. Their latest documentary WELCOME HOME, a story focused on establishing a comprehensive national reintegration program for our services members and their families will be ready for public broadcast in 2026. Beth is also the proud producer and host of the Blog Talk podcast “Being Deliberately” and consults regularly on how to get a social justice documentary to distribution on PBS.

www.coyotepassproductions.com

We Cover:

The benefits of having a distribution deal on Public Service Television
Understanding the Unique PBS World
The Costs to Distribute to PBS
Tips, Tricks, and the Path Of Least Resistance to Getting Your Film on PBS

Carole Dean is the Founder and President of From the Heart Productions, a top-rated 501(c)3 non-profit that supports independent filmmakers by helping them raise funding for their projects. Over thirty years through From the Heart’s fiscal sponsorship program, she has assisted filmmakers in raising over $30 million for their films.

She created the Roy Dean Grant in 1992 and has awarded over $2,500,000 in grants to independent filmmakers, and helped to produce over 80 films through the grant.

We Cover:

Your mind is your greatest asset in film funding
Using your mind to create a successful 2025
Creating clearly defined goals
Visualizing your future
Using your subconscious to create your future
The power of belief
Putting your attention on your intention

Sarah Moshman is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and TEDx speaker whose work has been featured on Netflix, PBS, Upworthy, Marie Claire, CNN, and Good Morning America. Sarah has directed and produced 3 feature-length documentaries: The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things (2014), Losing Sight of Shore (2017) and NEVERTHELESS (2020). Sarah has ventured into the narrative world with a short about the 1st mother in space entitled UNBOUND starring Lauren Lapkus that was awarded First Place at NASA’s Cinespace Competition and is on the festival circuit with a new short she wrote and directed entitled A Mother is Born.

Prior to focusing on documentaries Sarah worked as a field producer on the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars for 10 seasons as well as shows on NBC, MTV, Lifetime, Bravo and the Food Network. She also directs branded content for EllenTube, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Spanx, Mattel, AT&T and more. Sarah is an inspiring public speaker, author, and a teacher in documentary film, passionate about empowering the next generation of storytellers. In 2024 Sarah launched her own program to support women filmmakers over 30 called Look What SHE’s Doing! which she hopes to continue as part of her legacy for years to come.

www.sarahmoshman.com

We Cover

Crowdfunding
Applying for grants
Fiscal sponsorship
Working with investors
Working with brands/sponsors

Karen Everett is one of the world’s leading documentary story consultants, as well as an award-winning documentary filmmaker. She taught editing for 18 years at the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, named the #1-ranked documentary program in America by Documentary Magazine. Karen founded New Doc Editing LLC, an editing and story consulting business. She has helped hundreds of filmmakers structure compelling documentaries for venues such as PBS, HBO, community screenings and top film festivals such as Sundance and Telluride. Author of Documentary Editing, she has directed and produced six of her own documentaries, including the award-winning PBS biography I Shall Not Be Removed: The Life of Marlon Riggs. She can be reached at Karen@newdocediting.com

Are you ready to take your film project to the next level? Your trailer is your most powerful tool for securing funding, and in this special class, you’ll learn how to make it stand out from the crowd!

This class will teach you the secrets behind crafting trailers that capture the attention of investors, grant committees, and distributors. Drawing insights from Maureen A. Ryan’s influential book, Producer to Producer, this session will show you how to tell a compelling story through your trailer that leaves audiences wanting more—and ready to support your film.

In this class, you’ll learn:

How to Edit a Trailer for Maximum Impact: Learn Karen Everett’s proven techniques for creating trailers that resonate emotionally and visually with your target audience.
The Elements of a Successful Trailer: Understand the key components that make a trailer compelling enough to secure funding.
Why Your Trailer is Your #1 Film Funding Tool: Discover why a well-edited trailer is essential to pitching your project and convincing potential backers.
Storytelling for Investors: Find out how to tell your film’s story in a way that engages and excites, leaving funders eager to see more.

Tom Malloy has been involved for over two decades in all aspects of the film business. He trail-blazed the role of a multi-hyphenate, having approached projects early on as an actor, writer, and producer, recently adding director to his list.

Malloy has raised millions for independent films, produced 20 films, written and sold 25+ screenplays, and has starred in many films. Many film projects are developed through the production company he founded in 2005, Trick Candle Productions.

In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Tom is an accomplished author whose book Bankroll: A New Approach to Financing Feature Films was considered the “gold standard” of indie film financing instruction. He now co-owns the filmmaking instructional site FilmMakingStuff.

filmmakingstuffhq.com

We Cover:

Essential Film Funding Materials
Elements of a pitch
Meeting and connecting with the HNI
Presentation
Closing techniques

Giovani Lampassi is a highly accomplished Director, Cinematographer, and Writer with over 26 years of experience in the film and television industry. His extensive resume includes work on more than 24 TV series and 27 feature films. Some of his notable TV projects include “Home Economics,” “Veronica Mars,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Up All Night,” “The Unit,” and “Party Down.” In the realm of feature films, he has contributed to titles such as “A Merry Friggin’ Christmas,” “Go,” “Panic,” “Torque,” “Lonely Hearts,”** and “The Reaping.”

Recently, Giovani has worked as the cinematographer on the highly rated TV series “High Potential,” an American crime drama that premiered in September 2024. He also served as the cinematographer for the workplace comedy series “Unstable,” for Netflix.

Throughout his career, Giovani has had the opportunity to work with many renowned actors, including Kristen Bell, Robin Williams, John Travolta, Andy Samberg, Kathryn Hahn, Gina Rodriguez, and Topher Grace. His collaborations with these talented actors have contributed to the success and acclaim of the projects he has been involved in.

Giovani is a member of both the Directors Guild of America and the International Cinematographers Guild. Known for his engaging personality, he is always ready with a dad joke to lighten the mood on set. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring stories to life through his lens have made him a respected figure in the industry.

Giovani’s professional ability to see light and shadows is unparalleled, setting him apart from many other cinematographers. He honed this skill under the mentorship of legendary cinematographers John Alonzo, ASC and Peter Levy, ASC, ACS, for whom he worked as a gaffer. Their guidance helped shape his unique visual style and deep understanding of lighting.

We Cover:

How directors of photography interface with directors
Choosing your best shot
Guidance for documentary filmmakers
Staying on time and on budget with excellent cinematography

Adam Heyes is a multidisciplinary creative and business developer, working primarily with filmmakers, artists, authors, transformational teachers, and non-profit organizations. Adam has worked with From the Heart Productions for over a decade, helping the organization and its clients with pitch decks, design, editing, film and event production, website development, marketing, course design, and fundraising.

He worked extensively with two award-winning From the Heart documentaries, Ground Operations about sustainable farming for veterans, and Take Back Your Power about the dangers of smart meters.

Adam graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA’s Honors Program with a degree in Psychology, and holds a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. He also runs a thriving heart-centered counseling practice in Seattle.

www.adamheyesdesign.com

We Cover:

Best practices and what to include on a film website
How to monetize your film website
How to create profitable business around your film
How to drive traffic to your site

Jilann Spitzmiller is a Director, Cinematographer and Writer whose work has won more than 20 awards and has been shown around the globe. She directed, wrote, shot and edited the feature documentary MEOW WOLF: ORIGIN STORY, which premiered at SXSW and won 3 Best Documentary awards. She was recently a segment director on Trevor Noah’s WORLD ACCORDING TO FOOTBALL, on which she also worked as a cinematographer. She directed two fiction shorts for the MEOW WOLF exhibit in Las Vegas, as well as several mini-docs on the exhibit artists. Jilann is currently writing and directing a comedic web series based in New Mexico featuring all NM talent and crew.

Kara is the Founder, CEO, and Producer of US-based companies, Reveal Live! Entertainment, and Meeting Street Productions. Kara is a top industry film, television and digital media production and distribution executive. She is well-respected for her creative approach, wide-ranging resourcefulness and deep industry knowledge. She is known for tackling the most demanding media and entertainment challenges.

WE COVER:

How to find the right crew for your Indie
How to determine salary for your crew
How to provide safety for your crew during the shoot
How to prepare the crew for the shoot

Tony Panaccio is a 36-year media veteran, having started his career in the 1980s as a newspaper journalist for The Clearwater Sun, The Tampa Tribune and others. In 1989, Tony won the Florida Press Club Award for his eye-witness coverage of the execution of serial killer Ted Bundy, which is also where he met future agency colleague John Wilson. He later shifted his career into public relations with video game producer Capstone, where he also scripted many of their games, including William Shatner’s TekWar. During that period, he was also Shatner’s publicist for his various video game projects.

WE COVER:

• What the heck is happening to the media?
• how do producers with viable projects get in the door?
• What are the first steps? What is the best strategy and messaging?
• Who do I to pitch to and how?

Jonathon M. Smith, is an actor/writer/producer who has been involved in the film industry for over 15 years. He started his career doing promos for Disney and Vogue as a teenager, and continued to work on multiple sets like Hannah Montana, Greek, Numbers, Heart of Dixie, and The Mandalorian.

At this time, Jonathon is currently producing and starring in a feature film called “The Terrible Children”. It has already been picked up by a distributor and is scheduled to release in the fall.

On top of his film career, Jonathon has done work for SAAS companies and the educational industry.

Jeffrey Michael Bays is an American director, podcaster, “Hitchcock Whisperer,” and satirist with a Master of Arts in Cinema Studies from La Trobe University. He is a frequent speaker at film festivals, a contributor to MovieMaker Magazine, and author of two filmmaking books: ‘Between the Scenes’ and ‘Suspense With a Camera.’

Jeffrey’s productions have earned the prestigious Mark Time Award, the Communicator Award of Excellence, and have been mentioned in IndieWire, No Film School, and Time Out magazine.

In addition to his films and Hitchcock documentaries, Jeffrey created SiriusXM’s ‘Not From Space’ radio play in 2003 with a team of online collaborators, each recording parts from their own home. It was the first Internet collaboration of its size. Jeffrey also produced two comedy albums: ‘Never See the Other Side’ and ‘Highway Stripes.’

Jeffrey’s new book ‘Creatives Working Together’ is due for release in Summer 2025 from Routledge (Focal Press).

https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

www.borgus.com

We Cover

Navigating Creative Personalities
Understanding the Self-Conscious Performer
Leadership and Teamwork
Motivating the Cast & Crew
Overcoming Team Negativity

Bobby Mardis, who was originally a native of Hammond Indiana, studied in Los Angeles and is now an Atlanta resident. He is both a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), as well as the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Bobby is a product of UCLA and USC, where he studied communication and advertising. After college, he trained in acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts among dozens of workshops in Los Angeles. During the 40+ years that Bobby has been in the entertainment industry, he has worked on over three hundred projects, in various capacities, which has resulted in making him an extremely, knowledgeable and well-rounded filmmaker.

Bobby Mardis Productions in association with Fat Chance Films and B. Story Pictures has produced and delivered film, television and various industrial projects. Showtime Network exhibited Bobby’s “Why Colors?” which starred notables like Regina King, Ice–T, Barry White, Anne Marie Johnson and a number of his “Robert Townsend’s Partner’s in Crime” co-cast members. He produced and directed “Circle of Pain” for Showtime, which starred the Emmy Award winning actor, Glynn Turman. This award-winning film also featured Anna Marie Horsford, T’Keyah Crystal Keymah, Todd Bridges, and was the last film performance of the late Rosalind Cash. He went on to produce and direct the straight to video feature, “One Last Time” starring “In Living Color” and “The Cosby Show”, T’Keyah Crystal Keymah.

Bobby has received numerous awards for his films in various film festivals around the world. His made-for-television comedy entitled, “Midnight Blue,” achieved the highest ratings in the series of B.E.T.’s Arabesque slate of projects. He has expanded his artistic reach to write and direct the thriller, “One Last Time” for the straight-to-video market.

Bobby Mardis, along with Stan Foster, produced a comedy pilot for Comedy Central called, “In the Cut.” He directed the hilarious Latin sitcom pilot entitled, “X & L Customs” which raised eyebrows in the pilot arena. He has directed multi-camera comedy concerts that include, “Against All Odds” starring TK Kirkland for Image Entertainment; a gospel comedy called “Shout” featuring Mark Christopher Lawrence and the uproarious “I Got Problems” for Avatar Productions. One of Bobby’s socially conscious projects he directed is the multi-camera concert film “The Silence is Broken” which was made as a benefit, featuring a sixty-piece orchestra and a myriad of musical stars including Loretta Divine, TC Carson and Patrice Rushen, who donated their time, energy and talent for AIDS prevention. This project is currently being streamed on thesilenceisbroken.org. Along the same socially conscious vein, he completed the music video, award winning “Peace on the Streets” to help bring light to the violence on the streets epidemic of San Francisco and around the country.

www.BobbyMardis.com – www.BStoryPictures.com – www.AngelsOfHopeFilms.com

We Cover

Your film marketing has to almost start once you finish your first draft. Building an audience is your foundation to success.

Everything you do and say, has to be connected with marketing your film even after its release!

The DEVLUX Entertainment Group:
CEO, Executive Producer, Producer, Writer

Currently, we are preparing for the launch a new Multimedia Company, Film/TV/New-Tech.
Films Slated are in Development.
More information to come.

My team and I, each, have 30 plus years of experience in the Entertainment Industry. Our skills span the canvas of Production, including Writing, Directing, Producing, Cinematography, Viz-FX, Special-FX, Distribution, Finance, and Public Relations.

As TDEG founder, I have been part of the film industry since 1991. In 1995, I joined the Emmy Award-winning Optic Nerve Studios Make-Up FX crew. Additionally, I have been involved in the strategic development and funding of projects with multiple Independent Production Companies, and also, with such known entities as Paramount, Sony, WB, Lionsgate, and You Tube.

1998 – Nominated, Primetime Emmy Outstanding Makeup for a Series for Babylon 5: In the Beginning.

We Cover:

How to Build Trust with Investors – Learn Manny’s proven techniques to make investors feel confident, respected, and excited about working with you.
Creating a Winning Business Plan for Your Feature Film – Step-by-step guidance on what to include, how to structure it, and how to position your film as a smart investment.
The Art of Investor Communication – Discover how to speak the language of money, handle objections, and present your project with clarity and professionalism.
What Every Investor Needs to See – Understand the key elements (budget, comps, ROI models, team bios) that make your business plan stand out.
How to Move from Pitch to Partnership – Learn how to turn a potential investor meeting into a long-term relationship that supports your film and future career.

Bianca Garrison-Quick is an entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, writer, and film producer dedicated to purpose-driven storytelling and impactful media. With a strong background in journalism, public relations, and digital strategy, she has led content and marketing initiatives for national brands including TurboTax, Hilton, and Westgate Resorts.

As Vice President and Co-Founder of The POW Creatives, Inc., Bianca brings a unique blend of creative leadership and strategic vision to content development, branding, and production services. Her work spans independent film, television, and branded storytelling—always with a focus on authenticity, inclusion, and cultural relevance.

A passionate advocate for emerging voices in media, Bianca continues to produce and support projects that inspire connection, reflect diverse experiences, and promote positive change. Her commitment to excellence, both behind the camera and online, positions her as a dynamic force in the evolving landscape of entertainment and digital communication.

We Cover:

Building a Strong Brand & Online Presence

Content Strategy & Engagement Tactics

Social Media Marketing for Film Promotion

Community Building & Networking

Peter Broderick is one of the world’s leading Distribution Strategists. He spearheads the distribution of exceptional documentary films and has consulted on over 2,000 films around the world. As President of Paradigm Consulting, he helps filmmakers and media companies maximize distribution, audiences, and revenues. Peter specializes in state-of-the-art strategies, including new approaches to global distribution.

Peter was President of Next Wave Films, which supplied finishing funds and other support to filmmakers from the US and abroad. He helped launch the careers of outstanding directors including Christopher Nolan and Amir Bar-Lev.

A key player in the growth of the ultra-low budget feature movement, Peter became one of the most influential advocates of digital moviemaking. Now focused on the revolution in film distribution, Peter gives keynotes and presentations internationally including at Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and IDFA.

Peter publishes The Distribution Bulletin about the latest in independent film distribution and marketing, which has over 9,000 subscribers worldwide. To subscribe and read his articles, visit www.peterbroderick.com.

Peter has written for The New York Times, The Times of London, The Economist, and Scientific American. He is a graduate of Brown University, Cambridge University, and Yale Law School.

We Cover:

How to implement a Dynamic Distribution strategy and reject Passive Distribution
How to use Pre-Distribution to maximize revenues, impact, and audience
Why test screenings are essential
How to avoid bad deals

Anabelle is an award-winning actress, writer, director, singer, producer, and C.E.O. of the film production company Blue Boots Entertainment that she operates together with her husband Huntly Munro in Los Angeles.

Anabelle’s artistic focus is dedicated to purpose-driven filmmaking, like spreading awareness about recovery from addiction, healing, and discovering purpose and spirituality.

Anabelle is the founder and director of the ETHOS Film Awards.

We Cover:

How to make a living in the new format
Directing tips
Improving your craft
Increase your income

Hollis Rich’s career as a television writer/producer spans both half-hour comedy and hour drama, including Doogie Howser, MD, Grace Under Fire, Picket Fences and Party of Five. Hollis co-created and co-executive-produced State of Grace, a half-hour dramedy featuring Mae Whitman, Alia Shawkat, and Frances McDormand as the off-screen narrator. The critically acclaimed series earned two Humanitas nominations and four Jewish Image Awards for its humorous, authentic depiction of two girls of different faiths growing up in the 1960’s South. Hollis attended UCLA’s Graduate Film School Writers Program and is currently developing two half-hour comedies that feature a disabled lead.

We Cover:

We will take a closer look at your main characters, identify four essential elements necessary to develop deeper, more complex, believable main characters – INSIGHT, EXPERIENCE, PARADOX AND BEHAVIOR – and how to incorporate them into a feature, short or pilot script.

Bobby Mardis, who was originally a native of Hammond Indiana, studied in Los Angeles and is now an Atlanta resident. He is both a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), as well as the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Bobby is a product of UCLA and USC, where he studied communication and advertising. After college, he trained in acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts among dozens of workshops in Los Angeles. During the 40+ years that Bobby has been in the entertainment industry, he has worked on over three hundred projects, in various capacities, which has resulted in making him an extremely, knowledgeable and well-rounded filmmaker.

Bobby Mardis Productions in association with Fat Chance Films and B. Story Pictures has produced and delivered film, television and various industrial projects. Showtime Network exhibited Bobby’s “Why Colors?” which starred notables like Regina King, Ice–T, Barry White, Anne Marie Johnson and a number of his “Robert Townsend’s Partner’s in Crime” co-cast members. He produced and directed “Circle of Pain” for Showtime, which starred the Emmy Award winning actor, Glynn Turman. This award-winning film also featured Anna Marie Horsford, T’Keyah Crystal Keymah, Todd Bridges, and was the last film performance of the late Rosalind Cash. He went on to produce and direct the straight to video feature, “One Last Time” starring “In Living Color” and “The Cosby Show”, T’Keyah Crystal Keymah.

Bobby has received numerous awards for his films in various film festivals around the world. His made-for-television comedy entitled, “Midnight Blue,” achieved the highest ratings in the series of B.E.T.’s Arabesque slate of projects. He has expanded his artistic reach to write and direct the thriller, “One Last Time” for the straight-to-video market.

Bobby Mardis, along with Stan Foster, produced a comedy pilot for Comedy Central called, “In the Cut.” He directed the hilarious Latin sitcom pilot entitled, “X & L Customs” which raised eyebrows in the pilot arena. He has directed multi-camera comedy concerts that include, “Against All Odds” starring TK Kirkland for Image Entertainment; a gospel comedy called “Shout” featuring Mark Christopher Lawrence and the uproarious “I Got Problems” for Avatar Productions. One of Bobby’s socially conscious projects he directed is the multi-camera concert film “The Silence is Broken” which was made as a benefit, featuring a sixty-piece orchestra and a myriad of musical stars including Loretta Divine, TC Carson and Patrice Rushen, who donated their time, energy and talent for AIDS prevention. This project is currently being streamed on thesilenceisbroken.org. Along the same socially conscious vein, he completed the music video, award winning “Peace on the Streets” to help bring light to the violence on the streets epidemic of San Francisco and around the country.

www.BobbyMardis.com – www.BStoryPictures.com – www.AngelsOfHopeFilms.com

PROFILE
American digital creator, composer, producer, educator, and host. Mentored by Oscar winner John Williams and Pulitzer Prize winner Mel Powel. Studied at University of Southern California and California Institute for the Arts and later taught at those universities. Worked for the major studios including Sony, Disney, Fox, Sprint, Mattel, Warner Bros and PBS, plus independent productions. Hundreds of scores in media. Projects starring Elliott Gould, Doug Jones, Blythe Danner, and Martin Sheen. Made the New York Film Critics Top Ten with the documentary Heist, shortlisted for an Academy Award® for Worth, and Mia, A Dancer’s Journey won the Emmy.


EXPERIENCE
Compositions performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Disney Hall. Host of a successful radio program, Classical Fan Club, where guests include Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, and John Williams; host and leader of The Academy of Scoring Arts seminars, and the National Association of Composers LA Conversations. Currently producing and composing for Space Command, a series of epic adventures set in a hopeful future; creating live concerts, music videos, and producing live Augmented Reality experiences. Over 100 concert and occasional pieces, including songs, jingles, religious music, chamber works, concertos, symphonies, etc.

Media Projects including Film/TV: Scored more than 100 movies: http://imdb.com/name/nm1907912/

TEACHING
Professor at Chapman University, Guest Lecturer in music at UCLA, USC, CalArts, AFI, CSULA, CSULB, Eastman, media conventions, and public schools for over 20 years. Topics include: Scoring to Picture, Film Music Secrets for Filmmakers, Score Analysis, Music Composition, Beginning – Advanced Orchestration, Music Appreciation, History of Fantasy and Science Fiction Music, Director – Composer Collaborations, Music Supervision, Artificial Intelligence In The Arts, Health and Wellness in the Arts.

HONORS
NEA Grant Winner, Best Music at Sundance Festival, 3 Telly Awards, Films Nominated for Academy Award, NARAS, ATAS, Emmy winning documentary

We Cover:

When I make film music, I’m a filmmaker first
Music is the director’s secret weapon
Every film deserves a unique sound
Finding a composer is like casting an actor, we bring the story to life

Xackery Irving is a New York-based filmmaker drawn to stories that unfold at the edge of crisis, where human resilience, disorientation, and identity intersect. His debut feature documentary, American Chain Gang, explored controversial forced labor prison programs in the U.S. His follow-up film, Nothing Without You, is a psychological thriller that examines memory, loss, and obsession. Brace For Oblivion, his latest work, is an immersive nonfiction chronicle filmed over three years on the Ukrainian frontlines, following seven citizens-turned-soldiers as they endure escalating cycles of combat and rare moments of homecoming. Xackery currently co-chairs the Producer Guild of America’s Employment committee and is actively involved in the international independent filmmaking community.

We Cover:

Pivoting as a core value of producing.
Going for it and putting your storytelling instincts first
Perspective of the current marketplace and state of the industry
Team building as a foundation for success.

Bri Castellini is an independent film and screenwriting consultant and a subject matter expert in arts crowdfunding, indie filmmaking, film festivals, podcasting, and the USA television show Burn Notice. As a filmmaker herself she’s known for her short film Ace and Anxious (writer/director, 160k+ views on YouTube) and for her podcast Breaking Out of Breaking In. She personally helped launch over $25 million dollars in crowdfunding campaigns with an 85% success rate while she was the Manager of Creator Success at the artist crowdfunding platform Seed&Spark, and she has spoken at over 200 events and festivals virtually and in person on the subjects previously listed. Full work history can be found on her website BriCastellini.com

We Cover:

The most common crowdfunding misconceptions and how to combat them
Comparing and contrasting the four major crowdfunding platforms to help you choose the right one for your project
Building and growing an email list for your audience
Building a team for your campaign to share the load and set yourselves up for success

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lorenzo DeStefano is a playwright, screenwriter, producer, director and photographer. A member of the Directors Guild of America and past member of the Motion Picture Editor’s Guild, DeStefano has worked in U.S. and U.K. Theater, written fiction & non-fiction, original screenplays and adaptations, and produced and directed documentary and narrative films.

DeStefano is founder of the Ventura Film Society, a California-based cinema cooperative bringing people together in the dark since 2008.

About the Class

Imagine that a story or a situation or a state of mind takes hold of you and won’t let go. It can happen in an instant. The microbe of an idea implants itself, begins tunneling, makes a home inside your world. You feel something coming on, flu symptoms, vertigo, a veil of distraction that clashes with the demands of your daily life. You wonder why the so-called “real” world won’t leave you alone so you can focus all you have on exploring THIS?

When a story takes hold, your only choice is to bring it to life. Join Lorenzo DeStefano as he guides indie filmmakers through the creative and producing process—how to recognize a powerful idea, develop it with purpose, and move it confidently toward production.

What You’ll Learn:

How to recognize a story worth producing — identify when an idea has the emotional and cinematic power to sustain a film.

Developing your concept into a strong narrative — shape raw inspiration into structure, character, and theme that connect with audiences.

Translating vision into production — practical steps for indie filmmakers to move from creative spark to actionable producing plan.

Spade Robinson is an award-winning screenwriter and director, with experience spanning feature film, documentary, television, commercial, and theater. She is the owner of the full-service production company Spade Ink Media, which produces and develops a slate of film, television, and podcast projects. She also runs Atlanta Film Project, a screenplay and documentary consulting firm that helps storytellers and companies shape the most compelling version of their stories.

We Cover:

· Unlocking Hidden Gateways
– How to break into spaces that have traditionally been gatekept in Hollywood—and what to do to stand out.

· Story that Sells
– Turning your screenplay into a compelling pitch tool for investors, festivals, and collaborators.

· The Crowdfunding Mindset
– What Spade learned helping raise millions for indie films: how to position your story so audiences want to invest in it.

· Building Your Writer’s Toolbox
– Her Final Draft Method + Script from Scratch approach that gets stalled writers across the finish line.

· Translating Transparency into Power
– Why she shares behind-the-scenes truths on her podcast/TikTok—and how filmmakers can use radical honesty to build trust and community.

· Producing with Purpose
– Teaching at Sundance, HBO, FOX, and Disney, Spade has seen every mistake—here are the ones to avoid when producing your first indie.

· Future-Proofing Your Film
– How today’s screenwriters and indie producers can align with new distribution, AI, and audience trends without losing artistic integrity.

Born in Ohio, Justin Dzuban is a lifelong musician and self-taught guitarist with over 30 years of experience. His musical path is deeply rooted in storytelling, songwriting, and the healing power of sound. Drawing from sacred music traditions, meditation, and personal transformation, his work invites listeners on a journey of introspection and connection.

Carole Dean is a producer, as well as the author of The Art of Film Funding Second Edition & The Art of Manifesting: Creating your Future. Her Executive Producer and producer credits are on IMDB. Carole is an Entrepreneur who created and ran a Film business in Hollywood, NYC and Chicago for 33 years, she sold it in 2001. She created the Roy Dean Film grant in 1992 and has given over 100 grants to independent filmmakers. Carole is currently the President of From the Heart Productions, a501C3 nonprofit, where she manages the Roy Dean Grant and fiscal sponsorships for the nonprofit. She teaches and mentors filmmakers in her Intentional Filmmaking Class, the Producer to Producer class and the film funding class for sponsored filmmakers. Her site has free film funding classes. www.fromtheheartproductions.com

A talented filmmaker, photographer, and producer, Carole Joyce is a Board Member of the 501(c)3 non-profit From the Heart Productions, and Director of the Roy W. Dean Grant, of which she has been an integral part of for over 20 years. Carole is also the CEO of Authentic Vision Consulting, a consulting firm specializing in independent film production and financing.

A graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography, Carole is an award-winning filmmaker for her documentary Survivors. Carole served as Executive Producer for the award-winning short film Stairway to the Stars starring Sean Young and as LA Line Producer for Wheels of Heaven with Mickey Rourke. Carole produced the short film Living UnDone, which won the Grand Jury Award at the Ethos Film Festival and Best Short Documentary for the Paris Film Festival. Carole is a Producer for the upcoming film Prodigal Daughter. Carole’s additional credits are available on IMDb. From the Heart Productions’ credits are also available on IMDb.

Carole also serves as an Advisor for the Authentic Global Film Festival and a Judge for the Ethos Film Festival.

Jonathon M. Smith, is an actor/writer/producer who has been involved in the film industry for over 15 years. He started his career doing promos for Disney and Vogue as a teenager, and continued to work on multiple sets like Hannah Montana, Greek, Numbers, Heart of Dixie, and The Mandalorian.

At this time, Jonathon is currently producing and starring in a feature film called “The Terrible Children”. It has already been picked up by a distributor and is scheduled to release in the fall.

On top of his film career, Jonathon has done work for SAAS companies and the educational industry.

Goal: By the end of this class, you will have the tools to make your own “proof of concept” short using AI techniques and workflows.

We Cover:

1). Why Mastering AI Is Important For Your Filmmaking Career.

2). What essential tools are needed to get the best visuals and sounds.

3). Why understanding the fundamentals of AI workflows is more important than new tools.

4). How we can learn from Steven Spielberg’s experience on Jaws for making AI and traditional films

Carole Dean is a producer, as well as the author of The Art of Film Funding Second Edition & The Art of Manifesting: Creating your Future. Her Executive Producer and producer credits are on IMDB. Carole is an Entrepreneur who created and ran a Film business in Hollywood, NYC and Chicago for 33 years, she sold it in 2001. She created the Roy Dean Film grant in 1992 and has given over 100 grants to independent filmmakers. Carole is currently the President of From the Heart Productions, a501C3 nonprofit, where she manages the Roy Dean Grant and fiscal sponsorships for the nonprofit. She teaches and mentors filmmakers in her Intentional Filmmaking Class, the Producer to Producer class and the film funding class for sponsored filmmakers. Her site has free film funding classes. www.fromtheheartproductions.com

We Cover:

The Power of Clear Intention
– Why setting precise, emotionally-charged goals can unlock doors to funding, collaborators, and opportunities you never imagined.
Daydreaming as a Creative Tool
– How “constructive daydreaming” aligns your energy with your vision, collapsing possibilities into reality (Fred Alan Wolf’s “handshake across time”).
Collapsing the Wave: The Science of Manifestation
– How quantum physics explains that what you focus on—thoughts, images, and emotions—shapes what materializes in your filmmaking journey.
Mindset of Mastery
– Practical techniques from Napoleon Hill and Dr. Joe Dispenza to help you build resilience, magnetize funding, and stay aligned with your vision.
You Are the Magic
– Why you are the catalyst that turns imagination into form, and how to use the quantum field as your creative partner in producing films and creating your future.

Basil Moore is an independent film producer and filmmaker with over a decade of professional experience developing, packaging, and producing film and screen-based content. His producing credits span decades.

Basil has worked across the U.S., U.K., and Europe, navigating the realities of independent production, from development and budgeting to talent attachments and collaboration, financing strategy, and delivery. His approach bridges creativity with practical execution, helping filmmakers move projects forward while avoiding common industry pitfalls.

Basil focuses on empowering filmmakers with accurate knowledge, professional discipline, and long-term thinking — teaching not only how to produce, but how to think like a producer in today’s evolving film and content landscape.

We Cover:

1. How to Think Like a Producer Understanding the true role of the producer — leadership, responsibility, decision-making, and long-term vision beyond the title.
2. Development to Packaging: Making Projects Viable Evaluating scripts, assembling the right creative team, attaching talent, and shaping projects so they are realistic and producible.
3. Budgets, Schedules, and Practical Execution Clear, real-world guidance on budgeting, scheduling, scope, and avoiding common production pitfalls.
4. Navigating the Business with Integrity How to approach financing, partnerships, and industry relationships ethically while protecting yourself and your project.

Jonathon shares how to survive and thrive as an indie filmmaker. Every class, he will teach different lessons on independent filmmaking to help make your project a reality. He is also AI savvy and will go over different products and industry trends to keep you up to date on technology in Hollywood.

We Cover:

1. What ChatGPT can do for you
2. How to reduce your budget with AI
3. Docs can use 11 Labs for A list actors
4. Make your short films for under $1000.00

Giovani Lampassi is a highly accomplished Director, Cinematographer, and Writer with over 26 years of experience in the film and television industry. His extensive resume includes work on more than 24 TV series and 27 feature films. Some of his notable TV projects include “Home Economics,” “Veronica Mars,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Up All Night,” “The Unit,” and “Party Down.” In the realm of feature films, he has contributed to titles such as “A Merry Friggin’ Christmas,” “Go,” “Panic,” “Torque,” “Lonely Hearts,”** and “The Reaping.”

We Cover:

1. How directors of photography interface with directors
2. Choosing your best shot
3. Guidance for documentary filmmakers
4. Staying on time and on budget with excellent cinematography

Anabelle is an award-winning actress, writer, director, singer, producer, and C.E.O. of the film production company Blue Boots Entertainment that she operates together with her husband Huntly Munro in Los Angeles.

Anabelle’s artistic focus is dedicated to purpose-driven filmmaking, like spreading awareness about recovery from addiction, healing, and discovering purpose and spirituality.

Anabelle is the founder and director of the ETHOS Film Awards.

We Cover:

1. How to make a living in the new format
2. Directing tips
3. Improving your craft
4. Increase your income

Kara is the Founder, CEO, and Producer of US-based companies, Reveal Live! Entertainment, and Meeting Street Productions. Kara is a top industry film, television and digital media production and distribution executive. She is well-respected for her creative approach, wide-ranging resourcefulness and deep industry knowledge. She is known for tackling the most demanding media and entertainment challenges.

We Cover:
1. Bring your deck — and we’ll dissect it page by page until it becomes a tool that actually raises money. 
2. If your film isn’t getting funded, your deck may be the reason — and we’ll show you exactly why. 
3. Learn how to turn your pitch deck from a creative document into an investment opportunity. 
4. Stop guessing what investors want — we’ll break down your deck in real time and refine it to sell. 
5. A powerful film deserves a powerful deck — let’s build one that closes.

Tony Panaccio is a 36-year media veteran, having started his career in the 1980s as a newspaper journalist for The Clearwater Sun, The Tampa Tribune and others. In 1989, Tony won the Florida Press Club Award for his eye-witness coverage of the execution of serial killer Ted Bundy, which is also where he met future agency colleague John Wilson. He later shifted his career into public relations with video game producer Capstone, where he also scripted many of their games, including William Shatner’s TekWar. During that period, he was also Shatner’s publicist for his various video game projects.

We Cover:
1. AI is not the end of film, nor is it the beginning of a new era. It is a tool that, when used ethically and judiciously, can help every filmmaker stand comfortably on the industry's three pillars: Creative, Marketing and Business Affairs. 
2. AI can help research and create stellar presentation decks that are five steps above what I see in the industry today. 
3. AI can help you find and vet funders, distributors and talent in ways previously impossible. 
4. The secret to AI is "prompt engineering," which is how we tell the AI what to do. The better we instruct the AI, the better our results will always be.

Basil Moore is a film producer, futurist, and international co-production strategist known for integrating emerging technology with creative storytelling. His work spans post-production, financing strategy, and global production, with projects and collaborations recognized by major media companies including Universal Music, 20th Century Fox, and ABC/Disney.

We Cover:
1. How producers and directors communicate to align creative vision with production realities.
2. How directors work with cinematographers and assistant directors to execute a film efficiently.
3. When and how producers should communicate with department heads without disrupting the director’s authority.
4. The producer’s role in shaping the film creatively while protecting schedule, budget, and overall outcome.

Sari Caine is a critically-acclaimed award-winning neurodiverse writer, grants-consultant, and producer. Her New York City acting career started at age three with commercials, she’s appeared in film, off-Broadway, and on hit shows like Orange is the New Black. A chess champion and entrepreneur, she started her chess education business at age thirteen. Combining business with her art, she became a producer, got an MFA in playwriting, created an award-winning theater company, then worked as an Artistic Director of a multi-media venue for film-makers, playwrights, and musicians, so she understands “wearing all the hats. ” She’s mentored dozens of artists on grants, scripts, and marketing. An artist residency on a donkey farm in Tennessee changed her life, now she runs a Creative-Strategy company from her doublewide in the Tennessee woods, writing for Huffpost, WIRED, Shondaland, and more, about life, chess, and grants, while raising her family and growing food & flowers.  

We Cover:
Creating a Winning Strategy 
Staying ahead of the Game 
Being Funding-Ready (including looking at your platform)
Resource Roundup

Brynn Lucas is an award-winning producer with extensive expertise in post-production supervision, delivery, electronic press kit (EPK), and feature film development and production. She has led numerous successful projects to completion, leveraging her deep knowledge in music videos, film production, and documentaries. With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, Brynn has a demonstrated history of working on high-profile projects, ensuring seamless delivery and exceptional quality in all her endeavors. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre from Stephens College, which has further enriched her skills in the creative and technical aspects of film and media production. Her client list includes Independent Filmmakers, Studios such as WB, Universal, and Paramount, Major Streamers like Hulu, Netflix, and Apple, and Sales Teams/Distributors such as Studio Canal, S&R Films, Saban Films, and Lionsgate.