Every year we create a series of panels and seminars for our attendees. The panels are usually held on Saturday and Sunday and we host anywhere from four to five panels in any given year .
This year we will be hosting 6 panels this year October 19th and 20th. Come and meet the panelists and the get hard hitting information on getting your film into the hands of those that will make a difference.
Please note that we are still adding panel members so check back again soon!
Panel 1: SATURDAY OCTOBER 19, 10am-12noon
MAKING THE COMMERCIAL DOCUMENTARY: Exploring the formula that works
Venue:Regal Theatre Stadium 14 LA LIVE: 1000 West Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015
Panelists: Cevin Soling, Katharine “Kat” Kramer, Michael Kuehnert
This panel will explore the topics in documentaries that are thought provoking and inspiring while enhancing your ability to create a film that will sell in the competitive world of Docs. Q&A to follow.
Panel 2: SATURDAY OCTOBER 19, 12noon-2pm
WGA Presents: Alternative Methods for Breaking In
Venue: Regal Theatre Stadium 14 LA LIVE: 1000 West Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015
Panelists: Annie Wood, Julia Camara, Mandy Fabian, Elizabeth Martin, Lauren Hynek
This panel explores breaking in using alternative methods, such as new media, theater, and partnering with international producers to land a staff job or get your next project green-lit. The WGA Women’s Committee is our sponsor on this panel and has been involved with the festival since 2006. Q&A to follow.
Panel 3: SATURDAY OCTOBER 19, 2pm-5pm
Venue: Regal Theatre Stadium 14 LA LIVE: 1000 West Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015
Panelists: “Devo” Cutler-Rubenstein, Beverly J. Graf, Jeff Lengyel, Jennie Lew Tugend, Pamela Jaye Smith, Sheila & Mary Ann Barnes, Heather Hale, Marlene Sharp
We explore the avenues available for the independent filmmakers to get your film made through the pitching process. We will have a panel of expert managers, producers, and development executives who will give pointers and reveal the process of pitching in Hollywood. We will have Q&A with the expert panelists and then you will get to pitch your idea or script in front of our panel – and get direct feedback on your idea, style, and presentation. Don’t want to pitch? Just come sit, listen, and learn. Q&A to follow.
Panel 4: SUNDAY OCTOBER 20, 10am-12noon
Finance and Distribution: Getting THE Money!
Venue: Regal Theatre Stadium 14 LA LIVE: 1000 West Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015
Panelists: Chris Charalmbous, Peter Hoffman
We explore all the possibilities of getting money for your film. We have an expert panel of entertainment professionals that will give you all the possible ways you can access financing and distribution venues or at least get you started. Q & A to follow.
Panel 5: SUNDAY OCTOBER 20, 12noon-2pm
Venue: Regal Theatre Stadium 14 LA LIVE: 1000 West Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015
Panelists: Yareli Arizmendi, Ricki Maslar, Valerie McCaffrey, Jeremy Gordon, Pam Gilles
SAG-AFTRA will present a panel discussion with independent filmmakers and casting directors turned producers.
For filmmakers, casting an independent film is a daunting task.  In order to attract investors to get your film made, you need a top-notch cast. Should a filmmaker wait for A-list actors or find the best talent out there who may be the breakout stars of tomorrow? One strategy is attaching a powerful casting directors who can leverage her or his rolodex and help secure the talent needed to close funding and bring in distribution. As casting directors become power players in the independent film world, those who once assembled the talent are increasingly being offered producer hats themselves. Hear from veteran indie filmmakers and casting directors-turned producers about the fascinating and complex world of casting independent film.
Panel 6: SUNDAY OCTOBER 20, 2pm-4pm
Venue: Regal Theatre Stadium 14 LA LIVE: 1000 West Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015
Panelists: Jenna Busch, Regina Carpinelli, Tara Platt, Jonathan London, Paige Barnett
This panel will highlight web series filmmakers who launched their ideas on the internet and then were picked up for Primetime Network and Cable. The panel will explore their successes. Q&A to follow.