The Film Independent Forum is back and has so much to offer…

In addition to screenings, panels, workshops, one-on-one meetings and networking receptions, take part in conversations with a stellar lineup of panelists who will give you the expert advice you need to move your career as a filmmaker forward. All of this and much more, September 26 & 27 at the DGA in Los Angeles.

Peruse the program below, stay tuned here for additions and updates, and – if you haven’t already – grab your Forum pass now!
 

$149 Member Pass

$189 Non-Member Pass

 
Film Independent Members receive a significant discount on passes, which are free for Arts Circle Members and Film Independent Fellows (w/ an active Membership).
 
Not a Member? Join now.

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.

 

Jump to: Saturday

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Forum Check-In Opens

1:30 pm

Navigating Distribution

2:00 pm (DGA 2)

Depending on who you ask, the distribution space for indie films is either shrinking by the minute or expanding in boundless ways. There is more than one path for your film to reach its audience. However, to find the right one for your film, you must equip yourself with the necessary information and utilize the tools to put a plan into action. Learn about current viable distribution models, and the different outlets, platforms, and professionals that can help you get your film to screens.

Annalisa Shoemaker (Distribution Strategist, To Kill a Tiger, Good Bad Things)
 

Special Presentation: ShotDeck

2:30 pm (DGA 3)

ShotDeck is the world’s leading cinematic image library – featuring millions of shots and clips from films, TV, music videos, and commercials – designed for reference, inspiration, and education. Created in 2014 by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Lawrence Sher, ASC (Joker, The Hangover trilogy, Garden State), ShotDeck began as a passion project but quickly evolved into an essential tool used by a global community of filmmakers, ad agencies, students, and visual artists.

Now available on iOS and Android, ShotDeck puts your reference library in your pocket. And with new Canva integration, you can pull cinematic imagery from ShotDeck directly into your designs. In this special presentation you’ll learn how you can use this exciting new tool to enhance your creative process.
 

Industry Connect at the Forum

2:30–4:30 pm (DGA Lobby)

Industry Connect is a unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with agents, casting directors, distributors, film festivals, funding organizations, production companies, and other industry professionals. Each of these general, introductory meetings lasts 12 minutes and can yield important insights into your career and projects, or provide the spark for an important professional relationship.

Forum attendees interested in participating can initially sign up for one meeting. Arts Circle, as well as Filmmaker Pro and Secret Member passholders receive priority registration windows, followed by general registration. After general registration is complete, all attendees can sign up for additional meetings, pending availability.

Industry Connect key dates:

September 11: Industry Connect meeting hosts announced
September 12: Email with sign-up instructions sent to all Forum registrants
September 16: Priority sign-ups for Arts Circle passholders begin
September 17: Sign-ups for Filmmaker Pro and Secret Member passholders begin
September 18: General sign-ups for all Forum passholders begin
 

The New Wave Filmmakers: Making Movies for Change

3:30 pm (DGA 2)

Now more than ever, we need to harness the power of film to help us build empathy, provide insight, and deepen our understanding of the social challenges we face. But making movies that matter – and affecting change – is a tricky proposition. Drawing upon their experiences, filmmakers explore the dual (and sometimes dueling) goals of earning money while telling stories that both entertain and possess a transformative power.

The New Wave is curated by Film Independent in partnership with supporters SAGindie, Plot Shift Media and Easterseals Disability Services.

Andrew Corkin (Producer, Rosemead, Pepsi Where’s My Jet?)
Sam Mirpoorian (Director, Greener Pastures, Safe Place)

OR

Special Presentation: IMDbPro

3:30 pm (DGA 3)

IMDbPro is the entertainment industry’s essential resource, empowering professionals with tools to showcase their work and advance their careers. A division of IMDb, it offers comprehensive contact databases, exclusive STARmeter rankings, customizable profiles, and personalized industry trend tracking. IMDbPro puts professional network and career management at your fingertips. Industry leaders trust IMDbPro’s insights for critical decisions in casting, hiring, and project development.

Join us for this special presentation and learn how to leverage IMDbPro Premium to showcase your work and find your next collaborators.
 

The New Wave Actors: Changing the Narrative

4:45 pm (DGA 1)

This roundtable brings together a diverse group of talented voices who have broken into the industry and continue to deliver standout performances. These actors will discuss how they push boundaries and fight for more authentic and inclusive representation onscreen, while offering insight and advice to filmmakers and fellow actors navigating the industry.

The New Wave is curated by Film Independent in partnership with supporters SAGindie, Plot Shift Media and Easterseals Disability Services.

Marissa Bode (Wicked)
Michael Cimino (Motorheads, Love, Victor)
Isabel Deroy-Olson (Fancy Dance, Dark Winds)
Jessy Yates (Pulse, Me)

Moderated by Darrien Michele Gipson (Executive Director, SAGindie)
 

Welcome Reception

6:00 pm

A chance to meet fellow Forum attendees and participants, while enjoying refreshments and tasty bites in the DGA Atrium and Courtyard.
 

Opening Night Screening

7:30 pm (DGA 1)

To be announced

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Conference Introduction

10:00 am

Shopping Your Project: A Pitching Clinic

10:15 am (DGA 1)

A panel of producers, financiers and industry experts will provide a snapshot of financing today and offer feedback to a group of Film Independent Fellows as they pitch their projects in front of an audience. Whether you’re preparing to pitch your own project or simply trying to understand the process, this session will deliver practical strategies and tips you can apply to your own work.

Nina Parikh (Director, Film Mississippi)
Chris Quintos Cathcart (Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Unapologetic Projects)
Brenda Robinson (Executive Producer, Passing, United Skates)

Moderated by Angela Lee (Director of Artist Development, Film Independent)

OR

Drawing a Line in the Sand: Documentary Ethics and Self-Care

10:15 am (DGA 2)

Nothing is clear-cut when you’re tasked with capturing reality as it unfolds. On set and in the editing room, documentarians working with unpredictable participants and situations are affected by various ethical, logistical and mental issues that impact their projects. Filmmakers, legal experts and representatives from the Documentary Producers Alliance will provide insight on maintaining a level head while working in physically and psychologically challenging conditions, handling clearances and rights, and making thoughtful ethical decisions under difficult circumstances. The panel will also provide information on the DPA’s newly developed Ethics Resource Library.

Anayansi Prado (Director, Uvalde Mom)
and more TBA

Moderated by Steffie van Rhee (Producer, Documentary Producer’s Alliance, Battleground, Earth to Michael)
 

Keynote: Gina Prince-Bythewood with Lena Waithe

11:45 am (DGA 1)

Award-winning writer/director/producer Gina Prince-Bythewood is one of the most versatile storytellers working in film and television. Known for her authentic, character-driven work, Prince-Bythewood has written and directed such influential films as Love & Basketball, The Secret Life of Bees and Beyond the Lights. She is a strong advocate for equal representation in film and television, championing emerging writers and directors, as well as funding a scholarship for African American students in the film program at UCLA, her alma mater.

From Love & Basketball, her impressive feature film debut 25 years ago, to The Woman King historical epic, Prince-Bythewood has established herself as a true visionary creating compelling work that is both personal and universal. And with multi-talented Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe joining the conversation with Gina, we’re looking forward to what promises to be an exciting and memorable Keynote from two creators who embody the independent spirit we celebrate at Film Independent.
 

The Money Puzzle: Financing Piece by Piece

12:30 pm (DGA 2)

From individual donations, foundation grants and inventive crowdfunding initiatives, to equity and international financing strategies, we explore three fundraising case studies. Learn how these filmmakers – all of whom participated in the Film Independent Fiscal Sponsorship program – pieced together the budgets for their most recent films.

Izzy Shill (Writer/Director, Going Nowhere, Piggy at the Pool Party)
Sarah Strunin (Producer, Jaripeo, burn, scar)

Moderated by Daniel Cardone (Senior Manager Nonfiction Programs and Fiscal Sponsorship, Film Independent)

OR

A.I. and I.P.: A Legal Perspective

12:30 pm (DGA 3)

With the rapid development of AI technology, many questions have emerged regarding the implications for creative industries, as well as filmmakers’ responsibilities. How will this new paradigm unfold? What are unique use cases and ethical best practices? How can we protect creative careers and property? As we grapple with these questions and more, legal expert Lisa Califf will weigh in on the biggest legal questions surrounding AI, and discuss with filmmaker Adam Bhala Lough, who faced many of these issues during the production of their film Deepfaking Sam Altman.

Adam Bhala Lough (Director, Telemarketers, Deepfaking Sam Altman)
Lisa Callif (Partner, Donaldson Callif Perez LLP)
 

Fiction Case Studies: The People’s Joker AND Ponyboi

1:45 pm (DGA 2)

The People’s Joker and Ponyboi have come full circle, making it to theatres and streaming platforms. From the inception of their projects through production and distribution, the teams behind these two acclaimed films will give an honest account of their journey in this candid, straightforward session. Their experiences will provide a realistic view of what it takes to make and release an independent film today.

Esteban Arango (Director, Ponyboi)
Vera Drew (Writer/Director/Actor, The People’s Joker)
Trevor Wall (Producer, Ponyboi, Slanted)

Moderated by Tre Wesley (Video Producer, IMDb Originals)

OR

Screen Refresh: Independent Voices on TV

1:45 pm (DGA 1)

With provocative subject matter, fresh choices and innovation, the last few years saw an influx of new creatives leave a big mark on the small screen. Creators, show runners, writers, and directors behind some of the most exciting recent television shows explore their artistic process, the possibilities of the medium for indie filmmakers, and the lessons they’ve learned on the path to breaking into the industry.

Zoe Lister-Jones (Writer/Director/Producer/Actor, Slip, Band Aid)
Billy Luther (Writer/Director, Dark Winds)
Kit Williamson (Writer/Director/Actor, Unconventional)

Moderated by Wendy Calhoun (Writer/Producer, Empire, Justified)
 

Industry Connect at the Forum

2:00–5:00 pm (DGA Lobby)

See Industry Connect listing above (Friday) for details.
 

Home Grown: Spotlight on L.A.

3:15 pm (DGA 1)

First, a pandemic, followed by strikes. Then, devastating fires, followed by militarized raids. Here in Los Angeles, these situations (and more) have created challenging, uncertain conditions for industry professionals. When it comes to filming, what steps need to be taken for independent producers and studios alike to consider Los Angeles their primary location of choice? Are there other issues that may further erode L.A.’s ability to be seen as such? Can the recent California Tax Incentives increase save the day? Producers and below-the-line film professionals discuss the current outlook for making movies in Los Angeles, while exploring options and opportunities for sustaining a vibrant industry.

Pamala Buzick Kim (Founder, mavenverse)
Deniese Davis (Producer, Insecure, One of Them Days)
Josh Mingo (Location and Permit Consultant, Legend Locations LLC)
Missy Mansour (Producer, LOOT, Running Point)
Alex Orlovsky (Producer, Roofman, Lurker)

Moderated by Shari Page (Program Director, Half Initiative)

OR

Documentary Case Studies: Exploring the Form with Lauren Greenfield

3:15 pm (DGA 2)

With seemingly endless storytelling formats, lengths and structures, the documentary landscape has never been more exciting. Through the extensive body of work of acclaimed documentary filmmaker Lauren Greenfield – from her feature documentaries including Thin and The Queen of Versailles, to her latest Emmy-nominated documentary series Social Studies – we explore the documentary format in its different forms. How does a story function and a team work when scales shift? What makes a good character for a feature vs. a limited series? How do development and exhibition paths differ? How can a documentarian sustain a career in today’s industry?

Lauren Greenfield (Director, Social Studies, Queen of Versailles)
 

Producers at the Table: Independent Producing in Uncertain Times

4:45 pm (DGA 1)

Often the first to say “yes” to fresh ideas and new talent, independent producers are fearless and committed to bringing stories to the screen that truly resonate. The Forum concludes with a group of esteemed producers exploring how they balance creative risk with commercial viability, navigate multiple development timelines, and prioritize projects for financing and partnerships – all while maintaining a cohesive body of work reflective of their voice and values.

We’ll try to make sense of the most pressing issues that producers are tackling today, as we continue to navigate difficult times in our industry, including a shifting cultural climate, volatile economic conditions and looming (or not?) tariffs for films.

Aaron T. Edmonds (Executive, Hartbeat)
Lauren Mann (Producer, Swiss Army Man, Joyland)
Sev Ohanian (Producer, Sinners, Searching)
Ryan Zacarias (Producer, War Pony, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You)
 

Closing Reception + Happy Hour

6:00 pm

Closing Night Screening: Roofman

7:30 pm (DGA 1)

Featuring a Q&A with writer/director Derek Cianfrance, and producers Jamie Patricof and Lynette Howell Taylor.

Please note: All Film Independent Members are invited to this screening of Roofman. Forum pass holders do not need to register separately to attend.

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