As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades Fires, Film Independent invites the Los Angeles filmmaking community to come together to reflect on the current state of our industry. From a pandemic, to strikes, to militarized raids in immigrant neighborhoods, and the fires that devastated our communities, the last several years have created uncertainty and a fragile network for filmmakers.

This town hall offers an opportunity to discuss the evolving landscape of filmmaking in Los Angeles, and identify what action is needed to strengthen our industry. While the recent expansion of the California Tax Incentives is welcome, what additional measures can be introduced to ensure lasting support for independent producers and studios?

Join Kate Holguín and Alexandra Pechman of StayinLA, and Josh Mingo (Location and Permit Consultant, Legend Locations) as we explore practical strategies, opportunities and community-driven solutions for keeping Los Angeles’ industry alive.

RSVPs are required, as space is limited.
 
About the speakers

Kate Holguín is a social impact leader focused on making the creative economy more resilient and sustainable for the people who work within it. She leads legislative strategy and outreach for Stay in LA, a grassroots coalition of filmmakers, crew members, small businesses and industry partners advocating for policies that retain and grow film, television and commercial production in California. Her work centers on practical, near-term changes that affect day-to-day production, cutting the permitting costs and delays that push shoots out of Los Angeles.

Outside of Stay in LA, Kate is the Director of Development at Girls Inc. of Los Angeles and has led partnerships, community engagement and impact campaigns across film production companies and arts organizations. She most recently produced the social impact campaign for the Netflix comedy Nonnas, helping turn the film into a national conversation around aging, food and intergenerational connection.

Joshua Mingo has built his career around the art and logistics of on-location filmmaking, with more than 20 years of experience in film locations, permitting, community outreach, and government affairs. He spent 18 years at FilmLA, where his last role was Director of Operations, helping guide thousands of productions through the challenges of filming in the Los Angeles area. During his tenure, he supported feature films such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Straight Outta Compton, La La Land, Nightcrawler and A Star Is Born, as well as television favorites including S.W.A.T., Sons of Anarchy, Black-ish, Curb Your Enthusiasm and more.

Today, Joshua is part of Legend Locations, where he manages properties for film shoots and special events, while also consulting with producers, studios, and creatives on permitting and locations strategy. Having worked at the intersection of production teams, neighborhoods and city departments, Joshua offers a well-rounded perspective on how to balance creative goals with real-world considerations. His insight helps filmmakers find practical solutions that keep projects moving forward and communities engaged.

Alexandra Pechman is a writer and director living in Los Angeles. She has written film and TV projects for Amazon, Hulu, SyFy and many others. She recently shot her debut feature film in New York City and is currently developing her feature The Murderous Miss Highsmith, produced by Killer Films and Eat the Cat. Her short film, Thumb, premiered at the Fantasia Film Festival and was an official competition selection at the Sitges Film Festival. Her short film, Sleep, was named a Funding Grantee from The Future of Film Is Female and premiered at the Museum of Modern Art. Previously, as a magazine writer, she published her writing in Vogue, the New York Times, Artforum, Vanity Fair and many other magazines, and worked for publications such as Aperture, W Magazine, and the Paris Review.
 

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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.