CREATIVE CONFERENCE
In-person and virtual panels, workshops, and in-depth conversations with industry experts from Atlanta to Los Angeles
For 15 years, the Atlanta Film Festival has curated a robust lineup of educational programming, known as the Creative Conference, as part of the annual film festival. The 2025 Creative Conference offers at least 35 in-person panels, workshops, and discussions, as well as up to 10 virtual panels and in-depth conversations with industry experts from Atlanta to Los Angeles. These industry experts include attending filmmakers, professionals working in the film, television, gaming, and finance industries, film festival programmers, community organizations, scholars, and many others.
The Creative Conference serves to educate, entertain, engage, and enlighten festival-goers by pulling back the curtain on film and television production, giving audiences a behind-the-scenes look at how projects get made. While covering a wide range of topics, our programming often focuses on community, craft, and the future of filmmaking.
For the most updated information on the 2025 Creative Conference, check our Schedule.
IN-PERSON PANELS FOR THE 2025 CREATIVE CONFERENCE
Tuesday, April 29th (DAY 6)
Theater #1: The Eddie
11:30am - 1:00pm
The Golden Pages: Connecting and Supporting The Community
Join the conversation with Georgia-based organization The Golden Pages as we explore how to build a vibrant community that embraces AANHPI Creatives. We hope to facilitate meaningful connections and support each other’s growth. As an organization, we’re looking to create opportunities for learning, development, and advancement, enabling our community to reach their full potential.
Moderator: Filmmaker & Co-Founder of The Golden Pages Jeremy Thao
Panelists: Executive Producer & Owner of Rainbow Heads Productions Jodi Tovay, Filmmaker & Photographer Tanya Martineau, Film & Television Producer Van Dinh, Filmmaker & Co-Founder of The Golden Pages Maythavee Tjhang
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Case Study: How We Made Our Award Winning Feature Color Book
Join ATL-based filmmakers, Director David Fortune and Producer Kiah Clingmank, as they share their journey from their award winning pitch to Opening Night film at Atlanta Film Festival. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, after Fortune was awarded $1 million to produce the film at the 2023 festival through AT&T’s Untold Stories, a pitch competition that is committed to providing resources and mentorship to underrepresented filmmakers to produce their films.
Panelists: Director David Fortune and Producer Kiah Clingman
Theater #2: The Jack
11:30am - 1:00pm
Build a World Around Your Film Set
What if your film could spark more than just a story on a screen? This panel explores how filmmakers can transform their projects into lasting, multifaceted experiences that inspire, educate, and connect communities. By looking at real-world examples, we’ll discuss how films can evolve into art installations, community collaborations, and platforms for social impact. Attendees will gain insights into using film as a springboard for community building—both with the people you meet on set and with potential audiences. Panelists will share practical strategies for thinking creatively across mediums to ensure your message resonates and grows into something bigger than the screen.
Moderator: Actor and RIFF Board Member Joseph Saul Portillo
Panelists: Filmmaker, Artist, and Researcher Amy Scatliff, Casting Director and Producer Berenice Molina Valle and Producer Alex Seyum
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Horror and Society: Reflecting Modern Fears in Film
This panel explores the dynamic relationship between contemporary horror films and the societal fears and anxieties they reflect. Horror has always served as a mirror to societal tensions, and today's films are no exception. Our panelists will discuss how modern horror addresses issues such as human rights and technological advancements. Drawing on their experiences making and analyzing horror films, they will delve into how they and others use horror to comment on and critique the world around us, making this genre a potent tool for social reflection and change.
Moderator: Melissa Simpson
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Creating Careers, Not Just Credits: The Future of Georgia’s Film Industry - Sponsored by Trilith Institute
Georgia’s film industry is more than just blockbuster productions; it’s a place where careers can be built and sustained. But how do we make sure our creative talent stays and thrives here instead of heading to LA? This panel brings together industry leaders to discuss the importance of education, mentorship, and career pipelines in Georgia’s evolving film landscape. From funding to distribution, panelists share their insights on how to turn Georgia from a filming location into a permanent creative home for storytellers.
Moderator: Creative Conference Director and Producer Linda Burns
Panelists: Mandy McCowan, Senior Director of Operations and Original Productions, Trilith Institute, Elisee Junior St Preux - Filmmaker and Program Manager for Writers Room of Georgia, Christian Noël, Current First Emerging Creative in Residence
Theater #3: The Kenny
11:30am - 1:00pm
Star Wars Explained: Creating a Successful YouTube Channel
Alex and Molly Damon run the very successful YouTube channel Star Wars Explained, where they regularly post news, reviews, and analysis of everything happening in a galaxy far, far away. Started in 2015, Star Wars Explained has gone on to become one of the biggest channels on YouTube devoted to the sci-fi franchise, and Alex and Molly have a unique perspective on things now that they have established themselves as one of the premiere Star Wars channels out there. This panel will explain what it takes to run a successful YouTube channel, explore alternate career paths in the media for production professionals, discuss turning your hobby into your job, and how to deal with both the light side and dark side of fandom. This wide-ranging conversation will explore the differing avenues of production and the ever-changing media landscape, showing how one couple has turned a global media franchise into an independent career for themselves.
Moderator: Nathan Cabaniss
Panelists: Alex and Molly Damon
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Putting the UNITY Back in Community: Bridging the Gap in Film & Television
Representation starts behind the scenes. Join Latinas in Media Atlanta for an essential conversation on how producers, department heads, and decision-makers can actively seek out and support new, underrepresented talent. We'll discuss practical strategies for building stronger creative teams and ensuring that our industry reflects the richness of the communities it serves.
Let’s put the UNITY back in community and take real steps toward change!
Moderator: Actress, Writer, and Producer Daisy Pareja
Panelists: Producer, Director, and Actor Kristina Arjona, Director, Writer, and Actor Matthew Alaniz, Producer Alahna Lark, Filmmaker & Co-Founder of The Golden Pages Jeremy Thao
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Write Club: Festival Edition
Join us for WRITE CLUB the world's greatest combative philanthropic literary bloodsport, featuring only the most audacious and fearsome of writers and performers. WRITE CLUB is: 3 bouts of 2 opposing writers arguing 2 opposing ideas for 7 minutes apiece. Audience picks a winner.
Viceroy: Nick Tecosky
Wednesday, April 30th (DAY 7)
Theater #1: The Eddie
11:30am - 1:00pm
The Art of Location Managing: Identifying and Securing Viable Locations
Join the location managers of Stranger Things, Atlanta, and Jurassic Park III for a discussion on how to find safe locations, and keep them. We'll share how to film legally, ethically, and harmoniously with the municipality, its residents and property owners, even when your show lacks the resources to execute 100% of the process. The Locations Department deals in logistics, and understanding and respecting all the moving parts of your production will keep your cast and crew, and the location safe and happy.
Moderator: Jason Underwood
Panelists: Location Managers Maida Morgan, Tony Holley, and Rheya Young
1:30pm - 3:00pm
From Comics to Film: How Graphic Fiction Is Shaping Hollywood
For a long time now, comic books and graphic novels have been leading popular culture. When we say “comics,” most people immediately think of superhero universes and Marvel movies, but their reach extends far beyond that. Orson Welles was a devoted fan of comic strips like Terry and the Pirates and Dick Tracy, whose influence would eventually bleed into works like Citizen Kane and The Stranger. Even popular concepts and idioms like the “Bechdel Test” and “fridging” began in comics circles before entering the larger pop culture discussion. Many artists who work in comics also work heavily in production, whether it’s doing storyboards, concept design, posters, and other promotional materials. Join us to discuss the comics industry, film/TV, and all the ways the two industries intersect.
Moderator: Nathan Cabaniss
Panelists: Van Jensen and Paul Jenkins
Theater #2) The Jack
11:30am - 1:00pm
Creating Community in a Smaller Market
The Atlanta metropolitan area is the 6th largest in the country, and can boast it's top 3 US ranking as a production hub for film, TV shows, promos, and commercials. It wasn't always that way, but the city's infrastructure and airport access was instrumental in creating incentives in 2008 that allowed the industry to grow and thrive. But how do you create a sustainable film community in a smaller market? These multi-hyphenate panelists will discuss life in a small town, and how they've managed to hustle to create jobs, film festivals, and events that drive the engine of indie filmmaking and support for the arts.
Moderator: Creative Conference Director and Producer Linda Burns
Panelists: Rhodes Farrell, Ashley Crane, Angelina Beltrami, Ami McConnell, Hattie Smith
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Indie Feature Filmmaking in Georgia
Many local filmmakers never break beyond shorts to make a feature film. These festival filmmakers from GA discuss how they financed, shot, and edited their films on a budget, the ups and downs of the process, and the lessons they learned along the way.
Moderator: Creative Conference Director and Producer Linda Burns
Panelists: John Dierre & Ryan Dutter (Meta Take One), Timothy Hall (The Pastor's Daughter), Aaron Strand (Withdrawal)
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Case Study: The Hidden Costs of Independent Filmmaking for Producers, LPs and UPMs - Sponsored by Element
As film finance professionals, we decided to approach producing from a different angle. After fifteen years of watching independent producers struggle to hold on to their hard-earned investments, constantly losing money to the off-budget costs that can erode even the most well-funded projects, we are here to share our unique angle and behind the curtain view of what very often goes overlooked by the most seasoned producers. We share our assessment of what could have been better and less costly to the project and ultimately the investors, to make sure all your hard work makes it on the screen! Join us as we walk through an in-depth case study in maximizing value from development through delivery using a recent feature film that producers got RIGHT.
Moderator: Producer Dan Kelly
Panelists: Kristy Clabaugh and John Thomas
Theater #3) The Kenny
11:30am - 1:00pm
Case Study: Making the Short Film Red Clay
"Red Clay" tells the poignant story of NOOK, a conflicted teenager navigating the challenging terrains of adolescence amidst his mother's crippling drug addiction. Caught in a rampant cycle of poverty and desperation within his Atlanta community, Nook dreams of a better life, but finds himself ensnared in the very world he envisions escaping. This short film explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the desperate choices one can make in the pursuit of redemption. Join creators Tauheed "2 Chainz" Epps and Omar Epps and Director Christian Nolan Jones for a fascinating discussion on how Red Clay was conceived and produced.
Panelists: Rapper and Actor Tauheed "2 Chainz" Epps, Actor and Producer Omar Epps, Director Christian Nolan Jones
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Hot Takes & Unpopular Opinions
Get ready for a fiery and fast-paced panel where bold ideas take center stage! In "Hot Takes & Unpopular Opinions," panelists will have just 5 minutes each to present their most controversial, unconventional, or downright unpopular opinions—and try to convince the audience that they’re absolutely right. From defending the most hated characters to arguing against widely beloved films or tropes, nothing is off-limits in this fast-paced challenge. Once the panelists have made their cases, the audience gets to weigh in—agree or disagree. Whether you leave convinced or clutching your original stance even tighter, this panel is guaranteed to spark laughter, gasps, and plenty of spirited discussion. Come ready to hear some spicy takes and a whole lot of passion!
Moderator: Melissa Simpson
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Directing & Acting Challenge
Using the same script for every performance, 3 different directors with films in the festival will get 5 minutes and 3 chances to work with their assigned professional actors to develop unique backstories and interpretations for the actors to perform live. This challenge highlights how the same script can be executed in multiple ways. Will the directors and actors pull it off? Join us to find out!
Moderator: Creative Conference Director and Producer Linda Burns
Writer: Nick Tecosky
Performers: Suehyla El-Attar, Rose Bianco, Jordan Blair Mangold Brown, Roxzane Mims, Matthew Cornwall, Ja’Corey Jones
Theater #4: The George
11:30am -1:00pm
Navigating a Career in Screenwriting
Join three working screenwriters from the UGA MFA in Screenwriting program as they discuss how they got their start as screenwriters, the ups and downs of their careers, how to work with producers and studios when provided with notes, how and where to sell scripts, how to navigate the industry today, and much more.
Moderator: Win Marks
Panelists: Director of Screenwriting at UGA Nate Kohn, UGA Screenplay Mentors, Tamlin Hall and Ann Marie Allison, MFA Screenwriting student, Hadjii Hand
Thursday, May 1st (DAY 8)
Theater #1: The Eddie
1:30pm - 3:00pm
The Art of Cinematography and Light - Sponsored by Panavision
Cinematographers discuss shooting and lighting films on a budget, how natural light can be a friend and an enemy, and how to harness light and camera movement intentionally to set the mood and tone of your film.
Moderator: Trisha Solyn
Panelists: Alexxiss S. Jackson, Hilda Mercado, Jose Alejandro Acosta, Marques Moses
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Tool or Tyrant? Filmmaking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence hasn’t just disrupted the creative world—it’s fractured it. It’s triggered lawsuits, inspired awe, threatened careers, and opened doors no one saw coming. For some, it’s a bold new creative partner. For others, an existential threat. Yet, like every seismic shift in technology, the real impact is yet to be known. Join Executive Producer Harim Leon for a thought-provoking discussion as he returns for a third consecutive year to explore how filmmakers, artists, and producers can navigate the uncertain future of AI in cinema. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to creators who want to help shape what comes next.
Moderator: Executive Producer Harim Leon
Theater #2: The Jack
11:30am - 1:00pm
Producers Development Panel
This panel will discuss the impact of streaming and new distribution models on indie films, strategies for securing financing in today’s market, the importance of networking and relationship-building in film production, and how films are made in GA these days.
Moderator: Luke Williams
Panelists: Vanessa Stewart, Kristy Clabaugh, Seth Ingram, Mitch Olson
1:30pm - 3:00pm
From Theatre to Film: Living the Double Life
A common question film crews hear from theater folks is, "Do my skills have relevance in the film industry?" The simple answer is yes! Join us as this panel of theatre artists-turned-filmmakers reveals the hidden similarities and differences of living the double life in theater and film and teaches you how you, too, can market yourself and work successfully in both industries.
Moderator: Amber McGinnis
3:30pm - 5:00pm
The Craft of Acting
This discussion will focus on the craft of acting with some of Georgia's best performers - we'll chat about how to become someone different from your own experiences, create authenticity in your character, prepare for difficult or complex scenes, and balance your creativity with the director or showrunners wants and needs. We'll also discuss navigating the business in these very slow times, dealing with rejection, best practices, and advice for up-and-coming actors.
Panelists: Jacinte Blankenship, Nelson Bonilla, Adam Boyer, Denitra Isler, Rocky Myers
Theater #3) The Kenny
11:30am - 1:00pm
The State of the Industry: From E-Sports and Gaming to Film and Television
This panel of leaders in Georgia will share their state of the industry thoughts - the current status of their respective industries, their hopes for the future, and the challenges they see coming so that we be prepared for what potentially comes next for Georgia's E-sports, Gaming and Film and Television businesses.
Moderator: Tyler Edgarton
Panelists: Andrew Greenberg, Asante Bradford, Shelbia Jackson, Melissa Sanders, Mitch Leff, Grant Wainscott
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Break the Bank—or Don’t: How to Create Masterpieces on Any Budget
Independent filmmaking is hard enough, but without a realistic budget, you can't have financial clarity to fuel your creativity. We'll discuss financing options and challenges independent filmmakers face in this economy, as well as how to think differently about budgeting so that when it's time to pitch your film to investors or sell your film to a distributor, you have a product that the market can bear.
Moderator: Creative Conference Director and Producer Linda Burns
Panelists: Jason Cherubin
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Case Study: Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Join Producers Jeff Keating and Linda Burns for an in-depth conversation about the business of filmmaking, using Jeff Keating's Fight Night story as a basis for the conversation. From options to life rights, podcasts to documentaries, and feature films to TV shows, we'll discuss legal issues, business issues, and ethical issues in creating an IP.
Moderator: Creative Conference Director and Producer Linda Burns
Panelists: EP and Producer Jeff Keating
Friday, May 1st (DAY 9)
Theater #1: The Eddie
11:30am - 1:00pm
Beyond the Screen: Centering Accessibility in Storytelling
This conversation is not about the industry, networks, or casting directors checking off a certain box. This roundtable of actors, writers, producers, and others in the industry will reflect on television and film from the Past, Present, and Future. Most importantly, this discussion will focus on the strategic advantage of tapping into the wealth of countless creators with disabilities who are directing, producing, and writing their own content and demonstrating great ingenuity.
Moderator: Producer and Actor AJ Murray
Panelists: Writer, Actor, Director Matthew Alaniz, Actor Anton Clifford
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Experimental Film: Breaking all the Rules
The spirited conversation will narrow in on the philosophy behind experimental cinema and its place within contemporary society through the filmmakers' lens. We’ll discuss trial and error and a creative process not bound by tools or expectations, and on resource management and working creatively regardless of access.
Moderators: Paul Tartaglia and Carleyann Patrick
3:30pm - 5:00pm
ATLFF Presents Page to Stage: 2025 Screenplay Competition Winners
Experience the magic of storytelling as excerpts from five winning short, pilot, and feature film scripts are brought to life on stage by talented SAG-AFTRA actors. These exceptional scripts, chosen for their originality, creativity, and impact, span a variety of genres and themes, offering a glimpse into the next wave of compelling narratives in film and television. This staged reading highlights the voices of emerging and established writers, showcasing their work in a dynamic and engaging format. Whether you're a fan of sharp dialogue, captivating characters, or groundbreaking ideas, this event promises to immerse you in the power of great storytelling. Don't miss the chance to witness these award-winning scripts come alive before your eyes!
Moderator: Melissa Simpson
Theater #2: The Jack
11:30am - 1:00pm
Curating for the South: A Conversation with Southeastern Festival Programmers
Join Charlotte Film Festival Programming Director, Taylor Montalto for an engaging discussion with fellow programmers from some of the Southeast’s most celebrated film festivals, including Atlanta Film Festival, BronzeLens Film Festival, Rome International Film Festival, and Sidewalk Film Festival. These key figures in the festival circuit will share their unique perspectives on curating programs, highlighting up-and-coming filmmakers, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of independent film in the South and beyond.
Moderator: Taylor Montalto - Programming Director, Charlotte Film Festival
Panelists: Astin Rocks. - Narrative Shorts Programmer, Atlanta Film Festival; Jennica Carmona - Documentary Programmer, Atlanta Film Festival; Deidre McDonald - Founding Artistic Director, BronzeLens Film Festival; April Ingram - Programming Coordinator, Rome International Film Festival; Joi Tribble - Shorts Programmer, Sidewalk Film Festival
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Kick The Ladder: How to Make and Premiere Films with No Budget
Kick The Ladder is a film game in which players have one week to make a one-minute film based on two random film restrictions and a roll of a die. Kick The Ladder events show 60+ films each week and feature a 2-3 minute interview with each filmmaker. This panel will introduce you to the game and show you how it's played.
Moderators: Isaac Deitz and James Wightman
Panelists: Tiffany Cherry White, Emily Pietro, Brett Schultz, Beanz Ramirez, Audrey Deitz, Rachel Ruff Cuyler, Trevor Hancock, Avery Vandenhouten
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Dungeons and Dragons Make You a Better Storyteller
This panel will explore the fun and challenging world of D&D role-playing and how it directly correlates to world building and crafting stronger narratives. By necessitating the use of descriptive language, pacing, and tension in storytelling, promoting improvisation, developing empathy and perspective-taking skills, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaborative narratives, D&D is the perfect game to train you to "show, don't tell.”
Panelists: Brandon Osterman, Matt Brohammer, Brittney Rothal
Theater #3: The Kenny
11:30am - 1:00pm
How to Make a Micro to Ultra-Low Budget Movie
Making a feature film is hard at any budget level, but shooting a micro feature is only doable if you plan, plan, plan. Georgia-based film producers will share tips for no/low budget projects, and walk you through what can be done and what to avoid during pre-production, production, post-production and distribution.
Moderator: Leanna Adams
Panelists: Alex Parkinson, Kiah Clingman, Luke Williams, Thang Ho
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Truth, Trust, and the Camera: Navigating Ethics in Documentary Filmmaking
This panel will explore the ethical challenges in documentary filmmaking, focusing on dismantling harmful practices and ensuring filmmaker accountability. Through the Documentary Accountability Working Group's (DAWG) framework and a real-world case study, panelists will tackle vital questions around representation, participant protection, and fair compensation. Join the Director of Ethics and the Arts at Emory University Center for Ethics and the Director of Partnerships and Innovation at Working Films and member of the Documentary Accountability Working Group [DAWG]) for a deep dive into the ethical quandaries of documentary filmmaking.
Moderators: Laura Lewis Asherman and Molly Murphy
3:30pm - 5:00pm
The Power of Documentary Film
Documentary films can be educational, instructional, persuasive, and transformative. Join Feature Documentary Directors in this year’s festival as they share how they found their stories, how they got them financed, what drove them to share these topics now, the challenges and triumphs in shooting them, and how they hope their stories will impact viewers.
Moderator: ATLFF Documentary Programmer Jennica Carmona
Panelists: Basil Mironer (DANDELIONS), Caroline Rumley (Eponymous)
VIRTUAL PANELS FOR THE 2025 CREATIVE CONFERENCE
Independent Distribution: Best Practices to Sell Your Film
Join us for an eye opening conversation about the state of indie distribution, get tips on how to best position your film starting in the development phase, and learn what distributors look for when shopping for their next acquisition.
Moderator: Creative Conference and Producer Linda Burns
Panelist: John Kim
Screenwriting with James V Hart
James “JV” Hart started working in film in the 70s, and has been a working screenwriter for over 50 years. This conversation will explore his process, working with Directors like Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, and Robert Zemeckis, and how he’s adapted to changing industry conditions over the decades.
Moderator: Creative Conference and Producer Linda Burns
Panelist: James “JV” Hart
A Conversation with Actor, Producer and Director Matt Servitto
Matt Servitto is an award winning actor and filmmaker with over 100 credits to his name. I met Matt in 2013, while producing the first season of Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell for Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. He was in a fitting for his Satan costume, and it was fascinating to watch him embody the character in real time. As a character actor, he’s been a staple of TV shows and movies for decades, but as with many actors, he caught the directing bug and while still acting, he’s out pitching films and putting together deals like the rest of us. We’ll chat about all things Matt Servitto, from the craft of acting to his transition into an award-winning creator.
Moderator: Creative Conference and Producer Linda Burns
Panelist: Matt Servitto
The Business of Acting: Industry Challenges and Opportunities
What are the biggest challenges actors face in today's market? How has the rise of streaming platforms impacted your career? How can actors best utilize social media to promote themselves? What advice would you give to aspiring actors navigating the self tape and callback audition process? What steps can the industry take to improve diversity in casting? How are you navigating and surviving the current lack of work in GA, and what advice do you have for younger actors who are looking at a career in the industry?
Moderator: Creative Conference and Producer Linda Burns
Panelists: Cynthia Barrett, Erin Ross, Kelley Periera, Jason Turner, Kurt Yue
So What Does an Intimacy Coordinator Do?
Join this group of Intimacy Coordinators as they dispel myths, and explain what an intimacy coordinator really does. They’ll discuss how they work with the actors, director, DP and costumes department to make sex scenes not only safe, but more film friendly. They’ll talk about what equipment they use for modesty garments and . They’ll share stories of how they’ve overcome different challenges on set, and their biggest wins when things have gone better than anyone expected.
Moderator: Kristina Arjona
Writing for Movies and Television with Shay Ogbonna
Shay Ogbonna started his career as an actor and writer. He got his first big break when the film he adapted from a short story and co-wrote, God’s Country, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. That success led to writing for the hit TV Series from Lena Waithe The Chi, and eventually the Peacock Limited Series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and an episode of The Penguin. Join us as we deep dive into screenwriting for television and film, how he’s risen from a writer to co-showrunner and the learning curve that involved.
Moderator: Creative Conference and Producer Linda Burns
Panelist: Shay Ogbonna
Sustainability Savings for the Indie Filmmaker
Each panelist has a sustainable mindset adopted into both their personal and professional lives. This conversation is about reframing a person's outlook to dispel the convoluted, false notions that have become synonymous with sustainability, because as one adopts a sustainable mindset, they will save money, invest in their future, and benefit the community. Sustainability equates to building instead of disposing, creating an ecosystem and improving relationships for current and future projects.
This discussion dispels the false notion that sustainability equates to a high upfront cost for a little savings later, or that it is silly solutions that don't work on a film set (e.g. reusable water bottles for set crew). Sustainability is actually the opposite of that. It's about changing our perspective on the world to center it in reuse, circularity, waste reduction and reducing emissions. We stop discarding a broken item instead of repairing it, buying the cheapest thing possible despite its materials that aren't made to last, and thinking that buying used is somehow inferior to buying new. We must be forward-thinking rather than using the easiest-possible solution.
Moderator: David Luce
Panelists: Dan Rosenfelt, Lauren Gloster, Ben Hall, Tanjuria Willis
Empowering Indie Voices: Strengthening the Community by Partnering with SAG-AFTRA
In today’s climate, it’s been challenging for our community to gauge long-term sustainability. However, now more than ever, we need to continue creating. Join industry experts as they discuss how partnering with SAG-AFTRA can significantly boost your chances of success, while strengthening our community through professionalism, elevated marketability, and comprehensive resources.