Future of Cinema

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The Filmmaker Forum, three important days that will give you the tools and empower you to create a strategy for your film and career.
DIRECTORS GUILD OF AMERICA,
LOS ANGELES
OCTOBER 9 - 11, 2009

FILMMAKER FORUM UNCOVERED:
Join Academy-Award winning producer, Jeremy Thomas  and Los Angeles Film Festival director, Rebecca Yeldham for a candid conversation about the future of independent filmmaking.

"I believe cinema will continue...
it is going to be changing, but as long as people want to tell a story with a camera,  and as long as audiences are moved
by passionate tales of the human experience, it will survive and thrive."
- Jeremy Thomas

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

7:00 pm SPECIAL SCREENING
Start the weekend right with an exclusive screening, followed by a chance to question the filmmakers.

9:30 pm RECEPTION
Meet and greet and lay the groundwork for the days ahead.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

9:15 am KEYNOTE ADDRESS

10:15 am FOLLOWING THE MONEY TRAIL: THE ECONOMICS OF INDEPENDENT FILM
To succeed these days, you have to understand how the artistry of filmmaking is intertwined with the economics of the industry. And how you, the independent filmmaker, fit within the larger picture of the business. How does the money flow? Who's making a buck? Who's losing their shirt? We'll give you answers. And help you map your place on the money trail to better your chances of success.

OR

THE DOC IS IN
Or is it? Documentaries such as Anvil! The Story of Anvil, Valentino, and Every Little Step had successful theatrical runs this year, but how did others fair? What lessons could they teach others? Filmmakers, consultants, and distributors discuss this year's roster and the current climate for docs.

12 noon SWEET AND LOW BUDGET: MAKING FINANCIAL SENSE
In today's economic climate, how low do you have to go in order for your projects to make financial sense? What is the sweet spot in 2009? Get the answers from those in the know.

OR

MONEY FOR DOCS
Who funds and who buys documentary films? What are the major distribution outlets? Representatives from key financing sources give specific advice on where and how to get the money you need for your doc.

1:30 pm OFF-THE-RECORD NETWORKING LUNCH
Hungry for insider tips? With prominent independent film leaders hosting each table, you'll get the real lowdown on the changing industry as you enjoy a tasty lunch and "off-the-record" talks.

3:00 pm FILMMAKERS OFF-THE-RECORD: PRODUCTION CASE STUDIES: NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
Is the current crisis making you more creative and resourceful? It should be. Learn how other filmmakers have creatively cobbled together their financing and stretched out every dollar to bring their stories to the screen.

OR

CULTIVATING YOUR AUDIENCE IN THE DIGITAL ERA
Filmmakers who have successfully identified and established an ongoing dialogue with their core audiences-before, during, and after their films have been released-will be here to show and discuss the tools they used to create a following.

3:00 pm to 6:00 pm INDIELINK @ THE FORUM
Another chance to connect! During the panel discussions, representatives from film commissions, funding organizations, production companies, production services, and post-production services will be in the lobby for informal discussions.

5:00 pm HAS THE DUST SETTLED? ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
With the SAG strike scare behind us, mergers and changes in the executive ranks, and the demise of many independent companies and distributors (and the birth of a few new ones), it has been a busy couple of years. Has the dust finally settled? Where are we heading? Veterans of the independent film movement along with new and emerging filmmakers weigh in on recent developments, the current moment, and explore new directions.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11

9:00 am FILMMAKERS OFF-THE-RECORD: DISTRIBUTION CASE STUDIES
In a candid off-the-record discussion, filmmakers share their experiences selling and distributing their film as they explore distribution options-from traditional theatrical to new hybrid models where they can exert more control.

10:30 am FILMMAKERS OFF-THE-RECORD: THREE YEARS AND COUNTING
IFC was the first to launch its day-and-date platform, First Take. Since then, other distribution outlets have gone on to release many films in this way, making features simultaneously available in theatres as well as on VOD. How has this model affected the landscape for distribution? How has it evolved? You'll hear directly from filmmakers on what worked, and what didn't.

OR

CHANGING TECHNOLOGY: A MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION?
35 mm or 16 mm? Film or Video? Hi-Def or digital film? In today's multi-platform world you have to consider every output option for your film. Producers and post-production experts explain the ins and outs.

12:00 noon GOING ONLINE: NEW STORIES FOR NEW MEDIA
Think small and get big! Suddenly webisodes and other short-form content are proving to be great artistic and economic opportunities for independent filmmakers. Hear from those who are pioneering new media as well as the companies who are buying.

9:00 am to 1:00 pm INDIELINK @ THE FORUM
Festivals, markets, sales gents, distributors network, network, network! During the morning panel discussions, representatives from film festivals and film markets, sales agents, publicists, producer's reps, and distributors will be available for informal discussions.

1:30 pm OFF-THE-RECORD NETWORKING LUNCH
Get the real lowdown on the changing industry as you enjoy a tasty lunch and "off-the-record" talks with prominent independent film figures hosting tables.

3:00 pm THE INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE: IS THE GRASS GREENER ABROAD?
Are things better over there? Learn the market for American independent films abroad, including which ones are likely to succeed. Drawing from their recent experiences selling American independent films, international sales agents will give you specific examples of what works in the international marketplace.

OR

CRACKING THE EDUCATIONAL MARKET
Today's documentaries and features are being used more and more by libraries, hospitals, police departments, museums, school districts and universities for various purposes. With the recent crop of filmmakers choosing to self distribute their films, the educational market-often overlooked as a lucrative revenue stream-is having a resurgence. Learn to master this market and make money.

5:00 pm FILMMAKERS OFF-THE-RECORD: NEW USES FOR FILM FESTIVALS
In a time when so few films sell at Sundance, a filmmaker has to ask what's to be gained from the festival circuit at all. How do you make the most of it? How do you leverage festivals for your own distribution plan? Get frank talk from filmmakers on the fate of festivals, plus tips on working with consultants, and using festivals as a launching pad instead of a marketplace.

6:30 pm SLOAN PRODUCERS GRANT AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT AND COCKTAIL RECEPTION