CREATIVE CONFERENCE

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 

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. 

Moderator: Cardellia Hunter, Director of Film and Entertainment for the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office

Panelists: Director David Fortune and Producer Kiah Clingman

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

Panelists: Dani Herd, Frances Chang, Edi Tingle

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

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

Panelists: Jenna Kanell, Hannah Alline, Stacey Palmer, Richard Martin

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

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

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

The Art of Location Managing: Identifying and Securing Viable Locations - Sponsored by Georgia Power

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

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, Neal Holman, and Paul Jenkins

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

Directors: Becca Sue-Hee Han - Director, Writer and Additional Editor for the short film Pastor's Kid, playing in the shorts block Transcend screening Friday, April 25th at 7pm at the Tara Theatre.

Performers: Jordan Blair Mangold Brown, Roxzane Mims, Matthew Cornwall, Ja’Corey Jones

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

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) 

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: Producers Kristy Clabaugh and John Thomas, and UPM Cameron Boling

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 creator Tauheed "2 Chainz" Epps, newcomer Jaylan Ragin, and Director Christian Nolan Jones for a fascinating discussion with Gail Bean on how Red Clay was conceived and produced. Director Christian Nolan Jones won Best Short Film and the Georgia Short Award at the 2023 Atlanta Film Festival for Glitter Ain't Gold. 

Moderator: Gail Bean (Snowfall, P-Valley, The Piano Lesson, Harlem)

Panelists: Rapper and Actor Tauheed "2 Chainz" Epps, Actor Jaylan Ragin, Director Christian Nolan Jones

Panelists: Rapper and Actor Tauheed "2 Chainz" Epps, Actor Jaylan Ragin, Director Christian Nolan Jones 

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

Performers: Molly Coffee, Keith Brooks, Adetinpo Thomas, Mark Kendall

Navigating a Career in Screenwriting

Join 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

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, Melissa Sanders, Mitch Leff, Grant Wainscott

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, Marques Moses, Chance White

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

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 

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

Panelists: Producer, Director Actor Erika Miranda, Actor, Director, Choreographer Candy McLellan, and Director, Actor Eric Mendenhall

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

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 Cherubini

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

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, Foundation Agency President Rick Estimond, Founder of SHOWAbility Myrna Clayton, Director Serena Dykman (At See), Voiceover Actor Keaston White, Director Babacar Ndiaye

Experimental Film: Conversations with Unconventional Artists

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

Panelists: Mikael Trench, Demetrius Antonio Lewis, Summer Schantz

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

Screenplay Winners: Features - Xiayang Li (A-MA), Sarah Peele (Pure Intentions), Alex Parkinson (Ride or Die); Pilot - Briaunna Caver (Brooklyn Blacks); Short - Adesola Thomas (Marigold Leaves Her Body)

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

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

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), Matt Moyer (Inheritance)

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

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

Dungeons & 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, Bob Carter

Independent Film Finance: Thinking Outside the Box

Adam Engelhard & Stephen Mastrocola of Buffalo 8 and Bondit Media Capital go in-depth on the intricacies of film-finance from both a studio/streamer perspective, as well as creative strategies for funding independent films that don’t always fit into the traditional media finance model. Short and first-time feature directors encouraged, as well as seasoned professionals.

Moderator: Creative Conference and Producer Linda Burns

Panelist: Executive Producer Stephen Mastrocola and Head of Production & B8 Services Adam Harris

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

Let’s Get Intimate: An Inside Scoop with GA Based Intimacy Coordinators

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, share stories of how they’ve overcome different challenges on set, and their biggest wins when things have gone better than anyone expected. 

Moderator: Producer Kiah Clingman

Panelists: Kristina Arjona, Tiffanie Henry, Zuri Pryorgraves, Jessica Bennett

Writing for Movies and Television with Shay Ogbonna

Shay Ogbonna started his career as an actor and writer. The film he co-wrote, God’s Country, adapted from a short story, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He wrote for the hit TV Series from Lena Waithe The Chi, was co-showrunner for the Peacock Limited Series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and wrote an episode of The Penguin. Join us as we deep dive into his screenwriting career, how he rose from a staff 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

Independent Distribution with John Kim

Join us for an eye opening conversation about the state of indie distribution. It’s a brutal business, but John Kim found a niche with AVOD. He explains his company’s business model, the genres he’s able to sell, and the basics of what it takes to succeed in his marketplace. 

Moderator: Creative Conference and Producer Linda Burns

Panelist: John Kim

Empowering Indie Voices and Strengthening the Community by partnering with SAG-AFTRA

In today’s climate, it has 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.

Moderator: Actress, Director, and Producer CarrieAnne Hunt 

Panelists: Executive Director SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local Alison Wise, Senior Business Representative Jess W. Speaker, III, Actor, Writer, and Producer Michael Mau