Saturday, March 20 | LAUNCHING YOUR NEXT PROJECT
8:00-9:00 AM Registration
Development Demystified | 9-10 AM
The development process is often mysterious. What opportunities are available for screenwriters who want to submit scripts on spec, get a development deal or receive work for hire? And who are the people reading and evaluating your work? Find out how to endear yourself to development execs when you get your work in front of them for consideration– and engage them even after you’ve sealed the development deal.
Moderated by Susan Lewis, Producer, BIG PITA LIL PITA PRODUCTIONS
Featuring Sophie Barthes, Writer/Director, COLD SOULS; Anne Carey, Producer, ADVENTURELAND, THE SAVAGES; Christina Hodson, Director of Development; CURIOUS PICTURES;Jonathan Shukat, Production/Development Executive, PALMSTAR ENTERTAINMENT.
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Who’s Attached? Finding the Best Cast for Your Budget | 10-11 AM
Establishing attachments can mean the difference between a script getting the greenlight and languishing in development hell. How can independent writer/directors enlist the help of producers and casting directors to help characters come to life? What should you consider when putting your cast together – whether they’re no name or big name –and how it will impact the financing, marketing and distribution of your work?
Moderated by Lisa Cortes, Producer, PRECIOUS, THE WOODSMAN
Featuring Lars Knudsen, Producer, OLD JOY, TREELESS MOUNTAIN; Peter Kujawski, SVP, International Sales, FOCUS FEATURES INTERNATIONAL, and Cindy Tolan, Casting Director, CINDY TOLAN CASTING.
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Networking & Notice – Workshops, Contests & Competitions | 11-12 PM
You know you’ve written the next great indie film – now how can you garner attention for it when you’re not represented and have few industry connections? Lab leaders, screenwriting jurors and acclaimed filmmakers share what workshops, contests and competitions they track and how to get the most out of them.
Moderated by Rachel Chanoff, SUNDANCE SCREENWRITERS' LAB
Featuring Gordy Hoffman, BLUECAT SCREENWRITING COMPETITION; Tamir Muhammad, Director, TRIBECA ALL ACCESS; David Nugent, Director of Programming, HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL; and Paul Rachman, Co-Founder, SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
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Conversation With Steve Bodow, Head Writer, THE DAILY SHOW | 12-1 PM
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Steve Bodow, head writer of THE DAILY SHOW, to speak about his creative process. The successful television writer will take you behind the scenes of what goes into writing a news satire show, and keeping it fresh 5 days a week.
Moderated by Jason Guerrasio, Managing Editor, FILMMAKER MAGAZINE
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Workshop #1: Get to the Point! Learning to Pitch Strategically | 1:30-2:30 PM
Industry veterans often discuss how time and time again, filmmakers sabotage themselves and their projects in the pitch. How can a filmmaker best prepare to discuss their latest work? And how should they plan to tailor their pitch and treatment materials to keep execs, funders and producers interested?
Moderated by Mike Ryan, Producer, JUNEBUG, PALINDROMES
Featuring Johnathan Dorfman, Producer, CHOKE, JOSHUA, SAVAGE GRACE; Ryan Kampe; Sales Agent/Partner, VISIT FILMS; Annie Marter, Director of Production and Acquisitions, OVERTURE FILMS
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The Art of Selling & Storytelling | 2:30-3:30 PM
What’s the secret of convincing producers and executives to buy your latest screenplay? Or if you’re planning to write and direct (and produce!) independently, where do you find the money to develop your work? Meet the principals of major independent film companies and filmmakers of the top indie films of 2009 to hear advice on how to sell, sweet-talk and story-tell your way to get your work on screen.
Moderated by Monty Ross, Producer, DO THE RIGHT THING, JUNGLE FEVER, CROOKLYN
Featuring Rodney Evans, Director, BROTHER TO BROTHER, BILLY AND AARON; John Hadity, President and CEO, HADITY & ASSOCIATES, INC.; Jenny Schweitzer, Head of Production, VOX3
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Double Duty: Directing Your Own Script | 3:30-4:30 PM
The process of screenwriting both determines and is determined by directorial choices – from writing for a specific actor to adapting the script on set. How do writer-directors navigate the host of choices and decisions necessary to both write and direct their own work? Hear from micro-budget pioneers and independent film legends how they strike this delicate balance.
Moderated by Brandon Harris, Contributing Editor, FILMMAKER MAGAZINE
Featuring Debra Granick, DOWN TO THE BONE, WINTER'S BONE; Ry Russo-Young, YOU WON'T MISS ME, ORPHANS; Tze Chun, CHILDREN OF INVENTION, WINDOWBREAKER
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Sunday, March 21 | SUSTAINING YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER
1:00-2:00 PM Registration
Conversation With Terry George | 2-3PM
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to hear award-winning writer/director Terry George, the force behind HOTEL RWANDA, IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, and most recently, RESERVATION ROAD, to speak about his creative process. George will take you behind the scenes of what goes into making a successful independent film, taking material from script to screen.
Moderated by Scott Macaulay, Editor in Chief, FILMMAKER MAGAZINE.
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Writing for a New Landscape: New Media & Cross-Platform Opportunities
3-4PM
Whether it’s TV, webisodes or animated series, there are a multitude of opportunities for talented writers to find success writing and director across more than one medium. Accomplished writers in all fields discuss the challenges and rewards of each medium and, from a career perspective, how easy – or difficult- it is to go between them.
Moderated by Christian Vesper, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions, Program Planning and Scheduling, SUNDANCE CHANNEL
Featuring Keith Bunin, Writer, IN TREATMENT; Lena Dunham, Writer/Director, TIGHT SHOTS, DELUSIONAL DOWNTOWN DIVAS; Ryan Bilsborrow-Koo and Zack Lieberman, Writers/Directors/Producers, THE WEST SIDE
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Now What? Sustaining A Screenwriting Career with Peter Hedges | 4-5PM
You’ve found success by winning a screenwriting contest, selling your first script, finding representation or even making your first film – but now what? How do you leverage this success and continue to sustain a career as a writer or writer/director? What are the steps to take to ensure you get your next project off the ground and continue to stand out in an increasingly competitive creative environment?
Moderated by Adam Brooks, Writer,DEFINITELY, MAYBE; BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON
Featuring Peter Hedges, WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE?, ABOUT A BOY, PIECES OF APRIL
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Conversation with Brian Koppelman | 5-6PM
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear writer/director/producer Brian Koppelman about his creative process and career writing everything from THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE to the upcoming SOLITARY MAN.
Moderated by Elvis Mitchell, Film Critic
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