2023 Program

 

WELCOMING ADDRESS 

Amy Baker, CEO & Co-Founder, Winston Baker

 

2:05pm -2:45pm

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

In recent years, the Entertainment Industry has faced various challenges and achieved many feats while adapting to new circumstances. As we move into 2023, it is essential to identify the necessary changes, the permanent fixtures, and how can you remain relevant. Content transcends borders more than ever; where are the consumers and what do they want to see. Emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia present unique opportunities that require agility and adaptability. Our distinguished panel of experts will provide valuable insights on Finance, Distribution, Production, Streaming, and other relevant topics.

Moderator:

Brent Emery, Partner – RESONATE ENTERTAINMENT

Panelists:

Wayne Borg, Managing Director – Media Industries, Entertainment and Culture - NEOM

Al Munteanu, Founder and CEO – SQUAREONE HOLDINGS

Karl Spoerri, CEO - ZURICH AVENUE

Sarah Gabriel, Head of Production and Development -  SIGNATURE ENTERTAINMENT

 

2:45pm - 3:15pm

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH Gurinder Chadha 

It is with great excitement that we announce the participation of Gurinder Chadha, accomplished Director, Writer, and Producer of numerous critically acclaimed films, including Bend it Like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice, Blinded by the Light, Viceroy’s House, and several other highly regarded works. We are thrilled to have Gurinder join us and can’t wait to hear from her extensive knowledge of the industry.

Moderator:

Diana Lodderhose, International Features Editor - DEADLINE

 

3:15pm - 4:00pm

UNLOCKING CREATIVE CAPITAL: NAVIGATING INVESTOR APPETITE AND IDENTIFYING QUALITY CONTENT WITH A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE 

Success or failure in the Entertainment Industry can change in an instant, especially when it comes to finances. This can be overwhelming as there are many different avenues to finance your films, keep investors happy, protected with insurability, and stay relevant; it’s hard to know what will transcend borders and resonate with audiences everywhere. Our esteemed panel will share their insights on finding creative capital and identifying what can elevate your project to the next level. Join us to learn from their expertise.

Moderator:

Jeff Kalligheri, Co-Founder, Producer - COMPELLING PICTURES

Panelists:

Josh Harris, Co-Founder, CFO/COO – FILMHEDGE

Marc Spivey, Executive Vice President – TV/Film & Entertainment – HIGGINBOTHAM

Jonathan Bross, Managing Partner - ASHLAND HILL

Adrian Politowski, BAFTA nominated Film Producer, CEO - ALIGN

 

4:00pm - 4:30pm 

FIRESIDE CHAT with Deon Taylor

Join us as we hear from Deon Taylor, a highly acclaimed filmmaker and producer who has directed a range of successful films including Traffik, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Independent Motion Picture and a 2019 AMAA Best Diaspora Narrative Feature. Other films include: The Intruder, Black and Blue, Fatale, and Meet the Blacks 2: The House Next Door, which have all been widely praised and enjoyed by audiences. Taylor has also received a variety of awards, including the Sacramento Filmmaker of the Year Award and the LMGI Humanitarian of the Year Award. Learn from Taylor as he shares his insights and experiences in the film industry and his commitment to social justice and progress.

Moderator:

Akua Gyamfi, Founder - THE BRITISH BLACKLIST

 

4:30pm - 5:00pm 

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH Claudia Bluemhuber and Björn Runge

We are very excited to announce our Fireside Chat with Claudia Bluemhuber and Björn Runge. Claudia is one of the industry’s most prolific female producers with over 40 international independent films to her name over the course of 14 years; and we are thrilled that she is joined by Björn, an Award-Winning Director, Author and Theatre Director. Together they worked on Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winner The Wife, with Björn directing and Claudia producing. Other credits to add to Claudia’s repertoire include the Oscar nominated animation feature Loving Vincent, Emmy nominated Most Dangerous Game and she recently made her showrunning and directorial debut. Björn has directed several short films and TV productions including: Mun mot mun, Burn All My Letters, Happy End, Daybreak and many more! We are thrilled to have these two in discussion with Jay Cohen and know our attendees will value their unparalleled advice.

Moderator:

Jay Cohen, Partner, Head of Film Financing and Distribution - THE GERSH AGENCY

 

5:00pm - 5:40pm 

REIMAGINING SALES & DISTRIBUTION: THE EVER-EVOLVING LANDSCAPE

The Entertainment Industry is continually evolving due to the changing interests of consumers. Consequently, the production and distribution of films have also undergone significant changes. It is crucial to understand the emerging structures and stay competitive and relevant in the local and international markets. Our panel of executives will share their experiences on successful sales strategies, emerging trends, and the ongoing debate between streaming and theatres. Join us to gain valuable insights from their knowledge and expertise.

Moderator:

Gareth Ellis-Unwin, Academy and BAFTA Award-Winning Producer and CEO - BEDLAM FILM PRODUCTIONS

Panelists:

Tamara Birkemoe, CEO - PALISADES PARK PICTURES

Uri Singer, President - PASSAGE PICTURES

Arianne Fraser, CEO - HIGHLAND FILM GROUP

 

Forum Concludes