2017 Industry Forum Panels

PRODUCING AROUND THE GLOBE: TAX INCENTIVES, CO - PRODUCTIONS & PRE-SALES

Date: Thursday, October 26

Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm

Tax Incentives, pre-sales and international co-production play an increasingly important role when deciding where to shoot a film.  This panel will explore available incentives, subsidies and treaties as well as co-production opportunities around the world.  Focus will also be given to the growth in digital media platforms as well as local language production, particularly in Asia.

Panelists:
Kilian Kerwin, President of Production, Ivanhoe Pictures
Kate Marks, Executive Vice President, International Film, Ausfilm
Sarah Platt, Head of International Business Development, Wanda Studios
Sophia Yen, Partner, Entertainment and Media; Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP
Moderator: 

Rick Ambros, Partner Lightsource Asia Media Group & Consultant, Fox International Productions

FILMMAKERS PANEL - FEATURING DIRECTOR'S ATTENDING THIS YEAR'S AWFF

Date: Saturday, October 28

Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Directors taking part in this year's Asian World Film Festival will discuss their films and the challenges, opportunities and future of filmmaking in their specific region.
Panelists:

Philippe Aractingi, Director, Listen (Golden Globe Submission from Lebanon)
Najia Khaan, Director, Finding Soraya (Special Presentation from Afghanistan)
Thomas Lim, Actor/Director, Jury Member
Xie Xiaodong, Director, Nirvana (Golden Globe Submission from China)
Sam Kadi, Director, Little Gandhi (Oscar Submission from Syria)
Moderator: 

Marjorie Galas  (Variety) 

SALES AND DISTRIBUTION

Date: Friday, October 27

Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm

Industry professionals will speak about their experiences, companies, festivals and markets and the current status of the US and international marketplace for Asian, US and world films.

Panelists: 

Omar Kazmarcyk, Global Genesis Group, Head of Global IP Management/Distribution, Management, Sale
Clay Epstein, President, Film Mode Entertainment
Ava B, President - House of Film LLC, CEO - Sales & Acquisitions, Buyer Intl & Domestic, Sales
Cindy Nelson-Mullen, MONTECRISTO INTERNATIONAL, COO, Buyer Intl, Sales
Margot Gerber, AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE, Head of Marketing, Publicity

Moderator: 

Peter Belsito, Film Consultant, Sydney' Buzz

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS IMPACT ON BREAKING INTO HOLLYWOOD

Date: Monday, October 30

Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

This panel will explore the impact of social media and how it can help talent from the US and abroad break into the US entertainment industry.

Panelists:

Louis Giordano, Actor and Influencer
Shaine Griffin, SAG – AFTRA Organizing
Doug Haley, Casting Director
Brittany Martinez, Influencer                                                                        Derek Sherwood, Head of Operations, Wrapal                                  Ryan Walker Founder, TSMA Consulting
Moderator: 

Inetra Brazil

CHINA - HOLLYWOOD: A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT LIES AHEAD IN FILM FINANCING & CROSS - CULTURAL COLLABORATION

Date: Tuesday, October 31

Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm

China remains of strategic importance to Hollywood.  However, much has changed since the euphoria of the last few years.  This panel will explore which collaboration models have worked and what the challenges are going forward.  Topics will include content and IP, production, talent, financing, distribution including new digital platforms, investment, legal considerations and navigating China's censorship system and how to overcome cross cultural challenges.

Panelists: 

Rong Chen, Senior Vice President and CEO, Perfect World Pictures (US) 
Christina Chou, Agent, Corporate Development, Creative Artists Agency
Lindsay Conner, Partner & Co-Chair, Entertainment & Media, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Tomas Jegeus, President, Fox International Productions
Bennett Pozil, Executive Vice President, East West Bank

Moderator: 

Rick Ambros, Partner Lightsource Asia Media Group & Consultant, Fox International Productions