Join your industry collleagues for Exclusive AFTER DARK Networking Experiences, featuring an exciting lineup of events at premier Downtown LA venues.

Opens at 8:00am. Hassle Free Check-in to Receive Your Badge & Program: Our friendly team is ready to greet you with a smile, armed with answers to your every query & maybe even a few event secrets.

Our eatery & tavern offers a welcoming ambiance that invites you to linger, indulge, & network. Whether you're craving tasty, on-the-go cuisine or looking to treat yourself to a refreshing beverage break, our venue provides the perfect setting to unwind & connect

Dive into the world of acting with our comprehensive overview workshop, presented by Hollywood acting coaches who work with high-profile talent. This session is designed to introduce you to the most influential acting techniques and methodologies, providing you with a solid foundation to enhance your craft. Join us for this insightful session and take the first step towards deepening your acting expertise!

Embark on a journey of creative exploration with our dynamic Speed Pitching event, where writers and storytellers converge to pitch their compelling narratives to esteemed production houses and industry executives in a “speed dating” like setting.

1st & 2nd Floors: At the EXPO: This expo is designed to showcase the latest advancements in equipment, tools, & methodologies that are transforming the landscape of our industry. The FILM MARKET: provides an opportunity for domestic & foreign producers to showcase their titles to buyers & distributors. From revolutionary VFX advancements to

Experience a groundbreaking approach to purchasing & selling film rights: Filmmakers receive top offers for their cinematic creations, while buyers secure advantageous deals. This innovative event streamlines the film acquisition process, maximizing value for all involved. Join us for an exclusive traditional gavel-style auction featuring 100 projects/films

On-site screening series will feature a captivating array of films from around the globe, captivating its engaged industry audience. From scrappy independents to studio fare, AFC's screenings aim to drive commerce & celebrate the art of filmmaking. Showcase your projects & discover new opportunities for distribution & promotion among industry peers.

Where Experts Delve Into Specialized Topics to Enhance Your Knowledge & Skills: Soundtracks, Screenwriting, Directing, Cinematography, Movie Makeup, Editing, History, Digital Filmmaking, Independent Film Challenges, Distribution, Stunts, Financing, Film Ethics, & Global Cinema.

Writing a successful screenplay is more than just storytelling. Writers first need to know who they are as writers and understand what thematic story they tell over and over again in different iterations. In some cases, it’s original ideas. Oftentimes, it’s transforming existing IP for the screen. This knowledge enables writers not only to write compelling original scripts but also to identify their personal connection to any story so that they can pitch themselves for any project, be that project an existing script, idea, book, graphic novel, play or article. From understanding your POV with original material, to learning the art of adaptation, this session will explore what it takes to put all the pieces together.

Master the art of auditioning with Celebrity Booking/Acting Coach Amy Lyndon. Voted one of the “Top Audition Technique Teachers” by Backstage.com for 4 years, she has 56 Series Regulars and an Emmy Winner for a reason. Amy will show you how to excel in your auditions with her "15 Guideline Map To Booking Technique." You will learn how to enhance your performance and overall presentation, some techniques on how to deal with those pesky nerves, the philosophy of booking and how to prepare properly when breaking down scenes. Feel confident and stand out in that sea of actors competing for your job.

Award-winning film producer Suzanne Lyons demystifies the entire production process from concept through distribution, including forming your LLC, legal contracts, fundraising and creating your pitch deck. Learn practical strategies for building your timeline, effective marketing and networking and managing on-set dynamics. Suzanne’s hands-on approach and practical advice will help you avoid pitfalls and rediscover the fun in the producing process. Keynote: Suzanne Lyons, Producer, President, Snowfall Films, Inc. Co-Founder Windchill Films and The Flash Forward Institute

Ready to ignite your comedic timing and acting versatility? This dynamic workshop is designed to take your comedic skills to the next level, blending the spontaneity of improv with the tools of scripted comedy. For the comedy component, Join Shari Shaw - one of Hollywood’s top acting and performance coaches! Working with A-list TV & movie stars, new actors and everyone in between, she's developed sure-fire methods to help performers Get Prepped, Get Pumped, Get Focused, Get Confident and Get the Job. Leading the improv component is [TBD].

1-on-1 with Acting, Comedy and Improv Coaches

This panel brings together a seasoned sales agent and knowledgeable distributor with specific expertise in the current indie “sweet spot” to shed light on how to navigate the traditional and emerging investment models for low to moderate low budget film projects and maximize the value of your content. Decode strategies for increasing your film's value to attract investors. Discover how to collaborate effectively with sales agents and distributors to building strong partnerships to achieve communal financial success.
·     Marc Clebanoff, Global Sales Agent, Capital Creative Management
·     Andreas Ollivaria, CEO, Level 33 Distribution 
·     PR/Publicity/Marketing

From the major subscription players to the TVOD platforms, the niche players to the booming FAST Channels, these industry professionals will share insights about their models and how to make films successful there.

Struggling to get your projects rolling into funded production? Join us for an in-depth discussion with “He Who Has the Gold” as these banks, brokers and demystify their underwriting guidelines, lending terms and intricacies of securing a traditional bank loan, gap or bridge financing, borrowing against tax incentives and/or alternative institutional financing sources.

Navigating Hollywood can be daunting, but with the right tools and strategies, you can elevate your career in the entertainment industry. Join us for an insightful session led by CEO Susan Johnston of Award-Winning Select Services Films Inc., who brings over thirty years of experience to share essential advice and winning strategies for success found in her book How to Make it in Hollywood: The "Must Have" Resource Guide to Navigate the Film World When You're on Your Way Up.

As veteran Sales Reps, the founders of IndieRights share insights on the changing landscape of international sales and distribution, from developing your marketing materials, through the delivery to streaming platforms, and everything in between.

Knowing when to bring on specific team members can be a game-changer. This session clarifies the roles of agents, managers, and publicists and helps actors determine when each is most beneficial to their career journey. We'll also address the financial considerations of working with agents, managers and publicists, along with tips for navigating successful working relationships with each member of your team.

What are the industry resources to analyze the bankability of marquee-value talent attachment considerations at your various budget scenarios? How do you find that up-and-coming kid or teen? Or the highest profile “insert who you’re looking to attach here”? How many theaters did your comps open on? Peak on? How many weeks did their runs last? Is any of that relevant to help you reverse engineer market-relevant price points for your production and P&A budgets? How can you use that information as a guide to help you develop your theatrical or streaming distribution and marketing strategies? Learn from the pros.

Whether they sell their film in advance, during or after their festival run, the better deals are orchestrated by trained sales agents. They know the buyer and the marketplace. This session will share the process of selling a film to top distributors via agencies and the distribution rights formula for independent films going with the smaller distributors.

1-on-1 with Agents, Managers and Publicists

Ignite Your Passion & Hone Your Craft at our H&s-on Workshops: As technology advances, incorporating VFX & AI is transforming the landscape. How will this impact the independent film industry creatively & commercially?

On some projects, fully 40% of a film’s profits can come from its soundtrack! Attaching the right bankable composer might even get you funded (before even attaching acting talent!). Tracking down who owns the master or sync rights to songs and performances can feel like an opaque, never-ending labyrinth! Learn effective tools, techniques and strategies from in-the-trenches pros.

After the sun sets on the convention floor, the real magic begins at our after-parties. Imagine a blend of networking, laughter, & pure celebration under the glow of neon lights & upbeat tunes. It's where industry titans mingle with rising stars over cocktails that sparkle as brightly as the conversations. From impromptu dance-offs to insightful industry gossip, our after-parties are where the convention's buzz transforms into unforgettable memories. Wednesday Highlights the Commissioners of Film & the Location Scouts!

Join your industry collleagues for Exclusive AFTER DARK Networking Experiences, featuring an exciting lineup of events at premier Downtown LA venues.

Opens at 8:00am. Hassle Free Check-in to Receive Your Badge & Program: Our friendly team is ready to greet you with a smile, armed with answers to your every query & maybe even a few event secrets.

Our eatery & tavern offers a welcoming ambiance that invites you to linger, indulge, & network. Whether you're craving tasty, on-the-go cuisine or looking to treat yourself to a refreshing beverage break, our venue provides the perfect setting to unwind & connect

In the demanding world of acting, where emotional depth and vulnerability are crucial, maintaining wellness and mental health can often be overlooked. This session aims to address the vital importance of nurturing both physical and mental well-being for actors to thrive both on and off set. We’ll explore how the rigorous demands of the profession - long hours, intense emotional experiences and the pressures of public scrutiny - can impact an actor’s health. And, we'll empower actors with the tools and knowledge needed to prioritize their self-care while pursuing their passion.

Respected industry expert and authority on technology trends, Lori H. Schwartz, will provide a brief overview, putting the day’s topics into context. From AI to VFX, to the business models emerging out of cutting-edge marketing and advertising technology: get ahead of the curve (or catch up!) with meaningful advice on how to navigate our industry’s iterative technological revolutions – and the business-to-consumer opportunities they present.

1^ST AND 2^ND FLOOR EVENT SPACE

1st & 2nd Floors: At the EXPO: This expo is designed to showcase the latest advancements in equipment, tools, & methodologies that are transforming the landscape of our industry. The FILM MARKET: provides an opportunity for domestic & foreign producers to showcase their titles to buyers & distributors. From revolutionary VFX advancements to

There could be 3 industry representatives (Agent, Manager, Attorney) sharing how their work with actors, writers and directors influences a career.  They also share how artists can prepare for pitching them on representation, and the best way to approach them.

Experience a groundbreaking approach to purchasing & selling film rights: Filmmakers receive top offers for their cinematic creations, while buyers secure advantageous deals. This innovative event streamlines the film acquisition process, maximizing value for all involved. Join us for an exclusive traditional gavel-style auction featuring 100 projects/films

On-site screening series will feature a captivating array of films from around the globe, captivating its engaged industry audience. From scrappy independents to studio fare, AFC's screenings aim to drive commerce & celebrate the art of filmmaking. Showcase your projects & discover new opportunities for distribution & promotion among industry peers.

In order to secure entertainment financing, distribution and the right creative collaborators, revolutionary VFX changes have raised professional expectations for proof-of-concept and pre-viz materials from sizzle reels to production blueprints and overviews. See samples and discover savvy new strategies.

Where Experts Delve Into Specialized Topics to Enhance Your Knowledge & Skills: Soundtracks, Screenwriting, Directing, Cinematography, Movie Makeup, Editing, History, Digital Filmmaking, Independent Film Challenges, Distribution, Stunts, Financing, Film Ethics, & Global Cinema.

Take a deep dive into the craft of acting with our Scene Study Workshop, where you’ll explore and refine your skills through intensive scene work. Actors will get the opportunity to dissect, practice and perfect scenes from a range of genres, enhancing your understanding of character development, text analysis and performance techniques. Join us for an enriching experience that will elevate your acting skills and bring new dimensions to your performances!

Leveraging AI to accelerate your speed and efficiency is a hotly debated topic. Learn from professionals effectively developing and using cutting-edge software from development and pre-production through producing generative content and procedural workflows. Use ChatGPT5.0 or Google’s Gemini to help you outline and even write your scripts, loglines, synopses and character breakdowns. Tag a script and break down a schedule in seconds. Create and analyze content.

Are you ready to crack the code of any script? This session equips actors with the essential tools to master script analysis. By dissecting the text, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the story, your character and his/her/their journey.
Sharpen your skills and discover how to: Uncover hidden clues within the script to bring characters and scenes to life; explore the context, genre and historical setting to inform your performance; analyze character dynamics and motivations to build authentic connections; discover the subtext and unspoken emotions that lie beneath the lines and translate script directions into purposeful movement and choices.

You’ve heard all the buzzwords but … do you understand all - or any? - of it? Maybe you’re already investing as an individual but want to learn how blockchain has provided a technical foundation for Bitcoin crypto currency and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) as crypto assets as revolutionary funding tools. Don’t be embarrassed: it won’t be over your head (nor will it be boring if you think you know it all!) Discover how independent filmmakers and content creators are leveraging this new crypto ecosystem to fund their projects. Learn about the potential benefits (and pitfalls) while we unveil some real-world examples of successful (and unsuccessful) film projects funded through crypto and NFTs.

Are you an actor looking to expand your skill set and enhance your versatility? There are essential tools that every actor should have in their repertoire. Whether you're preparing for diverse roles in film, theater, or voice acting, this session covers crucial techniques, skills and training to elevate your performance. Join us for a comprehensive exploration of the tools every actor needs to thrive in today's competitive entertainment industry.

As the dust finally settles after one of the most tumultuous series of strikes (on the heels of global pandemic workplace changes): where’re we at? Hear modern best practices to implement on a go-forward basis for seamless collaboration across all departments and production phases.

1-on-1 with Dialect, Vocal, Stunt Coaches

Learn from industry veterans as they illustrate the importance of branding and marketing to general and niche audiences, and how to drive sales for live events and drive traffic to your VOD platform.

From virtual and traditional product placement and branded entertainment to celebrity and influencer strategies, discover new monetization models emerging on our constantly evolving marketplace.  

This talented artist shares how he took control of his own destiny by developing his own projects (including co-founding Slamdance) outside the Hollywood system, getting them made and establishing a successful release campaign. Join us as we explore what pathways lie ahead in the future.

Embark on a deep dive into the intricate world of the acting industry with this comprehensive session on "The Business of Acting." Helming this insightful session is Wendy Alane Wright - Hollywood Talent Manager and the Founder of Hollywood Winners Circle Academy, the industry standard in acting business training. Tailored for actors at all stages of their careers, she will offer invaluable guidance on navigating the professional landscape with confidence and strategy. Explore how to effectively market yourself on and offline, learn how to craft an authentic and compelling brand story that grabs casting directors' attention and leave equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the competitive field of acting.

Join YouTube’s favorite scam-busting duo with over 70 million views, Ashton Bingham and Art Kulik of Trilogy Media, as they reveal not just how modern consumer identify theft and phishing scams work but how to immediately identify and avoid nefarious entertainment industry crooks, phoneys and bad actors so you can protect your ASSets.
Ashton Bingham, Co-Founder, Trilogy Media
Art Kulik, Co-Founder, Trilogy Media

Whether you’re a producer, screenwriter, filmmaker, or other creative, you probably have a project that needs constant exposure: how do you rise above the noise? If anyone understands the Power of the Crowd, it’s Richard Botto, CEO and Founder of Stage 32. He explains how to use social media, networking, branding, crowdfunding, and an understanding of your audience to build effective crowdsourcing campaigns, sourcing everything from film equipment to shooting locations. How to create the message of your content; how to mold, shape and adjust it based on mass response; how to broadcast your message to a targeted group and engage those with similar likes, beliefs or interests - and cultivate those relationships to the point where the message is no longer put forth solely by you, but carried and broadcasted by those who have responded to it - getting your audience to work on your behalf.

After the sun sets on the convention floor, the real magic begins at our after-parties. Imagine a blend of networking, laughter, & pure celebration under the glow of neon lights & upbeat tunes. It's where industry titans mingle with rising stars over cocktails that sparkle as brightly as the conversations. From impromptu dance-offs to insightful industry gossip, our after-parties are where the convention's buzz transforms into unforgettable memories.