As Executive Vice-President at Cohen Media Group in Los Angeles, Robert Aaronson is responsible for identifying films to acquire, negotiating all deals and managing distribution across all ancillary platforms. His most recent acquisition, Matteo Garrone’s, IO CAPITANO, was nominated for the 2024 Academy Award for Best International Film. Among his other numerous CMG acquisitions are THE GOOD BOSS, with Javier Bardem, MADE IN ENGLAND: THE FILMS OF POWELL AND PRESSBURGER, presented by Martin Scorsese and Marco Bellocchio's KIDNAPPED.Prior to CMG, Aaronson headed up the U.S. office of the Universal Pictures Worldwide Content Group. His executive career began in New York at New Line Cinema where he acquired such award winning films as David O. Russell’s SPANKING THE MONKEY, Mike Leigh’s NAKED and Nanni Moretti’s CARO DIARIO. He then joined Fox Searchlight, where he was instrumental in the acquisition of the Oscar winning, THE FULL MONTY and Miquel Arteta’s debut, STAR MAPS among others. Upon leaving Fox, Aaronson joined Fireworks Pictures in a joint venture with Samuel Goldwyn Films before segueing to Netflix to help launch the distribution division, Red Envelope Entertainment. Some of his noteworthy acquisitions at these companies were Peter Sollett’s, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS, Laurie Collyer’s, SHERRYBABY, and Kirby Dick’s, THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED. As an independent producer, his credits include TWO OF US, starring Jared Harris as John Lennon and Aiden Quinn as Paul McCartney.
Wendy is a Hollywood Talent Manager and the Founder of Hollywood Winners Circle Academy, the Industry Standard in Acting Business Training.She coaches tens of thousands of actors around the world through her popular YouTube Channel “Secrets of A Hollywood Talent Manager” as well as her Facebook group Talent Managers For Actors. She is a writer for Backstage.com, is regularly a guest on Industry podcasts, Magazines and has appeared with Oprah Winfrey talking about the Law Of Attraction.Wendy’s Actors at Hollywood Winners Circle Academy have booked Network shows including: Equalizer, Love Victor, General Hospital, Waco: Aftermath, FBI, The Umbrella Academy, New Amsterdam, Chicago Fire, Better Call Saul, Chicago Med, Atlanta, Law & Order: Organized Crime, Young Rock, Swat, Blue Bloods, The Bay, Station 19, Gossip Girl, Wonder Years, Gaslit, Mr Mayor, Animal Kingdom.
Feras is a film producer with over a decade of experience spanning development, production management, and accounting. He holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Producing from the American Film Institute and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Animation from DePaul University.
Co-owner of Lumiere Cinema at the Music Hall in Beverly Hills, an independent arthouse movie theater.
Steve Barr moved to New Zealand in 2010 after working for 16 years in the Hollywood industry. He has been a studio suit for Universal Studios, a feature screenwriter for Walt Disney Pictures, and the vice president of development for indie production company SMASHfilms. Steve has been hired to write over a dozen screenplays in the New Zealand, American, and Chinese industries, two of which have been produced - Timeslow and Born To Dance. He has produced 20 short films and two features - Chronesthesia and Hang Time.
Listed annually in Super Lawyers New York Metro edition. Author of Your Child's Career in Music and Entertainment. Recipient of Hip Hop NYC's 50th Anniversary Lifetime Achievement Award for Legal Excellence. Cited by The Wrap magazine as “21 Great Thinkers of Indie Film".
Joan Bevan Webb is a film producer, virtual production producer and president of Roninfilm. Webb started her career in national TV advertising representing Oscar winning directors for commercials. With $9M VC capital, she built the first professional ProTools facility. Two years later, with $16M additional VC capital, Margarita Mix de Santa Monica was added to their roster of facilities, creating the world’s largest, privately-held, post audio facility.
Sara Bottfeld is currently an owner and Partner at Industry Entertainment, a leading management and production company with offices in Los Angeles and New York. She started her career in the business as an assistant at William Morris Agency where she was promoted to a Feature Literary Agent in 1996. She became a partner at Industry Entertainment in 2009 and expanded her client list to include writers and directors in film and television as well as producing film, tv and theater. Prior to joining William Morris, she was an analyst at Goldman Sachs specializing in the Entertainment Industry. She graduated from MIT in 1991 with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Peter Broderick is a leading Distribution Strategist. He spearheads the distribution of exceptional documentaries and consults with independent filmmakers around the world. He helps design and implement customized plans to maximize revenues, audience, and impact. Peter is President of Paradigm Consulting, which specializes in state-of-the-art distribution techniques—including hybrid strategies and innovative approaches to global distribution.Peter was President of Next Wave Films, which supplied finishing funds and other vital support to filmmakers from the US and abroad. He helped launch the careers of outstanding directors including Christopher Nolan and Amir Bar-Lev. Peter’s reports, “Welcome to the New World of Distribution” and “Declaration of Independence” are concise guides to the latest distribution strategies. Read his articles and subscribe to his Distribution Bulletin at www.peterbroderick.com.He’s a graduate of Brown University, Cambridge University, and Yale Law School.
Chris Browne is the Global Visual Effects Supervisor for Sony Pictures Animation and a highly respected figure in the industry. He previously served as Studio Wide Visual Effects Supervisor at DreamWorks and Head of CG Productions at Bardel Entertainment, one of Canada’s largest studios. Chris is also the founder of Digital Alchemy Entertainment, where he led a team of 40 artists on diverse visual effects projects over 9 years. An award-winning filmmaker, Chris’s independent films have been selected for top international festivals across North America and Europe. He’s an Annie Award nominee and a multiple Leo Award winner, recently earning a Leo for Best Visual Effects for an independent film where he single-handedly completed 200 VFX shots, surpassing major studio-backed productions. Chris is a sought-after speaker at major events like San Diego Comic-Con and the Spark CG Conference, where he shares his innovative approach to visual effects and filmmaking.
Marc Clebanoff, a graduate of the USC School of Cinema/Television, is an award-winning filmmaker and global sales agent. He is the managing partner of Odyssey Motion Pictures, alongside long-time producing partner Louis Mandylor.
President, Noble House Entertainment, Inc. and Adj. Professor, USC School of Cinematic Arts/ UCLA Extension, Woodland Hills After graduating Cal Arts Film School (Peewee Herman & Ed Harris were among her graduating class), Cutler-Rubenstein started her career as assistant to legendary Agent-turned-Producer Jerome M. Zeitman at 20th Century-Fox, where she assisted in the development of numerous projects including her first produced studio feature, the sci-fi thriller DAMNATION ALLEY. Following her experience at 20th-Fox, she held various executive positions including Director of Literary Acquisitions for Mona Moore & Associates, Director of the Story Department for Marble Arch Productions, Director of Literary Affairs for Columbia Pictures Television and Vice-President, Promotion and Marketing for Connoisseur Video. A respected screenwriter, she has collaborated with Emmy and Academy Award winning writer-producers Roger Lewis (THE PAWNBROKER, SHAFT) and comed veteran Everett Freeman (MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR, SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY).
Barbara Daoust, MFA, is a Certified Facilitator with the Proctor/Gallagher Institute as well as an Author, Speaker, Success Coach and Business Growth Accelerator. As a certified “Thinking into Results” consultant with the Proctor/Gallagher Institute, I show entrepreneurs, small business owners, and leaders how to access exponential business results and embrace change as an opportunity for growth. It is my passion to help people get out of their own way, breakup with procrastination, say goodbye to perfectionism and stop postponing the life of their dreams. When you work with me, you’ll learn how to engage your creative mind and utilize your most powerful tool – your imagination. It definitely wasn’t easy for me to get to where I am now. I spent my entire life as a director, producer, and acting coach in the Theatre, TV, and Film industry.
After graduating from Law School in Toronto, Canada, Jeff Deverett launched his film career in the Distribution division of Astral Media, a large public entertainment and media company. Throughout his distribution career, Jeff specialized in indie feature films, having acquired and sold over 500 indie movies of all sizes and budget ranges. In 2005, Jeff produced his first indie feature, My Brother’s Keeper and thereafter he has produced and/or written and directed six other features, all of which have been distributed worldwide, three of which were picked up by Netflix.
The AFM represents more than 70,000 musicians in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and across Canada. Members work in all fields and genres and include freelance gigging and session musicians, touring musicians, recording artists, and composers/arrangers.
USC film school graduate and two-time Emmy Award winner, Guerrero Garzafox Co-wrote, produced and did 2nd Unit director of the acclaimed feature A Day Without a Mexican, a landmark in the US immigration movement, directed and served as showrunner for Dos Lunas (FOX), El Vato (NBC), Soccer & Drinks (Imagen Awards finalist), and the Emmy® Award-winning Gracias Maestros. In 2019, he directed and produced Intolerance No More (IWTIFF Winner, Panafest Best Actress), a powerful film on US police brutality. His film Blursday (2021) captures the first 100 days of the global pandemic through the eyes of three couples worldwide. His latest film, Clown & Out, (2023) continues his tradition of blending entertainment with social awareness. Guerrero Garzafox has taught film at UCLA and Anahuac Mayab University. He is a member of the Television Academy and founder of Yucatan VP Studios in Mérida, Mexico.
As a filmmaker, Justin's films have been exhibited all around the world, from the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, WA to the Short Shorts Film Festival in Tokyo, Japan. His first film "This Is Normal" is used by USC’s School of Cinematic Arts to teach sound design and his follow up sci-fi "Outpost" has been viewed millions of times across YouTube and OTT streaming platforms. He also has a film coming out this year starring Alfred Molina and his script The Peregrine recently won Slamdance's screenplay competition. As a consultant for filmmakers, Justin has helped thousands of filmmakers raise funds, get into film festivals, and build powerful industry networks through his company Greenlight Yourself, Inc. As the "Kickstarter Guy," he has helped 350 filmmakers crowdfund over $11 million with a 97% success rate. As a working filmmaker in the trenches, his advice is both relevant and effective!
Member DGA, WGA, SAG. Founder/CEO, The Gathr Companies, Inc.
The “Tech Cat,” Lori H. Schwartz, is a true technology catalyst. A leading subject matter expert in marketing and tech innovation, Lori is a frequent, Los Angeles-based, Technology Contributor to CNN and major industry events such as CES, NAB, NATPE and AdTech. Profiled as one of the 30 Executives Shaping the Evolution of Media & Technology by Variety and 100 People to Have Lunch with by MediaPost Publications, she launched Digital Hollywood’s Women’s Entertainment & Technology Mentor Program, was the key principal launching the highly regarded IPGLAB and is a recipient of the Lucy Hood Digerati Award for her contributions to the Television Academy. She sits on the Board of Governors for the Television Academy’s Interactive Media Peer Group and is broadcast weekly on Voice America’s business channel via her Tech Cat Show.
Mark Harden has almost 100 credits as a film and TV animal trainer which include the first three Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Captain Marvel, Stuart Little 1 & 2, both Cats and Dogs films, Golden Seal, The Lone Ranger, Must Love Dogs, Catwoman and Hachi: A Dog's Tale. Starting with wild animals, he’s worked with tiny ants and small rats to huge elephants - and everything in between. Most often, he worked with dogs and domestic cats - with dogs being his favorite because they can learn complex behaviors and portray a range of emotions that most other animals simply cannot. From 1979-1993, he worked with Animal Actors of Hollywood, a company that supplied exotic animals to the industry, then Boone's Animals for Hollywood until his retirement in 2021. He’s been happily married to Lori since 1983. They have three grown children and three grandchildren.
PR firm, Critics reviews of independent film, Author of Making Movies W/O Losing money, Investor and Producer
Matthew Helderman founded Buffalo 8 in 2010, while an undergrad student. Buffalo 8 has since premiered projects at Sundance, SXSW, and Berlin, as well as produced the Netflix original film “Rodney King” directed by Spike Lee and the Joe Berlinger directed Netflix global hit “The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes”. In 2013, he co-founded BondIt Media Capital and has led BondIt in the deployment of over $400M of capital in over 450+ film, television, and media opportunities, while expanding the company’s credit facility to $100M in 2024. Helderman also co-managed the acquisition of 30-year-old entertainment payroll firm, ABS Payroll, in 2017 and today serves as an Executive Director, Partner, and Board Member after having overseen the sale of the business to Vensure Employer Services.
Eve is the former President of of AFCI—an international organization representing approximately 300 film commissions worldwide. Before that, she held the position ofDeputy Director of the California Film Commisison from 2013 to 2020. Prior to the film commission, the focus of her career had been production management, where she worked in televsion and on feature films, in various staff positions and every freelance capacity from PA to line producer. She was associated with companies such as DreamWorks and Legendary Pictures, and when freelancing, had worked on films such as Titanic, Just Married and Tropic Thunder.
Alfred Hsing (邢思杰) is an actor, stunt coordinator, and action filmmaker who was the first American male to bring home a gold medal at the World Wushu Championships. As an actor, he has an upcoming role opposite Joel Edgerton in Train Dreams. He played the Pyke Traveler in Disney’s Book of Boba Fett, Jian Yang’s employee on HBO’s Silicon Valley, and a VR player in Ready Player One. He is Saitama on the popular Live Action One Punch Man fan film which garnered well over 30M views online. He was also cast on CBS Pilot, Mission Control, executive produced by Simon Kinberg (Deadpool, The Martian, Logan) directed by Jeremey Podeswa (Game of Thrones).
John J. Lee, Jr. successfully led the vision, launch and expansion of several entertainment and media entities and provided business, funding and distribution services for over 20 major studio-released motion pictures, television network series and specials, with combined production costs of over $470 million and global rights earnings exceeding $4 billion, including: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Goonies, The Terminator and The Nutty Professor; released through Universal, Paramount, Sony, Disney, Warner Bros., HBO among others. Author of The Producer's Business Handbook, used in film and business schools the world over, now in its fourth edition published by Focal Press, co-branded by the AFM.
Rodney J. Hobbs was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, the second of four children to Robert and Remell Hobbs. Rodney dreamed of becoming an actor since he could remember (at least since age 6). He began by acting in community theater around Richmond, and eventually worked his way to professional local theater there. Next he signed up with several agencies and began getting work in commercials, industrial videos, and the occasional movie. After 10 years, Rodney left Overnite and Richmond to further his pursuit of an acting/entertainment career in Los Angeles, where he now resides with his wife Freda. He is slowly but steadily getting work in TV, film, commercials, and short films, and will continue to achieve more and more as he pursues his lifelong dream.
Richard is the Principal Attorney at m.e.t.a.l IP., a boutique media and entertainment law firm based in Los Angeles. For more than two decades, He has represented indie motion pictures, documentary films, unscripted shows, music videos, video games, podcasts, and content creators, and he has negotiated deals with major studios, networks, streamers, production companies, brands, and other non-traditional companies. Richard routinely publishes articles, provides legal commentary for media, conducts seminars, moderates panels, and presents at conferences (including NATPE and SXSW). He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and Southwestern Law School and an active member of many legal organizations. For more information, please visit the firm’s website (metal. law) and its award-winning resource website (lawyersrock.com), which provides helpful information to entertainment professionals who need guidance but may not yet have the budget to hire legal counsel.
John Lambert is an accomplished Motion Picture Producer and Commercial Director, Cinematographer, Editor and Visual Effects Supervisor. John started his career as a Cinematographer and Visual Effects Artist working on award winning commercials such as Ridley Scott’s Apple 1984 and Chanel perfume and music videos for Queen, Madonna, Missing Persons, Gary Neumann and Blockbuster films such as Star Trek the Motion Picture, Ghostbusters, 2010 The Year We Make Contact, Fright Night, Poltergeist 2, Cape Fear and Cool World. John’s talents and experience quickly propelled him to become an executive partner and CEO for several leading production, post production and visual effects studios in Hollywood and Canada. As a studio producer and international co-producer, John manages the development, production and post production for network television movies and theatrical feature films. John’s most recent feature animated production, The First Super Hero will be released in the spring of 2025.
JAINA’s breakout role was that of ‘Detective Annalise Villa’ in the hit Fox series ROSEWOOD alongside Morris Chestnut. The show premiered in 2015 and enjoyed a successful two-season run, earning her widespread acclaim for her performance. Her portrayal of the tough and determined detective solidified her status as a rising star. Following the conclusion of ROSEWOOD, JAINA was hand-picked by Shonda Rhimes to lead the ABC drama series STATION 19 for 7 seasons and over 100 episodes. She stared as firefighter ‘Lieutenant Andy Herrera’, a strong and fearless character who leads her team through the challenges of their profession. Other TV credits include the USA series SHOOTER and the Amazon series THE AFTER.
Mark has offered its clients high quality legal and business solutions for more than thirty years, serving a global clientele in transactions involving financing, producing, and distributing motion picture, television, and new media projects. His firm represents numerous writers, directors, producers and production companies. Mark is the author of six books, numerous articles and has been cited as an authority by many scholarly publications. He has been an adjunct professor at U.S.C. law school since 2013 teaching entertainment law. He previously taught at U.C.L.A. for more than twenty years. He also has worked as an expert witness and serves as an IFTA arbitrator. The firm has won millions of dollars in damages for filmmakers who have been defrauded by distributors.
Vice President of Business Development at Mometu, a free ad-supported platform that is focused on independent and underserved content that is 100% hand-curated & Founder of the Mometu College Shorts Film Festival, supporting the future filmmaker via placement on Mometu, hosted educational panels, and building industry relationships.
Former Lionsgate Story Editor, Former Head of Development at Lynda Obst Productions, Named to Variety 10 Assistants to Watch. Now represent a wide range of writers and directors in both film and TV.
Amy Lyndon is considered Hollywood’s premiere celebrity Acting/Booking coach and creator of the Internationally acclaimed, revolutionary book, The Lyndon Technique: The 15 Guideline Map To Booking.“The Lyndon Technique” is part of the curriculum at the University of Kansas and was part of “Aaron Sorkin Week” through Syracuse University. Amy has had the opportunity to travel all over the United States and Canada conducting intensives and lecturing about how to make it in the acting world teaching her Technique, helping Actors understand the philosophical principals of booking and teaching the importance and application of marketing and business strategies.
In 1999 Ms. Lyons launched Snowfall Films and to date has produced/executive produced thirteen movies. These include: A BAFTA award-winning British comedy UNDERTAKING BETTY (aka “Plots With a View”), with actors Christopher Walken, Brenda Blethyn, Alfred Molina and Naomi Watts with Miramax Distribution. British/Canadian thriller JERICHO MANSIONS staring James Caan, Genevieve Bujold, Maribel Verdu and Jennifer Tilly. JERICHO MANSIONS was an official selection at the Montreal Film Festival and the Hollywood Film Festival. British/Canadian family comedy BAILEY’S BILLION$ which stars Dean Cain, Laurie Holden, Tim Curry, and Jon Lovitz. A drama THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, based on J.T. LeRoy novel, starring Asia Argento, Marilyn Manson, Winona Ryder, Peter Fonda and Jeremy Renner. The film premiered during the Directors Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival and screened to high acclaim at the Toronto Film Festival.
Executive Produced and Distributed the Large Format film NSYNC Bigger Than Live. Directed, Wrote, Produced two independent movies that lead to the founding of the distribution company Indie Rights. Beta tested the TVOD launch of Amazon, Google Play and Adrise which later became Tubi. Helped build Indie Rights catalog to 1,500 + titles.
Christie Marchese is the founder and CEO of Kinema. Kinema is a global film distribution and exhibition platform that leverages the power of community and social interaction to screen and stream films. She was previously the founder of the impact agency Picture Motion and led as CEO for 9 years. Prior to PicMo, she ran impact for Righteous Pictures, led digital strategy for the social action group at Participant Media, and handled program coordination and social media strategy at Norman Lear's nonprofit Declare Yourself. Christie is also the co-author of The Distribution Playbook and won several industry recognitions, including being named one of Fortune’s Rising Female Founders in 2023 and Fast Company’s Most Creative People in 2021. She’s currently on the board of Subject Matter and The Reinvent Stockton Foundation, and on the Capacity Council for Brown Girls Doc Mafia.
Diana Maria Riva’s ability to easily transform from one character, genre and/or medium to another continuously showcases her versatility and furthers a prolific career that keeps her in the company of some of today’s most creative talent in both film and television. Riva most recently appeared in the Netflix series Glamorous as “Julia,” a no-nonsense mother who works to maintain a relationship with her young adult son when he begins working for Kim Cattrall’s character, a legendary makeup mogul. Her performance earned her an Imagen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Riva earned a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble nomination, a Hollywood Creative Alliance Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and won the Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actress - Television (Comedy) for her portrayal of “Detective Ana Perez” in Netflix’s hit series Dead to Me which starred alongside Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. She then went on to star as “Adela Castelli”, the feisty and sexy matriarch in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series The Gordita Chronicles. Riva’s other television and streaming credits include NBC’s comedy Sunnyside from executive producers Kal Penn and Michael Schur and Telenovela with Eva Longoria for NBC. She played “Mrs. Rodriguez”, the tough as nails nemesis to Matt LeBlanc’s character in the first season of CBS’s Man With A Plan and received rave reviews for her portrayal of “Vivy Porter”, a feisty, outspoken woman who refuses to allow her diagnosis of cancer get the best of her in Lifetime’s drama series Side Order of Life. Other series regular television credits include FX’s Saint George, opposite George Lopez , Fox’s The Good Guys, opposite Bradley Whitford and Colin Hanks, and FX’s The Bridge. She also recurred on such prominent series as The West Wing and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Riva’s feature film work includes Disney’s McFarland, USA with Kevin Costner and Maria Bello, Love and Mercy with Elizabeth Banks and John Cusack and Fox Searchlight’s Our Family Wedding, which also starred America Ferrara and Forest Whitaker. Riva also had a supporting role in the critically acclaimed Short Term 12 starring Brie Larson. Other notable film credits include 17 Again, What Women Want, Employee of the Month, Chasing Papi, The Third Wheel and Disney’s feature holiday film and Disney + feature release Noelle with Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader and Shirley MacLaine. Riva was first discovered by ABC Studios and was quickly signed to a holding deal which led to recurring roles in several Steven Bochco projects - City of Angels, NYPD Blue, and Murder One. Having made a name for herself in the Bochco world, Riva landed her breakout role, playing Kim Delaney’s colorful and confident office manager on the ABC/Steven Bochco series Philly. Diana recently turned her sights towards activism, originating the idea of Latinas Acting Up, a group of SAG-AFTRA Latinas who recognize the need for Latinas in the entertainment industry to have a community of support. Joining forces with actor Lisa Vidal in 2023, the two women nurtured and grew Latinas Acting Up into a meaningful platform, offering Latina union members support, mentorship, resources, and community, all while striving to raise the visibility of Latinas within the industry. This group of hermanas quickly grew in rank becoming an undeniable force of television and film industry Latinas sharing the impact of their collective voices. The group has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Hip Latina, Deadline, Remezcla, The Hollywood Reporter, Latina and Vogue, among others. Latinas Acting Up remains committed to continue to growing its members as creatives and leaders in Hollywood and to raising the level of representation of Latinas in front of and behind the camera. Diana, whose maternal roots go back to the Dominican Republic, was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music where she received her MFA in Theater Performance.
Kristen Marie Michel is Founder/Owner of DapperDoll Management. She was born into the world of entertainment. Kristen Marie’s dapper grandfather, Emile, joined the legendary agent Abe Lastfogel, at William Morris Agency in Los Angeles in the 1960’s. Rubbing elbows with Hollywood legends such as Frank Sinatra, Natalie Wood, Elvis Presley and Jimmy Durante was his life. That love he had for the industry was handed down to his granddoll, Kristen. Kristen became a child actor and eventually earned her BA degree from California State University Fullerton in Communications, specializing in Journalism and a Minor in Speech. She spent much of her years in & after college working as editorial assistant, casting assistant and production coordinator for companies Walt Disney, FOX and various Independent Productions.
Stephanie Massman is a veteran when it comes to show business. She started in the industry at the age of 18, where she worked as an extra’s casting director. She went on to run a few acting schools and then decided she wanted to represent actors. She worked as an agent for a few years and later opened her own Talent Management company in 2005. After selling the company she joined forces with The Parmeter Group and absolutely LOVES helping actors and is always looking to find that diamond in the rough.
Brooklyn McLinn's life journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and a deep commitment to health and wellness. Growing up in a family with a history of heart problems, Brooklyn made a vow early on to prioritize his physical fitness to avoid succumbing to the same fate as his grandmother and father, both of whom passed away from heart attacks. Brooklyn founded the "What The Heart Wants Wellness Organization," a nonprofit dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about potential health issues. Notably, their inaugural heart walk in September 2023, held on World Heart Day, underscored the importance of disease prevention, supported by esteemed entities such as The American Heart Association, Keck Medicine of USC, Los Angeles Dodgers, Help From The Hart, The Kyle Family Foundation, and many more.
Mario Niccolo Messina, a top expert in YouTube and AVOD ecosystems, developed hisexpertise by working with Europe’s leading telecommunications CEOs, focusing on internet mobile traffic andvideo searches. His insights have made him a recognized authority in free streaming distribution.
Julian graduated from the LA County High School of the Arts (LACHSA) and went into singing commercial jingles, radio jingles and becoming the lead singer of various local cover bands around the LA area performing and having residency's at such places as BB Kings Universal City Walk, Disneyland, California Adventure and over seas in Guam & Thailand. Julian's first major tour was singing back up for Jessica Simpson on her sweet kisses tour, then on to Teena Maria and Rick James for 7 years, as well as the Enrique Iglesias World Tour, where they traveled to over 33 Countries. He has sang with and opened for Ray Charles, Oleta Adams, Luther VanDross, Gloria Estefan, Stephen Bishop, Juanes & Nelly Furtado. Currently, Julian sings with the iconic Taylor Dayne.
Award-winning filmmaker/author Dan Mirvish directed and produced such features as 18½, Bernard and Huey, Between Us, Open House and Omaha (the movie). Dan’s films have screened in over 100 festivals on 7 continents, sold to 150 countries, all had theatrical releases and played on everything from Netflix and Showtime to Virgin Atlantic and JetBlue. He co-wrote the critically-acclaimed novel I Am Martin Eisenstadt (Farrar, Straus, Giroux) and wrote two editions and an audiobook of The Cheerful Subversive’s Guide to Independent Filmmaking (Focal Press/Routledge). Dan’s lectured in over 70 film schools around the world and teaches regularly at Chapman University and he cofounded the Slamdance Film Festival.
CEO Indie Rights for past 15 years, filmmaker, ex-international investment banker.
Producer's Rep, Blood Sweat Honey (300+ films into distribution); Producer/Creator, "Independent Focus" (IFC); EP "Aint it Cool with Harry Knowles"; Distributor, Walking Shadows; Director of Programming, IFP/Los Angeles aka Film Independent, Director/Producer "Burning Man - The Burning Sensation"
Keith is a filmmaker and Founder of Show&Tell. Over the last four years, Keith has coached and advised thousands of filmmakers on their distribution and fundraising strategies. Filmmakers in the Show&Tell community have raised over $20 million in nontraditional ways including: partnerships, sponsorships, conferences, and more. Keith was a filmmaker for 12 years and produced three films that appeared on PBS and Netflix. His film Age of Champions screened in over 3,000 communities and generated over $1.5 million—powered by partnerships with groups like AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association and companies like Cigna Health. He’s delivered keynote presentations on distribution at filmmaking organizations like IDA and his work has appeared in IndieWire and Documentary Magazine.
Andreas Olavarria has over 25 years of experience in the development, production and distribution of motion pictures and television movies, having worked as an executive at both 20th Century Fox and The Walt Disney Studios. His specific areas of expertise include film packaging, production, sales, marketing and distribution.
Lisanne Sartor is an award-winning writer/director whose short films have screened at hundreds of worldwide festivals. An alumna of the AFI DWW, and Yaddo, Hedgebrook, Storyknife, Ragdale and Gulkistan residencies, she has a UCLA Screenwriting MFA, had an original screenplay air on Lifetime, worked with numerous production companies, and taught screenwriting at UCLA, Stephens MFA, Disney Launchpad and the AFI DWW. She is The CineStory Foundation Board President/Creative Director Mentorship.
In a very fortunate career some of my professional highlights include creating Global Cinema Events for Pearl Jam, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Syd Barrett/Pink Floyd, Green Day, Miles Davis, RUSH, Iron Maiden, Melanie Martinez, Iron & Wine, and others to help bring these films to fans around the world.
Ashley Scott Meyers is a screenwriter and blogger / podcaster. Since beginning his career as a screenwriter in the late 1990's he's optioned more than two dozen feature screenplays and sold a half dozen.
SHARI SHAW is one of Hollywood’s top acting and performance coaches. A gifted, passionate, dedicated, high-energy coach, motivator, mentor, author and entrepreneur, Shari works with artists, performers and professionals from all walks of life, at every level; including A-list TV & movie stars, business executives, pop stars, athletes, influencers, kids, new actors and everyone in between. She has developed sure-fire methods to help performers Get Prepped, Get Pumped, Get Focused, Get Confident and Get The Job. Currently, Shari is producing a series of MasterClass-style instructional online videos to take her message of inspiration, confidence, positive prep and creativity to a world-wide audience. To make everyone’s every day performance, professional and real-life, more captivating, inspired, authentic and successful.
J.R. Stewart is the known as "The Queen Of Branded TV."
She is currently is Chief, of Celebrity Acquisitions & Branded Entertainment for Indistry Media, and C.E.O of Content Kingdoms.
J.R. has worked with some of the largest and most respected TV and Film networks for development of International” and “National” Television programming for the United States, Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, and specializes in Branded Entertainment acquisitions for linear and O.T.T. Platforms.
Her client list includes ABC, Disney, NBC, CBS, Nickelodeon, TNT, ESPN, TLC, E!, HGTV, Soap Net, NBC, Discovery, A&E, FOX, VH1, Lifetime, FYI, NBC Sports, and MTV.
CEO and Founder of BooksOffice. com, Makers&Shakers Tech Production of the Year 2023 Winner, Top 10 global Startup at EFM Berlinale, 25 years experience in publishing and entertainment, Created QuestX talent event for HRH The Princess Royal, set up the first ever live vote on British TV, entrepreneur, author and award winning marketeer.
Monica Trombley is Of Counsel to YK Law. Her background is rather unique as entertainment lawyer, creative professional (specifically actress, singer, writer, model, blogger, podcast host/producer of "The Gorgeous Ginger Lawyer" and beauty ambassador for How to Be a Redhead) and former film production company executive. A first generation college graduate and a first generation lawyer, Monica has a long history of trailblazing, overcoming adversity and fighting against the odds such as overcoming age discrimination to get her first retail job at 15.5 years old and moving to NYC at 26 in fulfillment of her lifelong dream to live there despite no family, friend, trusts or preexisting business contacts at her disposal. She also got a tubal ligation at 26 despite being told otherwise by “well meaning” doctors and had her story published in Slate.com's “XX Factor” blog as well as Look magazine in the UK.
Nadine Velazquez is more than an actress; she is a beacon of empowerment and resilience. While she has shone brightly on screen—playing an ambitious rapper and dancer in ABC's musical-drama series Queens alongside stars like Eve and Brandy, and capturing hearts as 'Catalina' in NBC’s My Name is Earl—her real passion lies in using her platform to advocate for mental and spiritual wellness. Her notable roles include starring in History's Six with Walton Goggins, The Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart, and feature films such as Paramount's Flight with Denzel Washington, Ride Along 2, Snitch opposite Dwayne Johnson, and The Bounce Back with Shemar Moore. Beyond the screen, Velazquez is a dynamic creative force as a writer, singer, and poet.
Award winning actress Lisa Vidal is most recognizable for the multi-dimensional roles she’s played on television and in film for the past forty years, portraying characters that have reflected the diversity of the Latino community while also building it up. She recently starred in ABC romantic comedy-drama “The Baker and the Beauty.” Based on the highly successful Israeli scripted show, Vidal portrayed Mari Garcia, the hilarious and heartwarming matriarch of the family. She will next be seen in a wonderful arc on the hilarious and Emmy nominated series “Ms. Pat” on BET as well as the second season of the Gloria Calderón Kellett series “With Love” for Amazon. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three kids. A breast cancer survivor, Vidal is a vocal proponent of early detection and has worked alongside the American Cancer Society to help raise awareness.
CHRISTOPHER VOGLER is a former Hollywood studio executive and story analyst whose book THE WRITER’S JOURNEY has been called “the screenwriter’s Bible”. Born in Missouri, Vogler grew up on a farm outside St. Louis, studied journalism, made documentary films for the Air Force space program, and attended the USC School of Cinematic Arts, before entering the film industry as a script reader. At the Walt Disney Company he wrote an influential memo on story structure that went viral and deeply influenced Hollywood thinking. Based on the Hero’s Journey concept of mythologist Joseph Campbell, Vogler’s work has become the cornerstone of many college writing programs and has had a wide influence in Hollywood and around the world. His 12-stage guide to story structure has inspired artists and writers and has become a kind of orientation device for people facing challenges or trying new things.
Executive Producer Season 2 & 3 of Invasion for Apple TV+, Producer Season 1 American Rust, Producer Season 3 of Westworld, Co-Producer/UPM - Shazam & Star Trek, UPM - Dunkirk, Gone Girl, Mission Impossible III, & War of the Worlds
Charles “Bo” Bowen is the Managing Partner of Bowen Schmidt Entertainment Attorneys based in Savannah, Georgia. Bo comes from a long line of entertainers, singers and performers ranging from Broadway actors to silent film stars. Growing up in a theatre environment (and being a veteran of the stage himself) inspired a deep love of all things artistic and creative that has shaped and guided Bo’s career and his unique approach to the practice of law.
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