If you’re interested in film financing, entrepreneurship, smart business strategies, female-driven content and the next big Netflix hit, these are the discussion events for you. Gain insight from female CEO’s, news anchors, award-winning directors, producers, thought leaders, a former WNBA star and business leaders on how to finance projects, start businesses and build a more representative media and business landscape for the next generations.
From the Director’s Chair: Development to Finance
Thursday, May 9th – 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 21c Main Gallery Stage
In the era of #Metoo and a call for more female voices, are things easier for female creators and female-led films?
Panelists:
- Leila Djansi – Writer, Director, Producer
Let’s Make a Deal
Thursday, May 9th – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 21c Main Gallery Stage
Although opportunities have improved in the last 40 years, women and minority filmmakers still struggle to secure funding and distribution to bring their films to life and in front of audiences.
This panel will discuss how filmmakers can “make the argument”, leverage the realities of emerging technology including the ever-evolving landscape of release strategies, smart business, branding, and marketing models to solidify that pitch to get their stories told and in front of an audience.
Panelists:
- Yrthya Dinzey-Flores – Warner Media
- Chevonne O’Shaughnessy – American Cinema International
- Rachel Derrico- Executive Producer of VUDU’s “Mr. Mom”
- Maria Aspan – Inc. Magazine
- Jason George
Founded by Women
Thursday, May 9th – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 21c Main Gallery Stage
Join us for a casual happy hour conversation with 4 incredible women founders. Hear their stories on how they overcame obstacles on their way to success. Be prepared to relax, laugh and be inspired!
Panelists:
- Yrthya Dinzey-Flores – Warner Media
- Angie Bastian – Founder Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP
- Alanna Cotton – Samsung
- Kari Warberg Block – Earthkind
- Deadra Bastarache – GRT Capital Partners LLC
If She Can See It, She Can Be It
Friday, May 10th – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 21c Main Gallery Stage
As women represent 51% of the population and 52% of moviegoers, we have a social and business imperative to create media that values the stories of intersectional women. The Geena Benchmark report which analyzed the top 100 Family Films over a decade showed that females led films generated 55% more at the box office than similar male led films.
This panel will showcase best practices from business leaders who have successfully created female-driven content.
Panelists:
- Geena Davis – Academy Award Winner, Co-Founder of BFF, Founder & Chair of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
- Madeline DiNonno – CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
- Swin Cash – Former WNBA star; CBS Sports Commentator, Founder Swin Cash Enterprises LLC, and Cash Building Blocks
- Ilia Calderón – Univision, Light Night New Anchor,
- Noelle Stevenson – Executive Producer “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power”
- Tracey Massey – President of the Americas for Mars Wrigley Confectionery
She for She: Power of the Pack
Friday, May 10th – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 21c Gallery Main Stage
“There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women” – Madeleine K. Albright
Join trailblazers Geena Davis and Noelle Stevenson in a conversation about the power of representation and demonstrating to women and girls what they can be and who they can become.
Panelists:
- Sandra Gonzalez – CNN
- Geena Davis – Academy Award Winner, Co-Founder of BFF, Founder & Chair of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
- Noelle Stevenson, Executive Producer of She-Ra: Princess of Power