Insider Knowledge

In 2018 Judi Levine presented Working in the US Indie and Studio Film Industry.

Judi Levine will offer a unique opportunity to gain knowledge about the US film industry, including working with studios and the indie film sector, and honing the skills required to prepare for the AFM and other international film markets.

The one-day seminar brings together a diverse range of industry leaders and experts to discuss current trends in international and domestic markets.

MEET JUDI LEVINE:

Such Much Films

Judi Levine –Producer of The Sessions starring Helen Hunt, John Hawkes and William H. Macy won numerous awards including audience awards at Sundance, San Sebastian and Mill Valley. Both Helen and John were nominated for Golden Globe awards, and Helen was nominated for an Oscar. Her most recent film The Catcher was a Spy starring Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti and Guy Pearce, premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and opened across the US to critical acclaim this past June.

  • Working in the International Market vs Australia

  • Knowing your product: Trends in the global market (where does your product fit and what makes it stand out?)

  • Agents, Managers & Casting Directors – getting to them; getting your material read; negotiating deals

  • Sales Agents: when to bring them on board

  • Case Study (The Sessions)

  • Financing: in particular private equity

  • Film Markets: prepping for markets; what to expect; Planning for AFM (Nov 2018)

  • Festivals

Members: $145 +gst  /  Non-members: $195 +gst

Sydney

Sat. 6 October 2018

10:00 am – 5:00 pm AEST

Program

Judi Levine – Introduction to the program for the day and to the guest speakers
09:30 – 10:00am

Agents/Managers – Managing Expectations
10:00am–10:45am

US Guest – Bec Smith (UTA)
Dayne Kelly (RGM)

  • Working with Agents & Managers
  • Casting International Actors
  • Getting Screenplays Read
  • Negotiating Deals

Working in the International Market vs the Australian Market
10:45am –11:15am

  • Australian Government funding vs NO Government support in the US
  • Identifying territories that have treaties with Australia for Co-Productions and Partnering with International Production Companies
  • Developing Strategies and Identifying Critical Elements for Finding Creative Collaborators

Awareness of Your Product in a Global Market Context
11:15 – 12:00pm

  • Trends in the Global Market; where does your product fit and what makes your project stand out?
  • The importance of Creating a Proof of Concept
  • The Screenplay:
    • Working with your writer – respecting their vision while meeting demands of the market
    • Attracting A-list cast – the appeal of your characters and knowing what interests your actors

Financing – Strategizing / Attaching Cast / Raising Finance
12:00pm –12:45am

  • The Complexities of Raising Finance based on Cast
  • Financing: Tax Incentives; Private Investment; Crowd Funding
  • Sales Agents: Negotiating deals; the Pros & Cons of early attachments

LUNCH BREAK & NETWORKING
12:45pm – 1:30pm

The Sessions Case Study
Despite Market Transitions, Much of the Process and Challenges Remain the Same
1:30pm – 2:30pm

  • The Origins of the Story & Securing the Rights
  • Entering the Market & Raising the Finance
  • Casting / Scheduling / Shooting
  • Submitting to Sundance
  • Attending the Festival
  • Negotiating with and Selling to Fox Searchlight
  • Distribution
  • Festivals and Awards Season

Understanding and preparing for Festivals & Markets
2:30pm – 3:30pm

  • The Festival / Market Calendar
  • The Changing Face of Festivals
  • Strategies for Attending Markets: AFM/TIFF/Cannes

Writer/Director Ben Lewin discusses his Experiences Working in the International Market
Features: The Sessions; Please Stand By; The Catcher was a Spy
TV: Ally McBeal;Touched by an Angel;Speechless
3:30pm – 4:15pm

  • Working in Australia vs the US
  • TV vs Features
  • Casting & Working with A-List Actors
  • Collaborating with Producers
  • Managing Expectations for the Release of your Films

Open for Q&A