Panels
AT&T Talk/ Show At the Nasher Sculpture Center
AFI DALLAS is proud to not only present the best in international cinema, but also to provoke discussion about film and the film industry. In addition to question and- answer sessions with directors and producers after most film screenings, we present the AT&T Talk/Show, a series of panel discussions on topics of interest to filmmakers and filmgoers alike. Held in the beautiful surroundings of the Dallas Arts
District’s Nasher Sculpture Center and hosted by noted film critics and journalists, these discussions fulfill our mission of educating audiences about film and the issues it raises.
All AT&T Talk/ Shows are free and open to the public.
The 2008 AT&T Talk/Show presented the following topics:
DOCUMENTARIES TODAY: THE REALITY OF HOW WE GET THE “REAL NEWS”
Moderated by Tom White, Editor, Documentary Magazine, panelists Kelly Whalen, Director Tulia, TX; Steve James & Peter Gilbert, Co-Directors At The Death House Door and Josh Tickell, Director/Writer Fields of Fuel discussed the growing willingness of the public to spend their movie dollars on documentaries combined with the descent of many television news programs into tabloid-like programming which has resulted in more “serious” news reporting appearing on the big screen. This lively discussion examined how much we already—and will increasingly—turn to the big screen for truly fair and balanced reporting of critical issues.
MOVIES WITH A MISSION: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MESSAGE AND ENTERTAINMENT HAVE TO CO-EXIST ON THE SCREEN
Moderator, Bob Tourtellotte of Reuters led a very interesting discussion with panelists Irena Salina, Director Flow: For Love of Water; Socheata Poeuv, Director Mark Birnbaum, Director/Producer Stop the Presses: The American Newspaper In Peril; and Matt Dentler, Festival Producer SXSW. It’s difficult enough for a movie to satisfy an audience when its purpose is simply to entertain and this panel of filmmakers and advocates explored the challenges that confront directors when they add a more provocative agenda to their cinematic “to do” list. The discussion ranged from environmental missions to political causes and what happens to the creative process when a film is created to educate, argue and inspire.
TAKING CONTROL: ACTORS IN CHARGE OF THEIR OWN CREATIVE DESTINIES
All too often, actors are perceived as mere pawns in a much larger process. Moderator, Gary Cogill, Film Critic “Good Morning Texas” enlisted candid and entertaining insights from panelists Amy Redford, Actress/Director/Producer The Guitar; Bill Paxton, Actor/Director/Producer; Bob Musgrave, Actor; and James Duval, Actor Luck of the Draw. They discussed the reality of having casting agents choose them, directors direct them and publicity machines trot them out to promote the studio’s latest product. Actors have worked to seize control of their own professional paths since the first frame of film was exposed. From the actors who created United Artists 90 years ago to actors turned filmmakers today, our panelists discussed how actors are taking larger roles as writers, directors and producers of the projects they are a part of and the dramatic impact this has and will continue to have on the individual actors…and the film industry as a whole.
CRITICS’ CREDIBILITY: ARE FILM CRITICS GAINING OR LOSING INFLUENCE ON WHAT WE WATCH TODAY?
Michael Speier, Managing Editor, Daily Variety had his hands full with this group of opinionated panelists consisting of Robert Wilonsky, Critic, Dallas Observer; Jacob Medjuck, Director/Writer/Producer, Summerhood; Steven Rae, Actor/Director, Stuck; and Paul Salfen, Critic/Editor. Everyone has an opinion, and this group had no trouble expressing theirs. They discussed the shifting paradigm of film criticism today and how that paradigm shift is affecting the entertainment industry—for both critic and filmmaker. They debated the validity of mainstream criticism vs. the Internet and the increasing prevalence of blogs and the countless individuals weighing in on the world of film and television.
ADAPTING BOOKS INTO FILM: READING INTO THE CHALLENGES OF GOING FROM NOVEL TO SCREEN
As long as there are great books, there will be great—and not-so-great—films made from them. Alan Peppard, Entertainment Columnist of the Dallas Observer led a panel consisting of, Jeffery Goodman, Director, The Last Lullaby; David Hale Smith, Literary Agent; and Will Clarke, Novelist/Screenwriter, The Worthy: A Ghost’s Story. This panel was a must attend for any writer who wants to know how to adapt a novel or short story to the screen. They gave insights into digesting the source material, finding the rights, deciding how much of the author’s intentions to follow and pacifying the director, producer and studio execs (not to mention satisfying the expectations of the novel’s fans). They explored the challenges of the adaptation process – from novel to script and script to screen.
THAT’S A WRAP! NOW WHAT?: THE ACQUISITION, MARKETING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF INDIE FILMS
This panel moderated by Robert Wilonsky, Writer, Dallas Observer with panelists Bic Tran, Agent, International and Independent Film, ICM; Steve Rothenberg, President of Domestic Distribution, Lionsgate; Eamonn Bowles, President, Magnolia Pictures; and Mary L. Aloe, Producer, Proud Mary Entertainment, Inc. took the audience on an insiders journey at the business of independent film. It became painfully obvious during the discussion that it is no longer enough for a producer and director to make a great film to be guaranteed that their work will be seen and celebrated.
LISTENING TO THE CROWD: HOW MUCH DOES THE AUDIENCE INFLUENCE THE ARTIST’S VOICE
This very interesting and diverse panel consisting of Michael Addis, Producer/Director, Heckler; Dolph Lundgren, Actor/Writer/Director, Missionary Man, and Jewel, Musician/Actor and led by moderator Chris Vognar, Entertainment Writer Dallas Morning News was challenged at every turn by a vocal and opinionated audience. Up to the task the panelists spoke about how as much as they try to shield themselves from the slings and arrows or (on the flip slide) adulation of the audience, they can’t help but be influenced by the people who view their work. However, the point was clearly made that the artist is compelled to strive to make his or her own art. Most agreed that the dangers of extreme criticism or extreme fawning makes a true artist work that much harder to be independent.
A NEW GENERATION: TEEN FILMMAKERS TODAY
Digital cameras and laptop editing has made it much easier and accessible for young filmmakers to bring their visions to life. In a discussion targeted to these auteurs in the making, our panel consisting of moderator, Mark Bell, Editor in Chief Film Threat and panelists Lisa McWilliams, Executive Director Mobile Film School; Patty Schubert, Garland High School International Baccalaureate Film Department Head; Joe Brittain, Teen Filmmaker from Garland High School; and Jorge Arzac, Director/Writer examined the tools they have at their disposal and what these technical advances have meant to the development of the film industry. They opined how filmmakers today start at a much younger age than in previous generations and that they have the materials, software and equipment available like never before. It was demonstrated that today there are film programs in high schools that equal the programs at major universities and that expression through filmmaking can help troubled teens find a better way of life.
AT&T Wet Deck Conversations
AFI DALLAS is proud to support filmmakers and the film industry around the world — with special emphasis on our filmmakers in Texas and the region. This series of industry conversations is designed to provide opportunities for film and video professionals to network and have discussions vital to their ongoing professional development.
The discussions are held on the beautiful 16th floor Wet Deck at the W Dallas Victory Hotel. They are free and open to industry professionals and AFI DALLAS pass holders.
The 2008 AT&T Wet Deck presented the following topics:
THE STATE OF THE STATE: FILMMAKING IN TEXAS
Co-Hosted by TXMPA-Texas Motion Picture Alliance
Moderator Chris Kelly, Critic Fort Worth Star-Telegram led a very informative discussion on the benefits of making films in Texas with panelists Garry Brown, Producer, Prison Break; Russ Pond, Director/Producer Fissure; and Bob Hudgins, Director, Texas Film Commission. It was made very clear by this group of film professionals that there is an effective local network of filmmakers and industry to support independent film production today and into the future. That even with only a 5% Texas incentive grant program, Texas can be competitive with states that have greater incentive programs.
FROM INGENUE TO STUDIO HEAD: HOW DOES AGE AFFECT WOMEN IN THE FILM INDUSTRY?
Co-hosted by Women in Film-Dallas
AFI Dallas’ own program coordinator, Sarah Harris, moderated this panel consisting of Lynn Roth, Director/Producer The Little Traitor; Socheata Poeuv, Director New Year Baby; Deidra Edwards, Actress Disfigured; Staci Lawrence, Actress Disfigured; and Kim Clemons, Senior Writer/Producer, AMS Production Group. They spoke about how the challenges for women making a career in film increase or decrease with age; how the work/life balance is different for women than men. There was a candid debate concerning the statement that women must not hire women, as there are many powerful women in the film industry yet women continue to not get hired.
BLURRING THE LINES: HOW DOES THE FILM INDUSTRY IMPACT THE GAMING WORLD?...AND VICE-VERSA
Co-hosted by the Dallas chapter of the International Game Developers Association
Gordon Keith, The Gordon Keith Show had very insightful questions for this group of gamers consisting of Randy Pitchford, Founder/President, Gearbox Software; Marty Stratton, Producer, Quake Live; and Lyn Caudle, Janimation’s Visual Effects Supervisor. They compared today’s video games with their complex creations with scripts, art direction and fully developed characters to feature films. They discussed how the creative process of film and storytelling techniques can impact games. They pointed out how the new generation of gamers has forced the entertainment industry to re-examine the projects it puts onto the big screen. They examined how the creative and business model for each industry is changing.
WEBISODES, SCHMEBISODES: WHAT HAPPENED TO WRITING FOR FEATURE FILMS AND TELEVISION?
Co-hosted by Dallas Screenwriters Association
Panelists Blake Calhoun, Creator, Pink; Jim Hart, Screenwriter; and Brad Keller, Fireside Entertainment were led in an informative discussion by moderator Elliot Kotek, Moving Pictures Magazine. They delved into the reality of writers realistically seeing additional income for the short-term and long-term for writing for “non-traditional” media. They informed the audience about opportunities and constraints that are posed for writing for entertainment when it’s created for Internet distribution or release on social media sites like You Tube. Plus Jim Hart advised that if the past is a guide with the writers’ strike concluded, the industry is in for a change.
THE INDIE PAYBACK REALITY: THE REAL TRUTH BEHIND THE COST, RISK AND PROSPECTS FOR THE INDEPENDENT FILM TODAY
Co-hosted by Dallas Producers Association
There is hope when your film is not picked up by a distributor was the message from this panel of professionals who would know. Corey Scholibo, The Advocate moderated this must see panel for both new and experienced producers consisting of Charles Acosta, Arrival Pictures; Blake Calhoun, Creator, Pink; and Kelly Sanders, Executive Director, Truly Indie. They gave invaluable insights and advice into what to do before you start spending your hard-earned cash (or drawing on your credit cards) to make your dream feature film project. They explained how to increase your chances of repaying your investors; what risks to take; what to do with or without stars in your film; what genres work and which don't; what benefits, if any, are producer's reps and much, much more.
SPECIAL EVENTS
WOMEN BEHIND THE CAMERA: IS THERE A FEMININE FILMMAKING MYSTIQUE?
W Hotel Studio 1
The International Women’s Forum invited Robyn Bliley, Director/Producer/Editor Circus Rosaire; and S.J. Main, Director, Luck of the Draw to their monthly meeting to share their perspectives on making films. Kim Voynar, Critic, Cinematical was the interviewer. They discussed how money is raised for film projects and that it is an extremely difficult task no matter the budget. They shared insights into the ongoing issue of whether female directors and producers have become prevalent enough that special allowances are no longer necessary to insure there is a strong female voice in film. It was an impressive sharing of information that was extremely well received by the IWF members and their spouses
FROM THE STUDIO’S PERSPECTIVE
Target Festival Lounge at Victory Park
Co-sponsored by the Dallas Film Commission
Janis Burklund, Director of the Dallas Film Commission informed us that important studio executives were scouting Dallas and would be available to meet with filmmakers. So we took advantage of this opportunity to organized a panel to hear from these studio executives and we invited a seasoned producer to discuss making feature films and TV projects for major studios. Dennis Bishop, producer & former studio executive moderated the panel that consisted of Michael Heard, VP of Production, Twentieth Century Fox Feature Film Division; Andrea Miloro, VP Animation, Sony Pictures; and Garry Brown, Prison Break Producer, 20th Century Fox Television. Most panels at film festivals deal primarily with making independent films. This panel spoke on the differences inherent in making a studio film and what studio executives are looking for in projects.
