Industry Symposium

9:15 – 10:30 am – PANEL #1: SOCIAL IMPACT OF FILMS

Moderator: Nyasha Laing, Caribbean Impact Film Award (CIFA) (formerly The Global Parish Project)

Techniques for environmental and social impact filmmaking are expanding as local filmmakers work more closely with communities and NGOs to document challenges in vulnerable communities as well as narratives of resilience to global and ecological threats. What techniques and lessons in participatory filmmaking can we apply to producing and distributing films with social impact in the Caribbean?

10:45 – 12:00 noon – PANEL #2: FILM FINANCING FORUM

Moderator: Nyasha Laing What kind of film you are making determines your financing approach. Panelists will discuss the basic steps to secure financing for narrative film projects, and the anatomy of a narrative film financing deal. Panelists will also explore opportunities and challenges for funding documentaries.

1:15 pm – 2:30 – PANEL #3: THE FILM PITCH

Moderator: Brent Toombs (Producer, Production Advisor) So you’re a second time filmmaker working with a lean budget and trying to secure support for your film? Pitching is a tool that any filmmaker needs. Whether pitching to a potential producer, investor, or distributor, knowing your audience and speaking to them in the right language are key.

2:45 pm  – 4:00 pm – PANEL #4 – MUSIC VIDEOS AS PITCHING TOOLS

Moderator: Cristina Venegas (Film Festival Advisor) Record Labels use music videos to push sales. Promoters use music videos to solicit performance gigs. Filmmakers use music videos to practice their directing and cinematorgraphic skills before moving on to feature films. What are you using your misc video for? How are you measuring its impact?

9:00 an – 12:00 noon – FOCUS ON BELIZE

Moderator: Brent Toombs or Cristina Venegas

CARICOM has identified film as a top potential earner for the Caribbean urging the governments of their respective member countries to take this industry seriously. In Belize, work is starting on the draft of a FILM LAW that will govern this new industry.

Discussion Topics:

1.     CREATIVE or SERVICE PROVIDER: Understanding where you fit within the big picture.

2.     SURVIVING ON A FILM SET: DO you have what it takes?

3.     WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Discussing what should be included in the first draft of a Film Law for Belize.