Getting your film seen is the biggest challenge for up-and-coming indie filmmakers in an industry landscape that’s changing faster than ever before. “How to Get Your Film Seen: New Takes on Audience, Funding, and Buyers” will provide a fresh look at a classic challenge at IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking Summit, taking place in Los Angeles on November 2.
This will include groundbreaking research from Keri Putnam‘s Independent Film Audience & Landscape Study; the surprising resources of branded content from Brian Newman, principal at Sub-Genre Films; and FAST distribution insights from Sam Harowitz, senior VP, content acquisition and partnerships, Tubi.
Purchase Early Bird Discount Tickets for the Future of Filmmaking Summit
Putnam, who created her study as a Shorenstein Center fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, spent 11 years as the CEO and executive director of the Sundance Institute. As the president of production at Miramax Films, she oversaw the production and acquisition of films such as “There Will Be Blood,” “No Country for Old Men,” “The Queen,” and “Gone Baby Gone.” She is now the principal of Putnam Pictures and serves as a board member for AMC Entertainment.
Brian Newman is the founder of Sub-Genre, a strategic consultancy that guides brands, studios, and agencies through the process of leveraging entertainment for marketing and corporate social responsibility initiatives. He is the producer of “The Outside Story,” a 2021 Tribeca premiere distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films.
Harowitz’s role at Tubi shows how quickly the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service has grown in the industry. With a reported 80 million active users as of May 2024, Tubi has major deals with Warner Bros. Discovery and the BBC, among others. Harowitz picked up Season 2 of the BBC comedy “Boarders” as a BBC/Tubi coproduction.
Network with industry peers, exchange ideas, and spark inspiration throughout the summit. With a premium breakfast, lunch, and cocktail reception included, this is more than just a day of learning — it’s a chance to form meaningful connections that could shape the future of your next project.
Don’t miss your chance to join this forward-looking conversation and position yourself for success in the ever-changing world of entertainment.
Buy Your Early Bird Discount Tickets Here
Panels will include:
Keynote Chat: Sean Baker
Award-winning Auteur, Sean Baker, will deliver our Future of Filmmaking Summit’s keynote chat. Baker, who recently took home the Palme d’Or at Cannes for his celebrated film “Anora,” a strong contender this awards season, will share his advice to summit attendees and his thoughts about the future of the industry.
Shooting Outside Hollywood: Challenges, Opportunities, and Passports
Runaway production has been atomized as states and countries compete to offer producers the hottest deals. Join Paul Audley, President of FilmLA and an IndieWire editor, discuss what it means for the rest of us.
How to Get Your Film Seen: New Takes on Audience, Funding, and Buyers
This one has it all: Exclusive research, real numbers, and the unexpected opportunities in theaters and at home for filmmakers who have found a world beyond the competitive festival circuit. Keri Putnam (former Sundance Institute CEO) and Brian Newman (founder of Sub-Genre) will share intel on emerging strategies and success stories, providing key insights into how filmmakers can thrive in today’s ever-changing distribution landscape.
From Indie Films to Pixar: A Career Case Study with Mike Jones
Join us as we explore the remarkable career of Mike Jones, tracing his early days in the indie film scene to his transition into a full-time role at Pixar and the creator of Disney+ series “Dream Productions.” This panel will dive into the challenges, creative risks, and breakthrough moments that shaped his path as a storyteller. Discover how his perseverance and indie sensibilities influenced his work at one of the world’s most renowned animation studios, and learn key insights for filmmakers looking to make their mark in both independent and mainstream cinema.
Pitching Your Project: Why Producers Now Expect More
Reby Silverman, Senior Manager, Global Partnerships at Canva will take the stage alongside emerging and established filmmakers to showcase how Canva’s platform is transforming the way filmmakers pitch their ideas. Learn directly from the pros and get insider tips to craft a pitch deck that stands out in today’s competitive industry!
How Filmmakers Are — and Aren’t — Using AI
Every day brings another AI announcement, but our panel will look beyond the money, the controversy, and the hype to discuss the ideas and products most likely to be meaningful for you. AI guru Dave Clark and and Erik Weaver, Director, Adaptive Production at ETC, will unpack this hot topic, exploring how AI tools are already reshaping the creative process, from scriptwriting to post-production, and what the future holds for filmmakers looking to leverage this technology in practical and innovative ways.
The Future of Film Is Interactive
A panel with the heads of KINO, Austin Worrell, Brit MacRae and Daril Fannin, who will discuss their company’s cutting-edge technology that offers filmmakers an interactive social streaming platform that provides invaluable data insights and a strategic launchpad to connect with their audience. Moderated by IndieWire’s SVP and Editor in Chief, Dana Harris-Bridson.
Awards Season Stories — Talent Discussions from Top Contenders
Discussions with some of the top creators in film & TV as these awards contenders discuss various topics around creativity and technology and more. (Panelists coming soon!)
