If the film and TV industry has one truth, it’s this: There is no single path to success. Pixar showrunner Mike Jones is proof of that, and he’ll be sharing insights into his journey— and what you can expect from your own — at IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking Summit taking place in Los Angeles November 2.
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Jones has had an inspiring and unique journey in the film world. Born in San Antonio, Texas, he started as a film journalist after graduating from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in the mid ’90s, serving as managing editor for Filmmaker Magazine and executive editor of IndieWire. His first screenplay was produced in 2001 when he was 30: “EvenHand” was a small indie that played at SXSW, Tribeca, and AFI Fest. But as so many writers have realized, getting one film produced did not mean he could leave his day jobs behind. More journalism roles followed, including as managing editor for film festivals at Variety.
When he was 40, he got his big break when his screenplay “In the Event of a Moon Disaster” landed on The Black List. GKIDS hired him to write the English-language screenplay translations of “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” and “The Wind Rises.” That brought him to the attention of Pixar, where he became part of the senior creative teams for “Coco,” “Incredibles 2,” “Toy Story 4,” “Turning Red,” “Lightyear,” “Elemental,” and “Inside Out 2,” and served as a writer on “Soul” and “Luca.” He’s now the creator of the upcoming Pixar miniseries “Dream Productions,” which will premiere on Disney+ on December 11.
There’s no way to replicate Jones’s career and the point is you shouldn’t try — you need to find your own path. But Jones’ journey shows the unique way one thing can lead to another and how you can spring into action when opportunity knocks. He’ll share those insights at the Future of Filmmaking Summit.
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.
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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 unique career of Mike Jones, tracing his early days in the indie film scene to his transition into a full-time role at Pixar. As creator of Pixar’s upcoming series “Dream Productions” and writer on some of the studio’s most acclaimed films, including “Luca” and “Soul”, hear about the Pixar process and how Jones’ background in independent film help inform his current approach as a storyteller. For anyone looking to make their mark in both independent and mainstream cinema, this panel is for you.
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.
Award Season Stories – Disney: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Discover how Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes uses performance capture to bring complex, emotionally rich characters to life. This panel features the film’s creative team and actors, sharing insights on how cutting-edge technology and powerful performances drive the storytelling in this awards season contender.
Wes Ball
Director
Erik Winquist
Visual Effects Supervisor
Kevin Durand
Actor
