April 27, 2012 – 8:30am - 2:00pm
8:30 – 9:15am Registration
9:15 – 9:30am Opening Remarks
9:30 – 10:15am The Power Players in Film
Top studio chiefs and producers will explore what it means to be successful in film. With the rising importance of international markets, what sorts of projects are impacting audiences worldwide?
*What is critical to connect with evolving audiences, such as staying ahead of digital marketing and distribution trends?
*What is the state of dealmaking for independent and character-driven projects that often have origins outside of the U.S.? How do you translate the often critical success of these projects into box office and profit?
*What are filmmaking stories behind projects that will launch in 2012?
Moderator:Tim O'Hair, Head of Production, Parallel Media
Confirmed Speakers: Basil Iwanyk, Producer, Thunder Road Pictures (Clash of the Titans, The Town, The Expendables 1 and 2, Wrath of the Titans)
Stuart Ford, Founder & CEO, IM Global
Nigel Sinclair, Co-Chairman & CEO, Exclusive Media
Leslie Urdang, President, Olympus Pictures & Producer, Beginners
Doug Hansen, President & COO, Endgame Entertainment
10:15 – 11:00am Keynote Q & A with Graham King, Producer & Partner, GK Films
11:00 – 11:15am Networking Break
11:15 – 12:00pm Global Television Hitmakers
As the U.K.’s Downton Abbey has become beloved on both sides of the pond – what is key in successfully importing and/or translating programming based elsewhere for U.S. audiences? And what types of formats and storylines are American producers embracing because of their potential to travel well worldwide? Top TV executive and producers will explore the process of international hitmaking.
*What storylines and formats can be universally entertaining?
*What does it say about the ongoing success of UK actors, talent and personalities in popular shows, also including Game of Thrones and True Blood?
*What projects are there in development that may be primed for international appeal?
Confirmed Speaker: Paul Abbott, Creator & Executive Producer, Shameless
Gareth Neame, Managing Director, NBCUniversal International & Executive Producer, Downton Abbey
Jane Tranter, Head, BBC Worldwide Productions
12:00 – 12:30pm Opportunities with U.K. Tax Incentives
A look at how filmmakers can take advantage of incentives when shooting projects in the UK.
Confirmed Speakers: Andy Weltman, EVP, US Production, British Film Commission
Mary Ann Hughes, VP Film & TV Production Planning, Disney
12:30 – 1:30pm Networking Lunch