FILM SEMINARS

The DC Film Seminars are a program held throughout the course of the DC Independent Film Festival
(DCIFF) and are under DCIFF jurisdiction.  Any requests for information, comments or if you are a
potential/current panelist with questions, all correspondence should be directed to seminars@dciff.org.

Full Schedule with Descriptions and Prices available from www.dciff.org/.

To purchase advanced tickets for the seminar series, please click here.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2005

2:00 – 4:30 pm International Roundtable - Invited Guests Only
Studio 3
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT

5:00 – 6:15 pm Master Class - Academy Award winning filmmaker John Daly ($25)
Theatre, Main Floor
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT
Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the most successful independent feature film
producers in the industry. Throughout his career, Daly has produced medium budget and blockbuster
films, including "The Terminator" and others that have, in total, garnered (21) Oscar nominations and
thirteen (13) Oscars, including unprecedented back-to-back Best Picture Oscars for, “Platoon” and
“The Last Emperor.” His films have won numerous Golden Globes, Cannes Film Festival awards (twice),
Berlin Film Festival, and Independent Spirit Awards. In this spotlight discussion, Daly shares his
expertise and experience with our audience. Register early!

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FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2005

10:00 –11:20 am Advocacy Forum - New Incentives in Film Financing & Production (Free)
Theatre, Main Floor
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT
The new Jobs Act creates the single best tax incentive for independent film and video producers
working in U.S. today and is expected to open the gates to many new film financing opportunities.
Our panel of experts will discuss this new law as well as important state and local efforts to support
independent filmmakers.
Moderator:Joanne Cassidy, Esq.
Panelists: Jonathan Selib, Counsel, Democratic Tax Counsel, US Senate Finance Committee
Rita McClenny, Director, Virginia Film Office
Crystal Palmer, Director, Office of Motion Picture and TV Development, District of Columbia
Jack Gerbes, Director, Maryland Film Commission

11:30-12:45 pm Advocacy Forum - Key Issues in Independent Film & Media Today (Free)
Theatre, Main Floor
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Panelists will address the following issues:
Media consolidation: The landscape of American film, broadcast and cable programming is
changing rapidly. Much of this change results from recent studio and broadcaster mergers. How
have these mergers effected competition among broadcast outlets and multi-channel video
providers, (cable, DBS)? What are the potential effects on the need for new video programming
and production? Experts discuss new rulings by the FCC and potential impact on the independent
film and video markets.
Recent FCC indecency rulings: 2004 saw the FCC becoming far more assertive in persuing
'indecent' broadcast program violators (e.g., Janet Jackson and Howard Stern). Aggressive
regulation policy directly impacts broadcast programming and may have implication for cable and
other venues. Learn how independent film and video artists may be effected.
Globalization issues impacting Independent Filmmakers: The current UNESCO cultural
diversity convention may impact working U.S. independent filmmakers who seek to finance or
market their films abroad. Our expert will discuss potential issues.
Copyright Policy and Enforcement: Copyright issues challenge all filmmakers who use third party
work in their film projects. Patricia Aufdereide, Director of the Center for Social Media discusses these
issues and offers potential solutions.
Moderator:Joanne Cassidy, Esq.
Panelists:Jane Cowley, PhD. Foreign Affairs Office, U.S. State Department
Lisa Fowlkes, Asst. Bureau Chief, Enforcement, FCC
Erin Dozier, Special Advisor, Media Ownership, FCC
Patricia Aufderheide, Director, Center for Social Media, School of Communication, American University

12:45 - 1:45 pm Advocacy Forum Lunch (Invitation only)
VIP Room
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1:30 – 2: 45 pm Get Production Work that Pays ($25)
Studio 3
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The ever changing film and video market means that production professionals need to be on top
of all sources of paying work in the DC Metro area. Our panel of experts will help you learn how to
find work with in the DC Metro area in both government and private industries.
Moderator: Ed Baxter, Washington Picture Works
Panelists:Glen Scimanelli, Sen.Producer, U.S. Food and Drug Admn.
Rich Field, Richfield Productions Team Group TV, Representative
Linda Maslow, President, Maslow Media
Dan Sonnett, Sonnett Media Group, LLC.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2005

9:30 am - 11:00 am Use of Music in Independent Film & Video (25$)
Studio 3
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT
Our experts discuss issues and solutions for visual media creators and legal professionals grappling
with the use of music. Our focus will be on licensing music for film and television and commercial
production as well as soundtrack deals. Business and legal issues as well as recent case rulings
will be discussed.
Moderator: Jeffrey Cohen, Millen, White, Zelano & Branigan
Panelists:Michael Steger, Counsel “America's Most Wanted"
Sandra Fair, Discovery Communications, Inc.

11:00 am – 12:30 am Directing and Acting in Independent Features Film (25$)
Studio 4
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Independent film and video projects present special challenges to directors and actors. Micro budgets,
limited equipment, tight time schedules impact the creative process. Our panel of experts will discuss
their successful solutions to help you meet these challenges.
Moderator: Randall Blair, Filmmaker, Prof. Of Communications, American University
Panelists:Paul McKellips, Director
Scott Morgan , Actor
Jane Love, SAGIndie

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Successful Feature Film Producers ($25)
Studio 3
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A terrific panel of top feature film producers from the independent film community
share their advice, experience and insights. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from
these respected professionals.
Moderator: Maurita Coley, Esq.
Panelists: Bill Durkin, Producer, Raising Arizona (1987), Miller's Crossing (1990),
Barton Fink (1991) Caught (1996), Whatever (1998).
Bill Wararell, Producer, Crazy Like a Fox (2003), Maker of Saints (in production 2005),
Night of Fire (development 2005)
Cynthia Ann Geary, Producer

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm How to Make and Market Documentary Films (25$)
Studio 4
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We have gathered leading documentary producers to speak on this panel. Our panelist have
had their work distributed by PBS, National Geographic, Discovery and in theatres. Learn from
their expertise and experience how to create, develop and market your documentary project.
Moderator: Joanne Cassidy, Esq.
Panelists: Judy Hallet, Co-producer, Director (Witness to Hope, American Buffalo)
David Clark, Producer, Writer, Director Emmy award winner, large format (Galapagos, Whales)
Chris Palmer, Distinguished Producer in Residence, American University
Ginny Durrin, Durrin Productions

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm What the Networks Want (25$)
Studio 3
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A panel of executives from the areas' top broadcasters share their insider views on the kinds
of programming that the networks want to buy and offer advice on how to get your ideas heard
by the right decision-makers.
Moderator: Maurita Coley, Esq.
Panelists: Jane Latman, Manger Program Acquisitions, Discovery Times Channel
Loretta Edwards, Manager Network Program Acquisitions – BET
Christine Kuppens, former VP Programming, National Geographic Channel
Jeff Meier, VP Programming – TV One

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2005

10:30 - 12:00 Filmmaker Symposium (Free)
Indie Stage, Main Floor
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT
Regional and local filmmakers gather to discuss issues directly impacting local production work,
including incentives needed to generate more film and video production work in the DC/MDVA area.
Moderator: Rosemarie Levy, IATSE, Local 487

1:00 - 2:30 pm Successful Strategies for Marketing Your Film ($25)
Studio 3
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT
This seminar may be one of the most important seminars we offer to filmmakers who are beginning
production, have a work in progress or have a film in the can that they want to sell. All independent
filmmakers face special challenges promoting their work, attracting distributors and filling seats in a
theatre. Learn the most effective marketing techniques from experienced professionals (e.g., micro
budget marketing, grassroots promotions and film festival strategy.)
Moderator:Ed Baxter, Washington Picture Works
Panelists:Connie Poole, Terry Hines & Associates
Matt Cowal, Marketing Manager Landmark Theatres
Carol Bidault, President, Mediafusion, DCIFF
Flo Stone, Director, Environmental Film Festival

2:30 - 4:00 pm Meet the DCIFF Filmmakers (Free)
Indie Stage, Main Floor
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT
Mark Rupert (President, 48 Hourfilm Project) moderates this discssion with DCIFF filmmakers where
he explores the unique road each filmmaker has traveled to get their film made and into the competition.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2005

12:00 – 1:30 pm Master Class – Strategies for Distributing Your Film
Indie Stage, Main Floor
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS EVENT
Our experts discuss creative solutions to finding distribution for your film and video projects,
through festivals, television, DVD sales and online distribution methods.
Moderated discussion:
Panelists:Carol Bidault, Mediafusion, DCIFF PBS, Representative Video Labs, Representative