J.R. “Sid” Stokes is a filmmaker and photographer from New York. From a very young age, J.R. has taken a strong interest in the art of storytelling, and hopes to continue having the privilege of curating films that push the boundaries of independent filmmaking.
Jacqueline Christy is an award-winning writer, director, and founder of Access Theater. She directed the short films REHEARSAL (Austin Film Festival) and OTHER PEOPLE (St Louis International Film Festival). Christy was awarded the Mary Pickford Award, the Woods Hole Emerging Director Award and was selected by SHOOT magazine for their New Directors Showcase. She received…
Oryan Landa (pronounced “O’Ryan”) has worked in the entertainment industry for over 15 years as an actor, casting assistant, acting coach, production assistant, and on-set teacher. Working primarily in television, his recent acting credits include Chicago Fire (NBC), The Blacklist (NBC), Walker (CW), Bull (CBS), East New York (CBS), and The Walking Dead: World Beyond (AMC). Behind the scenes, Oryan has worked as a casting…
Nicole Sylvester is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and educator known for creating bold, emotionally rich stories rooted in authenticity, identity, and resilience. Her debut feature film, Maya & Her Lover, marked her arrival as a writer-director with a distinct voice. The film premiered at American Black Film Festival and went on to win Best Director…
Richard Jordan has been in the business for 25+ years, casting for the last 15 for a wide variety of projects from independent film, commercials, music videos, voice over, print and live events. Most recent features include THE BLACK CHAPEL by KY Woo. POP POP, Romas Zabarauskus’s THE WRITER which secured European distribution, POUNDCAKE by Onur…
Lauren Elizabeth Harris is an award-winning actor, producer and founder of Pathway Pictures. She has starred in numerous roles on film, television and on the stage. Pathway’s projects include Family Tree (starring William Shatner and Tom Bergeron), Pink Moon (directed by SXSW alum Carol Brandt and starring Blu Del Barrio of Star Trek), Bat Sheva Guez’s Babies…
Dr. Rebekah Louisa Smith, The Film Festival Doctor, is a change agent. Her focus on film festivals and mental health is the first of its kind within the film industry. She creates new ways to approach festival strategies and redefine how to look after one’s mental health within the intense & rewarding world of the…
Dan is the founder of Soundview Media Partners. He entered the film distribution industry in 1984. He started in advertising, moved into sales in 1986 and by the mid-90’s came in from the cold entering into senior management for companies that included Fox Lorber Associates, The Disinformation Company and Koch Entertainment/Entertainment One where, for 7…
Feb 20, 2:15 PM-3:30 PM: Sustainable Filmmaking 101: Why It Matters and How to Get Started (Regal Union Square Theater 2)
Feb 20, 12:45 PM-2:00 PM: EDUCATION – Crash Course in Making Your First Feature Film (Regal Union Square Theater 2)
Feb 19, 12:45 PM-2:00 PM: EDUCATION – Film Festivals and How to Look After Your Mental Health (Regal Union Square Theater 2)
Feb 19, 3:45 PM-5:00 PM: EDUCATION – Independent Distribution Strategies (Regal Union Square Theater 2)
Feb 20, 3:45 PM-5:00 PM: EDUCATION – Producing 101 (Regal Union Square Theater 2)
Feb 19, 2:15 PM-3:30 PM: Casting Strategies for Indie Filmmakers & Actors (Regal Union Square Theater 2)