Post-Pandemic Hollywood: Fi Forum Has a Plan for Getting Back to Work
It’s the big question on everyone’s mind these days: when can I go back to work? And for those of us in the film industry—especially on the production side—the issue is particularly fraught. Film crews are, by nature, exactly the sorts of tightly cloistered pop-up communities that a coronavirus cluster might eye while licking its lips, dinner napkin tucked in collar, a knife and fork in each hand. So short of a sudden miracle cure or several unbroken months of compliant, un-politicized lockdown—ha!—safely returning to the film set is going to require a major re-think of the way our interconnected Hollywood ecosystem does business.
Luckily, the Film Independent Forum has always provided a venue for forward-thinking ideas about how the operational side of the visual storytelling sphere can continue to evolve. And this year is no different, despite the venerable industry con’s move to virtual platforms, returning this week: July 31-August 7. With a vast slate of case studies, panels and special events meant to equip filmmakers for sustained career success, this year’s Forum will of course address issues of moviemaking during the age of COVID-19—at every stage of production.
With passes currently available in advance of Friday’s kickoff, we wanted to highlight just a few upcoming panels specifically addressing issues of the pandemic and post-pandemic recovery…
PRE-PRODUCTION
Panel: Production ReSet (Part I – Pre-Production)
When: available beginning July 31
Where: On Demand – more info
Description: Fundamental business practices are being rearranged in response to the threats and realities of the coronavirus. The session will cover the elements impacting film development and pre-production decisions: completion bonds and insurance requirements, possibility of government underwriting, minimums for talent protection, health and safety line items, creative solutions to incorporate distancing regulations on-screen and conflicting national protocols.
Featuring: Justine Avera (ABI Insurance), Amanda Marshall (Producer; Swiss Army Man, Don’t Think Twice), Katie McNeill (Hunting Lane), Duncan Crabtree-Ireland (SAG-AFTRA); moderated by Film Independent’s Josh Welsh.
PRODUCTION WORKFLOW
Panel: Hot Set: New Production Workflows in the COVID-19 Age
When: available beginning August 7
Where: On Demand – more info
Description: As certain states and countries are still figuring out production in the midst of a pandemic, there are some places where production is already underway. Case in point; numerous films and TV shows have been shooting for a few months in Mississippi. Hear directly from those in the trenches about how they’re currently running their sets while following safety guidelines, and how these protocols are impacting production schedules and costs.
Featuring: Braxton Pope (Producer, Paul Schrader’s The Card Counter), Angela Tarrant (Executive Producer, HGTV’s Home Town), Diego Velasco (Co-Executive Producer, Netflix’s Social Distance); moderated by Nina Parikh (Director, Mississippi Film Office).
PRODUCTION SAFETY
Panel: Production ReSet (Part II –Production)
When: available beginning August 1
Where: On Demand – more info
Description: Heightened risk assessment standards for film sets are fundamental to moving forward as productions make accommodations for health and safety. Producers and executives detail the critical problems that need solving: hair/makeup/wardrobe logistics, catering and craft service issues, transportation specifics, shooting schedule adjustments, workflow shifts, location needs and remote post-production workarounds.
Featuring: Stephen Love Jr. (Made with Love Media), Alison Roney (BRON), Kelly Todd (Endeavor Content), Daniel Uslan (UCLA Health); moderated by Film Independent’s Josh Welsh.
FESTIVALS & MARKETING (US)
Panel: Festivals, Awards and Beyond (Part I –US)
When: available beginning August 1
Where: On Demand – more info
Description: As the toll of the COVID-19 crisis on the film release calendar year becomes clear, we gather a group of programmers, curators, awards representatives and strategists to explore the current and future cycle of festivals, and recalibrate their influence on the release and life of a film.
Featuring: Eugene Hernandez (New York Film Festival), David Magdael (David Magdael & Associates), Lorenza Muñoz (Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences), Janet Pierson (South by Southwest); moderated by Film Independent’s Setu Reval.
FESTIVALS & MARKETING (INT’L)
Panel: Festivals, Awards and Beyond (Part II –International)
When: available beginning August 2
Where: On Demand – more info
Description: As the toll of the COVID-19 crisis on the film release calendar year becomes clear, we gather a group of programmers, curators, awards representatives and strategists to explore the current and future cycle of regional international festivals, and recalibrate their influence on the release and life of a film.
Featuring: Paolo Bertolin (Venice International Film Festival, Cannes Directors Fortnight), Sergio Fant (Berlinale), Mathilde Henrot (Locarno Film Festival; Co-Founder, Festival Scope), Tim Redford (Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival), Mira Staleva (Sofia International Film Festival); moderated by Anu Rangachar.
DISTRIBUTION
Panel: The Future of Distribution is Now: New Paradigms
When: available beginning August 5
Where: On Demand – more info
Description: In the context of the current health crisis, its impact and aftermath, we take a view at the different models that are emerging to release films under the new normal: world premieres on streaming platforms, theatrical/streaming hybrids, drive-in theaters and new or reimagined theatrical experiences.
Featuring: Richard Abramowitz (Abramorama), Ira Deutchman (Deutchman Company Inc.), Wendy Lidell (Kino Lorber), Ted Mundorff (Arclight Cinemas); moderated by Jordana Meade (ITVS).
Look forward to all of these–and many other topics!–at the 2020 Film Independent Forum, starting this Friday, July 31. Be sure to check out our complete schedule and list of speakers and panelists.
Conference passes are $49 for Film Independent Members and $99 the general public. Filmmaker Pro and Arts Circle Members receive complimentary passes. For more information about this year’s Film Independent Forum, to purchase a pass click here.
The 2020 Film Independent Forum is supported by Premier Sponsor SAGindie, and University Partner Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television. Film Independent promotes unique independent voices by helping filmmakers create and advance new work.
To become a Member of Film Independent, just click here. New Members who join during the month of June always receive 30% off a general two-year Membership.