WORKSHOPS & MORE

WEDNESDAY
april 24th

1:00 PM, Five Flags Bijou Room
Advanced Screenwriting Techniques (90 minutes)
With Peter Meech

In this 90 minute workshop we’ll discuss story structure and the importance of backstory, which affects every part of a film. In addition, we’ll discuss how to transcend genre through dialogue, style and narrative technique. Participants in the workshop will have the opportunity to discuss their pitches as well as their current projects if they wish.

ABOUT PETER
Peter Meech is a multi-award winning writer, producer and director for television and film as well as an author and a playwright. Most recently he wrote, produced and directed the mystery thriller Around Robin. The award-winning film was acquired by Hewes Pictures and will have a theatrical release later this year. Peter's television credits include HBO's The Adventures of Tintin (for which he was also voice-talent), Emily of New Moon, Masked Rider,VR Troopers,Ready or Not, and Robert Halmi's Dracula: The Series. He is a member of the WGA, the Writer's Guild of Canada, BAFTA, SAG, the Dramatists Guild of America and ASCAP.

4:00pm, Five Flags Bijou Room
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES - BUILDING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS IN A NOISY WORLD (60 minutes)
With Nicole Almanza

In this workshop, we will be uncovering the secrets to fostering genuine connections and meaningful engagement in today/s crowded social media landscape. From community-building tactics to interactive content strategies, this workshop will offer practical tips for standing out and building lasting relationships online.

ABOUT NICOLE

My journey into the realm of meaningful connections began during my time at Waldorf University, where I immersed myself in the study of psychology and sociology. It was there that I first recognized the power of genuine human interaction and its ability to transform lives. Following my studies, I delved into various professional roles where I honed my skills in fostering authentic relationships and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. From my work with youth and juveniles to my awakening spiritual ventures, I have always been driven by the deep-rooted desire to uplift and inspire those around me. My passion for breaking barriers and redefining success led me to establish LezBeHonest, a platform dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices and fostering inclusive communities. Through LezBeHonest, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and guiding them towards their goals. In our workshops, I aim to share insights gained from my experiences, offering practical strategies for building genuine connections in an increasingly noisy world and challenging conventional notions of success in the digital age. Together, let’s embark on a journey of empowerment and transformation!

THURSDAY
APRIL 25TH

2:00pm, Five Flags Bijou Room
Film Distribution Through the Eyes of a Filmmaker
(60 minutes)
With Spero Stamboulis

A real and pragmatic view of the "true" mechanics of independent film distribution. The realities of the deal "not" on paper. How to evaluate a distributor or sales agent....they are not the same thing. What it really takes to make and distribute a film successfully. Here is an opportunity to learn from a producer who has completed and distributed 20 plus films and also crossed the line into distribution for the past six years.

ABOUT SPERO

Spero Stamboulis has been in the entertainment industry for almost 30 years. Over the past 15 years he has produced 25 features, a few TV series, many commercials and a documentary which is being theatrically released this year. Although he understood filmmaking he still had challenges with Film Sales and Distribution. Six years ago when Spero, in an unforeseen twist of fate, brought him into the world of film distribution. Now, armed with a profound understanding of both film production and distribution, Spero Stamboulis has seamlessly positioned himself as an invaluable resource for fellow filmmakers.

4:30pm, Five Flags Bijou Room
BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING: REDEFINING SUCCESS IN A SOCIAL MEDIA AGE (60 minutes)
With Nicole Almanza

This workshop will challenge the conventional wisdom of social media success by exploring the notion of a “glass ceiling” imposed by societal expectations. Attendees will learn strategies to shatter barriers, redefine success, and thrive authentically in the digital landscape.

ABOUT NICOLE

My journey into the realm of meaningful connections began during my time at Waldorf University, where I immersed myself in the study of psychology and sociology. It was there that I first recognized the power of genuine human interaction and its ability to transform lives. Following my studies, I delved into various professional roles where I honed my skills in fostering authentic relationships and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. From my work with youth and juveniles to my awakening spiritual ventures, I have always been driven by the deep-rooted desire to uplift and inspire those around me. My passion for breaking barriers and redefining success led me to establish LezBeHonest, a platform dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices and fostering inclusive communities. Through LezBeHonest, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and guiding them towards their goals. In our workshops, I aim to share insights gained from my experiences, offering practical strategies for building genuine connections in an increasingly noisy world and challenging conventional notions of success in the digital age. Together, let’s embark on a journey of empowerment and transformation!

FRIDAY
APRIL 26TH

1:00pm, Five Flags Bijou Room
How Can Sound Design Help Tell Your Story? (Seminar)
With Erik Lundmark

This seminar will be around 90mins. We listen to film clips and analyze how the sound design is used to help tell the story. From mood setting ambience to specific sound effects, both natural and unnatural to enhance the story. Sometimes music helps and sometimes the lack of music makes a stronger impact.

ABOUT ERIK

Erik Lundmark (Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Composer) is the CEO of Leomark Studios, a film production, post-production, and distribution company based in Los Angeles. Erik came to Los Angeles from Sweden in 1992, following a successful career as a jazz composer and band leader. He graduated from USC’s prestigious program in Advanced Scoring for Film and Television, where he studied with Jerry Goldsmith, and has scored more than 40 independent features, including the cult classic STAR LEAF (2015) and the star-studded documentary CINEMABILITY: THE ART OF INCLUSION (2018).

2:30pm, Hotel Julien River Room
Demystifying Film Sales and Acquisitions: Insider Tips for Selling Your Film
With Tenten Wei

Are you a filmmaker ready to take the next step in selling your film? Join Tenten for an insightful workshop on the intricate world of film sales and acquisitions. Led by industry veterans and experts in the field, this workshop will provide invaluable guidance and insider tips to help you navigate the complex process of selling your film to distributors and buyers. Key topics that will be covered:
Packaging your film for sale: Learn how to create compelling marketing materials (trailers, posters, press kits)
Understanding distribution deals: Gain insights into the different types of distribution deals available.
Navigating the sales process: From film markets to pitch meetings, discover various avenues for showcasing your film.
and more..

About Tenten:

Tenten Wei has been in the industry for a decade working as a producer and international sales agent. Her knowledge in global markets is unmatched, having partnered with a wide range of international distributors as well as worked on international co productions. Tenten is currently working as the Head of  Distribution for EST Studios, She has also been a consultant for Tiger Pictures, where she consulted on big international titles such as Hi, Mom and I Am What I Am. Prior to joining EST, she was the director of acquisition and distribution at Starlight Media and worked on Hollywood blockbusters Midway, Malignant, and Umma. Before working at Starlight, she was at Instrum International and few other worldwide distributors as the Head of Asia Sales . She began her career at Jilin Television in China. Wei is now based in Los Angeles

3:00pm, Five Flags Bijou Room
Advanced Screenwriting Techniques (ENCORE)
With Peter Meech

5:00pm, Five Flags Bijou Room
Engagement Strategies 101: Building Meaningful Connection in a Noisy World (ENCORE)
With Nicole Almanza

SATURDAY
APRIL 27TH

12:00pm, Hotel Julien River Room
Legal Issues in Film Distribution (60 minutes)
With Robert Darwell and Alex Akhavan

Having mastered the skills to secure money and talent to produce a film or documentary, the next major obstacle to success is securing distribution. This workshop addresses the legal issues and strategies presented in successfully licensing and distributing your film.

ABOUT ROBERT AND ALEX

Robert Darwell and Alex Akhavan of the top global media law firm, Sheppard Mullin, have worked on the development, production, and distribution of hundreds of major studio, streamer, and independent films and documentaries, including such titles as AIR, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, A HERO, SUPERVILLAIN: THE MAKING OF TEKASHI 6IX9INE, WILDCAT, BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, THE QUEEN.

Darwell, whose latest documentary BLACK UNIFORM is screening this year at JDIFF is currently representing the producers of Better Man, a $25 million North American distribution deal at Paramount, the top indie deal in years.

1:30pm, Hotel Julien River Room
Music: A Documentary Filmmaker’s Best Friend
(60 minutes)
With Maureen Gosling

Join award-winning documentary filmmaker Maureen Gosling in a discussion about the creative use of music within documentary filmmaking. Maureen will share clips from her 50+year career as a filmmaker - including selections from her longtime collaborative work with documentarian Les Blank (BURDEN OF DREAMS, ALWAYS FOR PLEASURE, GARLIC IS AS GOOD AS TEN MOTHERS). See Maureen's new documentary THE 9 LIVES OF BARBARA DANE as a JDIFF official selection.

ABOUT MAUREEN

Gosling has been a documentary filmmaker for 50 years. She has worked as director, producer, editor, sound recordist and distributor. Producer/Director credits include the feature doc THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC! (premiered SXSW), with Chris Simon, on the legacy of American roots music record producer, Chris Strachwitz; and the feature doc BLOSSOMS OF FIRE, on the Isthmus Zapotecs of Oaxaca, Mexico (HBO Latino). Gosling edited PLEISTOCENE PARK (VICE); THE LONG SHADOW (PBS); A NEW COLOR (PBS) and many other docs. She is best known for her 20-year collaboration (as co-filmmaker, editor, sound recordist) with the late Les Blank on more than 20 films, including BURDEN OF DREAMS (BAFTA for Best Documentary 1982). For the last 20 years, she has worked with Producer Jed Riffe on nine films, including CALIFORNIA’S “LOST” TRIBES, of the PBS series CALIFORNIA AND THE AMERICAN DREAM. Gosling is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences.

2:45pm, Hotel Julien River Room
Crowdfunding to Build Independence (60 minutes)
With Megan Ross

Most people think about crowdfunding simply as a fundraising tool, but we're going to show you how it's so much more than that. Discover how to have a successful crowdfunding campaign... and career! You’ll learn how to find your audience, structure your crowdfunding campaign, pick the right goal and incentives, and more.

ABOUT Meghan
Meghan Ross is the Head of Creator Success at Seed&Spark and previously worked for VICELAND and SundanceTV. She’s also an Austin-based writer/director/comedian who was selected for Women at Sundance | Adobe Fellowship, Sundance Episodic Lab, and NewNarratives grant from NewFilmmakers LA & Warner Bros. Discovery’s OneFifty for her half-hour comedy Here to Make Friends (also her personal tagline). Her shorts made The New Yorker’s Best Shouts of 2020 list, she was nominated for The Webby Awards, and she hosted the late night show That Time of the Month for 5 years. Most importantly, Meghan’s an aspiring stage mom to her rescue pit-lab, Dreidel.

SUNDAY
APRIL 28TH

1:00pm, Hotel Julien River Room
JDIFF Jury and Selection Process:
With JDIFF Jurors and Executive Director Susan Gorrell

Hear from the JDIFF Jurors and Executive Director Susan Gorrell on their selection process and any other festival questions you may have. What helps or hinders your film from being selected? What are the deciding factors for winning and being selected? All the questions you are dying to ask, you now have that opportunity.

3:30pm Hotel Julien River Room
Demystifying Film Sales and Acquisitions: Insider Tips for Selling Your Film (ENCORE)
With Tenten Wei