IndieWire | Future of Filmmaking Summit

Join top industry professionals in conversation with IndieWire editors to learn more about what may be next for both emerging and established filmmakers in what we all know is one of the more shifting, uncertain landscapes for creatives in recent memory — maybe ever.

IndieWire’s first Future of Filmmaking Summit will be packed with insightful discussions on the future of storytelling, technology, and new distribution opportunities in an increasingly digital and globalized market.

Network with industry peers, exchange ideas, and spark inspiration throughout the summit. Featuring a premium breakfast, lunch, and cocktail reception, this is more than just a day of learning — it’s a chance to form meaningful connections that could shape the future of your next project.

Don’t miss your chance to join this forward-looking conversation and position yourself for success in the ever-changing world of entertainment.

Bonus - every attendee will receive a 6-month trial of Canva Pro, the online visual communications and collaboration platform to design stunning, professional pitch decks, treatments, films posters and more that capture the attention of producers and executives. With premium features at your fingertips, you’ll be able to perfect your pitch and bring your next big project to life.

How to Get Your Film Seen: New Takes on Audience, Funding, and Buyers

This one has it all: Exclusive research, real numbers, and the unexpected opportunities in theaters and at home for filmmakers who have found a world beyond the competitive festival circuit. Panelists will share intel on emerging strategies and success stories, providing key insights into how filmmakers can thrive in today’s ever-changing distribution landscape.

Keri Putnam
Founder, Putnam Pictures

Brian Newman
Principal, Sub-Genre Films

Sam Harowitz
Senior VP Content Acquisition and Partnerships, Tubi

Pitch Your Project: Why Producers Now Expect More

A Canva representative will take the stage alongside emerging and established filmmakers to showcase how Canva’s platform is transforming the way filmmakers pitch their ideas. Learn directly from the pros and get insider tips to craft a pitch deck that stands out in today’s competitive industry!

Reby Silverman
Global Brand Partnerships Lead, Canva

Jeremie Cander
Writer & Director

Jonas Agin
Executive Producer, Disney, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

Nick Moceri
Producer, The Kindergarten Teacher

Greg Barker
Director, Ghosts of Beirut, Sergio

Presented by Canva

How Filmmakers Are - and Aren't - Using AI

Every day brings another AI announcement, but our panel will look beyond the money, the controversy, and the hype to discuss the ideas and products most likely to be meaningful for you. AI guru Dave Clark and and Erik Weaver, Director, Adaptive Production at ETC, will unpack this hot topic, exploring how AI tools are already reshaping the creative process, from scriptwriting to post-production, and what the future holds for filmmakers looking to leverage this technology in practical and innovative ways.

Dave Clark
Filmmaker & Futurist

Brian Solomon
Creative Technology Director, Framestore

Erick Weaver
Director, Adaptive Production

Diana Williams
CEO & Co-founder, Kinetic Energy Entertainment

From Indie Films to Pixar: A Career Case Study with Mike Jones

Join us as we explore the remarkable career of Mike Jones, tracing his early days in the indie film scene to his transition into a full-time role at Pixar. This panel will dive into the challenges, creative risks, and breakthrough moments that shaped his path as a storyteller. Discover how his perseverance and indie sensibilities influenced his work at one of the world’s most renowned animation studios, and learn key insights for filmmakers looking to make their mark in both independent and mainstream cinema.

Mike Jones
Director, Pixar Animated Studios

Turning Low-Budget Horror into Box Office Hits

This panel will explore the journey of independent film financing through Terrifier 3, examining both its financial success and creative direction, which began as a $35,000 indie project. Cineverse's Yolanda Macias and Brandon Hill will discuss how this third film achieved incredible box office success, surpassing $50 million worldwide, building on the franchise's growth and popularity. Terrifier 3 exemplifies the potential for indie films to thrive in the competitive horror market and sets a promising precedent for future projects.

Brandon Hill
Executive Director of Acquisitions, Cineverse

Yolanda Macias
Chief Content Officer and Head of Digital Sales, Cineverse

Presented by SAGindie

We are excited for you to join this forward-looking conversation and position yourself for success in the ever-changing world of entertainment.

How to Get Your Film Seen: New Takes on Audience, Funding, and Buyers

This one has it all: Exclusive research, real numbers, and the unexpected opportunities in theaters and at home for filmmakers who have found a world beyond the competitive festival circuit. The panelists will share intel on emerging strategies and success stories, providing key insights into how filmmakers can thrive in today’s ever-changing distribution landscape.

Keri Putnam
Founder, Putnam Pictures

Brian Newman
Principal, Sub-Genre Films

Sam Harowitz
Senior VP Content Acquisition and Partnerships, Tubi

Pitch Your Project: Why Producers Now Expect More

Reby Silverman
Global Brand Partnerships Lead, Canva

Jeremie Cander
Writer & Director

Jonas Agin
Executive Producer, Disney, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place

Nick Moceri
Producer, The Kindergarten Teacher

Greg Barker
Director, Ghosts of Beirut, Sergio

Presented by Canva

How Filmmakers Are - and Aren't - Using AI

Every day brings another AI-in-Hollywood announcement, but our panel will look beyond the money and the controversy to discuss what’s happening now — and the hype that you can ignore. AI guru Dave Clark, Erik Weaver, director of adaptive production at ETC, Diana Williams, CEO and co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment, and Framestore’s Creative Technology Director Brian Solomon will tell you what really matters in the current AI conversation and what filmmakers should look for next.

Dave Clark
Filmmaker & Futurist

Brian Solomon
Creative Technology Director, Framestore

Erik Weaver
Director, Adaptive Production

Diana Williams
CEO & Co-founder, Kinetic Energy Entertainment

From Indie Films to Pixar: A Career Case Study with Mike Jones

Join us as we explore the unique career of Mike Jones, tracing his early days in the indie film scene to his transition into a full-time role at Pixar. As creator of Pixar's upcoming series "Dream Productions" and writer on some of the studio's most acclaimed films, including "Luca" and "Soul", hear about the Pixar process and how Jones' background in independent film help inform his current approach as a storyteller. For anyone looking to make their mark in both independent and mainstream cinema, this panel is for you.

Mike Jones
Director, Pixar Animated Studios

Award Season Stories - Disney: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Discover how Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes uses performance capture to bring complex, emotionally rich characters to life. This panel features the film's creative team and actors, sharing insights on how cutting-edge technology and powerful performances drive the storytelling in this awards season contender.

Wes Ball
Director

Erik Winquist
Visual Effects Supervisor

Kevin Durand
Actor

Presented by The Walt Disney Studios

Turning Low-Budget Horror into Box Office Hits

Brandon Hill
Executive Director of Acquisitions, Cineverse

Yolanda Macias
Chief Content Officer, Cineverse

Presented by SAGindie