Independent Filmmaker Conference

September 15-19, 2013

Pass Purchase available July 2013

IFP’s Filmmaker Conference gives emerging and established writers, directors, producers, and creators the opportunity to explore the art and business of 21st century storytelling.

Whether the story is told through film, television, online, or new media, the Filmmaker Conference presents opportunities for all to learn how great projects can connect with audiences and stand out in a crowded marketplace. The Conference also surveys new possibilities for sustaining a long-term creative career.

Taking place during IFP’s annual Independent Film Week – a one-of-a-kind event bringing the international film community together to celebrate, advocate, and introduce new voices on the independent scene – the Filmmaker Conference consists of a variety of small group & networking activities, hands-on workshops, keynotes with innovators and icons, and in-depth creative master classes.

2012 Program Highlights

Keynotes and highlights from last year’s conference included producer Christine Vachon and Focus Features’ James Schamus, transmedia producer Michel Reilhac, Ford Foundation director Orlando Bagwell, and a conversation with Oscar-nominated screenwriter JC Chandor. Plus pitch workshops, a case study of “Beasts of the Southern Wild”, and Meet the Decision Makers – real meetings for Conference passholders with top distributors, agents & managers, and filmmakers’ grants and fellowships.

See last year’s archive here. Past speakers have included: filmmakers & storytellers Joe Berlinger (Paradise Lost), Lee Daniels (Precious), Lena Dunham (HBO’s “Girls”), Daniel Minahan (“Game of Thrones”), A.O. Scott (The New York Times), Kevin Smith (Red State), Timo Vuorensola (Iron Sky), Caveh Zahedi (I Am A Sex Addict), producers Jon Kilik, Peter Saraf, and Ted Hope, creative executives Mark Ankner (WME), Josh Braun (Submarine Entertainment), Steve Coulson (Campfire Media), Geoff Gilmore (Tribeca Enterprises), Micah Green & Roeg Sutherland (CAA), Franklin Leonard (Founder, The Black List), Wendy Levy (New Arts Axis), Dylan Marchetti (Variance Films), Sheila Nevins (HBO Documentary), Keri Putnam (Sundance Institute), John Sloss (Cinetic Media), Bec Smith (UTA), Molly Thompson (A&E IndieFilms), and Diane Weyermann (Participant Media), and case studies on� How to Survive a Plague, Buck, Bill Cunningham New York, Tiny Furniture, Winter’s Bone, and Restrepo, among many others.