Festival Events / Schedule

BronzeLens Film Festival staff is hard at work pulling together quality workshops, panel discussions, Master Classes, and other special events that will enlighten, educate and entertain you!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

8:00am Registration: Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atrium, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE,
Atlanta, 30303
9:00am - 10:00am Production in Georgia: Status Report
Production in the state has grown to into a multi-billion dollar industry. Tax incentives have made the state highly competitive. What can be done to ensure that Georgia continues this phenomenal growth?

Panel:
Lee Thomas, Interim Director, Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office
Ric Reitz, Georgia Production Partners, Legislative Co-chair
Stacii Johnson, Office of the Mayor, City of Atlanta

Moderator:
Deidre McDonald, Artistic Director, BronzeLens Film Festival
10:30am - 12:00pm Distribution Options for Independent Filmmakers
Panelists engaged in television, film and online distribution means will share the trends for getting your film to the widest audience possible.

Panel:
Tanya Wright, Butterfly Rising
Noni Nicolas, BET Networks
Jonathan “Xan” Alexander, Tap It
Paul Butler, Senior Vice President,/General Counsel, gmc

Moderator:
Michell L. Davis, Register/Lett LLP
11:30am Scripts That Get Green Lit
Experienced screenwriters will share what a script must have to get optioned and ultimately on the screen.

Panel:

Ty Johnston, Founder of the Atlanta Pitch Summit
Meena Payne, Director of Development, Rainforest Films
Rhonda Baraka, writer, producer, ToKo Films
T.C. Gunter, screenwriter, story consultant

Moderator:
Elle Richardson, actress, filmmaker

Noon - 1:00pm Lunch on your own
1:00pm - 4:00pm 10 Distribution Secrets: What They Don't Want You To Know
Barrett Dunghy, VP of TA-DAH! Agency has worked successfuly across many entertainment genres. He will share his insight into how to better produce content that will lead to distribution deals. Barrett was responsible for shopping distribution deals for Tyler Perry’s, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, I Can Do Bad All By Myself and Madea’s Family Reunion; Michael Baisden’s, Maintenance Man; Jerome Dickey’s, Friends and Lovers; the iconic Davey and Goliath feature films; The Touch, The Last Adam, Section 8, Zoe Saldana (Star Track and Avatar) feature The Curse of Father Cardona which combined have grossed over $32 million dollars in the marketplace.
3:00pm - 7:30pm Screenings at Georgia Pacific Theater, 133 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta 30303
4:15pm - 6:00pm Marketing 101
What is the most effective way to reach your target audience? What are the tools you can utilize to brand your film? Experienced film marketers share their secrets on reaching that critical group of movie goers that can be the tipping point for you. They can also share strategies for reaching the international market.

Panel:
Tirrell Whittley, Liquid Soul Media
Deatra Harris, Kinyarwanda

Moderator:
Rachel Watanabe-Bratton, marketing consultant, Diversity Chair, Producer's Guild East
8:00pm Screening – We the Party, directed by Mario Van Peebles – Regal Theatres, Atlantic Station, 261 19th Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
10:00pm Opening Night Welcome Party: Strip Restaurant, Atlantic Station, 245 18th Street, Atlanta GA  30363
 

Friday, November 11, 2011

8:00am

Registration: Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atrium, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE,
Atlanta, 30303

9:00am - 10:00am What Every Filmmaker Needs to Know About Film Critics
Film Critics offer an analysis and evaluation of films, individually and collectively. They can influence the success or failure of a project. Learn the key technical and creative elements filmmakers should consider before presenting their work to the media. How do casting, plot lines and story narrative play into a critic’s perception of a film? This discussion uncovers the critical areas that every filmmaker needs to know when making a movie.
Presented by the African American Film Critics Association.

Panel:
Curt Holman, Creative Loafing
Stan Washington, Atlanta Voice
Gerald Radford, Rolling Out
Melissa Ruggieri, Atlanta Journal Constitution
Moderator: Gil L. Robertson, President, African American Film Critics Association
10:00am - 1:00pm
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Master Class: Screenwriting with Pilar Alessandra
Renowned Los Angeles based writing coach Pilar Alessandra conducts a 3 hour writing intensive that focuses on Character and Dialogue. Past attendees of her workshops rave about the insight she gives to the screenwriting process.
10:00am - Noon Intellectual Property for Your Creative Works
An experienced panel of attorney’s will share legal information on protecting all aspects of your projects from concept to completion and distribution. This information is vital in every step of the creative process.

Panel:
Steven Sidman, The Sidman Law Firm
Gregg P. Skall, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice
Preston Heard, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice

Moderator:
Leandre Anthony, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice
Noon - 2:00pm Raising Capital for Your Film
This how-to session addresses the question of how to package your project to appeal to investors. What options are there when it comes to raising money? What are your legal obligations as you seek financing?

Panel:

Bernard Coleman, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice
Larry Jennings, Tactix Sales
Donnie Leaphart, Pyramid Films
Laurence S. Leopold, Vice President, Commercial and SBA Lending
Karen Rands, Kugarand Capital Holdings
Charles Martin, CPA, JLM Risk Management

Moderator:
Moderator: Shandra McDonald-Bradford, Kiss the Limit Productions
Noon - 2:00pm Creating a Documentary That Makes a Difference
Accomplished documentarians will share their techniques for telling a compelling story that can make a difference or enrich a viewer’s knowledge. Their work covers a range of social and cultural issues.

Panel:
Jason Orr, Diary of a Decade
Tyson Horne, The Horne Brothers, The Start of Dreams
Joel Calmettes, Director, Mandela in Freedom’s Name
Scott Thigpen, Crazy Legs Productions, A Powerful Noise
Kobie Brown, The Kobie Chronicles, From Fatherless to Fatherhood
Jeffery Reid, Executive Producer, CNN Productions
Fleda Mask-Jackson, featured in “Crisis in the Crib”

Moderator:
Andre LaMont, Depth of Field Production
11:00am - 8:00pm Screenings at Georgia Pacific Theater, 133 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta 30303
2:00pm - 4:00pm
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Master Class: How to Make and Market an Independent Film with Ava DuVernay

Accomplished Hollywood publicist and Independent filmmaker Ava DuVernay shares the story of writing, producing and directing her first feature, I Will Follow, and the subsequent distribution model, The African American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM).
4:00pm - 6:00pm Production Design: Creating the Look for Your Film
Production design sets the tone for your film. Every nuance, from set design to wardrobe, make-up and hair tells the story of your film. This panel also looks at the DP’s role in capturing the image. This panel is sponsored by Women in Film and Television/Atlanta (WIFTA)

Facilitated by:
Dr. Ayoka Chenzira. filmmaker
Shilla Benning, Costume Designer
Patricia Joe, Set Designer
German Valle, Director of Photography
4:00pm - 6:00pm
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Master Class: Jasmine Guy and the Experience Behind and In Front of the Lens

Atlanta’s own multi-talented actor, director, dancer and choreographer shares in a master class how to navigate through the entertainment industry. Her experiences in stage, theater and television have given her a perspective that would benefit all performers.
8:00pm - 10:00pm Screening: Shanghai Hotel, directed by Jerry Davis – Rich Auditorium, Woodruff Arts Center
10:30pm After Party: 11/11/11 @ Eleven, Loews Hotel, 1065 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA  30309
 

Saturday, November 12, 2011

8:00am Registration: Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atrium, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE,
Atlanta, 30303
8:00am - 10:00am Bus Tour
Location scout David Warren conducts a tour of some sites used for films shot in the Atlanta area. He let’s you know what scouts look for, how they work with the production department, and what it takes to make it appear like the perfect spot for a scene. The tour also includes a stop at the EUE Screen Gems Studios. The bus leaves from Atlanta Marriott Marquis at 8:00 am sharp!
10:00am - 11:30am Maintaining a Career in Film and Television
These industry professionals have been able to fulfill their dreams. Learn how they got started and how they were able to turn their passion into successful careers.

Panel:
Angi Bones (Producer)
Alpha Tyler (Casting Director)
Demetria McKinney (Actress)
Derrick Doose (Technical Director)
Zubari Duniani (Gaffer)
Yvonne Eagle (Key Make-up Artist)

Moderator:
Roger Bobb (CEO Bobbcat Films, former EVP of Tyler Perry Studios)
10:00am - 11:30am BronzeLens Interactive: Minority Representation in the Media, Tech and Entertainment Industry: The State of the Union
This panel explores the convergence of media. There is an unprecedented coming together of all platforms. Are we maximizing the potential?

Panel:
Donald Woodard, Esq. Gordon Rees
Joelle Silverio, CCP Games
Jennifer Smith, Suntrust
Corey Prince, Gospel Music Channel
James Harris, Elemental Interactive
Lamont Ferrell, Just Jokes Entertainment

Moderator:
Kwanza Hall, Atlanta City Councilman
11:00am - 9:00pm Screenings at Georgia Pacific Theater, 133 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta 30303
Noon - 2:00pm Women SuperStars Luncheon
2:00pm - 3:15pm BronzeLens Interactive: The Social Media Primer: Using Facebook, Twitter & Social Media to Reach Consumers
In this revolutionary new age how do you use social networking to your advantage? These experts share strategies for extending your reach.

Panel:
Jen Farris, Z Dennis Media Group
Deborah Draper, BBDO Atlanta
Frederick Taylor, Tomorrow Pictures
Tabitha Grant, Footprint Marketing
Sharon Thomas-Tomlinson, Blueprint 4 Hollywood Acting Studios
Candace Bazemore, J. Lane Media

Moderator:
Vic Bolton, President, Capitol Strategic Communications Group
3:30pm - 4:45pm BronzeLens Interactive: The Digital Evolution of the Music Business
Music content is merging with new technologies; What are the possibilities for the musicians and the game, film or TV creators?

Panel:
Simon Horrock, AFFIX
Selah Abrams, Turner Studios and The Omen Agency
Marcus Matthews, Konsole Kingz
Jonathan “Xan” Alexander, Tapit Inc.
Devin Davis, Catalyst Sound Licensing

Moderator:
J. Martin Lett, Partner – Register Lett
5:00pm - 7:00pm African Cinema Roundtable
This roundtable brings together experts on African filmmaking. Sponsored by France Atlanta 2011

Panel:
Gaston Kabore, Director, Institute Imagine, filmmaker
Alrick Brown, Director, Kinyarwanda
Natalie Streiff, Fonds Sud, Cinema/Ministry of Culture and Communication/Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, CNC/Institut Francais
Angela Dalle Vacche, Cinema Studies, Georgia Institute of Technology
Deron Albright, Director of Destiny of Lesser Animals

Moderator:
Dr. Alice Stephens, Clark Atlanta University
7:00pm - 9:00pm Screening: Kinyarwanda - Georgia Pacific Theater, 133 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta 30303
9:00pm BronzeLens Awards - Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atrium, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE,
Atlanta, 30303
10:00pm Closing Party (Hosted by Frank Ski), Frank Ski’s Restaurant & Lounge, 2386 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
 

Sunday, November 13, 2011

11:30am Registration: Spelman College, Cosby Center, 350 Spelman Lane, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
12:00pm - 6:30pm

Cinema and Social Justice – Spelman College, Cosby Center
Atlanta has a strong civil and human rights tradition. These films explore racial, gender and human rights issues through the lens of activism. Discussion focuses on creating socially relevant films that address issues of concern. Cinema and Social Justice is sponsored by the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Special thanks to the Andrew Young Foundation, France Atlanta 2011 and HBO.

Screenings include:

  • 12:00 Welcome Remarks
  • 12:10 Andrew Young Presents: In the Footsteps of Gandhi
  • 1:00 Nelson Mandela in Freedom’s Name
  • 2:30 Break
  • 2:45 Panel: Moderated by Imara Canady, V.P. National Center for Civil and Human Rights; Mary F. Morten, Woke Up Black; Joel Calmettes, Mandela in Freedom’s Name; Nancy Buirski, The Loving Story, Arndrea Waters King, Arndrea and Martin King Family Foundation
  • 3:30 The Loving Story
  • 4:45 Woke Up Black
  • 5:45 Closing Reception, Sponsored by HBO
7:00pm BronzeLens Closing Film – The Start of Dreams - Georgia Pacific Theater, 133 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta 30303

 

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