2021 SUMMIT SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER 3-11, 2021

*Panelists, panel descriptions, and schedule will be updated consistently from now to September. Please check back frequently.

Friday - September 3

Opening Night Screening - Celebrating Our International FILMMAKING

The Seattle Asian American Film Festival (SAAFF) showcases feature-length, short format, and animated films by and about Asian Americans across North America, with an emphasis on filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest. SAAFF is the only film festival in Seattle to provide a space for Asian American voices, perspectives and histories by screening independent films that reflect the diversity and richness of the city’s Asian American communities. SAAFF is a volunteer-run organization and an Associated Program of Shunpike. Shunpike is the 501(c)(3) non-profit agency that provides independent arts groups in Washington State with the services, resources, and opportunities they need to forge their own paths to sustainability.

7-10 PM

OPENING COMMENTS

Speakers: Sheena Jewell

Opening Night Films

Introduction: Ellison Shieh

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Vanishing Seattle: Chinatown-International District - Bush Garden - Martin Tran, Christopher Woon-Chen, Ellison Shieh
Japanese restaurant. Birthplace of American karaoke. Gathering place for community advocates. This is the story of the iconic Bush Garden, yet another possible victim of gentrification and displacement. This short documentary is part of a series that takes a deeper dive into the stories of history, legacy, and resilience behind the #VanishingSeattle hashtag.
Instagram & FB: @ VanishingSeattle Twitter: @Vanishing206 website: www.vanishingseattle.org

Q&A - Hosted by Heilman and Haver Guests: Karen Akada Sakata, Martin Tran, Cynthia Brothers

Exist Within - Minah Jung
Aspiring writer EunSoo hears suspicious sounds from upstairs. As she closely examines the noises, more and more suspicion hits her, keywords like ‘murderer" and "dead body" seem to be real. As she comes closer to the truth, she soon becomes the target.

Q&A - Hosted by Heilman and Haver Guests: Minah Jung, JinWoo Park

For more information please click HERE.

Saturday - September 4

10 - 11 AM

Virtual Red carpet

Host: Rachelle Henry

Strut your stuff from the comfort of your own home! Whether it’s a suit jacket with pajama bottoms or a spectacular ballgown, get ready to shine from screen to screen as we launch this year’s Summit. Guests and attendees are invited to watch & join in on all the red-carpet fun.

Red Carpet Registration

11 - 12 PM

Union Film Crew Work: No More Mysteries

Panelist: Rebecca Cook

IATSE Local 488 is the union that covers most film crew members of the Pacific Northwest. 488 Vice President and local filmmaker Rebecca Cook will be dispelling some of the myths and mysteries of union film work, including how to join the union, what it means to be a union member, and if union work is even right for you. She'll also give green filmmakers some basics on moving into professional film set work. She hopes to answer any questions participants have about starting the journey into professional film crew work that you may have been afraid to ask. It's a great talk for students and new filmmakers or anyone wanting to understand where unions fit into our industry work.

1 - 2 PM

The Untapped Synergy Between Gaming and Film

2 - 3:30 PM

Bigfoot VIRTUAL TABLE READ #1

Host: Heather Pilder Olson

The Bigfoot Script Challenge is a Northwest-based screenwriting competition that seeks to find the next great voices in screenwriting and connect them with professionals in the film industry. To spotlight the winning writers, excerpts of the top three scripts will be read by actors from MAM, ZT Talent Agency and The Actor’s Group.

SCRIPT: Kitty Pye by Corey Holmes

CAST BY: ZT Talent Agency was formed in 2021 by Robert Tomazic, representing actors, models, and voiceover talent in the Pacific NW. After 12 years working in the industry, and 6 years as general manager of another PNW agency, R.T. founded ZT in early 2021 to be a more agile business, with a stronger focus on experienced talent, and deeper relationships with the production industry that uses them. ZT's On-Camera talent base extends from age 3-83, and from Salem, OR, to Spokane, WA, to the Canadian border. ZT represents pro voice talent all around the USA, and currently in 3 other countries.

3:30 - 5 PM

bigfoot VIRTUAL TABLE READ #2

Host: Heather Pilder Olson

The Bigfoot Script Challenge is a Northwest-based screenwriting competition that seeks to find the next great voices in screenwriting and connect them with professionals in the film industry. To spotlight the winning writers, excerpts of the top three scripts will be read by actors from MAM, ZT Talent Agency and The Actor’s Group.

SCRIPT: Spirited Women: In The Beginning by Stevie Nelson

CAST BY: With a 32-year history in the Northwest, The Actors Group is known for representing top talent in film, television, digital, game and live event productions. We work with many of the region’s most recognizable personalities and freshest new faces.

5 - 6:30 PM

Truth and Representation in Storytelling

Moderator: Susan Ruth

Panelists: Andrea James, John Penney, Katharine Lee McEwan, Sebastian Siegel

We will discuss the importance of multi-dimensional character development, fearlessness in telling one’s own story, and representing all the spaces of humanity in your filmmaking.

6:30 - 8 PM

STAGE PRESENCE - zoom networking SESSION

8 - 10 PM

feature film - Connect/disconnect

Kandace McGowan

Q&A Hosted By: Heilman & Haver

For more information please click HERE.

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Sunday - September 5

10 - 11 AM

Virtual Red carpet

Host: Heilman & Haver

Strut your stuff from the comfort of your own home! Whether it’s a suit jacket with pajama bottoms or a spectacular ballgown, get ready to shine from screen to screen as we launch this year’s Summit. Guests and attendees are invited to watch & join in on all the red-carpet fun.

Red Carpet Registration

11 - 12 PM

The Importance of Marketing & Distribution

Moderator: Eryn Rea

Panelists: Carlos A. Ortiz, Amanda Rae Jones, Breven Angaelica Warren

It's important that you develop your marketing and distribution plan from the beginning, and the various strategies and tactics you will implement to ensure that your audience will hear about and ultimately watch your film. Investors and sponsors want to know how you will ensure a solid return on their investment, and it's crucial to understand the marketplace, sales forecasts, trends, marketability, supply and demand, and where your targeted or niche audience can be found. This conversation will center around the importance of your marketing and distribution plan.

1 - 2 PM

Being a sag-aftra member

Moderator: Michelle Damis

Panelists: Rik Deskin, Sheila Traister

Why become a SAG-AFTRA Member? What are the advantages? What are the challenges?

2 - 3:30 PM

GREEN ROOM VIRTUAL TABLE READ #1

Host: Arthur Rains-McNally

The Bigfoot Green Room is a year-long writing program where select Northwest screenwriters hone their creative instincts and develop ideas for market. Excerpts from three of these vetted scripts will be read by actors from Big Fish NW Talent Agency with feedback provided by industry professionals.

Script: Curry-NA-Hurry by Jamil Suleman

CAST BY: Big Fish NW Talent is the premier boutique talent agency in the Pacific Northwest. Our talented performers can be readily found in films ranging from indies to theater blockbusters, regional & national commercials, training videos, gaming, voice-overs and many other projects. A SAGAFTRA franchised agency with a dedicated team of agents, Big Fish NW Talent is excited to partner with talented performers and creative clients on a variety of different projects!

3:30 - 5 PM

GREEN ROOM VIRTUAL TABLE READ #2

Host: Arthur Rains-McNally

The Bigfoot Green Room is a year-long writing program where select Northwest screenwriters hone their creative instincts and develop ideas for market. Excerpts from three of these vetted scripts will be read by actors from Big Fish NW Talent Agency with feedback provided by industry professionals.

Script: Talk Murder to Me by Genie Leslie Feedback Producer: Stacey Adams

CAST BY: Big Fish NW Talent is the premier boutique talent agency in the Pacific Northwest. Our talented performers can be readily found in films ranging from indies to theater blockbusters, regional & national commercials, training videos, gaming, voice-overs and many other projects. A SAGAFTRA franchised agency with a dedicated team of agents, Big Fish NW Talent is excited to partner with talented performers and creative clients on a variety of different projects!

5 - 6:30 PM

The Continuing Emergence of Indigenous Artists & Stories in Film, Theatre and Television

Moderator: Nicole Suyama

Panelists: Ajuawak Kapashesit, Ben Alex Dupris

Artists discuss the rising emergence of more opportunities for Native/Indigenous storytellers, stories and industry professionals across filmmaking, how their individual journeys have prepared them for this time, and where the industry needs go from here with Native-led productions and films.

6:30 - 8 PM

What's Up with Spokane

Moderator: Juan A Mas

Panelists: Rich Cowan, Don Hamilton, Megan Kennedy, Justin Spencer, Michael Bethely, Anne Mitchell

Join Spokane Film Project as we invite some of our local production leaders to update everyone on the work east of the mountains. From feature films and TV to sound stages being built, there's a lot of exciting work (and rumors) around Spokane. Let's get to the truth of it all!

8 - 10 PM

washington & WA student short films

For more information please click HERE.

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Monday - September 6

5 - 6:30 pm

Seattle Composers Alliance: Balancing Act

Moderator: Tara Forth

Panelists: Amy Denio, SAX G, Ed Hartman, Daniel L.K. Caldwell

Composing for film is a balancing act! The Seattle Composers Alliance presents a panel of film composers to discuss this delicate balance of music and image, and show examples of their work to explore what works best for a movie scene. Should the score mimic the energy of the moment, or will silence be more effective? Should character and plot development rely on leitmotifs or themes and variations, or should the viewer be surprised with a new, unexpected sonic experience?

6:30 - 8 pm

INTERNATIONAL Film Collaborations

Moderator: Eryn Rea

Panelist: Roger Pulvers, Bill Kelman, and James Taylor

Filmmaking is more than Hollywood, Bollywood, Sundance, or your local film festival. It is taking a story, script, or concept from something that is in writing, and initially static, to something that comes alive on the screen, a computer, or laptop. This becomes particularly challenging when some part of a film project is international. So how does a filmmaker, whether or not working on his or her own, with a team, or for a studio, make this happen when an international destination is involved? Let's find out and get some expert discussion on this interesting topic.

8 - 10 pm

short film block - 1

For more information please click HERE.

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Wednesday - September 8

5 - 6:30 pm

Opening Page Analysis Workshop

Panelist: Joey Tuccio

Roadmap Writers is excited to host this special interactive Opening Page Analysis Workshop. During this session, several volunteer writers will receive specific feedback on their opening 3 pages. The pages will be shared on screen with the rest of the group so everybody can learn from the feedback. The workshop will begin with a brief overview on some of the immediate reasons an executive might pass on your work and how to avoid them. The goal of this workshop is for writers to walk away with techniques they can apply to their scripts, so that their opening pages can be as strong as possible. Writers can submit their opening pages to be considered for the interactive portion of the workshop.

6:30 - 8 pm

Women in Film

Moderator: Virginia Bogert

Panelists: Lael Rogers, Sarah Crowe, Maria Garguilo, Susan LaSalle, Tifa Tomb, Judy Wright, Barbara Brown

What do you think, can leadership be taught? What does it take to galvanize a cohesive productive team? In the film industry, Directors, Producers, and Department Heads may know their craft; they may have gone to film school or trained on the job, but that doesn't automatically make them effective leaders. We’ve seen poor leadership result in bad films, bad performances, budgets gone berserk, and worse: sexual and racial harassment, and tragically, job injuries and death.

Leadership expectations, about women particularly, can be obstructed by baked-in stereotypical notions of what it means to be a strong leader. Even the adjective “strong” versus “effective” confounds the issue.

Join our discussion with film industry professionals about what it takes to lead. We’ll talk about style, skill, humanity, perspective, and success.

8 - 10 pm

short film block - 2

For more information please click HERE.

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Friday - September 10

PARTY AT CANVAS SEATTLE moved outdoors to september 11th

*Due to COvid concerns this party will be shifted to september 11th to an outdoor venue at the hyatt regency

4 - 5:30 pm

HARBOR ISLAND STUDIO TOUR will be rescheduled to a future date

In an exclusive tour, sponsored by King County, SFS will whisk away a select group onto a private bus to tour Harbor Island Studio. You’ll get an inside peek into the next chapter of our local creative history. Hardhats included.

In the meantime, take a peek at this virtual tour provided by King County Creative!

KING COUNTY - HARBOR ISLAND STUDIOS

6 - 7:30 pm - NOW LIVESTREAMED

Northwest Screenwriters Guild LIVE Table Read

Host: Kristin Raven

The Northwest Screenwriters Guild promotes careers in screenwriting and provides education and industry access for screenwriters in the Pacific Northwest. Presented LIVE and voiced by actors from TCM Models and Talent, these six shorts are a showcase for the finalists of the SFS/NwSG Film Freeway Shorts Competition.

CAST BY: TCM has been providing top talent in the Northwest since 1979, we aren’t the new kids on the block. Our actors have landed roles in major motion pictures, national commercials, along with a variety of other on-camera work, voice-overs, and print. Our downtown Seattle office is home to a full staff of professional agents, with facilities for castings and conferences. Working to promote our actors and assist production to make everyone’s job easier. We are a SAG AFTRA agency, come check us out!

And the winners ARE!

GUISCARD by Brett Bowker THE TOYMAKER by Bryan Howell LOVE JENNIFER by George Thomas Cowan T.H.O.T? by Jayson Johnson DREAM JUMPER by Kim Hornsby THE STAG HUNT by Sarah Skye Gilbert

8 - 10 pm

washington feature film

PUPPET - Lee Ge

Q&A Hosted By: Heilman & Haver

For more information please click HERE.

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8 - 12 AM - MOVED TO THE 11th

IN-PERSON MIXER AND PARTY

*Due to COvid concerns this party will be shifted to September 11th to an outdoor venue at the Hyatt regency.

All party elements will be moved to the 11th so that we can gather in a large outdoor space at the Hyatt Regency.

Please scroll down to see event details.

Saturday - September 11

10 - 11 AM

OPENING CEREMONIES

Sponsored by: Washington State Department of Commerce

Welcome: Renton Councilmember - Randy Corman Guest Speakers: Tom Skerritt Mayor Will Hall - Shoreline Dow Constantine - King County Executive Cynthia Carrillo - Greater Seattle Partners Keynote: Lisa J. Brown, Ph.D. - Washington State Commerce Director S. Epatha Merkerson Creative Economy: Ben Andrews

10:30 - 12 PM

Actors Showcase

11 - 12 PM

WORKING IN WASHINGTON

Moderator: Amy Lillard

Panelists: Winfield Ezell Jr., Alan Nay, Melinda Raebyne, SJ Chiro

Washington State continues to be nationally recognized as a home for creative, cutting-edge content that is born out of the hearts and minds of some of the most talented people in the film business. Washington Filmworks chats with some of our most successful content creators about what keeps them working in Washington and what advice they have for emerging filmmakers who want to break into the business.

Washington Filmworks will also talk about what the industry needs to be nationally competitive and debut their plans for the 2022 Keep Film in WA Campaign in Olympia. Come learn what’s in store and how you can be involved.

11 - 12 PM

TOW - How A Homeless Woman Fought Her Way Out of Tow-Company Hell

Moderator: Kate Becker

Panelists: Amanda Ogle, Jon Keasey, Kevin Eggers, Danny Westneat

Come listen to the storytellers behind the feature film, TOW, discuss the powerful true story of two of Seattle's unsung heroes, Amanda Ogle and pro-bono attorney, Kevin Egger's, journey to reclaim Amanda's car and "home" as documented by Seattle Times Journalist, Danny Westneat. This powerful film addresses homelessness in Seattle and was written by Jonathan Keasey and Brant Boivin and is being produced by Seattle's very own Brent Stiefel and Votiv Films.

Seattle Times Article

12 - 1 PM ———- LUNCH

1 - 2 PM

Professional Sports Broadcasting

1 - 2:30 PM

Bigfoot Table Read

Host: Arthur Rains-McNally

The Bigfoot Script Challenge is a Northwest-based screenwriting competition that seeks to find the next great voices in screenwriting and connect them with professionals in the film industry. To spotlight the winning writers, excerpts of the top three scripts will be read by actors from MAM, ZT Talent Agency and The Actor’s Group.

Script: Dead Reckoning by Chad Hutson

Cast By: Founded in 2008, MAM is a Full Service SAG-AFTRA Franchised Northwest Talent Agency with offices in Spokane and Seattle booking Actors, Lifestyle Models, and Voice-Over Artists. Bookings include commercial projects Coca-Cola, Adidas, McDonalds, Apple, Toyota, Subaru, Jeep, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Amazon, Nordstrom, Boeing, Microsoft, Samsung, Rubbermaid, and more. Talent have booked over 100 epsiodes of Television including Grimm, Leverage, Z Nation, Portlandia, The Librarians, Three Busy Debras. Bookings on over 100 Feature Film. Talent have been booked opposite Bernadette Peters, Carrie Underwood, David Tennant, Viggo Mortensen, Antonio Banderas, Sam Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Ray Liotta, Andy Garcia, Peter Dinklange, Harvey Kietel, and Cuba Gooding, JR.

1 - 2:30 PM

2021CreativeEconomyContest_v2_2021CreativeEconomyContest.jpg

Creative Advocacy Contest

In partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission, Inspire WA, King County Creative, Whipsmart, and Washington Film Works, the Seattle Film Summit is holding a contest for the best ideas centered around energizing our local creative economy. The selected finalists will present their idea to a panel full of local civic and creative leaders.

The winner of this competition will have their idea mentored through a monthly meeting led by Inspire WA which will not only teach them to be advocates for their own creativity but also lay the groundwork for their winning idea. Submit by clicking on the below link.

Host: Manny Cawaling - Inspire WA

Judges: Manny Cawaling, Amrita Sen, Matthew Bennett, King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles

*Judges are only selecting winners and will not be responsible for supporting the winning idea.

Submissions Closed

2 - 4 PM

Film School Showcases

Sponsored by: TCM Models & Talent, Academy of Interactive Entertainment

Students from all over Washington have been selected to present their current projects and future ideas in front of a wide variety of industry professionals. Come see what the next generation of local creatives is up to!

2:30 - 4 PM

Green Room Table Read

Host: Heather Pilder Olson

The Bigfoot Green Room is a year-long writing program where select Northwest screenwriters hone their creative instincts and develop ideas for market. Excerpts from three of these vetted scripts will be read by actors from Big Fish NW Talent Agency with feedback provided by industry professionals.

Script: Orlando Cares by Vincent Delaney Producer Feedback: Stewart Lyons

CAST BY: Big Fish NW Talent is the premier boutique talent agency in the Pacific Northwest. Our talented performers can be readily found in films ranging from indies to theater blockbusters, regional & national commercials, training videos, gaming, voice-overs and many other projects. A SAGAFTRA franchised agency with a dedicated team of agents, Big Fish NW Talent is excited to partner with talented performers and creative clients on a variety of different projects!

[now virtual] Political Candidate Networking

In light of the growing concerns over the Delta variant of Covid-19, SFS is making efforts to limit our in-person events. This networking session will now be a question submission event where you can submit your questions for the participating local political candidates. We will select a few of those questions to be asked during the Political Candidate Forum on September, 11th.

Submit Questions Here

2:30 - 4:30 PM

Political Candidate Forum

Sponsored by: Seattle Office of Economic Development

Moderator: TraeAnna Holiday

CONFIRMED CANDIDATES:

Seattle Mayoral: Bruce Harrell Seattle Council: Nikkita Oliver, Sara Nelson Renton Council: Carmen Rivera, Joe Todd

Local leaders are joining us in a new partnership. This conversation will focus on the growth and evolution of our local creative economy and will include political candidates from the upcoming Seattle mayoral race with an audience full of creative leaders from our state.

[postponed] FILM STUDENT NETWORKING - TO BE RESCHEDULED

In lieu of increasing Covid concerns, we're limiting the amount of our in-person networking opportunities. We will schedule a POST SUMMIT virtual networking session with our showcasing students. They will get the opportunity to showcase again, in a zoom filled with local industry leaders and professionals. More details to come.

4 - 5 PM

Adapting real-life stories for TV and film

4:30 - 6 PM

Creative Brilliance in Blackness

Opening Comments: S. Epatha Merkerson and Yolonda Ross

Moderator: TraeAnna Holiday

Panelists: Anthony Tackett, Teme Wokoma, Atuanya Priester, Dru Holley, Elijah Lewis, Winfield Ezell, Jr.

Come hear black creatives share their experiences at various levels in the industry while expressing the barriers they have faced in major markets. Here you will learn firsthand perspectives from black creatives on how their experiences are often blackballed in major markets yet still thrive through resilience that has always persisted in black culture. Each panelist will hold a breakout group to brainstorm with attendees on ways to disrupt the oppressing systems that are currently put in place for black creatives.

5 - 6 PM

PARALLEL

Moderator: Ben Andrews

Panelists: Edwin Hodge, Kourosh Ahari, Jon Keasey, Sean Lydiard, Jaylen Moore

Come see and meet the filmmakers behind the highly anticipated American remake of the Chinese hit, "Parallel Forest." A-list actors Aldis Hodge (Regina King's "One Night in Miami," DC Comics "Black Adam"), Edwin Hodge (Skydance's smash summer hit, "The Tomorrow War") and producers Jaylen Moore and Sean Lydiard of Rumble Riot Pictures (RZA's Netflix hit "Cut Throat City") will all be attending. Set in Washington State's very own Olympic Peninsula, these actors and producers will describe their passion for the project and its setting, along with Seattle-born screenwriter, Jonathan Keasey.

5 - 6:30 PM

International film

Introductions: Rita Meher

Moderator:

Panelists: JinWoo Park, Amrita Sen, Minah Jung

Based on the number of movies produced and global viewership, Bollywood and the Chinese movie industry dwarf Hollywood. For the first time ever, Chinese box office receipts overtook the US in 2021. But why? What larger trends are at play? And how is making a movie in/for foreign markets different than the US? Join Jai Khanna (Four Good Days, former manager to world-renown actor, Irrfan Khan), Amrita Sen (US-based designer, singer, and producer of the Indian adaptation of HBO's hit, The Night Manager), and Gary Glushon (24 Hours to Live, former film exec at China’s Fundamental Films) as they discuss a fascinating topic with world-wide implications.

6 - 7 PM

Pitch Panel Playoffs and Award Ceremony

Host: Kristin Raven

Panel Judges: Tom Skerritt, Stewart Lyons, Brian Dobbins, Stacey Adams

Guest Speaker: Brian Dobbins

Come see the thrilling finale to the pitching gauntlet! After narrowing rounds of pre-recorded and live Zoom pitches, five finalists have made it to the big show where they will pitch their projects for a chance at money, prizes, and industry attention! To add to the tension producers will provide feedback to the finalists in front of a LIVE audience.

Following this, it’s time to announce all the award winners! Come cheer on your favorites in every film, script, and pitch category.

8 - 12 AM

That's a wrap! Join us for our outdoor Closing Night Party to celebrate SFS '21! Live music, specialty cocktails, aerialists, body painting, and a mini eSports tournament with some local celebrities - this is a party you don't want to miss! See you there!

REGISTER FOR PARTY ONLY