Panel Discussions

This panel accompanies the special More REEL program in the 2013 MSP International Film Festival. Curated in conjunction with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts exhibition ‘More Real? Art in the Age of Truthiness’ (March 21-June 9, 2013), More REEL focuses on documentary and narrative films that creatively blur boundaries between fact and fiction.

Panelists include:
Bruce Jenkins, Programmer of More REEL
Liz Armstrong, Curator of Contemporary Art, MIA, and of More REAL? Art in the Age of Truthiness.

Writers are in the driver’s seat like never before, and with the number of transmedia sources now available, quality story writing has never been more important. The current role of the writer, driven by the demand for original production of all types, concepts, lengths, and styles, is one of the many topics to be discussed in this lively panel.

Focusing on writing for the screen, from the world of feature-length fiction and non-fiction cable programs, to spec scripts and post writing for docs, panelists will share their expertise and personal histories, their approach, and what they see as the next trends in their discipline.

Panelists:
Thomas Pope,
Beth Pacunas
Michael Starrbury
Susan Marks

Panel moderated by Hafed Bouassida

Poor on-camera performance is a common weak spot in film today, especially the independents. Through live examples, this panel of artists examines the difference between acting for film and acting for the theater, and the challenges each medium presents. In the process they will also share their personal stories, artistic leanings, and approaches.

Topics include: How to get the best out of first time actors, methods of working with non-professionals, how the best directors get the best performances, the need for serious study in acting, what actors look for in good direction, and what actors look for in a good screenplay.

Panelists:
Rob Nilsson
Erik Stolhanske
Greta Oglesby
Charles Hubbell

Panel moderated by Barbara Shelton

Distribution today is a moving target, and is changing the way all films are made and seen. Traditionally, the distribution process—to share the finished product with an audience and to generate revenue—was clear. However, current audiences are exceptionally fractured across dozens of markets and distribution tiers. More importantly, the revenues are shrinking.

Our panel of industry professionals will look down the road, and discuss and share their insights into this arena from financing, presales domestic and international, to on-demand, television, and the big game changer-- the web.

Panelists:
Tim Grady
Laura Ivey
Dan Bergin
Dan Satorius

Panel moderated by Andrew Peterson