‘Filming Outside Hollywood’ Panel Asks a Big Question: Will the Future of Filmmaking Need a Passport?

When people ask “where is the film industry going?”, they usually mean in general terms. Increasingly, though, that question centers literally on location: Where are film and TV productions shooting? Last week, FilmLA president Paul Audley sounded the alarm that there were even fewer shooting days in Los Angeles this summer than there were during the strike summer of 2023.

Audley will join IndieWire’s “Filming Outside Hollywood” panel at our Future of Filmmaking Summit in Los Angeles on November 2 to discuss that startling statistic and why productions have been not only leaving L.A. but also the U.S., and what it will take to lure them back.

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Tax incentives and rebates to lure productions have been a major part of Hollywood economics and budgeting for almost 25 years, but we’ll look at how these programs have evolved and multiplied to propel these dramatic shifts with Entertainment Partners’ Sarah Westman-Liu, who consults with major studios, streamers, and indies about identifying the most compelling tax incentives for each production’s specific needs. Before joining Entertainment Partners in 2016, she spent the previous decade working in the Canadian independent film and TV industry in all aspects of tax administration and production accounting.

Also on the panel is producer and 1Community CEO Scott Budnick, who will take us inside the process of how a production balances the financial and the creative in deciding where to shoot. In addition to being an accomplished producer with years of experience, Budnick has worked closely with California governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom on various public policy initiatives, and was even named the 2012 California Governor’s Volunteer of the Year. He cares deeply about film and TV production staying in California, and as executive VP of Todd Phillips’ Green Hat Films HE helped bring “Old School” and the $1.4 billion-grossing “Hangover” trilogy to California.

So will the future of filmmaking require you to have a passport? Join us for the Future of Filmmaking Summit on November 2 for a lively discussion.

And while you’re there, you can network with industry peers, exchange ideas, and spark inspiration throughout the whole summit. With a premium breakfast, lunch, and cocktail reception included, 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.   

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Panels will include:  

Keynote Chat: Sean Baker

Award-winning Auteur, Sean Baker, will deliver our Future of Filmmaking Summit’s keynote chat. Baker, who recently took home the Palme d’Or at Cannes for his celebrated film “Anora,” a strong contender this awards season, will share his advice to summit attendees and his thoughts about the future of the industry.

Filming Outside Hollywood: Challenges, Opportunities, and Passports  

Runaway production has been atomized as states and countries compete to offer producers the hottest deals. Join Paul Audley, President of FilmLA, producer and 1Community CEO Scott Budnick, Entertainment Partners’ Sarah Westman-Liu, and an IndieWire editor, as they discuss what that means for the rest of us. 

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. Keri Putnam (former Sundance Institute CEO) and Brian Newman (founder of Sub-Genre) will share intel on emerging strategies and success stories, providing key insights into how filmmakers can thrive in today’s ever-changing distribution landscape. 

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.

Pitching Your Project: Why Producers Now Expect More 

Reby Silverman, Senior Manager, Global Partnerships at Canva 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!

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. 

The Future of Film Is Interactive

A panel with the heads of KINO, Austin Worrell, Brit MacRae and Daril Fannin, who will discuss their company’s cutting-edge technology that offers filmmakers an interactive social streaming platform that provides invaluable data insights and a strategic launchpad to connect with their audience. Moderated by IndieWire’s SVP and Editor in Chief, Dana Harris-Bridson.

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