After an exceptional event last year, Winston Baker is thrilled to be partnered once again with the Marché du Film to bring back the highly anticipated 13th Annual International Film Finance Forum. This Forum brings together leading industry executives from around the world to discuss and gain insight on the latest trends, shifts in the market, and for networking. The afternoon allows attendees and speakers to learn from visionaries who are bringing game-changing film strategies to the forefront of the industry. This year you can expect conversations regarding Film, Television, Finance, Sales and Distribution, giving attendees a well-round perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of the Entertainment Industry and consumer trends.

SPEAKING FACULTY:

Gurinder Chadha
Award-Winning Director and Producer

GURINDER CHADHA is one of the U.K.’s most proven and respected filmmakers with an illustrious body of work over 30 years. Her award-winning films as a Writer, Director and Producer have earned over $300 million at the international box office. The British Film Institute’s recent filmography study on British Cinema history named Chadha as the U.K’s most prolific female director working today.

She began her career as a broadcast journalist for BBC News and moved into directing with her first documentary I’M BRITISH BUT... for Channel 4 and the BFI in 1989 and subsequently made several award-winning documentaries for BFI, BBC and Channel 4.

Chadha’s first feature, the landmark comedy-drama BHAJI ON THE BEACH, which centred on the experiences of a group of Asian women from three generations on a day trip to Blackpool, received a BAFTA Award nomination for Best British Film and the Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Newcomer to British Cinema.

Chadha’s next feature, WHAT’S COOKING?, a comedy-drama that tells the story of four different families (Latino, Vietnamese, African-American and Jewish) preparing for Thanksgiving Dinner, was the Opening Night Film of the 2000 Sundance Film Festival and was the first British script to be invited to the Sundance Institute’s Writer’s Lab. The film was voted joint Audience Award winner in the New York Film Critics’ 2000 season (with Billy Elliott).

Her next film, BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, was the highest-grossing British- financed, British-distributed film ever at the UK box office (at time of release) and topped box office charts internationally. The film received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), a BAFTA Award nomination for Best British Film, a European Film Academy nomination for Best Film, and a Writers Guild of America nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Her other hit films include BRIDE & PREJUDICE – a film that marries Jane Austen with Indian and Western musicals, the first film ever to open at #1 in the UK and India on the same day; ANGUS, THONGS AND PERFECT SNOGGING, based on the international bestseller, released worldwide by Paramount in 2008/2009; IT’S A

WONDERFUL AFTERLIFE, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival before releasing internationally in 2010; and VICEROY'S HOUSE, an epic drama on Indian Independence and Partition, starring Hugh Bonneville, Gillian Anderson, Om Puri and Huma Qureshi. The film made its world premiere at the 2017 Berlin Film Festival to critical acclaim and global box-office success.

In 2015, Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges mounted the stage musical version of BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM in London’s West End to five-star reviews and critics’ awards.

Gurinder’s BLINDED BY THE LIGHT broke sales records at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was released internationally by Warner Bros to great acclaim in 2020..

Chadha’s BAFTA-Nominated TV drama series, BEECHAM HOUSE, launched on ITV in the UK in 2019, and on Masterpiece / PBS in the U.S., June, 2020.

Chadha has received several Honorary Doctorates from British Universities and was awarded an O.B.E. in the 2006 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to the British Film Industry.

claudia bluemhuber
CEO & Managing Partner/Executive Producer, Director
Silver reel

Claudia Bluemhuber is the CEO, Managing Partner, and face of Silver Reel. Claudia has produced and executive produced, among others, the Oscar nominated feature film and Golden Globe winner THE WIFE as well as Oscar nominated animation feature LOVING VINCENT. She also served as an Executive Producer on the drama series THE LUMINARIES which scored the 2nd-highest launch for a BBC One drama in Summer 2020 and won 8 NZ TV Awards. One of the first shows Claudia developed was the Emmy nominated MOST DANGEROUS GAME. Initially a Silver Reel feature, Claudia brought Nick Santora on to develop the story into a short-form format which premiered at Quibi’s launch, and has picked up two Emmy nominations. As Executive Producer, showrunner, writer and director Claudia has multiple series in development including a multi-season TV series with HBO and STX Entertainment and a TV series with the BBC. Current projects include the TV series Fallen, based on the #1 NY Times bestselling novel series of the same name, where she is also active as a director, and the feature film Paradise Highway starring Academy-Award winners Juliette Binoche and Morgan Freeman. Beyond her TV work, Claudia is one of the industry’s most prolific female producers with over 40 international independent films over the course of 12 years. Films such as OFFICIAL SECRETS, BREATHE, THE RAILWAY MAN, UNDER THE SKIN and EYE IN THE SKY are part of her producing portfolio. Claudia has been Silver Reel’s CEO since 2009.

deon taylor
producer, writer, director

In 2018, Taylor directed the human trafficking film Traffik, starring Omar Epps and Paula Patton. It went on to be nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Independent Motion Picture and a 2019 AMAA Best Diaspora Narrative Feature. The following year, Deon Taylor released two films in theaters; The Intruder, starring Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy and Meagan Good, and social justice thriller Black and Blue, starring Academy Award nominee, Naomie Harris. The film was nominated for a 2020 AMAA Best Diaspora Narrative Feature. Both films were released by Sony Screen Gems. In December 2020, Deon Taylor’s Fatale, a taut noir-thriller released through Lionsgate, starring two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank and Golden Globe nominee Michael Ealy lit up theaters. The film helped bring back much needed energy exhibitors after the theatrical recession created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the summer of 2021, Taylor released his second film during the pandemic, the sequel to his cult classic comedy franchise, Meet the Blacks (2016)— Meet the Blacks 2: The House Next Door was released in June and served as the first feature released under Hidden Empire’s newly formed releasing company, Hidden Empire Releasing. The original Meet the Blacks is consistently listed as one of the top titles on streaming services and ranks in the top 5 on Hulu. Taylor is currently in pre-production of the football action heist film Free Agents with Sony’s TriStar and Freedom Ride with Participant. However, the success of his films does not seize at the theaters, but also expands off screen as well.

In 2016, Taylor was awarded the Sacramento Filmmaker of the Year Award from the Sacramento Film Festival, the Baron Jay Foundation’s 2018 Trailblazer Award, the Extraordinary Families’ 2018 Visionary Award. He was also named the 2019 AAFCA Horizon Award recipient. Taylor and HEFG received the Entrepreneurial Rising Star Award from the Black Business Leaders Hall of Fame and were presented the 2019 Location Manager Guild International (LMGI) Humanitarian of the Year Award.

In tradition with making the world a more progressive and inclusive place, Deon Taylor executive produced Be Woke. Vote, an independent digital series inspiring young adults across the country to get out and vote. The series won two Webby awards in 2020. Additionally, Taylor also executive produced the digital series Black History in Two Minutes (or so) (2019). The series is full of fact-packed stories accessible to people of all ages and education levels about major historical events while simultaneously introducing less well-known experiences involving Black Americans. The series has received numerous Webby Awards to date.

When not telling stories for audiences everywhere, Taylor can be found in Granite Bay, CA listening to his family tell theirs.

tamara birkemore
Ceo and co-founder
palisades park pictures

Tamara Birkemoe currently serves as CEO of Palisades Park Pictures, a feature film and media company, focusing on worldwide distribution of premium content.

Throughout Birkemoe's career she has successfully led teams of many sizes and shepherded numerous projects from acquisition and development through production, worldwide sales and distribution. Most recently she executive produced Fast Charlie, directed by Phillip Noyce and Rumble Through the Dark, directed by Graham and Parker Phillips.

Birkemoe’s entrepreneurial spirit has paved the way for experience in many different areas of film, both creative and practical, with strong focus on international. Birkemoe has a unique global perspective and sensibility due to her multi-cultural upbringing. With Chilean parents and being born and raised in Italy and Sweden, she also speaks five languages fluently. 

Previously, during her 16 years at Foresight before it was sold to CSSE in 2019, she was instrumental in the foundation, growth and success of the company and its slate. During its most successful year Foresight generated $287 million in worldwide theatrical B.O. and $65 million in international film licensing. During her tenure there, she executive produced numerous features, including studio films Lone Survivor, directed by Peter Berg and 2 Guns, directed by Baltazar Kurmakur. 

When Foresight Unlimited became a subsidiary of CSSE/Screen Media in 2019 Birkemoe was appointed Executive Vice President, overseeing the international department and she was part of the Screen global acquisition and co-production team. She also kept serving as President of subsidiary Foresight and oversaw all Foresight projects.

She started her career at MDP and Media 8 Entertainment, working in both production and distribution on many movies, including Academy Award winner Monster, directed by Patty Jenkins.

wayne borg
Managing Director – Media Industries, Entertainment and Culture
neom

Wayne Borg is an accomplished international executive with an unparalleled 20-plus years of experience in leadership roles in the media and creative industries. As Managing Director of Media Industries, Entertainment and Culture, he is developing these key industry sectors as part of the wider ambitions of NEOM.

Having lived and worked in Australia, Europe, Asia, the United States and the Middle East, he has led key divisions of major iconic international media and entertainment businesses and driven broad-brush strategic and policy initiatives for government in the media, cultural and creative industries sectors.

karl spoerri
CEO
zurich avenue

Karl Spoerri is CEO of Zurich Avenue, the Zurich and Los Angeles-based production company that he co-founded with Viviana Vezzani and Tobias Gutzwiller. Specializing in developing and creating high-end, inspiring and filmmaker-driven feature films, TV series and documentaries for a global audience, Zurich Avenue is committed to delivering top-quality content that resonates with diverse viewers worldwide. With a proven track record from producing and financing films and relationships built from creating and shaping the Zurich Film Festival into a vital stop for movies, the team launched Zurich Avenue in August 2022.

In 2005, Spoerri co-founded the Zurich Film Festival after bringing the digital film festival “onedotzero_adventures in moving images” to Zurich. Under his leadership, the festival grew to become the largest and most important fall festival in the German language market, attracting over 130,000 visitors annually and showcasing 160 films per year. Spoerri was also the founder and co-chairman of the Zurich Summit, an international annual conference on film and entertainment finance. Additionally, he launched Frame in partnership with NZZ am Sonntag in 2014, which became the largest film magazine in the German-speaking market with more than 140,000 readers. In 2019, after selling the festival to the NZZ Media Group, Spoerri stepped down from his role as Artistic Director of the Zurich Film Festival.

Spoerri also served as managing director of Millbrook Pictures, overseeing projects such as Oliver Stone's W. and David Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method starring Keira Knightley, Viggo Mortensen and Michael Fassbender.

Under his subsequent banners SPK Pictures and Zurich Avenue, Spoerri served as an executive producer on films such as Julian Schnabel’s At Eternity’s Gate starring Willem Dafoe; David Lowery’s The Old Man & the Gun starring Robert Redford and Casey Affleck; Harmony Korine’s The Beach Bum starring Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg and Isla Fisher and Roland Emmerich’s Moonfall. His producing credits include Bill Pohlad’s critically-acclaimed Venice title Dreamin’ Wild starring Casey Affleck, Zooey Deschanel and Beau Bridges, set for release by Roadside Attractions in August; Coky Giedroyc’s Greatest Days, the big-screen adaptation of the UK smash-hit musical "The Band," featuring Aisling Bea and music from Take That, which will be released in the UK this year and Josh Margolin’s action-comedy Thelma, starring June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey and Clark Gregg, currently in post-production.

Spoerri began his career as a trained actor and performed under the direction of many renowned directors at the Schauspielhaus Zürich, one of the most important theatres in the German-speaking world. He later transitioned into talent representation and spent much of his early career as an agent representing actors, writers and directors.

Zurich Avenue sits under the banner of the principals’ existing production finance company, SPG3 Entertainment.

uri singer
film producer, president
passage pictures

Uri is an accomplished film producer whose films have been featured at festivals including Sundance, Venice, NYFF, and London BFI. His last film was Netflix's $145M movie WHITE NOISE, directed by Noah Baumbach, which was the opening film at Venice and NYFF this year. He is also producing an adaptation of Don DeLillo's "Underworld", with Ted Melfi writing and directing. His film KING OF OIL, with Peter Landesman directing, is shooting in September of 2023 with Thunder Road. Among his other projects is an adaptation of James Ellroy’s BLOOD’S A ROVER, with Jose Padilha directing, shooting in fall 2023. He is also launching Showpiece, a platform for film-inspired art.

marc spivey
Executive Vice President – TV/Film & Entertainment
higginbotham

A consummate professional, Marc’s entertainment insurance industry experience spans 35 years. He has arranged coverage for thousands of film and television productions worldwide and has developed original and innovative risk programs for countless unique entertainment risk scenarios.

Having managed national entertainment divisions in Los Angles and Toronto, Marc has also held senior leadership positions at top brokerages including Marsh and Aon.

Marc enjoys successful long-term relationships with his clients, insurance company underwriters, financiers, claims representatives and industry attorneys.

Ranked among the top independent insurance brokers nationwide and in business since 1948 with offices coast-to-coast, Higginbotham provides a single source solution for a broad range of insurance, risk management, employee benefits and HR services for all business sectors along with global capabilities.

arianne fraser
ceo and founding partner
highland film group

Arianne Fraser is the CEO and founding partner of Highland Film Group (HFG), an independent worldwide sales, film financing, production and distribution company launched in 2010 alongside Delphine Perrier. Known for success across a wide range of film genres and platforms, HFG recently launched The Avenue, the company’s US distribution division that handles all aspects of distribution, from theatrical through home entertainment to television/SVOD.

Highland Film Group’s current slate of films includes Joe Carnahan’s survival thriller Not Without Hope starring Zachary Levi; Simon West’s action comedy Old Guy starring Christoph Waltz; the sci-fi thriller The Astronaut starring Emma Roberts and Laurence Fishburne; Dimitri Logothetis’ actioner Gunner starring Morgan Freeman and Luke Hemsworth; Jenn Wexler’s sci-fi thriller Rachel; Adam Cooper’s crime thriller Sleeping Dogsstarring Russell Crowe and Karen Gillan; William Eubank’s action thriller Land of Badstarring Russell Crowe, Liam Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth; Audrey Cummings’ western action film Place of Bones starring Heather Graham and Tom Hopper; the survival action-thriller Arcadian starring Nicolas Cage and Rod Blackhurst’s Blood For Dust starring Scoot McNairy, Kit Harington and Josh Lucas.

al munteanu
founder and CEO
SquareOne Holding

With a broad career spanning thirty years as a creative, AL MUNTEANU started his career as a radio host, becoming one of the first five bi-lingual VJs of MTV Europe. In later years he was a prominent host on German television and continued his nationally syndicated radio commentaries.

He has since produced over twenty-five feature films and series and is the founder & CEO of SquareOne Holding, a leading content engine headquartered in Munich, Germany. The company is dedicated to bringing outstanding stories with global reach and local expertise to all screens.

About SquareOne

SquareOne owns long-term rights for the entire Exploitation chain (including theatrical, home entertainment, Pay TV, Free TV and VoD) in German speaking Europe.

SquareOne Entertainment is a leading content and distribution engine based in Munich. Al Munteanu and his team are primarily involved in the acquisition, development, production, marketing and distribution of entertainment content, including films and television / mini series (all national as well as international). SquareOne uniquely combines access to high quality properties and content from the UK, France and the USA with proven capabilities to successfully distribute domestically and internationally.

SquareOne Productions is the production arm of SquareOne Entertainment, known for films like THE IMITATION GAME, ALL IS LOST, THE WIFE, TRAUTMANN and ZIEMLICH PERFEKTE FREUNDE.

Recent and upcoming productions include German-language series EUER EHREN (ARD & ORF), UN HOMME D'HONNEUR (TF1, coproduced with Federation Entertainment), the mafia origin story L‘ORA (Canale Cinque Italy & SKY), serial killer bestseller TOTENFRAU with MonaFilm & Barry Entertainment (Netflix & ORF), and the Danish bestseller thriller series OXEN (with SF Studios for ZDF).

SquareOne Unlimited works with advertisers and brands worldwide to transform their company story into platform agnostic gripping film, television or other rich media content. We draw on our deep experience in the entertainment industry to creatively develop IP for TV and film in partnership with the trademark, transform that IP into cinematic-quality content and distribute that content to first tier platforms with significant reach. In the end, the brand experiences an image transfer without seeming on the nose or didactic, all while partnering with A-List talent to boost visibility and impact.

josh harris
co-founder, cfo/coo
filmhedge

Joshua Harris, a banker turned film Producer and serial entertainment entrepreneur, is a Co-Founder and CFO/COO at FilmHedge. With his extensive relationships in the entertainment industry and knowledge of film finance, Harris is not only able to develop lending opportunities for FilmHedge but also serve as a critical first line of defense in vetting the viability of each deal. Specializing in studio, television, and film production finance, Harris has partnered with many of the largest studios in North America and has become one of the principal sources of film production capital in countless productions. Harris is considered a rising influencer in the Entertainment Industry based in Atlanta and a strong advocate for building a sustainable entertainment-friendly ecosystem throughout Georgia. As the incoming Chair of the Atlanta Film Festival, Harris is advocating for public and private partnerships to continue to nurture the development and growth of entertainment in the southeast. A creative at heart with incredible instincts and business savvy, Harris has built a reputation in the industry and is currently Executive Producing more than a dozen various film projects around the world in 2023. Harris is regarded as a charismatic thought leader in the Entertainment business, and was recently named as one of the “most influential Georgians in Film and TV finance.” In addition to his work at FilmHedge, Harris is an Owner and partner at Gala Media Capital, lending directly to studio projects around the world, as well as one of the founders of the film equity company, Gramercy Park Media. Through these aligned strategic initiatives, Harris is working in all aspects of film production finance and studio development.

Harris has over two decades of diverse financial services experience and has served in a variety of leadership roles including retail, business, credit administration, corporate banking, and entertainment banking. Most recently as Entertainment Executive and Senior Vice President of City National Bank’s Entertainment Banking team, Harris was able to offer City National’s full complement of services to entertainment and production companies as well as working with business managers and high net worth entrepreneurs. Prior to his work with City National, Harris served as Senior Vice President and Commercial and Entertainment Executive for First Horizon as well as Market President of Quantum National/HomeTrust. Interestingly, Harris previously worked with Royal Bank of Canada, City National’s Bank’s parent company, as a Regional Manager, among many other leadership positions throughout his long banking career.

Harris earned a degree in the University System of Georgia and holds multiple professional accreditations and licenses. Active in the community, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Film Society, the current Vice Chair of Atlanta Film Festival, Invest Atlanta Creative Industries, Creative Coalition, and Colorful Realm as well as advisory commitments to Media & Entertainment Professionals, CMII, Georgia Production Partnership, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and the American Bankers Association.

With his entire family working in the entertainment industry, Film and TV is truly personal for Harris. Based in Atlanta with his wife and his working actress daughter, Mila Harris, he devotes most of his free time on set cultivating relationships and learning the business from the inside out. Additionally, he enjoys volunteering with several local philanthropic organizations and supporting Reimagine Atlanta, the Fox Theatre, the Woodruff Arts Center, Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, and Operation HOPE.

sarah gabriel
head of production and development
signature entertainment

Sarah Gabriel is Head of Production and Development for Signature Films, the production arm of Signature Entertainment, which was founded in 2011 by Marc Goldberg and has become one of the leading distribution companies in the UK with an ever-growing presence across the globe. Gabriel joined the company five years ago and worked with Goldberg to set up Signature Films, playing an integral role in building it into the successful production division it is today.

Over the past few years, Gabriel has continued to cultivate Signature’s slate, alongside Goldberg. Her upcoming credits include Keir O’Donnell’s romantic heist Marmalade starring Joe Keery, Aldis Hodge and Camila Morrone, thriller Dangerous Waters starring Ray Liotta and Eric Dane, and Sympathy for the Devil starring Nicolas Cage and Joel Kinnaman. Gabriel also recently served as producer on The Estate, starring Academy® Award-nominees Toni Collette and Kathleen Turner, Anna Faris, David Duchovny, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Ron Livingston, She Is Love starring Haley Bennett and Same Riley, and Bar Fight, starring Melissa Fumero and Rachel Bloom.

Gabriel began her career in international marketing/servicing at New Line Cinema before pursuing a career in film sales at Lionsgate under Helen Lee Kim. She left the studio to build the film sales division for XYZ Films, a production company, where she helped to grow their slate and established strong relationships throughout the industry. As a Sales Executive she worked to finance and develop over 50 films. As her distinguished taste and strong script development analytics became widely recognized, she transitioned into the creative development and production side of film.

Signature Entertainment has released over 1,500 films in the UK and over 200 films internationally. The company boasts a diverse slate of films such as UK Box Office success Orphan: First Kill; horror breakout out hits Relic and Possessor; and The Estate, produced by Signature Films, BAFTA award winner Paul Andrew Williams’ revenge thriller Bull; Roger Michell’s feature documentary Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts; festival darling The Peanut Butter Falcon with Shia LaBeouf; Signature's upcoming slate includes Toni Collette comedy Mafia Mamma, Beatles biopic Midas Man, Chris Pine's directorial debut Poolman, John Cena action film Freelance and Signature Films-produced Joe Keery and Camila Morrone crime caper Marmalade.

roxanne avent taylor
CEO and producer
hidden empire film group

Roxanne Avent Taylor is reshaping the very definition of independent production. In partnership with investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, alongside her husband, director Deon Taylor launched Hidden Empire Film Group (HEFG) sixteen years ago. Emerging as one of Hollywood’s most prolific and successful producers, Taylor’s creative voice stretches beyond all entertainment platforms including linear television, streaming, and radio; therefore, placing her amongst a select few.

Her lifelong passion for storytelling mirrors her fearless dedication to social justice. Taylor has led several community and national initiatives over the years. In partnership with Robert F. Smith, the Taylors have co-produced the digital series Be Woke. Vote - a social media philanthropic initiative to engage young people in political issues impacting our communities. The bipartisan series was hosted by CNN political contributor Van Jones, journalist Roland Martin, and GRAMMY Award® winning singer/songwriter Tameka “Tiny” Harris and features interviews with Kim Kardashian West, Jamie Foxx, and Chelsea Handler. The Be Woke. Vote series won two Webby Awards in 2020.

Growing up understanding the value of mentorship, Taylor’s work in youth advocacy through her C.L.I.M.B (Community, Learn, Inspire, Motivate, Build) mentoring program provides vital resources that help foster clear paths to advance educational opportunities for thousands of underserved young women. Additionally, the Taylors have partnered with non-profit organizations like The Baron Jay Foundation to provide opportunities for youth to gain on-set experience. Taylor received that organization’s prestigious Trailblazer Award in 2019. This is the same year Hidden Empire Film Group was recognized with the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) organization. Other awards and honors for Taylor includes, most recently receiving the 2022 Building Change Award at the 13th Annual African American Film Critics (AAFCA) Film Honors. In 2018, Taylor was the recipient of the NAACP’s Women in Leadership Award.

Roxanne credits HEFG’s success to her willingness to find comfort in going left when others are going right. Having developed, packaged, and produced an impressive slate of films, Roxanne was the driving force in the company’s recent expansion into distribution.

Notable theatrical releases from the producer includes Hidden Empire’s House Next Door starring Mike Epps and Katt Williams (2021), Lionsgate’s Fatale (2020), starring two-time Academy Award® winner Hilary Swank and Golden Globe® nominee Michael Ealy, Sony Pictures Black and Blue starring Academy Award nominee Naomie Harris, NAACP Image Award® winner Tyrese Gibson, and Frank Grillo, The Intruder (2019) with Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy, and NAACP Image Award nominee Meagan Good, NAACP Image Award nominated Traffick starring NAACP Image Award nominee Paula Patton, SAG Award® nominee Missi Pyle, and NAACP Image Award winners Omar Epps and Laz Alonso, Meet the Blacks (2016) starring NAACP Image Award winner Mike Epps and ALMA Award® winner George Lopez, and Supremacy (2014) starring two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, Spirit Award® winner Derek Luke, and SAG Award nominee Julie Benz.

Up next, Taylor is producing the psychological horror film FEAR, starring Joseph Sikora, Terrence Jenkins, Andrew Bachelor, and Tip “T.I.” Harris. The film is scheduled to premiere January 27,

2023. Other projects slated for production this year include Freedom Ride, the John Lewis biopic, Free Agents, and the Floyd Mayweather documentary.

When not making magic on screen, Taylor can be found in Granite Bay, CA making memories with her family.

jeff kalligheri
Co-founder, producer
compelling pictures

With over 23 years of experience in the film industry, He and his partner Denis O’Sullivan (BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY) formed Compelling Pictures in 2019, and I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY is the company’s debut release. Compelling Produced and co-financed the epic film independently and partnered with Sony/Tristar for worldwide distribution.

Compelling Pictures then produced and financed the feature film THE COLLABORATIONstarring Paul Bettany, Jeremy Pope, Melissa Barrera and Daniel Bruhlwhich wrapped shooting in October 2022 and is currently in post production. His partner O’Sullivan is also aproducer on the play by the same name, which had a sold out run in London at The Young Vic Theater earlier in 2022 and wrapped its Broadway run in February 2023 after multiple extensions. The play also starred Jeremy Pope as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Paul Bettany as Andy Warhol, and all three iterations have been directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah.

While with his previous company Waterstone Entertainment,Kalligheri produced and/or executive produced multiple titles including romantic thriller SUBMERGENCE starring Oscar-winning actress Alicia Vikander and Oscar Nominee James McAvoy and directed by multi Oscar nominee Wim Wenders, Thriller JOSIE Starring Sophie Turner, Dylan McDermot and Jack Kilmer, Action Adventure film BIG GAME starring Oscar winner Samuel L. Jackson, THE LETTER starring multi Oscar nominee Winona Ryder and Oscar nominee James Franco, and thriller HAPPY HUNTINGwhich was the multi award winning directorial debut of Louie Gibson and Joe Dietschwhich is one of the few films to maintain a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Kalligheri served as an entertainment industry consultant for NASA and was credited along with JPL, NASA and ISS with the first ever film premier in space (aboard the International Space Station) for the winning film of THE HUMANS IN SPACE ART PROJECT, of which he was an organizer and sponsor.

Kalligheri is also a frequent guest speaker and has participated on entertainment focused panels in many countries across the world.

Diana Lodderhose
International Features Editor
Deadline

Diana has been working in global film journalism since 2005. She is currently the International Features Editor at Deadline, a role she has been in since 2021. Before that, she was previously International Reporter for the site. Based in London, Diana has frequently covered all major film festivals and markets including Cannes, Berlin, AFM, Toronto and Sundance. Prior to joining Deadline, Diana was the UK correspondent for Variety and also covered film news and box office at Screen International.

Jay Cohen
Partner and Head of Film Finance and Distribution
The Gersh Agency

Jay Cohen is a Partner and Head of Film Finance and Distribution at The Gersh Agency, one of Hollywood’s oldest and largest talent agencies with seventy-five-agents and offices in Los Angeles and New York. At Gersh, he oversees a department which reps' multiple equity funds, sells finished films, and consults on independent financing for a wide spectrum of industries across all media. During his time at the Gersh Agency, Jay has successfully packaged and sold hundreds of films.

Prior to his career in Hollywood, Mr. Cohen spent years working on Wall Street where he launched the Wire house Broker Dealer Network, helping to generate close to $1 billion in new revenue. Later, he moved to Los Angeles to begin the Institutional Investment Program for Fiduciary Trust International of California, a subsidiary of FTI NY.

Mr. Cohen’s first film, which he produced and self-financed, was the critically acclaimed hit Swimming with Sharks, A film which remains as relevant today as it was when it was released in 1995. Swimming with Sharks has been a stage play in eight countries and most recently opened in the West End of London in October 2007. Currently he is developing Swimming with Sharks as a TV series.

Jay Cohen’s entertainment career includes a three-year partnership with Dustin Hoffman and Village Roadshow Pictures Australia. Mr. Cohen created the company Cosmic Entertainment, a partnership with Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell and Kate Hudson. Mr. Cohen raised the capital for this venture and was responsible for the full-time staff, day to day operations, as well as all negotiations regarding film, television and production facilities.

Through his decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Jay Cohen has developed excellent relationships with major studios, independent domestic distributors, talent agencies, management companies, international distributors, equity providers, international film funds, domestic and international banks, public relations firms, attorneys, actors, writers and directors.

Adrian Politowski
BAFTA Nominated Film Producer, CEO
ALIGN

Adrian Politowski is a BAFTA nominated film producer and CEO of film production and financing company Align. With headquarters in LA and presence in London, Brussels and Luxemburg. Align is backed by a greenlight fund enabling to produce and fully finance features and TV.

Adrian is the Co-Founder and previous CEO of Umedia (2004-2019) where he grew the group organically with Nadia Khamlichi from a modest 3 person organization into the $100M+ turnover international film group with 200 staff. In 2020, he sold his stake in Umedia.

Politowski worked as a producer on over 450 films including such hits as the multi Academy Award winning THE ARTIST, GOOD LUCK TO YOU LEO GRANDE, MANDY, HBO's, MY BRILLIANT FRIEND, Paramount's PAWS OF FURY, SEVEN SISTERS (What Happened to Monday), GRACE OF MONACO, THE MUSTANG, YVES SAINT LAURENT to name a few. His films have garnered 25 Official Cannes Selection, 11 Oscar Nominations (5 wins) and 77 nominations (22 wins) at the French César Awards.

Adrian also sits on the Board of Directors of publicly traded VFX/gaming company Goodbye Kansas, as well as cutting edge medical company Nordic Executive Medicine and sits on the Advisory Board of WIFTI (Women in Film and TV International).

He holds Masters in Engineering and a Masters in Economics, both from Oxford University. He splits his time between Los Angeles, Brussels and Stockholm

Jonathan Bross
Managing Partner
Ashland Hill

Mr. Bross has 27 years of experience in private debt, film finance and film production. Mr. Bross began his career as a turnaround specialist with Arthur Anderson and then the Hilco Private Debt Fund. In 2004, he co-founded Velvet Steamroller which financed and produced films with budgets from $1 million to $10 million, including personal capital. At Velvet Steamroller, Mr. Bross was responsible for debt financing, equity financing, collateral, tax credits, production, completion insurance and distribution contracts. In 2013, Mr. Bross and Mike Nehs co-founded Periscope Post and Audio, a leader in post-production services for film and television clients including Fox, ABC, and Warner Brothers. Mr. Bross is a graduate of Brown University with an M.B.A. from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. In 2017, Mr. Bross founded Argonaut investing personal capital in short term secured film debt.

Brent Emery
Partner
Resonate Entertainment

Sundance award-winning producer Brent Emery brings over twenty years of international film strategy and business consulting experience to Resonate Entertainment. He has worked as an independent film finance, sales and production specialist at multiple executive posts, including U.S. Head of Co- Productions for ECI (a global entertainment company focused on Chinese Co- Productions) and Executive Vice President of Production and Development at Madonna and Guy Oseary’s Maverick Films.

During his many years at Maverick Films, Emery oversaw development of over fifty studio and independent film and television projects and managed the deals of a dozen independent producers. Projects that emerged from Emery’s tenure include box office record breaking Twilight, which was eventually financed by Summit Entertainment, the hit film Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, and the young adult hit movies Agent Cody Banks I and II.

Emery’s critically acclaimed 2015 film, The Stanford Prison Experiment, won the Alfred P. Sloan Award and Waldo Salt screenwriting award at The Sundance Film Festival. The Road Within, starring Kyra Sedgwick, produced by Emery and written and directed by Emery’s wife, Gren Wells, has garnered multiple international awards, including Best Youth Film at The Rome Film Festival.

After producing Carrie Pilby with Suzanne Farwell and Susan Cartsonis, they went on to create Resonate Entertainment in 2016. Since forming Resonate, Emery has Executive Produced Feel the Beat (starring Sofia Carson) for Netflix, the independent film Dear Zoe (starring Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink), the independent film Space Oddity (directed by Kyra Sedgwick), the independent film Audrey’s Children (directed by Ami Canaan Mann), and True Spirit for Netflix which was just released. Currently, Emery is Producing Sitting in Bars With Cake for Amazon (Starring Yara Shahidi, Odessa A’zion and Bette Midler).

Brent is also a member of the Producers Guild of America and a member of the PGA Indie Film Task Force. He is also an executive committee member of the Producers Union and Officer-At Large.

AKUA gyamfi
founder
The british blacklist

Akua Gyamfi has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning fashion, film, television, theatre, print and online media.

In 2012 Akua founded The British Blacklist, a platform that celebrates the talents of British Black creatives across Screen, Stage, Literature and Sound. She also produces podcasts Your Aunties Could Never (popular culture, and TBB Talks (interviews with Black creatives from around the globe).

Alongside writer/producer Leon Mayne, Akua is the co-creator/co-exec producer and host of industry round table series The Circle and the FILM:Club for screen creatives.

In 2019 Akua joined forces with Soul Film, and We Are Parable to launch the S.O.U.L. Film Festival, an annual event which showcases the best of Black filmmakers and content creators from the UK and the wider Diaspora.

Gareth Ellis-Unwin
Academy and BAFTA Award-Winning Producer and CEO
BEDLAM FILM PRODUCTIONS

Academy and BAFTA Award-winning Producer Gareth Ellis-Unwin is the CEO of the London-based Bedlam Film Productions.

After 13 years as a 1st AD and Line Producer, racking up dozens of film and TV credits, Gareth decided to move into Producing and formed Bedlam Productions in 2006 with partner Simon Egan.

In 2009, Gareth produced the British thriller Exam, which was nominated for a BAFTA and won Spirit and Dinard awards. International recognition followed soon after with the record-breaking, critically acclaimed 2010 film The King’s Speech. It went on to become the highest grossing British independent film of all time. It debuted at Toronto International Film Festival where it took home the celebrated Audience Award before winning seven BAFTAs (including Best Film and Outstanding British Film) and four Academy awards, including Best Film, presented to Gareth by Steven Spielberg. The film would eventually win in excess of 80 internationally recognized film awards and gross over $450m worldwide in theatrical receipts alone. He would go on to produce a further 6 feature films.

Now acting as Head of Film & Animation at Screenskills, the national charity in the UK for workforce development and those wishing to join the screen industries, Gareth leads on the delivery of the BFI Future Film Skills 10-point action plan and sets the overall strategic direction for the Film Skills Fund. He was closely involved in the development of the COVID-19 Safe Return To Production guidance and has won PGGB awards for his career film, First Day; On Set.

Gareth is a voting member of AMPAS, BAFTA, PGA and PGGB. He is also Honoree Fellow Ravensbourne College of Design & Communication where he lectures.

PROGRAM:

WELCOMING ADDRESS

Amy Baker, CEO & Co-Founder, Winston Baker

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

In recent years, the Entertainment Industry has faced various challenges and achieved many feats while adapting to new circumstances. As we move into 2023, it is essential to identify the necessary changes, the permanent fixtures, and how can you remain relevant. Content transcends borders more than ever; where are the consumers and what do they want to see. Emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia present unique opportunities that require agility and adaptability. Our distinguished panel of experts will provide valuable insights on Finance, Distribution, Production, Streaming, and other relevant topics.

Moderator:

Brent Emery, Partner – RESONATE ENTERTAINMENT

Panelists:

Wayne Borg, Managing Director – Media Industries, Entertainment and Culture - NEOM

Al Munteanu, Founder and CEO – SQUAREONE HOLDINGS

Karl Spoerri, CEO - ZURICH AVENUE

Sarah Gabriel, Head of Production and Development -  SIGNATURE ENTERTAINMENT

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH Gurinder Chadha 

It is with great excitement that we announce the participation of Gurinder Chadha, accomplished Director, Writer, and Producer of numerous critically acclaimed films, including Bend it Like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice, Blinded by the Light, Viceroy’s House, and several other highly regarded works. We are thrilled to have Gurinder join us and can’t wait to hear from her extensive knowledge of the industry.

Moderator:

Diana Lodderhose, International Features Editor - DEADLINE

UNLOCKING CREATIVE CAPITAL: NAVIGATING INVESTOR APPETITE AND IDENTIFYING QUALITY CONTENT WITH A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE 

Success or failure in the Entertainment Industry can change in an instant, especially when it comes to finances. This can be overwhelming as there are many different avenues to finance your films, keep investors happy, protected with insurability, and stay relevant; it’s hard to know what will transcend borders and resonate with audiences everywhere. Our esteemed panel will share their insights on finding creative capital and identifying what can elevate your project to the next level. Join us to learn from their expertise.

Moderator:

Jeff Kalligheri, Co-Founder, Producer - COMPELLING PICTURES

Panelists:

Josh Harris, Co-Founder, CFO/COO – FILMHEDGE

Marc Spivey, Executive Vice President – TV/Film & Entertainment – HIGGINBOTHAM

Jonathan Bross, Managing Partner - ASHLAND HILL

Adrian Politowski, BAFTA nominated Film Producer, CEO - ALIGN

FIRESIDE CHAT with Deon Taylor

Join us as we hear from Deon Taylor, a highly acclaimed filmmaker and producer who has directed a range of successful films including Traffik, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Independent Motion Picture and a 2019 AMAA Best Diaspora Narrative Feature. Other films include: The Intruder, Black and Blue, Fatale, and Meet the Blacks 2: The House Next Door, which have all been widely praised and enjoyed by audiences. Taylor has also received a variety of awards, including the Sacramento Filmmaker of the Year Award and the LMGI Humanitarian of the Year Award. Learn from Taylor as he shares his insights and experiences in the film industry and his commitment to social justice and progress.

Moderator:

Akua Gyamfi, Founder - THE BRITISH BLACKLIST

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH Claudia Bluemhuber

We are very excited to announce our Fireside Chat with Claudia Bluemhuber and Björn Runge. Claudia is one of the industry’s most prolific female producers with over 40 international independent films to her name over the course of 14 years; and we are thrilled that she is joined by Björn, an Award-Winning Director, Author and Theatre Director. Together they worked on Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winner The Wife, with Björn directing and Claudia producing. Other credits to add to Claudia’s repertoire include the Oscar nominated animation feature Loving Vincent, Emmy nominated Most Dangerous Game and she recently made her showrunning and directorial debut. Björn has directed several short films and TV productions including: Mun mot mun, Burn All My Letters, Happy End, Daybreak and many more! We are thrilled to have these two in discussion with Jay Cohen and know our attendees will value their unparalleled advice.

Moderator:

Jay Cohen, Partner, Head of Film Financing and Distribution - THE GERSH AGENCY

REIMAGINING SALES & DISTRIBUTION: THE EVER-EVOLVING LANDSCAPE

The Entertainment Industry is continually evolving due to the changing interests of consumers. Consequently, the production and distribution of films have also undergone significant changes. It is crucial to understand the emerging structures and stay competitive and relevant in the local and international markets. Our panel of executives will share their experiences on successful sales strategies, emerging trends, and the ongoing debate between streaming and theatres. Join us to gain valuable insights from their knowledge and expertise.

Moderator:

Gareth Ellis-Unwin, Academy and BAFTA Award-Winning Producer and CEO - BEDLAM FILM PRODUCTIONS

Panelists:

Tamara Birkemoe, CEO - PALISADES PARK PICTURES

Uri Singer, President - PASSAGE PICTURES

Arianne Fraser, CEO - HIGHLAND FILM GROUP

Roxanne Avent Taylor, CEO and Producer - HIDDEN EMPIRE FILM GROUP

FORUM PROGRAMMER

Amy Baker
CEo and co-founder
WINSTON | BAKER

As Co-Founder and CEO of WINSTON | BAKER, Amy Baker oversees the company’s global strategic planning, editorial programming, event production, business development and vendor relationships. Amy co-founded the FILM FINANCE FORUM® SERIES, a series of conferences across the globe dedicated to bringing film and finance executives together.

Prior to establishing Winston Baker, she successfully directed B2B and B2C business development efforts for over 10 years by leveraging innovative sponsorship methods to engage business professionals. At ALM, as Vice President of Business Development, she provided finance executives and marketers with targeted channels for reaching decision-makers within the legal, entertainment, healthcare and tech sectors. In her previous position, Director of Business Development at RPMC, she worked with entertainment, music, and sports companies, creating event marketing programs, travel incentive services, sweepstakes, and media promotions.

Amy received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with honors from New York University and is proud to be a member of the National Board of Advisors for the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.
Amy is also a Certified COVID-19 Compliance Officer.

For more information please email:

Special Thanks to Our Partners