This panel conversation will provide insight into membership eligibility, the voting process, and the inner workings and operations of the most prolific organization in modern cinema.

Panel focuses:
Eligibility requirements
How to become a member of The Academy
Perks of membership
How the voting process works
Increasing BIPOC representation within The Academy
Ensuring films are reflective of the world we live in
Academy Gold programs

Panelists
Jeanell English
EVP, Impact and Operations

Shawn Finnie
EVP, Member Relations and Awards

Moderated by: Lawrence Foldes, Academy Member

Join Panavision’s Dan Sasaki for a behind-the-scenes analysis of the optical attributes that contributed to the storytelling of famous films. Dan will shine a light on the lenses filmmakers used to bring their visions to life while providing an overview of Panavision’s vast inventory and a firsthand account of the artistry, science, and technology involved in the field of motion-picture optics.

Dan Sasaki
Senior Vice President of Optical Engineering and Lens Strategy

A one-on-one, career-spotlight conversation with Sons of Anarchy and Rebel Moon Star, Charlie Hunnam

Panelists:
Charlie Hunnam
Actor, Sons of Anarchy, Rebel Moon

Jenelle Riley
Variety

This panel will gain insight from distribution and acquisitions executives who can detail: best practices when seeking distribution, why securing distribution is the most important move a filmmaker can make, and what factors distributors take most into account.

Panel focuses:
Five things every filmmaker should know when seeking distribution
Common mistakes filmmakers make when seeking/securing distribution
The most important factors distributors take into account when considering projects

Panelists:
Yulissa Morales
VP OF US DISTRIBUTION, EPIC PICTURES

Moderated by:
Daniel de Boulay
Manager of Worldwide Acquisitions, SONY Pictures Entertainment

The Oprah Winfrey Network broke precedent by implementing back to back unscripted blocks during their primetime weekend time slots. This break from the status quo has launched OWN as a frontrunner in the unscripted space, and provided creator and Executive Producer, Carlos King, the opportunity to reinvent and expand his brand with the successful Love & Marriage franchise.

This panel will feature cast members from the Love & Marriage franchise, Belle Collective, and creator of both shows, Carlos King.

Panel focuses:
The success of OWN’s Love & Marriage franchise
OWN’s unprecedented Friday/Saturday unscripted block
The importance of showcasing Black love and success in all of its forms

Panelists:
Carlos King
Executive Producer, Creator

Ashley & DJ Quick Silva
Love & Marriage DC Cast Members

Melody Shari
CEO, Love & Marriage Huntsville Cast Member

Marie Hamilton-Abston
CEO, Belle Collective Cast Member

Tambra Cherie
Media Personality, Belle Collective Cast Member

Chellz Evette
Media Personality