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"Cooperation with Hollywood" Panel 2011

Grandhotel Pupp, Chopin lounge, Sunday, July 3, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00PM

For the fourth time the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival will organize the much anticipated “Cooperation with Hollywood” panel. The goal of the event is to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Europe and bring together the skills, experience and talent from both sides of the Atlantic. Prominent representatives of the American film industry will offer their European counterparts useful insight into the workings of the Hollywood production machine. The discussion will allow both sides to gain important information for successful cooperation.

This year’s subject will give the foreign filmmakers an invaluable insight into what it takes to make their dreams and aspiration reality.

WHAT DOES IT REALLY TAKE TO BREAK INTO HOLLYWOOD?
Whether you're a writer, a director or a producer. And how does one get access to, and attention from, the powers that be? How do you get your material read? What is the role of an agent or manager? And how do you get one to represent you? How do you get an entertainment attorney? What is that attorney's role vis a vis an agent and/or manager? What does a director or producer needs to show Hollywood in order to be given money and a green light to make their movie? How do you get stars to read your work? And if you manage to get your movie made, how do you make sure it's distributed? If you are a first time director, do you need to do a short promo, or "sizzle reel" to accompany your script and prove you know how to direct actors when you present the material to financiers? What is the meaning of festivals in terms of your ability to get films made or showcase them once they're made?

Panel participants:

NICK WECHSLER, film producer
Nick Wechsler is a prominent American producer whose work includes “Sex, Lies and Videotape”, “The Player”, “Requiem for a Dream” and “The Road.” He is one of the founders of Industry Entertainment, a film production company representing actors including Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Al Pacino, Tobey Maguire, Whoopi Goldberg, Benicio Del Toro, Kirsten Dunst and others. After leaving the company, he has been fully focusing on film production. He is now working on “Serena” directed by Suzanne Bier featuring Jennifer Lawrence, “The Host” directed by Andrew Niccol, with Saoirse Ronan, “Magic Mike” directed by Steve Soderberg with Channing Tatum and “Under the Skin” directed by Jonathan Glaser with Scarlett Johansson in the lead.

KARL AUSTEN, entertainment lawyer
For the past 20 years he has been one of the most prominent entertainment lawyers in Hollywood, representing actors, directors, producers, writers and also athletes. His clients include Jude Law, Hilary Swank, Judi Dench and Jessica Biel or the author of “The Family Guy” Seth MacFarlane. He is a partner at Jackoway Tyerman Wertheimer Austen Mandelbaum & Morris.

JAY COHEN, film producer
Jay Cohen is a partner at The Gersh Agency, one of the oldest and best-known Hollywood agencies. He oversees a department, which reps multiple equity funds, sells finished films, and consults on independent financing for a wide spectrum of independent projects. During his career, he has worked with major studios, independent domestic and foreign producers, agents and international film funds.

MELINDA JASON, president of Conspiracy production company
Melinda Jason is a manager and producer responsible for the discovery of many talented filmmakers with successful careers in the film industry. Her company represents writers, directors and producers of TV and Internet programs and films and helps launch the careers of many filmmakers around the world.

The panel will be moderated by producer, screenwriter and film columnist Tomáš Baldýnský.

The event will be open to film professionals, journalists and the public.
Please confirm you participation and reserve a seat at michailidis@kviff.com till June 30.

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