Whenever I get an email from a filmmaker moving to (or thinking about moving to) New York, I always make sure to impart the following advice: join IFP. There's no better way to become part of the indie film scene in the Big Apple. IFP puts on a few conferences a year, and this Saturday is the Script to Screen Conference, which as you can guess focuses on issues for screenwriters (and writer/directors). I was a panelist at last year's conference, and I learned a lot just by sitting in the audience for the other panelist's presentations. This year's guests include Mark Heyman (Black Swan) and Barry Levinson (Diner, Rain Man, Sleepers), and also includes a Pitch Workshop.
The conference costs $100 for a day pass ($80 for IFP members) and takes place in NYC this Saturday, March 5th. For my notes from last year's S2S conference, which include valuable tips from a few top indie directors, see here and here. I also covered how to write for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as a result. Here are this year's details:
Now more than ever, independent filmmakers have a myriad of opportunities available to develop, create, and fund their latest script. But in this rapidly changing environment – and with so many projects for the industry to choose from – writers and writer/directors of all levels still struggle to get their latest work seen, sold, and produced.
IFP’s Script to Screen Conference explores new opportunities available to indie filmmakers and writers with this day of workshops, seminars and networking. Script to Screen directly connects aspiring and working screenwriters to the decision makers of the film, television, and new-media business. Script to Screen is the place for writers and writer/ directors to explore the art, craft, and business of writing and creating the next generation of independent film.
2011 Panels include:
- A Conversation with Barry Levinson (Diner, Rain Man, Sleepers)
- A Conversation with Mark Heyman (Black Swan)
- New Platforms for Writers with Carol Kolb, Head Writer, Onion News Network
- Martha Marcy May Marlene: Case Study in Writing Teams
- Live Reading: Two Scenes for Dialogue Analysis
- Pitch Workshop – Submit Your Pitch
