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7PM | Cantor Film Center, 36 E 8th Street
OPENING NIGHT: Refinery29’s Shatterbox Anthology, a collection of stunning short films, told through the lens of female storytellers, share a common theme tied to the dynamics of power. Filmmakers and Refinery29 producers will be with us in conversation about the evolution of this initiative born as a rallying cry to counteract the staggering data that proves the lack of female representation behind the camera in Hollywood. Films screening include:
– Kitty Chloë Sevigny, director
– 50/50 Tiffany Shlain, director
– Lucia Before After Anu Valia, director
– Watching You, Watching Me Pamela Romanowsky, director
3PM | Tisch Theater 006, 721 Broadway
Grab a hot seat in the room as finalists present work in progress to top industry judges and listen in on the exec’s feedback and selection of winner!
7PM | Tisch Theater 006, 721 Broadway
Female visionaries and VR creators take us on a journey into the new world of virtual reality.
Featuring Alissa Crevier (Global Head of Brand Partnerships Littlstar), Stephanie Llamas (Vice President of Research and Strategy), Adaora Udoji (Storyteller and Self-Described VR evangelist), Lily Baldwin and Courtney Harding (Professor at Clive Davis) moderating.
*This event will be followed by a reception with a virtual reality interactive display you can experience!
9:30AM | RSVP only
Fusion is incredibly honored to have HBO’S VP of Development, Kelly Edwards as our Brunch with an Icon. As the Head of Talent Development for HBO Kelly Edwards oversees all diversity efforts above and below the line for series, films, Cinemax and miniseries. Join us for breakfast and a thrilling conversation. These are some of the programs Kelly Edwards has developed and and operates at HBO:
HBOACCESS DIRECTING FELLOWSHIP
The HBOACCESS Directing Fellowship selects 3-4 fellows to participate in a biennial program designed to foster diverse directing talent. The program includes a series of master classes which lead into the production of a short films.
HBOACCESS WRITING FELLOWSHIP
HBO selects 9 writers to participate in the HBOAccess Writing fellowship.
In conjunction with the WGA, the bi-annual program began with a week-long intensive workshop covering story structure, character development, genre writing, getting an agent as well as other topics to help the fellows succeed in the industry.
HBO MARRIES WRITING AND DIRECTING FELLOWSHIPS
Continuing the trend to break new ground, HBOAccess directors selected for the 2016 program were assigned material developed by emerging creators in the HBOAccess Writing Fellowship effectively marrying the two programs. Each of the 3 pieces were provided with a production budget and a full union crew designed to foster inclusiveness.
HBO VISITING DIRECTORS’ PROGRAM
In order to acquaint directors with HBO series, women and people of color are encouraged to spend time on our sets shadowing our shows. Visiting directors are paid $1,000/wk while observing prep, production, and post. Since many HBO and Cinemax series shoot outside of LA and NY, travel and lodging are also covered. The goal is to turn the visiting experience into a hire.
HBO CINEMATOGRAPHERS’ PROGRAM
Like the HBO Visiting Directors Program, this program gives shadowing opportunities to emerging cinematographers. Given a weekly stipend, participants observe for a number of weeks on set.
HBO SALON DINNERS
Each summer on the first Wednesday of the month, HBO invites creative and production talent to dinner at the Daily Grill. The guest list is curated by the two HBO executives who host that month’s event. In the past 3 years alone, well over 50 writers, directors, cinematographers, and editor have been invited to meet with HBO.
10AM | Apply here
Fusion Film Festival is giving the opportunity to 10 selected students (female or co-created with male) to pitch their TV show, web series, or feature film idea directly to top development executives from the industry. Applications on our website available to first 50 students to apply.
Animation’s Leading Ladies12PM | Tisch Theater 006, 721 Broadway
Innovators pushing the limits of their medium share their work and personal stories.
Featuring Anne D. Bernstein (Writer and story editor, Daria and MTV’s Downtown), Karen Disher, Candy Kugel (MTV’s Top of the Hour, WGBH’s Between the Lions), Nancy Newhouse-Porter and Zoya Baker (Animator and NYU Professor) moderating.
2PM | Tisch Theater 006, 721 Broadway
Filmmakers of color discuss overcoming roadblocks and creatively engaging in our social and political climate.
Featuring Afira Serena Nathaniel, Isabel Sandoval, Sonejuhi Sinha, Ja’Tovia Gary, Bertha Bay-Sa Pan and Kelly Edwards (HBO’s VP of Talent Development) moderating.
4PM | Tisch Theater 006, 721 Broadway
Exciting masterclass with visionary Grammy award-winning director and NYU/Tisch graduate, Melina Matsoukas.
6:30PM | Cantor Film Center, 36 E 8th Street
Join us for a stunning showcase screening of the finalists in the Fusion Film Festival 2017 Competition as we reveal the next generation of storytelling greats with award presentation to winners and to our honoree Woman of the Year Melina Matsoukas. Reception to follow.
