INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION INCENTIVE TASK FORCE PANEL

September 23rd, 2006, 11:30 AM

Orange County Convention Center, West Building

Orlando, Florida

Members Present on Panel:

Ralph Clemente, Program Director, Film Production Tech. Valencia Community College

Gregg Hale, Independent Producer

Paul Lazarus, Film Program Director, University of Miami School of Communication.

Members Not Present:

Rebecca O’Dell Townsend

Joe Humphreys

Non-Members on Panel:

Paul Sirmons, State Film Commissioner

Kim Dawson, Producer

Wayne Morris, Producer

The panel commenced at 11:40 a.m. Paul Sirmons served as the moderator and introduced himself and the panelists. Each panelist gave an overview on their film background and qualifications to the public. The floor was then opened for questions from the audience.

Topics discussed included:

How to finance your independent production

The importance of getting an entertainment attorney

Making a business plan

Finding the right distribution outlet for your production

Keeping your crew’s moral high on ultra-low or no budget productions

Staying active and involved in Florida ’s filmmaking community

Time constraints bring to an end the discussion at 1:35 p.m. Audience members were encouraged to stay after the session to meet the panelists one-on-one.