August 8–16, 2025 | Hollywood, CA
Alta Global Media, in partnership with the HollyShorts Institute, has unveiled the full lineup for the 2025 Alta Global Media Film Summit, running August 8–16, 2025, in Hollywood, California. This year’s program features keynotes, fireside chats, panels, workshops, and networking events with acclaimed filmmakers, top executives, and rising creatives.
Royal Cathay Tea proudly presents an exclusive series of VIP Lounge Events, where sophistication meets celebration. Guests will indulge in an elevated experience of curated teas, champagne, and luxury hospitality. As a mark of distinction, winners and VIP guests will be gifted custom-made champagne glasses, exclusively designed and crafted by The Èlliance. These bespoke keepsakes symbolize the elegance and refinement that define the event, offering a memorable token of this extraordinary occasion.
Friday, August 8, 2025
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Panel
21st Anniversary Meet the Festival Founders Coffee
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderators & Speakers:
- Moderator: Steven Adams – Managing Partner, Alta Global Media; Summit Co‑Founder
- Speakers: Daniel Sol – Co‑Founder, HollyShorts Film Festival
- Speakers: Theo Dumont – Co‑Founder, HollyShorts Film Festival
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Keynote
Performing History
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Keynote Speaker: Roger Guenveur Smith – Award-winning actor, writer, and director
Moderator: Darrien Michele Gipson – Executive Director, SAGindie
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM | Fireside Chat
HollyShorts Keynote Conversation: Becoming Led Zeppelin
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Speakers:
- Bernard MacMahon – Writer/Director, Becoming Led Zeppelin
- Allison McGourty – Writer/Producer, Becoming Led Zeppelin
Description:
From concept to nationwide IMAX theatrical release via Sony Pictures Classics and now streaming on Netflix worldwide, this conversation explores the inspiring journey of true independent filmmakers. Discover how the film became one of the modern era’s great rock documentaries, beginning with a work-in-progress screening at the Venice Film Festival in 2021 and culminating in a successful nationwide theatrical release in February 2025.
Full Film Synopsis:
Becoming Led Zeppelin explores the origins of this iconic group and their meteoric rise against all odds. Powered by awe‑inspiring, psychedelic, never‑before‑seen footage, performances, and music, Bernard MacMahon’s cinematic odyssey reveals the creative, musical, and personal origin story of one of rock’s most legendary bands.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Panel
Launch Your Career with Your Short Film (Presented by LA Media Consultants)
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderator:
- Deborah Gilels – Publicist & Media Consultant
Panelists:
- Valerie McCaffrey – Talent Manager, Casting Director, Producer of Here’s Yianni!
- Bridget Stokes – Director, Emmy Award‑winner (The Girl in the Mirror, The Babysitters Club)
- Jonathan Heap – Director, Oscar‑nominated for short film (12:01 PM)
- Seth Nagel – Literary & Talent Manager
- Jennie Lew Tugend – Producer (Free Willy, Lethal Weapon series)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Fireside Chat
Pitch Session with Alta Global Media
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Host: Alta Global Media team
Description: One‑on‑one and small group pitching opportunities with industry professionals to help refine your project presentation and connect with decision-makers.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Panel
What Makes a Good IP? Working with Best‑Selling Authors (Presented by JeanBookNerd)
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderator: Marc Hawson – Publishing & Entertainment Industry Expert
Panelists:
- D.J. MacHale – Best‑selling author, Pendragon series
- Angela Corbett – YA author, Eternal Starling trilogy
- John Wells III – Author, The Last Angel Warrior
- Mary Ting – Best‑selling YA author, ISAN series
- Gareth Worthington – Award‑winning sci‑fi author
- Clarissa Jacobson – Writer/Producer, Lunch Ladies
- Jordan Vallesteros – YA novelist
- Lauren Kate – Best‑selling author, Fallen series
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Fireside Chat
Industry Executives Private Filmmaker Mentorship Speed Dating
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Featuring: Beth Hubbard – Executive Producer, Mentor
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM | Panel
Entertainment Law 101 for Short Filmmakers (Presented by Kevork Law)
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderator: Zoe Kevork – Entertainment Attorney, Kevork Law
Panelists:
- Jeff Cohen – Entertainment Attorney, Author of The Dealmaker’s Ten Commandments
- Clifford Lo – Entertainment Lawyer
- Eric Feig – Attorney & Producer
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM | Panel
Film Distribution – State of the Union
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderator: Nancy Collett – Distribution Consultant
Panelists:
- Glen Reynolds – CEO, Circus Road Films
- Yulissa Morales – Distribution Executive
- Clare Cooney – Filmmaker/Actor
- Mike Polydoros – CEO, PaperAirplane Media
- Adam Sorensen – Distribution Strategist
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Reception
HollyShorts Filmmakers Drinks & Nibbles (Presented by JeanBookNerd)
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Networking
Filmmakers Meet‑Up
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Saturday, August 9, 2025
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | Panel
SAGindie Presents: The Power of Women Directing
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderator:
- Darrien Michele Gipson – Executive Director, SAGindie; President, Film*Raderie
Panelists:
- Jennifer Morrison – Actor/Director (Sun Dogs, Once Upon a Time)
- Letitia Wright – Actor/Producer (Black Panther, Small Axe)
- Kimmy Gatewood – Director/Actor (GLOW, The Babysitter’s Club)
- SJ Main Muñoz – Director/Writer (La Causa, Reina del Sol)
- Sharon Lawrence – Actor (NYPD Blue, Queen Sugar)
- Ruby Rose Collins – Director/Writer (My Friend Ruby)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Panel
Agents and Managers
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderator:
- Jaylen Moore – Actor/Producer (Six, SEAL Team)
Panelists:
- Zach Cox – Literary Agent, Circle of Confusion
- Steven Adams – Manager/Producer, Managing Partner, Alta Global Media
- Babacar Diene – Agent, Paradigm Talent Agency
- Alex Sherkarshian – Producer/Attorney/Educator, Founder of ASManagement
- Greg Pedicin – Agent, Gersh Agency
- Representative, ColorCreative – Talent/Literary Management Company
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Workshop
TBA Afternoon Creative Workshop
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
(From Fireside Chats schedule – reserved slot for industry skill‑building sessions)
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM | Industry Session
ShotDeck Panel
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Featuring: Cassandra Nickleson – Company Representative, ShotDeck.com
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Panel
Beyond the Game: Building a Brand Through Media, Sports & Culture
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderators:
- Nathan Elliot – Executive Producer and Host
- Mitchell Adams – Sports & Media Producer
Panelists:
-
- Jeff Hamilton – Fashion Designer, Sportswear Collaborator
- Everett Osborne – Actor, Producer – Star of Sweetwater
- Beth Hubbard – Sports Entertainment Executive
- Tarana Mayes – Producer, Sports & Culture Projects
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Reception
Sports Category / Panel Reception
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Networking
Filmmakers Meet‑Up
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Sunday, August 10, 2025
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Panel
Accessing Institutional Finance
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderator:
- Eric Conner – Producer/Educator, USC School of Cinematic Arts
Panelists:
- Melanie Krinski – Senior Vice President, Western Alliance Bank Entertainment Division
- Vivianna Zarragoitia – Vice President, Three Point Capital
- Kalani Dremanis – Vice President, International Sales & Distribution
- Erik Gordon – CEO, FilmHedge
- Lee Broda – Founder & CEO, LB Entertainment
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | Panel
Navigating Awards Season: Insights from Oscar & BAFTA Winners
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderator:
- Catherine Lyn Scott – Publicist, Director, London Flair PR
Panelists:
- David Magdael – President & CEO, David Magdael & Associates
- Andrew Carlberg – Oscar‑winning Producer (Skin)
- Adam J. Graves – Awards Strategist
- Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer – Publicist/Awards Campaign Specialist
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM | Panel
First Steps / Best Steps / Next Steps in Animation (with the Animation Guild)
Location: Main Stage, TCL Chinese Theatre
Moderator:
- Eric Conner – Producer/Educator, USC School of Cinematic Arts
Panelists:
- Ira Sherak – Director (Futurama, Disenchantment, Brickleberry), Emmy Award‑winner
- Toby Cochran – Animation Director
- Ramin Zahed – Editor‑in‑Chief, Animation Magazine
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Panel
Finance & Distribution Opportunities in Africa
Location: Main Stage, TCL Chinese Theatre
Moderator:
- Ozi Menakaya – Film & TV Agent
Panelists:
- Steven Adams – Manager/Producer, Managing Partner, Alta Global Media
- Dana Simms – President, Global Media & Distribution, Yarish Global Consulting
- Adel Nur – Manager/Producer, Founder, Atomik Content
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Reception
- HollyShorts Filmmakers Drinks
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Networking
Filmmakers Meet‑Up
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Monday, August 11, 2025
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Fireside Chat
The Relationship Between Actors & Director
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Speaker:
- Richard Lawson – Actor/Director, Educator (Poltergeist, For Colored Girls, Lawson Theatre Studio)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Fireside Chat
Actors on Producing
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Speakers:
- Isabella Blake‑Thomas – Actor/Producer (Secret Society of Second‑Born Royals, Founder of Mother & Daughter Entertainment)
- Jaylen Moore – Actor/Producer (Six, SEAL Team)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Fireside Chat
California Tax Incentives
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Speaker:
- Fanshen Cox – Producer, Storyteller, Inclusion Strategist (Co‑Author of One Drop of Love)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Panel
Film Fest Dr Podcast Live at HollyShorts
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderator:
- Dr. Rebekah Louisa Smith – Film Festival Strategist, Author, Born to Do It, “The Film Festival Doctor”
Panelists:
- Larry Laboe – Co‑Founder & Executive Director, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA)
- Gustavo Sampaio – Festival Director, North Hollywood CineFest
- Maya Laban – Arab Film & Media Institute Representative
- Jose Ortega – Programmer, Dances With Films
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Reception
Drinks Reception (Presented by Film Fest Doctor)
Location: Cabo Wabo Room, TCL Chinese Theatre
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Networking
Filmmakers Meet‑Up
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Fireside Chat
Stepping Into Power & Thriving as a Creative
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Speaker:
- Steven Adams – Manager/Producer, Managing Partner, Alta Global Media; Summit Co‑Founder
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Panel
Music Panel presented by Framework – Curating the Culture: The evolution of EDM, Afro Beats, and Hip-Hop in Music & Live Experience.
This will be a look at DJs, label execs and event producers redefining the future through electronic music, Afro house, hip-hop, and immersive live shows.
With an after party at Spotlight Hollywood featuring Dr.Chaii and Bantu
The Music Category, headed by Jessica Badawi, has grown under her direction as she arranged for HollyShorts to serve as a brand and media partner at the Winter Music Conference.
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Panelists:
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- Karaba – Artist/Producer
- Mathematics – Producer/DJ, Wu‑Tang Clan
- Dr Chaii – Artist/Producer (worked with Chris Brown, Jason Derulo)
- Bantu – Artist/Producer (worked with Maroon 5, A$AP Rocky)
- Ajamu Kambon – CEO, Deep Root Tribe *to be honored at HollyShorts with the Afro House Maverick Award
- Mark Andrezyk – Director of Talent, Framework
- Craig Jacobson – Director of Operations, Framework
Moderator – Danny Klein – Creative Director of SPIN Magazine
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Networking
Filmmakers Meet‑Up
Location: Royal Cathay Filmmaker VIP Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Workshop
Creative Industry Workshop – Topic TBA
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Workshop
Crowdfunding: From Soul‑Sucking to Success!
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Speaker:
- Bri Castellini – Indie Filmmaker, Film & Crowd‑Funding Expert, Podcaster (Forget the Box)
Description:
A deep dive into the realities of running a successful crowdfunding campaign. Learn how to design campaigns that engage backers, maintain momentum, and avoid burnout while navigating the ever‑changing indie film landscape.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Panel
Visual Futures: Emerging Directors on the Future of Work (Presented by Indeed Rising Voices)
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderator:
- Sandro Monetti – Entertainment Journalist, Author, Host
Panelists:
- Julian Doan – Director
- Jahmil Eady – Director
- Jasmine J. Johnson – Director
- Michael Lei – Director
- Oanh‑Nhi Nguyen – Director
- Etzu Shaw – Director
- Tamara Shogaolu – Director
- David Telles – Director
- Sylvie Weber – Director
- Julia Weisberg Cortés – Director
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Reception
Networking Reception (Presented by Indeed)
Location: Cabo Wabo Room, TCL Chinese Theatre
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Networking
Filmmakers Meet‑Up
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Thursday, August 14, 2025
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Panel
Industry Panel – Topic TBA
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Panel
The Case for AI in Filmmaking
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Moderator:
- Ryan Black – Head of Acquisitions, Flawless AI
Panelists:
- Jonathan Handel – Entertainment Attorney, Journalist (The Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times)
- Additional panelists TBA
Description:
An exploration of the evolving role of AI in filmmaking — from script development and production planning to post‑production and visual effects — and the ethical, creative, and business considerations shaping its future.
7:15 PM – 8:00 PM | Workshop
Turning Your Logline into a Killer Pitch (Presented by ISA – International Screenwriters’ Association)
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
Moderators:
- Felicity Wren – Development Executive, ISA
- Shayna Weber – Director of Development, ISA
Panelists:
- Kor Adana – Writer, Mr. Robot
- Karyn Smith‑Forge – Producer/Development Executive
Description:
An interactive workshop guiding filmmakers through the art of crafting compelling loglines and delivering powerful short pitches. Attendees are encouraged to bring a logline for a current project to pitch in 60 seconds. Includes industry tips, live audience feedback, and a friendly “fan favorite” vote.
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Reception
HollyShorts Filmmakers Drinks
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Networking
Filmmakers Meet‑Up
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Friday, August 15, 2025
Morning | Off‑Site Visit
Filmmakers Visit to FYI Studios
Location: FYI Studios, Los Angeles
Description:
An exclusive behind‑the‑scenes visit for selected filmmakers to explore production facilities, connect with studio representatives, and gain insight into available resources for independent projects. (Invite‑only)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Panel
Industry Panel – Topic TBA
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | Panel
Industry Panel – Topic TBA
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Panel + Reception
CFA Off‑Site Rooftop Panel & Reception
Location: Private Rooftop Venue, Los Feliz
Description:
An evening rooftop gathering featuring an industry panel followed by a networking reception with panoramic views of Los Angeles. Mix with filmmakers, executives, and creative professionals in an informal, social setting.
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Networking
Filmmakers Meet‑Up
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Saturday, August 16, 2025
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Panel
Industry Panel – Topic TBA
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Panel + Brunch
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Presents: Casting Authentically – Conversation and Case Studies
Location: Suite #411, Ovation Hollywood (Doors open at 11:30 AM)
Moderator:
- David Daniel – CNN Entertainment Reporter, Host of Hollywood Minute
Panelists:
- April Webster – Casting Director (Star Wars, Star Trek)
- Amber Horn – Casting Director (Best Foot Forward, The Babysitters Club)
- Seth Yanklewitz – Casting Director (The Hangover, Shifting Gears)
- Cami Patton – Casting Director (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, As We See It)
Description:
A discussion on authentic casting practices that reflect genuine lived experiences and identities. Features case studies highlighting successes and challenges in inclusive casting for both independent and studio productions.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Workshop
Your First Feature is an Inside Job
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Speaker:
- Izzy Stevens – Filmmaker, Actor, Creator Coach (Sea Foam, Founder of Indie Spunk)
Description:
A candid session on the mindset, preparation, and resilience required to make the leap from shorts to your first feature film, with strategies for navigating creative, financial, and personal challenges.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Workshop
Powerful Score + Music for Your First Feature
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
Speaker:
- Asaf Sagiv – Composer, Music Producer (Film & TV Scores)
Description:
An introduction to the creative and technical process of scoring for film, including collaboration with directors, budgeting for music, and how a strong score can elevate storytelling.
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Networking
Filmmakers Meet‑Up (Closing Night)
Location: HollyShorts Royal Cathay VIP Filmmakers Lounge – Upstairs, TCL Chinese Theatre
