IFP’s Script to Screen Conference Includes Keynotes from Barry Levinson and Mark Heyman, Discussion of New Writing Platforms, Pitching Tips, Dialogue Writing and Creative Collaboration

New York City, March 5, 2011

https://thegotham.org/script-to-screen-conference/

Brooklyn, NY (February 22, 2011) – IFP announced today the line-up for its popular writer/directors conference, Script to Screen. Hosted at 92Y Tribeca, IFP’s Script to Screen Conference will take place March 5, and is presented in partnership with Writers Guild of America, East and the Nantucket Film Festival.

IFP, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers, presents Script to Screen to host conversations with some of the most innovative writers and iconic entertainment industry professionals, including “Conversations With…” writer Mark Heyman (Black Swan) and iconic writer/producer/director Barry Levinson (Diner, Rain Man, “You Don’t Know Jack”), as well as discussion of new platforms for writers with “Onion News Network” Head Writer Carol Kolb, and a conversation with Producer Ted Hope (21 Grams, Happiness) and the filmmakers behind festival hits Martha Marcy May Marlene and Afterschool on creative teamwork.

In addition, Script to Screen provides writers with the tools to improve their craft, including a Pitch Workshop, where writers will be selected in an open call to pitch their project to a panel of producers and agents for critique and feedback; and a live reading of scenes from two screenplays from IFP’s Emerging Narrative talent pool, followed by discussion and analysis of the works.

IFP’s Script to Screen Conference explores new opportunities available to indie filmmakers and writers with this day of workshops, seminars, and networking, and 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 filmmakers to explore the art, craft, and business of writing and creating the next generation of independent film.

Script to Screen provides filmmakers and film lovers everywhere the opportunity to take part in the discussion and be a part of the IFP community. Select Script to Screen Conference panels will be streamed live in partnership with UStream.com. New York audiences will have opportunity to interact with panelists in the Networking Coffee beginning the day’s events, by submitting questions for our keynotes in advance via Twitter, and applying to participate in the Pitch Workshop, among other opportunities.

“Script to Screen is a critical opportunity for writers to hear from other working, forward-thinking writers, directors and producers about the techniques and new concepts in storytelling.” says Joana Vicente, Executive Director of IFP. “Screenwriters are the incubators of great ideas in independent film, and through Script to Screen, IFP helps to educate and support the development of their careers.”

Other featured speakers include: Mystelle Brabbee, Artistic Director, Nantucket Film Festival; Noah Harlan (Producer, Tehilim, Avanim); Amy Hobby (Producer, Secretary); Ursula Lawrence, Lead Strategy Organizer, WGA East; Aida LiPera, Manager of Acquisitions, Visit Films; R. Paul Miller (Producer, Lone Star, Snow Angels); Susan Miller (Writer, “Anyone But Me”, Assoc. Producer, “The L Word”); Peter Phok, Producer, Glass Eye Pix (I Sell The Dead; House of the Devil); Tina Cesa Ward (Writer/Director “Anyone But Me”), Susan Wrubel, Acquisitions and Production Director, Salt.

Previous Conference speakers have included: directors Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale), Steve Bodow (“The Daily Show”), Lisa Cholodenko (High Art), Lee Daniels (Precious), Lena Dunham, (Tiny Furniture) Jon Favreau (Swingers), Terry George (Hotel Rwanda), Debra Granik (Winter’s Bone), Todd Haynes (I’m Not There), Peter Hedges (About A Boy), Adrienne Shelly (Waitress); producers Barbara DeFina (Goodfellas), Scott Franklin (The Wrestler), Ted Hope (Adventureland) and Susan Stover (Laurel Canyon).

The Conference is open to the public. Passes are available and cost $80 for IFP members and $100 for non-members. For a complete line-up of speakers, to purchase a pass, or for more information on pre-conference give-aways and contests: https://thegotham.org/script-to-screen-conference/ . Live UStream coverage of select Script to Screen panels will take place Saturday, March 5, and panels will be available to members at www.ifp.org following the event.

About IFP

After debuting with a program in the 1979 New York Film Festival, the nonprofit IFP has evolved into the nation’s oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers, and also the premier advocate for them. Since its start, IFP has supported the production of 7,000 films and provided resources to more than 20,000 filmmakers – voices that otherwise might not have been heard. IFP believes that independent films enrich the universal language of cinema, seeding the global culture with new ideas, kindling awareness, and fostering activism. The organization has fostered early work by leading filmmakers including Charles Burnett, Edward Burns, Jim Jarmusch, Barbara Kopple, Michael Moore, Mira Nair and Kevin Smith. For information: www.ifp.org.