The 21st annual Beverly Hills Film Festival is proud to host several educational panel discussions led by reputable and experienced members of the Beverly Hills Film Festival 2021 Grand Jury and the film industry
BREAKING-IN
Thursday April 29th 12pm
Moderator: Frederico Lapenda
So you moved to Hollywood, some “acting, writing & filmmaking” classes. Now what? This panel will give you an in-debt view from all aspects of BREAKING-IN! Join us for an awesome panel discussion with veterans that will help guide and give more insight on who, what, when where & how.
Hollywood diversity myth or reality?
Thursday April 29th 3pm
Moderator: Laura Lucio
Minorities go to the theater in great numbers proving their visibility, experience and most important to the entertainment industry, their buying power. In 2019 alone, 50 percent of ticket sales at theaters were bought by minorities.
In 2019 the film “Aladdin” composed of 50 percent minority actors grossed over 1 billion dollars worldwide. Is this enough to send a message to the Hollywood studio executive that diversity does pay off?
Is it fair to audiences and to the actor who is a minority to promote ethnicity or color?
What is the core misunderstanding in Hollywood regarding inclusion and diversity? Let’s hear it from those who know. We invite you to participate in this panel. Remember, as a filmmaker, you have a responsibility to change the world with each story.
Commercial Vs. Artistic Films
Friday April 30th 12pm
Moderator: Frederico Lapenda
What do you think about when you decide to make a film?
Do you want to relate to a mass audience or is your purpose to convey a message to a particular type of audience or philosophy? Do you make a film thinking of profits or thinking of awards or just to make a statement? There is no right or wrong answer for creators, but filmmakers must decide early on who the film will appeal to. Our panel of experts gives you insights on how to reach a broader audience while making commercial films and the key elements to include in such a film.
Where Do We Go From Here? A post covid analysis on the state of the film industry.
Saturday May 1st 12pm
Moderator: Frederico Lapenda
Are movie theaters going out of business for good? The film industry like many other industries in the world got hit hard during the pandemic. Theaters were shut down, and many productions were forced to go into lockdown. There is a trend with Hollywood studios, they now stream the film the same day it goes to theaters. Should this continue? Is it good for the film’s gross revenue? We get expert advice as to the direction the industry is taking now that the vaccine is available and people are beginning to feel comfortable going to see films at theaters. There is also a special growth in streaming services making more platforms available to carry films for diverse audiences. There is proof that not everything is bad in the film world. Together, let’s open up to a great future of possibilities.
