This panel is for anyone interested in breaking into the film industry with a short film, as well as screenwriters, production people, and film critics curious to learn the behind-the-scenes secrets of successfully bringing a script to the screen. We’ll cover how to sidestep production challenges, what kinds of stories make for the best shorts, how to shake the money tree, and where to find a crew and cast.

Panelists include:

• Sabrina Dhawan, screenwriter of Monsoon Wedding, 9.11.01, and Cosmopolitan. Her short film Saanjh - As Night Falls was named “Best of the Festival” at the Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films and “Most Original Film” by New Line Cinema.
• Rona Mark, screenwriter/director of the feature film Strange Girls. Her short film Finbar Lebowitz was a finalist at The Student Academy Awards and winner of the Filmmaker Magazine Audience Choice Award and “Best Comedy” at The Polo Ralph Lauren Film Festival.
• Shira-Lee Shalit, director of the feature film A-List. Her short film Full Cycle was a finalist at The Student Academy Awards. She was also a contestant on FOX’s reality film directing competition On the Lot.
• Dave Silver, writer/director of the feature film Corn. His film Gasline won first prize for “Best Short” at the 2002 Sundance Festival.
• Helen Kaplan, moderator, screenwriter/director. Her short Return to Sender has been screened at over 20 festivals. She has also worked as a film editor and was an associate producer on the PBS documentary New York.

WHEN: Thursday, 13 December 7-8:30 pm
WHERE: Soho, New York, NY
PRICE: $20/$15 for AvantGuild members
HOW TO REGISTER: Online or call at 888-589-1963 x318.