MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1:00PM
INDUSTRY TALK
CRACK THE CROWDFUNDING CODE
In today's volatile climate, it's increasingly imperative to fully take the reins of your career. This requires one key skillset many filmmakers cringe at the sight of: crowdfunding. Crowdfunding doesn't have to be cringe! Join crowdfunding expert, actor and fellow filmmaker Melissa Center in breaking down what makes a successful campaign and why others flatline or fail — bring your questions, campaign ideas, and crowdfunding fears.
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Industry
Melissa Center
Melissa Center is an actress and award-winning filmmaker known for visceral women’s stories. She is also a crowdfunding expert who has helped fellow creatives raise over $2.1M for their independent films, plays & albums.
As an actor, select credits include Chicago Fire (NBC), FBI (CBS), This is Us (NBC), Grey's Anatomy (ABC), and more.
She is the Executive Producer of Liner Notes, a feature film in development with a proof-of-concept next screening at Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival. She is the producer, co-writer and star of feature film, All I Want (Prime, AppleTv, Vudu, TubiTV, iTunes) and the co-director, writer and star of award-winning viral short film R.V, a narrative that anticipated the overturn of Roe vs Wade. Her short film His Name is Niv, which she wrote and directed, is inspired by her own experience with sexual assault.
Her solo show Marrying Jake Gyllenhaal, that she wrote, starred in and produced, debuted at The Pico, LA followed by Edinburgh Fringe Digital and Caveat, NYC, with global coverage in Ms. Magazine & Psychology Today.
Her next film, JEWFACE, which she wrote, directed & stars in, is a dark comedy about Jewish identity slated to premier in 2027.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1:00PM
INDUSTRY TALK
Navigating the SAG-AFTRA Producer’s Portal
SAGindie co-Chair Sarah Seeds & Jack Mulcahy SAGindie Film Committee
Industry
Join SAGindie Co-Chair Sarah Seeds and SAGindie Film Committee member Jack Mulcahy for an essential guide to navigating the SAG-AFTRA Producer’s Portal. Designed to streamline the signatory process for independent filmmakers, this session breaks down how producers can manage contracts, submit required documentation, and coordinate with SAG-AFTRA reps all in one place.
Whether you’re gearing up for pre-production or preparing for clearance, learn how to leverage the portal's centralized dashboard, secure document management system, message center, and team delegation controls. Gain practical insights from industry veterans to keep your production running smoothly from start to finish.