Cannes

List of panelist/
MingleTalk Distribution and Blockbuster panel: May 20, 3pm and May 21st 10-12 am

Esteemed panelists include

Colleen Nystedt: founder of movieset 
http://www.movieset.com/

MovieSetTM founder, Colleen Nystedt, has an extensive background in film production, finance, business affairs and creative development. Nystedt has produced or supervised production on numerous feature films and TV movies for Universal Pictures, Paramount, MGM, CBS, NBC, ABC, USA, Showtime and Lifetime Networks.

After five years as a freelance production manager and line producer, Nystedt's steadfast determination, astute business acumen and creative inspiration led her to found her original company, New City Productions. Nystedt successfully built the company from the ground up, literally, which under her leadership became one of the most prolific production companies in Western Canada through a combination of original, service and co-production deals.

Recognizing that marketing and distribution of feature films needed to be re-conceptualized in the Internet age, she began to develop what has become MovieSetTM. Nystedt studied Urban Geography at the University of British Columbia. She maintains both Canadian and Irish citizenship.

Gaurav Dhillon: founder and CEO of entertainment company Jaman.com.
An avid media maven, Gaurav founded Jaman after a successful, 12-year tenure as CEO of Informatica Corporation (NASDAQ: INFA), a Silicon Valley company that he co-founded and led from a startup idea in 1992 to a leading software enterprise.  Gaurav led Informatica through its initial launch, an IPO in 1999, expansion into Europe and Asia, and through the establishment of alliances with major technology and consulting companies by the time he left in 2004.

Alki David: Filmon.com Network Chairman & CEO.

Alki is pioneering digital and online media distribution with his Filmon.com - a revolutionary online movie distribution platform he launched last year.

Alki has spoken on a number of panels at a number of conferences around the world and is an expert in the field. He most recently spoke at CES and will be speaking in Cannes.

He is helping to shape new models of distribution. He created the filmon Network, the most sophisticated and comprehensive content management and distribution system available on the market today and is the very first online and offline service presenting studios, film and television sales organizations, distributors, producers and content owners with a universal platform that allows them to easily supply and manage their content online for download to any customer platform worldwide (i.e. PC, iPod, television set top box, etc.). Filmon offers feature films, television programming and other entertainment content for viewing on all platforms worldwide.

Filmon.com has secured content distribution deals with a number of high profile companies, expanding its library to over 38,000 titles available for download. Among the companies to align with Filmon.com for online distribution of feature film and television programming are Granada, Screen Media, Channel 4, CBC, Indie Vision, Playboy, etc.

There are also unique capabilities for the consumer on 111PIX.com/Filmon.com. Its exclusive "DVD on the Fly" patent filed technology lets consumers create their own compilation DVDs, an attractive option that previously has not been available in the marketplace.  Available on PC, Mac and Linux operation systems, Filmon.com gives customers the ability to take their favorite video content on-the-go by simply downloading features, trailers, TV episodes and stills from the website.

Filmon.com can also provide content owners total control of their property. Using the highly sophisticated Content Management Software, studios, producers and distributors have the option to create their own online distribution site with Filmon's easy to use patent filed technology or Filmon can manage the site on their behalf. Content providers are given tools that allow them to manage their offline sales and distribution worldwide as well as market their library direct to customers online and with the same content manager, providers can also manage their retail inventory online.

Pierre Col - VP Marketing & Business Development - UbicMedia  - www.ubicmedia.com

Engineer in computer science, graduated from ENSEEIHT in 1986, Pierre Col began its career by developing online services, and has now more than 20 years background in multimedia online Internet & mobile services. He has been for 10 years in charge of  Marketing, Communication & Investor Relations for Jet Multimedia group, an Internet & mobile services company listed on the Paris stock market.

Pierre Col joined UbicMedia in 2007 to develop the business with PUMit, a system to facilitate the distribution of films and videos on the Internet - www.pumit.com

Ron Mann: filmmaker
Toronto filmmaker Ron Mann, one of Canada's foremost documentary filmmakers. Mann established his international reputation while in his twenties with a series of award-winning theatrical documentaries:

His first feature,'Imagine the Sound'(1981) (Best Documentary, Chicago Film Festival) brings together, in interviews and performance, the prime innovators of the once-controversial free jazz movement of the 60's.

'Poetry in Motion' (1982) (Best Documentary, Chicago Film Festival), continues the tradition with a frenetically paced performance marathon of 24 talents of the contemporary poetry scene, including such alternative cultural luminaries as Charles Bukowski, William S. Burroughs and John Cage.

Third in the series,'Comic Book Confidential' (1988) (Genie, Best Feature Length Documentary; Blue Ribbon Award, American Film and Video Awards) combines a history of the comic book with a look at the work of 23 of the art form's most respected practitioners, including Will Eisner, Bill Gaines, Lynda Barry and Robert Crumb.

'Twist' (1992) mixes interviews with rare and often hilarious archival footage to chronicle the evolution of rock and roll dance. More than just a "rockumentary",'Twist" is ultimately a movie about the changes experienced by the baby-boom generation.

'Dream Tower' (1994) a portrait of Toronto's infamous Rochdale College: an experimental living environment that came to symbolize the best and the worst of what the 60's had to offer.

'Grass' (1999) (Genie Award for Best Documentary) presents a humorous and surprisingly balanced history of recreational marijuana use in the late 20th century.

"Go Further" (2003) which follows actor and activist Woody Harrelson as he takes to the open road on his "Simple Organic Living Tour".
In addition to his films, Ron Mann has produced the ground-breaking CD-ROMs 'Poetry in Motion I' and 'Comic Book Confidential', 'Poetry in Motion II' and 'Painters Painting'.

Ron is has just completed work on a new feature-length documentary about Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, cartoonist and hot rod designer, called "Tales of the Rat Fink" .

In addition to his films, Mann also pioneered the development of movies on CD-ROM, for the Voyager Company.

Larry Jackson: President Northern Arts Entertainment
Manage motion picture production venture developing and preparing numerous feature projects, both studio-based and independent.  Provide distribution and marketing consultancy services in entertainment and in the interface of entertainment and          emerging technology.  Clients include IBM New Media Division, FilmQuest.com, DataTreasury Corp.,  American Film Marketing Association, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, UCLA Department of Entertainment Studies, UC Northridge, New           Zealand Film Commission,  Only Child Productions, Coast-to-Coast Films, and others.

EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, ACQUISITIONS AND CO-PRODUCTION, MIRAMAX FILMS, (1996) 
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, CHICAGO PACIFIC ENTERTAINMENT, INC.,  (1993-1995)
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION,  ORION PICTURES CORPORATION,  LOS ANGELES  (1988-1990)
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION, THE SAMUEL GOLDWYN COMPANY,  LOS ANGELES  (1986-88)
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT OF ACQUISITIONS AND MARKETING,  THE SAMUEL GOLDWYN COMPANY,  LOS ANGELES  (1983-1985) 
DIRECTOR OF ACQUISITIONS AND MARKETING,  THE SAMUEL GOLDWYN COMPANY,  LOS ANGELES  (1981-1982)
CURATOR OF CINEMA, THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART , BOSTON, MA (1978-1980)
MANAGING DIRECTOR,  UNIVERSITY CINEMA ASSOCIATES/THE ORSON WELLES CINEMA COMPLEX,  CAMBRIDGE, MA (1971-1977)
CO-FOUNDER,  THE ASSOCIATION OF SPECIALIZED FILM EXHIBITORS,  (1974)
SUNDANCE INSTITUTE, ADVISORY BOARD/SELECTION COMMITTEE, (1980-85)
PRODUCER,  "AN EVENING WITH ORSON WELLES,"  (1977)

Mike Rabbehl: Cinequest Associate Director; Director of Programming

Blockbuster Panel

S.Wayne Clarkson: Telefilm Canada, Executive Director

Wayne Clarkson has dedicated his career to increasing the profile of Canadian filmmakers and their films. After graduating from Carleton University (where he later taught film), Clarkson worked for the Canadian Film Institute in Ottawa. In 1974, he completed graduate studies in film at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, England and returned to Ottawa to serve as director of the National Film Theatre.

In 1978, he was appointed Director of Toronto's two-year-old Festival of Festivals (now the Toronto International Film Festival). Under his directorship, the Festival developed into one of the most successful in the world. Clarkson accepted the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the newly created Ontario Film Development Corporation in 1986. Under his stewardship, the OFDC came to play an integral role in the development and production of quality, Canadian film and television.

Prior to joining Telefilm Canada as Executive Director in January 2005, he was the Executive Director of the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) since 1991. Under his leadership, the Film Centre became the country's premier training and production centre for film, television and new media.

Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. It administers funds totalling 400 M$, including the financing programs of the Canadian Television Fund. 

Gaurav Dhillon: founder and CEO of entertainment company Jaman.com.
An avid media maven, Gaurav founded Jaman after a successful, 12-year tenure as CEO of Informatica Corporation (NASDAQ: INFA), a Silicon Valley company that he co-founded and led from a startup idea in 1992 to a leading software enterprise.  Gaurav led Informatica through its initial launch, an IPO in 1999, expansion into Europe and Asia, and through the establishment of alliances with major technology and consulting companies by the time he left in 2004.

Marc Halperins: Magic Lamp releasing CEO Founder

MARC HALPERIN has been a key figure in the film world for the last twenty-eight years. During that time, he has worked for several major studios and independent distributors, and managed the release of numerous landmark films.

As National Sales Manager for Universal Classics, Marc was responsible for the re-release of THE FIVE MISSING HITCHCOCK FILMS: REAR WINDOW, VERTIGO, THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY and ROPE. This remains one of the most successful reissues of a series of classic films to date.  During this time, Marc was also responsible for repackaging and rereleasing Alex Cox's REPO MAN for Universal and turning it into a long-running cult hit.

In 1989, Marc joined Miramax Films, where he served as Senior Vice President General Sales Manager. Here he was responsible for the distribution of every Miramax release from Stephen Soderbergh's SEX, LIES AND VIDEOTAPE through THE CRYING GAME. Marc actually found "sex, lies and videotape" while working for Cineplex Odeon Films, but when that company ceased to exist, he distributed the film for Miramax, launching an "indie" renaissance that continues to this day.  During Marc's tenure with Miramax, the company emerged from the ranks of small non-studio distributors to become the pre-eminent force in independent film. During this period Marc helped Miramax to redefine the art market with CINEMA PARADISO, MY LEFT FOOT, THE GRIFTERS and many other Oscar nominated films.

In 1994, Marc joined Fine Line Features, where, as Senior Vice President General Sales Manager, Marc was responsible for the distribution of numerous features, including SHINE, LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!, WIDOW'S PEAK, THE GRASS HARP, SAVING GRACE, DANCER IN THE DARK, HOOP DREAMS, David Mamet's STATE AND MAIN, Woody Allen's DECONSTRUCTING HARRY and Julian Schnabel's BEFORE NIGHT FALLS.

In 2001, Marc left New Line to found MAGIC LAMP RELEASING with his wife, Marla Lewin Halperin, and since then has released Rob Morrow's MAZE, Doug Pray's SCRATCH, Anurag Mehta's AMERICAN CHAI, Julie Davis' AMY'S O and Julio Medem's SEX & LUCIA, which grossed over $1.5 million in only 120 days with just 30 prints, and then went on to make more than $2 million in DVD sales.

Git Scheynius: Director Stockholm Film Festival

Spike Lee Tbc

Bruno Chatelin: filmfestivals.com fest21.com co-founder
& panel co-Moderator

Bruno was in charge of the launch of over 250 films during his tenure as Marketing Director and Managing Director for Sony pictures and UGC/FOX in France. Prior to this he was account director with Advertising Agency (JWT...). The past ten years he has been a pioneer in the digital economy launching filmfestivals.com'  VOD platform in 2000 and  the recent blog  platform for the festival community fest21.com. He is involved in consulting for online strategies for entertainment brands.

Ana Serrano: Director of CFC Media Lab, (Canadian Film Centre)
& panel co-Moderator

Ana Serrano is the Director of CFC Media Lab, a world-renowned new media research, training and production facility created in 1997 at Norman Jewison's CFC (Canadian Film Centre).
As director of CFC Media Lab, she provides strategic leadership, fiscal development, program design and creative direction for all of the Centre's new media initiatives, including the development and production of a diverse range of critically acclaimed interactive narrative prototypes.

In 2003, Ana was recognized for her contribution to Canada's new media industry with three Canadian New Media Awards including Industry Advocate of the Year, New Media Educator of the Year and New Media Visionary. In addition, she was selected to be the sole Canadian expert panel member for the 2003 and 2005, World Summit Awards, part of the United Nations' World Summit on the Information Society.

She has also co-developed the Bell Globemedia Content Innovation Network, a partnership with the Banff Centre for the Arts and L'INIS, thus founding the Interactive Project Lab, a unique alliance of knowledge, resources and funding fostering the creation of innovative projects and viable start-up new media companies.

In 2000, Ana produced the Great Canadian Story Engine Project, a national tour and bilingual website that serves as an interactive storytelling community where all Canadians can share personal stories about their experiences in Canada.In 2004, she created Canada's first interactive feature film program designed to create, develop, produce, distribute and market long form interactive narrative works.

Ana is currently producing the Interactive Narrative Feature Program's (INFP) first project, in co-production with the National Film Board.Named one of Canada's 100 Canadians to watch in McLean's Magazine, Ana is active on the boards of Artscape, Laidlaw Foundation, M3F, and several start-up companies focussed on interactive entertainment and adjudicates awards for the Webby, Resfest, CNMA, and others.

She teaches at York University's Communication Studies Department and frequently speaks at new media and film festivals throughout the world about the emerging realms of interactive art and entertainment. 

Last conclusion words
by Elliot V. Kotek: Moving Pictures Editor

In addition to his position as Editor in Chief, Moving PicturesMagazine, Mr. Kotek is also the US Entertainment Correspondent for ABC Radio, broadcast weekly to 1 million listeners. Elliot has contributed stories and interviews to dozens of publications on the film industry, including exclusive interviews with over forty Oscar winners. Mr. Kotek is also an accomplished actor with lead roles in more than a dozen independent films, and received the Craft Award for Best Actorat the 2004 NYU/Tisch First Run Film Festival. He holds degrees in both law and science; has completed the Professional Screenwriting Program at UCLA; and studied acting at The Lee Strasberg Theater Institute in New York. Mr. Kotek is also a regular on Reelz channel's Dailies program (aired to 40 million homes across the U.S.); and has served on the juries of dozens of the world's best festivals

Wolf Siegert: PhD., Director of IRIS® Media - live from CeBIT Australia.
http://www.cebit.com.au/
Before his tenure with IRIS® Media he excelled in three independent careers:
- as an expert in theatre and film,
- as a lecturer and visiting professor in Europe and East Asia,
- as a journalist and TV producer, responsible for launching new cable and satellite programs.

His Vision Media Group, IRIS® Media and IRIS® Technologies explore new configurations of media technologies and their implementation to provide expert perspectives for the future of communications, alongside effective and creative solutions for new communication needs and strategies in the digital age.