The 2011 American Film Market today released its expanded Conference schedule with speakers encompassing a broad cross-section of key Hollywood and global players converging for the 32nd Market Nov. 2-9. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Entertainment Partners will serve as the presenting sponsors of the AFM Conference Series, which will showcase panels on film financing, production, marketing, distribution and pitching. The five-day series will include prominent filmm...

Christina Kounelias has been named to the newly created post of Chief Marketing Officer for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it was announced today by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. Kounelias will assume her new role on August 1 and will report directly to Hudson. "As the Academy expands and fosters the achievements of the film community and its legacy, we are proud to have an executive of Christina's caliber join us in this vital role," said Hudson. "Christina ...

Mark Romanek, Scott Frank, Michael Elliot, and Adriene Bowles Among Program Mentors & Guest Speakers -Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, has selected 33 filmmakers for its annual diversity mentorship program, Project:Involve. The signature program is dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry. Writer/directors M...