Independent cinema is in the process of ensuring that some of the most influential leaders in industry meet to fight against its uncertain future. During the flagship conference of Thewrap, Thegrill 2025Producers, executives and creatives will go on stage on September 30 at the Los Angeles DGA Theater for a frank conversation on what it really takes to make films – and money – in the independent landscape of today.
The session, entitled “The state of independent cinema: show me the money (if there are any)Presented by the national national bank of the city, will discuss the increase in costs and the disappearance of distribution agreements to roles of production and change in blurred streaming. This panel will examine an overview of challenges – and opportunities – shape the future of the independent film. How do producers and financiers adapt the margins of decline?
About the panelists
- Jasmine Daghighen is the VP, film at Topic Studios. She shapes the acclaimed slate of supple studios with recent projects such as “A Real Pain” by Jesse Eisenberg (Searchlight) and the favorite of Michael Angelo Covino “Splitsville” (Neon).
- Sev ohanian is the founder of the production company of Ryan Coogler, Proximity Media, whose credits include the recent blockbuster “Sinners” with nominated films with Oscars such as “Judas and The Black Messie”.
- Tommy Oliver is a filmmaker and the founder of the Emmy and Sundance of Confluents films, with recent projects such as “Hamlet” of Rice Ahmed, “The Perfect Find” by Netflix, “Fancy Dance” by Apple TV + and “Young. Wild. Free” from Bet +.
- Nina Shaw is a founding partner at Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein & Lezcano and one of the most respected entertainment lawyers in Hollywood, representing actors, writers, producers and award -winning directors.
- The discussion will be hosted by the founder and editor -in -chief of Thewrap Sharon Waxman.
These speakers are part of an already impressive range, including:
- Entertainment magnate: Musical mogul Irving AzoffHollywood heavy goods vehicle Jeffrey Katzenberglegendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer and entrepreneur Kimbal.
- Creators as a studios: Founder of Dhar Mann Studios Dhar Mann and CEO Sean Atkins.
- Media and technology leaders: Fox CTO CORPORATION Melody HildebrandtEVP Global Paramount and Yves BergquistDirector, AI in Media, USC’s Entertainment Technology Center.
- Distribution researchers: Warner Bros. Pictures President of Global Distribution Jeff GoldsteinRegal Cineworld CEO Eduardo AcunaThe theatrical distribution of the Walt Disney studios Andrew Cripps And Greg FosterOwner and Director, Foster + CREW.
- Sports streaming: FUBO studios chief Pamela DuckworthRoku Sports Manager Joe FranzettaBleacher Report GM Spector of BennettGerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management CEO and President Ross Gerber and Fox Sports Analyst Rachel Nichols.
- Agency and Talent: WME leadership, including Mark Shapiro,, Christian MuirheadAnd Richard Weitz.
About Thegrill
For more than a decade, Thegrill has been known to have summoned the most influential voices through cinema, television, music, technology and finance for a day of exclusive panels, high -level networking and significant dialogue. The event provides a unique forum to examine forces transforming entertainment – and to highlight leaders shaping its future.
Thegrill 2025 is sponsored by City National Bank, Disney, Fox, Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, Lionsgate, New York Festivals, Oak View Group, Roku, The Los Angeles Film School, Wme Group and Warner Bros. Discovery.
