Opening Night - Friday, October 16, 2009 -- 7:00-10:00 p.m.

UMFF 2009 Opening Night Reception and Film Screening - Experience a night under the stars in the courtyard of the Marriott. UMFF 2009 Opening Night includes appetizers, networking, entertainment, and opening night premiere.

Location: Marriott Hotel Norcross, 475 Technology Parkway, Norcross, GA
Registration: $20

To register for UMFF full festival pass or individual events, visit UMFF 2009 Registration.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

All events take place at the Marriott Hotel Norcross.

FREE, All-Day Independent Film Screenings - 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Workshops/Panels - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Writing and Directing Short Films
An exciting and interactive all-day workshop for writers and filmmakers. You will learn: (1) the secret to networking; (2) how to choose compelling stories; (3) screenplay development tools; (4) fundraising and budgeting a short film; (5) tips to hiring your crew and working collaboratively; (6) how to cast and direct actors to create authentic performances; (7) storyboarding; (8) post-production; and (9) strategies for publicity and the festival circuit.

Instructor: Ela Thier, Award-winning Writer/Director/Producer
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (one hour break for lunch on your own)
Registration: $60 per person.

Producing Content for Internet, Interactive and Mobile Device Distribution
The landscape of media distribution has totally change and continues to evolve daily. This panel will discuss the various types of content, the production strategy needed for the Internet, interative and mobile devices, how to generate a revenue stream from the content, as well as distribution strategies.

Panelists: TBA
Time: TBA
Registration: $20 per person

The ABC's of Reality Shows
Reality shows are popular and very successful -- "The Single: Monica", America's Next Top Model, Welcome to Dreamland, Sheer Genuis, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Project Runway, Keith Sweat's Platinum House, Brothers, and many more. What are the avenues available for independent producers with reality shows? How do you make it happen? Who are the movers and shakers of reality television? How do you get to the decision-making studio executives? This panel will answer these questions.

Panelists: TBA
Time: TBA
Registration: $20 per person

UMFF 2009 Filmmakers and Writers Meetup
Come and meet the screenplay writers and filmmakers in competition during UMFF 2009. The goal of the Urban Mediamakers is to create opportunities for collaboration. While we may not have all of the money needed for a production, we definitely have the talent and vision. By pooling our collective talent resources, several projects can be completed. We ask that you be open and receptive and come and get to know people who share your interest.

This is a great opportunity for you to network, exchange business cards, and begin new collaborations to get the production of your projects completed.

Registration: FREE
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.