The Mississippi Film Office in partnership with the Mississippi Film Alliance will host its 2023 Film Summit in the Fondren area of Jackson August 24-26, 2023.
This event will bring together resident crew, ex-pats, industry pros and other creatives for professional development and to discuss, celebrate and plan for the future of the film industry in Mississippi.
The summit will feature panel discussions and screenings with special guests, and fun events including receptions, networking opportunities, a themed after party and more.
Who Attends?
The Film Summit brings together a diverse group of attendees, including resident crew, ex-pats, industry insiders, other creatives, and students.
Why Should You Attend?
There are several reasons why you should attend the Film Summit:
- It provides an excellent opportunity to deepen your relationships with industry professionals.
- It provides opportunities to expand your knowledge about the production of film & television.
- The event offers valuable networking opportunities for attendees.
- If you are curious about the state of the Mississippi Film Industry, this is the perfect platform to gain insights and information.
- If you are aspiring to break into the film industry, attending the summit can be highly beneficial.
Cost to Attend?
General Admission – $25
Students – $10
Why does the conference cost this year?
The conference cost helps cover various expenses, including venue rentals, travel and accommodations for speakers, food for the event, etc.
Can I just come to the party?
Attendees will need a conference pass to enter all summit events.
I purchased a pass, where do I pick it up?
Friday, Aug. 25 @ Duling Hall | 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 26 @ Duling Hall | 8 – 10 a.m.
Can I register on site?
Pre-registration required to attend all events.
Lodging and Accommodations:
Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson Fondren Medical District
2815 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216
Parking
Parking is free. Street parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Additional parking at the back of each venue in Fondren.
Questions:
Email: Thabi Moyo, tmoyo@mississippi.org and Carey Miller, cmiller@mississippi.org
The conference cost helps cover various expenses, including venue rentals, travel and accommodations for speakers, food for the event, etc.
Can I just come to the party?
Attendees will need a conference pass to enter all summit events.
I purchased a pass, where do I pick it up?
Friday, Aug. 25 @ Duling Hall | 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 26 @ Duling Hall | 8 – 10 a.m.
Can I register on site?
Pre-registration required to attend all events.
Lodging and Accommodations:
Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson Fondren Medical District
2815 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216
Parking
Parking is free. Street parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Additional parking at the back of each venue in Fondren.
Questions:
Email: Thabi Moyo, tmoyo@mississippi.org and Carey Miller, cmiller@mississippi.org
THURSDAY, AUG. 24
A TIME TO THRILL: Opening Reception
6:00-8 p.m.
Please join the Canton Convention and Visitors and Film Office to honor Canton’s successful film industry through the years and the Mississippi Film Office’s 50th Anniversary. RSVP – info@cantontourism.com
Sponsored by: Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau and Film Office
Venue: Sterling Hall | 3350 N Liberty St, Canton, MS 39046
FRIDAY, AUG. 25
PANEL 1
1-2:30 p.m.
FIRST ON, LAST OFF: How the Creative Collaboration Between Locations and Art Departments Set and Strike the Scene
Panelists:
Colton Comans, Set Dresser (Agatha: Coven of Chaos, Creed III, Stranger Things)
Mary Goodson, Set Decorator (The Card Counter, Paradise Highway)
Wendall Hinkle, Location Manager (Women of the Movement, Young Rock)
John A. Johnston, Location Manager (24, Pulp Fiction, American Horror Story)
Moderated by: Peter Kelly, Art & Location Departments
We’re not here to cover the basics of managing locations. Instead, we’ll show you how Locations and Art Departments team up. Ever wondered how they find all the things they need? We’ll give you a peek at how the Reel Scout location database works, and learn what other tools the Locations team uses. For the Art Department, we’ll share insider tips you won’t find on Google, like their best tricks for shopping and building things quickly. We’ll also talk about the tools they use and how technology is shaping the future of both departments
Sponsored by: Dark Thirty Films/13 South Productions
Venue: Duling Hall | 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
PANEL 2
3-4:30 p.m.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN FILMMAKING: VR, AR, AI, and Gaming
Panelists:
David Collins, Innovate Mississippi
Ryan Gilbrech, Founder, Meta Games
Vinny Jordan, Director of Design, Lobaki
Johnson Thomasson, Lead Virtual Production Developer, The Third Floor, Inc.
Moderated by: Carey Miller, Special Projects and Marketing Manager, Mississippi Film Office
Uncover the future of filmmaking in Mississippi as we explore Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, AI, and Video Game Production. Learn how these technologies are revolutionizing storytelling, from immersive experiences to interactive narratives. We’ll discuss the exciting convergence of creativity and tech shaping the cinematic landscape.
Venue: Duling Hall
NETWORKING RECEPTION
4:30-6 p.m.
Sponsored by: Mississippi Film Alliance
Venue: Duling Hall
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
7-9:30 p.m.
IT’S A PROCESS: Success Doesn’t Happen Overnight
Join us for a screening followed by a Q&A session with native Mississippi filmmakers. Explore the evolution of their careers from short films to feature filmmaking and gain insights into their creative paths.
Guest filmmakers:
Christie Herring (The Campaign, Code: Debugging the Gender Gap, Bias)
Patrik–Ian Polk (P-Valley, Blackbird, Being Mary Jane, Noah’s Arc)
Al Warren (Dogleg, Sequence)
Michael Williams (OzLand, The Atoning)
Sponsored by: Mississippi Film Society
Venue: Capri Theatre | 3023 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216
SATURDAY, AUG. 26
CONFERENCE CHECK-IN
8-10:00 a.m.
Check-in and enjoy coffee and pastries.
Sponsored by: Visit Jackson
Venue: Duling Hall
WELCOME/OPENING SESSION
9-9:30 a.m.
Mississippi Film Office Director Nina Parikh will welcome summit attendees.
Venue: Duling Hall
PANEL 3
9:30-10:45 a.m.
HOMEGROWN: Native Mississippians and Their Path to Producing Features
Panelists:
Talamieka Brice (Five: A Mother’s Journey)
Miles Doleac (Open, Demigod, The Hollow)
Tom Rice (The Hollars, Mississippi Grind, The Way Way Back)
Moderated by: Michael Williams (OzLand, The Atoning)
A candid conversation with local Mississippians who’ve ventured into feature film production. Gain practical insights and be inspired as they discuss the steps they took toward realizing their filmmaking dreams.
Sponsored by: Mississippi Film Alliance
Venue: Duling Hall
PANEL 4
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
THE LADDER: How to Step Up from Production Assistant to Department Head
Panelists:
Emmett Crockett, Camera Department (Yellowstone, 65, The Burial, Queen Sugar)
Chandler Ferris, Lighting Technician (Ma, Claws, Rumble Through the Dark, Renfield)
Ashley Heathcock, Costume Designer (Magnum P.I., Venom, American Horror Story)
Will Owens, Production Manager (Home Town)
Moderated by: Roderick Red, CEO, Red Squared Productions
Sponsored by: Hinds Community College, Film & Video Technology Program
This panel offers practical guidance on how to advance from an entry level position to finding your passon within a department. We’ll talk nuts and bolts of industry growth, accompanied by best practices. Learn effective strategies through actionable steps to grow your career.
Venue: Duling Hall
LUNCH : A CONVERSATION WITH ELEGANCE BRATTON
12:15-1:30 p.m.
Join us during lunch for an intimate conversation with filmmaker Elegance Bratton, the creative force behind The Inspection. Moderated by Rita Brent, delve into the roots of Elegance’s filmmaking journey and the driving inspiration behind his work.
Venue: Duling Hall
PANEL 5
1:45 -3:00 p.m.
LIMITLESS: Television’s Potential to Share Mississippi’s Compelling Stories and People
Panelists:
Patrik-Ian Polk (P-Valley, Blackbird, Being Mary Jane, Noah’s Arc)
Angie Tarrant, RTR Media (Home Town)
Wright Thompson (ESPN, TrueSouth)
Moderated by: Hudson Hickman (Stargate: SG-1, The Outer Limits, MacGyver, The Love Boat)
How can episodic programming amplify Mississippi’s narratives and people? We’ll explore episodic genres, the daily grind of producing, how a series can affect a place and tell their story, as well as the differences between feature and episodic work.
Venue: Duling Hall
PANEL 6
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
OPEN SESSION with Mississippi Film Office and Other Industry Players
Mississippi’s Film Ecosystem: the state’s film industry is made up of many interconnected players from emerging filmmakers to organizations to educational programs, festivals and more. We’ll introduce some key players and explore the collaborative efforts that drive the industry’s growth.
Sponsored by: Mississippi Tourism Association
Venue: Duling Hall
NETWORKING/DINE AROUND FONDREN
Enjoy Fondren’s restaurants and bars with Summit attendees.
4:30-6:30 p.m.
FEATURE PRESENTATION
7-9:00 p.m.
Dogleg
Screening followed by Q&A with Al Warren (Director/Star)
Moderated by: Orian Williams
Sponsored by: Mississippi Film Society
Venue: Capri Theatre
CLOSING PARTY
9-11 p.m.
GET DAPPER!: A Bona Fide Party Sitch-E-Ation
An O Brother, Where Art Thou? Theme Party
Come dressed in character with your Dapper Dan hairdo.
Music by: DJ Java
Sponsored by: Eyevox Entertainment and Mad Genius
Venue: The Station | 3023 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216
A TIME TO THRILL: Opening Reception
6:00-8 p.m.
Please join the Canton Convention and Visitors and Film Office to honor Canton’s successful film industry through the years and the Mississippi Film Office’s 50th Anniversary. RSVP – info@cantontourism.com
Sponsored by: Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau and Film Office
Venue: Sterling Hall | 3350 N Liberty St, Canton, MS 39046
FRIDAY, AUG. 25
PANEL 1
1-2:30 p.m.
FIRST ON, LAST OFF: How the Creative Collaboration Between Locations and Art Departments Set and Strike the Scene
Panelists:
Colton Comans, Set Dresser (Agatha: Coven of Chaos, Creed III, Stranger Things)
Mary Goodson, Set Decorator (The Card Counter, Paradise Highway)
Wendall Hinkle, Location Manager (Women of the Movement, Young Rock)
John A. Johnston, Location Manager (24, Pulp Fiction, American Horror Story)
Moderated by: Peter Kelly, Art & Location Departments
We’re not here to cover the basics of managing locations. Instead, we’ll show you how Locations and Art Departments team up. Ever wondered how they find all the things they need? We’ll give you a peek at how the Reel Scout location database works, and learn what other tools the Locations team uses. For the Art Department, we’ll share insider tips you won’t find on Google, like their best tricks for shopping and building things quickly. We’ll also talk about the tools they use and how technology is shaping the future of both departments
Sponsored by: Dark Thirty Films/13 South Productions
Venue: Duling Hall | 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
PANEL 2
3-4:30 p.m.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN FILMMAKING: VR, AR, AI, and Gaming
Panelists:
David Collins, Innovate Mississippi
Ryan Gilbrech, Founder, Meta Games
Vinny Jordan, Director of Design, Lobaki
Johnson Thomasson, Lead Virtual Production Developer, The Third Floor, Inc.
Moderated by: Carey Miller, Special Projects and Marketing Manager, Mississippi Film Office
Uncover the future of filmmaking in Mississippi as we explore Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, AI, and Video Game Production. Learn how these technologies are revolutionizing storytelling, from immersive experiences to interactive narratives. We’ll discuss the exciting convergence of creativity and tech shaping the cinematic landscape.
Venue: Duling Hall
NETWORKING RECEPTION
4:30-6 p.m.
Sponsored by: Mississippi Film Alliance
Venue: Duling Hall
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
7-9:30 p.m.
IT’S A PROCESS: Success Doesn’t Happen Overnight
Join us for a screening followed by a Q&A session with native Mississippi filmmakers. Explore the evolution of their careers from short films to feature filmmaking and gain insights into their creative paths.
Guest filmmakers:
Christie Herring (The Campaign, Code: Debugging the Gender Gap, Bias)
Patrik–Ian Polk (P-Valley, Blackbird, Being Mary Jane, Noah’s Arc)
Al Warren (Dogleg, Sequence)
Michael Williams (OzLand, The Atoning)
Sponsored by: Mississippi Film Society
Venue: Capri Theatre | 3023 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216
SATURDAY, AUG. 26
CONFERENCE CHECK-IN
8-10:00 a.m.
Check-in and enjoy coffee and pastries.
Sponsored by: Visit Jackson
Venue: Duling Hall
WELCOME/OPENING SESSION
9-9:30 a.m.
Mississippi Film Office Director Nina Parikh will welcome summit attendees.
Venue: Duling Hall
PANEL 3
9:30-10:45 a.m.
HOMEGROWN: Native Mississippians and Their Path to Producing Features
Panelists:
Talamieka Brice (Five: A Mother’s Journey)
Miles Doleac (Open, Demigod, The Hollow)
Tom Rice (The Hollars, Mississippi Grind, The Way Way Back)
Moderated by: Michael Williams (OzLand, The Atoning)
A candid conversation with local Mississippians who’ve ventured into feature film production. Gain practical insights and be inspired as they discuss the steps they took toward realizing their filmmaking dreams.
Sponsored by: Mississippi Film Alliance
Venue: Duling Hall
PANEL 4
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
THE LADDER: How to Step Up from Production Assistant to Department Head
Panelists:
Emmett Crockett, Camera Department (Yellowstone, 65, The Burial, Queen Sugar)
Chandler Ferris, Lighting Technician (Ma, Claws, Rumble Through the Dark, Renfield)
Ashley Heathcock, Costume Designer (Magnum P.I., Venom, American Horror Story)
Will Owens, Production Manager (Home Town)
Moderated by: Roderick Red, CEO, Red Squared Productions
Sponsored by: Hinds Community College, Film & Video Technology Program
This panel offers practical guidance on how to advance from an entry level position to finding your passon within a department. We’ll talk nuts and bolts of industry growth, accompanied by best practices. Learn effective strategies through actionable steps to grow your career.
Venue: Duling Hall
LUNCH : A CONVERSATION WITH ELEGANCE BRATTON
12:15-1:30 p.m.
Join us during lunch for an intimate conversation with filmmaker Elegance Bratton, the creative force behind The Inspection. Moderated by Rita Brent, delve into the roots of Elegance’s filmmaking journey and the driving inspiration behind his work.
Venue: Duling Hall
PANEL 5
1:45 -3:00 p.m.
LIMITLESS: Television’s Potential to Share Mississippi’s Compelling Stories and People
Panelists:
Patrik-Ian Polk (P-Valley, Blackbird, Being Mary Jane, Noah’s Arc)
Angie Tarrant, RTR Media (Home Town)
Wright Thompson (ESPN, TrueSouth)
Moderated by: Hudson Hickman (Stargate: SG-1, The Outer Limits, MacGyver, The Love Boat)
How can episodic programming amplify Mississippi’s narratives and people? We’ll explore episodic genres, the daily grind of producing, how a series can affect a place and tell their story, as well as the differences between feature and episodic work.
Venue: Duling Hall
PANEL 6
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
OPEN SESSION with Mississippi Film Office and Other Industry Players
Mississippi’s Film Ecosystem: the state’s film industry is made up of many interconnected players from emerging filmmakers to organizations to educational programs, festivals and more. We’ll introduce some key players and explore the collaborative efforts that drive the industry’s growth.
Sponsored by: Mississippi Tourism Association
Venue: Duling Hall
NETWORKING/DINE AROUND FONDREN
Enjoy Fondren’s restaurants and bars with Summit attendees.
4:30-6:30 p.m.
FEATURE PRESENTATION
7-9:00 p.m.
Dogleg
Screening followed by Q&A with Al Warren (Director/Star)
Moderated by: Orian Williams
Sponsored by: Mississippi Film Society
Venue: Capri Theatre
CLOSING PARTY
9-11 p.m.
GET DAPPER!: A Bona Fide Party Sitch-E-Ation
An O Brother, Where Art Thou? Theme Party
Come dressed in character with your Dapper Dan hairdo.
Music by: DJ Java
Sponsored by: Eyevox Entertainment and Mad Genius
Venue: The Station | 3023 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Mississippi Film Summit’s host hotel is Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson. Click the button below to get a discounted room rate (you must be using a compatible browser to receive the discount: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Safari).