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Reel/Forward Production & Sustainability Conference
Sep 6 | 10:00 am – Sep 7 | 6:00 pm PDT
Reel/Forward was a two-day Pre-CAMERAderie conference open to everyone in the entertainment industry. A vibrant community of creators, investors, and innovators networked with producers looking to fund original projects. Filmmakers connected with those seeking to incubate and launch new work—and met the crews ready to bring those visions to life. This must-attend event was for filmmakers, sustainability advocates, and department keys looking to connect and learn how sustainability can boost budgets and improve working conditions.
Panels, hands-on seminars, networking, a vendor expo, and a showcase of shorts, music videos, and sizzles were enjoyed by all.
Saturday, September 6th
10:00 AM REGISTRATION, BREAKFAST, NETWORKING
11:00 AM -12:15 PM GREENING THE SCREEN: WHY ECO-CONSCIOUS SETS PAY OFF
Sustainable productions aren’t just good for the planet, they’re also smart business. By reducing waste, optimizing energy use, and choosing reusable or digital alternatives, productions can lower costs without compromising quality. Eco-friendly sets often lead to cleaner, more organized workspaces, which can be cost-effective, improve safety for cast and crew. Our panel will offer sensible, tested solutions, paving the way for a more responsible and efficient industry standards.
Thanks to Women in Cleantech & Sustainability and Blank Paige Films
12:30 PM STRATEGIC PACKAGING & HONING THE PERFECT PITCH
Producer Evette Vargas, will guide participants through the art of building a strategic packaging plan that aligns creative, commercial, and cultural elements to maximize a project’s value and appeal. This seminar covers how to secure the right talent, partners, and develop a cohesive packaging strategy that speaks directly to target buyers.
She will break down how to craft a compelling pitch and how to tailor the material for studios and streamers. Using real-world examples, Evette breaks down the anatomy of a winning pitch meeting, reveals what decision-makers truly listen for, and shares proven techniques to ignite interest, drive momentum, and close the deal.
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM LUNCH
Presented by Raul’s Catering
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM SCRIPTING SUSTAINABILITY: CLIMATE STORIES ARE EVERYONE’S STORIES
From adult animation and comedy shorts, to prestige dramas and “Cli Fi”, the impacts of climate change are being written across all genres. Our panelists will discuss compelling ways to talk about tough topics, from the devastation caused by extreme weather events to hopeful technologies and positive culture shifts.
Eco-conscious writers and showrunners share their pursuit of sustainable storytelling onscreen, while ensuring climate friendly practices behind the camera. This panel shows that sustainability can be included in the stories we tell (and even in dirty jokes).
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM SPEED PITCHING
These special sessions were designed to connect those with projects to people looking for properties to invest in or distribute. These sessions put investors, sales agents, and others looking for projects in the room with producers, directors, and writers with projects to pitch.
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM AFTER PARTY + Sip N Swap
Sip N Swap brought together powerhouse women from all areas of entertainment for high-energy networking. Both established pros and emerging filmmakers connected across departments.
This quarterly event isn’t your typical mixer. It’s a bold, welcoming space where real conversations happen, ideas flow, and authentic connections form. No matter your career stage, this was your chance to grow your network and spark new opportunities—without the pressure.
Sunday, September 7th
10:00 AM REGISTRATION, BREAKFAST, NETWORKING
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM FIX IT IN PREP: SAVE MONEY, HEARTACHE, AND THE PLANET
This conversation was about how smart planning can transform your creative projects. Fixing issues in prep saves time, cuts costs, and reduces waste. Learn how better budgeting, material choices, and sustainable practices lead to smoother workflows and greener results. Good prep means less stress, lower costs, and a smaller environmental impact.
12:30 PM NAVIGATING SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
In today’s rapidly evolving media and content landscape, the rules of distribution are in constant flux. From streaming platforms and social media channels to direct-to-consumer models and emerging technologies, creators and distributors alike face new opportunities—and new challenges. This panel explored how to adapt to shifting consumption habits, identify global audiences, tailor content for different markets, and navigate the complexities of cross-border distribution in a hyperconnected world.
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM LUNCH
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM MONETIZING NEW MEDIA AND BUILDING INFLUENCE
This panel of forward-thinking creators, producers, and below the line crew to explored how emerging platforms and technologies are reshaping revenue models. As new media continues to blur the lines between content, commerce, and community, panelists examined innovative approaches to monetization and career advancement. From ad-supported content and brand partnerships to direct-to-fan strategies and subscription-based models as well as upward mobility. This forward-looking conversation addressed both the challenges and opportunities in building sustainable careers in today’s dynamic on-line landscape.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM SPEED PITCHING
This special session was designed to connect those with projects to people looking for properties to invest in or distribute. These sessions paired investors, sales agents, and others looking for projects with producers, directors, and writers with projects to pitch.
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM INTRO TO SPEC ~ SEMINAR AND CERTIFICATION
About SPEC:
The entertainment industry now has a worker-centered sustainability certification: SPEC, developed by USGBC California, in partnership with Green Spark Group, Ereth Environmental, and advisors across film, TV, music, and live sports. This first-of-its-kind certification empowers professionals at all levels, from executives to crew, producers to engineers, and designers to event staff, with the tools to lead sustainable change across productions.
This 1-hour overview session highlighted key concepts from the full 5-hour course. Additionally, the session offered actionable insights to start using right away. The seminar showed how sustainable practices align with creative and business goals.
Taught by Adam Ereth, Ph.D. for The Green Spark Group, this dynamic introduction to the Sustainable Production for Entertainment Certification. SPEC is a groundbreaking training by USGBC California. It was designed to empower film, TV, and new media makers with the tools to integrate sustainability into every stage of production.
This seminar was open to all Reel/Forward attendees with a ticket for Sept. 7, 2025. Participants had he option for Women In Media Sustainability Certification sponsored by Wilhelm Family Foundation. Special pricing was offered during this session to access the full SPEC training and certification in Sept and December 2025.
4:15 PM – 6:00 PM After Party
Attendees joined us for drinks and networking.
September 6th and 7th
SHORT FILM AND SIZZLE REEL SHOWCASE
Short films, reels, sizzles, music videos, webisodes, verticals, and other projects.
SPEED PITCHING
These special pitch sessions were designed to connect those with projects to people looking for properties to invest in. These sessions connected investors and sales agents with producers, directors, and writers pitching projects.
DEALMAKER LOUNGE
This space connected creators and funders, helping turn passion projects into greenlit productions. Whether a filmmaker, producer, or investor, it was a relaxed, focused place to network, pitch, and collaborate.
Each ticket included delicious, plant forward meals ~ breakfast, lunch, and after hours mixer.
Please be advised that all events hosted by Women in Media may be recorded and distributed for promotional purposes. Your voluntary participation in such events authorizes and acknowledges Women in Media and their event partner’s exclusive rights of ownership and use of all recordings.
Photo Gallery
By Claudia Hoag
Photos by Danna Kinsky
Photos by Kat Lester
Thank you to our event partners
Flagship Sponsor

Event Production Partners
Program Partners
Food & Beverage Partners
My’s Crafty Services


Expo Partners













































































































































































































































































