Reel/Forward is a two-day production conference for above and below the line filmmakers. Join a vibrant community of filmmakers, investors, and innovators looking for solutions in an ever changing entertainment landscape. We will be discussing the latest in technologies, and how we can use them to enhance our work responsibly. New technologies are rolling out, while concerns about sustainability and IP continue to grow. We must face these challenges head on, to remain current and hireable.

There will be a focus on getting films made. Investors will be able to connect with those seeking to incubate and launch new work. Meet the crews ready to bring those visions to life. This must-attend event is for filmmakers, sustainability advocates, those wanting to to be informed about new technology and department keys looking to connect with crew.

Ticketing

All tickets include access to panels, seminars, networking, the vendor expo, and the showcases of shorts, and sizzles. Breakfast and lunch is included, plus cocktail reception on Saturday.

Saturday September 26, 2026

10:00 AM Registration, Breakfast, Networking

11:00 AM Opening Remarks

11:15 AM – 12:15 AM Responsible Tech: Protecting Creativity Panel

Next-gen tools are revolutionizing filmmaking across departments. As technology evolves, protecting your intellectual property remains essential. Equally important, responsible use of technology plays a crucial role in production. This panel will explore IP security, data privacy, and ethical use. We will discuss safeguarding creative ownership and authorship. Most importantly, we’ll dive into how to innovate without compromising the integrity of our work.

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Film & Sizzle Reel Showcase

Women in Media members working above and below the line can enter their projects and showcase their talent. Let’s get projects off the ground, and crew hired! Short films, sizzles, music videos, webisodes, verticals, and reels from all departments are welcome. Apply before 9/12 to screen your film.

You must be a Women In Media member to screen your project. To join WiM, please apply here.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM California Film Commission: Tax Credit 101 Seminar

Get to know the California Film Commission and learn about the modernized Tax Credit Program. The California Film Commission’s goal is to support the film and TV industry retain, attract, and grow production-related jobs in California. This session will provide an overview of the California Film Commission and discuss the rules and regulations for film and television productions to receive tax credits from the State of California.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Virtual Production: A Filmmaker’s Introduction Seminar

Shooting on an LED volume isn’t exclusive to big studios anymore! Virtual Production now encompasses a spectrum from fantasy television to indie features. Join director and virtual production specialist Katerina Munis for a fun, accessible introduction to filmmaking on LED volumes. 

Katerina will demystify virtual production and illuminate how emerging technology can support storytelling, performance, and a bolder artistic vision. She’ll break down when using an LED volume makes sense and when it doesn’t, helping filmmakers maximize their creative potential and resources for a successful shoot. You’ll explore the virtual production workflow, 2D versus 3D environments, and unique considerations for each film department. She will also explain the basics of LED Volumes, gaming technology, and the talented world-building teams behind this process.

With an emphasis on practicality, creativity, and best practices, learn how to navigate the exciting possibilities—and real-world limitations—of bringing your stories to life in virtual environments.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Lunch

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Own It & Fund It: Protecting and Financing Your Creative Work Seminar

Presented by Greenberg Glusker Llp

Getting an independent project made comes down to two things: protecting what you’ve created, and figuring out how it gets paid for. In this session, Greenberg Glusker attorneys Brandon Milostan and Ryan Webb, moderated by Nicole Levi, break down both sides: the legal groundwork that protects your rights and IP, and how the financing actually comes together and pays out.

They will cover how entertainment contracts work in practice, including options, shopping agreements, and the deal points that matter most to creators. Also discussed will be how independent films get financed and how investors recoup and see a return. They will close with practical steps companies can take right now to protect themselves around AI.

3:45 PM – 4:45 PM Speed Pitching

This special session is purpose-built to connect those with projects to people looking for properties to invest in or distribute. This session puts investors, sales agents, and others looking for projects in the room with producers, directors, and writers with projects to pitch. Apply to pitch here.

Prepare for your pitch like a pro! Join us for Virtual Elevator Pitch Master Class with Mary Lou Belli on 9/23 at 7pm PST. Complimentary for Reel/Forward Ticket holders.

3:45 PM – 5:30 PM CA Tax Incentive Consultations

There will be a very special one-on-one CA tax credit clinic after lunch with our friends from the California Film Commission. Bring your project specific questions, and your team. Sign up here.

4:30 PM- 5:30 PM Opening Night Networking Party

Thank you to our wine sponsor Echolands Winery Spend time with new friends and collaborators above and below the line.

Sunday, September 27th

10:00 AM Registration, Breakfast, Networking

11:00 AM Opening Remarks

11:15 AM -12:15 PM Smarter Workflows For Cross Platform Technology Panel

We’ll be discussing how intellectual property can seamlessly extend across film, television, gaming, immersive experiences, and beyond. Virtual production is transforming how stories are created, produced, and monetized. From real-time game engines to Gaussian splats and next-generation 3D capture, this panel explores the technologies expanding creative possibilities. We’ll look at how these innovations are enabling greater creative freedom, economic efficiency, and scalable content creation.

11:15 AM -12:15 PM Strategic Packaging & Honing The Perfect Pitch Seminar

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. 

Evette 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.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Adapting: Remarkably Bright Creatures Panel

This panel explores Remarkably Bright Creatures from page to screen, examining the interconnected relationships between its human characters and Marcellus, the octopus. We’ll dive into how visual effects brought Marcellus to life as an expressive, believable character—and the challenges of bringing a best selling book to the screen.

1:30 – 2:30 Lunch

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Fast Track Tech for Filmmakers Panel

This panel empowers filmmakers to decide where, when, and whether to use new technology.. Featuring visionary filmmakers and technology experts, this panel dives into bespoke workflows and real-world applications. We’ll explore how human lead creative processes can be enhanced with new technologies. From jump starting ideation and development to production and final deliverables, discover how evolving technologies can expand what’s possible.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Speed Pitching

This special session is purpose-built to connect those with projects to people looking for properties to invest in or distribute. This session puts investors, sales agents, and others looking for projects in the room with producers, directors, and writers with projects to pitch. Apply to pitch here.

Prepare for your pitch like a pro! Join us for Virtual Elevator Pitch Master Class with Mary Lou Belli on 9/23 at 7pm PST. Complimentary for Reel/Forward Ticket holders.

3:45 pm – 4:45 PM Film & Sizzle Reel Showcase

Women in Media members working above and below the line can enter their projects and showcase their talent. Let’s get projects off the ground, and crew hired! Short films, sizzles, music videos, webisodes, verticals, and reels from all departments are welcome. Apply before 9/12 to screen your film.

You must be a Women In Media member to screen your project. To join WiM, please apply here.

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 meals ~ breakfast and lunch, + Saturday there is an after hours mixer.

Photo by Claudia Hoag

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.

Parking

Be sure to get your parking pass, sold separately for each day.

VIP Weekend Pass

Use the special VIP registration line. Parking for both days included.

Log in to reveal your Member discount code.

The Event Is Supported by

Gold partner

Wine provided by