2025 Festival Workshop Schedule
Sunday, October 19 | 10:00 AM - 2:45 PM
AMC Empire 25 Theaters, 234 W 42nd Street, Times Square
Join us for an inspiring day of workshops led by top universities and film programs from around the country. These sessions are designed to offer student filmmakers a behind-the-scenes look at college-level production programs, storytelling craft, and industry pathways.
All workshops will take place at the AMC Empire 25 Theaters, 234 W 42nd Street, in Times Square.
Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Use the schedule below to plan your day.
The Art of the Interview
Presented by Southern Methodist University
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Theater 23
Description:
This workshop leads students through the process of interviewing for documentary film. An interactive and fun workshop, students will learn about topics such as:
-Choosing the right person for your interview
- Choosing the right place for your interview
- What to do before you begin your interview
- Technical things to be aware of when conducting documentary film interviews
- Creating interview questions
- Ending and beginning interviews
Presented by:
Devon "Vonnie" Smith
Devon "Vonnie" Smith is a research-based cultural worker hailing from Milwaukee, WI, who uses various modes of documentary production to preserve Black diasporic histories, with intentions of disrupting and dismantling systems of erasure. His cinema practice deviates from conventional forms of storytelling and narrative, and instead utilizes experiential aesthetics to engage viewers and participants in the work. His work has shown at a range of film festivals, museums, and theaters. Vonnie is currently based in Dallas-Fort Worth with his wife and three children. He is a Professor of Practice in Production at Southern Methodist University.
Amber Bemak
Amber Bemak is a filmmaker, artist, and educator whose creative practice is based in experimental and documentary film as well as performance art. She is a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow and a 2025 Creative Capital Awardee. Amber has been teaching film and creative practice for over 20 years, and is currently an Associate Professor of Film & Media Arts at Southern Methodist University. She has taught film theory and practice in India, Nepal, Kenya, Mexico, and the United States.
Navigating Film Festivals as an Emerging Filmmaker
Presented by Florida State University
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Theater 24
Description:
Breaking into the film festival circuit can feel overwhelming for new filmmakers, but it doesn't have to be. This practical and candid conversation brings together new filmmakers to demystify the festival process from submission to screening. Panelists will share insights on how to choose the right festivals for your work, what makes a submission stand out, and how to maximize your festival experience once you're in. Whether you're preparing your first short or launching your debut feature, this session will equip you with actionable advice and real-world strategies to help you build momentum, make meaningful connections, and amplify your voice in a crowded space.
Presented by:
Max Losson
Even though he’s the son of two of the best kneeboarders in the world, Max Losson never quite got his sea legs. Instead of being on the water, a young Max had more fun traveling with his parents to competitions and learning the life stories of all the people he met. Being on the road began his passion for storytelling and eventually landed him at the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts, where he discovered he was much more capable behind the camera than the boat. Now based in New York, he works as a cinematographer and photographer, always framing from the heart.
Max has photographed bands like The Violent Femmes and Charming Disaster, and his work has been featured in places like the Student Academy Awards and EnergaCamerimage.
Liv Andrade
Olivia Andrade, although small in stature, brings a large presence to her filmmaking. An alumni from Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts film program, she currently lives in Brooklyn, New York pursuing her film career. An avid traveler, she spent her entire freshman year of college living abroad in Europe (Florence, Italy and Valencia, Spain). Her type-A personality and strong leadership skills often put her in the roles of Producing and 1st Assistant Directing.
Alex Taylor
Alex Taylor is a writer, director, and producer. He aims to combine his love for film with his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ Community. Taylor wants to push the limits placed on queer characters in mainstream film by writing unique, authentic stories. Specifically, he would like to provide his community with a chance to shine in action movies. This is Taylor’s personal favorite genre and one that could stand for more queer representation.
Getting Started Right: The Importance of Storyboarding and Pre-Production
Presented by Huntington University
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Theater 25
Description:
Every great film begins long before the first frame is captured. Storyboarding and preproduction are the behind-the-scenes steps that help turn creative ideas into well-organized, successful projects. By planning ahead, students can save time, avoid confusion, and bring their stories to life with clarity and confidence. These early stages are where imagination meets strategy—and where the real magic begins.
Presented by:
Tyler Welker
Tyler Welker is an award-winning filmmaker, Associate Professor of Animation, and Chair of the Digital Media Arts Department at Huntington University. With over 15 years of experience in video production, 3D animation, motion graphics, and digital illustration, he combines creative leadership with hands-on industry expertise. Tyler holds an MFA in Animation & Visual Effects from the Academy of Art University and a B.S. in Digital Media Arts from Huntington University. His professional journey includes roles such as creative video director, multimedia specialist, and lead animator, with freelance credits for brands like Fisher-Price, Hasbro, Buffalo Bills, and American Greetings.
Where to Put the Camera: Designing Shots Through Subtext
Presented by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Theater 23
Workshop Description:
High, low, close, wide, tracking, static, knowing how to shoot a scene first requires a bold perspective and understanding of what the scene actually is about. Writer, Director, and SCAD Associate Chair of Film & Television Quinlan Orear guides students on how to get to the heart of scenes in order to answer the fundamental question: "Where do you put the camera?"
Presented by:
Quinlan Orear - SCAD Associate Chair of Film & Television
Quinlan Orear is Associate Chair of Film & Television at SCAD Atlanta, and has been an independent filmmaker for over twenty years (beginning with a feature film that he wrote and directed as a teenager). His past films have screened at over 50 festivals worldwide.
Beyond the Beat: How Music Tells Stories Without Words
Presented by Drexel University
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Theater 24
Description:
Discover the invisible storyteller in every film, video game, and digital story—the musical underscore. You'll explore how composers use music as a powerful narrative tool, shaping audience emotions and driving plot without a single spoken word.
Opening Demonstration - The Same Scene, Different Stories - Listen to the same movie scene with three different musical underscores—thriller, romance, and comedy. Experience firsthand how music completely transforms the narrative, turning a simple story line into a tense confrontation, a romantic moment, or comedic relief.
Analysis - Deconstructing the Score - Examine scenes from popular films to identify musical choices:
Musical Storytelling: From Concept to Composition - Explore the creative process behind soundtrack design through detailed case studies.
Discussion & Reflection: The Invisible Influence - A group discussion about how musical narratives shape the stories we consume daily. Explore the ethical implications of emotional manipulation through music and develop critical awareness of this powerful storytelling tool.
Presented by:
John Avarese, MPSE, CAS
Teaching Professor, Program Director, Film & Television
Cinema & Television Department, Drexel University
John Avarese MPSE CAS is the Program Director of Film and Television at Drexel University. A life-long musician, John Avarese began studying classical piano at the age of four and by the age of seven he was performing recitals with classical music ensembles. To this date, Avarese has composed over 4000 commissioned scores and recorded an elegant collection of film music, as well as mixing and sound design on hundreds of projects. This includes 83 theatrical feature films, scores of short films, and 9 surround sound planetarium features. John has won the 2019-2020 National Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Mixing for his work on “Articulate with Jim Cotter, a national distributed weekly PBS Series.
Cinematography: Framing and Composition
Presented by Hofstra University
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Theater 25
Description:
How the elements on screen are arranged and where your eyes go when you encounter an image - moving or otherwise - and how these visual elements convey an intended message.
Presented by:
George P. Nicholas, Associate Professor of Radio, Television, Film
George Nicholas is an award-winning New York - based filmmaker and director of photography. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to first-generation Greek immigrants, picked up his father's love for photography at age 7, and wrote and directed his first play at 11. He studied drama at the University of Texas, Arlington and was a founding cast member of the Dallas chapter of ComedySportz.
He moved to NYC in 1998, worked as a sound technician for Off-Broadway Theater and as a roadie, working with bands like the Rolling Stones, before moving a bit north to attend the Conservatory of Film at the State University of New York at Purchase, where he graduated with a BFA in Film Production. He has worked as a cinematographer professionally since 1992, and his work has been shown worldwide in festivals and on the air.
George has produced and directed music videos, including Elizabeth Cook's "Sunday Morning," which aired on VH-1, GAC, and CMT. His 2004 short film, "Exact Fare," won the CINE Golden Eagle Award, and his experimental documentary film, "Antigone" won the Nostimon Imar Award (for films of the Greek/Cypriot diaspora) at its premiere at the 2017 Cyprus International Film Festival and was nominated for Best Documentary at the Kerry International Film Festival in Killarney, Ireland, and Best Experimental at the West Chester Film Festival. His next film, an animated short, “Smoke n Suds”, recently completed a successful festival run, including two screenings at the Raindance International Film Festival, as well as winning a Bronze Remy at the Houston International Film Festival. His most recent film, NOSTOS, which he directed and produced, has just started its festival run, and will be premiering at the Tacoma Film Festival on October 11th. George briefly returned to theater in 2021, designing the lighting and sound for “Onassis,” Anthony Skordi’s one-man show about Aristotle Onassis, which ran Off Broadway at New York’s historic American Theatre of Actors after previewing in Atlanta, Georgia. He then designed the lighting for Nicholas Kennedy’s “Jean Jackets and Red Pandas” at Trinity Theater.
He is currently an Associate Professor of Radio, Television, Film at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, and prior to that taught at and was the Technical Director of Film and New Media at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. He resides in Mamaroneck, New York with his wife, Marie, their son Peter, and three lovely cats. He is a bassist and vocalist for The Quarter Moon and occasionally performs stand-up comedy.
Build Your First Scene: Virtual Production in Unreal Engine
Presented by Walnut Hill School for the Arts
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Theater 23
Description:
Curious about virtual production but not sure where to start? This workshop introduces students to the basics of Unreal Engine, the free software powering some of today’s biggest films and shows. Together, we’ll break down what virtual production is, why it matters, and how anyone can begin experimenting right now. Through images and examples, you’ll see the step-by-step process of building a scene from start to finish, giving you a clear sense of the creative workflow. Students will walk away with an understanding of how to create their own projects using free and accessible tools. Attendees to the workshop will also receive access to slides that will help kickstart their learning once they leave the festival.
Presented by:
Matthew Seifert
Matthew Seifert is a faculty member in the Writing, Film & Media Arts Department at Walnut Hill School for the Arts, where he has spent the past eight years teaching film and media arts. His work focuses on Unreal Engine and virtual production, areas that merge filmmaking with gaming and interactive storytelling. As an educator, he believes curiosity is the foundation of both artistry and leadership, and he strives to create a classroom environment where students feel encouraged to take risks, explore new tools, and discover their own creative voices. Whether through traditional film projects or cutting-edge virtual production techniques, his goal is to help young artists recognize how technology can expand their storytelling potential.
Hollyland
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Theater 24
Description:
Workshop information & presenter details coming soon.
The Writer’s Room Workshop
Presented by Chapman University
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Theater 25
Workshop Description:
Ever wondered what it's like to be in the room where it happens? Step inside the Writers' Room, where stories come to life and every line counts. How does it all work? Who is the Showrunner, and what kind of creative genius do they possess to shape an entire show? Now’s your chance to find out! Take a seat at the table, bring your ideas, create unforgettable characters, and craft your own scene alongside a veteran comedy writer. Are you ready to dive into the action? The Writers' Room is waiting for you!
Presented by:
Jill Condon
A 20-year veteran of television comedy, Condon started her career as an intern on The Cosby Show while attending New York University. Her writing credits include Ned & Stacey, Friends, Grounded for Life and Raising Hope. Her Friends episode “The One With the Embryos” is ranked No.1 in Vanity Fair’s 25 Perfect TV Episodes From the Last 25 Years. Pilots include The Glamorous Life, the scripted spin-off of America’s Next Top Model for Tyra Banks. Feature Film credits include Malcolm in the Middle, The Movie.
Phenakistoscope
Presented by Temple University
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM | Theater 23
Description:
This workshop will dive into the history of animation through the 19th-century optical toy and the earliest instance of animation: the phenakistoscope. Students will learn how phenakistoscopes work (both historically and digitally); explore the fundamentals to create their own phenakistoscope with loop cycles—an important technique that’s still important to animators today—and even try their hand at making their own with time remaining.
Presented by:
Zachary Tyler Vickers, Assistant Professor of Animation, Director of Animation Concentration, Temple University
Zachary Tyler Vickers’ independent "DIY" animation practice explores and reimagines historical techniques. His animated films have been screened internationally and have won awards, such as a Gold Remi at WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival and "Best Animation" at the Trenton Film Festival. He is deeply invested in the art of storytelling, both visually and on the page. He is the author of the short story collection Congratulations on Your Martyrdom! His fiction has won numerous awards, like the Kurt Vonnegut Prize, and his screenwriting won Grand Prize at the Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival, as well as garnered recognition from various prominent festivals. He holds two MFAs: one from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in fiction and another from Temple University's Film & Media Arts program.
*OPEN SLOT*
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM | Theater 24
Description:
Workshop information & presenter details coming soon.
*OPEN SLOT*
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM | Theater 25
Description:
Workshop information & presenter details coming soon.