Industry Panels
Panel Topics
At the Gasparilla International Film Festival, our Industry Panels explore the ideas, tools, and business shaping today’s film and entertainment landscape. From film finance and distribution to artificial intelligence, performance craft, and the rise of true crime storytelling, these conversations bring together experienced professionals for insightful, real-world discussion.
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Whether you’re a filmmaker, actor, creative professional, or film enthusiast, our panels offer practical knowledge and fresh perspective on where the industry is headed.
All panels are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Join us Friday, March 6, and Sunday, March 8 at AMC Westhore - 210 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH
FILM FINANCE
A film lives when it’s seen. In today’s industry, understanding financing and distribution is essential to getting from script to screen.
This panel brings together leading producers, financiers, and international sales executives to explore what projects are attracting funding in 2026, how films are packaged for global markets, and what distribution really looks like today. From tax incentives and pre-sales to streamers, theatrical windows, and evolving investor models, we’ll demystify the business side of filmmaking.
Panelists: Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard, Grace Santos, Joseph Restaino, Michael Mendelsohn​​
4:45 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH
12:45 p.m.
FILM FINANCE & PRODUCTION
Go behind the scenes of filmmaking in this conversation about the business of bringing stories to life. Industry professionals share insights on navigating the path from idea to a finished film, including general approaches to securing funding and getting projects off the ground.
Panelists: Kevin Ambler, David Salzberg, Dean Reb Braddock
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SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH
12:15 p.m.
PERSPECTIVES ON AI
Does AI have a place in creative industries? Industry professionals discuss the upsides and downfalls of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as common uses and the changes to the technology and its applications in recent years.
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Panelists: Steve Stein, Santiago Echeverry, Corey Holtgard
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1:45 p.m.
WORKSHOP: IMPROV TECHNIQUES
Whether you're behind the scenes or in front of the camera, chances are you've found yourself in more than one situation where you needed to think on your feet. That's where improv comes in! Kelly Buttermore and Justin Peters will introduce you to basic improv concepts that you can apply to your acting, your work, or even your everyday life that will foster creativity, connection, and collaboration.
No prior experience required.
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Panelists: Kelly Buttermore, Justin Peters
3:15 p.m.
TRUE CRIME ON CAMERA
Join documentary filmmakers as they discuss true crime storytelling and delivering truthful, compelling real-world stories. Filmmakers from THE MURDERS OF SEMINOLE HEIGHTS and OUTLAWS OF THE EVERGLADES will explore their process and approach to true crime filmmaking, and what it takes to balance authenticity and entertainment.
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Panelists: Joe Martin, Rob Hoovis
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