Q-Me Con 2006 features a wide array of informative and engaging panels focusing on issues and topics, ranging from basic primers teaching media makers how to get started -- to advanced seminars for professionals currently producing queer content.
For more information about purchasing tickets to Q-Me Con 2006 seminars, please click here.
Please note - purchasing a seminar ticket entitles you to day-long access to the Q-Me Con Lounge.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
The DIY Generation: Creating and Distributing Your Indie Digital Content
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Theater 2: 11am-12pm
Want to get started making queer digital content? Have an idea for an LGBTQ-themed television show? Come join an illustrious panel of successful independent content producers and key players in the do-it-yourself revolution as they give the low-down on queer digital content creation and reveal their secrets about the countless ways to affordably and effectively distribute, market, package and profit from your creative visions.
Panelists
Aline Allegra, Senior Producer/Director Viewer Created Content (VC2), Current TV
George Lyter, Producer, "ADD-TV"
Tony Sawicki, Producer/Director, "Under the Pink Carpet"
Dasha Snyder, Writer/Creator/Executive Producer, "The D Word"
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Its News to Us: Queer News Making, Reportage and Broadcast Journalism
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Theater 1: 11am-12pm
While print publications, websites and blogs have covered gay news and relevant issues for years, very few visual and audio media outlets have attempted to fairly cover and address LGBTQ issues. This panel will address the need for the LGBTQ community to take a stand and start producing more news-based content that fairly reflects our opinions and the varied voices of our queer community.
Panelists
Jason Bellini, Anchor, "CBS News on Logo"
Eric Hegedus, President, National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
Maria Patrick, Executive Producer, PBS's "In the Life"
Will Wikle, Co-Host, TWIST radio Show; "Big Brother 5" cast member
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Alternative Routes: Distribution and Exhibition Options for Queer Content
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Theater 2: 12:15-1:15pm
Cable or theatrical distribution isnt the only route to take when youre seeking primary distribution for your queer digital content. Once considered ancillary markets, film festival circuits, direct to DVD, emerging mobile media and Video-on-Demand are fast becoming major portals through which your creative visions can now be seen. But how do you get your project distributed through these alternative methods? Come meet some of the top industry executives as they share inside tips on how to pitch your content and land a distribution or exhibition deal.
Panelists
Angel L. Brown, Founder/Executive Director, Our Stories Productions/Queer Black Cinema
Vanessa Domico, Founder, Outcast Films
Kate Huh, Co-Director, MIX NYC
Fred Kramer, General Manager, Withoutabox, Inc.
Michele Steinwald, Filmmaker Relations, IndieFlix
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Q-ing Up the Investors: How to Fund your DV Project
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Theater 1: 12:15-1:15pm
So you have a great idea for a queer or queer-friendly DV project, but you dont know how or where to find the funds to make it? Come interact with leading independent producers and successful fundraisers as they share effective ways to raise capital, locate investors and benefit from cost-saving tips to ensure that your creative vision becomes a reality.
Panelists
Ralph Ackerman, Founder and Director, International Short Film Association
Michelle Coe, Production Assistance Program Administrator, Women Make Movies
Jacqueline Gares, Co-Founder, Goldfish Films
Kerry Weldon, Managing Director of Development, IFP
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I Want My Queer TV: Pitching to LGBTQ Cable Broadcasters
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Theater 2: 2-3pm
Aside from a handful of sitcoms, some made-for-TV movies and a couple of premium cable offerings, LGBTQ-themed television programs have been few and far between. Fortunately, things are radically changing, thanks to the rise of queer cable channels like Here!, Out TV and Logo. As a result, the need for LGBTQ content is growing exponentially. Come meet top network executives as they discuss what theyre currently programming, what theyre looking for and the best ways to pitch your queer-themed or queer-inclusive project to land a network deal.
Panelists
Bill Craig, President, OUT tv
Meredith Kadlec, Vice President Original Programming, here! Networks
Chris Willey, Original Programming & Development, Logo
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Tech Talk: Making the Most out of Digital Production & Post
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Theater 1: 2-3pm
Are you lost in the high-tech world of geek-speak? Confused about which digital cameras and equipment best suits your productions needs? Unsure about which editing software is right for you? Join leading technology experts as they help aspiring queer content creators make sense of the over-crowded, ever-evolving marketplace filled with digital video cameras, editing suites, visual effects & DVD authoring software.
Panelists
Wendy Levy, Director of Media Arts and Education, Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC)
Mark Littman, Creative Editor/Partner, Northern Lights Post
Kimberly Reed, Founder, Big Sky Films
Michael Vitti, Leader, NYC Final Cut Pro Users Group community
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New Queer Mafia: The Power of Networking & The Art of Building Creative Teams
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Theater 2: 3:15-4:15pm
Were here! Were queer! So lets make contacts and content! The ability to network, hob-nob and do business with industry big-wigs and like-minded peers can seriously improve the odds of turning your project into a reality. This informative workshop features a noted panel of industry leaders and networking experts discussing the most effective ways to find and assemble your creative dream team, talk shop with LGBTQ power players and pitch your queer digital content projects like a pro.
Panelists
Erin Greenwell, Founder, Smithy Productions
Scott Gregory, Executive Director, Out In Television & Film
Kevin Taylor, President/Executive Producer, TM3
Catherine Gray, Producer/Director "I Can't Marry You"; Member, Out Professionals/LYNX
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Written Perspectives: Queer Voices & Original Scripted Content
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Theater 1: 3:15-4:15pm
With the explosion of original Queer scripted content currently hitting the air waves, the silver screens and the broadband pipelines -- how can queer content creators continue to forge ahead, exploring the complex lives and experiences of queer characters? Join a panel of producers, directors and writers as they delve into the obstacles scripted content creators face, the pressures of accurate LGBTQ representation and the future of original queer scripted content.
Panelists
Alexis Fish, Executive Producer, "Shortbus"
Kenneth Hanes, Independent Spirit Award nomininee for Best First Screenplay, "Fixing Frank"
Erik Jackson, Staff Writer, here! Networks' "Dante's Cove"
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Sunday, April 16, 2006
here! Networks Presents: Gay TV pioneer John Scagliotti
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Theater 2: 11am-12pm
Here! Networks presents a look at the history and politics of queer images in the broadcast media. Together with Basil Tsiokos, Executive Director of NewFest: The NY LGBT Film Festival, Gay TV pioneer John Scagliotti will take a look back at the origins of gay and lesbian television and media visibility. Scagliotti is the creator of PBSs gay and lesbian TV program "In the Life" as well as the Emmy Award-winning producer and director of the acclaimed documentary "Before Stonewall." In addition, Mr. Scagliotti produced and directed the award-winning films "After Stonewall" and "Dangerous Living Coming Out in the Developing World. " Join here! Networks and John Scagliotti for this frank discussion and fresh look at the power and politics of queer TV.
Panelists
John Scagliotti, Emmy-Award winning Producer & Director
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The Real Thing: Creating Documentaries and Reality TV
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Theater 1: 11am-12pm
Documentaries are now BIG business. With the recent boom of queer festivals and media outlets, the market for documentary and reality-based programming has grown exponentially and has created tremendous opportunities for content makers looking to chronicle the real-life experiences of members of the LGBTQ community. This panel will feature noted documentarians and reality content producers discussing unique approaches to exploring non-fictionalized content about queer images, unique experiences and marginalized figures within the LGBTQ landscape.
Panelists
Richard Davis, Executive Producer, "Out at the Center"
Michael Sean Kaminsky, Producer, "Gay Sex in the 70's"
Matt Lavine, Co-Producer, award-winning "Tying The Knot"
Justine Pimlott, Director/Producer, Red Queen Productions Inc.
Chris Willey, Original Programming & Development, Logo
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The Business of Buzz: Marketing, Promoting and Publicizing Your Media
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Theater 1: 12:15-1:15pm
Effectively-targeted marketing and publicity campaigns and creative promotional tactics matter especially when it comes to packaging and selling your LGBTQ digital content. Come meet a bevy of noted entertainment publicists, queer marketing gurus and highly-regarded promotions experts as they provide their insight and experience on low-cost, engaging ways to get your project noticed and consumed by the right audiences.
Panelists
Arthur Korant, Co-Founder/Creative Director, Double Platinum
Stephen Macias, VP, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, here! Networks
Heather Reznor, Head of Public Relations, Lucas Entertainment
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Podcasting, Vlogging & Videostreaming: Using the Web to Broadcast your Queer Content
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Theater 2: 12:15-1:15pm
Whether you produce short content, music videos or serialized soaps, its clear the web is one of the most powerful mediums for sharing your visions with the masses. Join a panel of enterprising producers, cutting-edge content creators and internet tv vanguards as they share their tricks for navigating the high-tech superhighways radically shaping the way queer content is broadcast.
Panelists
Lukas Blakk, Genderqueer Vlogger & No-Budget Filmmaker
Richard Bluestein, A.K.A. "Madge Weinstein" -- Executive Producer, Yeast Productions (a subsidary of PodShow.com)
Heather Green, Department Editor, Business Week
Josh Rosenzweig, Director, Corporate Communications & Public Relations, here! Networks and Co-Host, "here! Podcast"
Ted Trent, Founder, "Out of the Closet TV"
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The Future of Features: Making Long-Form LGBTQ Content
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Theater 2: 2-3pm
Does the rise of queer cable television networks and the burgeoning mobile markets mean the end of feature-length LGBTQ media? The answer is no. Whether you make cutting-edge dramas, queer-themed romantic comedies or thought-provoking documentaries, long-form queer content is alive and well -- and increasingly lucrative. Join a panel of noted producers, directors, writers and distributors as they discuss the future of feature length content and share inside tips on making the most of your project.
Panelists
Jonathan Caouette, Director, "Tarnation"
Ash Christian, Producer/Writer/Director, "Fat Girls"
Rose Troche, Writer/Director, "Go Fish" and "The L Word"
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LGBTQ Images and Representations in Television and the Media
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Theater 1: 2-3pm
Until recently, the medias images of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer people have been less than satisfactory -- often riddled with stereotypical traits, denied emotional and psychological complexity and saddled with inert or nonexistent sex lives and relationships. With the rise of the DIY queer content making generation, and more out-of-the-closet content creators working within the media, are these stereotypical portrayals coming to an end? Or are we as a creative community continuing to propagate one-dimensional images? Join a celebrated panel of content producers and media watchdogs as they discuss the past, present and future of LGBTQ images and representations in the media.
Panelists
Kawana S. Bullock, Producer, Our Stories Productions/Queer Black Cinema
Cindi Creager, Director of National News, GLAAD
Katherine Linton, President, Linton Media; Executive Producer, "The Evolution Will Be Televised"
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The Digital Skin Trade: Creating & Distributing Adult Content
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Theater 2: 3:15-4:15pm
No doubt about it porn sells. In fact, it was the chief building block of the internet and video industries, and its impact has been felt throughout the queer community. So, while many cast this genre off as marginal or illegitimate, the truth is there are big bucks and tremendous creative coups to be made in the digital skin trade. This provocative forum will feature some of the most prolific and successful LGBTQ adult content producers in the country exploring the numerous ways queer digital video creators can cash in on this ever-growing billion dollar phenomena.
Panelists
Kelly Burkhardt, Director of Production, TLA Releasing
Tony Comstock, Founder, Comstock Films
Michael Lucas, Founder and President, Lucas Entertainment
Lisa Vandever, Co-Founder & Director, CineKink
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Legal Easy: Contracts, Licensing and Protecting Your Digital Content
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Theater 1: 3:15-4:15pm
Lets face it making your own content is thrilling and satisfying, but navigating all the legal aspects of a production can be downright daunting. What release forms do you need? Can you create your own contracts? How do you protect your intellectual property? How do you secure a fair financing or distribution deal? This engaging seminar features experienced and noted entertainment law professionals addressing the most important legal issues content creators need to know.
Panelists
Fred Benenson, Board of Directors, FreeCulture.org
Ben Feldman, Esq., Entertainment Lawyer, Epstein, Levinsohn, Bodine, Hurwitz & Weinstein, LLP
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