National Film Festival for Talanted Youth
EMP|SFM Film School

presented by NFFTY

Here at NFFTY we don’t want to just show films, but make better filmmakers. Whether you’re just starting out or are a veteran filmmaker; our panels and workshops have something for filmmakers of all ages to learn from. EMP|SFM Film School is completely free and open to the public!

FREE ADMISION TO ALL!

Panels & Workshops


Film School Pitch & Meet and Greet
Saturday March 29 | 10:30am at JBL Theater & Learning Lab – EMP|SFM

The tables are turned. Film schools from across the country each have 5 minutes to pitch their school to prospective students. Followed by a meet and greet where you can talk to representatives from the schools and ask your questions.

The Business of Storytelling in the 21st Century


Saturday March 29 | 12:00pm at JBL Theater – EMP|SFM

The production and delivery of media and entertainment has never been so complex a proposition. How do filmmakers and other creatives manage the dizzying array of opportunities and challenges that face them on the road from vision to exhibition? Our panelists will discuss a variety of topics including: the analog to digital transition; new tools for the creative individual; new opportunities for distribution; challenges and threats facing the content owner; and much more. Join moderator Nicholas de Wolff, Chief Marketing Officer for Thomson’s Technology division and founding Governor of the Producers Guild of America’s New Media Council in this fascinating look into the entertainment industry. Panelists include: Porter Gale (VP of Marketing of Virgin America and award winning filmmaking) and John Maatta (Chief Operating Officer of The CW)

Going from Student Filmmaking to Professional Filmmaking


Saturday March 29 | 1:30pm at Learning Lab – EMP|SFM

Join us in a discussion that focuses on attracting named actors to your projects!  We will provide you with an overview of the tools and knowledge necessary to negotiate with and professionally work alongside agents, managers, accountants, and paymasters.
Speaker: Alan Gregory from NPI Production Services, Inc

Making your Feature


Saturday March 29 | 2:30pm at JBL Theater – EMP|SFM

What does it take to make a full-length feature film? Our 5 NFFTY feature filmmakers will join moderator Jesse Harris (Living Life, 2004) for an in depth look at the creation of a feature film. From budgets, crew, distribution and more.

Speakers: (subject to availability)


Explorations in Animation


Saturday March 29 | 1:30pm at JBL Theater – EMP|SFM

What do cartoon characters, a new condominium, and broadcast news headlines have in common? All are put into motion through the work of animators. Join The Art Institute of Seattle’s Chris Liles for an adventure in animated filmmaking. Is your passion computer games, motion graphics for television or animated films?  Chris will delve into what it takes to be a part of this exciting and evolving industry.

Current TV Pitch Session


Saturday March 29 | 3:30pm at JBL Theater – EMP|SFM

Current TV will be taking pitches from filmmakers for pod ideas and holding a meet and greet to get introduced to the world of Current TV.

Movies are Made by Telling Great Stories


Sunday March 30 | 1:00pm at JBL Theater – EMP|SFM

The FilmSchool faculty will be talking about what it takes to get an independent feature made, why so many films fail, and the new Northwest Production Market deal available to all local filmmakers. TheFilmSchool inspires writers and directors to find the great story that lies within them. As a powerful and fast alternative to graduate school, our students come from around the world to learn about filmmaking in America's most livable, literate and creative city.

Speakers: (subject to availability)


SAG Made Simple


Sunday March 30 | 11:30am at Learning Lab – EMP|SFM

Working with the Screen Actors Guild low budget and student agreements is a simple process.  Come join us for a panel discussion that will separate fact from fiction when it comes to working with SAG actors and the SAG signatory process. You will find that working with professional SAG actors is not only easy but it is also affordable as SAG has an agreement to fit any budget.

Film Permit Process | Filming Green


Sunday March 30 | 2:00pm at Learning Lab – EMP|SFM

Join the Seattle Film + Music Office and Washington State Film Office for an overview of the film permit process. Do you really need a permit to film? How much does it cost? Plus check out the brand new Washington State Film Green Resource Guide and learn how to be more sustainable with your next production.