PANELs + WORKSHOPS
Friday, NOVEMBER 19, 2026 | Bowie State University - Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC)
10:00–10:50 am | The State of Film: Navigating Hollywood's New Era
The film industry is changing faster than ever. Join actor and Prince George's County native Derrick A. King for an honest, timely conversation about what’s reshaping Hollywood, from studio mergers and streaming to AI, shifting audience habits, and new ways of producing content. Together, we’ll explore what these shifts mean for filmmakers, actors, producers, and creators, and share practical ways to adapt, seize new opportunities, and build a lasting career in entertainment. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of where the industry is headed and how to make the most of what comes next.
Location: Dionne Warwick Theater
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA
11:00–11:50 am | Crafting Sanctuary – The Art, Integrity, and Collaboration of The Barber
This panel brings together the creative forces behind The Barber for an engaging, behind-the-scenes exploration of how cinematic storytelling can transform a community institution into a work of art. Centered around the iconic role of the Black barbershop as a cultural "third space" and safe haven, the panelists will discuss their collaborative process: from translating raw emotional vulnerability into screenwriting and performance to capturing authentic intimacy through cinematography, sound design, and decisive production leadership. Attendees will gain rare insight into how independent filmmakers blend high-level artistic discipline with cultural authenticity to tell stories that reflect the community's heart, offering invaluable inspiration and actionable guidance for emerging and established storytellers alike.
Location: Dionne Warwick Theater
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: Brennan DuBose – Producer/Director, Lincoln Motion Picture Company; Khalil Kain – Artist and Actor; Kirby Griffin - Cinematographer; Devin Allen - Producer; Nate Anderson - Film Score Composer
12:00–12:50 pm | The Writer's Edge: Crafting Stories That Get Noticed
Join acclaimed producer and entertainment entrepreneur Tressa Azarel Smallwood for an engaging masterclass on the art and business of screenwriting. Learn how to develop compelling characters, build powerful narratives, and craft scripts that capture the attention of audiences and industry decision-makers. Whether you're developing your first screenplay or refining your next project, discover practical techniques to elevate your storytelling and bring your creative vision closer to production.
Location: Dionne Warwick Theater
Facilitator: Tressa Azarel Smallwood - Founder & CEO, MegaMind Media
1:00–1:50 pm | LUNCH
2:00–2:50 pm | From Script to Screen: Virtual Production and AI in the Modern Filmmaker's Workflow
Join the co-founders of RVP Studios, Prince George's County's full-scale virtual production facility, along with their Head of Innovation, for a candid conversation about where filmmaking stands today and where it's going next. The panel will walk through the full production process, from development, previsualization, and preproduction through production on an LED volume and into post, and look at how virtual production and AI tools can help filmmakers expand their creative options, work more efficiently, and stretch their budgets at every stage. Whether you're developing your first feature or running a working production company, you'll leave with a practical sense of what these tools can do for your projects right now.
Location: Dionne Warwick Theater
Moderator: TBD
Panelists: Zach Guerra - Co-Founder & Director of Creative and Innovation, RVP; Daniel Strauch - Co-Founder, RVP; Tom Camarda - Head of Innovation & Director of Photography, RVP
3:00–3:50 pm | Beyond the Screen: Experience the Magic of Motion Capture - An Interactive Technology & Filmmaking Experience
Step into the future of filmmaking with this exciting, hands-on exploration of motion capture technology! Discover how filmmakers, animators, and game developers transform real-life movements into dynamic digital characters and immersive visual experiences. Through live demonstrations and interactive activities, participants will get an up-close look at motion capture technology, see how movement translates into digital animation, and explore its growing role in film, gaming, and virtual production. Whether you're a filmmaker, content creator, student, or simply curious about emerging technology, this engaging session offers a unique opportunity to experience the innovation shaping the future of entertainment.
Location: Dionne Warwick Theater
Facilitator: Tewodross Melchishua Williams, Professor and Program Coordinator of the Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts (VCDMA) program, Bowie State University
