Come Network, Pitch, and Workshop at...
IGNITE!
Meet Fellow Like-Minded Creators, Network
In-Person with Top Hollywood Producers
(and Pitch Your Ideas), Get High Level
Mentorship, Prepare a Project for
Market, and Much More!
Apr 30 - May 1 / Los Angeles, CA / 14 Speakers
Why Ignite?
workshop your project
Get real-time feedback on your project or idea from industry experts and your peers. Develop the audience and market appeal of your project, and walk away with a strong project and a clear understanding of next steps.
Access to Industry Experts
Learn the tips, tools and tricks of the trade with experts at the top of their fields. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls and mistakes they've made in their own careers, and how to leverage your passions and skills into a successful creative career.
Build Relationships
Network with other creators, deal makers and industry experts to forge connections and relationships in the entertainment industry, all from the entertainment hub of the world -- Hollywood.
Pitch your project
Pitch your project to producers, deal makers and your peers and learn how to sell your project or idea.
You never know who might hear your pitch...
What To Expect At Ignite
IGNITE! will be an unforgettable weekend designed specifically to help creators like you select and develop a marketable project, practice and hone your pitching skills, meet fellow creators, and network with top Hollywood producers and digital pioneers in Los Angeles.
Whether you're an author, screenwriter, digital creator or virtual reality creator, a specialized curriculum and mentor-led workshops have been designed specifically for you so you come away with the skills you need to develop a marketable project, identify and design an effective go-to-market strategy, and also pitch it persuasively.
Additionally, if you choose to upgrade your pass to VIP status, you will get 1-on-1 access to a producer who will give you dedicated mentorship, provide you with specific project feedback, and tips for how to make it in your industry.
Finally IGNITE! is about building lifelong relationships with peers and professionals – these are the kinds of relationships that will be so meaningful to your career as you move ahead with your projects.
Meet Your Mentors and Producers
John Crye | Producer, Acquisitions, Development & Marketing
John Crye spent 10+ years as the Director of Creative affairs at Newmarket Films. While at Newmarket, he acquired MEMENTO, DONNIE DARKO, and WHALE RIDER. He also helped develop PASSION OF THE CHRIST and CRUEL INTENTIONS.
Crye currently works as an Independent writer/director/producer whose website Fewdio served as home to original web series NIGHTMARE HOUSE, for which Crye wrote, directed, and produced 30 episodes that garnered over 3 million viewers across multiple online outlets.
Aaron Mendelsohn | Writer, Producer
Aaron has been a working screenwriter and producer for nearly twenty years and is best known for co-creating and co-writing the successful AIR BUD family film franchise, which has sired eleven sequels to date.
Recently, Aaron wrote the feature PRINCES for Warner Bros and the drama pilot THE ASSOCIATE for Sony. He also has the animated series HOODS currently in development at Cartoon Network. He was recently re-elected to his fifth term on the Board of Directors of the Writers Guild of America West.
Matt Stuecken | Producer, Writer
As VP of Sommers Company, Matt associate produced G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA for Paramount Pictures and MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR for Universal Pictures. Matt has also worked for Universal Pictures’ story department and as a story analyst for Jerry Bruckheimer Films.
Stuecken and his writing partner wrote 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE, which is currently in theaters. Currently, Matt is developing and packaging multiple projects as a producer, both in film and television, and he and his writing partner recently sold an original screenplay to Paramount Pictures with J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot attached to produce.
Danny Llewelyn | Producer, Film
Danny is a producer and development executive with over 10 years of experience in film, television and commercials. While heading up the feature film and television department for Reactor Films, Danny produced AKEELAH AND THE BEE, which went on to win Best Picture at the Black Movie Awards and receive best picture nominations at the Critics’ Choice and NAACP Awards.
Bonnie Solomon | Development, Film
Bonnie Solomon has worked in feature film development for the past ten years.
As a creative executive for Walden Media (The Chronicles of Narnia), Bonnie managed a slate of 10+ feature projects including 2009’s Bandslam (directed by Todd Graff) and 2008’s City of Ember (directed by Gil Kenan, starring Bill Murray and Saiorse Ronan). She evaluated a high volume of incoming submissions, pitches, takes and talent meetings, and worked intimately with writers and directors to define, refine and get the green-light on projects in development.
Elizabeth Kushman | Producer, Film
Elizabeth is a 10-year veteran of the entertainment industry who got her start as an office PA on Wes Craven’s DRACULA 2000. She continued working with Craven as his Creative Executive, developing such films as PULSE, CURSED and THE HILLS HAVE EYES. As VP of Development & Production at Dimension Films, she supervised a diverse slate including HALLOWEEN 2, YOUTH IN REVOLT, THE ROAD and SCREAM 4 for Bob and Harvey Weinstein.
She was also a Co-Producer of the Warner Bros. feature ONE MISSED CALL which was a box office success grossing $45 million worldwide.
Ken Nicholas | Digital
Ken Nicholas started two social media start-ups, and has extensive work in the video content/scripted media arena, contain an adaptability focus to new trends, new paradigms.
His writings have appeared on: ClickZ, Next.TV, AOL Autos, Windmill Networking, WebSeriesToday, Know Marketing Blog, Careers in New Media & Podcasting, The Creative Web, and worldwide as far away as Italy and India.
Regina Lee | Development - Film & TV
Regina is a Los Angeles-based film and TV consultant and producer with experience in live action and CG and hand-drawn animation. She has also worked directly with four Hollywood film studios, on independent features, international co-productions, and on short films.
In TV, she has worked with broadcast and cable networks on hour-long and half-hour TV series, with network/studio experience at HBO, Starz, CBS, The CW, Paramount TV, and Fox 21 TV Studios.
Mitchel Dumlao | Digital
Mitchel Dumlao is video producer, brand manager, and digital marketing consultant that has over 10 years of multimedia, branding, and marketing experience. Mitchel founded and runs Strife.tv, a B-Boy lifestyle brand with a YouTube Channel that has 53M Views and 120K subscribers.
Mitchel has also directed, filmed, and produced videos for numerous clients and specializes in building Youtube channels, producing content, and developing ad campaigns that utilize digital content and social media.
Mark Gantt | Digital
Mark Gantt is an actor and director who co-created and starred in the web series The Bannen Way which garnered over 14 million views the first 10 weeks of release, and went on to win 4 Streamy Awards.
Mark has also acted in TV shows like Dexter and other web series including The Guild and Leap Year.
Jacob Salamon | Digital
Jacob began his entertainment career as a director/producer with the launch of his hit comedy web series Bubala Please, which accumulated over 1.5 million views and 15,000 loyal fans in a matter of months.
With over 10 years of experience as an entrepreneur, creative director, and international marketing executive, Jacob is excited to finally pursue his lifelong dream of combining entertainment, education, and technology.
Steven-Charles Jaffe | Director, Writer, Producer
Co-founder of Springbok Entertainment, Steven-Charles Jaffe’s career has included producer, executive producer, writer and/or second unit director on GHOST, STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY, K19: THE WIDOWMAKER, STRANGE DAYS, TIME AFTER TIME, NEAR DARK, THE DAY AFTER.
Jaffe’s critically acclaimed documentary, GAHAN WILSON: BORN DEAD, STILL WEIRD, featuring Stephen Colbert, Neil Gaiman, Guillermo Del Toro, Stan Lee, won Best Documentary award at the Comic-Con film festival.
Evette Vargas | Virtual Reality, Digital
Evette Vargas is an award-winning writer, director, producer and the co-founder of Digital-Reign, a 360 multiplatform production company. Evette is a VR storyteller and has developed series for MTV, Bravo and DirectTV; as well as branded entertainment, apps and games for FAST AND FURIOUS, LORD OF THE RINGS, Madonna and Interscope.
Evette executive produced, wrote and directed her digital series DARK PROPHET, starring Henry Rollins, which was in contention for two Emmys in the interactive category. The VR series is in production. Currently, Evette is developing projects for A+E Networks and VR content for Nissan.
Brandon Zamel | Virtual Reality, Digital
Brandon is the co-founder of Springbok Entertainment - a multi-media production company that combines innovative story telling with financing strategies adept to evolving marketplaces and platforms. Leveraging new and emerging entertainment based technologies, Springbok combines the worlds of traditional Hollywood cinema with the cutting edge experiences of Silicon Valley to develop and bring to market original creative IP.
By not only recognizing but embracing the accelerated changes happening between entertainment and technology, Springbok Entertainment partners with the leading players in their respective arenas to bring the greatest value to the creative package.
*producers and speakers subject to vary based on availability
Saturday Evening Gala & Cocktail Party
Featuring a Special Musical Performance by Murray Hidary
At the conclusion of Saturday's workshop, all attendees are invited to join us for an evening gala, Hollywood-style! Dress to impress, and sip cocktails as you network with your fellow creators, mentors and producers.
We are also very pleased to welcome special guest, Murray Hidary, to guide us through an experiential musical performance and discussion on inspiring creativity.
This is will be an evening to remember...
Murray Hidary, "Mind Travel with Murray Hidary"
Music is at once primal yet aspirational. It satisfies our deepest needs while raising us to our highest sense of self. Composer and pianist Murray Hidary is the creator of Mind Travel. His post-minimalist, improvisational, real-time compositions with the piano and art installations are inspired by mystical traditions and theoretical physics, take the audience on a transporting and expansive journey. It is an exploration in translating music into our daily thoughts, words and actions. To carry forward the lessons of music into our lives. To live with harmony, clarity and rhythm.
Ticket Options
- Access to full weekend workshop
- Access to producers and mentors
- Workshop your project with experts and peers
- Build relationships within the industry
- Invitation to Evening Gala & Cocktail Party
- Access to full weekend workshop
- Access to producers and mentors
- Workshop your project with experts and peers
- Build relationships within the industry
- Invitation to Evening Gala & Cocktail Party
- Assigned one-on-one producer mentor for the weekend
- Pitch Fest: Pitch your project to a panel of producers
- Access to full weekend workshop
- Access to producers and mentors
- Workshop your project with experts and peers
- Build relationships within the industry
- Invitation to Evening Gala & Cocktail Party
- Assigned one-on-one producer mentor for the weekend
- Pitch Fest: Pitch your project to a panel of producers
- Private and intimate dinner with Voyage CEO and guest producer team (limited 6 people)
- Access to one day of workshop
- Access to producers and mentors
- Workshop your project with experts and peers
- Build relationships within the industry
- Invitation to Evening Gala & Cocktail Party (Saturday Only)
Select Your Creator Track Below and Register
Screenwriter Track
- Develop a Marketable Film or TV Show Concept
- Take your career to the next level by building a concept that fits the right market from the get go, and that maximizes its potential to get made.
- Identify the right buyers for your project and design an effective go-to-market strategy for packaging and pitching.
- Practice your pitch and get direct feedback on what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it stronger.
-Eligibility: Anyone who writes screenplays and wants to work on an idea or project (you don’t need to have a completed screenplay to participate).
Author Track
- Adapt Your Book for Hollywood
- Learn how to adapt your story (or decide on a new one to focus on) so that it will find traction with the best format -- film, TV, or VOD -- and be sure that it fits your professional brand.
- Learn how your individual market works and who the players are that you need to target.
-Master your pitch so you appeal to the needs and desires of your target buyers.
-Eligibility: Anyone who’s starting a book or who’s already completed one or more.
Digital Creator Track
- Build A Business with Digital Content
- Discover successful digital entertainment revenue models, and align your passion for creating content with the market demand for what people want to watch online.
- Develop your concepts to fit the right channel, and build a revenue model that works to help you launch your digital media business to the world.
-Practice pitching your project so you can effectively arrange for partnerships or financing.
-Eligibility: New and experienced digital creators.
Virtual Reality Track
- Launch a VR Media Business
- Virtual reality represents the next frontier in the entertainment world - but how can you break into this world without a solid plan? Explore the virtual reality media applications and what opportunities are emerging.
- Learn best practices in VR storytelling - and how to leverage your content strategy or service to make a strong business model.
- Discover next generation VR applications and how to create a sustainable VR production company that can thrive.
-Learn how to pitch your VR project so people, partners and investors take notice.
-Eligibility: Anyone interesting embarking into the field of VR.
Location
Ignited Spaces
7080 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90028
*Walk in and take the elevator to the 11th floor - suite #1100
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the conference happening?
A: Saturday, April 30th (9am - 9pm) and Sunday, May 1st (9am - 5pm)
Q: Where will the conference be?
A: Ignited Spaces 7080 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (https://www.ignitedspaces.com/)
Q: What is the format of the conference?
A: The conference format is designed to provide an intimate highly interactive experience between colleagues, mentors, and teachers.
Q: Do I have to bring a project to attend the conference?
A: No, however everyone will be asked to workshop their applied ideas during each session, as this is a “hands on” conference - and not just a bunch of experts talking at you.
Q: What are the tracks I can register for?
A: Screenwriter, Author, Digital Creator, VR Creator
Q: How many people can register for each track?
A: Each track will allow for 12 attendees.
Q: Can I register for more than one track?
A: No, you must select just one track.
Q: What time does the conference start and when does it end?
A: The conference starts at 9AM on Saturday April 30th and ends at 5PM on Sunday May 1st.
Q: Can I attend for one day only?
A: You can attend for one day only if you are purchasing a one-day admission ticket. These can be purchased for $297.
Q: What is the difference between a regular admission ticket and a VIP ticket?
A: VIP tickets receive project mentorship throughout the weekend. There are only 16 available VIP tickets.
Q: What is project mentorship?
A: Project mentorship involves one on one time during each session with an assigned project mentor.
Q: Can I attend the Saturday evening conference dinner?
A: VIP ticket holders have first option to purchase dinner tickets.
Q: Where will the dinner be held?
A: At the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel - Public Kitchen (walking distance from the venue).
Q: When do I need to buy my dinner ticket by?
A: We only have 6 tickets available - reserve your ticket today, they will sell out fast.
Q: Can I attend the Saturday evening mixer?
A: Any conference can attend the Saturday evening mixer, and every attendee will receive two drink tickets.
Q: I found the address - where is Ignited Spaces in this building - how do I find the conference?
A: Walk in and take the elevator to the 11th floor - suite #1100.
Q: What is the parking situation?
A: There is 24 hour parking at the Hollywood and Highland shopping complex for $13, although that is about 5 blocks east of the location.
A: There is also a $10 daily flat rate at 1717 North Orange St.
A: This service also advertises advanced parking reservations for $10 at the Hollywood Roosevelt around the corner.
Q: What public transportation options are available?
A: The red line metro stops at Hollywood and Highland and makes it easy to get to and from the conference within walking distance.
Q: What is walking distance for lunch and dinner?
A: Tiago - Great cafe - super close. (7080 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028)
A: Pink Pepper - Do you love Thai? (1638 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028)
A: Hard Rock Cafe - A classic good time with good food. (6801 Hollywood Blvd #105, Hollywood, CA 90028)
A: Buffalo Wild Wings - (7060 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028)
A: 25 Degrees - Great burgers! (7000 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028)
Out of Town FAQ:
Q: How do I get to Hollywood from the airport?
A: Uber is your most direct bet - but you can also take the FlyAway Shuttle to Westwood and bus it from there if you want to make the trip more affordable.
Q: How do I get to Hollywood from East? West? North? South?
A: If you’re coming from the West (LAX etc) the easiest way to get to Hollywood is to take the 405 North to the 10 East and exit La Break until you hit Hollywood Blvd and La Brea.
A: If you’re coming from the East, the easiest way to get to Hollywood is to take the 101 until you reach the Highland exit, and go south until you reach Hollywood - and go right on Hollywood until you reach La Brea.
A: If you’re coming from the North, take the 101 South until you reach the Highland exit, and go south on Highland until you reach Hollywood, and go right heading west until you reach La Brea.
A If you’re coming from the South, (Orange County) etc., take the 10 West until you reach the La Brea exit, and then go north until you reach the intersection of Hollywood and La Brea.
Q: Where should I stay?
| Hotel | Address | Distance | Phone number | |
| Hollywood La Brea In | 7110 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles CA 90046 | 0.1 mile | 1-866-599-6674 | |
| Highland Gardens Hotel | 7047 Franklin Ave Hollywood CA 90028 | 0.3 mile | 1-866-272-4856 | |
| Comfort Inn | 7051 Sunset Blvd Hollywood CA 90028 | 0.3 mile | 1-866-272-5332 | |
| Days Inn Hollywood/Near Universal Studios | 7023 W Sunset Blvd Hollywood CA 90028 | 0.5 mile | 1-866-281-6817 | |
| Saharan Motor Hotel | 7212 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles CA 90046 | 0.3 mile | 1-866-286-0843 | |
| Loews Hollywood Hotel | 1755 North Highland Avenue Hollywood CA 90028 | 0.5 mile | 1-866-313-6242 | |
| The Moment Hotel | 7370 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90046 | 0.7 mile | 1-866-255-3604 | |
| Las Palmas Suites | 1714 N. Las Palmas Ave Hollywood CA 90028 | 0.6 mile | 1-866-263-3710 | |
Agenda At A Glance
Day 1: Saturday
9:00 — 9:30 Check In
9:30 — 10:30 Session 1: Teacher Presentation & Group Sharing
10:30 — 11:30 Small Group Workshops & Mentor Sessions (VIP)
1.5 Hour Lunch Break
1:00 — 2:00 Session 2: Presentation & Exercise
2:00 — 3:00 Breakouts & Feedback
3:00 — 3:15 Coffee Break
3:15 — 4:00 Session 3: Presentation & Exercise
4:15 — 5:00 Breakouts & Feedback
5:00 — 7:00 Dinner
5:00 — 7:00 Dinner (Exclusive VIP — Limited to 6 Attendees who purchase dinner)
7:00 — 7:30 Cocktail Party
7:30 — 9:00 Evening Gala with Inspirational Talk & Musical Performance
Day 1: Sunday
9:30 — 10:30 Session 1: Teacher Presentation & Group Sharing
10:30 — 11:30 Small Group Workshops & Mentor Sessions (VIP)
1.5 Hour Lunch Break
1:00 — 2:00 Session 2: Presentation & Exercise
2:00 — 3:00 Breakouts & Feedback
3:00 — 3:15 Coffee Break
3:15 — 4:00 Session 3: Presentation & Exercise
4:15 — 5:00 Breakouts & Feedback
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