This panel brings together key professionals from the independent and specialty studio space such as NEON, Focus Features, and Orion Pictures, to discuss how their companies are navigating the evolving challenges of today’s film industry. As the US market undergoes significant shifts, the conversation will explore the growing importance of international stories and voices in shaping the future of cinema.
What strategies are these studios using to adapt and be forward-thinking in a changing landscape? How are they approaching the global market, and what qualities do they seek in international filmmakers and stories? This discussion will provide valuable insights into how indie and specialty studios are building bridges between Hollywood and the rest of the world, and why doing so may be more essential than ever.
PANELISTS:
Kate Gondwe, Manager, Acquisitions, Development & Production, NEON
Kate Gondwe is the Manager of Acquisitions, Development, and Production at the award-winning independent studio NEON. In 2021, Kate was named one of the “25 New Faces of Independent Film” by Filmmaker Magazine. She has been part of the Sundance Catalyst Program, Locarno Industry Academy, Tribeca Through Her Lens, IFP Week, and Berlinale Talents.
Priyanka Kapoor, Creative Executive, Orion Pictures
Priyanka Kapoor is a Creative Executive at Orion Pictures, the specialty division of Amazon MGM STudios focused on telling stories by underrepresented voices. She joined the company with President Alana Mayo in 2020 and has since assisted on a number of projects across Orion’s slate, including Women Talking, directed by Sarah Polley, Till, directed by Chinonye Chukwu, and Bottoms, directed by Emma Seligman. As an executive, Priyanka also worked on Cord Jefferson’s Oscar-winning film American Fiction and RaMell Ross’s Oscar-nominated film Nickel Boys. She is currently working on Bing Liu’s forthcoming film Preparation for the Next Life with Plan B and Pastel, and Aleshea Harris’ forthcoming adaption of Is God Is, with Viva Maude, Linden Entertainment, and Janicza Bravo. Previously, Priyanka worked at Picturestart, Alloy Entertainment, Harpo Films, Paper Kite Productions, and has worked in podcasting at Crooked Media and unscripted development at CNN Films.
Marisa Messina, Creative Executive of Production and Development, Focus Features
Marisa Messina is a Creative Executive of Production and Development at Focus Features, part of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, which she joined in 2021. In her role, she oversees projects from development through post-production, including notable films such as Black Bag (directed by Steven Soderbergh), Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (directed by Simon Curtis), Hamnet (directed by Chloé Zhao), Song Sung Blue (directed by Craig Brewer), and Midwinter Break (directorial debut by Polly Findlay), among others. Messina initially supported the current Chairman upon joining Focus Features. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Producing from Chapman University and currently resides in Los Angeles.
