
In Advisor Studio sessions, film and television industry professionals share field experiences and insights into their specific areas of craft, including writing, directing and producing for TV and film.
Every great film starts with a spark—an idea that refuses to let go. But how do you transform that spark into a story that captivates audiences and convinces investors to open their wallets?
Acclaimed producer and director Dana Lustig knows the journey from concept to red carpet intimately. In this deep-dive session, she'll guide you through the intricate dance of story development, revealing the strategies that separate projects that get made from those that gather dust on shelves.
You'll discover how to spot stories with true cinematic potential, craft those make-or-break script moments that leave readers turning pages, and create sizzle reels that transform abstract visions into tangible excitement. Lustig draws from her Hollywood experience and insights from her latest book Making a Movie from Concept to Red Carpet to illuminate the often mysterious world of development.
This isn't just theory—it's a practical roadmap for navigating story structure challenges, delivering pitches that resonate, and building the industry relationships that turn dreams into production schedules. Whether you're a writer staring at a blank page, a director with a vision burning to get out, or a producer ready to champion the next great story, you'll walk away with clear next steps for your project's journey from script to screen.
If you would benefit from an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please complete this form, contact us at (435) 776-7790, or email us at accessibility@sundance.org to discuss your specific requests. Every effort will be made to accommodate advance requests; however, requests made within 5 days of the event may not be guaranteed.
Live event registration for Sundance Collab Advisor Studios is free of charge. A recording of this event will be posted to our Video Library the next business day following the event. All registered attendees can watch the recording for two business days after it is posted. After that, on-demand access to the recording can be purchased for $10.