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.

Dana Lustig is an LA-based Israeli filmmaker. She has directed five feature films, produced over twenty-seven independent features, and two TV series. Among many, Dana had produced the true survival story starring Daniel Radcliffe, JUNGLE and directed the BIFA-nominated dramatic thriller A THOUSAND KISSES DEEP. Dana is an executive producer on the upcoming movie READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN, based on the NYT bestseller. more...
Moderator | Digital Course & Event Producer
Katherine "Kat" Street is an LA-based award-winning filmmaker and Philadelphia native. A cinephile at heart, she writes female-driven stories with complex (oftentimes damaged) main characters, centered around self-discovery, self-love, and belonging. She has written numerous short-form projects, including original shorts, pilots, and features. She wrote and directed the dramatic short film “Cycles,” which received festival recognition in both acting and best romantic short. She also created her award-winning flagship web series "The New Adult,” which is currently streaming on Kweli TV. more...

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