Updates following DIFF 2024 Coming Soon!
SPEAKERS
GREG MAURICE
Senior Director of Global Acquisitions & CO-Productions at CSS
Greg Maurice is a proud Haitian-American who has harnessed his rich experiences, culture, and values to carve a remarkable path in the entertainment industry. With a staggering portfolio of over 350 acquired titles and a cumulative licensing revenue of over 100 million dollars from prominent platforms like Netflix HBO, BET, Hulu, Showtime, Starz, Allblk, and Amazon, he has proven himself as a visionary executive. Throughout his career, Greg has flourished in various renowned companies such as Fox, Big 3, and Redbull. However, his true breakthrough came when he spearheaded the launch of the Black vertical at eOne, igniting his passion for film and acquisition. Currently holding the position of Senior Director of Global Acquisitions & CO-Productions at CSS, Greg continues to acquire for Crackle, Redbox, and Screen Media. Greg’s platform serves as a beacon for talented filmmakers from marginalized communities, providing them with the guidance and expertise they need to secure distribution deals and capitalize on their projects. As a reputable and successful Black executive, Greg understands the challenges faced by filmmakers, particularly those who don’t have a blueprint for success. He aims to empower individuals with invaluable strategies to monetize their films and avoid falling prey to exploitative systems.
ANDY VAN VEEN
CEO & Founder of ND Pictures
Andy van Veen is a Dutch distributor, producer, director, and actor. He founded ND Pictures, a company through which he distributes foreign films in the Benelux and the West Indies/Caribbean. He also produces TV series and local films, directing and distributing them as well. As a producer and director, his film credits include "LeoLeo: The Alpacaparty," "Sint Ahoy!," and "Yamas!." His TV series credits include "De Achterkamer," "De Staff van Sinterklaas," "Spangas," and "Beste Sinterklaas." Notably, he was the distributor of "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey" in the Benelux, where it became a major box office success thanks to effective marketing and new artwork that was adopted worldwide.
GUILLERMO DIAZ
Actor
Guillermo Díaz is an American actor. He is known for films Half Baked (1998), 200 Cigarettes (1999) and Stonewall (1995). He is best known for his role as Diego "Huck" Muñoz in the drama series Scandal. Díaz has made guest appearances on Chappelle's Show, Law & Order, Weeds, ER, Broad City, and Girls.
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He recently made his directorial debut with the film Dear Luke, Love Me which will be screening at Dreamscape this year on Satuday, Sept 28th, 2024 at 1:45PM CT.
ONLY Saturday, Sept 28th, 2024 PANEL
PHIL BLATTENBERGER
Film Director, Writer, Producer
Phil Blattenberger is a writer, director, and producer best known for Condor's Nest (2023) and Laws of Man (2024).
Nominated for Best First-time Filmmaker at the St. Louis International Film Festival, Blattenberger also garnered nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay at the Sydney Indie Film Festival, where his debut feature, Vietnam drama Point Man, won Best Film. In 2021 he moved on to helm Voltage Pictures title Condor's Nest, which he wrote, directing the likes of Arnold Vosloo, Michael Ironside, Jackson Rathbone, and Academy Award nominee Bruce Davison.
He recently completed crime/thriller Laws of Man, starring Dermot Mulroney and Harvey Keitel and is in preproduction on his fourth film, The Ballad of Penny Cho.
LUCKY JOHNSON
CEO of Lucky Johnson Studios
(Actor / Producer / Director / Philanthropist)
Lucky is a New Orleans born actor known for starring in blockbuster hits with Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton, Haley Berry, Keanu Reeves, and others.
He grew up with and share creative genes with his first cousin, Tyler Perry, who he is currently joining forces with in upcoming projects.
Lucky stage plays have been intriguing audiences for 15+ years and will now follow him as he make Atlanta his second home. Be ready to laugh, dance, and be emotionally inspired.