NALIP – Making Dreams Possible
(Ray Andrade and Kenny Ortega)
The National Association of Latin Independent Producers (NALIP) held their celebratory 10th anniversary conference at the lush Island Hotel in Newport Beach. HBO Latino and The National Latino Media Council presented the four-day conference, which sold out, and by all accounts was a success!
The conference began with a Back Stage Actorfest that held panels by NALIP, SAG and other industry leaders. Agencies such as FarMore Casting, DePaz Management, Jaime Ferrar Agency, Disney Talent Development and Diversity and so many more were there to assist new talent.
Friday the conference officially opened with private sessions called “Latino Media Market: Orientation & Training” and the sessions continued until Sunday afternoon with “Latino Indie Fast Track Forum”. In the days between, the schedule of seminars covered pitching meetings, what and how to sell, music clearances & fair use, fear of fundraising and what pays in digital models and so much more.
However, the conference was not all work. There was plenty of time to network, relax by the tropical pool, or enjoy a game of ping-pong (I believe Franc Reyes went on a ten game run undefeated). Not that there was much time to relax or play games.
The highlight of the conference was the attendees themselves. There was not enough time to meet and talk to all the wonderful friendly people at the conference; it wasn’t hard to make friends. A small smile was nearly always followed by an introduction, then one inspirational story led into another, and then before the end of the conversation kinships sparked friendships.
At meal times, the settings were elegant and proper until conversation reached across the table, as strangers quickly became family. Hands and arms reached across and over each other as both business cards and bread plates were passed. Once the last crumb of gourmet desserts where taken, all the keynote speakers delivered powerful speeches that charged up the audience out of their chairs with renewed energies.
Michael Lombardo from HBO spoke of the many programs that HBO has produced with and for Latinos, but answered his own question that more can be done for the Latin market. Herb Scannell formerly the President of Nickelodeon spoke of shifting the Latin influence to one of Latin power. Herb touched on how we need to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and develop our skills in writing, presentation, directing, producing and marketing. Perhaps, Luis Valdez delivered the most invigorating speech. In master storytelling fashion, Luis told of his brush with Cesar Chavez, the history of Latin peoples, and that the future belongs to creative artists.
If this was not enough, there was also a special screening of “Sleep Dealer”, presented by Maya. Also for evening entertainment, numerous short film screenings played out, with the music getting started at 10:00 pm for dancing by Black Delta and D.J. Henry V, just to mention a few, until the stars faded.
As the conference came to a close, the experience could be summed up by a sentiment reflected by many attendees, “The friends you meet here might be the person you’ll be working with on your next film”. If you’re a seasoned filmmaker or novice looking to get your film made, then mark your calendar to attend NALIP next year, and transform your dream into reality!
Our utmost gratitude to NALIP for inviting BF Café to be a part of NALIP and we look forward to seeing you next year!
Be sure to visit nalip.org for resources and training materials.
