Prominent Figures Confirmed for Creative Investors’ Conference
The upcoming fourth Creative Investors’ Conference, co-hosted by CAA Media Finance, has announced an impressive lineup of industry leaders. Notable names include Roeg Sutherland from CAA Media Finance, Skye Optican of Annapurna Pictures, Christine Vachon from Killer Films, and Patrick Wachsberger of 193. Also participating are Vincent Maraval from Goodfellas and executives from Amazon Studios, Anton, AXIO Capital/Together Fund, Fremantle, Legendary Entertainment, Logical Pictures, Mediawan Pictures, and Studio TF1, among others. Scheduled to take place on September 23-24, the event is part of Spain’s Spanish Screenings: Financing & Tech and will feature a series of panels, discussions, and exclusive networking opportunities.
Latin American Producers Join the Conference
The Conference will prominently feature several Latin American producers, including Juan de Dios Larraín, co-founder of Fabula and known for projects like “Spencer” and “María.” Matías Mosteirín from K & S Films, who collaborated with Netflix on the acclaimed series “The Eternaut,” and Axel Kuschevatzky of Infinity Hill, recognized for his work on “Argentina, 1985,” will also be in attendance. Additionally, David Arroyo from Suma Capital, an investment fund based in Barcelona, is among the Spanish executives participating. Other potential speakers may include Akunna Cook from Next Narrative Africa Fund and Mike Goodridge from Good Chaos, an agile co-production firm based in London.
First-Time Attendees at the Conference
Several companies will be making their debut at this year’s Conference, including 193, Amazon Studios, Annapurna, AXIO Capital/Together Fund, Fabula, Fremantle, IPR.VC, Legendary Entertainment, Mediawan, MUV Capital, Next Narrative Africa Fund, Studio TF1, Thank You Pictures, Tricky Knot, and Vuelta Group. This influx of new participants indicates the Conference’s growing relevance in the industry.
Discussion on Independent Production Challenges
At the previous year’s Conference, panelists examined the various opportunities and challenges facing independent production. Topics included shifts in audience behavior not only in the U.S. but also in France and Italy, as well as the implications of contracted U.S. studio investments and the fixed costs associated with U.S. union shooting. Sutherland suggested that one approach for U.S. producers may be to explore opportunities in Europe.
Future Conversations on European Studio Models
Looking ahead to the 2025 Conference, attendees can anticipate discussions surrounding the evolving European studio model, the expectations of private investors, and how producers adapt to work efficiently across different formats and geographical borders, particularly with the increasing global demand for Latin American content. Sarah Schweitzman and Peter Dakich from CAA Media Finance will also contribute to the event, alongside Sutherland and San Sebastian Festival delegate-advisor Wendy Mitchell.
Festival Director Highlights Conference Growth
José Luis Rebordinos, director of the San Sebastián Festival, expressed his enthusiasm for the Conference’s growth and significance within the industry over its first three years. He noted the impressive roster of executives and experts participating in this year’s edition and acknowledged the continued support from the Spanish government and the successful partnership with CAA Media Finance. Rebordinos emphasized that this year’s Conference promises to feature engaging discussions and valuable networking opportunities, fostering connections between international experts and the Spanish film sector.
Support from Spanish Government and Related Events
The Spanish Screenings: Financing & Tech initiative is backed by the Ministry of Culture through its Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA), as well as the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service, ICEX, and both the Malaga and San Sebastián film festivals. As part of the Spanish Screenings: Financing & Tech, the San Sebastián Festival will also host the Zinemaldia Startup Challenge on September 25, showcasing innovative ideas in the film industry.
