I got to speak on a panel at the Academy Museum!

First of all I have to thank several people: Ericka Atwell-Cardona, The Academy Museum, Shawn Quirk and Randy Shropshire of Getty Images. Ericka invited me to be on the panel for the Rhode Island International Film Festival screening at the Ted Mann theater inside the Academy Museum. It was an honor to be allowed to speak in such a building, one that has housed the dreams of so many in this industry.

I was so grateful to get to watch the films of RIFF who are all eligible for the Academy Awards in the short film categories. Every single film shown that night was incredible. You are seeing the current and future filmmakers of our time really showcase their talent. It was humbling to witness, and each film left me with something to think about.

I was on the panel that was moderated by the awesome Abbey White, joining me were Warner Bros. Discovery’s director of legal affairs Courtney McNulty, and casting director Deborah Aquila. We got to speak to the filmmakers about their next steps, how to promote their films, and how to perhaps pivot to bigger projects of both the short and feature variety.

This was a truly remarkable experience for me, and I know it is just the start of many more wonderful moments to come. Also wanted to shoutout Kyle F. Andrews, Cameron Beyl, Tiffy Wang, Leah Rousseau, Robby DeVillez and Doris Cao who were all a part of the team that helped me prepare for this night.

If you'd like to hear more about the event you can read the Variety Article here.

Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Flickers’ RIIFF