Events
The Produced By Conference, organized by the Producers Guild of America (PGA), returned to the historic FOX Studio Lot on June 8, 2024. It was another day filled with panel discussions and networking for the industry. The kind of networking filled with chance encounters that can change careers.
For those of us navigating this event for the first time, it wasn’t just about attending panels—it was about walking the same backlot streets where legendary productions have been made, surrounded by people hoping to meet the right connection at the right moment. There was a quiet energy to it—everyone there had a purpose, even if they were just soaking it all in, like I was.
Conversations with perspective
One of the standout discussions was From Pitch to Screen, where the creative minds behind HBO | Max’s biggest hits broke down how they got their projects off the ground. Jeff Schaffer (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and John Wilson (How To with John Wilson) shared the challenges of pitching comedic concepts—how humor isn’t always easy to explain in a boardroom. Meanwhile, the team behind Hacks talked about the magic of casting and how much thought goes into finding the right actors, not just for the leads, but for those memorable guest spots that stick with audiences.
Another major highlight was The State of Producing, led by PGA President Stephanie Allain. This panel peeled back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed as a producer today. It wasn’t just about securing financing or managing productions—it was about navigating an industry in flux, where streaming, box office trends, and shifting audience habits continue to reshape the landscape. Producers like Lynette Howell Taylor (A Star Is Born) and Brad Simpson (Color Force) emphasized the importance of finding the right partners and staying adaptable.
“Producers are accustomed to the concept of pivoting—both on set and within the dynamic landscape of film and television production."
And of course, AI had its moment in the spotlight. A panel titled AI: What Every Producer Needs to Know tackled the big questions: How is AI currently being used in entertainment? What legal and ethical concerns should producers keep in mind? Lori McCreary (CEO, Revelations Entertainment) and others laid out how AI is already being used in production, from dubbing to editing, and debated how it could shape the industry moving forward.
The real value
Beyond the panels, the real magic happened at the roundtables—both literally and figuratively. Breakfast and lunch were prime networking opportunities, with producers from all corners of the industry sharing their perspectives.
As someone who isn’t from LA, it was fascinating to hear how local producers are tackling challenges in an industry that’s now more global than ever. They’re dealing with shifts in financing, changing distribution models, and the constant hustle of making the right connections. It was a reminder that no matter where you are in the industry, it all comes down to relationships and persistence.
Walking away with more than just notes
The Produced By Conference was as much about being present in the moment as it was about taking notes in a panel. Whether you were there to learn, network, or just get a sense of where the industry is headed, the FOX Studio Lot provided the perfect setting—blending Hollywood history with the forward momentum of today’s producers.
For me, it was a chance to step into this world, not with a strict agenda, but with an open mind. And in an industry where the right conversation at the right time can open doors, sometimes just being in the right place is a good start.
Author: Bram Timmer — 2024.06.11
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