Industry Days - Mastering the Hustle: The Foundations of Film Freelancing
Friday, October 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM
AMC Newcity | Screen 5, 1500 N Clybourn Ave c301, Chicago, IL 60610
festival
Building a sustainable, long-term career requires more than just stepping into your role on a set. This panel breaks down the essentials of navigating the film industry as a freelancer with confidence. Designed specifically for emerging filmmakers and crew members, this practical discussion demystifies the business side of jobs in media production that they don’t teach you in film school. You’ll hear from industry veterans, experienced freelance producers, and below-the-line crew who will share real-world strategies for paving a career path forward.
Moderator Winter Davis
Speakers Dashawna Wright (Producer, Departing Seniors), Sarah Minnie (Producer, A Real One), Matt Hyland (Production Designer, Trash Mountain)