Adam Leipzig has been a producer, distributor, or supervising executive on more than 30 films that have disrupted expectations, including A Plastic Ocean, March of the Penguins, God Grew Tired of Us, Amreeka, Kekexili: Mountain Patrol, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Dead Poets Society, and Titus. His movies have won or been nominated for 10 Academy Awards, 11 BAFTA Awards, 2 Golden Globes, 2 Emmys, 2 Directors Guild Awards, 4 Sundance Awards and 4 Independent Spirit Awards. He looks forward to working with you!
B.K. Fulton is founding chairman and CEO of Soulidifly Productions, LLC, a full feature film, stage and television investment and production company formed in 2017. With an unmatched output of four feature-length films produced in 2018, Soulidifly promotes a more inclusive narrative in major media. A charismatic intellectual and business savvy entrepreneur, B.K. is also an accomplished corporate executive and innovator with decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. He also is chairman of Ario, LLC, an augmented reality productivity software company that increases safety and efficiency in industrial and manufacturing environments with their award-winning and patent-pending
Ario Platform. In 2016, B.K. led a team of developers that invented EZ Reader, the world's first ophthalmologist approved digital reading glasses app.
Ario Platform. In 2016, B.K. led a team of developers that invented EZ Reader, the world's first ophthalmologist approved digital reading glasses app.
Before becoming a fulltime writer, filmmaker and entrepreneur, B.K. held senior leadership roles in technology and policy development. He was vice president of the Mid-Atlantic Region for Verizon Communications, Inc. ($5.5B revenue), president of Verizon Virginia ($3.5B revenue) and president of Verizon West Virginia ($400M revenue). Prior to Verizon, he was in senior positions with the U.S. Department of Commerce, AOL Time Warner and the National Urban League.
B.K. has been recognized as one of the “50 Most Influential African-Americans in Technology”. He is a Sloan Fellow and Computerworld Smithsonian Awards International Technology Laureates Medal recipient, with influential papers on technology permanently archived at the Smithsonian Institute. He earned his Juris Doctorate in Intellectual Property, Electronic Commerce and Telecommunications Law from New York Law School; a Master of Science degree in Management and Policy Analysis at The New School’s Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy; a Professional Certificate in Public Policy Analysis from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard
University (Harvard Kennedy School); and a bachelor's degree in Urban Affairs and Planning, with two years of computer engineering and architecture, from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).
A belief exemplified in how B.K. lives life is, “God blesses us all to turn our dreams and ideas into their tangible equivalents; we must have the faith, be willing to do the work and expect the outcomes.” As a servant leader, he sits on the boards of Norfolk State University, Bon Secours Health System, TowneBank and numerous civic, social and business entities.
Fulton, a native of Hampton, Virginia, is the middle child of Bennie and Flora Fulton. He is most inspired by his sister, who has Rett syndrome, and authored a children’s book entitled, “Shauna,” lovingly portraying her influence on his life. He has twin sons, Joshua and Terrell. B.K. and his wife, Jacquelyn E. Stone, Esq. are community-minded residents of Richmond, Virginia.
Marcia is a master of persuasion and communication. Mixing time-tested principles with state-of-the-art instruction techniques, she won awards for her teaching on two continents, virtually, and in multilingual environments (Spanish, Chinese, and English). Along the way she worked for a startup, earned a fellowship in the Ivy League, spoke at The Mayo Clinic and UNESCO, and gave a piano recital at Carnegie Hall. As a full-time professor at the University of Southern California, she used her expertise to create two original courses, author three books, 10 articles, and 80+ op-eds. Her first book, Clearly Invisible, was nominated for the Grawemeyer Award. Her research has been recognized by the Social Science Research Council, the National Communication Association, the Eastern Communication Association, and the NAACP. Now a highly sought-after public speaker and media commentator, Marcia has appeared on BBC World, NPR, AOL Originals, ABC News, HuffPo Live, and a number of podcasts. Her CV includes being: corporate educator for Performance Learning Concepts, columnist for Truthdig, communication manager at FutureBrand, co-founder of app development firm Mix Mesh Blend, visiting scholar at Vanderbilt University Law School, and visiting scholar at Brown University. Marcia is most passionate about “talentism;” mentoring her students, who have gone on to thrive professionally at places like Google and Harvard, to run for office in Los Angeles County, and to make the world more beautiful through their work in education, law, industrial design, stand-up comedy, dance, and documentary filmmaking. She lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and son.
David Madden is AMC Networks’ President of Programming, Entertainment Networks, overseeing all scripted and non-fiction content development for AMC, BBC AMERICA, IFC, Sundance TV, and AMC Studios, brands that deliver some of the most popular and culturally elevant shows on television as well as an expanding studio operation. An accomplished and highly regarded programming executive with a proven record of success, Madden joined AMC Networks in late 2017 after nearly two decades at Fox, where he most recently was President of Entertainment for the Fox Broadcasting Company, responsible for all programming and development, including series such as “Empire,” “911,” “Brooklyn 99,” “Masterchef Junior” and “Grease Live.”
Prior to that, Madden was President of Fox Television Studios, which developed and produced programming for a variety of broadcast and cable networks in the U.S. and internationally. Series produced by FTVS during Madden’s tenure at the studio included “The Shield” and “The Americans” for FX, “The Killing,” for AMC and later Netflix, “White Collar,” “Graceland” and “Burn Notice” for USA, and many others. At AMC Networks, Madden has most recently overseen a new slate of upcoming programming for AMC that includes the upcoming “Dispatches from Elsewhere,” from actor and writer Jason Segel and producer Scott Rudin, and “NOS4A2,” a supernatural horror series based on the Joe Hill novel of the same name. AMC also recently renewed the popular anthology series, “The Terror” and critically hailed drama “Lodge 49” for second seasons. Current programming on AMC includes “The Walking Dead,” “Fear The Walking Dead,” “Better Call Saul,” “The Little Drummer Girl,” “Preacher,” and “Into the Badlands.” On the unscripted side, AMC is home to original series such as “Talking Dead,” “Talking With Chris Hardwick,” “Ride with Norman Reedus” and year-round documentary series “AMC Visionaries,” which immerses fans in favorite topics and subcultures like comics, horror, rap, and science fiction all led by the masters themselves, such as Robert Kirkman, Eli Roth, Questlove and James Cameron.
At BBC America, Madden oversees programming that includes the critically acclaimed “Killing Eve;” top-rated phenomenon “Doctor Who;” Emmy® IDA-winning “Planet Earth II” and the producers’ next epic story of our planet, “Dynasties;” Emmy®-winning “Blue Planet II;” acclaimed drama “Luther;” ground-breaking unscripted series “Top Gear;” the buzzy and hilarious “The Graham Norton Show;” and the world’s largest darts championships. Upcoming series for BBC America include the punk rock thriller “The Watch,” based on Sir Terry Pratchett’s wildly popular “Discworld” novels. Madden heads programming and development for IFC, home to offbeat comedies such as “Documentary Now!,” created by Bill Hader, Seth Meyers and Fred Armisen, and produced by Broadway Video, “Brockmire,” starring Hank Azaria and produced with Funny Or Die, the fast-paced and irreverent “Baroness von Sketch Show,” and “Stan Against Evil,” starring John C. McGinley. Upcoming series for IFC include “Sherman’s Showcase,” an original musical variety sketch from “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” comedy duo Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle and executive produced by John Legend and “Year of the Rabbit,” a co-production with the UK’s Channel 4, starring Matt Berry as a drunk sleuth investigating crimes inspired by the world of Sherlock Holmes' Victorian-era London. At SundanceTV, Madden oversees a lineup of high-caliber dramas and documentary programming, including the Peabody Award-winning series “Deutschland 86,” the Leonardo DiCaprio executive produced documentary “Jonestown: Terror In The Jungle,” and critically acclaimed dramas “The Split” and “Liar.” SundanceTV’s newest series, premiering in 2019, is “State of The Union,” a ten-part short form comedy series written by the Academy Award®-nominated and BAFTA-winning writer Nick Hornby (“Brooklyn,” “An Education”) and starring Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl,” “Hostiles”) and BAFTA-nominated Chris O'Dowd (“Bridesmaids,” “Get Shorty”).
Also central to his role at AMC Networks is Madden’s oversight of programming for the company’s expanding AMC Studios business, which allows the company to own and control more of the content it brings to fans on its national networks and emerging platforms. AMC Studios produces “The Walking Dead,” the highest-rated series in cable history, and a wide variety of popular and acclaimed originals including “Fear the Walking Dead,” “The Terror,” “Into the Badlands,” “Lodge 49” and others. The studio has also produced the Peabody Award-winning “Rectify,” and “Hap and Leonard,” as well as unscripted series “Cold Blooded: The Clutter Family Murders” and “The Jonestown Massacre” for SundanceTV.
Prior to his tenure at Fox, Madden was a producer and partner with the Paramount Pictures-based Cort/Madden Company, with more than 20 films to his credit. “Something the Lord Made,” featuring Alan Rickman and Mos Def, for HBO, won the 2004 Emmy Award for Outstanding Made for Television Movie and the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television. Madden also produced “Save the Last Dance,” starring Julia Stiles, which grossed $90+ million domestically and sold three million soundtrack units. The Cort/Madden Company also developed a series version for FOX.
While at the Cort/Madden Company, Madden and his partner produced “Against the Ropes,” with Meg Ryan, and “The Out of Towners,” with Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn, among other films. Madden also executive-produced “Runaway Bride,” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The film grossed more than $150 million domestically.
Before Paramount, Madden was a producer and partner with Interscope Communications, where he developed and produced such films as thriller “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle,” with Rebecca De Mornay; “The Associate,” starring Whoopi Goldberg; “Operation Dumbo Drop,” featuring Danny Glover and Ray Liotta; “Renegades,” starring Kiefer Sutherland; and “Blind Fury,” starring Rutger Hauer.
Prior to becoming an executive at Interscope Communications, Madden was Vice President of Production at Paramount Pictures, supervising such hit films as “The Untouchables,” “Fatal Attraction,” “The Naked Gun,” “The Accused” and “Children of a Lesser God.” He also served as Vice President of Production at Twentieth Century Fox, where he supervised “Romancing the Stone,” “Jewel of the Nile,” “Revenge of the Nerds” and “The Fly.”
In addition to his producing career, Madden directed the Trimark feature “Separate Lives,” starring Linda Hamilton and James Belushi, and wrote and directed the Lifetime movie “A Part of the Family,” starring Robert Carradine and Ronny Cox.
Madden received a Bachelor’s Degree from Harvard University and a Master’s Degree from the University of California Los Angeles.
Fernando Ferro is an Emmy-nominated Venezuelan Film and Television Producer. At 24 he became show runner to the first bilingual political satire show, ``Rick Sanchez``. Since then, he has produced ``telenovelas``, alternative programming, and in 2016 - 2017 produced his first film, ``Vandal``. In late 2016 he formed his own banner ``LA Familia Productions``, with the main focus to finance, develop, and produce content for the Hispanic voices in the United States and abroad. He is currently directing his first film, with the entire process being documented for MediaU. Fernando is represented by Paradigm Agency.
Jordan Ancel is an award-winning writer & director, serial entrepreneur, author, and artist with strong leadership skills and a commitment to inspiring success in others by providing CEOs, entrepreneurs, and artists with his unique brand of coaching and problem solving.
With over 20 years experience in the entertainment industry, startups, internet advertising, marketing, and branding, his profound understanding of these industries give him the tools to conceive and execute high-concept ideas with great success.
He currently sits on the advisory boards of the startup education platform MediaU.com, and developing theme park, Game Nation, Inc.
Jordan consults CEOs entrepreneurs, and artists on creative direction, growth, product development, cause-based partnering, and Social Media Marketing. A partial list of clients include The Actors Green Room, Smart Women Rising, Blu Jam Caf? Restaurant Group, True Remedies Beauty, Le French Butcher, Kettlebell Concepts, Inc., Adam Leipzig, among many others.
Previously, Jordan was integral in launching Amp?d Mobile, a cutting-edge multi-million dollar mobile entertainment company/MVNO/world-class e-commerce mobile media portal. He oversaw multiple teams, plus outside vendors, to produce the multi-million dollar website, including front-end design, back-end CMS, and original content by joint partners such as MTV, Warner Music, Sony Music, College Humor, Break. com, and BMI.
From Amp?d, Jordan joined 30sixty Advertising Director of New Media, a department he started, where he oversaw the production of online advertising campaigns for Paramount Pictures, Sony, Warner Bros., and HBO. He was also responsible for the creation and deployment of interactive games and websites to coincide with theatrical and DVD releases of feature films.
Ulli K. Ryder is a higher education professional with more than two decades of experience leading students, faculty, and staff to successful academic outcomes. Currently serving as Director of Intercultural Student Engagement at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), she is committed to creating a community in which everyone is valued, supported, and empowered. Dr. Ryder holds an MA in African American Studies (UCLA), and an MPW, MA in American Studies & Ethnicity, and Ph.D. in American Studies and Ethnicity (USC). She is also the co-editor, with Dr. Marcia A. Dawkins, of Mixed Race 3.0: Race and Reward in the Digital Age (Annenberg, 2015).
Tiska has a Master’s Degree in Education in online learning. Tiska has had a 15-year career working with international management professionals, designing and delivering cross-cultural training at corporations and universities worldwide. In 2011, Tiska joined independent filmmaker service organization Raindance Toronto as Creative Director, overseeing the growth of Raindance across Canada, developing strategic alliances and helping emerging filmmakers learn, connect and navigate a breakthrough career into the independent film industry. She then became the worldwide Postgraduate Programme Director, where she worked with London-based and international students to develop a globally-acclaimed master’s program in partnership with Staffordshire University. Tiska’s other interests include testing and documenting new ways to finance, market, and distribute films. She recently executive produced a Canadian feature documentary on Canadian indigenous music, financed through brand integration. It was the 2017 opening gala feature screening at the Calgary International Film Festival, and has festival screenings and educational distribution across North America.
Brianna Ancel's 16 years of experience representing talent is rooted in her own career in the world of entertainment. She began as a dancer at the age of five in her hometown in Northern California. By eighteen, she was performing, teaching, and choreographing across the United States. After earning her Bachelor?s in Fine Arts from the University of California, Irvine, Brianna worked as an Assistant Director for a major talent competition.
In 1998, she joined Kazarian/Spencer & Associates as an assistant agent and was promoted to Assistant Director of the Dance Department in 2000. Equipped with several years? experience and a life-long passion for the fine arts, Brianna launched the Theatrical Department at Clear Talent Group in 2003.
She was nominated 3 consecutive years (2010, 2011 & 2012) by the Talent Manager?s Association for a Seymour Heller Award for Adult Theatrical Agent of the Year.
She is currently Vice President of Clear Talent Group as well as the Director of the Theatrical Department.
Adam Fratto is a seasoned producer and creative executive with proven track records in TV development & programming, production, and features. With a specialty in genre storytelling, he is experienced in crafting international business models and launching creative strategies. Adam recently joined international mini-studio Reel One Entertainment with the mission of launching a division that will develop, produce and distribute high-quality, globally commercial TV series. Before that, he was Head of Drama for Pukeko Pictures, affiliate of New Zealand's Weta (LORD OF THE RINGS, AVATAR, DISTRICT 9). The first of these, the award-winning CLEVERMAN, airs on Netflix, SundanceTV, BBC3, and Australia's ABC.
As an independent producer and consultant, Adam consulted with clients from tech startups to established networks. He Executive Produced YA movie SEA CHANGE for Lifetime TV and was co-EP of HAVEN, a hit supernatural drama based on Stephen King?s ?The Colorado Kid,`` for Syfy and NBCU Global Channels.
Originally from New York, Adam is a graduate of Harvard College and USC?s graduate program in Film & TV Production, where he produced Emmy-winning documentary WALKING WITH GIANTS.
After starting his exec career at Michael Douglas's Furthur Films (WONDER BOYS, SWIMFAN), Adam joined Piller/Segan as V.P. in 2002, working on hit series THE DEAD ZONE, WILDFIRE, GREEK, and indie feature BICKFORD SHMECKLER?S COOL IDEAS. From 2008 to 2011, Adam helped launch Atticus Entertainment, managing sports icon Jim Lampley?s HBO-based operation.
He is a member of the TV Academy, HRTS, and the Producers? Guild. He is also co-Founder of Harvardwood, a group of 7,000+ alums in arts, media and entertainment (harvardwood.org). A lifelong sinophile, he has lived in Beijing, Taipei and Hong Kong.
Peter is a filmmaker and film directing coach originally from Vancouver, Canada. He has worked in the Film and Television Industry for over 40 years as a Film Director, Television Producer, First Assistant Director and TV Series Creative Consultant on both large budget Hollywood films and independent films. He is a graduate of Ryerson University in Toronto, the author of Making the Magic Happen: The Art and Craft of Film Directing (2017) and two other published works on film. Peter publishes a monthly blog, The Director's Chair, and delivers training seminars in the art and craft of directing around the world.
Richard Abramowitz, founder and CEO of Abramorama, is an innovative leader in the distribution and marketing of independent films. His company?s focus is on music-themed and social impact film. Recent distribution projects include Ron Howard?s The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years; the 50th anniversary re-release of The Beatles Yellow Submarine;Mitangi/Maya/M.I.A.; Pearl Jam: Let?s Play Two; National Geographic?s Jane; Banksy?s Academy Award nominee Exit Through the Gift Shop, and Spirit Award?winning music documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil!
Abramowitz?s extensive work in music film also includes a 16-year relationship with Neil Young and projects with Stevie Nicks, John (Johnny Rotten) Lydon, Tony Bennett and Bob Dylan.
Abramowitz was a co-founder of Stratosphere Entertainment, the independent distribution and production company financed by Carl Icahn. Stratosphere?s releases included The Thief, Hideous Kinky, and Xiu-Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.
While President/COO of RKO Pictures Distribution, he handled the Shooting Gallery?s acclaimed first feature, Laws of Gravity, directed by SUNY Purchase alumnus Nick Gomez and starring SUNY Purchase alumna Edie Falco. Previously, as a senior executive at Cinecom Entertainment, he distributed John Sayles? The Brother from Another Planet and Matewan, Jonathan Demme?s Stop Making Sense and Swimming to Cambodia, Tom Stoppard?s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, and Merchant Ivory?s A Room with a View, among many others.
Abramowitz is a frequent panelist and juror at film festivals around the world, is on the Board of Directors of the Jacob Burns Film Center and the Advisory Boards of the SXSW Film Festival and The Hamptons International Film Festival.
