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Actor & Film Industry Expo

FIlm Panel Workshop

What’s Happening?

Get ready for the Actor & Film Industry Expo (AFIE) — a dynamic event designed to strengthen Minnesota’s film community through educational panels, filmmaker auditions, industry exhibitors, and networking. Connect, learn, and grow with local creatives!

EVENT SCHEDULE

8:00am | Filmmaker Audition Check-ins

8:30-11:15am | Filmmaker Auditions

Partake in filmmaker auditions where you’ll perform in front of a panel of professional filmmakers. This is a great opportunity to showcase your talent and connect directly with directors, producers, and casting agents for future film projects.

Filmmakers: Nathan Block, David J. Buchanan, CJ Renner, Erin Roberts, Laura Runge-Hunt, Sarah Thormodsgaard, Zechariah Thormodsgaard, Michael Winingham and more!

NOTE: Filmmaker auditions are free and open to the general public. You may sign up to audition without purchase of a ticket to AFIE, however, priority access to sign up for an audition will go to attendees that have registered to attend the Actor & Film Industry Expo. Auditions will take place in the Shops at West End Community Room. People wishing to audition MUST be signed up for a time slot.

AUDITION SIGN UP LINK & ACTOR AUDITION FORM

Attending filmmakers and producers may reach out to actors regarding additional opportunities. These may include film opportunities, fee based services (headshots/resumes), etc. Please use your own discretion before proceeding with any opportunity you are offered.

 

10:45-3:45pm | Industry Exhibitors

Enjoy access to companies and professionals showcasing products, services, and innovations within the film industry. This includes photographers, acting couches, production companies, and more!

Exhibitors: Bill Cooper Acting Studio, Jordan's Extra Casting, Dallas Smith Photography, Jeff Goldsmith Music (JGM LLC), MN Women in Film & Television (MNwift), Saint Paul Neighborhood Network, and more!

 

11:30 am - 12:15pm | From Stage to Screen

Hear insights from professional actors who transitioned from theater to film, key adjustments in acting techniques for the camera, tips on developing a memorable “screen persona”, the importance of building a strong reel, collaborating effectively with film directors, and more!

Moderator: Marisa Coughlan

Panelists: Jason Behr, KaDee Strickland, Alex Galick

 

12:30 - 1:15pm | Cold Copy Commercial Workshop w/ Erin Roberts

Have some fun while sharpening your auditions skills with this interactive workshop where you’ll prepare actual in-market commercial copy, making bold choices while gaining hands-on experience practicing effective and engaging commercial auditions.

Instructor: Erin Roberts

 

12:30 - 1:15pm | Masterclass in Screenwriting: Insider Tips w/ Marisa Coughlan

Join actress, writer, and producer Marisa Coughlan for a masterclass in screenwriting, where she’ll reveal the 3 biggest mistakes screenwriters make, best writing practices, what’s trending in the industry, and how to maximize your resources to make your script stand out. Get actionable tips and insights to take your screenwriting to the next level!

Moderator: Stephanie Saji

Instructor: Marisa Coughlan


1:45 - 2:30pm | Acting in the Age of AI

Explore how AI and cutting-edge animation technology are transforming the acting landscape. Discover the latest trends, the AI tools reshaping voiceover work, and strategies to future-proof your career. Gain insights on enhancing your skills and staying relevant in this evolving digital era!

Moderator: Stephanie Saji

Panelists: Amir Berenjian, Matt Osterman


2:45 - 3:30pm | Distribution in the Digital World

Discover the key differences between distributing for streaming platforms and theatrical releases. Learn how to build a distribution plan, secure funding, find a film agent, and get your film noticed by distribution companies.

Moderator: Stephanie Saji

Panelists: Jeff Hayne, Carly Lassegard

 

3:45-5:00pm | INDUSTRY MIXER

The Industry Mixer is the perfect opportunity to connect with filmmakers, producers, actors, distributors, and other industry professionals in a relaxed, social setting. Whether you’re looking for collaborators, new opportunities, or simply want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, this is the place to be. Expand your network, share ideas, and take your career to the next level, while enjoying hosted beverages and snacks!

Get ready for the Actor & Film Industry Expo (AFIE) — a dynamic event designed to strengthen Minnesota’s film community through educational panels, filmmaker auditions, industry exhibitors, and networking. Connect, learn, and grow with local creatives!

EVENT SCHEDULE

8:00am | Filmmaker Audition Check-ins

8:30-11:15am | Filmmaker Auditions

Partake in filmmaker auditions where you’ll perform in front of a panel of professional filmmakers. This is a great opportunity to showcase your talent and connect directly with directors, producers, and casting agents for future film projects.

Filmmakers: Nathan Block, David J. Buchanan, CJ Renner, Erin Roberts, Laura Runge-Hunt, Sarah Thormodsgaard, Zechariah Thormodsgaard, Michael Winingham and more!

NOTE: Filmmaker auditions are free and open to the general public. You may sign up to audition without purchase of a ticket to AFIE, however, priority access to sign up for an audition will go to attendees that have registered to attend the Actor & Film Industry Expo. Auditions will take place in the Shops at West End Community Room. People wishing to audition MUST be signed up for a time slot.

AUDITION SIGN UP LINK & ACTOR AUDITION FORM

Attending filmmakers and producers may reach out to actors regarding additional opportunities. These may include film opportunities, fee based services (headshots/resumes), etc. Please use your own discretion before proceeding with any opportunity you are offered.

 

10:45-3:45pm | Industry Exhibitors

Enjoy access to companies and professionals showcasing products, services, and innovations within the film industry. This includes photographers, acting couches, production companies, and more!

Exhibitors: Bill Cooper Acting Studio, Jordan's Extra Casting, Dallas Smith Photography, Jeff Goldsmith Music (JGM LLC), MN Women in Film & Television (MNwift), Saint Paul Neighborhood Network, and more!

 

11:30 am - 12:15pm | From Stage to Screen

Hear insights from professional actors who transitioned from theater to film, key adjustments in acting techniques for the camera, tips on developing a memorable “screen persona”, the importance of building a strong reel, collaborating effectively with film directors, and more!

Moderator: Marisa Coughlan

Panelists: Jason Behr, KaDee Strickland, Alex Galick

 

12:30 - 1:15pm | Cold Copy Commercial Workshop w/ Erin Roberts

Have some fun while sharpening your auditions skills with this interactive workshop where you’ll prepare actual in-market commercial copy, making bold choices while gaining hands-on experience practicing effective and engaging commercial auditions.

Instructor: Erin Roberts

 

12:30 - 1:15pm | Masterclass in Screenwriting: Insider Tips w/ Marisa Coughlan

Join actress, writer, and producer Marisa Coughlan for a masterclass in screenwriting, where she’ll reveal the 3 biggest mistakes screenwriters make, best writing practices, what’s trending in the industry, and how to maximize your resources to make your script stand out. Get actionable tips and insights to take your screenwriting to the next level!

Moderator: Stephanie Saji

Instructor: Marisa Coughlan


1:45 - 2:30pm | Acting in the Age of AI

Explore how AI and cutting-edge animation technology are transforming the acting landscape. Discover the latest trends, the AI tools reshaping voiceover work, and strategies to future-proof your career. Gain insights on enhancing your skills and staying relevant in this evolving digital era!

Moderator: Stephanie Saji

Panelists: Amir Berenjian, Matt Osterman


2:45 - 3:30pm | Distribution in the Digital World

Discover the key differences between distributing for streaming platforms and theatrical releases. Learn how to build a distribution plan, secure funding, find a film agent, and get your film noticed by distribution companies.

Moderator: Stephanie Saji

Panelists: Jeff Hayne, Carly Lassegard

 

3:45-5:00pm | INDUSTRY MIXER

The Industry Mixer is the perfect opportunity to connect with filmmakers, producers, actors, distributors, and other industry professionals in a relaxed, social setting. Whether you’re looking for collaborators, new opportunities, or simply want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, this is the place to be. Expand your network, share ideas, and take your career to the next level, while enjoying hosted beverages and snacks!

Special Instructions
FREE ramp parking at The Shops at West End, ramping parking is accessible behind AFIE event building next to Marcus West End Cinema and surrounding businesses.
More about Twin Cities Film Fest
Twin Cities Film Fest is an annual Minneapolis based 501 ©3 non-profit arts organization that provides exhibition, production, education, and distribution.
When & Where
May 3, 2025, 8:00am to 5:00pm Timezone: CDT
$65.00


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