NYC Creative Sustainability Summit

Join us for the Creative Sustainability Summit at the Manhattan Film Festival to explore ways to build career longevity with Seed&Spark!

About this Event

Join Seed&Spark and the Manhattan Film Festival for the NYC Creative Sustainability Summit!

Sponsored by Gigantic Studios and Wrapbook, join us for an exciting FREE one-day educational event focused on bringing the local independent film community together and thriving as a storyteller living in NYC.

Network with fellow filmmakers, attend workshops and panels, and have fun at the 2025 Manhattan Film Festival. This in-person event will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Cinema Village in NYC.

Don't miss this chance to connect with industry professionals and advance your craft. We'll see you there!

Run of Show:

• 10 - 11:15 AM: Crowdfunding to Build Independence Workshop
• 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM: Industry Insights Panel
• 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 PM- 3 PM: Art of the Pitch Workshop
• 3 - 4 PM: The Real Distribution Down Low Panel
• 5:30 - 8:30 PM: Producers Meet & Greet Mixer presented by Gigantic Studios (invitation-only)

About the Organizers:

is an annual event that programs a diverse film lineup featuring the industry’s most recognizable names as well as student and emerging talent! We program everything from features, shorts, documentaries, television, web, and new media. MovieMaker Magazine has named MFF as one of the “Coolest Film Festivals in the World,” and “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.” MFF is also a "Top 100 Best Reviewed" Festival on FilmFreeway.

is the most successful crowdfunding platform for independent filmmaking in the world. Since its inception in 2012, it has helped filmmakers raise more than $50 million to make thousands of movies and shows. Seed&Spark shifts power to communities, making it possible for creators everywhere to make their work sustainably, while accelerating and amplifying its impact.

Agenda


🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Workshop: Crowdfunding to Build Independence
Host: Emily Best

Info: Most people think about crowdfunding simply as a fundraising tool, but we will show you how it's so much more than that. Discover how to have a successful crowdfunding campaign... and career! You’ll learn how to find your audience, structure your crowdfunding campaign, pick the right goal and incentives, and more.

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Panel: Industry Insights
Host: Sav Rodgers

Info: A conversation on how to make the most of current opportunities in the industry. Moderator: Sav Rodgers (Film Director). Panelists TBA.

🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch

Info: Lunch will not be provided at the event. There are many restaurants within walking distance from the venue.

🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Workshop: Art of the Pitch
Host: Emily Best

Info: This pitch workshop will connect what you really want to do with your career ー that big, hairy, audacious goal ー with how to prepare to pitch to the different audiences you will need along the way. Knowing how to convey the specifics about your creative project/idea/company in a dynamic, succinct way can land you not only investors, but also collaborators, audience members, and more. Skills learned in this workshop include: crafting your story, preparing for (and excelling in) a pitch meeting, adapting a pitch to different audiences, and then following upー setting your work up for success.

🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Panel: Building Creative Sustainability Locally
Host: Sav Rodgers

Info: A panel celebrating fostering a local, sustainable artistic practice by leaning into your local community. Moderator: Sav Rodgers (Film Director). Panelists TBA.

🕑: 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Producers Meet & Greet, in partnership with Gigantic Studios

Info: This mixer is invitation-only and requires a separate RSVP.

Also check out other Entertainment events in New York, Festivals in New York, Workshops in New York.