In this ongoing series, we're taking a look at some of the most pressing issues facing filmmakers in today's marketplace- whether it's self distributing your film or preparing to take your film into the marketplace, our monthly virtual town hall meetings provide an open forum for filmmakers to ask questions of Film Specific founder Stacey Parks and share their thoughts and experiences with your fellow Film Specific members.

Our Next Virtual Town Hall is Thursday, SEPTEMBER 24 (5pm PST/ 7pm CST/ 8pm EST). We'll be discussing FILM FESTIVALS.

With so many festival out there today, do they still mean anything? What is their role in the current economic climate? Have they dwindled in importance? Which ones matter and how much are distributors willing to pay? How can they be utilized creatively as screening venues for self-distributing filmmakers? How can filmmakers still successfully leverage the festivals to reach their greater goals?

Film Specific Members, get the call-in details here

Not a Film Specific member yet? Join now to participate in this virtual town hall

Upcoming Virtual Town Hall Meetings

OCTOBER 21: DOCUMENTARIES & THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE - (5pm PST/ 7pm CST/ 8pm EST)

DECEMBER 2: FILM FINANCING IN THE CURRENT MARKETPLACE - (5pm PST/ 7pm CST/ 8pm EST)

Members, listen to recordings of previous Virtual Town Hall Meetings

All live virtual town hall meetings are held via telephone.

Can't make it live? No worries. All virtual town hall meetings will be recorded in their entirety and made available for download for all Film Specific members the day following the call.

About Stacey Parks

Stacey Parks is an expert in the area of independent film and television distribution, with over 13 years experience working with independent film and TV producers. As a Foreign Sales Agent, she secured distribution for hundreds of independent features and programs worldwide. Stacey now specializes in coaching film and television professionals on distribution strategies for their projects, and works with both experienced and beginning writers and producers. She has coached dozens of people who have gotten deals with U.S Studio divisions, large international broadcasters, and worldwide DVD distributors, both one-on-one and through her independent filmmakers community at www.FilmSpecific.com. Her clients' films have premiered at Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Berlin, SXSW, San Sebastian, and other major film festivals. Stacey is the author of "The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution" (2007 Focal Press) and she is an adjunct professor in the Entertainment Studies department of UCLA. Stacey is a regular contributor to MovieMaker and Student Filmmakers Magazines and has hosted workshops or spoken on panels at the British Film Institute, Slamdance, and the Cannes Film Festival.