The pandemic has completely disrupted film production, distribution and exhibition over the past year. Even before cinemas closed, online streaming services were transforming the industry. COVID-related closures sped up some recent trends but also brought severe challenges to the production of film and television productions. This panel will assess short-term and long-term effects of the pandemic on filmmaking and especially spectatorship.

Panelists include three faculty from Entertainment and Media Studies in Grady College: Kate Fortmueller, who works on labor and the effects of the pandemic on Hollywood; Anne Gilbert who studies movie attendance and streaming; and screenwriter Neil Landau, who will assess hurdles for writers and production. Two former FILM and EMST majors will also join the panel: Jianna Justice has worked at film distributor A24 and is now with Netflix, and Kelsey Cunningham works at Hulu. The panel is moderated by Film professor Richard Neupert. The audience will also be invited to participate by asking questions and sharing comments.

Advance registration for the event, which will be conducted via Zoom webinar, is required and available here.