Moderated by: Corey Allen
Corey Allen is a Nashville-based cinematographer and creative entrepreneur whose work spans narrative films, music videos, and commercial projects. Known for his cinematic eye and technical expertise, Corey has lensed the indie feature Clone Cops and numerous short films while also collaborating with artists across genres to create striking visual stories. Beyond the camera, he is the founder of Neon Media, a multifaceted creative company producing video content, developing filmmaker-focused apps like CineLog Pro, and designing tools and resources that support both emerging and established storytellers. With a background in photography and over a decade balancing creative pursuits with corporate leadership, Corey brings a unique mix of artistry, precision, and practical production know-how to every project he takes on.
Friday, October 17th 12PM – 3PM
Directing for Performance – Working with Actors
With Laura Holloway (Actor, Coach, and Instructor at The Studio for Acting)
Join actor and coach Laura Holloway for an insightful conversation about the director-actor relationship. Learn how to communicate effectively on set, build trust, and create a performance environment where actors thrive. Ideal for directors and cinematographers looking to elevate the emotional depth of their scenes.
Laura Holloway is a working TV and film actress, acting teacher, and coach with over two decades of professional training and experience. She began her studies at Uta Hagen’s HB Studios in New York before completing the full-time conservatory at the Atlantic Acting School under renowned artists like David Mamet, Felicity Huffman, and William H. Macy. After nearly a decade in Los Angeles as an actor and producer, she deepened her craft with top studios including Howard Fine and Ivana Chubbuck’s, ultimately training for years with Gregory Berger-Sobeck. Most recently, she explored The Method with the legendary Tony Greco. A longtime member of IAMA Theatre Company and SAG-AFTRA, Laura also co-hosts The Actor’s Helpline podcast, bringing her wealth of knowledge as both teacher and coach to help actors sharpen their craft and unlock powerful performances.
Saturday, October 18th 11AM – 2PM
VFX for All Budgets – From Pre to Post
With Alan Collins (VFX Artist)
VFX isn’t just for blockbusters. Whether you’re making a short on a shoestring or prepping your indie feature, this session with Alan Collins shows how to incorporate visual effects at any budget. Learn about pre-production planning, efficient shooting techniques, and clever post-production workflows that maximize impact without breaking the bank.
Alan Collins is a visual effects artist and director with over 15 years of experience in film, television, and live events. His work includes contributions to Sesame Street, Sword of Trust, and music videos for AJR, as well as designing visual backgrounds for Ciara’s live performances. Alan specializes in compositing, motion design, and on-set VFX supervision, working with tools like After Effects, Nuke, Cinema 4D, and Unreal Engine. He focuses on blending technical execution with creative problem-solving to support strong visual storytelling across a wide range of projects.