With "Final Draft" script-writing software and a subscription to Creative Screenwriting, even an amateur may have a shot at seeing his or her name on screen. But getting there can be an arduous, time-consuming, oft-times costly struggle.  This free panel will address both the elements of a good screenplay and the avenues a script can wander to make it to the screen. Should you try to sell to Hollywood or produce or direct it yourself?   Writers who have sold to the industry and writers/directors/producers who have made independent films will discuss how they've gotten their scripts to the screen. Resource materials for aspiring screenwriters will be available following the discussion.

Laura Bernieri, producer, moderator

Laura Bernieri, executive producer of Kettle of Fish, has been at the heart of Boston's independent film scene for 25 years. She produced the indie hit, Next Stop Wonderland.

Jane Clark, filmmaker

Jane Clark has three award-winning short films behind her. Her second, A Host of Daffodils, played fourteen festivals, won two awards and was nominated four times for best short. Carrie's Choice, financed by Women Make Movies, was awarded the Panasonic Digital Filmmaker's Grand Prize. Her film company, FilmMcQueen, has four feature scripts seeking financing.

Liz Foley and Peter Hobbs, screenwriter, director, producer

Liz Foley and Peter Hobbs, who are premiering Accidents Will Happen (shot on location here) at this festival, are partners in Elyria Pictures in New York but have strong ties to Northampton. They are adapting their short, Bridge of Names, into a feature film to be shot in Western Massachusetts next year. Liz directed the award-winning short, Jeanne & Hauviette. Peter has a TV show, Mystifield, in development in Hollywood.

Daniel Giat, screenwriter

Daniel Giat's HBO script Path to War, was nominated for an Emmy in 2002. He is working on an adaptation of Dee Brown's Native American classic Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, also for HBO.