Money, Markets & The Greenlight
A great idea may start the journey—but understanding money, markets, production, distribution, and the decision-making process behind the greenlight can determine whether that idea ever reaches the screen.
As part of the 21st Annual PVIFF, Money, Markets & The Greenlight: Turning Ideas Into Screen Success brings together accomplished filmmakers, producers, programmers, and distributors for a candid conversation about what it takes to move a project from concept to production—and ultimately to an audience.
This industry-focused panel goes beyond the creative process to explore the business behind film and television. Attendees will hear perspectives on developing market-ready projects, positioning stories for buyers and platforms, financing and producing content, understanding programming needs, navigating distribution, building strategic relationships, and creating projects with both creative and commercial potential.
Christine Swanson
An accomplished filmmaker bringing the director and producer perspective to developing compelling stories and successfully moving projects toward the screen.
Christine Houston
Offering insight from the writer/producer perspective on developing ideas, strengthening stories, and navigating the journey from written concept to a producible project.
Tina Rodriguez
Bringing the television programming perspective and what networks and platforms consider when evaluating content, audiences, and programming opportunities.
Wayne Overstreet
Providing insight into production, distribution, audience strategy, and the business considerations filmmakers should understand when preparing projects for the marketplace.
Dolapo Erinkitola
Sharing a producer perspective on developing projects, assembling the right elements, creating opportunities, and moving independent productions from vision toward execution.
Bobby Yan
Bringing the perspective of a working director and producer to creative development, production, collaboration, and building sustainable opportunities in entertainment.
FROM VISION TO SCREEN
Whether you’re a filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, content creator, actor developing your own projects, or entrepreneur interested in entertainment, this conversation is designed to provide practical insight into an important question:
What does it really take to get a project greenlit—and what happens after someone says yes?
Expect real conversations, real strategies, and real industry perspectives from professionals working across multiple sides of the entertainment business.
Turning Ideas Into Screen Success
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 3:30 PM
Courtland Grand Hotel | Atlanta, Georgia
PVIFF 2026 — More Than a Festival. A Movement.