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ASSOCIATION OF FILM COMMISSIONERS INTERNATIONAL
CHOOSES MISSISSIPPI MODERATOR
Jackson, Mississippi (October 16, 2009) – The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) has named Ward Emling of the Mississippi Film Office as a moderator during the 2009 Cineposium International Conference at Universal City, California October 31 through November 3.
Emling will moderate the session titled Candid Conversations with Studio Executives: Creating Partnerships for Tomorrow will investigate the path film commissions’ battle to maintain and enhance financial incentives and government support, studios struggle with profit and marketplace.
Mississippi Film Office Director Ward Emling was born in New Orleans and raised in Jackson. As an actor, he appeared in “Huckleberry Finn” and “The Premonition” and in the TV miniseries “Beulah Land” before becoming director (for the first time) in 1980. When CBS renewed the series “The Mississippi,” Emling left the film commission and became the series' location manager. After moving to Los Angeles in 1984, he served as a location manager and continued to act. Since returning to the Mississippi Film Office in 1990, Emling has guided the in-state productions of numerous movies, in addition to several short films, documentaries, and commercials. He has helped guide new film incentive legislation through the Mississippi Legislature. He is a past president and treasurer of the AFCI.
The panel includes Alan Bailey chief operating officer and co-founder of the new media entertainment company Dynamic Media International Inc. based in Hollywood, California. Lisa Pitney the director of California government relations for Disney and Mary Ann Hughes also of the Walt Disney Company. Lisa Tawlins the senior vice president, public affairs, for Warner Bros and Keith Weaver senior vice president of government affairs for Sony Pictures Entertainment make up the speakers.
The AFCI’s Cineposium is an industry gathering to exchange ideas during two days of presentations, panels and certification classes by AFCI University.
