Where Pennsylvania's film industry connects.
Kick off FACTS Fest 2026 at an intimate industry luncheon bringing filmmakers, producers, location professionals, educators, economic-development leaders, and emerging talent together for an afternoon of candid conversation and meaningful connection.
Hear firsthand how independent films move from financing through distribution—and what Pennsylvania must build to attract more productions, develop its workforce, and strengthen its position as a destination for film and television.
THE HEADLINE CONVERSATION
FROM PRODUCTION TO PROSPERITY
Building a Competitive Film Ecosystem in Pennsylvania
Award-winning location manager Mike Fantasia joins producer and educator Dr. Garrett Thompson and producers Adam Rodgers and Tom Ventimiglia for the luncheon’s headline conversation exploring the infrastructure, workforce, partnerships, and production environment necessary for Pennsylvania to compete for productions and build a sustainable film economy.
Mike Fantasia
Award-Winning Location Manager
Top Gun: Maverick,
Spider-Man,
Ant-Man, Indiana Jones,
Girl, Interrupted
Dr. Garrett Thompson
Netflix Fellow | Producer
Workforce development & Pennsylvania's film ecosystem
Tom Ventimiglia
Producer
Adam Rodgers
Producer
Upcoming film project
"Lancaster's Got Talent"
Upcoming film project
"Lancaster's Got Talent"
FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION
Financing, Producing & Distributing Independent Film
What does it really take to get an independent film made? Producers Derek Dienner and Doug Henderson pull back the curtain on the journey from concept to completion, exploring financing, assembling the right team, navigating production challenges, making difficult creative and business decisions, and positioning a finished film for distribution.
Derek Dienner
Producer
Doug Henderson
Producer
"Brave the Dark"
Independent Film Line Producer
AGENDA
Thursday, September 17, 2026
FACTS Fest Industry Luncheon
11:30 AM – Registration, Networking
12:00 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
12:10 PM – Panel 1: From Concept to Completion
Financing, Producing & Distributing Independent Film Producers Derek Dienner and Doug Henderson explore the realities of taking an independent film from financing and production through completion and distribution.
12:55 PM – Lunch & Networking
Enjoy a catered lunch while connecting with filmmakers, industry professionals, civic and community leaders.
1:25 PM – HEADLINE CONVERSATION: From Production to Prosperity
Building a Competitive Film Ecosystem in Pennsylvania
Mike Fantasia, Dr. Garrett Thompson, Adam Rodgers, and Tom Ventimiglia explore the infrastructure, workforce, partnerships, and production environment necessary for Pennsylvania to compete for productions and build a sustainable film economy.
2:10 PM – Audience Q&A
2:30 PM – Closing Remarks & Networking
3:00 PM – Program Concludes
GIRL INTERRUPTED SCREENING & TALKBACK
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
PENN CINEMA
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
RETURN TO THE WORLD OF GIRL, INTERRUPTED
Experience Girl, Interrupted on the big screen, followed by an intimate conversation with award-winning Location Manager Mike Fantasia, whose work helped bring the film's Pennsylvania locations to life.
Starring Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Whoopi Goldberg, Brittany Murphy, Clea DuVall, and Elisabeth Moss, Girl, Interrupted has endured as one of the most recognizable films shot in Pennsylvania.