7 Key Insights from Our Cannes Discussion on the Future of Cinema

      “Art disrupts,” Jaime King stated during MovieMaker’s recent panel at the Cannes Film Festival on the Future of Film. “We are here to create disruption. … Great music disrupts, great individuals disrupt, art disrupts. It’s about shaking things up a bit, you know?”

      The actress and filmmaker was one of three panelists — alongside filmmaker Fernando Ferro and actor-filmmaker-attorney Don Worley — who participated in an open, candid discussion at The Impact Lounge concerning AI, verticals, and other disruptors affecting the film industry.

      Their central message: Welcome change. Dismiss the aspects you may find unappealing, such as AI-generated scripts, while embracing what you appreciate.

      All three panelists acknowledged that despite criticisms of the current quality of vertical formats, these platforms possess significant potential for storytelling.

      “You have the opportunity to go out and create on your own,” Worley remarked. “In the past, that wasn’t possible — you had to meet with a studio and wait for their approval before anything could happen. Now, you can produce it yourself. So, accept the change.”

      Thanks to Jane Owen PR for organizing the panel, The Impact Lounge for the excellent venue, and to Bruno de Marquis for the wonderful photographs.

      Here are seven additional insights from our Impact Lounge panel on the future of film.

      ‘You Can Do Everything Yourself Now’

      (L-R) Filmmakers Don Worley, Fernando Ferro, Jaime King, and MovieMaker editor Tim Molloy. Photo by Bruno de Marquis.

      Don Worley shared that he began as an actor and comedian before transitioning to law. After achieving success in the legal field, he gained the freedom to pursue his own film and TV projects.

      His production company, Second Chance Pictures, reflects his own resurgence in the entertainment industry. He arrived at the esteemed Cannes film market with two projects available for sale: a $30 million action film and a contained thriller shot entirely in a hotel room, “essentially just me in a hotel room for an hour and a half... we filmed it ourselves on a sound stage near Austin, Texas.”

      He has also launched a show on the Discovery Channel titled Power of Attorney: Don Worley, which his company is re-editing for a vertical format. Furthermore, he produced the film Pastor Shepherd, in which he portrays a televangelist, and that project is also being adapted into a TV show.

      Worley also produced a murder mystery vertical featuring Tara Reid and Vivica A. Fox, and is currently collaborating with A Star Is Born producer Billy Gerber on a vertical focusing on musicians navigating Hollywood.

      Additionally, he recently created the comedy Mandate, tackling the male loneliness epidemic, co-starring with Jon Lovitz.

      “Create the best content possible,” he advised. “Make something you can take pride in. And if only 15 people watch it, you can still take pride in the fact that those 15 people saw it. … But if you create something good, it will ultimately be recognized.”

      Utilize Your Resources

      (L-R) Filmmakers Don Worley, Fernando Ferro, and Jaime King. Photo by Bruno de Marquis.

      Fernando Ferro recounted his start in Venezuela making telenovelas and later transitioned to films with limited budgets. A $3,000 project led to his role as vice president of Content Strategy at Foton Pictures, where he oversaw productions like Pink Skies Ahead, Echoboomers, and The Birthday Party.

      His latest film, 52nd State, boasts Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings as a producer and investor. He also recently co-directed the short drama “Self Custody.”

      Ferro shared that his career took off when he stopped waiting for Hollywood's approval and began utilizing the resources available to him. Much of his success, he emphasized, “all began from a $3,000 movie.”

      He also underscored that working with smaller budgets granted him and his team greater control.

      “It provided us with the understanding necessary that many filmmakers, especially newcomers, often lack — how to distribute, market, and find an audience for a film. So, I stopped seeking permission to create films,” Ferro stated.

      Establish a Network of Fellow Creators

      (L-R) Filmmakers Fernando Ferro and Jaime King, and MovieMaker editor Tim Molloy. Photo by Bruno de Marquis.

      Jaime King found fame as a model in her teenage years and became a sought-after actress with roles in movies like Pearl Harbor, Sin City, and My Bloody Valentine. She was mentored by industry figures such as George Lucas and producers Stacy Cramer and Peter Cramer, who is currently president of Universal Pictures.

      Having gained insight into film production beyond her own projects, she applies that experience to her producing endeavors. She has recently collaborated with her friend Natasha Lyonne to create the dark comedy thriller Darlene.

      King stressed the importance of collaborating with like-minded individuals who help drive each other forward amidst the industry's challenges.

      “I