For more information about the 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival visit Sbiff.org.

Leslie Urdang (producer, Beginners) speaks about distribution opportunities for indy films.

Denise Ream (Producer, Cars 2) talks about collaborating with John Lassiter and 40 car companies.

Dede Gardner (producer, Tree of Life) on promoting the movie without using Brad Pitt’s face.

Interested in more?
• All of the 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival women’s panel coverage on lynda.com
• All lynda.com documentaries

Suggested courses to watch next:
• 2011 SBIFF Director’s Panel: Directors On Directing
• 2011 SBIFF Producer’s Panel: Movers and Shakers
• 2011 SBIFF Writer’s Panel: It Starts with the Script
• 2011 SBIFF Women’s Panel: Creative Forces: Women in the Business

As the presenting sponsor of the 27th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, lynda.com is once again pleased to open the door to four entertainment industry panels that feature some of Hollywood’s top talent from the world of producers, directors, and screenwriters. Panelist are carefully chosen during the awards season and include many you’ll see at the Golden Globes^®, Emmys^®, and Oscars^®.

Moderated by Anne Thompson from indieWIRE, the It Starts with the Script panelists talk about the development of their films, their research before sitting down at the keyboard, the evolution of the script, and finally, getting it to the screen. What’s clear is that there’s no formula, no easy path, and no shortcuts. The writers candidly reveal the obstacles each overcame on the way to seeing their vision realized and discuss how “write what you know” ultimately became their life’s mantra while they worked on their screenplays. The anecdotes range from stories of inspiring life experience, to the process of transforming a book into a film. Panelists include Mike Mills (Beginners), Will Riser (50/50), Jim Rash (The Decedents), Tate Taylor (The Help), and J.C. Handler (Margin Call).

For more information on the 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival screenwriters’ panel visit Sbiff.org

Will Riser (writer, 50/50) shares the common elements of his life story and the film.

Tate Taylor (writer, The Help) tells how he responded to the studios once they discover he owned the screen rights to The Help.

Mike Mills (writer, Beginners) wrestles with moving between past and present day in the script.

Interested in more?
• All of the 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival screenwriters’ panel coverage on lynda.com
• All lynda.com documentaries

Suggested courses to watch next:
• 2011 SBIFF Director’s Panel: Directors On Directing
• 2011 SBIFF Producer’s Panel: Movers and Shakers
• 2011 SBIFF Writer’s Panel: It Starts with the Script
• 2011 SBIFF Women’s Panel: Creative Forces: Women in the Business