Influential Christian Media Conference Reveals Keynote Speakers

By Aaron J. Leichman, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, January 29, 2009

One of the largest and most influential national gatherings for professionals of faith in the entertainment industry has announced this year's lineup of keynote speakers.

Among the keynote speakers at the 14th Annual Biola Media Conference will be Joe Eszterhas, screenwriter for psychological thriller "Basic Instinct," and Ralph Winter, the producer behind superhero flicks "X-MEN," "Fantastic Four," and "Wolverine." Also part of the lineup will be Terry Botwick, producer/CEO of 1019 Entertainment; Phil Cooke, CEO/creative director of Cooke Pictures; and Susan Isaacs, a best-selling author and comedienne.

"This year looks to be exceptional," says Peggy Rupple, co-director of the Biola Media Conference.

Since 1995, the annual conference has been a hub for spiritual inspiration as well as a provider of informative, creative and professional opportunities. Each year, the event draws hundreds of attendees in search of professional training and instruction from some of the most influential individuals in Film, TV, Radio, PR and Journalism today.

This year, experts will share their thoughts and experiences in helping attendees to navigate the challenging world of film, TV and digital media, examining the conference theme "Closing the Deal."

Workshops, meanwhile, will feature the art of pitching, knowing what projects Hollywood is looking for, discovering niche projects, no-budget filmmaking, legal aspects of deal-making, how power is used in Hollywood, and much more.

"We've seen production partnerships formed, agents secured, and distribution deals made as a result of this conference, but most importantly, we've seen people come away challenged and inspired by the high caliber of industry pro's who come to share their expertise with us," states Rupple.

"This not-to-be-missed event compacts into one day an opportunity like no other," adds Jack Hafer, chair of the Cinema and Media Arts program at Biola University, which sponsors the conference each year. "It's a chance to discover concrete direction for your career and put you in the touch with the people and resources anyone serious about a career in entertainment or media needs to know."

On April 25, the conference will return to CBS Studio Center in Studio City, Calif., for its annual gathering. Around 600 to 800 are expected to attend.