Exclusive: SeriesFest unveils full line-up & return of Google-backed incubator scheme

SeriesFest at Red Rock Ampitheatre

International TV festival SeriesFest has unveiled a raft of new additions for the upcoming Denver-based event, as well as the return of its Google-backed development incubator backed by actor Paul Feig.

The event’s eighth iteration, which takes place 5-11 May in Colorado, will include a screening of Starz’s upcoming drama Gaslit, followed by a Q&A with creator Robbie Pickering (Mr Robot), as well as a session featuring Denzel Whitaker (Black Panther), Peter Paige (Station 19), Diallo Riddle (Southside) and Tara Westwood (The Grudge) that explores actors moving behind the camera.

A world exclusive premiere of truTV’s 101 Places To Party Before You Die, with Michael Rucker and comedian co-hosts Adam Pally (Sonic 2) and Jon Gabrus (Game Over), has also been added to the schedule, while Dr. Death star Patrick Macmanus leads a Pro-Social Storytelling panel.

Other new sessions revealed today include Changing The Narrative: Focus On Indigenous Representation In Television, which is being produced in partnership with Cherokee Nation Film Office, while there will also be a live read of Mount Wilson, which stars Whitaker and Westwood.

Gaslit

A virtual reality screening of Lustration is also confirmed, while SeriesFest organisers have confirmed that its Powderkeg: Fuse a development incubator will return.

Google lights Powderkeg’s return

The director-focused scheme, curated and mentored by Paul Feig and supported by Google, will showcase the work of the initiative’s five directors during the Incubating an Idea on Screen special event, which will be followed by a conversation on how filmmakers can be strategic when developing and producing shorts as a proof of concept.

The panel will include Kesila Childers and Erica Fishman, VP of development and head of production at Powderkeg respectively, as well as Elle Roth-Brunet, EP & head of content & entertainment partnerships at Google. The five directors chosen to work with Powderkeg – Fawzia Mirza, Tedra WIlson, Nat Prisco, Ashley Eakin and Jeanne Jo – will also be present.

Google’s Roth Brunet said: “SeriesFest is an incredible platform for the creative community, and we are so excited to have the series of shorts from the Powderkeg: Fuse incubator program in association with Google premiering at the festival.

“Google had the privilege to help select and provide resources for these visionary female filmmakers’ work and we look forward to seeing them come to life on the big screen next month as a part of a complete collection.”

The Denver event recently unveiled its selections for its 2022 International Independent Pilot Competition, with shows from creators including David Oyelowo and actor Simu Liu, while other events include the US premiere of Starz’s Becoming Elizabeth and an Innovation Talks panel with Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer and Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries.