Starting today and running through the weekend, MPI is hosting the Rising Executive Program Summit and the Producer’s Playbook. These immersive programs are designed to equip emerging talent with the skills, knowledge, and connections to shape the future of the entertainment industry.

Participants in both programs will benefit from a robust lineup of expert-led sessions featuring seasoned industry professionals, including Jessica Johnson, national director of entertainment contracts at SAG-AFTRA; Michael Mandaville, a veteran producer, line producer, and UPM whose credits include Taken, Taken 2, Taken 3, Above Suspicion starring Emilia Clarke, and Havoc with Anne Hathaway; and Tyler Zacharia, an accomplished executive and producer behind more than 17 films, including Martin Scorsese’s Silence and The Irishman, and Netflix’s The Starling. MPI’s own production leadership, director of talent and creative development Nicole Roewe and senior vice president Lana Link, will also lead sessions.

Filmmakers taking part in the Rising Executive Program Summit will also enjoy a special masterclass with producer and author Mark Joseph, whose credits include Reagan and contributions to the development and marketing of over 40 films such as The Chronicles of Narnia, Ray, and Holes.

Beyond the high-level discussions, both programs offer a hands-on deep dive into the core skill sets essential for success in today’s industry. Participants will learn how to build scalable budgets, production timelines, and development plans, while gaining a strong understanding of current protocols, union negotiations, and best practices for working with SAG-AFTRA talent and crews. The sessions will also cover investor strategies, deal structures, and the evolving landscape of independent film financing, offering a comprehensive look at what it takes to move a project from concept to completion.

As part of the weekend, participants of both programs will also attend the Producers Guild of America’s Produced By Conference: The Future of Producing, an exclusive, sold-out gathering of more than 450 members of the producing community. The day features in-depth sessions exploring the role of AI in entertainment, strategies for pitching and selling TV in today’s marketplace, and forward-looking conversations on how the producer’s role continues to evolve in a rapidly changing industry.

This weekend presents an exceptional opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow as a creative leader in today’s film and television industry. Interested in joining the MPI filmmaker network? Click here to learn more.