Biola Announces New Speakers

Tom Halleen, Senior Vice President of Programming and Scheduling for the AMC network, and DeVon Franklin, Vice President of Production for Columbia Pictures, will bring their production and programming expertise to the main session of the Biola Media Conference at CBS Studio Center on April 30, 2011.

Halleen was a key team member responsible for the successful launch of the Emmy winning “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad” series, as well as the record breaking “Broken Trail” and “The Walking Dead.” Halleen has been instrumental in driving AMC’s performance to record breaking levels, achieving the network’s largest audience delivery across all day parts in the network’s 22-year history.

Franklin recently oversaw the remake of the summer blockbuster, “The Karate Kid” starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, “The Pursuit of Happyness” starring Will Smith, “Not Easily Broken,” and “Jumping the Broom” starring Angela Bassett. He was formerly an executive at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and got his start as an intern for Will Smith and James Lassiter.

“In the fifteen years I’ve known DeVon, he’s lived his life the same way he makes his movies: with commitment, humility, and a work ethic that demands respect,” said actor/producer Will Smith. “I’m honored to have been a part of his journey from stellar intern to studio vice president — his story is one to be shared with anyone chasing a dream.”

Halleen and Franklin join ten newly added workshop speakers including screenwriter for two Jerry Bruckheimer films Bill Marsilli, producer of “Scary Movie” Lisa Blum, director of Fox’s “Sunset Strip” Adam Collis, world-renowned Hollywood Economics lecturer Bobbette Buster, producer of “Like Dandelion Dust” starring Mira Sorvino, Bobby Downes, co-producer of “Mission Impossible III” Arthur Anderson, Co-Founder of the LA Film Festival, Thomas Ethan Harris, former supervising producer for “The Late Show” Dan Rupple, social media strategist Matt Meeks, production executive Susana Zepeda, and BMC host and founder of Cooke Pictures, Phil Cooke.

BMC 2011 Theme – BEYOND DIGITAL: What Matters Now

The entertainment and media industries can agree on one thing: Disruption has become the “new normal.” As a result, at this year’s Biola Media Conference, we’re focused on priorities for the future and defining “success” in the new entertainment economy. The world has gone digital, but in that world, what matters now?

There’s no better voice on the subject than this year’s keynote speaker Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine and one of the most influential voices in the digital revolution. Kevin will address the cultural impact of technology on the future of the entertainment and media industries.

The Biola Media Conference has a proud 16-year history of bringing together top industry leaders, men and women of faith and integrity, who offer their expertise from the trenches and forecast their vision for future opportunities in film, television and digital media. It attracts 700 attendees — making it the largest event in the nation for people of faith working in the entertainment industry. It is known for its intimate and practical conversations with Hollywood leaders, and professional training and instruction from some of the most influential individuals in Film, TV, PR, Media Marketing, Management and Digital Media. Conference topics cover every aspect of media related careers, technologies, and ministries from the creative, to the financial, to the production process.

Sponsored in part by Biola University’s Cinema and Media Arts Department, the Biola Media Conference has numerous sponsorship opportunities available through FrontGate Media at http://www.FrontGateMedia.com/services/media-kits.php.

For more information or to register online, visit www.BiolaMedia.com. $150 General Admission through April 24th; and $180 at the door. Lunch and coffee bar provided. Limited press passes available upon request. Call 562-777-4061 for press pass information.

In its 16th year, the Biola Media Conference exists to educate, inspire, and network media professionals while providing creative inspiration into the spiritual nature of any career in the media industry. BMC attracts participants who will benefit from direct interaction with acclaimed industry pros who are at the top of their craft. From CEOs to students, attendees secure valuable information, insight, and contacts that strengthen their character and their careers. BMC is part of the FrontGate Media group.

FrontGate Media (www.FrontGateMedia.com) is the largest culture-engaged media group & marketing service reaching the faith and family values audience which represents $4.6 billion worth of Christian products purchased by consumers annually according to a recent article in USA Today. The firm is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2011. The FrontGate Media group provides reach to more than 15 million email subscribers, 25 million monthly page views, and 600,000+ at annual events. The media group is #1 in reach to several consumer and leadership demographics in the faith and family values audience including entertainment fans, music fans, church musicians and worship leaders, youth leaders and youth group students, and political conservatives. The company plays a key role in the success of movie studios, non-profit organizations, publishers and authors, record labels and artists and more seeking “creative & emerging media” outlets.

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Biola University:

Biola University’s Cinema and Media Arts department continues to produce award-winning filmmakers such as Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Day the Earth Stood Still), recent Doritos “Crash the Superbowl” winners for The Casket, and many more. Biola is a private university located in Southern California on the border of Los Angeles and Orange counties in the city of La Mirada. U.S. News & World Report recognizes Biola as a “National University.” With over 145 academic programs in six schools, Biola offers degrees ranging from B.A. to Ph.D. For more information, visit www.biola.edu or call (562) 777 – 4061.