Workshop "Inside the Independent Film Ecosystem"

Workshop "Inside the Independent Film Ecosystem" - Stephen Mastrocola & Adam Harris Engelhard

Workshop Description:

As the independent film market rapidly evolves, early-stage filmmakers must rethink how they finance, produce, and position their projects for long-term sustainability.

This workshop breaks down how independent films have traditionally been financed, how soft-money incentives and projected value have shaped budgets, and where those models are actively shifting. We’ll explore what is realistically achievable for emerging filmmakers over the next five years, and how expectations around budgets, sales, and distribution are changing.

Using real-world case studies from recent films, we’ll examine outside-the-box fundraising strategies, early career-appropriate financing structures, and emerging areas of growth and opportunity. The session is designed to demystify the business side of filmmaking and help filmmakers make smarter, more strategic decisions as they move into the next phase of their careers.

Who This Workshop Is For:

• Short filmmakers preparing their first feature
• Debut feature filmmakers planning their second project
• Writer-directors and producers navigating early career financing
• Filmmakers seeking practical, realistic pathways forward

STEPHEN MASTROCOLA | PRODUCER’S BIOGRAPHY

Stephen Mastrocola is an Executive Producer at Buffalo 8, the sister company to Bondit Media Capital (best known for financing such films as Woman of the Hour, Terrifier 3, and SXSW winner Bob Trevino Likes It), where he oversees a wide slate of independent films, providing strategic guidance on financing, production, and distribution. Stephen brings that same commitment to championing innovative, director-driven work in his role.

Prior to joining Buffalo 8, Stephen co-founded Static Films in 2021, an LA-based production company dedicated to launching emerging voices and first-time feature directors. In its first two years, Static Films produced five features and several shorts, often finding creative pathways to bring independent films to market. Their work has screened at numerous festivals including the Austin Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, Dances With Films, Palm Springs ShortsFest, RiverRun Independent Film Festival, and Aspen ShortsFest.

His most recent feature as an Executive Producer, Dog Years, starring Leah Lewis and Xolo Maridueña, wrapped principal photography earlier this year and is set for a 2026 release. Since then, he has executive-produced 4 more yet-to-be-announced feature films all helmed by first or second-time feature directors in 2025.

Adam Harris Engelhard | Biography

Adam Harris Engelhard is the Head of Production at Buffalo 8, a full-service film and media company based in Santa Monica, California. He is an accomplished film producer and former literary manager with over 15 years of experience across film packaging, development, and financing.

Adam began his career at ICM Partners in the Motion Picture Talent Department, where he built a strong foundation in talent representation and packaging. He went on to work at CBS Studios under Academy Award–winning producer Dan Jinks, focusing on television development. In 2016, Adam founded Mailroom Entertainment, where he successfully managed a roster of emerging writers and directors.

In 2018, Adam oversaw a $5 million film fund in Columbus, Georgia, with a focus on regional uplift through media production. This experience ultimately led him to Buffalo 8 in 2022, where he now oversees a wide slate of independent film and media projects.

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Host or Publisher Chandler International Film Festival