The fanatical Shock Stock folks have once again teamed up with FILM LONDON to present informative, educational workshops for those who wish to use their convention time to hone their skills behind the camera.

These industry sessions are INCLUDED with your admission! 

10:45 a.m.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Independent Film Production

Hosted by Michael Jari Davidson

Veteran Canadian filmmaker Michael Jari Davidson will lead the discussion “Avoiding the Pitfalls of Independent Film Production”. Exploring the challenges and best practices in independent feature filmmaking, Michael will tackle common obstacles such as defining an audience before writing, packaging your film, and the pressure of maintaining creative vision while navigating financial and logistical constraints. He will share strategies for assembling a strong production team, outline financial structures, and explain waterfalls. The conversation will also focus on the importance of pre-production, surviving production, handling post-production hurdles, and the importance of planning marketing and distribution while in development. With real-world insights and cautionary tales, this session aims to arm aspiring filmmakers with practical tools to steer clear of common missteps, ensuring that their projects remain both artistically fulfilling and financially viable. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to successfully navigate the often unpredictable terrain of indie film production.

 

1:45 p.m.

Scoring the Shadows : Music and Film

Hosted by Maurizio Guarini

Join legendary composer and keyboardist Maurizio Guarini—best known for his work with Italian horror masters Goblin—for an exclusive Film Scoring Workshop that dives deep into the art of crafting unforgettable soundtracks.

With decades of experience working on cult classics like Dario Argento’s Suspiria and Lucio Fulci’s  Zombie, Guarini will guide participants through the creative and technical process of composing for film.

From thematic development and atmosphere building to modern scoring techniques, this immersive session offers rare insights from one of the genre’s most iconic musical voices. Whether you’re a budding composer, a seasoned sound designer, or a filmmaker looking for a definitive sound, this is a unique opportunity to learn from a true master of cinematic music