The Story Forge

The Story Forge, a first-of-its-kind, three-day summit designed to help aspiring writers, actors, filmmakers, and storytellers take the next step in their careers. Featuring acclaimed industry leaders including writer, producer, and director Dean Devlin (Independence Day, Leverage: Redemption, The Ark), screenwriter Nancy Schilbe (The Pitt), actor and screenwriter Lisa Brenner (The Patriot, One Big Happy Family), actor and producer Glenn Morshower (The Resident, Bloodline), casting director Paul Weber, and many more, the immersive event will offer attendees unparalleled opportunities to learn from accomplished professionals, build meaningful industry connections, and gain practical insights for breaking into—and succeeding in—the entertainment business. Whether you're an experienced creative professional or just beginning your journey in the entertainment industry, The Story Forge offers those interested in a career in Hollywood invaluable wisdom and understanding into what it takes to break into ‘The Biz.’

Over the course of three days, attendees will experience expert-led panels and seminars, hands-on workshops, educational sessions, networking opportunities with leading industry professionals, and interactive Q&A sessions with acclaimed guest speakers, as part of the immersive Story Forge intensive designed to inspire, educate, and advance careers in entertainment.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from and connect with an outstanding roster of entertainment industry leaders, including:

Dean Devlin – Acclaimed writer, producer, and director behind global hits including Independence Day, Leverage: Redemption, and The Ark.

Lisa Brenner – Actress, writer, and producer known for The Patriot, One Big Happy Family, and numerous film and television roles.

Glenn Morshower – Veteran character actor with more than 250 film and television credits, including 24, Transformers, and The Resident.

Nancy Schilbe – Emmy Award®-winning screenwriter whose work includes HBO Max’s The Pitt.

Paul Weber – Acclaimed Hollywood casting director, producer, and audition coach whose credits include Stargate, Spartacus, Dead Like Me, and numerous MGM films.

Charlene Amoia – Actress best known for her roles in How I Met Your Mother, Fear Street, and most recently The Breadwinner.

Lisa London – Veteran casting director who has helped launch the careers of stars including Jennifer Aniston, Emma Stone, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Jonah Hill, and Mark Ruffalo.

Devin Sidell – Award-winning writer, producer, and actress known for creating character-driven stories for film and television, including Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Ray Donovan and the award-winning feature film, Love, Danielle.

Sarah French – Actress and producer recognized for her work across independent film, horror, and television, including Blind, Pretty Boy, That's A Wrap, Space Wars: Quest for the Deepstar, and Garden of Eden.