Event Summary

Join WALA at the 2025 Prince George's Film Festival for A Discussion on Recommended Legal Protections Safeguarding Film Projects in the Age of AI.

Panelists

Angel Nwachukwu, Esq. (Media and Entertainment Lawyer)
Samantha J. Levin, Esq. (Intellectual Property and Corporate Lawyer)
Zhibo Lai (Independent Filmmaker and Post-Production Innovator)

Moderator
Anthony M. Greene (Moderator)

Use code "WALA" for 20% off the Festival all-access pass. 

About our Panelists

Angel Nwachukwu is a media and entertainment attorney with a dynamic career spanning several key roles in the industry. Currently, she works at NPR, where she plays a pivotal role in negotiating deals for some of the network’s most acclaimed programming, including the renowned Tiny Desk concert series. Her expertise also extends to film and television, where she manages complex option deals that contribute to the rich tapestry of contemporary media.

Before joining NPR, Angel honed her legal skills as a corporate associate at major law firms in New York and Washington, D.C. This experience provided her with a robust foundation in corporate law, which she now applies to the nuanced world of entertainment. Her transition into entertainment law was fueled by a deep-seated passion for creative storytelling and supporting authentic artistry, driving her to specialize in this vibrant and ever-evolving field.

In addition to her work at NPR, Angel is actively involved in several professional organizations dedicated to the arts and entertainment sectors. Since 2021, she has been a valued member of the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA), where she has contributed by hosting a session at the Artomatic Art Festival in Washington, D.C., focused on business entities for creatives. Her commitment to the industry is further demonstrated by her active participation in the Black Entertainment Sports Lawyers Association, where she engages with peers on various facets of entertainment law.

Angel's expertise is frequently sought after for speaking engagements, where she shares her insights on media and entertainment law. She has presented at Washington University Law’s Intellectual Property Society, discussing the practice of media and entertainment law, and has spoken to the Houston Bar Association’s Entertainment and Sports Law Section on the topic of licensing music for television and film.

A proud Houston native, Angel earned her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her J.D. from Columbia Law School. She is licensed to practice law in New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C., reflecting her versatile legal background. Her career trajectory exemplifies her dedication to fostering creative talent and advancing the field of entertainment law, making her an influential and emerging figure in the industry.

Samantha Levin is a corporate associate attorney at Rees Broome, PC, in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Select internship and clerkship experience includes the International Game Developers Association Foundation, the Entertainment Software Association, the National Music Publishers’ Association, the United States Copyright Office, the Center for the Protection of Intellectual Property, the Copyright Alliance, and as a video game and entertainment law attorney.

Samantha’s work includes research for a Google v. Oracle Supreme Court amicus brief, editing the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Music Law and Policy, and providing research and editing support for Senate hearing testimony and various law journal articles. Samantha authored a law review article that received a Second Prize in the 2020 Berkeley Technology Law Journal Student Writing Competition and was subsequently published by the North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology. In addition to her legal work, Samantha is a streamer, maker, and content creator.

Samantha earned her J.D. from the George Mason University School of Law, and her B.A. in economics and B.A. in biology from Emory University.

Zhibo Lai is an independent filmmaker based in the DMV area, with a diverse portfolio spanning shorts, features, music videos, and commercials. 

His specialties include narrative cinematography, visual effects, and editing. In 2012, he founded Dimension FX, a boutique post-production house dedicated to delivering high-quality visual effects and post-production services tailored to indie budgets. With the recent surge in AI filmmaking tools, Zhibo has strategically pivoted his company to harness AI's potential, leveraging it to enhance creative freedoms and drive innovative storytelling.

Anthony Greene is a multifaceted force in the world of cinema, known for his diverse talents as a filmmaker, writer, producer, film distributor, and visionary behind innovative film initiatives. With a career spanning various creative endeavors, Greene has left an indelible mark on the local independent film industry through his compelling storytelling and entrepreneurial spirit.

Greene's journey in filmmaking began with a passion for the medium, which led him to create four feature films that have been distributed worldwide. Notable among these works are "The Henchman's War," "American Comic," and the upcoming, "The Hurtz Brothers," each showcasing Greene's unique vision and directorial ability.

In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Greene has made significant contributions as a writer, penning insightful film editorials for publications such as Spectrum Culture and Cinemaseige.com. His keen insights into the cinematic landscape have earned him respect and admiration among peers and cinephiles alike.

An innovator in film distribution, Greene has established himself as a trailblazer in the industry with the founding of the Film Village Streaming and Festival brand. This groundbreaking platform provides a dynamic space for micro-budget independent filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with audiences globally, bridging the gap between creators and viewers.

Greene's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond film production and distribution, as evidenced by his role as the founder of several esteemed film festivals and series. These include the North Beach American Film Festival, Push Play Animation Film Series, True to Life Documentary Series, and the Frights and Fears Horror Festival, each serving as a platform for emerging talent and established filmmakers to shine. In addition, Greene has also contributed to the local film community by programming the 2024 Artomatic DC film screenings and judging 48 Hour Film competitions in the DMV.

In recognition of his contributions to the art of filmmaking, Greene has been honored as the DC Filmmaker of the Month and has co-produced a seven-week film run at the 2024 Artomatic Art Festival in Washington DC. Additionally, he has served as the executive producer of the acclaimed Frights and Fears Horror Anthologies, further solidifying his reputation as an advocate for the independent horror genre.

Anthony Greene's dedication to his craft, coupled with his entrepreneurial vision and creative ingenuity is what he plans to utilize to help shape the future landscape of micro-budget cinema, inspiring future generations of filmmakers to push boundaries and pursue their artistic ambitions.

On a personal note, Anthony Greene is a native Washingtonian who grew up in PG County, hailing from Southern Avenue in Temple Hills, Maryland. https://m.imdb.com/name/nm3527772/

About PGFF

The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) and the Prince George’s Film Office present the third annual Prince George’s Film Festival - Take 3 (PGFF Take Three). Hosted in Prince George’s County, Maryland, this inaugural celebration of cinematic arts and culture is presented in partnership with Bowie State University. The festival is purposed to bolster filmmakers, provide a platform to showcase their films, and network with industry representatives and local creatives. Additionally, the Prince George’s Film Festival will highlight the collaborative partnerships between the academic, social, political, and business communities within the County.

The Prince George’s Film Festival is the premier event for new film works from up-and-coming and established independent filmmakers with diverse voices. PGFF Take Three is dedicated to presenting the best of cinema in Prince George’s County and creating transformational experiences for filmmakers, digital creators, and film enthusiasts.

As Prince George’s County becomes an attractive shooting destination for blockbuster films, the Prince George’s Film Festival aims to provide independent filmmakers the opportunity to participate in the film magic taking place throughout the county. PGFF Take Three is a curated space that will feature virtual and onsite film screenings, keynotes, panels, networking receptions, and interactive workshops dedicated to creative voices in filmmaking, animation, tech, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.

PGFF Take Three is expanding filmmakers’ toolkits with workshops dedicated to animation, cinematography, and acting, as well as panel discussions and talkbacks, focused on trends and the future of film. PGFF keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking events will take place in person over a four (4) day schedule at various locations throughout Prince George's County. Films in Competition will be available for screening digitally on-demand in four various categories.

Selected filmmakers will have an opportunity to participate in live Q&A’s and press opportunities on-site at PGFF Take Three.

More info: https://www.pgfilmfestival.com/
 

Please use code "WALA" for 20% off the Festival all-access pass. 

Event Details

• Date

  September 28, 2024

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• Time

  1:00pm - 2:15pm

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• Partner

  The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council and the Prince George’s Film Office

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• Venue

  Bowie State University 
  Fine & Performing Arts Center
  14000 Jericho Park Road
  Bowie, Maryland 20715