PIVOT. CREATE. LEAD.
The Future of Film & Television
2026 Sponsors
July 24-26, 2026
Albuquerque, NM
Join us for Frame by Frame 2026: PIVOT. CREATE. LEAD: THE FUTURE OF FILM & TELEVISION
This immersive event brings together hundreds of film industry professionals, aspiring filmmakers, and key stakeholders to build a stronger, more connected independent film community. Our ultimate goal is to build the infrastructure of our independent film community toward sustainable careers within New Mexico. We do this by focusing on above the line professional development, continued crew development, building of writer's rooms, and ensuring strong career pathways into the film and television trades.
20% of all ticket sales and sponsorships go to support the local film industry in New Mexico, with 10% contributed to the New Mexico Film Emergency Fund and 10% contributed to the New Mexico Film Grant program, a small grant program hosted by Katharsis Media to support local productions.
Through our pitch competition, this event elevates one television pilot for production in 2027 with a $20,000 production budget.
The event includes a vendor & resource fair ,panels, expert-led small group workshops and master classes, film screenings, networking opportunities, black tie gala, awards, and exclusive sponsor and VIP events.
Important Dates:
February 13, 2026-July 15, 2026: Early Bird Registration*
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All Access Passes: $100
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VIP All Access: $160
*Thanks to a sponsorship from the New Mexico Film Office, we are able to maintain Early Bird Registration prices through the regular registration window!
July 16--July 24, 2026: Late Registration:
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All Access Passes: $125
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VIP All Access: $200
Priority Workshop Selection:
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July 8, 2026 for VIP passholders
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July 10, 2026 for All Access passholders
July 12, 2026: Individual Workshop Tickets on sale (as available)
Tentative Schedule:
Friday, July 24, 2026:
Kick Off Mixer!!
5:00pm-8:00pm
Join us for a little pre-event mixer!
Ticket / Passes available for pickup during this event as well.
The Imperial--Special Event Space
701 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Speed Networking**
7:00pm-8:30pm
Sit down across from some of our incredible speakers
and industry professionals to talk shop and ask questions!
**FOR VIP PASSHOLDERS**
location sent 1 week prior to event to VIP Passholders
Speakers & Special Guests confirmed:
Oscar Rene Lozoya II, Joshua A. Friedman, Joshua Butler, Annine Fan Zhang, Alexandra Rivas (NMPBS), Andrea Quijada (NMPBS), Kathryn Brink, Theresa Stoll (Bankston Talent), Ciarra Blackwell (Priority Talent), Evangeline Archibeque (Priority Talent)
And more TBD
Late Night Screening
8:45pm-10:30pm
The Historic Lobo Theatre
Saturday, July 25, 2026:
The Historic Lobo Theatre
8:00am: Registration Opens
9:00am: Welcome Address / Keynote
Panels & Workshops held at The Historic Lobo Theatre & The Black Cat Cultural Center
10:00-11:15am: Panel #1 / Screening Block #1 / Workshops Session 1
11:30am-1:00pm VIP Luncheon (VIP PASSHOLDERS & SPEAKERS)
1:00pm-2:15pm Panel #2 / Screening Block #2 / Workshops Session 2
2:30pm-3:45pm Panel #3 / Screening Block #3 / Workshops Session 3
4:00pm-5:15pm Panel #4 / Screening Block #4 / Workshops Session 4
The Historic Lobo Theatre
7:30pm-9:30pm Black Tie Gala & Awards
9:30pm-11:30pm Late Night Entertainment
Sunday, July 26, 2026:
The Historic Lobo Theatre
8:00am: Registration Opens
9:00am: VIP Brunch (VIP PASSHOLDERS & SPEAKERS)
10:30-12:30pm: Closing Session
Registration, Vendor & Resource Hall, and Panels will all be at the Lobo Theatre.
Final workshop details will be available starting July 2026.
2026 Speakers & Workshops!
We are still finalizing the Workshops for 2026, but here's what's on the docket so far!
Each session includes one large group panel with industry professionals as well as several small group workshops designed to teach skills and mentorship in a small group setting. Workshops seats are limited and VIP and All Access Pass holders receive priority selection through July 11, after which, workshops/sessions will be available for registration on a first come, first served basis. Opening and Closing Sessions and the Vendor Hall are open to all registered participants.
Opening Session Saturday, July 25, 2026: 9:00am-9:45am
A Conversation with Sara Krupnick:
Pivoting in the Paradigm Shift of the Entertainment Industry
Session 1: 10:00am-11:15am
Panel: The Future Is Already Here: AI, Vertical Stories & the New Audience
Panelists: Annine Fan Zhang, Brian Solomon, Robb Wilson King
Workshops
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AD Bootcamp Part 1
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Joshua A. Friedman
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Director's Prep for an Episode of TV
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Oscar Rene Lozoya II
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Q&A with Alessi-Hartigan Casting
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Shayne Hartigan
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Networking Coffee Break
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Casual space for collaboration
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Session 2: 1:00pm-2:15pm
Panel: Leading the Story: Creators on Building the Future of Storytelling
Panelists: Oscar Rene Lozoya II, Dezbaa', Galen Walker, Joshua Butler, Joshua A. Friedman
Workshops
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Financing Your Indie Project
- Neil Forcadela
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Verticals 101
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Annine Fan Zhang
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Improv for Film & TV Actors
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Networking Coffee Break
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Casual space for collaboration
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Session 3: 2:30pm-3:45pm
Panel: Beyond the Headshot: Casting, Representation & Building a Career
Panelists: Kathryn Brink, Shayne Hartigan, Lori Latham, Ciarra Blackwell
Workshops
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Building the Content to Include Design
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Robb Wilson King
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Pitching Your Project
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Joshua Butler
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Mini Vertical Production Lab
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Annine Fan Zhang
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Networking Coffee Break
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Casual space for collaboration
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Session 4: 4:00pm-5:15pm
Panel: Funding What's Next: Financing, Distribution & the New Economics of Film & TV
Get insights into how projects are funded, sold, and delivered to audiences in a shifting media landscape.
Panelists: Neil Forcadela
Screenplay & Pitch Competition
Adjudicators: Galen Walker, Oscar Rene Lozoya, Joshua Butler, Candice Neu, Joshua Friedman, Shayne Hartigan
Workshops
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Prepping for Post Production Audio
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Jason Wolf
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The NM Tax Rebate Process (& Updates)
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Professional Scene Study
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Networking Coffee Break
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Casual space for collaboration
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Closing Session Sunday, July 26, 2026: 10:30am-12:30pm
State of the NM Film Industry: What's Next
The Pitch Competition provides an opportunity for filmmakers, writers, and creatives to pitch their film or series projects to a panel of producers, directors, and industry experts and receive feedback. In addition, one
Categories:
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Feature Film (Production Consideration)
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Series or Limited Series (Production Consideration)
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Feature Film OR Series (Non-Production Consideration)
Production Consideration categories will be scored based on feasibility of the project to be produced within a micro-budget of no more than $20,000. The project should be set in modern times, using found locations, and with limited special effects.
The Non Production Consideration category winner may submit a script of any budget and does not need to be set in modern times or using found locations. It can be either feature film or the pilot for a series or limited series.
12 finalists will be selected and invited to pitch their project to a panel of industry professionals during the conference either virtually or in person at the Frame by Frame Film Industry Summit & Gala held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pitches will be 5 minutes and 5 minutes will be allowed for feedback, with written notes provided after the competition to all finalists. Winners in each of the 3 categories will receive a $500 cash prize. Winners in the two production categories will also have their project produced by Katharsis Media.
The goal of this competition is to discover bold, feasible projects and give emerging creators a platform to break into the industry through hands-on mentorship and production opportunities.
Learn more or submit on Film Freeway beginning February 25, 2026.
Support the future of New Mexico’s film and television industry by becoming a sponsor of the 2026 Frame by Frame Film Industry Summit & Gala!
This one-of-a-kind event brings together emerging filmmakers, seasoned professionals, and industry leaders for a full weekend of professional development, networking, and celebration. All proceeds benefit Katharsis Media’s internship and registered apprenticeship programs, which provide hands-on training and job placement for New Mexico creatives.
As a sponsor, your brand will be recognized across print, digital, on-air, and on-site platforms, with opportunities that include:
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Logo placement on event materials and signage
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On-stage and screen recognition
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VIP seating at the gala
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Social media and email marketing mentions
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Sponsorship Spots on the New Mexico Education Channel (Comcast 96)
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And more!
We offer multiple sponsorship tiers and custom packages to meet your marketing goals. Whether you're a local business or national brand, your support makes a direct impact on the next generation of storytellers.
