The Festival Jury
Charlie Baker
Charlie Baker began his career in film in 1996 while working as a video store clerk, and has since written more than ten screenplays, directed a feature film, and co-written the Cinema Epoch release, A PROPER VIOLENCE. In 2012, Charlie gained hands-on script development experience and developed his eye for material and market fit at Syfy Films, a joint venture with Universal.
Charlie joined Orange Entertainment in 2013 as a reader. He moved into acquisitions in January 2014 and now serves as Vice President, where he oversees the selection and development of the company's film slate.
Jillian Neal
Simon Horsman
Simon is a lawyer qualified in California and the UK with over 25 years of experience representing some of the world's largest technology, e-commerce and media companies, an experienced financier across a number of industries, and a producer of feature films, television shows, theatre and other live events. As a producer, Simon has won a Tony Award, an Emmy Award, and two Olivier Awards, and has produced multiple Emmy-nominated and Sundance Award-winning documentaries and films. His film credits include The Space Between Us (2017), Never Say Her Name (2017), and Juliet, Naked (2018), as well as the TV miniseries LA Lakers: The Legacy (2022).
Jillian Neal is a Vice President at Untitled Entertainment, where she brings 20 years of experience as a talent manager guiding actors at every stage of their careers. Known for her sharp eye in developing new talent, Jillian pairs a deep commitment to emerging artists with the expertise to build and sustain long-term careers at the highest levels of the industry.
Her client roster reflects that range, spanning industry veterans and rising stars alike, including Matthew Modine, Brooke Shields, Jane Seymour, Rowan Blanchard, and Paris Jackson. Across two decades in the business, Jillian has built a reputation for strategic career guidance, strong industry relationships, and a genuine investment in her clients' creative and professional growth.
Simon is a lawyer qualified in California and the UK with over 25 years of experience representing some of the world's largest technology, e-commerce and media companies, an experienced financier across a number of industries, and a producer of feature films, television shows, theatre
and other live events. As a producer, Simon has won a Tony Award, an Emmy Award, and two Olivier Awards, and has produced multiple Emmy-nominated and Sundance Award-winning documentaries and films. His film credits include The Space Between Us (2017), Never Say Her Name (2017), and Juliet, Naked (2018), as well as the TV miniseries LA Lakers: The Legacy (2022).
Charlie Baker began his career in film in 1996 while working as a video store clerk, and has since written more than ten screenplays, directed a feature film, and co-written the Cinema Epoch release, A PROPER VIOLENCE. In 2012, Charlie gained hands-on script development experience and
long-term careers at the highest levels of the industry.
Her client roster reflects that range, spanning industry veterans and rising stars alike, including Matthew Modine, Brooke Shields, Jane Seymour, Rowan Blanchard, and Paris Jackson. Across two decades in the business, Jillian has built a reputation for strategic career guidance, strong industry relationships, and a genuine investment in her clients' creative and professional growth.
Jillian Neal is a Vice President at Untitled Entertainment, where she brings 20 years of experience as a talent manager guiding actors at every stage of their careers. Known for her sharp eye in developing new talent, Jillian pairs a deep commitment to emerging artists with the expertise to build and sustain
developed his eye for material and market fit at Syfy Films, a joint venture with Universal.
Charlie joined Orange Entertainment in 2013 as a reader. He moved into acquisitions in January 2014 and now serves as Vice President, where he oversees the selection and development of the company's film slate.
During the Banned Book Short Film Festival, students will adapt public domain books that have been challenged or banned into short films.
Today’s political climate has fostered a uniquely passionate and involved youth that is eager to express their right to learn. However, despite being the very group impacted most by book bans, students lack platforms to speak out.
This initiative will give a stage for students to defend their education by drawing attention to books that are being censored.
Screenings will take place in person in Hollywood, Los Angeles. More details will be available very soon.
During the Banned Book Short Film Festival, students will adapt public domain books that have been challenged or banned into short films.
Today’s political climate has fostered a uniquely passionate and involved youth that is eager to express their right to learn. However, despite being the very group impacted most by book bans, students lack platforms to speak out.
This initiative will give a stage for students to defend their education by drawing attention to books that are being censored.
Screenings will take place in person in Hollywood, Los Angeles. More details will be available very soon.