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Inspiring Future
Filmmakers
March 27, 2026
Morning Seminar: Friday March 27, 2026
9am - 1pm • The Studios at Assembly Park
Mixing the Moment: How Sound Brings Films to Life
Sound is one of film’s most powerful — and most misunderstood — storytelling tools.
In this in-depth seminar, Sound Engineer Brad Zoern explores the creative and technical role of the re-recording mixer, revealing how dialogue, music, and sound design come together to shape the final cinematic experience. Drawing from his work on major productions, he’ll break down professional workflows, collaboration, and the creative decisions behind a polished final mix.
The session includes a live sound mixing demonstration and concludes with an interactive Q&A and networking opportunity.
Brad Zoern
Panelist
Sound Re-recording Mixer
With over 25 years experience in the Film and Television Industry as a Sound Rerecording Mixer, Brad started his career on the Post Stages of Toronto, Canada working with the top studios and talents. He received professional accolades for his work on the History Channel Mini Series “The Hatfields and McCoys”, starring Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton for which he received his first Emmy Award and CAS Award in 2012. He has also received an Oscar, BAFTA, and CAS Nomination for his Mixing on Guillermo del Toro’s 2018 Oscar Best Picture, ‘The Shape of Water”. Most recently he has been nominated for his second Oscar, and BAFTA Award for the Netflix Feature Film, “Frankenstein”, his fourth film collaboration with renowned film maker Guillermo Del Toro. Brad has a passion for weaving the sonic landscape of a Film or Television Series so it compliments the story telling of the project. Collaborating with the client on making their artistic vision complete. After moving from Toronto in 2018 he is now living and working in the Post Sound Community in Los Angeles Enjoying the year round sunshine with his Wife and 3 Children.
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Evening Seminar: Friday March 27, 2026
6pm - 11pm • The Studios at Assembly Park
The Producer's Playbook
Funding and Selling Film in Ontario
Great films don’t get made on creativity alone — they’re built on strategy.
This seminar breaks down the business side of filmmaking within Ontario’s production landscape, guiding participants through how projects move from pitch to production to market. Learn how to craft fundable pitches, build finance-ready budgets, navigate funding streams, and understand what buyers and distributors are looking for. Featuring producers Michaelangelo Masangkay and Plato Fountidakis, this session offers practical, real-world insight to help filmmakers think like producers and position their work for success.
The seminar concludes with an interactive Q&A and networking opportunity.
Michaelangelo Masangkay
Panelist
Producer/Creative Executive
Michaelangelo Masangkay is a Toronto-based film producer, creative executive, and immersive media innovator with over 20 years of experience across production, international sales, and global partnerships. He is the Founder and President of Siné Institute, a non-profit dedicated to mentoring emerging filmmakers and expanding access for underrepresented voices in cinema, and spent 10 years at Toronto Film School mentoring hundreds of student filmmakers and overseeing large-scale productions. He is also a Partner at Clever Creature, a production company focused on 2D feature films and immersive storytelling. His producing credits include TOPAKK (Triggered), Maple Leaf Dreams, and Demon House starring Michael Paré, produced in both traditional and immersive formats, and he is currently developing remakes from the Roger Corman library, including The Haunting, The Terror Within, and Battle Queen 2020. Previously, he served 12 years as General Manager at Raven Banner Entertainment and 8 years as VP of Marketing and Sales at Cinemavault.
Plato Fountidakis
Panelist
Producer/Media Executive
Plato Fountidakis is a media professional and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience across production, technology, and the creative sectors of the media industry. He is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Fast Motion Studios, a leader in previsualization and motion capture for gaming, film, and emerging media; Managing Partner of Fast Motion Films, producing content for film, television, and digital platforms; and Managing Partner of Clever Creature, an international sales company positioning curated content in the global marketplace. With deep experience navigating the business realities of content creation, Plato brings practical insight into how strong ideas become finance-ready projects, secure support, and move successfully from pitch to production and beyond.