2026 MAFF Seminars
Our mission is to be supportive of independent filmmakers and this years seminars certainly do that. You won't want to miss them! Seminar schedules will be posted in the 2026 Program Guide that will be posted to this website sometime in February 2026.
Darrell Fetty
Keynote Speaker
Darrell Fetty is a writer, producer and musician. His credits are endless (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0275368/), but may be most well known for producing his record breaking miniseries The Hatfields and McCoys starring Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton. He will present the keynote address "The World Needs Storytellers" followed by an audience Q&A. He will also chair a pitch session where attendees will get a rare opportunity to pitch their favorite movie ideas to an established major motion picture producer (time limit 2 minutes per pitch to allow time for feedback, and may be limited to 12 people by random drawing at the time).
Adam Jones
Adam Jones is a writer, actor, director, and producer with experience on both sides of the camera and has worked on over 130 episodes of TV (including Saturday Night Live and The Sopranos) and numerous feature films. He cohosts StoryOsophy, a podcast that explores screenwriting and storycraft, and works as a script doctor and story consultant for production companies and freelance writers in a variety of formats. A full list of his credits is viewable here on IMDb: imdb.me/doctajones.
Storycraft: The Screenwriter’s Toolkit
Join Adam Jones for a 2-hour screenwriting seminar where storytelling meets practical craft. Explore unique approaches to structure, character, and scene work while learning to write performable dialogue and action, track compelling arcs, and build narratives for maximum audience immersion. Packed with hands-on tips for designing your story from the blank page to its final form and pitch, this seminar combines clear instruction with interactive discussion. Come explore how to make writing easier through nonlinear construction and create an enjoyable workflow that frees you from writer’s block and keeps you excited about the process—perfect for writers at any level.
The New Indie: Making Movies Your Own
Learn how to bring your film ideas to life on a shoestring budget. This 2-hour seminar covers new perspectives on the filmmaking pipeline—everything from writing, producing, and casting to directing, shooting, editing, and distributing your work. Walk away with practical tips, strategies, and the confidence to make your project a reality. The first person who will make your film a reality… is you.
Jen Davis
Jen Davis is a Writer, Producer, and Production Designer with years of experience across multiple departments and disciplines. She's an avid supporter of in-state filmmaking and independent production, having helped produce several movies and TV shows in West Virginia.
The Production Checklist
Jen will lead a 1 hour seminar about the needs of production that independent filmmakers often overlook. From tax incentives and the use of pass-through companies to insurance, contingency, and other important production considerations, Jen will walk you through a bullet-point checklist you can use to ensure your project is ready for production. A blend of creativity and practicality, this seminar will explore tips on how to maximize your budget and make your production shine.