Global Media Makers in Trieste – January 20, 2026, 9:30 am
In partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Italy and the American Corner Trieste, Film Independent invites you to a Global Media Makers masterclass, presented by U.S. television industry leader Wendy Calhoun.
Innovation and Vertical Storytelling with Wendy Calhoun
Inside the Multi-Billion Dollar Vertical Microdrama Boom: How Made for Smartphone Storytelling is Transforming Global Entertainment. A creator discussion exploring the innovation, business models, story structure, production strategies, and emerging opportunities in vertical storytelling.
Wendy Calhoun is a Peabody-award-winning writer and producer. Her unique career spans one-hour dramas, unscripted series, VR, and gaming. Calhoun has sold over a dozen television pitches with bold leading roles for women and people of color. She is currently developing new series with Korea’s CJ ENM, Universal UK, and Realm. Her scripted drama credits include writing and producing the historic blockbuster first season of Fox’s Empire and debut seasons of The Rookie Feds, Prodigal Son, Station 19, Nashville, Revenge, andJustified. She’s a frequent guest speaker for the National Academy of Sciences, Coverfly, Film Independent, and the Austin Film Festival. Calhoun is an honored alumnus of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and serves on the Board of Directors for the Geena Davis Institute.
Global Media Makers program is an innovative film exchange program designed to create connections between leading American filmmakers and industry professionals with international filmmakers from different regions of the world, including Italy.
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Place: American Corner Trieste, Piazza S. Antonio Nuovo, 6, Trieste, Italy
Please RSVP using the below link