Industry Talk with Steve Tellez

Presented in cooperation with the Petaluma Cinema Series at Santa Rosa Junior College. The business of making movies and media is left out of most film training programs, which tend to focus on theory and production. AVFilm proudly supports emerging filmmakers through our educational programming, and we recognized an opportunity to create relevant behind-the-scenes chats for students of film and film fans. In collaboration with the Santa Rosa Junior College, we will offer a quarterly series focusing on the business of making movies featuring some of the brightest minds in the film industry. Our first Industry Talk opens with a conversation with veteran talent agent Steve Tellez, followed by the screening of IN THE BEDROOM and Q&A after the film. Talent Agent Steve Tellez will join us for an onstage conversation at 6 p.m. and will answer questions following the 7 p.m. screening. About the expert: Steve was in the Entertainment business for over 35 years as a Television and Feature Film agent. He worked with some of the premier agencies in Los Angeles, managing talent and packaging TV shows and series by creating deals between talent, directors, writers, networks, and studios. Steve spent 20 years with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and was involved with the careers of top-tier actors, writers, directors, and music artists. He was one of the first agents involved in crossing over Nashville musicians such as Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell, and Tim McGraw into movies and television. He guided careers and negotiated contracts with stars such as Beau Bridges, Cicely Tyson, Angela Bassett, Donald Sutherland, and of course, Sissy Spacek. His career also included working with the CAA marketing and branding division, putting clients such as Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson, and Mattel on the big screen. Steve also served on the board of the Academy of Country Music for a number of years. After retiring from the industry in 2016, Steve and his wife Kirsten moved up to their property in Cloverdale, where they have been growing cabernet sauvignon since 2004. Steve now focuses on the grapes and writing and performing songs. He earned his degree in Business Management from California Polytechnic State University, SLO. About the title: IN THE BEDROOM Todd Field, 2001, USA SYNOPSIS: When Frank, a young fisherman and aspiring architect (Nick Stahl), becomes involved with a recently separated single mother (Marisa Tomei), tensions rise in a small seaside town in Maine. The result is a superbly-acted bedroom drama that takes us places we never expect. Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek shine as Frank’s parents in Todd Field’s (Tár, 2022) debut film. The film was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actress, and Screenplay. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Interview starts at 6 pm. Film follows at 7 pm, and Q&A after the screening. Steve Tellez will join us for an onstage conversation at 6 pm and will answer questions following the 7 pm screening. Where: Carole L. Ellis Auditorium, Petaluma Campus, Santa Rosa Junior College. Parking passes are required on the Petaluma Campus and may be purchased from machines upon entry. ($4)