Film Tampere presents the last XYZ Masterclass of 2025! This masterclass will focus on unpacking direct-to-consumer storytelling formats in the midst of a constantly evolving film industry. How can emerging creators reach audiences without going through the traditional distribution model? What kinds of stories are connecting with audiences most effectively on these platforms? And how can filmmakers leverage success in direct-to-consumer models toward success in the broader marketplace? The masterclass is open and free of charge to all film and TV professionals and students. You’ll get the Zoom link to the Masterclass to your email after registration. Host and panelists: Host: Pip Ngo – EVP, Sales & Acquisitions, XYZ Films (US)Pip joined XYZ Films as a Director of Sales and Acquisitions in 2017 with a primary focus on driving sales in English-speaking territories and shepherding filmmaker-driven packages . Since then, he’s negotiated over a hundred distribution deals for XYZ’s robust sales and production slate, including titles like Skywalkers: A Love Story, Daniela Forever, and most recently, Redux Redux out of SXSW. He has also served as producer or executive producer on films like The Wolf of Snow Hollow, My Animal, Get Away, and History of Evil. He began his career in the independent film space after joining CAA’s Film Finance Group, before moving over to Sierra/Affinity and later Vimeo. David Kerns – COO & Executive Producer, Dropout.tv (US)David is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Producer at Dropout. David was an early producer at CollegeHumor for many years before working in a variety of production and creative roles in television and new media, including The Pete Holmes Show, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Funny or Die, Defy Media, as well as a variety of other networks and shows. David was the VP of Content and Production at Dropout when it launched, and then transitioned to COO and became a partner in the business when the company went independent in 2020. Since then, he has helped lead the growth and development of the company and played a fundamental role in its strategic, creative, and operational success to date. Jon Leland – CEO/Founder, Popular Demand Studios (US)Jon is the CEO and cofounder of Popular Demand, a new direct-to-fan entertainment studio incubated at CAA. Popular Demand partners with creators, IP holders, and traditional talent to finance and distribute films and episodic shows with and for their fans. Jon is the former Chief Strategy Officer of Kickstarter, the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. Victoria Fäh – Manager, IPR Lab (UK)Victoria leads the IPR LAB, the research and development arm of IPR.VC, which focuses on shaping future fund strategies through research on emerging opportunities in the content economy. She analyses shifts in content economics, new monetization models, and technology-driven processes to inform investment theses with long-term value. Throughout her career, Victoria has joined start-ups and small companies as an early hire, building new ventures, departments, and strategies from the ground up. She has developed start-ups at Antler VC, led development and strategy at media and content companies, and advised numerous start-ups and media organizations on innovation and fundraising. More info: niina.virtanen@businesstampere.com Welcome! Register Copy the event page link