TTAFF March 14, 2026
Q&A & Workshops Schedule
AMC Sundial 12 - Theater 1
151 2nd Ave North, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701
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FOOD ROOTS Q&A Session Featuring Billy Dec
Time: 4:20pm
Length: 10 minutes
Place: AMC Sundial Theater 3
Synopsis
Billy Dec is a 2-time Emmy Award Winning TV Personality, Actor, Attorney and Entrepreneur. Dec is the Founder/CEO of celebrated businesses like Sunda New Asian Restaurants, The Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club, as well as cutting edge Creative Agency COACT, with 4000+ teammates around the world.
Dec can regularly be seen hosting and cooking on local and national TV, loves to act from time to time, and is proud to share his heritage in his new documentary FOOD ROOTS. A Chicago-Kent College of Law and Harvard Business School Alum, Dec was a Presidential appointee for five years, serving on the White House Advisory Commission on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, and the White House Bullying Prevention Task Force, and has served on many local philanthropic boards and committees.
Moderator
Tian Liu - TTAFF Founder & CEO of Tigertail Pictures LLC
WORKSHOP #1: The Impact of AI on Filmmaking and New Media
Time: 4:30pm
Length: 25 minutes
Place: AMC Sundial Theater 1
Synopsis
Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of visual storytelling. This session dives into the newest AI tools transforming screenwriting, production, editing, VFX, and animation, while also examining how creators are using AI across emerging platforms such as interactive media, virtual production, and digital art. Attendees will gain practical insights, real-world examples, and ethical considerations to help them harness AI to expand creativity, streamline workflows, and innovate across the rapidly evolving world of film and new media.
Speakers
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Franklin Rivera - CEO; V2M2 Group, Inc./ ARP Visuals
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Professor Gregg Perkins - Prof. & Chair; Film, Animation & New Media, UT
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Professor Santiago Echeverry - Prof. Film, Animation and New Media, UT
Moderator
Miyoung Chong - Assistant Prof., Dept. of Journalism & Digital Communication, USF
WORKSHOP #2: How to Fund Your First Film?
Time: 5:00pm
Length: 25 minutes
Place: AMC Sundial Theater 1
Synopsis
Learn the essential strategies independent filmmakers use to get their projects off the ground. This workshop covers how to build a compelling pitch, create a realistic budget, and navigate funding avenues such as grants, investors, crowdfunding, sponsorships, and in-kind partnerships. Attendees will walk away with practical tools, real examples, and a step-by-step roadmap for securing the resources needed to turn their first film from an idea into a fully financed production.
Speakers
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Joshua Morgan - Tampa-based Filmmaker
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Tony Armer - Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Sunscreen Film Festival
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Michael Brown - Founder & CEO of shostak.tv
Moderator
Alex Honda - Prop Master