Join us for the upcoming sessions,
a very exciting four-part series.
Award-winning Australian screenwriter Catherine Smyth-McMullen has built a career that crosses borders — pitching and selling projects across the US, UK, and Europe. Now, she's sharing how you can do the same.
In this exclusive four-part monthly series, as a part of AiF’s Global Sessions, Catherine hosts conversations with top international industry professionals shaping the future of screen storytelling - from development all the way through to release. Meet the development executives, producers, sales agents, distributors, and marketing experts who turn creative ideas into global successes, and hear their advice for Australian creatives navigating today’s marketplace.
Each session delivers practical, actionable insights on moving projects forward, building authentic relationships, and capitalising on international opportunities from Australia - all essential skills for thriving in today’s global screen industry.
BONUS: Ask the best question during the Q&A for a chance to win an exclusive 15-minute post-talk chat with the guest speaker, as selected by Catherine during the session.
Selling The Story (Financing & Sales)
Session 2 of 4
Guest: Mark Gooder
Host: Catherine Smyth-McMullen
Wednesday, December 17, 3:00 p.m. PT
Thursday, December 18, 10:00 a.m. AEDT
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $20 USD (per session)
You’ve got a great script, maybe some talent attached - now how do you get it financed? What are pre-sales? And what is it that financiers and sales agents actually do?
In the second Inside Track session, Catherine talks to Mark Gooder, Co-President and founder of Cornerstone Films, a world-renowned international sales, financing and distribution company, and previously CEO of Icon Productions. Mark has acquired many of the most notable and award-winning films of the past three decades, including Paranormal Activity, The Blair Witch Project, Bend It Like Beckham, Slumdog Millionaire, 12 Years a Slave, as well as the upcoming film Pillion starring Alexander Skarsgard and Harry Melling.
Mark and Catherine will discuss how a project comes together, in Australia and internationally, how financing and packaging works, when sales agents come on board the development process, and how international market value can be set long before the cameras roll.
Mark Gooder - Co-President and founder of Cornerstone Films
Mark Gooder began his film career in Australia and New Zealand over 25 years ago. He established Icon Distribution in Sydney in 2000 for Academy-Award winning Producer/Director/Actor Mel Gibson and his producing partner Bruce Davey and re-located to Los Angeles in 2006 to oversee the Icon group of companies. In 2012 he became President of Acquisitions for The Weinstein Company. In 2015 he established the international sales company Cornerstone Films with business partner and former Focus Feature’s International President, Alison Thompson. The company is based in Santa Monica and London. Cornerstone works with Producers to help develop, finance, and sell films to the world marketplace. Mark is an Executive Producer on over 40 feature films including Good Luck to You, Leo Grande from Australian director Sophie Hyde starring Emma Thompson, Harry Leyton’s Cannes 2025 debut sensation, Pillion starring Alexander Skaargard and Harry Melling and the upcoming Jodie Comer/Harry Melling musical/horror/love story Stuffed from Theo Rhys.
Coming January 2026
Making The Story Real (Production)
Session 3 of 4
Guest: Phillip Kobylanski
Host: Catherine Smyth-McMullen
Wednesday, January 21, 3:00 p.m. PT
Thursday, January 22, 10:00 a.m. AEDT
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $20 USD (per session)
You’ve got the script and the finance plan. Your film is almost real. Now - how do you actually shoot it? Do you shoot in Australia, or overseas? And how do you balance creative ambition, with budget and logistics?
Guest: Phillip Kobylanski, President of Production, Valhalla Entertainment
*Registration link coming in January
Coming February 2026
Setting The Story Free (Sales & Distribution)
Session 4 of 4
Guest: Marc Wooldridge
Host: Catherine Smyth-McMullen
Wednesday, February 18, 3:00 p.m. PT
Thursday, February 19, 10:00 a.m. AEDT
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $20 USD (per session)
You’ve finished the shoot. It’s looking great in post. It’s time to take it out into the world. But, how do you make sure people see it? Which projects cut through at festivals and markets? And how has the theatrical model evolved in the age of streaming?
Guest: Marc Wooldridge, Managing Director, Maslow Entertainment
*Registration link coming in February