The State and Future of Production
Join Us for “The State and Future of Production” — Dec 10 (Virtual Roundtable + Live Q&A)
We’re excited to invite you to a one-hour virtual roundtable, “The State and Future of Production,” happening Wednesday, December 10.
Hosted by Rudy Callegari and Colin Barnhart, this conversation brings together leaders from across the production world to talk frankly about what’s shifting, what’s breaking, what’s improving—and what’s coming next.
This won’t be a panel performance or a sales pitch. It’s a candid, grounded discussion among people who live deep inside the work every day.
What We’ll Cover
Where are we heading? Technology is changing how we shoot, and that, in turn, changes where we shoot.
The real financial pressures reshaping production
Client behavior: timelines, expectations, and where demands are shifting
Staffing models: freelance, hybrid, in-house, and everything in between
Technology + AI: where it helps, where it gets in the way
Regional and global trends affecting U.S. and international production
The state of incentives & policy
And a live Q&A with the audience
Meet the Hosts & Panelists
⭐ Colin Barnhart – Founder, Black Ink Business Services
Colin has spent more than 20 years advising production and creative companies on pricing, profitability, operations, and scaling sustainably. He works with studios, content shops, experiential teams, post houses, and hybrid production models across the U.S. and Europe—giving him a wide-angle, financial view of what’s working and what’s not in today’s production landscape.
⭐ Rudy Callegari – Co-Founder, Edge Auto Rental
Rudy is a longtime New York–based entrepreneur and co-founder of Edge Auto Rental, one of the most trusted vehicle and logistics partners for film, TV, and commercial productions. With decades of hands-on experience supporting crews on the ground, Rudy brings a practical, operational perspective on how productions actually run and where the industry is feeling pressure.
⭐ Jackie Raphael – SVP Current Programming & Executive Producer, Wheelhouse
Jackie is a powerhouse in unscripted entertainment, serving as SVP of Current Programming and Executive Producer at Wheelhouse. With nearly three decades of experience across network series, celebrity-driven formats, and brand-forward storytelling, Jackie brings a sharp, creative, and deeply market-aware perspective on what audiences want—and what it really takes to deliver it.
⭐ Jackie Stolfi – SVP Production, Avalon • Emmy-Nominated Producer • Member of CAP
Jackie is an Emmy-nominated producer and SVP of Production at Avalon, where she oversees hit series including Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Flatbush Misdemeanors, and specials with Iliza Shlesinger, Marc Maron, and Sam Jay. A veteran of film, TV, and indie production, Jackie has produced everything from Adult Swim comedies to award-winning documentaries. She is also a member of CAP (Coalition for American Production), advocating for stronger tax incentives and industry sustainability.
⭐ Pavla Burgetova – Founder, Managing Director & Global Executive Producer, COMPASS ROSE
Pavla has built and led production companies across the world—from Europe to South Africa to Latin America. She began her career growing Stillking Films into an international force before founding SAVAGE and later COMPASS ROSE, a global umbrella of top-tier production service companies. Her experience spans commercials, large-scale international shoots, and cross-border creative collaboration.
⭐ Andrew Stern – Founder & CEO, Be Electric Studios
Andrew is the founder and CEO of Be Electric Studios, one of NYC’s leading production hubs specializing in fully sustainable studios, in-camera VFX LED stages, and full-service equipment support. He is also Co-President of the Production Initiatives Association (PIA) and co-founder of the Coalition for American Production (CAP), helping lead the expansion of New York’s film tax credit in 2023 and 2025.
⭐ Aaron Gordon – Co-Founder and COO of Synapse VP
Aaron Gordon is a serial entrepreneur and recognized leader in creative innovation, virtual production, and company culture.
As Co-Founder and COO of Synapse Virtual Production, he is helping build a next-generation, filmmaker-centric, real-time production ecosystem. This includes a growing national network of LED volumes, currently in LA, Texas, and NY. Synapse collaborates with partners such as Netflix, Amazon/MGM, Marvel, Paramount, and Artists Equity, and supports an even broader roster of top commercial production companies and agencies across the advertising industry. Before launching Synapse, Aaron founded Optic Sky Productions, where his team delivered global campaigns for Google, Amazon, Wegmans, Lenovo, Snap, Zillow, and dozens of other category-defining brands. Aaron is also deeply committed to education and mentorship, helping develop the next generation of entrepreneurs, directors, artists, and creative technologists.