Meet Manny Halley producer based in LA and Atlanta

Filmfestivals.com founder Bruno Chatelin has been following Manny Halley at AFM for years, and met with him on his first Cannes in the Film Finance Forum (our partners) VIP room prior to his speaking in the panel "INDEPENDENT GREENLIGHT: THE METHOD BEHIND THE MADNESS"

Imani Entertainment Group is an American entertainment company founded and owned by Manny Halley. The company has offices in Atlanta and Los Angeles

INDEPENDENT GREENLIGHT: THE METHOD BEHIND THE MADNESS

In today’s evolving film economy, getting an independent film greenlit is more complex—and more creative—than ever. This panel brings together key decision makers across finance, sales, production, and creative to demystify what the greenlight process really looks like outside the studio system. We’ll unpack what a “greenlight” actually means for indie films, how it compares to traditional studio/streamer pathways, and how the current 2025 marketplace is reshaping timelines, financing, and strategic alignment. Panelists will share war stories, common missteps, and hard-won tactics that turn passion projects into productions.

In this panel we will speak with key decision makers who are an integral part of the decision to have an independent project get the official ‘greenlight’. This panel will discuss:

-        What does ‘greenlight’ mean for an independent film? 

-        The benefits and burden of a greenlit picture in the studio/streamer system versus as an independent

-        How financiers, sales agents, producers and creatives engage in the discussions around a greenlit project

-        The mistakes and ways to better navigate an independent project as it gets to the point of being made

-        How does the 2025 marketplace affect this?

MODERATOR:

Elsa Ramo – Founder and Managing Partner, Ramo Law

PANELISTS:

Jessamine Burgum – Founder and CEO, Pinky Promise

Yvette Zhuang - SVP of International Production and Distribution, Miramax

Grégoire Gensollen – COO, Tucker Tooley Entertainment 

Rob Guillermo - Co-Founder, Indus Valley Media

Imani “Manny” Halley - Founder and CEO, Imani Media Group & Faith Media Distribution