Round Table: Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution: Bethiael Alemayoh, Bill Vergos, and Carylanna Taylor

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      "details": "Bethiael Alemayoh is an independent filmmaker who guides independent filmmakers through the public media distribution pipeline. In her role as the Director of Content & Distribution at Austin PBS, she oversees the “Austin PBS Presents” slate, facilitating the national distribution of local films & television projects. \r\r\r\rHer mission is to demystify the distribution process for filmmakers by educating them on the public media model and empowering them to make the best choices for their projects, with strong consideration to career sustainability. Since joining Austin PBS, she's distributed over 30 projects including: City of Songs, How Are We Today, Price of Paradise, and more.\r\r\r\rBethiael also oversaw the launch of Austin PBS's inaugural filmmaker grant programs in 2025: the Finishing Funds grant for existing documentaries and the Digital Originals Grant for new and fresh local web series.\r\r\r\rAs a narrative filmmaker her own work has screened nationally and internationally with festivals and organizations, such as: SXSW, BlackStar Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, The Bullock Texas State History Museum, and more. Her work has received support from Indie Memphis and the Sundance Institute.",
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      "details": "Carylanna Taylor is a filmmaker, anthropologist, and Director of Sales and Acquisitions at The Film Sales Company, where she helps independent films reach global audiences. She holds an M.F.A. in Producing from the American Film Institute Conservatory and a Ph.D. in Applied Cultural Anthropology from the University of South Florida. Carylanna has worked in development with Oscar-winning production companies and produced both documentary and narrative shorts and features. As co-founder of First Encounter Productions, she produced the features Anya (2019) and Painting the Way to the Moon (2015), blending storytelling with social and scientific inquiry. Before filmmaking, she conducted research and taught in Latin America on migration, environment, and sustainable development, earning awards from Fulbright and the National Science Foundation. She continues to merge her anthropological lens with film, developing new projects on mental health and migration.",
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      "details": "Bill Vergos is the Head of Digital Film Distribution at Magenta Light Studios, overseeing digital release strategy and platform partnerships as the company expands its presence in the global streaming and independent film space. Prior to Magenta Light, he spent 15 years at Freestyle Digital Media, helping build the division into one of North America’s leading independent distribution labels and releasing more than 700 titles across TVOD, SVOD, AVOD, FAST, and theatrical platforms.\r\rVergos has a strong track record with SXSW alumni, acquiring and releasing several festival titles, including A Bad Idea Gone Wrong, Aberrance, Best Summer Ever, KRZYK: Losing Control, KTown Cowboys, and Served Like a Girl. Recognized by Media Play News as one of the Top Indie Film Distribution Power Players of 2024 and 2025, he is committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of independent filmmakers. Originally from Chicago, Vergos is a graduate of Emerson College’s film program.",
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