LOS ANGELES, CA.&nbsp — Biola Media announces the return of the Biola Media Conference to the CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA for its 2009 annual gathering.

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To be held on April 25, 2009 and set against the backdrop of the world-famous CBS Studio Center Lot, this year&rsquos conference theme &ldquoCLOSING THE DEAL&rdquo will bring top professionals in film, television, and digital media together to focus on how to get your project made in today&rsquos global media markets.

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Workshops will feature the art of pitching, knowing what projects Hollywood is looking for, discovering niche projects, no-budget filmmaking, legal aspects of deal-making, how power is used in Hollywood, living out your faith, and much more.

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&quotThe Biola Media Conference gives you a 30,000 foot view of Hollywood – how it works, how to navigate the system, and how to create powerful relationships,&rdquo states Ralph Winter, Producer: X-Men:Wolverine, Fantastic Four and Co-Chair of Biola Media&rsquos Studio Task Force. &ldquoThis year’s theme CLOSING THE DEAL is especially timely, because wishing doesn’t make projects happen.&rdquo

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&quotEveryone comes to Hollywood with a dream,&rdquo adds Phil Cooke, CEO/Creative Director of Cooke Pictures and co-host of the Biola Media Conference, &ldquobut few know how to make that dream happen.&nbsp This year’s focus will address the keys to taking your project from the dream stage to the sound stage, and in the process, transform your future.&quot

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Conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear numerous front-line speakers, attend workshops, interact with panel discussions, and enjoy valuable networking opportunities along the CBS back lot sets.&nbsp

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The Biola Media Conference is recognized as the largest and most influential national gathering for industry professionals of faith working in the entertainment field today, uniquely providing spiritual inspiration alongside informative, creative and professional opportunities.

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Past Conference Speakers have included:

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Michael Zoradi &ndash President, Disney Motion Picture Group

Steve McEveety &ndash Producer, The Passion of the Christ, Braveheart

Todd Komarnicki – Producer of Elf &amp Meet Dave

Anita Renfroe &ndash Comedian featured on ABC’s Good Morning America

Steve Tompkins &ndash TV Writer and Producer: Bernie Mac, The Simpsons

Kay Sumner &ndash Reality Show Producer: The Dog Whisperer

Ralph Winter &ndash Executive Producer: X-Men: Wolverine, Fantastic Four

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2009 speakers and panelists will be announced in early January.&nbsp

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&quotThis not-to-be-missed event compacts into one day an opportunity like no other,&quot notes Jack Hafer, Producer, &quotTo End All Wars&quot and Chair of Biola’s Cinema and Media Arts program, &quotIt&rsquos a chance to discover concrete directions for your career and put you in the touch with the people and resources anyone serious about a career in entertainment or media needs to know.&quot

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The Biola Media Conference is sponsored by Biola University&rsquos acclaimed Cinema and Media Arts Department.

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