Forget the Ad: Why the Best Brand Work Today Looks a Lot Like Film (June 25, 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

In Person ONLY event !

June 25, 2026 | Vagrants | 6:00pm - 8:30pm

230 Somerville Ave, Somerville MA (Vagrants Office)

Ticket Price:

(Includes: Foods, Drinks, Networking, Panel, Q&A and more!)

Free Parking at the Target parking lot nearby

WIFVNE Member: $20

Non-Member (Public): $40

Seating is limited and available on a first come first serve basis.

Join Women in Film & Video New England (WIFVNE) and Vagrants for Forget the Ad: Why the Best Brand Work Today Looks a Lot Like Film. The event explores how forward-thinking brands are embracing cinematic storytelling to connect with audiences in more authentic, emotionally resonant ways.

This in-person event brings together marketers, producers, filmmakers and creative directors who are blurring the lines between branded content and film to create work that audiences actually want to watch.

We’ll kick off with networking (food & drinks), followed by a moderated panel and audience Q&A, and close with additional time to connect with fellow attendees.

6:00–6:30 pm – Networking and check-in
6:30–7:45 pm – Panel conversation + Q&A
7:45–8:30 pm – Networking and close

Attendance is capped at approximately 50 people, with a 50% discount for WIFVNE members.

Conversation Focus

This panel will dig into how brand work is evolving beyond the traditional advertisement toward richer, more narrative-driven content that looks and feels like film.

Panelists will discuss how they collaborate across marketing, production, and directing roles; what successful brand storytelling looks like today; and how filmmakers can navigate opportunities in this space.

Moderator and Confirmed Panelists

The discussion will be moderated by Kim Divincenzo, Lifestyle & Documentary Director, WIFVNE Board Member.

Confirmed panelists include:

Whitney Bogosian (Producer, Arnold) – A producer working at the intersection of agencies, brands, and creative talent to bring complex campaigns to life.
Sara Robin (Filmmaker, “Your Attention Please”) – A director and storyteller whose work exemplifies how cinematic craft can elevate branded and commissioned projects.
Samantha Valletta (Director / Actor / Producer) – A multi-hyphenate creative bringing an on-camera and behind-the-camera perspective to brand-centered storytelling.
Abby Peterson (Creative Director, Connelly Partners) – A creative leader shaping concept, tone, and narrative for campaigns that increasingly resemble short films.

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for:

Filmmakers and directors interested in branded content and creative partnerships with brands
Producers and production professionals working with agencies, studios, or in-house brand teams
Brand marketers and creative directors eager to collaborate more deeply with film talent
WIFVNE members and the broader New England creative community curious about where advertising and filmmaking are heading next

You’ll leave with a clearer sense of how to position yourself in this evolving landscape, the language brands and agencies use when they talk about “film-like” work, and practical takeaways for your next collaboration.

Table Read Tuesday (June 30, 2026)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:30:00 GMT

WIFVNE Table Read Tuesdays are back for 2026!
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 6:30PM

Table Read Tuesdays takes place monthly, spotlighting fresh voices in film and television and performed by WIFVNE member actors. Join us for these lively readings followed by a discussion with the writer.
Admission is $5 for the general public and free for WIFVNE members.
Reserve your spot and support emerging writers and performers in our community!

This week's Spotlight: THAT SUMMER WE STOLE OUR PERMANENT RECORDS

Written by: KERSTI NIEBRUEGGE

Register here if you are a table read actor or want to enjoy listening in: https://www.wifvne.org/event-6667936

Interested in participating? WIFVNE members can submit scripts or sign up to be a reader by emailing tablereads@wifvne.org.

WIFVNE and Brew - July (July 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:30:00 GMT

NEW DATES ! WE ARE MEETING ON THURSDAYS!

WIFVNE and Brew

Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 3:30–6:00 PM | Shannon View Inn, 1901 Post Rd, Warwick, RI | Free (cash bar)

Monthly Rhode Island networking event (every 3rd Wednesday) in partnership with RI Film Collaborative and RIC Film Society.

New location this month! Join WIFVNE for a casual and creative evening of conversation and connection at Shannon View Inn. Whether you're new to the scene or a seasoned pro, come unwind and connect in a welcoming, film-friendly atmosphere.

Open to all!

RSVP at wifvne.org

PLEASE NOTE WE ARE AT A NEW LOCATION AND NEW DAY OF THE WEEK GOING FORWARD.

Women in Film & Video New England upcoming events

Forget the Ad: Why the Best Brand Work Today Looks a Lot Like Film (June 25, 2026)

Table Read Tuesday (June 30, 2026)

WIFVNE and Brew - July (July 16, 2026)