Young Professionals Day
The Young Professionals Day is the place to be for graduating film-, animation- and drama students, young professionals, and newcomers to the film industry.
In a panel discussion moderated by Mediarte, Jennifer Heylen and Stijn Van Kerkhoven talk about how they started out in the industry and share their experiences. Sabam, Playright, Cultuurloket, and other partners join for round table sessions to guide young creators and students through the intricate landscape of the film industry. The day ends with a network drink.
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Young Professionals Day
Practical information
Date: Tuesday, December 2 2025, 3 - 6:30 PM Location: STUK Café, Naamsestraat 96, 3000 Leuven
Timetable
3:00 PM: Panel talk with Stijn Van Kerkhoven (Oh, Otto) and Jennifer Heylen, moderated by mediarte, about the first steps in their careers.
4:00 – 5:30 PM: Round table discussions on various topics
5:30 – 6:30 PM: Network drink
ROUND TABLES: the round tables are fully booked. We recommend to show up at 3 PM for the event. In case some spots will open up, you can take place at the table. In any case, you can listen to the panel and participate in the network drink. Thank you.
ROUND TABLE 1: DISTRIBUTION & FESTIVAL STRATEGY => FULL
Speakers: Hors du Bocal, & Agence du Court Métrage. Moderator: Dalton Distribution
ROUND TABLE 2 : DISTRIBUTION & FESTIVAL STRATEGY => FULL
Speakers: Dalton Distribution & Radiator Sales. Moderator: Kortfilmfestival Leuven
Your film is finished; now what? How do you make sure it reaches the audience it deserves? At this table, sales agents and distributors will explain the different possibilities for your film.
ROUND TABLE 2: ACTORS => FULL
Are you a beginning actor eager to learn more about the casting process in audiovisual productions and how intimacy and nudity are handled on set? Then join this round table.
Speakers: Elien Van Aerschot (casting director at GEORGE), Philine Janssens (intimacy coördinator), Jennifer Heylen (actress). Moderator: mediarte
ROUND TABLE 3: CONTRACTS, STATUSES & EARNING MODELS => FULL
Speakers: Sabam & Cultuurloket. Moderator: Scenaristengilde
ROUND TABLE 4: CONTRACTS, STATUSES & EARNING MODELS => FULL
Speakers: DeAuteurs & Amplo. Moderator: Unie van Regisseurs
What should you pay attention to when signing an author’s contract with a producer? Under which employment status should you work, and what is the most advantageous earning model for your situation? The speakers at this table will provide clear answers to these questions. Speakers: Sabam, DeAuteurs, Unie van Regisseurs, Cultuurloket, Amplo. Moderator: Scenaristengilde
ROUND TABLE 4: ANIMATION => FULL
What are the challenges for emerging animators and animation filmmakers? These experienced speakers will guide you through them.
Speakers: Lauri Saunders (filmmaker & storyboard artist), Brecht Van Elslande (producer & lecturer), Anne Verbeure (filmmaker), Ben Tesseur (filmmaker & board member Unie van Regisseurs). Moderator: Jeroen Ceulebrouck (filmmaker & board member at ABRACA)
+ There will be one-on-one consultations with a Sabam legal advisor to discuss specific questions. => FULL
Partners
Sabam, Playright, mediarte, DeAuteurs, Unie van Regisseurs, Scenaristengilde, ABRACA, Cultuurloket, Amplo, Agence du Court Métrage, Dalton Distribution, Radiator Sales, GEORGE
The main language of this event will be English.
Also interesting for young professionals on this day: Master Talk: Cato Kusters 6PM
