The Symposium on the New Hollywood, taking place Saturday, May 2, brings together industry leaders, scholars, and students for a dynamic exploration of the rapidly shifting film and television landscape. The day will feature timely panels addressing pressing questions such as whether AI will replace actors, where production is happening now, and whether tax incentives can sustain Louisiana’s film industry. Highlights include the 12:30 PM panel, “Hollywood Doesn’t Need Us Anymore? Issues Facing the Changing Film Industry Today,” with speakers from Perpetual Entertainment, Lionsgate, and Film Louisiana, followed by a Q&A session on breaking into the industry. The afternoon continues with a critical discussion on tax incentives and their impact on Louisiana filmmaking, and a student pitch session offering emerging creators the opportunity to present original work directly to studio executives. The symposium concludes with a reception and a screening of Beast (dir. Tyler Atkins, 2026), introduced by Joshua Spector, making for a full day of insight, conversation, and connection.