We would like to invite all Anaheim University students and alumni to attend our next Live from Hollywood guest speaker, President and Owner of Film Mode Entertainment, Clay Epstein, on Friday, Aug 27, 2021 from 7:00 - 8:00 PM California time (PST). Todd Olsson adds to Highland Film Group a unique perspective; studio and indie experience on both the creative development and production side, coupled with extensive experience in financing, international marketing and distribution. Holding a Fine Arts degree in Cinema from Brigham Young University, Todd began his career at the Walt Disney Company as Director of Acquisitions at BVHE, acquiring more than 100 titles and managing the studio's Studio Ghibli deal. He then went into the world of independent film, working in international sales positions for such companies as Mark Damon's MDP and Lakeshore Entertainment.

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Clay Epstein is the President and Owner of Film Mode Entertainment, a worldwide sales and distribution entity with a producer friendly initiative. The company has quickly become competitive with such films as CRYPTO starring Kurt Russel, LITTLE PINK HOUSE starring Catherine Keener and the upcoming SLAYERS starring Thomas Jane, Malin Ackerman and Abigail Breslin

Clay Epstein began his career working as a Production Manager for local television before graduating from California State University, Northridge. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Film Production and minoring in Italian Language. He landed his first job in Distribution with Kushner-Locke and worked his way from Production Assistant to Worldwide Sales Coordinator. In 2001, he was hired as Sales Director at Overseas Filmgroup. While there, he helped transition the sales division from Overseas Filmgroup to First Look Studios. He was promoted to Director of Operations and then Sales Executive where he oversaw the sales of 300 titles. In 2006, Clay joined the newly created sales and production company, The Little Film Company as VP Sales & Acquisitions. He helped grow the company into a leading boutique sales agency representing prestigious titles such as TSOTSI (2006, Academy Award Winner for Best Foreign Language), THE LAST STATION (2010, Academy Award Nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role) and EYE OF THE STORM (2012, AACTA Winner for Best Lead Actress). In 2012, Clay joined Arclight Films, as Senior Vice President Sales & Acquisitions responsible for all aspects of Marketing and Distribution. He was instrumental in acquiring and representing high profile films such as Paul Schrader ’s DOG EAT DOG starring Nicolas Cage, and the Spierig brothers’ PREDESTINATION starring Ethan Hawke.

Clay is an Executive Producer, an instructor at UCLA Extension, and a frequent lecturer at film festivals worldwide. He is the Vice Chairperson of Independent Film and Television Alliance, a member of PGA, FIND, BAFTA LA, and the Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts.