An exceptional opportunity awaits producers, directors, filmmakers, film students, and anyone passionate about the creative industries: meet, learn from, and engage directly with Bill Mechanic—veteran Hollywood producer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pandemonium, and one of the most respected figures in the global film industry.
Bill Mechanic’s remarkable career is closely associated with two of the world’s most influential entertainment giants: The Walt Disney Company and Fox Filmed Entertainment.
At Disney, he oversaw the company’s worldwide theatrical distribution, home entertainment, and pay television businesses. Under his leadership, Disney’s home entertainment division grew from annual revenues of US$30 million to more than US$3 billion. He also founded Buena Vista International, which became the industry’s leading international theatrical distribution company in its first full year of operation.
As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment, Bill Mechanic helped transform Fox into the world’s highest-grossing film studio in 1998. During his tenure, he supervised the production, marketing, and distribution of numerous acclaimed films, including Independence Day, Moulin Rouge!, Cast Away, Minority Report, Speed, True Lies, Boys Don’t Cry, The Thin Red Line, and William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet.
Most notably, Bill Mechanic oversaw the production of Titanic, the landmark film that won a record 11 Academy Awards and became the highest-grossing film of all time upon its release. Altogether, Fox productions under his leadership received 82 Academy Award nominations.
After becoming an independent producer, Bill Mechanic continued to leave his mark through Pandemonium, producing acclaimed films including:
- Hacksaw Ridge – nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, winning two Oscars.
- Coraline – nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and winner of the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film.
- Co-producer of the 82nd Academy Awards, one of the most Emmy-nominated Oscar ceremonies.
- Executive Producer of The New World and Dark Water.
Beyond filmmaking, Bill Mechanic served two terms on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organization behind the Academy Awards, and has held distinguished jury positions at prestigious international film festivals, including Berlin, Venice, Tokyo, and Camerimage.
On the occasion of his participation in the 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV), the Organizing Committee is honored to present an exclusive Masterclass personally led by Bill Mechanic.
Drawing on decades of experience spanning film production, studio management, international distribution, and strategic leadership of global entertainment brands, Bill Mechanic will offer practical insights into how cinematic projects are conceived, developed, financed, marketed, and ultimately brought to audiences around the world.
Time: 09:00 – 12:00, July 1, 2026
Venue: International Convention Palace (ICP), Furama Resort Danang
Registration: https://forms.gle/qtC29MZLkGpFoKZ76
Application results announcement: June 27, 2026
For further information, please contact:
- Email: workshop.pm.danaff@gmail.com
- Phone: Mr. Trọng Khôi (Jayden Dao): (+84) 908-804811
Seats are limited. Register early to increase your chance of joining this exclusive Masterclass and gain first-hand insights into international film production and studio leadership from one of Hollywood’s most accomplished producers at DANAFF IV.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
