BMI sponsored Don’t Knock the Rock Film and Music Festival’s “Music in Film, TV and New Media” roundtable discussion August 16 at the Silent Movie Theatre in Los Angeles. Panelists addressed the changing landscape of music rights and new media while educating attendees on song placement in film, television and new media; obtaining music rights for films; and the art of composing original music.

Moderated by acclaimed actor and musician Michael Des Barres, the discussion drew insight from a diverse coalition of professionals. Experts participating in the conversation included BMI Vice President of Film/TV Relations Doreen Ringer Ross; director Allison Anders (Gas, Food, Lodging, Grace of My Heart and Sugar Town); Bug’s Mara Schwartz; Disney’s Scott Holtzman; Paramount’s Liz McNicoll; Natural Energy Lab’s Danny Benair; music supervisor Howard Paar (The L Word and Herbie Fully Loaded); producer/composer CJ Vanston (A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration); and director Denny Tedesco (The Wrecking Crew).