Reels Reels brings new films and sessions to Greenville this week
March 22, 2026
With 85 amazing independent films being show over three days in fantastic downtown setting, what more could film fans wants?
How about a series of free educational sessions that take a deeper look into the world of how film is created and marketed. Each of these sessions will be held at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, 15 University Ridge, just a short walk from the festival.
Sessions include:
Creatively Marketing & Distributing Your Film: Saturday, March 28 at 9:30 am
Using three real-world examples, the workshop will break down modern distribution strategies and indie film marketing tactics to maximize the impact of your movie in today’s oversaturated marketplace.
It features Samuel W. Reed, a screenwriter, director, and film producer best known for writing and producing the critically acclaimed documentary CinemAbility starring Jamie Foxx, Marlee Matlin, Geena Davis and Ben Affleck. Reed also wrote narration for the SXSW award-winning film Take Me to the River and served as ghostwriter on the Sony Pictures Film, Beyond Valkyrie. In 2021, Reed produced the successful indie golf comedy Birdies, and has just wrapped post-production on his feature directorial debut Into the Wilderness, which will be released in 2026. Using three real-world examples, the workshop will break down modern distribution strategies and indie film marketing tactics to maximize the impact of your movie in today’s oversaturated marketplace.
SCETV – Producing for TV: Saturday, March 28 at 11 am
Join SCETV’s Shae Winston for this session that looks at working on the small screen. A talented multimedia producer, Winston’s work includes the acclaimed A Town on Fire, Backroad Bites, Our Town, and Palmetto Scene. Winston is dedicated to storytelling and has a passion for exploring significant local issues.
He will discuss the many aspects involved in preparing an idea for the “green light” process and the logistics of delivering a quality show for broadcast.
International Filmmaking: Saturday, March 28 at 1 pm
This session is led by award winning writer, director, and producer, Pat Battistini, who brings more than thirty years of television, film, and stage experience to the set. Starting his career in Chicago, he has made stints around the world working in various cities in the States, the Bahamas, Tahiti, Thailand, and Japan where he worked with an all-Japanese cast performing shows in Japanese. Since 2018, Battistini has received 83 awards while also garnering additional nominations.
Improv Fun: Saturday, March 28 at 2:15 pm
Hosted by the crew from Big Brain Theatre, where they are dedicated to allowing improvisers, actors, and performers to express their ideas, showcase their talents, and play. The platform provides a space for creative individuals to connect, collaborate, and bring their artistic visions to life no matter how ridiculous it may seem.
Q &A with John Carrington III – Cinematographer: Saturday, March 28 at 3:30 pm
Join us for an exclusive Q&A with ICG Local 600 Director of Photography John Carrington III. From global campaigns for brands like Toyota, BMW, and Google to filming in more than 30 countries, Carrington has spent two decades mastering the intersection of light, movement, and emotion.
Whether you are curious about the logistics of large-scale commercial sets for brands like Google and Amazon, or the creative “obsession” required to capture emotion through light and movement, this session offers a rare look behind the lens.
All of these sessions are free, but do require a ticket.
Film tickets and passes start at $10 for single film sessions and go through $135 or weekend passes. Tickets and the entire weekend schedule can be found here.
About Reedy Reels
Reedy Reels promotes the appreciation of the art of filmmaking while generating support for independent filmmakers, especially in the Upstate. The festival will engage the community and create exposure for local filmmaking while building inspiration and new opportunities for local artists. Learn more at reedyreels.com.
