(New York) – Oscar-winning filmmaker Bruce Cohen and CreativeFuture Executive Director Ruth Vitale teamed up Tuesday night to discuss the challenges and opportunities for today’s filmmakers. The discussion, part of a special Artist Academy edition of NYFF Live, was held at Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Filmmakers in attendance heard the two film veterans offer suggestions about the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies, the impact piracy has had on the industry, and how to protect their work. Cohen used his own career as reference as he discussed how industry changes – from distribution channels to social media – have impacted up-and-coming filmmakers.

Cohen’s illustrious film career includes a Best Picture Oscar win for American Beauty, as well as Best Picture nominations for Milk and Silver Linings Playbook. Cohen also produced Big Fish, and was Executive Producer of the ABC series Pushing Daisies, which won a total of seven Emmys and received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Comedy. Cohen recently launched Bruce Cohen Productions, adding live events, theater, and new media to his existing film and television businesses.