The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) has announced its newly elected Chairperson and Board of Directors for the 2025–2027 term, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to supporting and amplifying the global independent film and television industry. Paul Bales, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at The Asylum, has been elected Chairperson, succeeding outgoing Chair Clay Epstein of Film Mode Entertainment, who served two consecutive two-year terms.
Bales joins IFTA’s 15-member Board of Directors, which welcomes several new executives representing leading independent production and distribution companies:
- Scott Bedno, Managing Director, Sales & Acquisitions, TPC
- Shaked Berenson, CEO, Entertainment Squad
- Scott Jones, President/CEO, Artist View Entertainment
- Chloé Marquet, Head of International Sales, STUDIOCANAL
- Delphine Perrier, COO, Highland Film Group
- Lise Romanoff, Managing Director/CEO, Vision Films
- Michael Ryan, Director, Gleneagles Films
This marks the first IFTA Board term for Scott Jones and Delphine Perrier.
Continuing their second year of service are Brian Beckmann (Arclight Films), Caroline Couret-Delegue (Film Seekers), Michael Dwyer (Resurgence Media Group), Michael Favelle (Odin’s Eye Entertainment), Diane Ferrandez (AGC Studios), George Hamilton (Protagonist Pictures), and Alice Laffille (FilmNation Entertainment).
“I’m proud to serve as Chairperson and to continue IFTA’s vital work on behalf of independents,” said Paul Bales. “These are challenging times for our industry, and I’m honored to collaborate with such an experienced and insightful group of Directors. Our members are the bedrock of a creative and innovative ecosystem, and IFTA remains dedicated to helping them bring independent films to audiences around the world.”
“Paul’s deep understanding of our business and unwavering commitment to IFTA make him an outstanding Chairperson,” added Jean Prewitt, IFTA President & CEO. “His leadership, along with our newly appointed Board, will be invaluable as we navigate both ongoing challenges and new opportunities. Their resilience truly defines what it means to be independent.”
Bales has served as COO and Partner at The Asylum since 2006, overseeing the company’s growth into a prolific production and distribution powerhouse, with more than 500 titles, including the Sharknado franchise and numerous original productions for Syfy and Netflix. Before joining The Asylum, he was National Director of SAGIndie, the Screen Actors Guild’s outreach program for independent producers.
A longtime IFTA Board member and advocate for independent filmmaking, Bales is also a member of the Producers Guild of America and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Reel 360 News wishes Paul all the best in his new chapter with IFTA.
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