Whistler Film Festival Unveils Industry Summit Lineup
October 19, 2016
Whistler, BC – Structured around bringing films to market and designed to provide filmmakers with tools to succeed both within and beyond our borders, delegates can expect to gain insights from industry heavyweights (including Carolle Brabant – Telefilm Canada Executive Director, Corrie Coe – SVP, Independent Productions – English Language, Bell Media, Patrick Roy – President, Film, North America Entertainment One & President, Les Films Seville, and Hal Sadoff – CEO, Silver Pictures), as well as ignite and close deals, while enjoying ‘Canada’s coolest film fest’ in North America’s premier mountain resort.
Running from December 1 to 4, WFF’s Industry Summit will address the business and future of Canadian film, locally and internationally, as well as the ever-changing landscape of filmmaking in the digital age. Over the course of the four-day event (expanded by one day from 2015), delegates will have the opportunity to hear from and connect with over 100 cinematic masters, creative innovators, business visionaries, and industry leaders. Featuring 25 interactive sessions designed to foster business collaborations through both structured and informal networking opportunities, WFF’s Summit aims to provide practical business and creative intel for filmmakers and dealmakers, as well as spark debate through a variety of high level keynotes and panel discussions on topics that include finance, marketing, distribution, technology and export. With up to 1,000 expected delegates including industry executives from LA, New York, and Canada, as well as top tier filmmakers and digital trailblazers, Whistler is the place to be, connect and deal this December.
WFF’s Summit directly connects to WFF’s slate of 12 talent programs designed to provide creative and business immersion experiences for 75 Canadian artists (with 50% from BC) including the Feature Project Lab, Praxis Screenwriters Lab, Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship, Power Pitch, Stars to Watch and Music Showcase. New for 2016, WFF added the Doc Lab: Story Money Impact, Digital-First Lab and Canon Hi5 Short Film Challenge. WFF also collaborates with several industry organizations by hosting specific third party initiatives at the Whistler Summit including the Women in the Director’s Chair Industry Immersion, Women in Film & Television Film Market Preparation Mentorship, and the MPPIA Short Film Award Pitch with the Motion Picture Production Industry Association and Creative BC.
“Each year, the Whistler Film Festival Industry Summit gets bigger and better. It is certainly becoming THE must-attend annual industry event for anyone in Western Canada with ambitions in the feature and short film realm,” said Paul Gratton, WFF’s Director of Programming. “This is attested to by the high-level attendees, speakers and panelists who now make Whistler their final and in some cases their only Western Canadian stop in the fall festival circuit. From Commissioning Content Executives and the senior heads at Telefilm (we are honoured to have Executive Director Carolle Brabant among us this year) to distributors, production executives, and accomplished directors and writers, they will all be here, discussing the changing metrics of the indie film scene, new distribution models, digital and online streaming, and financing feature films. Reflecting our programming philosophy, WFF’s Summit is an ideal opportunity for emerging and established independent filmmaking voices from the West Coast to meet and mingle with key power brokers and some of the great creative minds of our times. This really is one industry event that you can’t afford to miss.”
WFF’s Industry Summit launches on December 1 with Crossing Borders, which focuses on the producer point of view on the business of international co-productions and working with the world’s largest markets – the US and India. Highlights include:
- OPENING ADDRESS: Presented by Telefilm Canada’s Executive Director Carolle Brabant and WFF Director of Programming Paul Gratton, WFF’s Summit opens with an engaging address on Telefilm’s Micro-budget Production Program, diversity, gender and indigenous content as well as the success of first features outside the program.
- THE FRENCH CONNECTION: This year, as usual, some of the WFF’s strongest Canadian films hail from Quebec. Why is there such a tradition of creative excellence in Quebec cinema? Audience support has often been cited, but are there signs that it is starting to wane. How does one explain the extraordinary success that Quebec filmmakers like Denis Villeneuve and Jean-Marc Vallée are experiencing making American movies? Join WFF Director of Programming Paul Gratton and a robust panel of prominent filmmakers and experts in this lively discussion of the state of Quebec cinema in 2016. (Panelists to be announced in November).
- CROSSING BORDERS: CANADA & INDIA: Featuring experienced co-pro filmmakers Deepa Mehta, David Hamilton and Dilip Mehta, this in depth discussion will focus on their creative inspirations as well as the challenges and advantages of working on co-productions with Canada and India. Moderator: Brian D. Johnson – Contributing Editor, Macleans, President, Toronto Film Critics Association and Filmmaker (Director, AL PURDY WAS HERE – WFF 2015)
- POWER PITCH: The two-step competition and boot camp for pre-selected Canadian producers provides them the opportunity to master the art of the pitch and then pitch their projects to the world’s top sales agents for feature films. The winner will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize sponsored by CMPA and a $10,000 studio space credit sponsored by The Crossing Studios of Vancouver (valid to December 31, 2017). Jan Miller – International Consultant, Lowenbe Holdings will deliver the boot camp and moderate the pitch. The jury includes Marie-Claude Poulin – Producer, BROOKLYN, CAFE DE FLORE, C.R.A.Z.Y, Benedict Carver – Producer, EYE IN THE SKY, MAP TO THE STARS, and Dian Crossing – President/CEO, The Crossing Studios.
- PRODUCING POWERHOUSE INDIES: Producers today are forced to get very creative with funding models, casting choices and production strategies to get their films made. This session highlights indie producers who have risen to the occasion and carved out a niche for their films amidst the multitude of studio fare. Moderator: Peter Wetherell – President, Magus Entertainment. Panelists include Marie-Claude Poulin – Producer, BROOKLYN, CAFE DE FLORE, C.R.A.Z.Y, Benedict Carver – Producer, EYE IN THE SKY, MAP TO THE STARS, and Joe Jenckes – Producer, MARGIN CALL, KILL YOUR DARLINGS.
On December 2, WFF’s Summit International Sessions provides an industry point of view that will address the evolving business models for feature films, from financing to distribution to new platform opportunities, attracting some of the most influential players in the industry. Highlights include:
- MARKET OVERVIEW: THE YEAR IN REVIEW: This session features a high-level report on the last twelve months in Canadian film with a panel that includes a veteran producer, major exhibitor, funder, major film distributor and film critic who follows the Canadian film scene. Moderator: Paul Gratton – Director of Programming, Whistler Film Festival. Panelists: Jason Gorber – Film Critic, Twitch Media, Michael Kennedy – Executive Vice President, Filmed Entertainment, Cineplex, Stephanie Azam – Marketing and Distribution Specialist for English-language feature film, Telefilm, Tom Alexander – Director, Theatrical Releasing, Mongrel Media, and David Miller, Producer, Agency 71.
- DIVERSIFYING DISTRIBUTION: Learn from the pros as they share their successes and failures in how to crack the daunting challenge of theatrical success. They will clarify what a distributor brings to the table that a filmmaker can’t do for him or herself, and offer insights on the difference between wide, platform, niche and day and date release strategies, when should a film go straight to online sales, bypassing theatres entirely, and the role (if any) of TV and print advertising, online media and film festival exposure. Moderator: Tim Brown – President, Joker Films. Panelists: Berry Meyerowitz – President, Rocket Dog Media Inc., Peter Nelson – SVP Production, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, and Tom Alexander – Director, Theatrical Releasing, Mongrel Media.
- MARKETING MAVERICKS: This panel of experts will navigate the waters of film festivals, film markets and critical reviews to address how independent films get discovered and rise above the marketing clutter, in a sea of mega-marketed comic book epics and amidst an audience driven market. Moderator: Liz Levine – Co-Founder & Producer, Random Bench. Panelists: Marcin Janowski – Global Entertainment Marketing & Publicity, International Film Trust, with more to be announced in November.
- MEET MARKET – 1+1 MEETINGS: Filmmakers and producers with industry experience and production credits have the opportunity to pre-register for high-level one-on-one meetings on December 2nd to pitch their projects to commissioning editors, sales agents, distributors, and other key executives attending the Summit. (Experts to be announced in November).
- DOC EXCHANGE: DOCUMENTARY IMPACT: Designing strategic impact campaigns and measuring their outcomes is becoming a key part of documentary distribution. Gain best practices from social issues media-makers and the frontlines of Story Money Impact. Moderator: Tracey Friesen – Writer, Story Money Impact. (Panelists to be announced in November).
- BEHIND THE LENS – THE FEMALE POV: With 14 feature films directed by women in its lineup, WFF shines the spotlight on some of the filmmakers for an inclusive discussion around the creative wins and losses of indie filmmaking from the female POV. Moderator: Trish Dolman – President & Producer, Screen Siren Pictures. Panelists: Amy Jo Johnson – Director, THE SPACE BETWEEN, Kirsten Carthew – Director, THE SUN AT MIDNIGHT, and Leslie Ann Coles – Director, MELODY MAKERS, SHOULD’VE BEEN THERE, with more filmmakers to be announced in November.
- VIEW FROM THE TOP: The day rounds off with the Summit’s annual highlight featuring an insightful and high-level two part discussion on series TV, SVOD and independent film with experienced senior players at the top of their field including Corrie Coe – SVP, Independent Productions – English Language, Bell Media, Patrick Roy – President, Film, North America Entertainment One & President, Les Films Seville, and Hal Sadoff – CEO, Silver Pictures.
On December 3, WFF’s Content Connections turns to the creative point of view featuring the world’s top screenwriters and director, a live script read from projects in WFF’s Praxis Screenwriters Lab, and more. Highlights include:
- MPPIA SHORT FILM AWARD PITCH: The 10th annual competition features five shortlisted filmmakers from BC who will pitch their projects before a jury of three industry professionals and an industry peer audience with $15,000 in cash and $100,000 in production services on the line to create their project.
- IN CONVERSATION – VARIETY 10 SCREENWRITERS TO WATCH: The Whistler Film Festival has proudly hosted the Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch program since 2012. Join this year’s honoured screenwriters in an entertaining and informative discussion. Share in some personal stories and learn firsthand about both the artistic challenges and the practical business realities related to succeeding in today’s film market. Host: Steven Gaydos, Executive Editor & Vice President, Variety. (Screenwriters to be announced in November).
- LIVE SCRIPT READ: PRAXIS SCREENWRITERS LAB. Join our talented screenwriters and actors for a live read of select scenes from four of the six projects that are part of our 2016 Praxis Screenwriters Lab. Facilitator: Patricia Gruben, Director, Praxis Centre for Screenwriters. Projects: Allan Hopkins (BC), Indian Road Trip, Ashley Fester (AB), The Long Way Home, Dusty Mancinelli (ON), Little Kings, Elisa McRae (BC), Colour Me Jane, Sandy Yates (BC), Red Serge Duty, and Titus Heckel (BC), Chaos Theory. (Actors to be announced in November).
- DIRECTOR MASTERCLASS: Learn from a master director who has built a reputation on having a distinct voice in film. This masterclass conversation will highlight the career of a director who has carved out a unique niche in the industry and created some of the most memorable cinematic moments and characters of our time. (Director to be announced in November).
December 4, WFF’s Content Connections themed day focused on the digital point of view, and designed to empower storytellers at all levels of filmmaking and provide a firsthand insight into the ever-changing world of content creation and distribution, and music in film. Whether it is connecting short form or feature content to an online audience, making the most out of an online channel, or getting concepts onto screens of all sizes, filmmakers are invited to participate in this afternoon of discussions, screenings and networking with filmmakers and industry experts. Highlights include:
- STREAM BIG PART I: PICK OF THE PLATFORM. Some short films make it into festivals and some content creators find a following online, but this is not always a guarantee of success. Choosing the best platform for projects becomes a vital decision for the life of that content. In this session filmmakers and content creators will find out their options from some of the leading online platforms today. Panelists: Ian Durkin, Senior Curator, Staff Picks, Vimeo, Nina Sudra, General Manager, VICE Studio Canada Inc., and more to be announced in November.
- STREAM BIG PART II: MAKING THE JUMP – WEB SERIES TO TV. There are multiple ways for content creators to find their way to both network television and SVOD platforms. In this case study, listen and learn from a panel of successful online content creators who have made the jump into television. (Panelists to be announced in November).
- STREAM BIG ROUNDTABLES: Offering face-to-face access with industry experts from the Stream Big sessions, content creators and filmmakers can ask in-depth questions about creating and marketing content online, and get feedback for their projects. It is also a great opportunity to make connections. (Experts to be announced in November).
- BIG ROCK SHORTWORK SHOWCASE: This year’s Big Rock ShortWork Showcase features a lively presentation of an eclectic collection of short films comprised of films from Crazy 8’s, WFF’s Canon Hi5 Short Film Challenge and some of fest’s short films.
From November 30 to December 4, the Whistler Film Festival will welcome film fans and filmmakers to experience its 16th edition featuring fresh films, special guests, epic events, unique industry and talent programs, and time to play in North America’s premier mountain resort destination. The Whistler Film Festival combines an international film competition with a focused Industry Summit dedicated to the art and business of filmmaking in the digital age. Featuring 90 innovative and original films from around the world and opportunities to connect with the people who made them, this year’s fest will be filled with a solid lineup of premieres, honoured guests, lively celebrations, and unique industry initiatives.
WFF’s Industry Summit schedule and guest lineup are now available at whistlerfilmfestival.com, with additional guests to be added in the coming weeks. WFF’s film lineup schedule will be available online on November 1. 14 films have already been announced.
The Festival’s online box office at whistlerfilmfestival.com/attend/ is now open for VIP Patron Passes, Industry Passes, Ticket Packages and Festival Credentials.
Air travel and ground transportation deals as well as best accommodation rates are now available on whistlerfilmfestival.com/attend/. WFF has 18 accommodation partners to choose from including host hotel, the Westin Whistler Resort and Spa and VIP hotel the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort.
The Whistler Film Festival is supported by Telefilm Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation and the American Friends of Whistler, and is sponsored by Variety, Creative BC, The Harold Greenberg Fund, Cineplex, Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, Gibbons Whistler and the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler.
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