TV DAY - Friday, September 26

9:00 – 10:30 AM
Series That Have Legs (FTV12)

Our impressive international co–production track record has lead to a surge in cross-border buying and collaboration. “Cop series Flashpoint is lapping up praise for the amazing numbers its debut episode scored for both CTV and CBS, and it promises to be the first homegrown drama to make it in U.S. network primetime since Due South… After years of our airwaves being dominated by Hollywood product, it is heartening to see Canadian-made programming grabbing some of that huge market to the south. And with MVP attracting attention on SOAPnet, Sophie upcoming on ABC, and The Listener on NBC, it would appear a boom time of Canadian drama exports is upon us.” – Playback, July 21 st. Join us in a discussion with US and Canadian producers and broadcasters about how to create engaging series that resonate with viewers beyond our borders. Sponsored by British Columbia Film and BC Producers' Branch-CFTPA.

Moderator:
Shawn Williamson, Producer/Principal, Brightlight Pictures

Guest Speakers:
Tara Ellis, Vice-President, Showcase and Drama Content, Canwest Media Inc
Virginia Rankin, Production Executive, Flashpoint
Brett Weitz, VP, Series Development, TNT Originals

10:45 – 12:15 PM
Showrunning: The Fusion of Business and Creative (FTV13)

As the key creative executive overseeing production, showrunners need to juggle the conflicting realms of creativity and management. They need to be creative on demand while overseeing hundreds of staff. And time is of the essence. In this session, a showrunner will give expert insights into how to be the most efficient and productive in: protecting creative concerns but respecting the bottom line in budgeting meetings; working with your casting directors to find the perfect actors in weekly casting sessions; keeping writers' rooms productive and inspired; dealing with censors; and the art of responding to network notes. Sponsored by Global Television, a division of Canwest Media Inc.

Moderator:
Charles Lazer, Co-Creator, Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy

Guest Speakers:
Chris Haddock, Creator, Intelligence
Hart Hanson, Creator, Bones

12:30 – 1:30 PM
Speed Dating – TV Day (FTV14)

Designed for emerging and transitioning TV writers and producers, these sessions are the perfect opportunity to have: one-on-one meetings with broadcasters and senior local producers; pitch projects; get feedback; and forge new relationships! Please click here for a list of participating producers and broadcasters, make your choice and email: forum@viff.org or call us at (604) 685.3547 to book your appointment!

1:30 - 4:45 PM
Telefilm Canada International Tête-à-Tête Meetings (FTV17)

The Forum is delighted that Telefilm Canada is again sponsoring the sixth instalment of the International Tête-à-tête Meetings. Designed to foster Canadian co-production and international sales, this unique series of meetings provides the opportunity to discuss current projects with international producers, distributors and commissioning editors.

Canadian producers are strongly urged to attend The Forum's International sessions prior to their meetings in order to best utilise time spent with international guests. Please check back here for the application form and eligibility criteria or contact us directly at forum@viff.org. Please note that pre-selection of candidates will go directly through The Forum in 2008. Application process opens on Fri Aug 31, 2008.

1:30 – 3:00 PM
Celebrating The Outlaws: TV's Bad Guys (FTV15)

Weeds, Dexter, Bones, Carnivale, Deadwood, House, The Wire… all feature highly complex characters that are mean, morally-dubious or just plain twisted! When did the bad guys become the good guys? While their moral compass once hit true north, recent TV protagonists increasingly dwell on the dark side. We bring together key creators from top series to discuss how they develop and craft these darker, complex characters and how to ride the edge between sympathy and deviance to keep audiences captive. Sponsored by the Independent Production Fund.

Moderator:
Helen du Toit

Guest Speakers:
Jenji Kohan, Creator, Weeds
James Manos, Jr., Writer/Producer, Dexter

3:30 – 5:00 PM
TV Directing Master Class (FTV16)

With a compressed production schedule and network demands looming, the world of episodic TV directing is a high-pressured one indeed. However, because the series producers have already established characters, themes, style, and continuity, the director can focus on performance and illuminating the core intent of the scene. Our guest director will discuss: how to challenge actors, long established in their roles, to elicit the best performance; how to direct the camera to heighten the tension in a scene; and how to best work with the myriad producers. Sponsored by CTV.

Moderator:
Bruce Marchfelder, Writer/Director/Producer

Guest Speakers:
Rodrigo García, Director, In Treatment, Big Love, Six Feet Under

DOC DAY - FILM DAY - TV DAY - NEW FILMMAKERS' DAY