Friday, September 28

TF13 Co-productions
International co-productions provide a framework to complete the equation of production financing. Drawing from the expertise of our speakers, this panel will examine the financial as well as the creative imperatives that may lead producers to co-productions. Beyond financial considerations, how can a film be developed creatively by two (or sometimes three) producers, often on two different continents, and remain relevant to their respective audiences while making its way in international markets? This year we will also have a close look at what can happen to visible minority-based subjects, with recent examples that will take us from market resistance to seduction and success, both in the domestic and international marketplace. This panel will be interactive, so we invite you to bring your questions. 9:15 am to 11:00 am

Moderator
Deborah Drisdell, VP, Acquisitions & Co Production, Sextant Entertainment Group

Guest Speakers
Andreas Bajohra, Producer, Phantom Pictures
Jamie Brown, Producer, Studio Eight
Dominique Green, Head of Co-production, UK/Northern Europe, StudioCanal
Christine Haebler, Producer, Crescent Releasing
Kees Kasander, Producer, The Kasander Film Company

TF14 Are There Any Sexual Boundaries Left?
The past half-decade has seen a blossoming of real sex in mainstream art film. Catherine Breillat's Romance, Lars von Trier's The Idiots, Virginie Despentes’and Coralie Trinh Thi’ Baise-moi, and now Patrice Chereau's English-language Intimacy are finding audiences worldwide, while censors seem to be turning a blind eye. Is this a trend that is bound to continue and expand or just a blip? What does it mean, if anything, for the future of cinema? Sure, sex sells, but at what cost? Our panel of directors gets hot under the collar while considering the issues related to real sex on screen. 11:15 am to 1:00 pm

Moderator
Ron Yamauchi, Freelance Writer, The Georgia Straight
guest speakers to be announced

Where Do We Go From Here: Understanding the International Marketplace
The criteria for the acquisition and distribution of independent projects are undergoing perpetual change in all territories, affecting producers everywhere. Keeping up to date with these changes is mandatory. As the chances dwindle for indie films to gain a theatrical release, international TV rights now seem to be driving the marketplace. What is happening with other windows? In the following two panels, one dedicated to theatrical release and the second to television release, international sales agents, producers’ reps and international broadcasters provide a no-holds- barred overview about the state of North American and overseas distribution.

TF15 selling for theatrical
11:15 am to 1:00 pm

Moderator
Peter Broderick, President, Next Wave Pictures

Guest Speakers
Pierre Brousseau, President, Seville Pictures
Micah Green, Producers Representative, Cinetic Media
Helen Loveridge, Director Sales and Acquisitions, Orfeo International
Annakarin Strom, Sales Director, Trust Film Sales

TF16 selling for television
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Moderator
Jacques Bensimon, Chairman, National Film Board of Canada/Government Film Commissioner

Guest Speakers
Nick Jones, Head of Film Programming, Channel Four/Film Four
Don McGregor, Financial Analyst, Worldwide Sales & Distribution, Canal Plus US
Paola Freccero, VP, Film Programming and Acquisitions, Sundance Channel

TF17 PitchOFF WEST
During the inaugural PitchOFF West, six filmmakers will have the unique opportunity to pitch their film or television concept to a prestigious panel comprised of top entertainment decision makers with the power to greenlight a production and jump-start their careers.

Along with the opportunity to pitch their story to an influential panel of producers, film and television executives, the six “pitchers” will receive extensive media coverage. Event highlights will be broadcast on provincial and national television, along with other media exposure to include editorials in popular entertainment magazines, trade publications, and webcasts.

Furthermore, each of the six finalists will be enrolled in the Larry Sugar Film & Television Master Class, hosted by CreativeCrib.com, and receive the latest version of Final Draft’s screenwriting software. For more information, please visit www.pitchoff.com.
3:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Moderator
Larry Sugar, Chairman/Executive Producer, dCinema

Guest Speakers
Kevin Beggs, Executive VP, Series Television, Lions Gate Television
Diane Boehme, Director, Independent Productions, CHUM Television
Louise Clarke, Head of Western Independent Production, CTV BC
Michael Levine, Goodmans LLP
Pancho Mansfield, Sr. VP of Development, Original Programming, Showtime Networks

TF18 Market Your Wares
East Is East and Better Than Chocolate were niche films that did particularly well on the domestic and international fronts. Producers Udwin and McGowan discuss the differences between the North American and international territories in film and television, and the need to create appropriate materials for specific marketplaces. 3:35 pm to 5:30 pm

Moderator
Valerie Creighton, CEO/Film Commissioner, SaskFilm

Guest Speakers
Sharon McGowan, Producer, Better Than Chocolate
Leslee Udwin, Producer, East is East