PRESS RELEASES – PAGE 14

Local filmmakers
get down to business
at the VIFF’s Trade Forum
Tuesday, October 2, 2001

Vancouver, Canada – The 16th Annual Film & Television Trade Forum delivered on its pledge to present local industry professionals with the creative and business expertise they need to succeed in the global marketplace.

"In spite of last minute programming challenges that developed as a result of the current international situation, we remained committed to presenting a strong program to our dedicated audience," said Trade Forum Producer, Melanie Friesen. "The enthusiastic response, particularly to this year's expanded business component, shows that local Canadian filmmakers understand that success in domestic and international markets is predicated on a strong grasp of the economics of filmmaking," Friesen added.

Appreciation for the value of economic astuteness was evident in the standing-room-only crowds for Trade Forum panels that covered topics such as Financing Independent Film, Staying Alive (Maintaining Your Production Company), Big Movies For the Small Screen – An Endangered Animal?, Where Do We Go From Here: Understanding the International Marketplace (Selling For Theatrical, Selling For Television), Market Your Wares, and Co-productions. Trade Forum tête-à-têtes presented by Telefilm Canada expanded on the co-production theme and the growing importance of international collaboration. The one-on-one sessions, featuring the expertise of producers from the U.K. and Europe, are representative of the outstanding networking opportunities that the Trade Forum has become known for.

New Filmmakers' Day once again attracted a wide cross-section of emerging B.C. talent eager to learn the latest on sound design, cost-effective production and digital filmmaking. The final session of the day featured special guest, screenwriter David Hayter (X-men, The Incredible Hulk), discussing the relationship between comic books and film.

The 16th Annual Film and Television Trade Forum of the Vancouver International Film Festival took place in the Rogers Industry Centre of the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel. The Trade Forum is made possible through the generous support of premier sponsor Rogers Communications Inc. as well as numerous other public and private sector supporters.

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