9:30 – 10:45am
Co-venturing with the US (FTV17)
Flashpoint, Being Erica, Call Me Fitz, Combat Hospital, The Firm… there’s a trend for co-financed shows south of the border and a surge in cross-border buying and collaboration, thanks in part to our impressive international co-production track record. The most prominent example yet of a trend for networks is co-financing new TV series. For the past few years, the squeeze on production financing translates to US networks continuing to look to our producers to carry the freight. Join us in a discussion with broadcasters, producers and network execs about creating engaging series that resonate with viewers beyond our borders.
Moderator
Erin Haskett, Vice President of Development, Lark Productions
Guest Speakers
Tara Ellis, Senior Director – Original Drama Content, Shaw Media
Noreen Halpern, President, Dramatic Programming, Entertainment One Television
Sheila Hockin, Executive Producer, The Borgias
Matt Loze, Sr. VP Programming, Fox Television Studios
Sponsored by
11:15 – 12:30pm
Collective Brain: The Writer’s Room (FTV18)
Whether you’re working on a sitcom (where the script is rewritten by the entire staff working as a team to improve the jokes and story) or episodic (where writers come up with ideas for episodes and then break those stories down into acts and scenes before an individual writer is sent to turn the story into an outline and then a script), the writer’s room is the collective brain of a TV show. You finally get a foot in the door now how do you fit into the writing team? How do you ‘break’ an episode? And what can you do to ensure you get hired back for season two? Seasoned TV writers share their insider knowledge.
Moderator
Kellie Ann Benz, Writer
Guest Speaker
James Phillips, Writer, Arctic Air
Aaron Zelman, Writer, The Killing
12:45 – 1:45pm
Speed Dating Sessions – Film (FTV19)
Designed for emerging and transitioning filmmakers, these sessions are the perfect opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with local senior production executives and broadcasters; pitch projects; receive feedback; and forge new relationships! Participating executives. Limited capacity, first-come, first-served basis, pre-registration required. Limit is two meetings per speed dater and you must have purchased an additional item to the Forum to be eligible for registration.
2:00 – 3:15pm
Creating a TV Series (FTV20)
Rapidly evolving market demands, sophisticated audience patterns and multiple viewing options now make it much harder to develop and sustain a TV series. And with the line between hit and miss ever so thin, the risks are enormous for the networks. Episodic creators will discuss: how to create multiple storylines that will sustain interest for the run of the series; how to retain creative integrity when receiving conflicting feedback from multiple sources including network executives; the specific challenges of creating the pilot; the benefits and dangers of using test audiences; assembling a top creative team; and casting decisions: and using social networking to further develop your audience.
Moderator
Helen DuToit, Creative Director, Vancouver Film & TV Forum
Guest Speakers
Alexandra Cunningham, Executive Producer, Prime Suspect
Graham Yost, Creator, Executive Producer and Writer, Justified
3:30 – 4:45pm
TV Directing Master Class (FTV21)
Our featured guest, Allen Coulter is one of the most prolific directors of critically acclaimed, cutting-edge episodic TV dramas: Boardwalk Empire, Luck, Nurse Jackie, Sons of Anarchy, Damages, Rome. Now that the networks have compressed production schedules resulting in series producers having already established characters, themes, style, and continuity, TV directors can focus solely on performance and illuminating the core intent of the scene. Join us for an in-depth master class as Allen Coulter dissects a scene illustrating: how to direct and not just shoot; the art of the shot list; and tips on eliciting the best performances from actors.
Moderator
Scott Smith, Director, Skins
Guest Presenter
Allen Coulter, Director, Boardwalk Empire
Sponsored by
4:00 – 6:00pm
Telefilm Canada Tête-a-tête Meetings (FTV22)
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. Pre-registration is required for these sessions. Participants, application form and eligibility criteria.
5:00 – 6:00pm
Roundtable Discussions (FTV23)
Your chance to network, build relationships, gain market intelligence and personal feedback from seasoned producers! Pre-registration required. Booking is on a first-come, first-served basis. You must have purchased an additional item to the Forum to be eligible for participation. Space is limited so early booking is advised!
Participants
Alexandra Cunningham, Executive Producer, Prime Suspect
