The 19th Annual Film & Television
Trade Forum
Set To Inspire New Filmmakers With Success Story in Open Water
Vancouver, BC – New and established filmmakers will be interested
in the story of Chris Kentis, whose success with low budget feature
Open Water is a highlight of this year’s New Filmmakers’
Day, September 25. New Filmmakers’
Day, aimed at emerging filmmaking talent, follows
three days of Trade Forum panels at UBC Robson Square, September
22 to 24, with the latest information on the art and business of
filmmaking for industry professionals.
“The success of Open Water is an inspiring story
for independent filmmakers, especially in today’s challenging
marketplace,” says Melanie Friesen, Trade Forum Producer.
“This kind of success gives legs to the practical advice and
information that our panellists generously share in Trade Forum
sessions.”
Director Chris Kentis headlines New Filmmakers’ Day session
Success Stories to talk about Open Water, a fact-based
story of divers stranded in shark infested waters that was made
for an estimated $130,000 and has grossed millions at the box office.
Kentis, joined by Canadian filmmaker Michael Dowse (Fubar, It’s
All Gone Pete Tong), discuss making their films and launching them
in the marketplace. The session rounds out a full New Filmmakers’
Day program of instructive sessions on making and financing first
features, including The Shot List – A Director’s Blueprint,
The Business of the Low-Budget Feature and Writing for Low-Budget
Features.
Artistic inspiration is prominently featured in Trade Forum sessions
again this year. Creating The Mood showcases the talents of Oscar
nominees, Production Designer Jan Roelfs (Alexander) and
Director of Photography Ed Lachman (Far From Heaven), who
have worked with such directors as Oliver Stone, Joel Schumacher,
Todd Haynes and Peter Greenaway. Together, they share their tricks
and discuss the synergy that contributes to the look of a film.
Creating the mood in another way, exceptional composers Benoît
Charest (The Triplets of Belleville) and Craig Wedren (School
of Rock) speak on the fine art of scoring a film in On The
Right Track.
The Trade Forum highlights current trends in film and television,
among them The DVD Boom. The DVD market now generates more revenue
than the theatrical market, which has significantly altered traditional
wisdom in marketing feature films. This must-see session for producers
explores the implications of the trend and reveals ways that filmmakers
can capitalize on this shift in the marketplace.
Similarly, Unabashedly Canadian – Low- Budget Episodic Television
explores a shift in the market for television due to broadcasters’
and cable networks’ need for more programming at reduced cost.
The new direction includes low budget episodic television, giving
a new lease on life to writing and producing. A panel of industry
pros shares their respective approaches to this challenge.
The all-important business of financing, marketing and distribution
of film and television, in both a national and international context,
is featured in a range of Trade Forum panels, master classes and
international networking in tête-à-tête meetings.
The 19th Annual Film and Television Trade Forum takes place in
the Rogers Industry Centre located at UBC at Robson Square, 800
Robson Street, September 22-24, with New Filmmakers’ Day on
September 25.
Early Bird registration is open now to September 10. For more information
and registration call 604.685.3547 or email tradeforum@viff.org.
Registration and program information is also available via the Trade
Forum links at www.viff.org. For media enquiries, accreditation
or guest interview opportunities, email leslie@viff.org
or call 604.762-0651.
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