Friday, September 24

9:30 – 11:00 am
I Got It Made! TF11

Indie filmmakers will participate in a panel discussion sharing experiences and ideas about breakthroughs in technology that are inspiring a renaissance in Super 16 film production. The panel will include cinematographers, producers and directors who will offer insights into the creative and cost benefits of producing in Super 16 format, including new alternatives offered by digital intermediate technology as an option for producing high-quality release prints. The seminar will include discussions of how the convergence of advances in film and digital production technologies are fuelling this trend, as well as a presentation of a demo showcasing Super 16 and how it fares against electronic capture.

Moderator
Bruce Marchfelder, Writer/Producer/Director

Guest Speakers
Thomas Burstyn, Cinematographer, City of Industry
Elliot Davis, Cinematographer, Thirteen
Ellen Kuras, Cinematographer, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
John Pozer, Director, The Collector

9:30 – 11:00 am
Breaking Into The US Market – Television TF12

The number of Canadian production companies breaking into the US television market is on the rise. An increasing number of drama, lifestyle/reality and MOWs are produced in Canada and broadcast on American networks. What are the challenges involved? Which Canadian shows have done well in the US and why? Three producers and a US broadcaster discuss how to access this market.

Moderator
Cathy Chilco, Producer, Chilco Productions

Guest Speakers
Wendy Hill-Tout, Producer, Voice Pictures Inc.
Chris Haddock, Producer/Writer, Haddock Entertainment
Narendra Reddy, Director, Programming & Development, NBC Entertainment
Kirk Shaw, CEO, Insight Film & Video Productions Inc.

11:15 – 1:00 pm
Creating The Mood TF13

Ninety-five per cent of a film’s look depends on the combined talents of the Production Designer and the Director of Photography. Our panelists have worked with such directors as Clint Eastwood, Sam Mendes, John N. Smith, Michael Apted and John Turturro. In this session, they will share their numerous tricks of the trade gained through their individual and collaborative work in North America and Europe.

Moderator
Doug Hardwicke, Production Designer

Guest Speakers
Tom Stern, Director of Photography, Mystic River
Davis Brisbin, Production Designer, In The Cut

2:00 – 3:30 pm
Adapting Material for the Screen TF14

Before optioning any project, the degree of difficulty in making an adaptation succeed needs to be assessed. Which books have the best potential to become good adaptations? How does one keep the essence of the original material while paring it down to a screenplay? In this panel, two experts discuss elements that can make an adaptation work, including the narrative line, the climax, scene sequences, relationships and visual images.

Moderator
Esta Spalding, Writer, Falling Angels

Guest Speakers
John C. Richards, Writer, Nurse Betty
Brandon Boyce, Writer, Wicker Park

2:00 – 3:30 pm
On The Right Track TF15

The score helps to propel the narrative, to manipulate an emotional response and to complement the story and images on screen. Whether using original compositions or previously recorded material, filmmakers face myriad options in defining the relationship between a film’s visuals and its score. Our panellists consider the many uses of music in both independent and studio productions, licensing, use of an original score and how to put together a sound-track deal.

Moderator
Harvey Kahn, Producer, We Don’t Live Here Anymore

Guest Speakers
Benoit Charest, Composer, The Triplets of Belleville
Sarah Webster, Music Supervisor, S.L. Feldman & Associates
Craig Wedren, Composer, School of Rock

3:45 – 5:15 pm
Post Production Is Pre Production TF16

“Don’t worry, we’ll fix it in post.” All too frequently filmmakers make this statement without realizing the implications of their crucial decision. Some things can’t be “fixed in post” and often the “solves” can cost a small fortune that can set back, or worse, derail an entire project. This session will take an in depth look at the questions filmmakers need to ask prior to principal photography. With advancing new technology, shrinking budgets and tighter deadlines, filmmakers need to rethink their strategies by revamping their mantra to “Don’t worry, we’ll do our homework”.

Moderator
Don Thompson, President, Finale Editworks

Guest Speakers
Alex Downie, President, Airwaves Sound Design
Michael O'Connor, Producer, Reunion Pictures
Janet Kendrick, Post Production Supervisor, Insight Film and Video