Melanie Friesen has been the Producer of the Film and Television Trade Forum at the Vancouver International Film Festival for the past 11 years. Prior to this position, Friesen was Vice President of Scorsese Productions (now Sikelia Productions), New York, Vice President of Creative Affairs at Cineplex Odeon, LA and Director of Creative Affairs at MGM/UA, London. She smells great, tells a wicked story, has a lovely smile and is proud to have been born in Winnipeg, Manitoba.