Bern Euler, Executive Director of the Canadian Film Fest (CFF), today confirmed the 2020 Masterclass and Industry Series for this year’s Festival will be programmed on Super Channel’s Facebook and CFF’s Facebook and YouTube channel as part of the virtual Canadian Film Fest presented by Super Channel. Some of the panels have pivoted their focus to address current day scenarios, and several have remained intact as previously announced. In April, CFF and Super Channel announced a new partnership to create a virtual film festival as a result of COVID-19. For the complete schedule of free industry programming with full details, see here: https://www.canfilmfest.c
Please note, there has been a revision to the schedule of CFF films airing on Super Channel from the version originally announced. For the up-to-date schedule of all films currently airing please visit: www.superchannel.ca/canfilmfes
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THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2020
2:00pm – 4:00pm * spots are limited, please register for free online (https://www.canfilmfest.ca/20
INDIE FILMMAKING IN UNCERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES: HOW TO MAKE SOMETHING WITH NEARLY NOTHING AND NEXT TO NOBODY
PRESENTED BY POCKET FILM SCHOOL FOR THE CANADIAN FILM FEST
With the changes in the world as we know it, storytellers around the globe have come together to continue the push for creativity and production. Pocket Film School has been continuously finding ways to engage creative minds and keep encouraging storytelling throughout the pandemic. As we have seen in Canada with funds like the CBC Relief Fund where the production regulations indicate an adherence to physical distancing, our industry is preparing for a large shift in what was once our normal. As indie filmmakers, working with very little and only a handful of people is our normal, so even though we do not have any certainty in what production will look like when restrictions are lifted, we do know there are a handful of principles that will only be strengthened in the independent film world:
1. Budgeting for smaller crews but big ideas
2. Scheduling to care for crew health and wellbeing
3. How to build strong relationships with vendors
4. Production: how to have high quality but a low impact team
5. Post-production and its continued importance in the process of producing high quality stories
6. Collaborating in a new era of communication
7. The importance of festivals and networking
Working with limited budgets and limited crew members is nothing new for indie filmmakers; being quick on your feet and multiskilled are traits anyone in the low-budget world embody already, so we will be adaptive and ready for the changes the industry might face.
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FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020
2:00pm – 3:30pm *live streamed
SUCCESSFULLY CREATING CONTENT IN CANADA
In conversation with Don Carmody & David Cormican
An intimate and unique chance to sit with “Hollywood’s Man in Canada”, and Co-Founder of Don Carmody Television, the power-house behind some of Canada’s highest grossing films and successful television shows including Meatballs, Porky’s, Resident Evil, Chicago, Good Will Hunting, Shadow Hunters, Northern Rescue, and so very many more. Don and David will speak about their experiences working at this self-made, big league level in Canada and field your industry questions – so come prepared!
Moderator: Brendan Carmody – Producer, 22 Chaser, 13 Eerie, Home Again
With:
Don Carmody – Producer, Don Carmody Productions/Don Carmody Television, Porky’s, Porky’s ll, A Christmas Story, Weekend at Bernie’s, Chicago, and so very many more…
David Cormican – Co-Founder & President, Don Carmody Television, ShadowHunters, Northern Rescue
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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020
2:00pm – 3:30pm *live streamed
GRANTS & FUNDING – PRODUCING FOR INDIE BUDGETS PANEL
An in-depth, candid conversation with filmmakers who have successfully funded their projects with assistance from government agencies, and representatives from some of the agencies. Learn the secrets, strategies and strains from Producers who have first-hand experiences with the programs available, what makes a winning application, and the Catch 22s you may need to be prepared for.
Moderator: Lauren MacKinlay, Co-Founder of Women on Screen, Supervising Producer for Sphère Média Plus’ Transplant & Producer for MacKinlay Media Inc.
Panelists:
Katie Nolan – Babe Nation, Swimmers, Ghost BFF, The Rest of Us
Gloria Kim – Queen of the Morning Calm
Justin Rebelo – CEO, A71 Releasing Inc.
John Galloway – Harold Greenberg Fund
Kelly Payne – Ontario Creates Program Consultant, Film & TV, Industry Initiatives
4:00 – 5:30pm *live streamed
THE AGENT / TALENT RELATIONSHIP PANEL
For directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, designers, and more! Get insight into the agencies and agents who are here to help leverage and elevate your career. Demystify the process and hear first-hand from an agent’s perspective – topics explored include tips on securing the best representation for you, how to approach agencies, when is the best time to seek representation, and the keys to success that make the relationship work.
Moderator: Annie Bradley – Director/Writer, Blowback, I’m Going to Break Your Heart, Good Witch and Tempted by Danger
Panelists:
Sohrab Merchant – Associate Literary Agent, The Characters Talent Agency
Glen Cockburn – Founder of Meridian Artists
Jody Goldwasser – Literary & Production Agent at Integral Artists
Amy Stulberg – Agent, Vanguard Artists Management
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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020
2:00 – 3:30pm *live streamed
FILMING BEYOND BORDERS – INTERNATIONAL CO-PRODUCTIONS & FOREIGN FINANCING PANEL
All aboard! The Canadian cinematic world is changing and is becoming global. Explore what it means to partner with other countries to tell our stories and get them made. Canadian Producers and Distributors sit down and discuss strategies from creative to business, financing to distribution, the successes vs the challenges, and everything in between.
Moderator: Sean Cisterna – Director/Producer, From the Vine, Kiss and Cry
Panelists:
JJ Johnson – Executive Producer/Director, Sinking Ship Ent., Odd Squad, Dino Dana, Endlings
Natasha Vassell – Producer, Riptide, Tomb
Paul Scherzer – Producer, Saint-Narcisse, Coconut Hero
Dan Lyon – Feature Film Executive, Telefilm Canada
Kathleen Meek – Manager, Original Content, Drama and Factual for Corus Entertainme
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FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020
2:00pm – 3:30pm *live streamed
POST-PRODUCTION & DELIVERY PANEL
Don’t rely on fixing it in post! This panel explores how to be best prepared for a successful Post-Production workflow and delivery. Learn from Toronto’s most influential and supportive Post Masters on how to efficiently budget for post-production, what to expect throughout each step, how to dissect your deliverables, and the most common mistakes made by filmmakers that end up costing you more.
Moderator: Lauren Grant – Clique Pictures, Wet Bum, Picture Day, Riot Girls, CFF’s Joey
Panelists:
Justin McConnell – Unstable Ground, Clapboard Jungle
Kat Webber Editor – Hazy Little Things
Brendan Carmody – Pivotal Post, Don Carmody Productions
Jane Tattersall – Sound Editor/Mixer, Senior Vice President of SIM Post Toronto
Janal Bechthold – Mercando Music, Composer/Music Producer, CFF’s Joe
About the Canadian Film Fest
The Canadian Film Fest (CFF) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting Canadian independent films and cultivating emerging and established filmmaking talent. Film-loving audiences come to enjoy a diverse selection of 100% Canadian film screenings (features & shorts) and filmmakers flock to the CFF’s various industry events to take advantage of essential networking opportunities. CFF’s mission is to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling by showcasing Canadian films and filmmakers.
