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Schedule subject to change.

April 11 | Media Environment and Business Strategy

This introductory session provides an assessment of today’s screen-based production business in Canada, including the challenges and opportunities facing the entrepreneur and the directions and decisions that larger media corporations are undertaking. Participants learn valuable analysis techniques and receive an overview of the macro environment in order to inform 2012 opportunities and position their businesses for growth.

In the afternoon, experts from MaRS Discovery District Entrepreneurship will lead participants through the division’s Business Strategy Fundamentals Workshop, providing instruction on pursuing business strategies that reflect industry realities and investment opportunities.  

Welcome Reception
Network with key funders, broadcasters, production executives and media entrepreneurs at this catered, invitation-only event.

April 12 | Financial Planning and Management

How do production companies implement the annual business planning process as a blueprint for the year’s activities and investments? This session demonstrates the differences between corporate financial planning and production budgeting, and provides an overview of the principles of finance that set the stage for the day’s program.

This session also introduces the fundamentals of financial management, including standard financial controls and principles of corporate accounting. Participants also learn how traditional hallmarks of a healthy business (i.e. stable cash flow, long term projected revenue, ample margins and profit) can be achieved by media production companies.

April 13 | Navigating Broadcast and Distribution

The intersection between the production company and the broadcaster is based on building dynamic relationships. What do broadcasters look for? How do you build this relationship?

This session deconstructs the integrated production workflow and uses case studies to examine the integration of linear and interactive content. What are best practice workflows for multiplatform projects that require a broadcaster and often up to two or three independent production companies? The session concludes with speed networking for participants with several broadcasters and distributers.

April 14 | The Future of Your Business

This session explores fundamental corporate auxiliaries that are crucial for strategic growth. Participants learn key responsibilities, liabilities and other HR issues faced by SMEs, including how to maximize human resources and how to streamline productivity. Participants look at common legal scenarios in the production industry and how they correspond to strategies for identifying, protecting and exploiting rights in production and other intellectual property.

Through one-on-one consultations, participants cycle through a series of meetings with sector experts and business mentors. Participants are encouraged to incorporate the week’s knowledge during this round.

Presenting Partner