Archive | Uncategorized
Luncheon with Sabrina Geremia
Integrated Solutions Sales Leader, Google Canada
From search, to Android, to YouTube, to apps, Google is changing the way consumers access information. As content producers migrate stories to online spaces, understanding the advertising and marketing process is crucial to reaching global audiences. Sabrina will deconstruct Google’s advertising and platform model and show how businesses are reaching prospective audiences with the right message at the right time.
Sabrina’s Bio
Sabrina Geremia is an international marketer, sales leader, and integrated communications specialist. She began her career in marketing in 1995 in brand management at Procter & Gamble Italy, working on laundry and cosmetic brands. In 2001, Sabrina entered the interactive world as Marketing Manager at the search engine Ask Jeeves UK & Ireland. She then combined her Internet & CPG Marketing skills as Global Internet and Integrated Communications Director at Reckitt Benckiser, a leading global consumer goods and healthcare company based in London.
Sabrina joined Google in 2006 to set up the UK Consumer Products and Healthcare sales team and to extend best practice across Europe. She returned to Canada in 2007 to work with a wider range of customers spanning CPG to Finance to Media and Entertainment. In 2009 Sabrina built the agency and industry relations team, transforming Google’s interface with agencies and industry bodies in Canada. Her current role is leading one of Google’s largest sales teams in Canada, driving integrated solutions for Finance, Travel & Automotive clients. Follow Sabrina on Twitter @sabrinageremia.
Event Format
The International Women in Digital Media Speaker Series takes place four times in 2012 (March, June, September, November). Each event features a leading female digital media player in a one-hour keynote presentation followed by Q&A, lunch and networking.
Students | $24.96*
Members | $42.85**
Guests | $48.80
Prices include processing fee & HST
*Valid student ID required at check-in.
**Promotional code required.
Presenting Partner
Supporting Partners
Integrated Solutions Sales Leader, Google Canada
Sabrina Geremia is an international marketer, sales leader, and integrated communications specialist. She began her career in marketing in 1995 in brand management at Procter & Gamble Italy, working on laundry and cosmetic brands. In 2001, Sabrina entered the interactive world as Marketing Manager at the search engine Ask Jeeves UK & Ireland. She then combined her Internet & CPG Marketing skills as Global Internet and Integrated Communications Director at Reckitt Benckiser, a leading global consumer goods and healthcare company based in London. Sabrina joined Google in 2006 to set up the UK Consumer Products and Healthcare sales team and to extend best practice across Europe. She returned to Canada in 2007 to work with a wider range of customers spanning CPG to Finance to Media and Entertainment. In 2009 Sabrina built the agency and industry relations team, transforming Google’s interface with agencies and industry bodies in Canada. Her current role is leading one of Google’s largest sales teams in Canada, driving integrated solutions for Finance, Travel & Automotive clients. Follow Sabrina on Twitter @sabrinageremia.
Deconstructing Google and YouTube
Friday June 8th | 11am – 1pm | Hyatt Regency Hotel, Toronto
From search, to Android, to YouTube, to maps and apps, Google products are changing the way consumers access the world’s information. As content producers migrate their stories to online spaces, understanding the advertising and marketing process is crucial to reaching global audiences. Sabrina’s keynote will deconstruct Google’s advertising and platform model and show examples of how businesses are reaching prospective consumers and audiences with the right message at the right time. Register here!
Kara Swisher | Sep 20
Co-Executive Editor, AllThingsD.com
Kara Swisher is the Co-Executive Editor of AllThingsD.com, a website devoted to news, analysis and opinion on technology, the Internet and media. Kara is also the co-producer and co-host of The Wall Street Journal‘s “D: All Things Digital,” a major high-tech conference that has featured interviewees such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and other leading players in the tech and media industries. Kara worked in The Wall Street Journal‘s San Francisco bureau where she wrote the column “BoomTown,” which appeared on the front page of the Marketplace section, on The Wall Street Journal Online, and is now available at AllThingsD.com. She also wrote a weekly column for the Personal Journal called “Home Economics.” She is the author of aol.com: How Steve Case Beat Bill Gates, Nailed the Netheads and Made Millions in the War for the Web and its sequel, There Must Be a Pony in Here Somewhere: The AOL Time Warner Debacle and the Quest for a Digital Future. Follow Kara on Twitter @karaswisher.
iWDMS Luncheon with Kara Swisher
Thursday September 20th | 11am – 1pm | Hyatt Regency Hotel, Toronto
Kara’s keynote will explore global trends in media and technology convergence, drawing on insights from the latest D: All Things Digital and AsiaD conferences. She will focus on “talentism” on the rise in tech across the globe. Register here!
Focusing on industry innovation, content creation, global trends, and multi-platform business models, the International Women in Digital Media Speaker Series is a unique opportunity to walk away with the practical tools necessary to navigate the fast-evolving digital media industry. Each luncheon features a leading female digital media player in a one-hour keynote presentation, followed by audience Q&A, lunch and networking.
The first luncheon in the series took place March 7th, 2012, and featured renowned web strategist, Alexandra Samuel. The fourth luncheon will take place in November, 2012, date and speaker TBA.
Presenting Partner
Supporting Partners
WIFT-T, in partnership with William F. White International Inc., is pleased to announce Monica Côté as winner of the 2012 William F. White Production Manager Mentorship. The competitive program provides an emerging Canadian female production manager with hands-on training and mentorship at William F. White’s world-class production complex in Toronto.
“We’re grateful to partner with William F. White to offer this important mentorship for a second year,” says Heather Webb, WIFT-T Executive Director. “WIFT-T is committed to providing professional development opportunities that inspire, nurture talent, and promote diversity in the industry, and this initiative fulfills that aim by addressing the need for production training at the emerging level. Congratulations Monica!”
Côté will join William F. White for ten days as an intern to learn about production equipment for digital projects, television and film equipment planning, resource management, and budget planning. She will also receive three direct mentorship sessions with established production managers Anna Beben (“Transporter”, “Firehouse Dog”, “Dan For Mayor”) and Kellyann Murphy (“Party Mamas”, “My House, Your Money”, “The Gavin Crawford Show”).
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with WIFT-T on this important continuing initiative,” says Paul Bronfman, William F. White Chairman & CEO. “It’s a great opportunity to provide mentorship and advancement to Canadian women in our industry while reinforcing our longtime commitment to the next generation of production professionals.”
In the last year, Côté has worked as a production manager on the transmedia film Call of Duty: Project Kingfish—now approaching 2.5 million hits on YouTube—and Shelter, a short film for Evil Genius Productions that will hit the festival circuit later this year. She also produced her own short film, Chimera. Côté is thrilled to be the recipient of the 2012 William F. White Production Manager Mentorship.
“This mentorship provides a one-of-a-kind hands-on learning experience in all aspects of production planning,” adds Lowell Schrieder, Director of Marketing & Communications for William F. White. “It will ultimately help emerging talent build confidence and relationships, while opening doors for a career in production management.”
Additional benefits include complimentary enrollment in the production management and production accounting modules of the WIFT-T Business Management for Media Professionals Program.
-30-
Learn more about the William F. White Production Manager Mentorship.
Presenting Partner
The election of the 2012-2013 Board of Directors took place at the WIFT-T Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday April 24th at Deluxe Postproduction (424 Adelaide St. E).Voting for the Board of Directors was restricted to WIFT-T Full Members. WIFT-T is pleased to welcome the following new Directors to the Board:
Pat DiVittorio
Vice-President, Program Planning, Bell Media
As Vice-President, Program Planning, Pat DiVittorio is responsible for the daily operation of the schedule and program planning strategies for Bell Media’s conventional networks, CTV and /A\. DiVittorio also advises on program acquisitions and development as part of the Programming Council, which focuses on the creation and selection of hit programming. She joined the company in 1990 as Program Coordinator for local station CTV Toronto and has held positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as Vice-President, Programming, CTV Inc. DiVittorio has also worked at Showcase as Program Scheduler, where she was involved in program scheduling, planning, and creating an inventory and traffic system.
Fiona Lee
CA, Director of Finance, Programming, Corus Entertainment
As Director of Finance, Programming, for Corus Entertainment, Fiona Lee is responsible for managing the programming-related costs and spend for the Television division. She performs the financial analysis of major acquisition deals and strategic initiatives. Most recently, she led the financial modeling of group licensing to help determine the strategy for Corus’ broadcast license renewal application. Prior to joining Corus, Lee was responsible for budgeting and planning as Director of Finance at Live Nation Artist Division. She obtained her Chartered Accountant designation while working at KPMG.
Kristine Murphy
Director, Industry Development, Ontario Media Development Corporation
As Director of Industry Development at the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), Kristine Murphy oversees both the Ontario Film Commission activities and direct financial support funds for Ontario creative industries under OMDC’s mandate (film, television, interactive digital media (including gaming), book and magazine publishing and music). Murphy previously served as the OMDC Board of Directors’ Corporate Secretary, Senior Policy Advisor and Director of Business Affairs and Research. Prior to the OMDC, she worked in the Provincial Ontario Ministry of Culture in a variety of areas involving film and television policy, international trade policy, heritage research and cultural agency policy and relations.
Natalie Osborne
EVP, Business Development, 9 Story Entertainment
Natalie Osborne has over 17 years of experience in the entertainment industry, working with some of the world’s top media companies in Canada, the UK and the US. Osborne joined 9 Story Entertainment in 2006 to launch 9 Story Enterprises, where she now oversees all worldwide sales, consumer products and strategic partnerships. She is also an executive producer of 9 Story’s successful live action feature Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars and the animated preschool series Wibbly Pig, and is an associate producer of the animated international hit series Almost Naked Animals. Prior to 9 Story, Osborne worked for NBCUniversal in London, England, as VP of Children’s Programming from 2000, where she managed the worldwide sales and marketing rollout of the studio’s children’s programs while working closely with the consumer products and home video divisions.
Thursday March 29 | 6:30pm – 9:00pm | NFB Mediatheque
WIFT-T’s annual Short Film Showcase celebrates the talent and creativity of active WIFT-T Members. The event takes place each spring in downtown Toronto, with submissions opening in December. A big thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Showcase and to all of the talented WIFT-T filmmakers who submitted their work.
THE EXIT
Director/Producer: E. Jane Thompson
Producer: Danijel Margetic
Screenwriter: Nicolas Billon
The morning after a friend’s wedding, Peter and Samantha—on a ‘relationship hiatus’—discover that each has brought home a lover. When their one-night-stands emerge, the couple must negotiate a thoroughly modern and thoroughly awkward situation.
Running Time: 07:30
Language: English
Genre: Drama/Comedy
CEO
Writer/Director/Co-Producer: Jennifer Liao
Co-Producer: Sandy Kellerman
During the final minutes in her office, a fallen corporate executive makes a fleeting connection with the security guard tasked with escorting her from the building.
Running Time: 07:00
Language: English
Genre: Drama
WILDERNESS
Writer/Producer: Penelope Eizenga
Director: Dawn Wilkinson
A mother’s struggle with her son’s schizophrenia—and his refusal of treatment—pushes the limits of her ability to cope.
Running Time: 12:20
Language: English
Genre: Drama
CESAR’S WORLD
Producer/Writer/Co-Director: Yanet Candelario
Director: Mark Sanders
A 10-year-old boy has a very innocent crush on his teacher, who in turn has a very adult interest in the school principal, proving that love can be a complex mystical abstraction.
Running Time: 08:35
Language: English
Genre: Family
HANGNAIL
Producer: Norma Mendoza
Writer/Director: Cavan Campbell
An argument exposes the history of two lovers and reveals a secret that will either save or break them. “Very powerful. Wonderful filmmaking.” – Paul Haggis
Running Time: 12:00
Language: English
Genre: Drama
DECEMBER 6
Director/Producer: Cara Mumford
Screenwriter: Evalyn Parry
A spoken word tour de force that recalls the events of the Montreal Massacre at L’Ecole Polytechnique on December 6, 1989, and makes a bold statement for the abolishment of violence against women.
Running Time: 10:00
Language: English
Genre: Spoken Word/Dance
REACH
Writer/Director/Producer: Tricia Collins
After leading a life of adventure, John has grown weak and downtrodden, shutting out the rest of the world. Now he lives and loves through memories from his past—memories that have become ever distorted and overwhelming toward the end of his days.
Running Time: 15:00
Language: English
Genre: Drama
HATCHED: A TALE OF GREAT EGG-SPECTATIONS
Writer/Director: Elizabeth V. Newman
Producer: Jean-Philippe Marier
As Beth waits for the results of her pregnancy test, her mind wanders to a fanciful world where women hatch eggs instead of giving birth like humans.
Running Time: 05:30
Language: English with French subtitles
Genre: Comedy/Fantasy
THE AUCTION
Audience Choice Award Winner
Writer/Director: Gloria Kim
Producer: Sandra Paolucci
It’s Christmas in Toronto, 1978, and eight-year-old Meehee Park longs for two things: to make her mother happy and to get a Cindy doll from Santa. But Meehee soon realizes that Santa isn’t real and her parents are struggling to make ends meet. When she comes across a neighbourhood auction, she must choose between dreams of the past and fitting in with the present.
Running Time: 17:00
Language: English and Korean with English subtitles
Genre: Family Drama
Presenting Partner
Supporting Partners
Volunteering | How To Join | How To Renew
Only active WIFT-T members are eligible to volunteer for WIFT-T programs and events (exceptions: TIFF Reception, Crystal Awards). Volunteering qualifies you for programming discounts at a rate of 10% off for every 10 hours worked. Some restrictions apply.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about these events, please contact Jocelyn Geddie at jgeddie@wift.com. Please include your resume.
WIFT-T is seeking volunteers for the following upcoming events:
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the members of WIFT-T is held in order to elect Board Directors and appoint auditors for the ensuing year. The meeting includes a keynote presentation by an industry leader and a catered networking reception.
Location | Deluxe Postproduction Studios (424 Adelaide Street East)
Date and Time | Tuesday April 24th, 5:00pm – 9:30pm
We require volunteers to assist with registration and the networking reception.
DI Overview | Testimonials | Guidelines | Application Form
June 19 | The Producers’ Suite
9:30am | Continental breakfast, intro and overview
10:00am | The Financing Matrix
- Step 1: Who to target
- Funding agencies, theatrical distributors, networks
- Matching your story genre with each investor
- Navigating the chicken-and-the-egg syndrome: who to approach first?
- The Process: from development funding to production financing
- Step 2: What to present
- The essential elements for each pitch
- Roles and responsibilities of each partner
- Step 3: When to present
- Funding guidelines schedule
- Network acquisition time-frame
1:00pm | Lunch with The Money
Finance representatives join the group for an informal meet-and-greet over lunch.
2:00pm | The Business of Feature Film
Comprehensive instruction by a successful production manager that outlines financing scenarios specific to different scales of productions.
June 20 | The Writers’ Forum
9:30am | Continental breakfast
10:00am | The Journey of the Script
- Roles and responsibilities of each partner
- What makes a script marketable?
- What makes a strong story?
- What does a development team look for?
- What happens to your script after it is written?
1:00pm | Lunch with The Agents
Legal advisors and agency representatives join the group for an informal meet-and-greet over lunch.
2:00pm | Script Breakdown
Participants receive targeted feedback on strengths and potential weaknesses in their scripts, and strategies on how to improve marketability.
June 21 | Marketing and Pitching
9:30am | Continental breakfast
10:00am | Creating a Marketing Plan
- Introduction to persuasive communication
- The “features and benefits” module
- What is a marketing package? One-liner, synopsis, treatment, script
- Packaging your project
- The brochure or one-sheet
- The written marketing plan: step-by-step guide
- The business proposal and the project: how to weave the two together
1:00pm | Working lunch
Teams practice their pitches.
2:00pm | The Pitch
Targeted instruction for each team discussing how to pitch yourself and your project.
5:30pm | VIP Reception
Participants network with key industry leaders and previous program participants at this catered, invitation-only event.
June 22 | Closing the Deal
9:30am | Continental breakfast
10:00am | Market Awareness
- Why you should care what the market wants
- The two major markets
- The six fundamental questions
- Is your project ready for the market?
1:00pm | Lunch with The Distributors
Distribution representatives join the group for an informal meet-and-greet over lunch.
2:00pm | Distribution Feedback
- What does a distributor look for? How do you get noticed internationally?
- Emerging distribution platforms: do they change the development plan?
- Participants receive individual feedback on how to how to approach markets and viable distribution strategies
4:30pm | Debrief
Program debrief and plan a road map for your next steps.
July – Sep | Polish the Script
Participating teams are matched with a story editor appropriate to their project, resulting in a revised draft completed within three months of the Development Incubator. The program is fully complete once teams have submitted their revised script and final business reports.
DI Overview | Testimonials | Guidelines | Application Form
Presenting Partners
EMP Overview | EMP Schedule | Guidelines
Dustin Chodorowicz
CFA Partner, Nordicity
Dustin has more than 10 years of international experience as a financial analyst, economist and management consultant. He provides Nordicity’s clients with financial analysis, valuation and economic-modeling solutions, which enrich their understanding of the impact of market developments, regulation, and government policy in the media communications industry. Dustin has appeared as an expert witness at both the Federal Court of Canada and Copyright Board of Canada, providing testimony on the economics of the television broadcasting industry and the valuation of copyright licensing in the book publishing and music industries. Prior to Nordicity, Dustin was a consultant in the Information Communications and Entertainment & Media practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.Sc. and M.A. (Economics).
Tara Ellis
Head of Drama, Shaw Media
Tara oversees original scripted drama and comedy programming for Shaw Media’s conventional network Global and its specialty channels, including Showcase and History Television. Previously Alliance Atlantis’ VP of Content for Showcase, Tara led acquisitions and the original production slates of dramatic and documentary series, as well as scheduling for the premiere specialty drama service. As Director, Original Production for Showcase, she oversaw the creative development and production of Showcase original series, including the award-winning Slings & Arrows I-III. Prior to working at Alliance Atlantis, Tara was Executive in charge of Production for CBC-TV’s Movies & Mini-series unit, where she programmed Canadian short films and features. She was named one of Globe & Mail’s 40 Most Influential People in Canadian Television for her efforts in bringing new talent to Canadian airwaves.
Chris Harris
Head of Online Content, Shaw Media
Chris Harris is responsible for all aspects of strategy, programming and digital products related to Shaw Media’s robust collection of conventional and specialty channels. Chris is an established digital leader with more than a decade experience at major Canadian broadcasters. Prior to joining Shaw Media, Canwest and Alliance Atlantis, Chris held a handful of posts at CBC.ca in Sports, News and Kids. Among those roles was Sr. Editor of CBC.ca’s 2006 Torino Olympic website—a site that captured a Canadian New Media Award for Excellence in News & Information, broke traffic records for CBC.ca and earned Chris a CBC.ca Award of Excellence.
Steve Jarosz
Co-founding Partner, SVP and COO, 9 Story Entertainment
9 Story Entertainment is one of the world’s leading creators, producers and distributors of award-winning content for young audiences. Steven leads the company’s corporate finance, administration, and business development activities in addition to handling co-executive producer and cash management responsibilities for the majority of 9 Story’s original content TV series. Steve began his career in the entertainment industry in the late 1980’s with KPMG’s media and entertainment division and has held the positions of Financial Controller, VP Finance, CFO and Executive Producer for several publically-traded and privately-held film and TV companies. Steven is a Chartered Accountant and holds degrees in Economics and Commerce from the University of Toronto.
Joan Jenkinson
Vice President, Independent Production and Multi-Faith Content, ZoomerMedia
A 20-year veteran in the communications and broadcast industries, Joan Jenkinson recently expanded her role in program development and commissioning to include multi-faith material. Joan joined Vision TV in May 2001 as Director of Programming Operations after serving as executive director of Women in Film and Television – Toronto. In May 2003, she became Director of Independent Production and has since commissioned and executive produced hundreds of hours of award-winning and audience-generating original content for network and digital television and new media, including the Gemini Award-winning drama series Soul, the comedy series She’s the Mayor, and the much-decorated feature documentary, Science of the Soul, produced by Associated Producers. She is currently in pre-production DHX on Geeks & Geezers, a new series inspired by ZoomerMedia’s mandate.
Reynolds Mastin
Counsel, Canadian Media Production Association
Reynolds Mastin is Counsel at the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) where he provides legal and strategic advice on a range of matters, including intellectual property, industrial relations, terms of trade, regulatory proceedings and corporate governance. He is the staff lead for the CMPA’s Copyright, Canada Media Fund and Terms of Trade Committees, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Retransmission Collective. Prior to joining the CMPA in 2008, Reynolds served as Legal Counsel for the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) where his files included tariff proceedings before the Copyright Board of Canada, copyright reform and corporate governance. Reynolds completed his common and civil law degrees at McGill University. He has an Honours Bachelor of Arts in international relations from the University of Toronto, and his Bachelors of Education from the University of Ottawa.
Mike McGuigan
CFO and Managing Partner, Digital Media, Breakthrough Entertainment Inc.
Michael is the Chief Financial Officer and a Managing Partner of the Interactive Division with Breakthrough Films & Television Inc. Michael has acted as Executive Producer on all of Breakthrough’s interactive projects for the past 10 years which includes websites and online, ITV and iPhone and mobile games. Michael has twenty years experience in television, interactive media and radio, having previously worked at a senior management level in television distribution with 20th Century Fox/Astral Television Distribution Ltd. and in television production and distribution with Cambium Films and Television. Michael served as the Co-Chair of the New Media Committee of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA/CMPA) and sits on the OMDC’s Interactive Digital Media Industry Advisory Committee.
Christine Shipton
Senior Vice President, Drama & Factual Content, Shaw Media
Christine Shipton develops and commissions dramatic and factual programming for non-lifestyle Shaw specialty channels, including Showcase, the History Channel, and Mystery TV, as well as the priority programming slate for Global Television. Christine joined (then) Canwest in May 2005 and helped rebuild the original Canadian production slate for Canwest Broadcasting. Prior to Shaw Media, Christine held a variety of senior positions in both broadcast and production organizations, including Head of Programming for W Network, VP of Canadian Television for Landscape Entertainment Canada, EVP of Canadian Drama for Alliance Atlantis Television and Alliance Communications, and Production Executive and Casting Director for CBC Television. Christine was responsible for developing, overseeing, and managing such Canadian programming as: Da Kink in My Hair, Deal or No Deal Canada, Falcon Beach, Due South, North of 60 and Cold Squad.
Joe Wilson
Education Specialist, MaRS Discovery District
As Education Specialist at MaRS, Joe Wilson develops and facilitates the Entrepreneur’s Toolkit Workshop Series. He also advises education entrepreneurs in the social innovation practice at MaRS. Joe is the executive director of the Treehouse Group, a social purpose business dedicated to fostering innovation by hosting cross-disciplinary events in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Previously, Joe has taught physics, English, science and mathematics in high schools. In 2009, he was nominated for a Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence; he previously won the T. Eta Award of Excellence for his work with Science Outreach. Joe writes about technology and culture for various online and print publications and has appeared on multiple media outlets to decode science and technology topics for a general audience. Joe attended the University of Toronto and holds Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees.
Back to Overview
Presenting Partner
Wednesday March 7 | 11am – 1pm | Hyatt Regency, Toronto
Social media offers new opportunities for broadcasters and producers to promote their brand and productions, tell stories that integrate multiple media, engage audiences, and tap into new revenue streams. Drawing on leading examples in TV, film and related industries, renowned web strategist Alexandra Samuel presents a strategic framework for identifying your best social media opportunities. You’ll leave with a process to inform your long-term strategic planning, plus a set of easy online tools to enhance your storytelling today.
About Alex
Alex is Director of the Social + Interactive Media (SIM) Centre at Emily Carr University and the co-founder and principal of Social Signal, one of the world’s most experienced social media agencies. In 2008, Alex was nominated for a Webby Award for a project developed through Social Signal. She regularly contributes her expertise to Oprah.com and the Harvard Business Review Blog Network.
At the SIM Centre, Alex leads applied research that helps companies leverage the university’s strategic, design and creative expertise in digital media. The Centre’s projects range from helping Paperny Films conceive its successful Eat Street app with Invoke Media, to creating an innovative ebook for the Mozilla Foundation. Alex’s own research focuses on how people cope with information overload in order to build meaningful lives online.
Through Social Signal, Alex has conceived and led online community projects for various clients, including the 2008 Webby nominee ChangeEverything.ca. Alex lives in Vancouver with her husband and Social Signal partner Rob Cottingham and their two children. Follow her insights on meaningful living online on her blog, alexandrasamuel.com, and on twitter @awsamuel.
Focusing on industry innovation, content creation, global trends, and multi-platform business models, the International Women in Digital Media Speaker Series is a unique opportunity to walk away with the practical tools necessary to navigate the fast-evolving digital media industry.
Each luncheon features a leading female digital media player in entrepreneurship, digital content, aggregators, distribution, research, gaming or social media. A one-hour keynote presentation is followed by audience Q&A, lunch and networking.
This initiative is made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
Full Report and Executive Summary Now Available
WIFT-T is pleased to present Frame Work II: Canada’s Screen-Based Workforce, a study of the employment of equity groups across screen-based industries in Canada. Download a PDF of the full report and/or executive summary via the links below.
Frame Work II examines the participation of women, visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples, and persons with disabilities across the film and television production, film and television distribution, broadcasting, and interactive digital media industries in Canada.
Prepared by Nordicity Group with data collection undertaken by Environics Research, the study provides a snapshot of the current employment of equity groups in the context of today’s business and technological developments.
Executive Summary
Full Report
Release Event
On January 27, 2012, Women in Film & Television – Toronto released the findings of Frame Work II to a full house of industry professionals, business leaders and initiative partners at St. Andrew’s Club in Toronto.
The event featured a presentation of key findings, followed by three ten-minute “lightning talks” with guest experts discussing key areas and strategies for tangible change.
Lightning Talks: Pressure Points for Change
Demonstrating the market’s buying power to influence change
Veronica Holmes, President, ZenithOptimedia Digital
Jennifer Edgar, Director, Sony Music Digital
Many companies are beginning to recognize the tangible business rewards of encouraging a more diverse culture. Demonstrating how women and other designated groups are vital team members in the production and distribution of content, as well as important buyers and consumers, is a compelling business case for decision-makers, business owners and industry leaders.
Public momentum may influence change
Tina Edan, Manager of Leadership Programs, Maytree Foundation
One interviewee described the struggles of “outsider groups” today as very similar to what she experienced as a woman in the industry years ago. To her, the vital difference was that her struggle occurred in the midst of the women’s liberation movement—among myriad regulations, laws, growing public support and political pressure to help women cut a path into the workplace
Change requires leadership, not just more training
Elizabeth Dalzell, Assistant Vice-President, People and Culture, CBC
One road to measurable change requires industry and business leaders to shift from simply being “open” to a more diverse workforce, to demonstrating an active determination to change the status quo. Evidence of this shift could come in the form of hiring, nurturing and promoting strong candidates from designated groups and a commitment to increasing on-screen diversity.
For more information, contact Heather Webb at 416.322.3430 ext. 223 or hwebb@wift.com.
For media inquiries, contact Katy Swailes at 416.322.3430 ext. 226 or kswailes@wift.com.
Presenting Partners
Supporting Partners
Background | Frame Work 2004
In 2004, WIFT-T’s groundbreaking study on employment trends in Canadian screen-based media fueled industry-wide dialogue and contributed to policy and programming developments in the screen-based sector. Read more.
About | Support the Foundation | Current Donors
The Foundation for Women in Film & Television – Toronto gratefully acknowledges all those who contributed in 2011. You can Support the Foundation by making an online donation or by using our donation form.
Corporate Foundation Donors
Mentor 5,000+
Make a donation
Patron $2,500-4,999
Raheel Zaman
Benefactor $1,000-2,499
Liberty Musictrax Corp.
Ubisoft Toronto
Supporter $600-999
Phyllis Platt
Fan $300-599
Barbara Barde
The CG&B Group Inc.
Maureen Judge
Wendy MacKeigan
Gaye McDonald
Toni Myers
Linda Stregger
Virginia Thompson
Joanna Webb
Partner $100-299
Mark Boone & Heather Webb
Olga Kuplowska
James VanWiechen
Friend $1-99
Eco Flora
Pamela Lau
For more information and additional donation options, please contact:
Kim Haladay
Development Manager
Women in Film & Television – Toronto
khaladay@wift.com
416.322.3430 ext. 228
Career Advancement Program Overview | Register here!
Personal Finance | Feb 24
Right in time for tax season! This session covers the principles of finance related to individual or family unit decision-making and discusses strategies for investing, budgeting and managing resources—particularly with situations of flexible or unstable income.
Speaker | Jody Kellar, Regional Sales Manager, Small Business Banking, RBC Royal Bank; Joel Cerilli, Senior Account Manager, Business Banking & Personal, RBC Royal Bank
Become Your Best Self | March 30
Are you at a turning point in your career and considering a new direction? Maybe you’ve achieved success and are looking for greater fulfillment. Whether the shift is personal, professional, or both, Coach Robin Altman will discuss how to discover your purpose and get connected with who you are when you’re at your best. Robin will discuss how to: carve out a clearer vision and path for your future, increase your performance and prosperity, discover what you truly want and transition to a more authentic and fulfilling way of living.
Speaker | Robin Altman, Founder and Principal, Radiate Coaching
Negotiating Your Salary | April 27
How do you convince decision-makers to offer you a higher salary without taking yourself out of the running for the job? In our competitive economy, savvy negotiating skills are essential to ensuring you make the money you deserve.
Speaker | M. Michelle Nadon, President, mediaINTELLIGENCE.ca
Maximize Your Online Network | May 25
Explore the power of your “digital footprint,” otherwise known as your online brand. Your online network commands authority and is a useful tool for your professional advancement. This session presents practical tools that form the foundation for your online—and offline—success. Topics include: owning your domains and customizing your URLs, sharing yourself authentically and professionally, creating and implementing a varied content plan, using video and images over copy.
Speaker | Gloria Roheim, Digital Strategist, Gloria Roheim Inc.
Entrepreneurship 101 | June 22
Starting your digital media business? Femme-O-Nomics is a networking and content portal that tackles the issues faced by professional women, including the demand of the business world and the complexities of modern families. Co-founder Leah Eichler will speak about the process of starting this business, juggling it with being a columnist on women and careers for the Globe and Mail, and the current developments for Femme-O-nomics, including launching the venture in Silicon Valley and the beta-testing process for a mobile collaboration tool. This session will be key for women who are considering taking their digital media business from ideation to stability.
Speaker | Leah Eichler, Co-founder, Femme-O-Nomics.com
Surviving Mergers and Acquisitions | July 27
Details on this session coming soon!
Where the New Jobs Are | Sep 28
Details on this session coming soon!
Topic to be determined | Oct 26
Details on this session coming soon!
Women and Boards | Nov 30
Contributing to corporate governance is a rewarding career advancement step and increases recognition of your impact in your area of expertise. Data from Frame Work II shows that in broadcasting, 50% of surveyed firms indicated that they have no representation of women at the board or ownership level. Similarly, 90% of firms had neither Aboriginal people nor persons with disabilities at the board/ownership level. None of the broadcasters surveyed had visible minority representation at the board or ownership level. Deborah Gillis of Catalyst will speak about the some of the issues surrounding women and boards and offer insight on the initiatives and tools that can help to increase women’s representation in corporate governance.
Speaker | Deborah Gillis, SVP, Membership & Global Operations, Catalyst
Career Advancement Program Overview | Register here!
Presenting Partners
The WIFT-T Career Advancement Program (CAP) is a breakfast series providing screen-based media professionals with relevant and insightful career development strategies.
Each session features a leading industry professional and provides market intelligence around a particular aspect of transition within the film, television and digital media industry as it applies to production, distribution, marketing, technology, finance and career management. Participants learn how to leverage their skills in order to succeed within this highly-segmented industry.
Schedule
When | Friday mornings, once per month (skips August), 8:30am – 10:00am
Where | St. Andrew’s Club, 150 King St. W (Sun Life Financial Tower) 27th Floor, Toronto
Fees and Registration
Individual Sessions
WIFT-T Members | $15 + processing fee + HST ($19.01) – promo code required, email jgeddie@wift.com
Non-Members | $20 + processing fee + HST ($24.96)
Register | Click here!
Members buy four get one free! Non-members buy four get one 75% Off
Choose Any Five!*
WIFT-T Members | $75 $60 + processing fee + HST ($72.65) – promo code required, email jgeddie@wift.com
Non-Members | $100 $85 + processing fee + HST ($102.46)
Register | Click here!
*Please note no refunds will be given for unused sessions.
Sessions are limited to 35 participants. For inquiries, contact Renee Robinson at rrobinson@wift.com.
Presenting Partners
Thursday March 29 | 6:30pm – 9:00pm | NFB Cinema, 150 John Street, Toronto
Congratulations to the filmmakers selected to present in this year’s Showcase! WIFT-T proudly presented this diverse line-up of shorts made by our members on Thursday March 29th at the NFB Mediatheque.
Special thanks to Presenting Partner Deluxe Postproduction and to Supporting Partners Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Canadian Film Centre, Worldwide Short Film Festival, National Film Board, Kodak Canada, MAC Cosmetics and Toronto Screenwriting Conference.
Audience Choice Award & Door Prizes
Congratulations Gloria Kim, Director of THE AUCTION and winner of this year’s Audience Choice Award! Gloria received a 2012 Toronto Screenwriting Conference pass, MAC gift set, wine gift set, and additional items from Korres, Entertainment One, Shaw Media and Kodak.
A lucky Short Film Showcase guest also left with our fantastic door prize, including a Toronto Screenwriting Conference pass, movie titles and swag from our partners.
About the Showcase
“It was a great night—terrific movies, really well programmed, an attentive audience, with a lovely reception to boot! Thank you again for a organizing such a smashing event. I look forward to more film showcases in the future!” – Jill Riley, Director/Producer, 2010
Taking place each spring in downtown Toronto, the Short Film Showcase is WIFT-T’s opportunity to celebrate and promote the talent and creativity of our members. Each winter, active WIFT-T members (male and female) submit recent work for consideration. To learn more about eligibility, please see the 2012 Short Film Showcase Guidelines.
For more information, please contact Jocelyn Geddie, WIFT-T Membership & Administration Manager, at 416.322.3430 ext. 224 or jgeddie@wift.com.
Previous Years
Presenting Partner
Supporting Partners
In 2004, WIFT-T’s groundbreaking study on employment trends in Canadian screen-based media fueled industry-wide dialogue and contributed to policy and programming developments in the screen-based sector.
“Frame Work: Employment in Screen-Based Media was the catalyst behind the creation of Quebecor’s diversity-focused Professional Development Funds. The measurable result of that study is that Quebecor provided $600,000 to support innovative projects with national training organizations across the country, helping over 300 professionals directly.”
Derek Luis, Principal Analyst, Quebecor Fund
Frame Work: Employment in Screen-Based Media—A National Profile:
Go to: Frame Work II: Canada’s Screen-based Workforce (2012)
2012 Showcase | 2011 Showcase | 2010 Showcase
On Tuesday March 15, WIFT-T proudly presented our 2011 Short Film Showcase to a sold-out theatre at Deluxe Postproduction.
Congratulations Andrea Dorfman, winner of the Audience Choice Award for Flawed. Andrea’s heartfelt animated short tells the story of budding romance while exploring concerns over body image and conventional definitions of beauty.
Andrea’s prize includes two all-access passes to the Female Eye Film Festival, a night at the Metropolitan Hotel Toronto, and gift sets courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and Colio Wines.
Special mention goes to runner-up Caitlin Starowicz for Savage Love. Caitlin received a beautiful arrangement of fair-trade, organic flowers courtesy of Eco Flora.
The screening was followed by the Short Film Showcase Reception and one lucky guest walked away with our fabulous door prize: two Priority Passes to NXNE.
WIFT-T extends a sincere thank you to our Presenting Partner Deluxe Postproduction for once again being our gracious host; to our filmmakers, partners and guests for making this year’s Showcase a huge success; and to all those who submitted films for consideration. Click here for the full lineup.
Established in 2010, the WIFT-T Short Film Showcase is an annual event designed to celebrate and promote the work of WIFT-T members.
Check out the 2010 WIFT-T Short Film Showcase.
Presenting Partner
Supporting Partners
MLP Overview | Curriculum | Bursaries
Mickey Rogers
President, Mickey Rogers Media
Mickey Rogers helps creative entrepreneurs who get lost translating their dreams or products into successful profitable businesses.
For the past 20 years, Rogers has been surrounded by creative ideas and people—as a broadcaster, as an owner of a multi-million dollar business, and as a sounding board, coach, mentor and consultant.
Rogers works with entrepreneurs to shape their ideas, focus and grow their business, introduce their products to the marketplace, access decision-makers, keep them accountable and help them breathe. She has won numerous awards as a freelance journalist, bootstrapped a TV and film production company to $14 million, and introduced products into the global marketplace that went on to win international Emmys. Notably, she helped Martha Stewart form and execute her global “domination” plan.
Rogers graduated from Royal Roads University as an executive coach and is a certified Myers Briggs trainer for leadership and team building. If you are ready to make your dreams real, you’re exactly the kind of creative entrepreneur she wants to work with.
Patricia Bradshaw
Associate Professor, Organizational Behaviour/Industrial Relations, Schulich School of Business
Patricia Bradshaw’s research explores the ways that power and politics interface with organizational and social change processes. Bradshaw has done qualitative, action and quantitative studies of boards, diversity and gender issues in a variety of settings including nonprofit, health care and education. Understanding, conceptualizing and revealing the operation of unconscious, personal and deep cultural power structures informs much of her research agenda as does bridging from theory to practice and application.
Bradshaw is currently Director of the core MBA course “Skills for Leadership and Governance” and Chair of the York Senate. She has held past positions including the Director of the MBA Program and Chair of Sessions at Conferences including ARNOVA Annual Conference, ASAC Conference, and Greening of Industry Conference.
Alan Kennedy
Partner, Gibson Kennedy & Company
Alan is a founding member of Gibson Kennedy & Company, a management consulting firm offering strategy counsel and competitive research services.
Kennedy’s consulting practice focuses exclusively on helping senior management with project planning and strategy communication. He has extensive experience facilitating group discussions and preparing issues for presentation to boards and management.
Kennedy has been teaching courses on Strategic Management for the Schulich School of Business since 1992. Over 2,500 executives have attended his three-day course, Strategic Management, offered three times a year at the Schulich Executive Education Centre and twice a year by Saint Mary’s University’s Professional Development Division.
During his corporate career, Kennedy served as Senior Vice President & General Counsel for both Oxford Development Group and Campeau Corporation. He is a Certified Management Consultant and a member of the Honour Roll of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of Ontario.
Karen Chiykowski
Lecturer, Financial Management
Schulich School of Business
Karen Chiykowski is a full-time award-winning instructor at the Schulich Schoolof Business teaching graduate level MBA and BBA courses in management accounting, corporate finance and financial analysis. Prior to joining York, Chiykowski spent 15 years in the finance function in the auto, software and investments industry.
Megan Mitchell
Program Director, Centre of Excellence in Innovation Management and Innovation Catalyst
Megan Mitchell is a senior leader in Leadership Development, Innovation, and Change Management with over 15 years of experience. She has worked in the functional areas of Innovation, HR, Marketing and Sales.
Mitchell’s areas of expertise include strategic thinking, systemic innovation, creative problem solving, leadership development, team and learning facilitation and design. She is passionate about facilitating effective change in a positive and energetic way with individual leaders and organizations.
Mitchell has led Innovation Teams tasked with critical business opportunities that resulted in achieved savings of over $1 MM in eight months and winning the National Quality Institute Award for Healthy Workplace. She has worked individually and one-on-one, coaching individuals on innovation practices, approaches and methods.
Alan Middleton PhD
Executive Director, Schulich Executive Education Centre
Assistant Professor, Schulich School of Business, York University
Alan Middleton graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science with a B.Sc. Honours Sociology. He earned an MBA and then a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business, York University.
Middleton began his career with the J. Walter Thompson (JWT) advertising agency in London. After four years, he emigrated to Canada, where he became President and one-third owner of Amca Marketing Inc., a marketing consultancy with clients in foodservice and packaged goods.
Middleton eventually became Vice- President/Client Services Director of JWT Toronto, and later, President/CEO of JWT Japan, the third largest operation in JWT worldwide. JWT Japan worked for DeBeers, Esso, Ford, Kelloggs, Kodak, RJ Reynolds, Shiseido, Suntory, Toyo Jozo, Unilever and Warner Lambert and added Kraft General Foods, Nestle-Macintosh, Haagen-Dazs, Sakura Bank and Sumitomo Trading while he was there. In 1990 he was made Executive Vice President and a Board Director of the worldwide company.
In September 2001, Middleton took over as Executive Director for the Schulich Executive Education Centre (SEEC), one of Canada’s largest management education organizations offering open and custom non-degree programs to over 15,000 executives a year in North America and internationally.
MLP Overview | Curriculum | Bursaries
Toronto, ON – Women in Film & Television – Toronto (WIFT-T) is pleased to announce emerging producer Heidi Tao Yang as winner of the 2011 CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship.
Yang will join CBC Television for a week-long workshop at its downtown Toronto studio in February 2012. She will learn about the production and broadcast components of dramatic content for multiple platforms and receive the opportunity to develop business relationships with CBC drama staff.
“Canada’s public broadcaster is the ideal place for Heidi to develop her burgeoning talent and expand her creative vision,” says Heather Webb, WIFT-T Executive Director. “On behalf of WIFT-T, I’d like to thank CBC for their ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of Canadian production professionals.”
Yang has produced nine short dramatic films, worked on feature films and television series, and supervised over 30 hours of documentary television.
Currently, she is developing a feature film, a children’s animation series, and a documentary about communication barriers between first-generation immigrants and their second-generation children. She is a recent recipient of the CMPA Telefilm Producer Trainee Award.
Now in its fifth year, the CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship is a competitive program that provides one emerging Canadian female producer with the opportunity to experience a unique look at CBC Television from “behind the screen.”
“We’d like to congratulate Heidi and welcome her to the CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship,” says Trevor Walton, Executive Director of Scripted and Commissioned Programming for CBC English Services.
“Her practical experience, story-telling skills and international perspective will complement CBC’s focus on telling compelling and entertaining all-Canadian stories as we continue to meet the challenges our industry faces head-on,” Walton adds.
As the 2011 recipient, Yang will be acknowledged at the Crystal Awards Gala Luncheon on December 5th in Toronto. She also receives a WIFT-T programming pass valued at $1,200 for continued professional development.
For more information, please visit www.wift.com.
-30-
More on the CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship
For media inquiries or accreditation at the 2011 Crystal Awards, please contact:
Katy Swailes
WIFT-T Communications Officer
416-322-3430 ext. 226
kswailes@wift.com
Back to the Kodak New Vision Mentorship
Deepa Mehta
Director, Producer & Screenwriter
Deepa Mehta was born in India and received a degree in philosophy from the University
of New Delhi. In 1991, Mehta produced and directed her first feature film Sam & Me, the
poignant story of an unlikely friendship between two outcasts who form a deep and
permanent bond despite the fact that neither is welcome in the other’s world. Sam & Me
won the very first Honorable Mention by the Critics in the prestigious Camera D’Or
category at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival.
In 1992, she directed a one-hour episode of the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (the
adventures of Indiana Jones as a boy) produced by George Lucas for ABC television.
“Benares” was filmed on location in Benares, India.
In 1993, Mehta directed her second feature film, Camilla, a Canadian / UK co-production starring (the late) Jessica Tandy and Bridget Fonda. Other cast members included Elias Koteas, Maury Chaykin, Graham Greene and Hume Cronyn. It was shot on location in Toronto, Ontario and Savannah, Georgia. Camilla had a worldwide release early in 1995. Mehta directed the final episode of George Lucas’s Young Indiana Jones Chronicles in 1994. “Travels with Father” was shot on location in Prague, C.R. and Greece.
Fire, Mehta’s third feature film, based on an original screenplay, was written, directed and produced by Mehta. Fire opened the Perspective Canada Program at the 1996 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was runner-up (with Fly Away Home) for the Air Canada People’s Choice Award. It was one of 29 films selected from over 1400 entries, worldwide, for the prestigious New York Film Festival. At the Vancouver International Film Festival, Fire won the Federal Express Award for Best Canadian Film as chosen by the audience. At the Chicago International Film Festival, it won two Silver Hugo Awards for Best Direction and Best Actress. In Mannheim, Fire won the Jury Award and in Paris, it was voted Favourite Foreign Film. Fire has currently been sold to 30 countries and had its North American release on August 22, 1997, followed by releases in Europe, Australia and India in September 1997.
Earth, based on Bapsi Sidhwa’s critically acclaimed novel, Cracking India, is the second film in Mehta’s trilogy of the elements, Fire, Earth and Water. Earth was shot in New Delhi, India, in January of 1998. It had its world premiere as a Special Presentation at the 1998 Toronto Film Festival where it was received with a standing ovation and critical acclaim. Earth won the Prix Premiere du Public at the Festival du film Asiatique de Deauville (France) in March 1999 and the Critics’ Award at the Schermi d’Amore International Film Festival (Italy) in April of the same year. Currently, Earth has been sold to 22 countries and was selected by the Film Federation of India as India’s nomination for consideration for an Academy Award in the category of Best Foreign Language Film.
Her film Bollywood/ Hollywood opened the Perspective Canada Program at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival, and has remained in the top 10 grossing English movies since its Canadian opening on October 25, 2002. In 2003 Mehta won the prestigious CineAsia “Best Director” Award – an acclaim awarded to Steven Spielberg in 2002.
Water, the third film in the “elements” trilogy, opened the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival. Water is the first Canadian film ever acquired by U.S. distributor Fox Searchlight and was released in the United States in the spring of 2006. Initially, Water was to be shot in India, but Hindu fundamentalists created riots, burnt the sets and issued death threats to the director and actors forcing the film to stop production in early 2000. The film was remounted and completed shooting in Sri Lanka in June 2004. Water has played many film festivals in North America and internationally, winning festival awards in Sudbury, Edmonton, Italy, Valladolid, Bangkok and San Francisco. The film received the Taormina Arte Awards for Cinematic Excellence in 2006. Water received the Golden Kinnaree Awards for best picture from the Bangkok International
Film Festival. The film was nominated for nine Genie awards, winning three. The Vancouver Film Critics Circle named Deepa Mehta the Best Director of a Canadian Film in 2006. More recently, the film was nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 79th Annual Academy Awards.
Mehta’s latest film, Heaven On Earth, is about immigration, isolation and the power of imagination. Starring Preity Zinta, the film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2008 and was awarded a Silver Hugo for Best Actress at the Chicago International Film Festival. It also received Best Screenplay award at the Dubai International Film Festival, the Youth Jury Award a the Schermi d’Amore Film Festival in Verona, Italy and the Audience Award at the River to River Florence Indian Film Festival.
Mehta’s next film is an adaptation of Salman Rushdie’s acclaimed novel Midnight’s Children.
Back to the Kodak New Vision Mentorship
About the Crystal Awards | 2011 Crystal Award Winners | Foundation Tables & Seats
Maria Topalovich
As recipient of the 2004 Outstanding Achievement Award, it is my great pleasure to invite you to the 2011 Crystal Awards Gala Luncheon, taking place Monday, December 5th at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto.
As you know, each year Women in Film & Television – Toronto (WIFT-T) gathers together members of the Canadian screen-based media community to honour and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in our industry.
Over my many years spearheading the Academy and the Genie, Gemini and Gemeaux Awards, I developed tremendous respect and a keen understanding of the fundamental importance of awards and public recognition. As a past Crystal Award recipient, I know the profound honour of being recognized by one’s peers.
Over and above celebrating achievement, the Crystal Awards also serve as the most significant fundraising event for WIFT-T’s charitable arm, the Foundation for Women in Film & Television – Toronto. The Foundation provides women with access to WIFT-T’s professional development programs through bursaries, funds research relating to the status of women in the industry, and supports WIFT-T’s programming initiatives.
So I sincerely encourage you to consider the purchase of a Foundation Table or Seat at the 2011 Gala Luncheon. In doing so, you will not only receive all the benefits of being a Foundation Guest—premier seating, VIP check-in, recognition and a charitable tax receipt—but you will also be supporting the programs and services that are essential to the mission of the Foundation. The final day to purchase Foundation Tables and Seats is Friday November 25.
Each of this year’s 2011 Crystal Award winners has made a significant contribution to the screen-based industry in Canada. I hope you will join WIFT-T in celebrating the achievements of these remarkable women.
Yours Sincerely,
Maria Topalovich
Executive Director, Screen Composers Guild of Canada
President, Actors’ Fund of Canada
Back to Overview | Back to Curriculum | Registration Form
Eva Ziemsen
Professor and Program Coordinator, Film & Television Production, Humber College
Producer, Cineva Films
Born in Munich, Germany, Eva Ziemsen is a director, producer and writer who has worked in the film industry for the past eight years. Her films include the multi-award winning, MAMA & PAPA (2001), CHILD OF CHERNOBYL (2001) and the documentary film, A CONVERSATION WITH LARS VON TRIER (2005), all of which have been broadcast on television and distributed and screened internationally.
Eva holds a Master of Arts Degree in Feature Film Development from Goldsmiths College, University of London, England and a BFA from York University in Film and Video. Eva has taught throughout the past seven years at Humber College, Toronto Film College, York University, Fanshawe College and through her successful workshop, “How to Get into the Film Industry in Toronto.” At Cineva Films Inc., Eva is developing a music video, a feature-length documentary and two feature narrative films in co-production with Canadian and European-based production companies.
Donna O’Brien-Sokic
Professor, Film & Television Production, Humber College
Donna O’Brien-Sokic is a professor specializing in producing and production management for the Film and Television Production Program at the Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
Following a busy freelance career, including positions with both Citytv and Paramount, Donna was hired by Walt Disney Television Canada as Director of Sales and Marketing. During her fourteen-years with the company, she played a pivotal role in its success and was instrumental in managing key client relationships with CTV, CBC and Family Channel. Donna then became the Training and Education Facilitator for the Directors Guild of Canada and launched their official training slate in 2002, increasing offerings from five to forty-five courses in just two years.
John Gaskin
Production Accountant and Instructor
John Gaskin Productions
Over the past 23 years, John has worked on 43 productions in five countries, working with such industry greats as Ron Howard, Frank Oz and Walter Salles, as well as on independent films and TV episodic productions, pilots and mini-series.
John has been touted as the “Billion Dollar Man,” because the accumulated budgets that have been under his control have exceeded a billion dollars. View John’s IMDB profile for his list of credits. John’s book, Walk The Talk, is required reading at the University of Southern California’s Cinematic Arts (Peter Stark Graduate Producer’s Program), as well as the Producer’s Program at the University of Tampa, where John has an open invitation to deliver seminars. His book is also used and recommended at the American Film Institute. John has authored numerous articles on Google Knol and EzineArticles and enjoys answering your questions on his blog, Film Production and The Money.
Back to Overview | Back to Curriculum | Registration Form
Established in 1988, WIFT-T’s annual Crystal Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of Canadian women and men in screen-based media—film, television and digital media. Taking place each winter in downtown Toronto, the Crystal Awards bring together industry, government and media from across the country to honour and promote Canadian excellence.
2011 Crystal Awards Host
CBC News Toronto co-anchor Anne-Marie Mediwake is host of the 2011 Crystal Awards! Anne-Marie’s demonstrated commitment to journalistic excellence, community involvement, and the mentorship of young women throughout her career reflects the spirit of the Crystal Awards. WIFT-T is excited to welcome her as host of this year’s ceremony!
Learn more about Anne-Marie.
CREATIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD
Julie Bristow, Executive Director, Studio & Unscripted Programming, CBC Television
Awarded to a woman in recognition of the creative excellence and dynamic quality of her work in screen-based media (film, television and digital media). The recipient’s recent work has received national and/or international attention in the previous year and has established a standard for those working in screen-based media.
MENTORSHIP AWARD
Carol Whiteman, President & CEO, Creative Women Workshops Association; Producer, Women in the Director’s Chair Workshop
Awarded to a woman or man who has made an outstanding contribution to building women’s careers in screen-based media (film, television and digital media). The mentor supports the advancement of women, offers guidance and support, and/or assists female entrepreneurs in growing their own media companies.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Noreen Halpern, President, Dramatic Programming, Entertainment One Television
Awarded to a woman who has made a major contribution to screen-based media (film, television and digital media) through the consistent quality of her work throughout her career. Through personal example and leadership, she has inspired and set standards for women and men working in the screen-based industry.
INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Samantha Bee, Comedic Actress
Awarded to a Canadian woman working in screen-based media for her significant and well-recognized body of work in Canada and abroad.
Media Accreditation
Access to the 24th Annual Crystal Awards will be granted only to those accredited by WIFT-T. Click here to apply.
Crystal Awards Alumni
Since 1988, more than 100 remarkable women and men have received a Crystal Award, including many of today’s senior executives and industry leaders.
Crystal Awards Alumni
2010 Crystal Awards | Gallery
2009 Crystal Awards | Gallery
Presenting Partners
Supporting Partners
Production Partners
Media Partner
About the Crystal Awards | 2011 Crystal Award Winners | Purchase Tickets
Samantha Bee
Comedic Actress
Samantha Bee was born and raised in Toronto, Canada—and yes, she understands that it’s very clean there.
Having no appreciable skill set or professional aspirations, she turned to acting and found it compatible with her lazy lifestyle.
Samantha began her career doing numerous commercial campaigns, many of which involved humiliating costumes and annoying catchphrases that people still like to remind her about.
But when she joined the innovative all-female sketch troupe The Atomic Fireballs, her professional life took a turn for the better. She joined the cast of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in 2003 and now holds the title of Most Senior Correspondent, having systematically eliminated all those before her.
In addition to her work on The Daily Show, Bee can be seen opposite husband Jason Jones in the film Cooper’s Christmas, on Sesame Street, and in the films Furry Vengeance opposite Brendan Fraser and Date Night opposite Steve Carell and Tina Fey.
She had the privilege of performing as one of the original cast members of Love, Loss, and What I Wore at the Westside Theater in the fall of 2009, and her first book, I Know I Am But What Are You?, was released in paperback by Simon & Schuster in 2011.
Last season Samantha was on Law and Order; but she’s pretty sure they canceled the show right after her performance. She currently has a recurring role on the new season of HBO’s Bored To Death and also has a regular role on HBO Canada’s Good Dog. She has also guest-starred on CBC’s series Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays.
When Bee is not working she enjoys photographing her children in foolish outfits and correcting spelling errors on menus.
The International Achievement Award is presented to a Canadian woman working in screen-based media for her significant and well-recognized body of work in Canada and abroad.
View the full slate of 2011 Crystal Award winners.
Curriculum | Faculty | Bursaries | 2010 Gallery
Read an interview testimonial from 2010 MLP participant, Yen Chu.
Application Deadline | Monday December 19, 5PM EST
The WIFT-T Media Leadership Program (MLP) is a biennial program designed for mid to senior level women and men who want leading-edge academic knowledge and contemporary business and leadership skills required in the Canadian screen-based industry. Participants who complete the MLP receive a certificate from the Schulich School of Business, York University.
Topics covered in the course include: strategic management, financial literacy, leadership and change management, media consolidation, rights and regulations, marketing, and managing creative individuals and teams.
The WIFT-T Media Leadership Program features internationally-renowned speakers from the Schulich Executive Education Centre as well as high profile industry panelists.
The program also provides exclusive access to industry leaders, peer-to-peer networking, and one-on-one presentation skills assessment and coaching. Professionals from all sectors of the screen-based industry are encouraged to apply. To discuss a payment plan, please call Jocelyn Geddie (416.322.3430 ext. 224).
Schedule
When | Fridays and Saturdays (exception: first module runs Friday-Sunday)
Time | 9:30am – 5:30pm
Where | Downtown Toronto, venue TBC
Eligibility
- Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Landed Immigrant
- Holds a management position in any sector of the screen-based industry, with at least five years’ management experience
- Successful candidates must be prepared to participate in ongoing evaluation and provide testimonial on completion of the program
Benefits
- Peer networking with industry leaders
- Friday/Saturday sessions maximize work week
- Limited enrollment for smaller class size
- Exclusive access to industry leaders
- Participants from a cross-section of the industry
- Certificate from Schulich School of Business, York University
- Bursaries and payment plans available
Fees & Registration
Registration is limited to 20 participants. Payment plans are available. Please call Jocelyn Geddie, 416.322.3430 ext. 224, to discuss payment plan details. Bursaries covering $1,000 of the program fee are also available to those who qualify. .
Program Fee* | $3,500 (+ HST = $3,955)
Application Fee | $25 (+ HST = $28.25)
Please refer to the Guidelines and Application Form for the full application process. General applications must be received no later than Monday December 19, 2011, 5pm EST. For the bursary application process, click here.
Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and notification of enrollment is expected in December. Payment will not be processed until enrollment is confirmed.
Presenting Partner
Supporting Partner
Schedule and Curriculum | 2012 Faculty | Guidelines | Application Form
The WIFT-T Executive Management Program (EMP) is a national initiative that provides an opportunity for executives and senior management of independent production companies to develop business strategy and management skills.
Through an intensive four-day workshop, participants learn how to incorporate standard business models and position themselves as competitive leaders in the production marketplace. In addition, each participant is assigned a three-month post-program mentorship with a seasoned production executive or industry leader to guide implementation of strategic planning.
The 2012 EMP will take place Wednesday March 21 to Saturday March 24 in Toronto.
Learning formats
- Formal instruction
- Case-study presentations
- One-on-one consultations
Objectives
The goal of the EMP is to facilitate participants’ understanding of:
- Where they are in the development of their company
- How their productions fit within an overall corporate growth strategy
- What their distinct market position is within the economy
Canada’s high-potential screen-based entrepreneurs will receive consultation, analysis and mentorship regarding the following corporate issues:
- Traditional benchmarks of a healthy business and strategies for achieving those benchmarks in the context of a Canadian screen-based production company. Business plans are reviewed for feasibility for corporate financing.
- Sustainable business models for production companies, including diversification of properties, alternate revenue models, and integrating production workflows for interactive extensions.
- Financial management, including financial planning, financial controls and corporate accounting.
- Legal management, including special considerations for IP based businesses.
- Human resources and management issues for entrepreneurs (when do you need a CFO? managing growth in uncertain times).
- Marketing tools for building your company’s media brand and product line in the multi-channel universe.
Eligibility
- Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Landed Immigrant
- Principal or Senior Management of an independent production company
- At least three broadcast credits (individual or corporate)
- Must submit a corporate profile completed within the last three years (*optional: may also submit business plan)
Benefits
- Peer networking with leaders from a broad cross-section of the industry
- Wednesday through Saturday to minimize time out of office for busy entrepreneurs
- Limited enrollment, small class size
- Exclusive access to industry leaders and three-month post-program mentorship
When and Where
Date | March 21 – 24, 2012. Click here for curriculum schedule.
Time | 9:30AM – 5:30PM
Location | Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre, 45 The Esplanade, M5E 1W2
Fees and Registration
Application Fee | $25 (+ HST = $28.25) required to process your application
Program Fee | $650 (+ HST = $734.50) The program is valued at $3,500!
Please refer to the 2012 Executive Management Program guidelines and application form for the complete application process. Application packages must be submitted by email to wift@wift.com.
Up to 20 individual participants—representing senior management from the independent production sector—will be selected via a national competitive process adjudicated by an industry selection committee. Successful applicants will be notified by early February.
For inquiries, contact Renée Robinson, WIFT-T Programming & Business Affairs Manager, at rrobinson@wift.com.
About the Crystal Awards | 2011 Crystal Award Winners | 2010 Gallery
WIFT-T requires dedicated, enthusiastic and diplomatic volunteers to assist with the 2011 Crystal Awards on Monday December 5. Priority will be given to WIFT-T members in good standing; however, non-members may also apply.
Please note that to be eligible, you must be available to attend orientation (details to follow), setup, and the Crystal Awards as follows:
Volunteer Orientation
Date | Wednesday November 30, 2011
Call time | 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Location | The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, 181 Wellington Street West
Setup/Venue Orientation
Date | Sunday December 4, 2011
Call time | 4:30PM – 7:00PM
Location | The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, 181 Wellington Street West
Crystal Awards
Date | Monday December 5, 2011
Call time | 8:30AM – 3:00PM
Location | The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, 181 Wellington Street West
Volunteers are required for the following duties:
- Registration Team
- Production Team
- Foundation/Partner Team
- Greeters and Trouble Shooters
- Floaters
Breakfast and lunch is provided on Monday December 5 and volunteers receive breaks throughout the day. If you are interested in assisting with the 2011 Crystal Awards, please email wift@wift.com with “Crystal Awards Volunteer” as the subject and your resume attached.
Volunteer hours can be put toward most WIFT-T courses at the rate of 10% off for every 10 hours worked. Restrictions apply.
Shivanya Mulekar, 2010
As an immigrant television producer, my aim [for the CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship] was to understand the broadcasting business of CBC and streamline the information into my current work knowledge. I was keen to see how different the broadcaster in Canada worked as compared to India. CBC and WIFT gave me a wonderful opportunity to observe and get inside the making of programs at Canada’s broadcaster.
The team at CBC was warm and willing to share their experience. Each one of the team members was well prepared to answer my eager questions. The mentorship program was very well thought out and the team ensured that I was given in-depth knowledge about each department. They used unique techniques to keep me informed and made the whole mentorship program very interesting and fun. The part that I enjoyed the most was being at the playback of a drama series where I had the opportunity to observe an executive in charge of the show at work.
I take back a lot of special memories and interesting information after my week at CBC. There was a great amount of learning which happened in a fun way. The [mentorship] made me a more informed person and gave me great confidence to find a niche for myself in this industry. I trust CBC and WIFT continue this partnership and keep encouraging new talent who want to acquire a strong foothold in the broadcasting industry.
Angelika Walaszczyk, 2009
Thank you Women in Film & Television – Toronto for honouring me with the opportunity to mentor at the CBC, which has allowed me to gain invaluable insight from the remarkable people at the network, and to build important business relationships. One week at the CBC allowed me to meet with over 35 diverse professionals. I feel privileged to be able to pick up the phone or send an email to these people asking for guidance or advice on my projects.
As a producer, I now understand the various departments within the CBC and the crucial role they each play in the success of a show. This mentorship has shown me how to communicate effectively with a broadcaster as a result of this awareness. The insight gained will be integrated into every one of my projects from this point forward. It will allow me to look at things from different points of view, which brings me more confidence.
Along with the professional development experience, I was also exposed to a huge inspirational energy at the CBC. It is really an amazing time to be there and everyone’s excitement for their contribution through their job is contagious. It was such a positive feeling for my soul and my passion for this industry. An amazing opportunity, thank you again.
Jessica Jennings, 2008
[The CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship] was a tremendous learning experience. It was a whirlwind of information and a lot to absorb in one week, yet the scheduling and cohesiveness really worked. The program serves as a good example of how the industry works and is a great preparation tool. The “speed date” style provides one-on-one time to ask questions and create a succinct picture of the business of broadcasting.
This exposure to the movers and shakers of CBC is the first step to developing business relationships. Many of the executives offered up their business cards and suggested I contact them if ever I have questions going forward. I will be meeting potentially with three producers: from The Newsworld, Steven and Chris and The Nature of Things.
I learned how a production executive is involved throughout the entire development process [of MOWs and series]—what they oversee, how they exercise creative jurisdiction, how their role is instrumental to a production’s direction and how they weigh-in on approving the production budget, script, episode cuts, music, etc. I learned more about what’s involved internally once a project is completed or nearing completion, and what a broadcaster’s responsibility is to the producer and production, and vice-versa. Overall, my exposure to the broadcast process of arts and entertainment was simply great.
CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship
Presenting Partner
“I now understand the various departments within the CBC and the crucial role they each play in the success of a show. This mentorship has shown me how to communicate effectively with a broadcaster.” – Angelika Walaszczyk, 2009 CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship Winner. Read more.
Application Deadline | Monday October 31, 2011
The CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship is a national competitive mentorship that gives one emerging Canadian female broadcasting professional the opportunity to experience a unique look at CBC Television from “behind the screen.”
Through a comprehensive week-long workshop, the winner learns about the production and broadcast components of dramatic content for multiple platforms and receives the opportunity to establish business and mentoring relationships with CBC drama staff. The mentorship takes place February 2012 at a designated CBC location in downtown Toronto.
The winner also receives a WIFT-T programming pass valued at $1,200 and a presentation at the 2011 Crystal Awards Gala Luncheon on Monday December 5.
2010 CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship Winner: Shivanya Mulekar
Eligibility
- Canadian Citizen, Landed Immigrant, or Permanent Resident
- WIFT-T member (may join at time of application)
- High potential contributor to the industry
- Emerging professional with 3-5 years’ industry experience
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Available to attend programming presented by WIFT-T
- Available to attend presentation ceremony at the 2011 Crystal Awards on December 5
- Able to re-locate to Toronto during time period of the mentorship at own expense
- Able to produce a final report upon completion of the mentorship
Application Deadline | Monday October 31, 2011
The application window for the 2011 program is now closed. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed of WIFT-T staff and CBC representatives. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed the week of November 7-11. The winner will be announced in November.
Application Fee | An administration fee of $25 + HST ($28.25) is required to process your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Cheque | Make payable to “Women in Film & Television – Toronto.” Mail to: WIFT-T – CBC Business of Broadcasting Mentorship, 110 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 601, Toronto, ON, M4P 2Y1
Credit Card | VISA or MasterCard. Provide card information on the application form or call the office at 416.322.3430 ext. 224 with payment information.
Presenting Partner
About the Crystal Awards | Foundation Tables & Seats | Purchase Tickets
Creative Excellence Award
Awarded to a woman in recognition of the creative excellence and dynamic quality of her work in screen-based media, which has received national and/or international attention in the previous year and sets a standard for screen-based professionals.
Julie Bristow
Executive Director, Studio & Unscripted Programming, CBC Television
Julie Bristow is responsible for CBC Television’s Factual Entertainment, Sports, Unscripted Comedy and Specials.
She launched the Factual Entertainment division in May 2006 and, under her stewardship, the network saw significant audience growth with primetime hits such as Dragons’ Den, The Week The Women Went, Battle of the Blades, Steven and Chris, Best Recipes Ever, and George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight. As well, Canada’s Next Great Prime Minister and Make the Politician Work were both hot-selling international formats.
Julie’s work in television has garnered her three Gemini Awards and the CBC President’s Award for Leadership. Julie combines a passion for public broadcasting with an entrepreneurial spirit and understanding of entertainment programming across genres.
Mentorship Award
Awarded to a woman or man who has made an outstanding contribution to building women’s careers in screen-based media and/or assists female entrepreneurs in growing their own media companies.
Carol Whiteman
President & CEO
Creative Women Workshops Association
A two-time Governor General’s Award-nominee, Carol is a co-creator of the Women In the Director’s Chair program (WIDC), presented by the Creative Women Workshops Association (CWWA).
Through her work with WIDC—including facilitating workshops, providing personal coaching and administering awards and fellowships—Carol has helped advance the careers of hundreds of women screen directors, actors and technicians across Canada and internationally. As a founding member, President and CEO of the CWWA, Carol has produced over 130 short films at WIDC since its inception in 1997.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Awarded to a woman who has made a major contribution to screen-based media through the consistent quality of her work. Through personal example and leadership, she has inspired and set standards for screen-based media professionals.
Noreen Halpern
President, Dramatic Programming,
Entertainment One Television
As eOne Television’s President of Dramatic Programming, Noreen Halpern oversees the development and production of all scripted programming, including primetime series The Firm, Hell On Wheels, Rookie Blue, Hung and Haven. Noreen also manages the strategic growth of the TV division and serves as an Executive Producer on many eOne Television productions.
Previously, Noreen worked at Canada’s production/distribution powerhouse Alliance-Atlantis. In 2002, she left to co-found Blueprint Entertainment, which later merged with a number of international partners to form Entertainment One, now Canada’s largest entertainment company and a fully-integrated film and television production and distribution company with offices around the world.
International Achievement Award
Awarded to a woman working in screen-based media for her significant and well-recognized body of work in Canada and abroad.
Samantha Bee
Comedic Actress
Born and raised in Toronto, Samantha joined the cast of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in 2003, where she “systematically eliminated all those before her” for the title of Most Senior Correspondent.
In addition to The Daily Show, she can be seen opposite husband Jason Jones in the film Cooper’s Christmas, in the films Furry Vengeance and Date Night, and in a recurring role in the new season of the HBO series Bored to Death.
Samantha is a regular on the upcoming season of HBO Canada’s Good Dog and guest-starred recently on CBC’s Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays, as well as on the final season of Law and Order. This fall, she was honoured as Comedy Person of the Year at the Canadian Comedy Awards. Click here for Samantha Bee’s full bio.
WIFT-T and Deluxe provide postproduction training for emerging female producer
WIFT-T is pleased to announce Marla Black as the winner of the 2011 Deluxe Producer Internship.
Black will receive a special presentation at the WIFT-T Reception at TIFF, taking place September 14 at Pinewood Toronto Studios.
Now in its fourth year, this national program provides one emerging female producer with hands-on training at the Deluxe Postproduction studios in Toronto.
“The Deluxe Producer Internship addresses a crucial training gap in the industry,” says Heather Webb, WIFT-T Executive Director. “With three projects in development, Marla Black will benefit immensely from learning the ins and outs of postproduction from some of the best in the business. WIFT-T is grateful for Deluxe’s continued support of this invaluable opportunity for women.”
Black will join Deluxe for a three-week internship commencing in November. She will shadow some of the company’s top Toronto-based executives and technical experts, learning about production equipment planning and requirements and postproduction video, film and sound.
“Deluxe is pleased to continue our role in support of this internship. We continue to be impressed with the candidates and appreciate the tough choice we have every year,” says Diane Cuthbert, VP Sales at Deluxe Postproduction. “We welcome Marla to our facility. We look forward to working with her over these intense and busy three weeks and know that her time in Postproduction will be a very productive investment in her career.”
Learn more about the Deluxe Producer Internship.
Marla Black Biography
Originally from Moncton, New Brunswick, Marla Black co-wrote and is producing her first feature film, Mary, a comedy about Immaculate Conception that is being executive produced by Christopher Zimmer (New Waterford Girl, The River King, Partition).
Black has worked in front of and behind the scenes in television and film for close to five years. She was a Music Supervisor for such hit TV shows as Canadian Idol, Battle of the Blades and the upcoming Canada’s Got Talent, as well as the feature documentary Highway Gospel. She has also leant her talents to the Junos, Canada’s Walk of Fame, the Geminis, and Canada Sings!.
As an actress, Black studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute in New York City and has had immense success in the commercial world, with spots for various international brands. Her comedic skills and dramatic chops helped her land roles in numerous short films, and in feature films such as The Untitled Project of Paul Sheppard (with Kris Holden-Ried) and Killer’s Freedom (with Michael Madsen and Rachel Hunter).
In addition to Mary, Black currently has two other projects in development. She is thrilled to be participating in the Deluxe Producer Internship. For more on Marla Black, visit www.marlablack.ca.
Presenting Partner
WIFT-T and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) have teamed-up for WIFT-T’s annual reception during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
The much-anticipated event will take place Wednesday September 14, 6pm – 10pm, at Pinewood Toronto Studios, 225 Commissioners Street, Toronto.
Complimentary shuttle service (from downtown Toronto) and complimentary parking at the venue is available. Details will be provided to all registered guests.
The WIFT-T Reception @ TIFF is designed to celebrate the spirit and creativity of Toronto’s screen-based media community. Close to 800 guests will be in attendance, including WIFT-T members and partners, visiting filmmakers, and CBC personalities. The Art of Sound will honour the creative application of all aspects of sound in screen-based media works. The event also features the presentation of the Deluxe Producer Internship.
Check out the 2010 photo gallery for images from last year’s whimsical soiree.
Performances By
Three bewitching young Canadian women, Lexi Valentine, Nadia King, and French, collaborated their talents to produce some of the most respected indie rock music that exists today. Their sound displays courage, strength, confidence, and a bit of sarcasm, but a uniqueness that the world has never seen before. Since being discovered, Magneta Lane has been unstoppable touring in Canada, the U.S., parts of Europe and Japan. They’ve also shared the stage with some notable names in music, such as K-os, The Stills, Sloan, Stellastarr and Silversun Pickups.
In My Coma is the brainchild of vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Jasper James. Though Jasper has spent the last several years in southern Ontario, Canada, the foundation of his musical creativity rests in his English heritage. Born in Guildford, a small city south of London, England, Jasper grew up listening to the popular British bands of the 80s, thanks to his father’s passion for the music. IMC’s music combines the energy and loudness of modern rock with the dark and melodic characteristics of Brit-pop.
Dynamic hip hop duo The Antiheroes consists of Sha Prince and Flex, emcees from the GTA whose unstoppable lyricism and classic vibe pay homage to the genre’s golden era—with a uniquely modern twist. Fresh beats, catchy samples and effortless wordplay have earned them a growing fanbase that spans Canada, the U.S., Europe and the Netherlands. The much-anticipated debut album, This Is FreeDumb, drops September 23—but guests will have the exclusive chance to pick it up at the event.
Lush vocals meet raw flamenco rhythms, vibrant Afro-Cuban beats, and the colorful resonance of Mexican folk music: this is the sound of Amanda Martinez captivating audiences around the globe. Following performances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Toronto’s Koerner Hall, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and New York’s Blue Note club, Amanda is quickly garnering international acclaim. Her trademark warm vocals and melodies rich with Mexican and South African heritage have made hers the sought-after voice for Putumayo’s Bossa Nova Around the World.
The DoneFors’ Award Winning Album (independent, 2011) showcases this incomparable band in shining form, exploring such themes as false heroes, small town woes, political cost and memories lost. The release will be celebrated at The Dakota Tavern on September 22. Elements of rock, pop, folk, jazz, world music and country create The DoneFors’ signature sound, which they’ve coined Canadiana Vanguard—a musical expression that stretches boundaries and stays rooted in an instrument’s organic sound.
Ready, Set, Bid!
Bring your A-game (and your cheque book!) and be ready to bid on incredible silent auction items in support of the Foundation for Women in Film & Television – Toronto.
Packages & items include:
- Adobe 5.5 Creative Suite Master Collection Software for MAC OS
- Fashionista Package – including a $250 Vaughan Mills gift card, Swarovski Crystal necklace by JFG Designs and subscription to Flare Magazine
- City & Culture Package – including a one-night stay and breakfast for two at the Metropolitan Hotel and two tickets for a performance during the 2011-12 season at Massey Hall or Roy Thompson Hall
- You Earned It! Package – including a gift certificate for two women to enjoy Body Blitz Spa Therapeutic Waters and a KORRES gift basket of homeopathic skin care products
- PLUS Cashmere Stole by Marlowe
- MAC Cosmetics Gift Set
- And signed sports swag and game tickets; tickets to opera, theatre and concerts; gift certificates for Toronto’s top restaurants and spas; and so much more!
Registration Closed
The 2011 WIFT-T Reception @ TIFF is at capacity and we are no longer accepting new registration forms. Forms that have already been received are being processed; we appreciate your patience in waiting for confirmation.
If you are registered currently and are no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can give your ticket to the next member in line.
The WIFT-T Reception @ TIFF is a members-only event. Invitations are non-transferable. All attendees must be 19 years of age or older. Tickets and member registration will not be available at the door on the night of the event.
For membership and registration inquiries, contact:
Jocelyn Geddie
WIFT-T Membership & Administration Manager
416.322.3430 ext. 224
jgeddie@wift.com
Media Accreditation
Media access to the WIFT-T Reception @ TIFF will be granted only to those accredited by WIFT-T, for the purpose of reporting on the event for established media outlets. To apply, please complete the Accreditation Request Form.
You may be asked to provide samples of recently published magazine or website pieces, and/or analytical information on viewers, subscribers or listeners if you represent a website, blog or radio show. Requests received after Friday September 9 may not be considered. WIFT-T reserves the right to limit the number of editors/writers from a single outlet.
For media inquiries, contact:
Katy Swailes
WIFT-T Communications Officer
416.322.3430 ext. 226
kswailes@wift.com
Presenting Partners
Supporting Partners
WIFT-T Staff Clothing By
Hospitality Sponsors
October 22-26, 2011 | Stratford, Ontario
Gain valuable experience in event coordination, stage assistance, conference registration and hospitality—plus exposure to an international gathering of digital media professionals as they debate hot issues in gaming, mobile, social media and more!
We’re seeking reliable and enthusiastic volunteers to join the event team for the International Women in Digital Media Summit (iWDMS), happening October 23-25, in Stratford, Ontario. Volunteer assistance may also be required on Saturday October 22 and Wednesday October 26.
Volunteers receive a complimentary pass to attend sessions when not on-shift! Restrictions and black-out periods apply. Preference will be given to volunteers who are available for two or more days, with the bulk of help required on October 24th and 25th. Please note volunteers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.
Space is limited! Express your interest by completing our online application form.
We’ll be in touch soon to discuss how you can best help us in delivering this unique and exciting event.
2011 Deluxe Producer Internship
Erika Allison Yearwood, 2010
The three weeks spent at Deluxe provided an excellent overview of everything to do with Post, down to some of the finer details that many Producers tend to overlook. I feel confident that I am better-equipped to create and produce projects that are viable, well planned out, and can be easily transformed into various formats for broadcasters, as well as the emerging platforms (online viewing, mobile, etc).
Through working with members of Deluxe staff—who each provided me with their insight and opinion on what producers should be aware of—I now realize how significant each step of the postproduction process is, and how planning, scheduling and production organization are essential.
The time I spent in the Theatre (audio, optical), Digital Intermediate (smoke editing), Quality Control, Encoding and Media Management departments was particularly useful. Each department related to areas in my previous work and provided practical information on the future of productions, troubleshooting and managing media miles for future use and distribution. I look forward to the possibility of returning to Deluxe down the road, with my own projects coming through their doors.
Jensenne Roculan, 2009
On November 2, 2009, I embarked on what would become one of the most unique and enriching learning experiences of my professional career.
On the first day, I was given a royal welcome—including a tour of all departments and introduction to department heads and numerous Deluxe employees. I was truly humbled when Dan McClellan, Executive Vice President, invited me into his office for a warm welcome chat. He asked me about my aspirations in this industry and what I hope to achieve from the internship, and provided insightful commentary on the state of film and television in Toronto. I was greatly honored to have the EVP of Deluxe North America take the time to sit down and welcome me to his team.
I had the opportunity to shadow two extremely talented digital intermediate directors, Pietro Gallo and Eric Myles, who gave me various useful tips that every offline editor should adhere to. I also had the very rare privilege of sitting in on a Digital Intermediate Conforming session with director George Hickenlooper and his DP Adam Swica for the feature film Casino Jack, starring Kevin Spacey. This particular session was one of my most memorable, because it’s not every day that somebody can shadow a well-known director while he is color grading his film in its rawest form.
Polly Washburn, 2008
The WIFT-Toronto Deluxe Internship was hugely beneficial to my understanding of the ins and outs of postproduction. The professionals at Deluxe were very generous with their time and knowledge, and I got a great overview of the entire postproduction workflow.
As a production manager and producer, I’ve used what I learned to make more accurate estimates of post budgets and timelines. As a producer, I communicate more effectively with editors and other post personnel and have a better idea of what’s possible and not possible to work on in the editing suite.
2011 Deluxe Producer Internship
Presenting Partner
The following digital media innovators will share their expertise at the iWDMS. Click here for presenter profiles. Click here for the iWDMS schedule.
Susan Annis
Executive Director, Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
www.culturalhrc.ca
Frank Boyd
Creative Director, Crossover UK
London, England
www.crossoverlabs.org
www.crossoverlabs.org/people/15
Claudette Critchley
Chief Operating Officer, Big Blue Bubble
London, Ontario, Canada
www.bigbluebubble.com
Kat Cizek
Filmmaker in Residence, National Film Board of Canada
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
filmmakerinresidence.nfb.ca
Rita Cugini
Commissioner, Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/about/cugini.htm
Christy Dena
Director, Universe Creation 101
Melbourne, Australia
www.universecreation101.com
www.christydena.com
Madeline Di Nonno
Executive Director, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
Los Angeles, California, United States of America
www.thegeenadavisinstitute.org/about_us.php
www.seejane.org
Sara Diamond
President, Ontario College of Art & Design
Toronto, ON
www.ocad.ca
www.ocad.ca/about_ocad/presidents_message.htm
Ilona Dougherty
Co-founder & Executive Director, Apathy is Boring
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
www.apathyisboring.com/en
Valerie Fox
Director, Ryerson Digital Media Zone
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
digitalmediazone.ryerson.ca
Prentiss Fraser
Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales & Acquisitions
Entertainment One Television International
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.eonetv.com
Kim Gibson
Program Consultant, OMDC’s Industry Development Group
Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.omdc.on.ca
digitallibrary.omdc.on.ca
Jill Golick
Blogger, writer/screenwriter
Ruby Skye P.I.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
jillgolick.com
www.rubyskyepi.com
Cindy Gordon
Founder, Helix Commerce International Inc.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
helixcommerce.com
Debbie Gordon
Director, Kids Media Centre
Centennial College
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
kidsmediacentre.ca
Mark Greenspan
Vice President of Digital Media, Achilles Media; nextMEDIA Event Team
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.achillesmedia.com
www.nextmediaevents.com
Sara Grimes
Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Information (iSchool)
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
utoronto.academia.edu/SaraGrimes
gamineexpedition.blogspot.com
Kaliya Hamlin
Coproducer, Internet Identity Workshop
San Francisco, California, United States of America
www.identitywoman.net
Catherine Herdlick
Game Producer, GameLab
San Francisco, California, United States of America
paradeofkites.com
cowgirlwaysociety.com
bikefriendlycity.com
Arianna Huffington
President & Editor-In-Chief
AOL Huffington Post Media Group
Washington D.C., United States of America
www.huffingtonpost.com
Christina Jennings
CEO, Chairman, Executive Producer
Shaftesbury Films
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.shaftesbury.ca
www.shaftesbury.ca/#corporate-info
Jennifer Jenson
Associate Professor
York University
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
edu.apps01.yorku.ca/profiles/main/jenson-jennifer
Jeanette Kopak
Director, Business Development & Operations
Centre for Digital Media, Great Northern Way Campus
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
mdm.gnwc.ca
Annelise Larson
Senior eMarketing Strategist
eMage eMarketing
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
www.emage-emarketing.com
Carolyn Lawrence
CEO, Women of Influence
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.womenofinfluence.ca
Anita Lee
Producer, National Film Board of Canada
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.onf-nfb.gc.ca/eng/press-room/press-releases.php?id=14069
Natalie MacNeil
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
She Takes On The World
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
shetakesontheworld.net
www.nataliemacneil.com
Marcia Martin
Senior Vice-President, Creative Content, GlassBOX
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
glassbox.tv/about-us/executive-team
Matt Mason
Director of Innovation, Syrup
New York City, New York, United States of America
www.syrupnyc.com
thepiratesdilemma.com/about-author
Samantha McWilliams
Legal Counsel, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.cbc.ca
Tom Perlmutter
Film Commissioner and Chair, National Film Board of Canada
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
www.nfb.ca
Avvey Peters
Vice-President, Operations, Communitech
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
www.communitech.ca/author/avvey-peters
www.communitech.ca/about/staff-2
Sarah Prevette
Web Entrepreneur & Founder, Sprouter
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
sarahprevette.com/aboutsarah
sprouter.com/blog/meet-team-sprouter-sarah-prevette
Shahrzad Rafati
Founder, BroadbandTV
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
www.fastcompany.com/most-creative-people/2011/shahrzad-rafati-broadbandtv#profile
Jade Raymond
Managing Director, Ubisoft Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
toronto.ubisoft.com
Susan Ross
Partner, ISM Access
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
ismaccess.com
Ana Serrano
Director, The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) Media Lab
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
cfccreates.com
Andra Sheffer
Executive Director
Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
bellfund.ca
www.ipf.ca/IPF/English/about_administration.html
Tessa Sproule
Executive in Charge of Digital Programming
CBC Television Arts & Entertainment / Factual Entertainment
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.cbc.ca
Karen Thorne-Stone
President, CEO
Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.omdc.on.ca
Jill Tomasson Goodwin
Director of Research; Project Developer
Centre for Advancing Canadian Digital Media
REAP: Research Entrepreneurship Acceleration Project
University of Waterloo | Stratford
Stratford, Ontario, Canada
uwreap.com
dramaandspeechcommunication.uwaterloo.ca/faculty
Taly Weiss
CEO and Head of Research
TrendsSpotting.com Market Research
United States of America
www.trendsspotting.com/blog
Diane Williamson
President
Digital Wizards Inc.
Chair
International Women in Digital Media Summit (iWDMS)
www.digitalwizards.com
Madeline Ziniak
National Vice-President
Rogers OMNI Television
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.omnitv.ca
www.omnitv.ca/ontario/info/press/p_20090702.shtml
Annual and monthly gifts enable the Foundation to provide ongoing support to WIFT-T’s core programs and research, and promote inclusive access to training and mentorship.
- Click here for testimonials from bursary recipients
- Click here to learn about our research initiatives
Annual Gifts
Many of our donors choose to make an annual gift to the Foundation. Annual donors receive invitations to special events. To establish your annual gift, please complete and return our donation form.
Monthly Gifts
We are happy to coordinate a monthly gift-giving program tailored to your financial needs. Monthly donors receive invitations to special events. To establish your monthly gift, please complete and return our donation form.
To establish your annual or monthly gift, please contact:
Kim Haladay
Development Manager
Women in Film & Television – Toronto
khaladay@wift.com
416.322.3430 ext. 228
Arianna Huffington
President & Editor-In-Chief
AOL Huffington Post Media Group
Arianna Huffington is President and Editor-in Chief of the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of 13 books. She is also co-host of Left, Right and Center, public radio’s popular political roundtable program.
In May 2005, she launched The Huffington Post, a news and blog site that has quickly become one of the most widely-read, linked-to and frequently-cited media brands on the Internet.
In 2011, she was named to the TIME 100—TIME magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people. In 2009, she was named as one of the most influential women in media by Forbes magazine and to the Financial Times’ list of 50 people who shaped the decade.
Originally from Greece, Huffington moved to England when she was 16 and graduated from Cambridge University with an M.A. in economics. At 21, she became president of the famed debating society, the Cambridge Union.
Huffington has made guest appearances on numerous television shows, including Charlie Rose, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Nightline, Real Time with Bill Maher, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, Today, The Daily Show, Squawk Box, The Colbert Report and The O’Reilly Factor.
She also provides the voice for Arianna the Bear on Fox’s The Cleveland Show.
Huffington serves on several boards that promote community solutions to social problems, including A Place Called Home, which works with at-risk children in South Central Los Angeles.
Back to WIFT-T @ NXNEi: Integrating Production Workflows
Lisa Baylin
VP Content and Production, iThentic, and Producer, Guidestones
Prior to her current role, Lisa was Program Manager at three private funds supporting the Canadian television and new media industries: the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund, the Independent Production Fund, and the COGECO Program Development Fund. Before joining the Funds in 2007, Lisa was the Associate Conference Producer for the Banff World Television Festival. A graduate of Queen’s University, Lisa began her career as an actor and theatre director in Toronto and New York before moving into casting in 2004, where she participated in casting such feature films as Get Rich or Die Tryin’, The Sentinel, Take the Lead, 16 Blocks, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, and Four Brothers. Lisa has also produced and directed short films. Her most recent film, Bagged, is currently airing on CBC as part of Canadian Reflections.
Meredith Conacher
Business Affairs, Shaftesbury Films Inc (Smokebomb Project Manager)
Meredith Conacher is the Business Affairs Coordinator for Shaftesbury Films, one of Canada’s leading creators, producers and distributors of original content for multiple platforms. In this role, Meredith manages the funding and business execution throughout every stage of Shaftesbury’s extensive slate of productions, including Good Dog (HBO Canada), Murdoch Mysteries (Citytv, UKTV) and The Listener (CTV, Fox International Channels). Prior to her current role, Meredith was Project Manager for Shaftesbury’s award-winning digital media division, Smokebomb Entertainment, where she oversaw the preparation and production of original online series and companion web experiences for Shaftesbury’s properties.
Mark Hand
Cross-Media Content Specialist
Mark Hand provides creative consulting, writing and producing services to the entertainment industry, with a focus on multi-platform television properties. An accomplished writer and producer, Mark helps develop new cross-media projects, and has also helped some of Canada’s top producers expand their TV projects into new media, including Epitome Pictures, Breakthrough Films & Television, Blueprint, Galafilm, Brightlight Pictures, Halifax Film, and marblemedia. He has written dozens of successful funding proposals to the Bell Fund and Telefilm, and developed the Gemini Award-winning website for Degrassi: The Next Generation, one of the first social networking sites in the world.
Renée Robinson (Moderator)
Programming & Business Affairs Manager, Women in Film & Television – Toronto
Renée is a multilingual cultural management professional with international experience in policy, programming, project management and media production. At WIFT-T, Renée is responsible for the design and implementation of the organization’s annual slate of core programming, including professional development, training workshops, seminars, panels, networking events and special projects—including the International Women in Digital Media Summit (iWDMS), taking place in Stratford, Ontario in October 2011.
Back to WIFT-T @ NXNEi: Integrating Production Workflows
Michael Irwin comes to the SIRT Centre having over ten years of post secondary education and an additional ten years of industry experience. As a student, his specializations included gaming technology, 3D modeling, computer science, digital art, fine art, photography and social sciences. His industry experience includes production and post-production for film, TV, video games and animation.
Currently, Michael is the Technical Director of Virtual Production at SIRT. He has taught for five years in post-secondary schools as a Professor and as Program Coordinator specializing in Video Game Design and 3D Animation/Modeling. He is also skilled in course creation, curriculum development, tutorial writing, pipeline, and project work flow preparation and execution.
DigiScape: Previsualization & Virtual Production
A native of Saskatchewan, Bert Dunk is recognized as one of Canada’s premiere cinematographers. Formally trained in New York City at the Germain School of Photography, his career has spanned about 30 years. Well known for his Hawaiian shirts, Bert has shot feature films, television movies, episodic TV and commercials. He has worked for every major US television network as well as major movie studios.
Over his lengthy career, Bert has filmed some of the most prominent Canadian and Hollywood actors including Gordon Pinsent, Angie Dickenson, Holland Taylor, Marg Helgeberger and Heather Locklear and has won multiple Genie Awards for his work. A member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers, Bert is a three-time winner of their annual achievement award. Meanwhile, he has the distinction of being the first Canadian ever to be invited to the American Society Cinematographers. Before coming to SIRT, his most recent work involved being a Director of Photography on the feature film Dr. Doolittle: Million Dollar Mutts.
Back to DigiScape: Previsualization & Virtual Production
Before joining Sheridan College as a faculty member in 2005, John worked for over twenty years as a freelance director, production manager, and writer within the Canadian film and television industry. His credits include production management for children’s series television such as Degrassi and OWLTV; multiple series as a writer for TVOntario; and directing of independent shorts, children’s television and a feature film.
At Sheridan, John has taught directing, visual effects and previsualization, a new course jointly taken by directing, cinematography, and production design students. For the last two years he’s been the lead on development of the Screen Industries Research and Training Centre being established by Sheridan College in conjunction with industry partners at Pinewood Toronto Studios. This studio and post-production facility is intended to create a collaborative workspace for integration of new production and post-production technologies within the film, television, gaming, and interactive industries.
Back to DigiScape: Previsualization & Virtual Production
Back to Production Accounting | Back to Curriculum (module descriptions)
Over the past 25 years John has worked on 45 different productions in 5 different countries, working with greats such as Ron Howard, Frank Oz and Walter Salles—as well as small independent films and TV episodic productions, pilots and mini-series. Click here for a two minute testimonial video.
John also has Supervising Producer credits – see his resume on IMDb. In his previous seminars he was touted as the Billion Dollar Man because the accumulated budgets that have been under his control has exceeded a Billion Dollars.
John’s book, Walk The Talk is required reading at the University of Southern California’s Cinematic Arts (Peter Stark Graduate Producer’s Program), as well as the Producer’s Program at the University of Tampa, where John has an open invitation to deliver seminars. John’s book is also used and recommended by at least one mentor, Michael Glick, at the American Film Institute. John has numerous internet articles on Google Knol and EzineArticles and enjoys answering your questions on his blog – filmproduction.
2012 Showcase | About the 2011 Showcase | 2010 Showcase
Big Girl
Renuka Jeyapalan
Director
Playfully competing with Mom’s new boyfriend, nine-year-old Josephine learns that letting people in can lead to wonderful things.
Big Girl is a Special Presentation from 2010 Kodak New Vision Mentorship winner Renuka Jeyapalan and is not in competition for the Audience Choice Award.
Flawed – Audience Choice Award Winner
Andrea Dorfman
Director
A sensitive and tender portrayal of how feelings of self-doubt and body image can cause worry in a budding romance.
My Father, Joe
Nikila Cole
Writer/Producer/Director
Based on the memoir, Escape From Mount Moriah by Jack Englehard, My Father, Joe depicts a child’s first realization of his parent’s fallibility. After escaping to Montreal from Nazi-occupied France, ten year-old Jacov considers his dad a hero; but the boy’s world is shattered when he discovers his father’s painful secret.
My Mother The Hero
Elizabeth Robbins
Writer/Producer/Director
In 1950, a picnic by the beach turns tragic when a young girl alerts her mother about a drowning boy. My Mother The Hero is a touching glimpse into the powerful bond between mothers and daughters.
Bread & Kisses
Katherine Fitzgerald
Writer/Director
A lonely mathematician struggling to solve an equation finds a solution through an unexpected outlet—baking classes. The two women who teach him awaken his senses, rekindle his zest for life, and show him the value of balancing his head with his heart.
Billboard Girl
Supinder Wraich
Producer
Alex Pawelek
Director
Simran is secretly discarding her headdress to work nights as a promotions model in the club district. When a chance encounter leads Simran’s father to learn of her betrayal, she is forced to face her family—and herself.
Family First
Jennifer Liao
Producer
Jennifer Mesich
Producer
Chris Hanratty
Director
Rob and Ashley have a big announcement; but when their news brings family dinner to a screeching halt, they’re forced to question their choice. Family First is a dark comedy about family approval and the blindness of love.
The Red Hood
Danishka Esterhazy
Writer/Director
The Red Hood is a dark re-telling of the classic fable, Little Red Riding Hood, set in the Canadian prairies during the Great Depression. With stunning imagery and a sinister plot, The Red Hood is an evocative and chilling love story.
Savage Love – Audience Choice Award Runner-Up
Caitlin Starowicz
Writer/Director
The Cannibal Woman in a turn-of-the-century freak show is shunned by her fellow performers and begins to waste away; that is, until she meets Tom Thumb, who shows her love and compassion through a selfless gesture.
Choke
Michelle Latimer
Writer/Producer/Director
Upon leaving his First Nations reserve, Jimmy encounters the lost souls of the city and is reminded that no matter how far you travel, you cannot escape who you are.
Choke is a Special Presentation from 2008 Astral Media Mentorship winner Michelle Latimer and is not in competition for the Audience Choice Award.
About The Showcase
Today’s technologies are already old news. Find out where future trends are headed and be the first to benefit!
Join Duncan Stewart, Director of Research, Technology, Media & Telecommunications at Deloitte Canada, as he presents TMT Predictions, a report forecasting how development and diversity in technology, media and telecommunications will impact Canadian businesses in 2011. Click here for a SNEAK PREVIEW!
Free copies of the report, co-authored by Duncan, will be distributed. The presentation will be followed by an informal networking reception with light refreshments.
When | Monday February 28, 6PM – 8PM
Where | National Film Board Cinema, 150 John Street, Toronto
Tickets | $10 + HST ($11.30) members, $15 + HST ($16.95) non-members
Register | Complete a Programming Registration Form and return to wift@wift.com with “DigiScape” in the subject line. Register by 10AM, Mon Feb 28.
Designed to help screen-based media professionals adapt to digital shifts in the industry, DigiScape focuses on technological, regulatory and creative shifts in the industry and examines such issues as cross and trans media project development, rights management, collaboration with digital media companies and the facilitation of audience interactivity. DigiScape events provide the opportunity for traditional and digital media professionals to connect. Read more.
Presenting Partner
Heather Webb has worked exclusively in the arts and culture sector for twenty years.
With over ten years of executive management experience in non-profit visual art and educational-based organizations, Heather has extensive experience in developing and managing business plans, fiscal management, and human resource management, and a demonstrated ability to innovate and grow organizations in a sustainable manner.
Heather’s professional experience includes: Advisory Committee Member, Canada Council for the Arts; Board Member, Artist-Run Centres and Collectives of Ontario; and Juror, Ontario College of Art and Design.
Heather has an MA in Art History from Concordia University with a specialization in contemporary Canadian art, and a Certificate in Non-profit Management and Leadership from Schulich School of Business, York University. She is a published writer and poet.
Go back
