Filmroller

Banff Centre Contacts

So the event opens with a getting-to-know you kind of networking event where I learned 30 people’s names (out of the 400 people that are here). This early exposure comes in handy as I’m seeing them all over the event and it feels like we’ve made a bond already.

Here is a photo of me and Lindsey MacDonald. She’s the production coordinator at the Banff New Media Institute. I know Lindsey from last year when I was working with their Liminal Screen Program and was happy to see her again. We’re talking about another opportunity to come back to the Banff Centre this August to participate in the Interactive Screen Workshop.

The Banff Centre is an inspiring place for Artists of all kinds — from writing to dance to sculpture to new media. They provide residencies, workshops, and co-productions opportunities to help people get their projects made. I highly recommend connecting with them.

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nextMEDIA

Hey there, I’m at nextMEDIA 2008 in Banff and will be doing some brief blogging coverage of this amazing event.

Some backstory: nextMEDIA is the new media conference that proceeds the Banff Television Festival — they are really one in the same with two different names. There are big players from all over the world here and the buzz is about whats happening on the cutting edge of entertainment technology.

Why cover new media on a film blog, you might ask? Well, from the conversations I’ve had over the few hours I’ve been here the view is that film and new media are influencing one another. Heres the low down:

Film is, hands down, the pinacle of storytelling in the 2oth century. Its an industry that has matured into a powerful and influential representation of our culture. However, technology and techniques are changing.

New media and film have obvious overlap in areas such as Computer Generated effects, animation, digital distribution, and editing. Storytelling as a whole is influenced by this technology, and the lines between genres are being blurred. However, new media will never replace the strengths of film, and vice versa. The real intrigue is how people are finding ways to combine these two forms to make a richer storytelling experience.

Many of the projects I’m hearing about from other delegates are about conveying their message in more than one way. Documentary, feature film, and television content creators already create websites to represent their work. These same people are also looking for other ways that new media can expand the reach and audience engagement of their stories. Usually this comes down to using the power of the internet, and interactivity, to help them build a community around their film and have the experience transcend the movie theatre.

So, there is a recognition here that some convergence is happening and we want to know more about what that will look like and how to take advantage of it. I think filmroller readers will find it to be an interesting and worthwhile perspective.

More to come and thanks for reading.

David

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Off Course

I had a terrific story meeting with our Italian producer for Off Course. He has a yacht that he moors in the harbour. So we sat discussed the script and drank excellent wine. Certainly a highlight of the trip. He really gets the script and has some great plans for it. I’m feeling really optimistic.

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Reflecting on Cannes part 2

A few days has passed since Cannes and many of the contacts I made there and e-mailed are responding. I had the opportunity to send “Love Bites” -the low budget hilarious feature I’m directing written by the talented Scots: Jillian and Kevin- to approx. 10 sales agents and and scottish screen someone we’ve been meaning to talk to for some time.

It’s terrific when you have an opportunity to pitch a project in person as the director because the potential funders can see your passion for the project and know you will make the film no matter what. The enthusiasm is infectious and they want to be part of it. That is why even though going to Cannes was expensive it was worth so much. From the 10 financiers I sent “Love Bites” to, 8 have gotten back and said they are reading the script. These are great numbers! Fingers crossed and I’ll keep you posted as we progress.

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Reflecting on Cannes

I remember before I was about to go, I was thrilled to go but also not sure if it would be worth it. It’s an expensive venture and as an independent writer director it can be difficult to justify any additional expenses, but it was so worth it.  I now have an Italian co-producer who really gets the script and being in Cannes, I also learned about funds for film makers shooting their films in Italy that I wouldn’t of heard of otherwise.

I had some cool serendipitous moments. I went to a massive party at a villa for the German films and there I met a terrific producer who produces for Sting.  I met stephen who produced Jennifer Lynch’s new film and invited me to the afterparty for the film, which aside from having the most fantastic dancefllor on hydolic lifts hovering above a pool was a great chance to meet other filmmakers  from around the world.

I was thrilled that so many producers, sales agents, and distributors said yes to meetings evn though they don’t know me. They took a chance and from these meetings every one asked to read the script or one page and we are now in e-mail contact. I would heartily recommend throwing yourself out there and going to Cannes. Especially to anyone who has one or more features under their belt and are looking for European or American co-producers people are very open to meeting and the opportunities are immense.

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Off Course

Had a fantastic meeting with Roberto our producer on his boat which is on the Riveria. We drank wine and talked about the script. He really gets it and has great plans for the film. I’m so pleased.

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Cannes Day 6

Ah here we are just had breakfast with a UK sales agent who seems really keen on all three projects.

have had a great response.

Went to the German Party last night and met this great producer/sales agent who makes Sting’s documentaries and has worked with Ozzy Osbourne. I did Lizzy for him and we laughed hysterically. Got home at 3 then up at 8 for the meetings.

Here are some more pics

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Cannes day 5

just had the best serendipity one of the biggest Italian sales Agents had the one page for “Love Bites” in her hand and we talked while awaiting a coffee. When i mentioned i was the director for the film she was holding in her hand she said Brava let’s talk about it then she asked if it was made and if so she’d like to see it. I’m seeing if her company will come on for both “Love Bites” and “Off Course”!

We’re going to an italian cultural meeting at the carlton tomorrow.

Good news indeed.

K

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great meetings

Just had the best meeting with our italian co-producer. He really gets the script and my vision, so i’m very happy.

It really feels like “Off Course” is coming together.

I’m thrilled.

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Cannes Day 3

Wow, I can’t believe it’s day 3. So far so great. Love staying at the nunnery such great peace after a long day.

I have been having some great meetings and Wayne Clarkson the head of telefilm has been super helpful. Have some interest from a Canadian distributor for “Love Bites” and I’m meeting with Roberto from Buskin films for “Off Course” tomorrow el boca del lupo!

Went to a terrific party on an beautiful sailboat last night ran into some old friends Marla and Marc Halperin from magic lamp releasing, i’ve been talking with them about coming on for Love Bites.

Met with the banker who is doing interim financing for LB. He is super nice and really seems to get the script. This is his first time at Cannes and I introduced him to unifrance.

Speaking of which ran into my old friend Antoine Khalif the head of unifrance and he introduced me to the head of the Roma film festival which has a co-development market. more on that later

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