Sunday, October 29, 2006

VIFF Film and Television Forum

21st Annual VIFF Film and Television Forum

The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) Film & Television Forum dedicated to the 'art and business' of filmmaking, launches its 21st year with a focus on 'content'.

The four-day event takes place September 27- 30, 2006 and features master classes, seminars, workshops and industry networking events with speakers from award-winning productions.

“Strong content is the key to all success stories”, Forum Program Director Helen Du Toit said.

“In such a competitive marketplace, we need to be bolder with our original content, and savvier about pitching and packaging.”

The art of filmmaking is explored on several fronts in master classes that feature close encounters with filmmaking professionals.

"Desperate Housewives" writer/supervising producer Alexandra Cunningham presents Dramatic Twist – New Directions in TV Drama.

The Simpsons"- Comedy Writing Master Class with Joel Cohen is set to entertain as well as educate.

Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald ("One Day in September, Touching The Void") explores Dramatic Narrative in Documentary Filmmaking in this master class.

In response to industry demand, the Forum will provide enhanced access to both forum and festival guests.

New for 2006, the forum introduces Speed Dating Sessions, designed for emerging and transitioning filmmakers. The sessions are an opportunity to pitch projects and get feedback from senior producers and development executives.

Also launching at this year's forum, September 27 is Industry Hour - nightly cocktails and an opportunity for BC's film and television community to network with forum/festival guests.

New Filmmakers' Day (NFD) returns Sept. 30, designed for emerging filmmakers, featuring Career Fast Track: The Actor/Director Relationship; Writing Low-Budget Screenplays; Slice & Dice: Anatomy Of A Scene.

The 21st Annual Film and Television Forum takes place in the Rogers Industry Centre at the Vancouver International Film Centre and Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, September 27 – 30.

VIFF: (604) 685-3547
Fax: (604) 688-8221
forum@viff.org