Pitch Doctors: CBC, PBS, LaRue Entertainment
1:00 PM-2:30 PM

Advance sign up was required, see the networking page for more details.

Perfect your pitch! In these 13-minute virtual consultation sessions, some of the industry’s most talented pitchers will take a look at your materials and give you advice on how to deliver them to maximize their impact.

Session date: Thursday, April 25 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET

First come first served sign-up opened: Wednesday, April 10 @ 12:00 PM ET

First come first served sign-up closed: Thursday, April 18 @ 5:00 PM ET

Sign up: Sign-up for all meetings with Pitch Doctors was required in advance. 

Attendees that have secured a Confirmed spot need to check in for their session at least 10 minutes before the start time by clicking the "Join session" button on the session page in their BANFFXchange agenda or via their BANFFXchange calendar. If you’re late, your spot might be given away to someone on the standby list.  

Speaking

Pitch Doctors: CBC, CW, Paramount+
1:00 PM-2:30 PM

Advance sign up was required, see the networking page for more details.

Perfect your pitch! In these 13-minute virtual consultation sessions, some of the industry’s most talented pitchers will take a look at your materials and give you advice on how to deliver them to maximize their impact.

Session date: Thursday, April 25 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET

First come first served sign-up opened: Wednesday, April 10 @ 12:00 PM ET

First come first served sign-up closed: Thursday, April 18 @ 5:00 PM ET

Sign up: Sign-up for all meetings with Pitch Doctors was required in advance. 

Attendees that have secured a Confirmed spot need to check in for their session at least 10 minutes before the start time by clicking the "Join session" button on the session page in their BANFFXchange agenda or via their BANFFXchange calendar. If you’re late, your spot might be given away to someone on the standby list.  

Speaking

Pitch Doctors: NESHAMA, Bell Media, Universal International Studios
1:00 PM-2:30 PM

Advance sign up was required, see the networking page for more details.

Perfect your pitch! In these 13-minute virtual consultation sessions, some of the industry’s most talented pitchers will take a look at your materials and give you advice on how to deliver them to maximize their impact.

Session date: Thursday, April 25 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET

First come first served sign-up opened: Wednesday, April 10 @ 12:00 PM ET

First come first served sign-up closed: Thursday, April 18 @ 5:00 PM ET

Sign up: Sign-up for all meetings with Pitch Doctors was required in advance. 

Attendees that have secured a Confirmed spot need to check in for their session at least 10 minutes before the start time by clicking the "Join session" button on the session page in their BANFFXchange agenda or via their BANFFXchange calendar. If you’re late, your spot might be given away to someone on the standby list.  

Speaking

Pitch Doctors: Universal International Studios, CBC, STARZ
1:00 PM-2:30 PM

Advance sign up was required, see the networking page for more details.

Perfect your pitch! In these 13-minute virtual consultation sessions, some of the industry’s most talented pitchers will take a look at your materials and give you advice on how to deliver them to maximize their impact.

Session date: Thursday, April 25 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET

First come first served sign-up opened: Wednesday, April 10 @ 12:00 PM ET

First come first served sign-up closed: Thursday, April 18 @ 5:00 PM ET

Sign up: Sign-up for all meetings with Pitch Doctors was required in advance. 

Attendees that have secured a Confirmed spot need to check in for their session at least 10 minutes before the start time by clicking the "Join session" button on the session page in their BANFFXchange agenda or via their BANFFXchange calendar. If you’re late, your spot might be given away to someone on the standby list.  

Speaking

Pitch Doctors Virtual Panel: Perfecting your presentation
1:00 PM-1:45 PM

Get insight from industry executives who have heard countless pitches. They share their expertise in how best to prepare for your in-person pitch meetings at BANFF. There is a Q+A opportunity during the session so you can have your questions answered LIVE!.

Session date: Friday April 26 from 1:00pm-1:45pm ET

At 1:00pm ET, please refresh your page and the ENTER button will appear so that you can join the session.

Speaking

Registration - 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Curio Foyer)
3:30 PM-4:00 PM

Registration - 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM (Curio Foyer)
7:00 AM-7:30 AM

Indigenous Screen Summit: Networking Breakfast + Opening Ceremonies
Van Horne Ballroom
8:00 AM-9:30 AM

Speaking

Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #1: Unscripted/Documentary Pitches
Van Horne Ballroom
9:30 AM-10:30 AM

Five Indigenous producers present their unscripted/documentary projects and receive questions, comments, and expressions of interest from leading buyers, co-production partners, and funders.

Speaking

Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #2: Drama Pitches
Van Horne Ballroom
10:45 AM-11:45 AM

Five Indigenous producers present their scripted drama projects and receive questions, comments, and expressions of interest from leading buyers, co-production partners, and funders.

Speaking

Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #3: Comedy Pitches
Van Horne Ballroom
12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Five Indigenous producers present their comedy projects and receive questions, comments, and expressions of interest from leading buyers, co-production partners, and funders.

Speaking

Spotlight: Universal Studio Group
Theatre
1:00 PM-1:45 PM

Take the opportunity to hear directly from the presidents of Universal Television, Universal International Studios & UCP and Universal Television Alternative Studio, as they outline their vision for 2024 and beyond, and share intel on how best to do business with them.

Universal Studio Group is the umbrella brand that houses NBCUniversal's four powerhouse television studios. Collectively, the four premium studio brands produce over 100 projects across 27 platforms, including Law & Order, Hacks, Girls5eva, Chucky, Dr. Death, That's My Jam, Hollywood Game Night, Everyone Else Burns and We Are Lady Parts.

Speaking

30 Minutes With: Sam Mackie, Netflix
Theatre
2:00 PM-2:30 PM

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Speaking

BANFF 2024 Opening Ceremonies
Cascade
2:45 PM-3:00 PM

Join us as we officially open the 2024 edition of the Banff World Media Festival, featuring special guests and important announcements.

Speaking

In Conversation With the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Cascade
3:00 PM-3:30 PM

Join us for a conversation with the Hon. Minister of Canadian Heritage as she discusses issues affecting Canadian content. 

Speaking

International Media Leaders: Charting the Course Forward
Cascade
3:45 PM-4:30 PM

Join our esteemed international media leaders as they delve into the currents reshaping the media landscape. From technological convergence to the imperative of diversity and inclusion, they'll navigate the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving industry, sharing innovative strategies driving success in the face of disruption.

Speaking

In Conversation With the A+E Inclusion Award Honouree, Robin Roberts
Cascade
4:45 PM-5:30 PM

Speaking

Opening Night Cocktail Reception celebrating BANFF's 45th Anniversary (Riverview)
5:30 PM-7:30 PM

Registration - 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Curio Foyer)
7:30 AM-8:00 AM

Partner Presentation - In Conversation With Julie Roy, Telefilm
Cascade
8:30 AM-9:00 AM

Join us for an insightful discussion with Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, as she delves into the organization’s strategic plan for the next three years. After comprehensive meetings and consultations, Telefilm is proud to present their priorities for the next strategic action cycle. The plan was built with the goal of maximizing Telefilm’s impact for the greatest benefit of the industry while strengthening the mobilizing power of Canadian and Indigenous cinema as it adapts to the ever- evolving means of distribution and consumption.

This discussion will explore how they intend to drive collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, shaping the future of the Canadian cinematic landscape to ensure that it thrives nationally and internationally. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in Telefilm’s vision to continue to shape an inclusive, sustainable and prosperous path for the audiovisual industry.

Speaking

Topic Tables
Alhambra
8:45 AM-9:30 AM

Drop-in on site - no sign up required.

These popular 45-minute informal sessions are a great way to add to your network by connecting with the right people. Hosted by industry experts, join these guided conversations to gain insight into topics including treaties and co-productions, financing, AI, sustainability and more! Up to six delegates can join a Topic Table at one time and are invited to move from one table to another as space allows. Space is filled and managed on a first come first served basis until we hit capacity.

Speaking

Best Case Scenario: Canadian Industry Perspectives
Cascade
9:00 AM-9:45 AM

As regulatory decisions begin to roll out following the passing of the Online Streaming Act, the Canadian film and TV sector hangs in the balance. How will the new funding system work? Can we find equilibrium between promoting Canadian culture and maintaining a competitive market environment? While the CRTC moves forward on its consultation process -- ranging from the definition of Canadian content to Indigenous broadcasting policy to matters of public interest and how small, medium and large players should work together -- this senior industry panel representing multiple perspectives will discuss where things stand, what recent decisions mean for the industry, and the way forward.

Speaking

Speed Meetings: Scripted
Presidents Hall
9:00 AM-10:00 AM

Advance sign up is required via lottery, see networking page for more details. There will also be a wait line on site if any openings become available.

BANFF’s Speed Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading development executives, distributors, programmers and funders in eight-minute meetings. 

Connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage - this program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content.

Attendees who secured a meeting or stand by spot in advance for Speed Meetings should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Speed Meetings spot or a stand by spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Speed Meetings are on the Conference Centre side of the hotel. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meetings.

*This session is for SCRIPTED pitches only. Please research each meeting host to be sure your pitches fit their remit. 

Speaking

Navigating Global Co-Financing: Strategies for Premium Content
Cascade
10:00 AM-10:45 AM

In an increasingly challenged industry environment, securing greenlights for premium content is a critical endeavor.  Top players in international financing will unveil their strategies for tackling big-budget projects: from navigating territory interests to leveraging pre-sales and exploring the rise of non-English content, how are these experts crafting deals and driving innovation and getting global content made?

Speaking

More than a Great Playlist: The Business of Music Supervision
Theatre
10:00 AM-10:45 AM

Join these top-tier Music Supervisors who have shaped the sonic landscape of your favourite films and shows. Yes, Music Supervisors have great taste in music, but there’s much more to it. There is a dynamic collaboration between music supervisors, producers, directors and showrunners. Let’s discuss the art of soundtrack selection, licensing hurdles, keeping budgets and timelines in check and the influence of emerging technologies – all the while working to enhance the storytelling and creating memorable moments that have the audience hitting “Shazam” and “download."

Speaking

Meet an Agent
Alhambra
10:30 AM-11:00 AM

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute informal networking sessions are designed to connect delegates with top agents in a small group setting. These sessions are an opportunity to connect and network with agents and fellow festival delegates. Up to six delegates can sign up in advance to meet with each agent at one table.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet an Agent should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. If you show up late, you risk losing your spot.  

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaking

Summit Series: Rob Wade, Fox Entertainment
Cascade
11:00 AM-11:45 AM

Rob Wade is responsible for FOX Entertainment’s growing portfolio of businesses, including FOX Network; in-house unscripted studio FOX Alternative Entertainment (FAE); scripted content creator FOX Entertainment Studios (FES); Studio Ramsay Global in partnership with Gordon Ramsay; Emmy Award winning animation house Bento Box Entertainment; entertainment platform TMZ; independent production studio MarVista Entertainment; and worldwide content sales and distribution unit FOX Entertainment Global (FEG).

In this keynote conversation, Wade will discuss FOX Entertainment's global growth story and the strategies that are driving their content business.

Speaking

30 Minutes With: Stephanie Wilson Chapin, YouTube Canada
Ivor Petrak
11:00 AM-11:30 AM

The future of storytelling is changing and studios, media companies and creators are tapping into digital platforms to expand the footprint of their projects. Hear from YouTube’s Stephanie Wilson Chapin on how entertainment companies are supercharging their digital presence with new formats to meet audiences where they are. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a live Q&A.

Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Speaking

Moving Mountains: Canadian Producers Tackle the Rocky Landscape
Theatre
12:00 PM-12:45 PM

Canada’s indie producers face a litany of challenges when it comes to producing film and TV, including high interest rates and uncertain regulatory conditions at home, and a fast-changing content buying market abroad. So, how exactly do you get a show off the ground in Canada these days? Our panel of producers unpack the current obstacles indie production companies are contending with, and what they’re doing to overcome them.

Speaking

Speed Meetings: Unscripted/Factual/Doc
Presidents Hall
12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Advance sign up is required via lottery, see networking page for more details. There will also be a wait line on site if any openings become available.

BANFF’s Speed Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading development executives, distributors, programmers and funders in eight-minute meetings. 

Connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage - this program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content.

Attendees who secured a meeting or stand by spot in advance for Speed Meetings should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Speed Meetings spot or a stand by spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Speed Meetings are on the Conference Centre side of the hotel. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meetings.

*This session is for UNSCRIPTED / FACTUAL / DOC pitches only. Please research each meeting host to be sure your pitches fit their remit.

Speaking

Dealmaking and Investment Post-Correction: Implications for M&A, Private Equity, and Value Creation in Content Businesses
Theatre
1:00 PM-1:45 PM

For several years, the general entertainment streamers had seemingly endless content budgets, we saw massive growth in license fees and the number of shows produced - great for content sellers and for those that invested in them. However, now this era is over and as new platforms compete for consumers' attention, what is the future for investment in the IP and production space? Have investors cooled? Or are the savvy ones recognizing there are more opportunities now than ever before? Hear from our panelists, who have been active dealmakers in this robust environment.

Speaking

In Conversation With: Jasmeet Raina
Cascade
1:15 PM-1:45 PM

Speaking

Meet a Board Member
Alhambra
1:30 PM-2:00 PM

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute informal sessions are designed to connect delegates with members of BANFF’s Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board. Here’s your opportunity to network with industry leaders spanning broadcast, streaming platforms, and international production and distribution companies to discuss trends and spark potential partnerships in a small group setting. Up to six delegates sign up in advance to meet with a board member.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Board Member should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. If you show up late, you risk losing your spot.  

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaking

Summit Series: Channing Dungey, Warner Bros. Television Group
Cascade
2:00 PM-2:45 PM

Speaking

30 Minutes With: Paige Murray, Sarah Quan & Jessica Schmiedchen, CBC
Theatre
2:30 PM-3:00 PM

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Speaking

Who Runs This Mutha: Showrunner Superpanel
Cascade
3:00 PM-3:45 PM

Formats, IP, renewals, AI and strikes: join this powerhouse panel of creators - each boasting decades of writing on and helming some of the biggest shows - as they discuss the craft and business of making hit series in 2024.

Speaking

ALBERTA SCREEN INDUSTRIES MIX & MINGLE
Ivor Petrak
3:00 PM-4:00 PM

Join the Alberta Film and Television industry to make connections! Alberta creators, regional film commissions and key industry partners will gather to celebrate the growth and development of the industry in Alberta.

Meet a Distributor
Alhambra
3:00 PM-3:30 PM

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute informal networking sessions are designed to connect delegates with top international distributors in a small group setting. These sessions are opportunities to network, discuss trends and to spark potential partnerships. Learn from and connect with industry experts. Up to six delegates can sign up in advance to meet with each distributor at one table.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Distributor should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. If you show up late, you risk losing your spot.  

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaking

Beyond the Backlash: Addressing the Retreat of DEI in the Entertainment Industry
Cascade
4:00 PM-4:45 PM

In 2020, many businesses expressed public statements against racism and injustice, and voiced a desire to boost support by creating DEI leadership roles in response to the movement ignited after George Floyd’s death. Cut to 2024 and we’ve witnessed the mass exodus of Black women executives from major Hollywood studios and DEI efforts in the entertainment industry are waning. Were the promises for inclusive hiring practices, diverse partnerships, and financial commitments sustainable or performative? How do we do more than increase awareness and change attitudes, but change behaviors and decision-making to improve entertainment studio bottom-lines? Hear from some of the Black women executives who led the change – their wins and losses, and why they ultimately left - and other DEI executives and practitioners who continue to champion a more inclusive culture, including increased representation in their storytellers and content at their entertainment companies.

Speaking

Meet a Showrunner or Director
Alhambra
4:30 PM-5:00 PM

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute information networking sessions are designed to connect delegates with top directors and showrunners in a small-group setting. Discuss creative challenges, learn about where to find inspiration and receive valuable career advice from leading creative professionals. Up to six delegates can sign up in advance to meet with a showrunner or director at one table.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Showrunner or Director should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. If you show up late, you risk losing your spot.  

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaking

2024 Rockies Gala Lionsgate Canada Cocktail Reception (Van Horne Foyer)
5:30 PM-6:15 PM

Red Carpet, cocktails and canapés!  Enjoy this celebratory mix-and-mingle in anticipation of BANFF’s signature Rockie Awards Gala.

All BANFF delegates are welcome. Attire: Cocktail.

2024 Rockies Gala (Van Horne Ballroom)
6:30 PM-8:00 PM

Celebrate in style at BANFF’s signature Rockie Awards Gala This 45-year legacy recognizes the achievements of outstanding talent and executives from around the world. 

All BANFF delegates are welcome to the Rockie Awards Gala. Seating is first-come, first-served. Attire: Cocktail.

Speaking

Post Gala Video Dance Party (Cascade)
8:00 PM-11:30 PM

Registration - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Curio Foyer)
8:00 AM-8:30 AM

Topic Tables
Alhambra
8:45 AM-9:30 AM

Drop-in on site - no sign up required.

These popular 45-minute informal sessions are a great way to add to your network by connecting with the right people. Hosted by industry experts, join these guided conversations to gain insight into topics including treaties and co-productions, financing, AI, sustainability and more! Up to six delegates can join a Topic Table at one time and are invited to move from one table to another as space allows. Space is filled and managed on a first come first served basis until we hit capacity.

Speaking

FAST Revolution: The New Era Of Ad-Supported Streaming
Cascade
9:00 AM-9:45 AM

Get up to speed on the rapidly evolving landscape of Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels. This session will dive deep into the strategies that industry leaders are implementing to capitalize on this growing platform, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they foresee in the realm of digital streaming.

Speaking

Speed Meetings: Kids & Family
Presidents Hall
9:00 AM-10:00 AM

Advance sign up is required via lottery, see networking page for more details. There will also be a wait line on site if any openings become available.

BANFF’s Speed Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading development executives, distributors, programmers and funders in eight-minute meetings. 

Connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage - this program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content.

Attendees who secured a meeting or stand by spot in advance for Speed Meetings should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Speed Meetings spot or a stand by spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Speed Meetings are on the Conference Centre side of the hotel. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meetings.

*This session is for KIDS / FAMILY / YOUNG ADULT pitches only. Please research each meeting host to be sure your pitches fit their remit.

Speaking

Disrupt Or Be Disrupted: The Media Industry In The Age of Enshittification
Cascade
10:00 AM-10:45 AM

Enshittification, the gradual decline into irrelevance faced by media platforms that fail to evolve with their audience, is the sword hanging over every media owner's head. This era, characterized by rapid tech growth, domination and control, threatens to diminish your value, compelling an urgent shift from legacy approaches to innovative engagement. In this gritty guide, we challenge you to overhaul your strategy, placing the audience's preferences at the core. It's a clear call: disrupt your own models or be side-lined by those who will. For those daring to adapt, the future is bright; for the rest, irrelevance awaits.

Speaking

30 Minutes With: Carlyn Klebuc & Justin Stockman, Bell Media
Theatre
10:00 AM-10:30 AM

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Speaking

Meet a Distributor
Alhambra
10:30 AM-11:00 AM

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute informal networking sessions are designed to connect delegates with top distributors in a small group setting. These sessions are opportunities to network, discuss trends and to spark potential partnerships. Learn from and connect with industry experts. Up to six delegates can sign up in advance to meet with each distributor at one table.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Distributor should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. If you show up late, you risk losing your spot.  

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaking

In Conversation With Amy Reisenbach, CBS Entertainment
Cascade
11:00 AM-11:45 AM

Join CBS Entertainment’s President, Amy Reisenbach at a special In Conversation With session, as she speaks about the network's 2024/25 programming strategy, the art of building procedural franchises and CBS’ important role in the evolving TV ecosystem.

Speaking

Empowering Human Creativity: Pushing the Boundaries of Expression with AI
Theatre
11:00 AM-11:45 AM

Through online platforms like YouTube, the distribution playing field has been leveled and Canadian storytellers have thrived on the global stage. Now, countries, companies and creatives are grappling with the possibilities and impacts of generative AI. This panel will explore the real experiences of creators and producers in how they create today, how AI has influenced the creative process, and whether AI can push creative expression, and become the tool that gives rise to equal opportunities in production

Speaking

Working With Canada: Unscripted Buyers Go Cross-Border Shopping
Cascade
12:00 PM-12:45 PM

Bigger budgets, commissioning crunches and the need for global appeal mean collaboration between international networks and Canadian producers is essential. This panel of unscripted execs will reveal how cross-border partnerships can merge creativity, talent, and resources to get to greenlight.  Find out their programming needs and gain valuable insights into what it takes to become their ideal production partner.

Speaking

Disrupting Racism: A Call to Action for Media Leaders and Industry Mentors
Ivor Petrak
12:00 PM-1:00 PM

It’s 2024 - yet the fight against racism, particularly anti-Black racism, remains an urgent issue in the industry. While progress has been made, much work remains to embed anti-racism strategies deeply into organizational frameworks, production practices, and mentorship programs. This professional development session, led by Natasha Tony, an expert in combating anti-Black racism, offers practical insights for creating meaningful change within your organization and personal practice. Join to learn how to effectively challenge and transform the underlying structures perpetuating racism.

Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Speaking

Super Serving Kids Content
Theatre
12:00 PM-12:45 PM

Some big questions have arisen in the post-pandemic era. Are we contributing to the wellness of kids through the content they are immersed in? How is content evolving to super serve young minds with positive messages, mindfulness and entertainment at its core? Join our panel of kids commissioners as we discuss how they are programming, how they are engaging audiences, and what they're commissioning.

Speaking

Production Partners
Presidents Hall
12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Advance sign up is required via lottery, see networking page for more details. There will also be a wait line on site if any openings become available.

Production company development execs will be taking one-on-one, eight-minute pitches. Similar in format to our Speed Meeting sessions, this is your chance to pitch to production companies and studios who are looking for great ideas and partnerships.

Attendees who secured a meeting or stand by spot in advance for Production Partners should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Production Partners spot or a stand by spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Production Partners is on the Conference Centre side of the hotel. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meeting.

Speaking

In Conversation With: Sean Cohan, Bell Media
Cascade
1:00 PM-1:45 PM

Join us for an engaging interview with Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, one of North America’s premier media companies. In this exclusive session, Cohan will outline the company’s vision and touch on key topics including Bell Media’s continued evolution from legacy broadcaster to digital media and content leader; Bell’s commitment to the development of great, global content; strategic partnerships and broad digital & global content distribution; and rebrand of Canadian original content from “required” to “uber-relevant” and “growth driver.”

Speaking

Meet a Decision Maker
Alhambra
1:30 PM-2:00 PM

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute informal sessions are designed to connect delegates with industry decision makers from studios, streamers and networks. These sessions are opportunities to network, discuss trends and spark potential partnerships in a small group setting. Up to six delegates sign up in advance to meet with a decision maker.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Decision Maker should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed.  If you show up late, you risk losing your spot.

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaking

TV Soundtrack Stories with Award Winning Music Supervisor: Nora Felder
Cascade
2:00 PM-2:45 PM

Dive into the world of music supervision with one of Hollywood’s most sought-after music supervisors, the multi-nominated Grammy and Emmy award-winning Nora Felder, known for her work on Stranger Things, Yellowjackets, Ray Donovan, Californication, Better Things, to name a few. In this exclusive intimate and interactive session, join Nora as she shares her creative approach from ideation to execution, offering insights into how she helps select the ideal musical accompaniment  for her filmmakers. 

Drawing from her extensive experience, Nora will shine a spotlight on some  of her personal favorite standout moments from two of her acclaimed series: the gripping drama Yellowjackets and the hilariously dark comedy What We Do In The Shadows. Through these case studies, you will gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal role music plays in enhancing narrative depth and emotional resonance within television.

Speaking

Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program
Ivor Petrak
2:00 PM-3:00 PM

The Government of Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit Program team will provide an overview of the exciting changes to the Alberta FTTC Program.

Spotlight: The CW
Theatre
2:00 PM-2:45 PM

BANFF’s Spotlight sessions are designed to give executives at the world's most exciting content platforms the stage to reveal their programming priorities and needs. Executives will reveal everything producers need to know – what they are looking for in content, what's working and what's not and how best to engage with them – and delegates can participate in a Q&A at the end.

Speaking

Beyond the Frame: The Pink Paper’s Blueprint for 2SLGBTQ+ Representation
Cascade
3:00 PM-3:45 PM

How do we cultivate environments where trans and non-binary individuals feel a true sense of belonging on set? How do we guarantee that queer stories are not just told, but told authentically? And how do we empower 2SLGBTQ+ creatives to be the architects of their own narratives? These pressing questions lie at the heart of the first-ever 2024 Pink Paper, which will be unveiled exclusively at the Banff World Media Festival by Pink Triangle Press. This pioneering report offers a comprehensive analysis of LGBTQ2S+ representation within the Canadian media landscape, spanning film, television, gaming, and streaming services. It encapsulates the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ professionals and evaluates the community’s depiction in leading screen productions. Join our all-star panel of Canadian industry luminaries—from celebrated actors to influential broadcasters, writers, and producers—as they unpack the report’s findings and discuss the strides and challenges toward a more inclusive media world.

Speaking