Press release from publicist Skana Gee
Thirteen top-notch Australian film and television producers, with dynamic projects in hand, have been invited to attend Strategic Partners 2011 in Halifax, Canada this week.
"When I see the roster of talent and projects coming our way from Down Under, I am thrilled, and it’s all thanks to the terrific support of Screen NSW, Film Victoria, ScreenWest, Screen Queensland and the South Australia Film Commission," says Strategic Partners Director Jan Miller. "Co production partnerships emerging with this kind of Australian talent is a given!"
Australia is one of three spotlight countries this year – joining South Africa and USA – at Strategic Partners, the pre-eminent Canadian co-production/co-venturing market. Focused on early-stage film, television and multiplatform projects, it happens Sept. 15 through 18, against the backdrop of the Atlantic Film Festival in the vibrant seaside community of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Selected delegates from Australia are:
– Paul Sullivan, Benchmark Films; Laura Sivis, Courage Films; Anupam Sharma and Bill Bennett, Films and Casting Temple Pty Ltd; Wendy Howell, Odin's Eye Entertainment; and Michael Robertson, Prodigy Movies Pty Ltd, all of New South Wales
– Angela Walsh, Angela Walsh Productions Pty Ltd; Della Churchill, Chilling Pictures (MIFF 37ÌŠSouth); and Trish Lake, Freshwater Productions, all from Queensland
– Sue Maslin, Film Art Media Pty Ltd; Alkinos Tsilimidos, Rescued Films; and David Rapsey, Rogue Productions Pty Ltd; all of Victoria
– Liz Kearney, 8th in Line Productions, of Western Australia (MIFF 37ÌŠSouth),
Megan Simpson Huberman, Director of Creative Enterprise and Development with Screen NSW, will also attend Strategic Partners 2011.
The ideal place to co-produce/co-venture with Canadians, Strategic Partners 2011 will draw close to 200 delegates from across Canada and around the world, all looking to meet key players, pitch their projects, and expand their knowledge.
This year's impressive agenda includes close to 1,000 prescheduled 1-2-1 meetings, keynote presentations and panel debates:
– A Conversation with Anne Carey: Christina Piovesan (The Whistleblower /Amreeka) will host a conversation with one of the leading indie producers in the US. Anne believes in partnerships, because each decision that a producer makes is really about evaluating partnership – from choosing a director, then choosing a line producer, to choosing a co-production strategy.
– Firm Steps into Uncertainty: Arte's Chief Executive Officer, Michel Reilhac, addresses the nature of the risks that producers need to take today, in a constantly and quickly changing media landscape.
– Pssst… Private Equity is Back! Given the shifting sands of international film financing and the ever fluid distribution landscape, this panel explores the increased availability of private equity and how the independent producer can access private funds, hedge investment risk and maximize film revenue.
– Financing from a Brand New Perspective: Advertisers have repositioned themselves outside of the logo-covered branding box, and are now working together with producers to create branded content that is seamless and transparent. What are the key ingredients that make the integration effective, and secure a place for branding in a financial structure regardless of the platform?
– Transition. Transformation. Transmedia: A conversation among independent producers and players who have ‘transitioned’ or are ‘transitioning’ from the traditional feature film or television format to include transmedia storytelling in their projects, about why they’ve made the leap. Can transmedia work for all properties?
Strategic Partners is a production of the Atlantic Film Festival. With Telefilm Canada as its Presenting Partner, it is the one-stop shop for traditional multi-platform producers, broadcasters, sales agents, financiers, distributors and film agencies. The three-day event includes pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings; international broadcaster, provincial, state and country sessions; relevant panels and visionary keynote speakers.
Delegates also enjoy access to the screenings and galas at the Atlantic Film Festival and the popular Film Nova Scotia Lobster Dinner by the Sea.
A top Canadian festival, the Atlantic Film Festival is held each September in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Strong East Coast roots support a unique format for the festival, with its distinctive focus on film and music. It is large enough to attract the world’s most notable actors, directors and producers, but intimate enough to be innovative and flexible in its approach to the changing needs of our audiences and the industry.
The AFF provides an unpretentious atmosphere to experience the best Atlantic, Canadian and international films, while showcasing some of the best musical talent from around Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic Film Festival produces: Strategic Partners, ViewFinders: International Film Festival for Youth, alFresco filmFesto, and Music & Image.
Organizers acknowledge the ongoing support provided to Strategic Partners by the International Business Development Agreement (IBDA), Telefilm Canada, Shaw Media, Canada Media Fund, and Film Nova Scotia.
Strategic Partners is the exclusive Canadian institutional partner of Australia/New Zealand’s MIFF (Melbourne International Film Festival) 37ºSouth Market.