FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2015
AWC’s "From Pitch To Screen" Executive Summit offers remarkable pitching tips from illustrious industry experts including special guest Eric Fineman: Director of Development, Sony Columbia Pictures
Benefitting The Film & Television Relief Program (emergencyrelief.ca)
Vancouver, BC – Creative industry professionals will gain unprecedented insight into the pitching process for film and television at AWC’s Executive Summit, co-hosted by the Vancouver Film School, from July 24 to 26, 2015.
The three-day, intensive and interactive event provides the opportunity to gain practical insight into how to pitch projects and develop concepts with multiple stakeholders – as told by the best in the business, including special guest Eric Fineman, Director of Development at Sony Columbia Pictures. "From Pitch To Screen" participants can even book one-to-one sessions with the studio executive during the Summit.
Through a series of panels and workshops, Fineman and the team of expert panelists will demystify the "closed door" process of getting an idea into the US marketplace and onto the world stage. Positioning the conversation within the fast-growing global economy, the Summit will provide tried-and-tested strategies for how to succeed in the evolving world of content creation and distribution. Participants will discuss how to present work, develop pitch materials and one-pagers, build teams, and navigate important meetings.
Now in its third year, the AWC Executive Summit fundraises for The Actors Fund of Canada and the Film and Television Relief Fund, which provides emergency financial aid to professionals in the industry. Co-hosted by Vancouver Film School and Raindance Canada, VFS welcomes participants to its central downtown campus in beautiful Vancouver.
"It is a pleasure and an honour to be hosting AWC Executive Summit, the special guests on the panel, and all of the participants this weekend," said Ted Jones, Department Head for Film Production at VFS. "We’re especially grateful to Eric for making time to share his experience with our community but also for including a special exclusive workshop for VFS students!"
"We're thrilled to bring our friend Eric to Vancouver, so he can experience the beauty and laid back charm of the city, but even more so, meet and forge relationships with our electric film community," explained Michael Lazarovitch, Co-Producer at AWC. "Eric is pumped to meet new peers and emerging talent; hoping to guide and help us produce not just more film, but better film. It's going to be a wonderful weekend celebrating story and film making, and a fantastic opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business," added Mark LeRoy, Co-Producer at AWC.
Eric is joined by panelists including Simon Barry, Creator and Executive producer of Contiuum, Jen and Sylvia Soska from Twisted Twins Productions; Anna Archer from Lucas Talent; and Andrew Levine from Frostbite Pictures. Across three days, participants can hear from these experts in a packed, intimate schedule consisting of:
FRIDAY, JULY 24
Behind The Curtain At The Studio: Find out more about the state of the market, how the studio system really works, and how the current landscape looks for content creators. Eric Fineman presents a demystifying session followed by:
Booze & Schmooze – Industry Version: Meet VIP guests including Eric Fineman and mingle with co-participants during this intimate, fun evening.
SATURDAY, JULY 24
The Nuts & Bolts of Getting Stuff Made: Our industry experts will participate in a moderated discussion, detailing how to take a concept from idea to final product; be it as an independent film, co-production or within studio systems. Topics of discussion include:
the current industry landscape and how it affects idea pitches; how to keep control of your creative idea as the process evolves; what industry trends and fads to be aware of – and what to ignore; tips to appear on the radar of decision makers – and keep their attention; gaining an audience in the global market; and an open discussion on everything from distribution to festivals to streaming.
SUNDAY, JULY 25
One To One With The Exec: Use this unique opportunity to discuss your idea one-to-one with Eric Fineman by booking one of the limited series of private breakout sessions available. Receive feedback and ideas from Eric about roadblocks you find; review specific pitch material; and gain invaluable insight into the way forward.
Tickets: For VFS, Raindance & Affiliate Groups - $49 Day 1; $99 Day 1+2; $199 Day 1,2+3. For Non-Members - $99 – Day 1; $149 Day 1+2; $249 Day 1,2 + 3.
For further information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.awcsummit.com.
-30-
For industry enquiries contact:
Tom Fedechko, tomf@vfs.com, +1 604 631 3049
For media enquiries contact:
Zoe Grams, zoe@zgcommunications.com, +1 604 336 3822