Strategic Partners 2014 to Host a Visionary Program of Dynamic Panel Discussions Led by Top Industry Experts

For Immediate Release
 
Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Strategic Partners 2014 to host a visionary program of dynamic panel discussions led by top industry experts, September 11 – 14 in Halifax, Nova Scotia
 
(Halifax, NS) – The leading international film, television and digital co-production market in Canada is less than one month away. Strategic Partners, a presentation of the Atlantic Film Festival, unveils a line-up of cutting-edge panels and esteemed panelists not-to-be missed at this year’s event, September 11 – 14 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
 
“We have put together a fantastic itinerary of panel discussions for this year’s program. Some of the world’s top trendsetters will descend upon Halifax to deliver the very latest news on topics such as financing and distribution of digital first content and exploring why producers should consider producing series for the web as part of their business model,” said Strategic Partners Director, Laura Mackenzie. “We are extremely excited to welcome the Argentinean Producers and Director as well as the Canadian Producers of The Games Maker to present a Case Study on this Argentinean/ Canadian/ Italian co-production. We always aim to provide the most progressive and up-to-the-minute information available and I'm very proud to announce this year’s line-up!”
Strategic Partners is proud to announce the following program and panelists for 2014:
 
A Case Study of The Games Maker
When: September 12th, 1:20 PM
Where: Imperial Room, Lord Nelson Hotel
A complex Argentinian-Canadian-Italian co-production, The Games Maker is a true international success story, from script to screen. Released in early July 2014 in Latin America, this family adventure film with universal appeal has dazzled at the box office.
Moderator Sydney Levine (SydneysBuzz) will lead an in-depth discussion with the stellar team behind the feature film. The discussion will shed light on the project’s origination, the obstacles they overcame during production, how financing was achieved and how distribution and international sales were determined and executed.
Panelists include: Argentinean Director, Juan Pablo Buscarini, Pampa Films (Chinese Take-Away); Argentinean Producer, Veronica Cura, Utopica Group (La Mujer Sin Cabeza); Canadian Producers, Kim Roberts and Tina Pehme, Sepia Films (In Their Skin)
Web Series Wizards Weigh In – the magic behind creating successful online content
 
When: September 13th, 1:45 PM
Where: Imperial Room, Lord Nelson Hotel
 
Original web series appeared on the market with such landmark properties as Red vs Blue and The Guild, busting open the belief that short-form web content would be YouTubers on skateboards and kittens in cardboard. Web series have since matured into their own art form and are recognized as a legitimate format of content for mobile and internet audiences. But how are producers financing web hits like Video Game High School or Epic Mealtime and is it a viable format for independents?
 
Traditional and new media companies are racing to 'videofy' their internet magazines and newspapers (think Vice, The Guardian, and Conde Nast publications) as are many brands (think Red Bull, Amex and GE.)
 
Panel moderator, Catherine Tait, Producer/ Distributor at iThentic, will explore with her panel of web series wizards who the new buyers are now and whether or not this is an avenue for independent producers to explore.
 
Panelists will include: Matthew Graham, Senior Director, PBS Digital Studios; Chris Skinner, Head of Digital, CTV; Ben Waller, Partner, RocketJump Studios
 
Beyond Broadcast — original programming in an increasingly digital-first world
 
When: September 14th, 11:20 AM
Where: Imperial Room, Lord Nelson
 
Today's media landscape is arguably one of the most innovative periods in media history, and yet one that is fraught with confusion and possibly disillusion, some of the best indicators of large-scale change. Currently, most online platforms are fully committed to commissioning original programming, and many media companies are producing original content for online and mobile platforms. In response, many new and traditional broadcast players are now commissioning original ‘digital first’ series, creating an ever increasingly symbiotic relationship.  
 
How exactly are traditional broadcasters responding and what are the opportunities for their defense? How can broadcasters capitalize off this growing trend and work together with creators to further develop their online offerings?  
 
Panel moderator, Producer Damon D’Oliveira (What We Have, The Book of Negroes) will examine how the concept of 'Content Everywhere’ is now imperative for all media companies, and panelists will take an in-depth look at the burgeoning marketplace for ‘digital-first’ original content.
 
Panelists will include: Stephen Finney, Production Executive, Original Drama Content, Shaw Media; Fay Wells, Distribution Consultant; Sam Harowitz, Director, Television Acquisitions & Development, Global Content, FreemantleMedia International
 
Each year, top Canadian and international industry players, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors are selected to attend Strategic Partners. Offering over 1,000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, co-production focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, and screenings and receptions – Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.

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