Film Nova Scotia Partners to Host Business Development Trip
Film Nova Scotia is partnering with the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corp. and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to lead a business development mission to Los Angeles from June 8-14.
During the trip, 10 film, television and new media producers from each province will attend the annual Producer's Guild of America Produced By Conference to participate in panels, candid conversations, roundtables and networking events with top level Hollywood professionals. Past presenters at the event include Harvey Weinstein, Marc Cherry and Morgan Freeman.
After the conference, participants will attend workshops and meetings with producers, production companies, studios and networks to provide an opportunity to pitch projects and meet with individuals in the Los Angeles market.
"The Business Development Trip to Los Angeles has always proven to be very beneficial for us, allowing us to raise the awareness of our local talent in other markets," said Ann MacKenzie, president and CEO of Film Nova Scotia.
2012 will be the third year Film Nova Scotia and ACOA have partnered on the initiative. To expand co-operation in the Atlantic Region, Newfoundland was invited to join the team this year.
"We immediately saw the benefit in getting involved," said Chris Bonnell, executive director/film commissioner, Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corp. "The program not only provides a professional development opportunity to our producers but also allows us to keep a finger on the pulse of the Los Angeles market."
Emerging and mid-level producers will enter into a competitive application process to secure a spot. In advance of the trip, selected participants will work with a market preparedness consultant to polish their pitching package and identify meeting targets. A Los Angeles based matchmaker will also be hired to assist in approaching and confirming meetings with targeted companies.
Local producer Stephen MacLean attended the business development trip last year and immediately saw the advantages.
"This invaluable program allows local producers to connect with companies and individuals we normally wouldn't have a chance to meet," said Mr. MacLean. "I've started building a network of contacts in one of the largest film markets in the world, which is an important step for me as a producer as they are key when you're trying to co-produce and market a television program or feature film."
Film Nova Scotia is a provincial Crown corporation reporting to the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. The corporation provides a wide range of programs and services to support the province's audiovisual industry. Nova Scotia is among the largest production centres in Canada.