My day began with a great workshop called Brazil: Co-productions and beyond. I learned so much in way of co-productions and how great content can be extended to the entire world. I almost felt that I could become an ambassador of great film and television abroad - I am definitely going to investigate more on how I can implement the possibilities of co-productions in the future of my career.
Then the meetings began - child - if you can space out your meetings throughout the festival, do it cause it was no stop action for me. Though my first meeting was a no show, which after 'patiently' waiting for a half hour, marched straight to the delegate lounge to send a 'friendly' email to further acknowledged that I had been stood up. I got a response later that day from the commissioning editor apologizing profusely. We are to meet up some time this morning. I have to say that the rest of my pitches ( I had 7 appointments, two of which was impromptu) went really, really well but t0 tell you the truth, I did not go fully armed with a one pager, treatment and the whole nine yards. I simply went in with an idea, a hook and told them, I'm coming to you to hear out the idea, see if you like it, get feedback, and if it works for you then tell me what you need to see to get it to the next level. Wow, if you are looking for a non threatening and supportive environment in the film and television industry - you find it in BANFF. I got the nod that one of the ideas that I pitched would sell, they are interested and told me exactly what I had to do to move forward. In addition to that, they stressed that they would give feedback on the content if things were lacking or if in the end the project was not for them, they would send me to the broadcaster who they would feel should take it.
So can I tell you, I am truly impressed for two reasons. One, the broadcasters were really open and fun, two I survived and more than I that I got some real chops as a producer! Gotta admit though, the back to back thing was crazy and waiting to get in the face to face sessions felt a little like a cattle call - you get in with a group of people, find your broadcaster, you have 10 minutes to do your thing and then you hear a bell and it's over. But it's the nature of the beast and you work with it. Hundreds of people want to do exactly what you are there to do.
The evening ended with the infamous BANFF BBQ in the donut tents. The location was stunning and the big bond fire in each tent was appreciated because the warmth that felt from the fire is a warmth that you would not feel anywhere else cause it is COLD up in here! The food was good, the entertainment was even better and yet again I danced the night away. Word to the wise - if you ever decide to do the BANFF thing - wear comfortable shoes!
I'm off for the last day...
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