Banff Media Festival

All transcripts

Access to Hollywood Digital Buyers

If you only get one shot at pitching the studios, knowing what Hollywood is looking for at any given time and why they buy what they buy is crucial. This panel will introduce delegates to some of the major "buyers" of digital content in Hollywood, discuss what their business models are, the role that brands and derivative revenue streams play in financing and monetizing content, and review how you can create pitches that sell.

• What are the intricacies of bringing on a brand or sponsor as part of a pitched package?
• Does a celebrity attachment get a project made?
• Can ideas be pitched or does a script need to be presented first?
• If the series is successful, who owns the film and television rights?

C21 Broadcaster Briefing: USA

Get inside information on what broadcasters from the United States want. In these open, informal sessions, American Program Executives will provide insight into their schedules, outline production priorities and biases, discuss potential partnership deals, and answer your questions.

Can Online Publishers Successfully Monetize Content?

As content moves more and more online, publishers need to find the best ways to monetize within the digital space. Hear from online publishers across text, video, music, social media and more as they discuss how they are driving eyeballs to their content and leveraging the online space.

CMF Town Hall

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) champions the creation of successful, innovative Canadian content and software applications for current and emerging digital platforms through financial support and industry research. During this town hall, Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, Stéphane Cardin, VP of Industry and Public Affairs, and Sandra Collins, VP of Finance and Administration, will present 2010-2011 program results, provide an update on the 2011-2012 program, and outline the strategic objectives which will guide policy development and the industry consultation process in view of the 2012-2013 program. Following the presentation, they will take questions from stakeholders.

Digital Download: 2020 Media Futures: Resilient Strategies

What will our media be like by 2020? If we could envision future technologies, behaviours, products, services, and regulations, how might we adapt our current strategies? In this provocative and engaging presentation by futurist and media designer Greg Van Alstyne (OCAD University) – building on the year-long, OMDC-funded 2020 Media Futures project – we will glimpse Canada's media landscape in 2020, workshoping ideas, strategies and actions we can take today toward resilient, long-term creative and economic success.

Digital Download: Youth and Audiences brought to you by FacesofChange

We are in the midst of a revolution in content development and marketing communications. The consumers of tomorrow have grown up immersed in digital technologies that enable access to information, friends and fun like never before. But what do "digital natives" think about their place in the world and the communities and companies they interact with? FacesofChange uses a unique combination of qualitative (video recorded interviews) and quantitative (online panel) research to uncover how Canadians age 18 to 24 are spending their time, their attention and their money. This session will explore what we discovered about their attitudes and activities relating to digital media, community and privacy. Gain insight into how youth engage with media, brands and the world around them in this exciting multimedia presentation.

Entertainment One Premiere Lunch Screening: Hell On Wheels.

AMC is known for its unbroken string of success stories: Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead and The Killing. Now it's taking on the Western and applying their innovative abilities to Hell on Wheels, a contemporary western about post-Civil War America that focuses on a Confederate soldier who sets out to exact revenge on the Union soldiers who have killed his wife. Currently shooting in Calgary, Hell on Wheels is produced by Entertainment One and Nomadic Pictures. The series was created, written and executive produced by Joe and Tony Gayton. Don't miss being among the first to see a sneak preview of AMC's next hit, and how it came to be...

Funny or Die: Creating Hit Online Comedy

Join Mike Farah, President of Production, as he walks us through the creation process for the funniest web videos online today. Since its inception, three years ago, Funny Or Die has emerged as an award-winning, top destination for comedy on the web. With hundreds of exclusive celebrity videos and a steady stream of huge viral hits, Funny or Die has become the "place to be seen" for comedic celebrities, and the obvious destination for a daily comedy fix. The site averages over 8 million unique users per month and over 30 million video views per month.

In Conversation with: Award of Distinction Winner, HOWIE MANDEL

Veteran comedian, actor, game show host and author Howie Mandel has been a constant force in show business for over 30 years, and can now add the BANFF Award of Distinction to his long list of achievements and accolades. Don't miss this candid conversation with one of the most funny, frank and fearless stars in the business.

In Conversation With: Award of Excellence in Digital Media Award Winner, Lisa Kudrow

Since premiering in 2008, Lisa Kudrow's hilarious improvised web series Web Therapy has been a hit with audiences and critics alike, most recently taking home the 2011 Webby Award for Best Comedy: Long Form or Series. The Emmy- and SAG-award winning actress and comedian produces, writes and stars in the innovative hit, whose style and premise has made it one of those few online series that is truly of the web, not just on it. Join this year's Award of Excellence in Digital Media Winner as she shares her experience of making the transition from TV and film to web, the finer points of putting together a successful branded entertainment collaboration, and her take on the direction of digital.

In Conversation with: FELICIA DAY

Join Felicia Day- producer, writer and star of The Guild - as she walk you through her massively successful web series from inception to completion. Started as a fan-financed project in 2007, The Guild has since clocked over 100 million views online and scored greater reach and funding through partnerships with the likes of Xbox Live, Microsoft and Sprint. Hear first-hand how Felicia and her team turned a small independent project into an Internet sensation.

• What type of process is involved in creating content for the web?
• What are the key partnerships you need to make your web series successful?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of creating for the web?

Innovate or Die: Why Agencies and Brands Need to Embrace Risk

Innovation is now the killer app. Meet a panel of innovation leaders from the top North American creative agencies who will share with you their approach to invention and brand building for the digital world. Warning: the content you are able to experience will certainly disrupt your organization.

Kids & Animation Feature Interview: Marjorie Cohn, President, Original Programming & Development, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids & Family Group

Join Linda Ellerbee - anchor, writer and executive producer of Nick News with Linda Ellerbee and the recipient of the inaugural Lifetime Achievement in Kids and Animation award - as she leads a feature interview with Marjorie Cohn, President, Original Programming & Development, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids & Family Group. Marjorie will answer Linda Ellerbee's questions on the current climate in kids' television and Nickelodeon's role in kids' media as the space continues to grow and evolve

Kids & Animation International Case Study: Sesame Street

Join our feature case study with the producers of legendary kids' franchise Sesame Street. These kids' programming luminaries will walk delegates through their international starter kit - which has successfully launched new series all over the world, from Bangladesh to Norway - and Sesame Street's bold moves online and in social media.

Margaret Loesch - Happily Ever After: Observations and Lessons Learned in Kids & Animation Programming

Margaret Loesch has long been regarded as a visionary in television animation. Over the span of her 40-year television career, she has seen - and influenced - a seismic evolution in the industry as animation has moved from the islands of kids' programming on Saturday mornings and seasonal animated prime time specials to become a staple of every day programming and ubiquitous across all entertainment platforms. With multiple animation destinations, concentrated demographic audiences, more options (competition) for watching more product, ongoing scrutiny by government and special interest groups, and amazing technological advances in production ... can it be "happily ever after," or will animation have even more mountains to climb? Margaret Loesch will reflect on these questions and more in this special keynote address.

Master Class: Greg Daniels, Parks and Recreation

Greg Daniels has written on shows that have defined the power of television. Writing for three seasons on Saturday Night Live, an episode of Seinfeld, three years on the iconic animated sitcom The Simpsons and then creating King of the Hill, Daniels' current two shows have been in the midst of the cultural zeitgeist. On The Office, he took the British format and gave it an American appeal, thanks to star Steve Carell, and used that same documentary format with Parks and Recreation, one of TV's most well-reviewed shows. Join Daniels as he discusses what it takes to make a great comedy.

• How difficult was it getting his skits on the air at Saturday Night Live?
• The biggest challenges of taking Ricky Gervais' hugely popular The Office and giving it an American spin?
• The challenges of coming up with ideas in the writers' room.
• The importance of trusting your fellow writers.
• How to deal with a network when your ideas clash with theirs.

Master Class: Veena Sud, The Killing

Veena Sud is the showrunner and Executive Producer of AMC's newest original series, The Killing. She previously wrote for the hit CBS police procedural Cold Case, where she began as a staff writer and eventually ascended to the position of showrunner. Now, drawing from her extensive exposure to actual homicide investigations and time with working detectives, Veena is thrilled to have the chance to illuminate the ramifications of a murder in a serialized format with The Killing. Join her as we explore a world in which everyone has secrets - the detectives, the bereaved, and even the victim.

• What was the process of creating The Killing?
• What has been Veena's approach to the casting of The Killing?
• What are the elements that go into developing a compelling murder mystery?
• How are the police most often misrepresented on television?
• What research and experiences has Veena drawn from for the writing of this show?

Master-Class: Arnold Shapiro, Beyond Scared Straight

Join 16-time Emmy Award-winning television producer and writer, Arnold Shapiro, as he discusses the challenging world of ethical documentary and reality series development, the backbone of his prolific career. Arnold will navigate the fine line between the exploitation and ethical treatment of subjects, touching on a roster of hit shows, including: CBS reality series Rescue 911 and Big Brother; ABC's Brat Camp; Scared Silent: Exposing & Ending Child Abuse, hosted by Oprah Winfrey; and his recent A&E series, Beyond Scared Straight, the offspring of Arnold's most well known work, the Oscar and Emmy–winning documentary Scared Straight!

nextMEDIA Keynote: In Conversation with Ted Sarandos - The Netflix Effect In Canada

The arrival of the world's largest subscription service streaming movies and TV episodes here in Canada, has not been without controversy, as domestic broadcasters, cable and satellite TV operators wonder if Netflix is about to take a rather large piece of the pie. Join Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix for this hotly anticipated one on one interview and expect plenty of time for candid audience questions.

• What is your take on the competition between over-the-top video providers and television VOD services?
• How do you strike a balance with broadcasters in terms of rights?
• What does Netflix feel they are contributing to the Canadian system?
• What are the opportunities for Netflix in Canada vs the US and international markets?
• What have your recent content deals (CBC, EPIX, Disney/ABC, NBCU, Relativity Media) meant for Netflix?
• What content is Netflix pursuing and what relationships can content owners have with Netflix?
• How big is your budget for content acquisition in 2011- 2012?
• What's on the roadmap for 2011 and what are your plans for growth here in Canada?

Non-Fiction Keynote: Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz, Founders, Magical Elves

Join Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz - founders of Magical Elves Productions and the acclaimed duo behind blockbuster reality hits like the Emmy winning Top Chef, Project Runway, Bands on the Run and Project Greenlight - as they share their perspective on the reality phenomenon on television and the philosophy behind their stunning success.

One World Now, 2011 Edition: International Co-Productions

The days of talking about the future of international co-productions are over. Now producers, networks and distributors in Canada, the U.S. and around the world are actively involved in producing and delivering numerous successful projects for Canadian and International distribution. How is it done? How did this become so important to the Canadian television landscape so quickly?
Come hear our international panel of experts speak about their experiences and explain why co-productions have become so important to them.

• What are the creative and business challenges of working with multiple networks and investors?
• What kinds of stories lend themselves to this kind of finance and distribution model?
• How do Canadian producers access international partners and financing?

OTT Services: The Future of Television

Join leading voices in broadcasting, telecommunications, media production and digital video technology and services for a hard-hitting panel discussion on the future of television in a time of unprecedented change in the way audiences interact with and consume media. Our panelists will cut through the spin and have a frank conversation about the role traditional television infrastructure and new digital technologies will play in the living room of the future, as well as what is at stake for the Canadian and international media ecosystem in these changes.

• How do broadcasters need to redefine their businesses if they are to find growth once more?
• What digital services and opportunities will enhance the home entertainment experience, and what does the future hold for OnDemand?
• What will be the biggest change in TV over the next five years?

Pitching Major Media Buyers: A Crash Course

If you only get one shot at pitching media buyers, knowing what they are looking for at any given time and why they buy what they buy is crucial. This panel will introduce delegates to some of the major "buyers" of digital content and review how you can create pitches that sell.

• What type of ideas are media buyers currently looking for?
• What brands are best to go after for specific content?
• What kinds of partnership deals are being made?

Social Media Strategy: The Networked Effect and Your Business

Enough theorizing - it's time to jump into our social media bootcamp to get the tactical tools you can apply to your social media strategy. Whether for your business or personal brand, this session will help you identify and reach key audience members, build communities, establish customer trust, have an influence on conversational tone, manage crises and-most importantly-affect the bottom line.

• Tips and tricks for using popular social media tools.
• Review the idea of "networks" and the networked effect on business./li>
• Cost effective solutions for social media campaigns - find out what you can do on a minimal budget.
• Key examples of amazing social media campaigns across B2C and B2B.

Transmedia In-Depth: In Conversation with Anthony Lilley, Magic Lantern

Last year we convened a panel of experts to discuss Transmedia from the 50,000 foot level - What is it? Why should producers care about it? What are the creative and practical considerations around it? This year, we are going deep. Using specific case studies from Magic Lantern's portfolio as well as seminal cases we've all read about, one of the UK's most respected interactive producers will explain and explore multiplatform series, multiplatform serials and multiplatform hybrids - the core categories of Transmedia works as broken down by Prof. Christy Dena.

View from the Top: Digital

What defines digital success in today's media market? What are the key growth areas, where are dollars flowing, and what will be the technology, platform, product or service driving audiences and consumers in the year to come? Join our expert panel of digital media leaders for a high-level look at the state of the industry today and where it's headed.

View From the Top: Drama

With storylines that make us believe we can solve crime mysteries or save the world in 24 hours, dramatic series entertain us and keep us intrigued. Frequently holding spots in the Top 10 most-watched primetime network TV shows, the drama series has adapted to the changing times. This panel brings together the key gatekeepers and decision-makers to forecast what's hot and what's not in the upcoming seasons. Join these executives as they look at trends in traditional drama programming and online drama, discuss the swing of the pendulum, analyze the genre worldwide and provide a blueprint for the future.

• Will dramatic content be moving online and to DVD and VOD, or will traditional TV continue to dominate?
• What are program executives looking for in dramatic series pitches?
• How is the drama genre evolving? Is the 'dramedy' taking over?
• How does drama vary from region to region and across borders?
• Historical, fantasy, procedural - what will the next big hits be? Is it possible to predict what will be popular in the next few years?
• How do socio-political factors and events influence TV drama appetites?
• Dramas typically have large casts and require significant budgets, so how is it possible to produce a great show in this genre during this time of fiscal restraint?