Apr 10, 2024

Joining the previously announced guests: director Jeremy Podeswa; Jennifer Kawaja, President of English Language Scripted TV & Film at Sphere Media; writer/director Jeff Chan and actor/producer Robbie Amell

Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival (BMFM) today announced the addition of new speakers and panels to its highly anticipated Creative Forum. The event, which already boasted an impressive array of industry experts and thought leaders, will now offer even more opportunities for attendees.

As previously announced, Creative Forum has been extended to three days, with two separate parts: the original Film & TV forum on May 30 and May 31, and a new Digital Media event on May 31 and June 1 in collaboration with Buffer Festival. A combo pass is available for all three days. The newly rebranded BMFM promises to deliver an immersive experience for industry professionals and digital creators alike, all set against the backdrop of the majestic Blue Mountains.

Added to the Creative Forum Film & TV schedule are a TV Directing Masterclass led by award-winning feature film and television director Jeremy Podeswa on Thursday, May 30 with the morning of Friday, May 31 dedicated to Breakfast, a panel and Gondola Meetings with TV Broadcasting Execs & Producers. Confirmed participating industry executives include:

• Rachel Nelson, VP Original Programming, Corus Entertainment & Head of Corus Studios

• Carlyn Klebuc, General Manager, Original Programming, Bell Media

• Jocelyn Hamilton, President, Television, eOne Canada

• Mark Montefiore, CEO, New Metric Media

• April de Haas, Senior Production Executive, Unscripted, Amazon Originals

• Virginia Rankin, Executive Producer, Scripted TV, Blink 49

• Jennifer Kawaja, President, English TV & Features, Sphere Media

• Adam Feigen, Development Executive, Series and Movies, Incendo Media

• Daniel Beckerman, President, Good Question Media

• Matt Orenstein, VP Acquisitions and Strategy, Vortex Media

• Moira Holmes, President, Film Finances Canada

In addition, on Friday afternoon director Jeff Chan and producer/actor Robbie Amell will lead a Code 8 Case Study session. They’ll discuss their creative approach to production as well as how they connected with fans to build community and finance through crowd-sourcing.

“The participation of TV executives this year offers up an excellent opportunity for mid-level and emerging creators to connect with the country’s major decision makers - which could be a game changer for their projects. That Blue Mountain is such a short trip also makes for significant savings in terms of annual travel budgets. ” said Helen duToit, Artistic Director of BMFM.

Creative Forum focusing on Digital Media on May 31 and June 1 will feature industry trailblazers offering cutting-edge insights and innovative strategies. Newly added panels include:

• 30 minutes with YouTube: Featuring Maria Cortellucci, Top Creator Lead YouTube Canada and Stephanie Wilson Chapin, Strategic Partner Manager, News, Sports & TV, YouTube Canada

• 30 Minutes with TikTok

• The Road To Success as a Digital Creator

• Making and Self Distributing Films for an Online Audience

• The Next Wave of Content and Storytelling: Gaming 101

• Breakfast and Lunch with Mentors and Buffer Festival Screening with:

  • Maria Cortellucci, Top Creator Lead YouTube Canada

  • Corey Tonge - Creator/Gaming

  • Corrado Coia - Buffer Festival

  • Marie Stella - Creator/ filmmaker

  • Tope Babalola - Creator/filmmaker

  • Zach Ramelan - Creator/filmmaker

  • Ryan Ng - Creator/filmmaker

  • Underknown - Creators "What If"

  • Julie Nolke - Creator/filmmaker/actor

"Buffer Festival is really excited to bring its programming to Blue Mountain. Aspiring and emerging Creators will get a chance to learn and network with Ontario's best, and get a chance to see Creators’ films on the big screen in a special Buffer Screening,” said Scott Benzie, Chief Executive Officer of Buffer Festival.

BMFM aims to unveil unique networking and educational opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with senior decision-makers and producers in intimate settings that go beyond the ordinary. Early bird passes and special hotel rates starting from $179/night (plus applicable taxes) are now available for Creative Forum attendees.

For more information visit BMFM website.