Cuthand Pitches Private Gig in Whistler

Shawn Cuthand is a man of many talents. The writer, actor, stand-up comedian, and producer is currently working on a horror comedy feature film called Private Gig about the life of a stand-up comic during the pandemic.

Cuthand had the opportunity to work on Private Gig through the Whistler Film Festival 2023 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator, a new, unique program funded by Creative Saskatchewan in partnership with the Whistler Film Festival. One of just six producers chosen for the program, Cuthand experienced an intensive multi-phase project development program designed to accelerate the careers of Saskatchewan-based producers.

In Whistler, Cuthand pitched to Neon Pictures and Raven Banner. He received great feedback and encouragement to finish his script and was able to push the project further.

After his time in Whistler, Cuthand received an Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) grant to help finance Private Gig‘s development. Cuthand notes that having the experience of participating in the Saskatchewan Market Accelerator program on his resume assuredly helped him receive the ISO Development Grant.

Cuthand knew about Creative Saskatchewan and all the great things they were doing for a while, but he never thought he would be eligible for funding from them. But after applying for and receiving a travel grant to attend the Yorkton Film Festival, he met with Creative Saskatchewan staff who really encouraged and helped him apply to go to Whistler.

“Starting the application for a grant is the hardest part,” Cuthand says. “But after you apply once, you get in the habit and applying for more grants becomes easier.”

In addition to Private Gig, Cuthand is preparing for the Vancouver Fringe Festival where he’ll be performing as part of the Full Metal Comedy stand-up comedy show this September, and is working on Season 2 of The Feather News with Danny Knight, Ryan Moccasin and Muskwa Lerat.