Take your career to the next level with this multi-phased project development and business mentorship program for independent Saskatchewan producers, developing original narrative or factual projects with strong market potential.
On April 12, 2023, WIFF and Creative Saskatchewan hosted an information webinar to cover the scope of the Market Accelerator for Producers, the eligibility requirements, timelines, and what projects you can apply with.
A question and answer period followed the presentation.
The WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator is an intensive multi-phase project development program designed to accelerate the careers of up to six independent Saskatchewan-based producers while developing their original narrative, factual, and digital projects in film, television, or online formats.
Over the course of eight months, selected producers work intensively with key media industry advisors and mentors in individual, group and market-oriented development sessions to expand creative and business skills and receive project-specific feedback to strengthen their ability to take advantage of networking opportunities, continued project development, and to position their project for investment in the lead-up to the Whistler Film Festival.
The WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator offers unparalleled access to high-level industry experts from across Canada including senior producers, distributors, broadcasters, financiers and key decision-makers.
In the lead up to the Whistler Film Festival and Content Summit, WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator producers will also participate in a pitching workshop, and may apply to participate in the Power Pitch Competition and pitch their project to some of the world’s top sales agents for motion pictures, and compete for a prize package worth over $36,000 (TBD).
WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator producers will receive a heightened public profile through the Whistler Film Festival.
Key Dates | Action |
---|---|
March 14, 2023 | Call for applications |
April 11, 2023 | Application deadline 11:59 PM CST |
June 5, 2023 | Welcome session (online) |
June - September 2023 | Phase I - Workshops (online) |
October - November 2023 | Phase II - Market preparation for WFF23 (online) |
November 29 - December 3, 2023 | Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit (in-person) |
December 2023 - January 2024 | Phase III - WFF23 follow-up, ongoing mentorship (online) |
February 2, 2023 | Final deliverables and reporting |
A chance to develop your project, deepen connections and build industry relationships for long-term success!
*WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator producers are responsible for their own airfare, transportation, accommodation and incidental expenses for attendance at WFF23 – contact Creative Saskatchewan to explore funding assistance with travel costs. Preferred accommodation rates are available.
Participants can expect to take part in case studies, one-on-one and small-group meetings with the facilitators and producer-mentor during all phases and a pitch training session from a seasoned industry veteran.
After the program you’ll join the dynamic community of more than 3,000 WFF alumni having charted a course for further development and production of your project!
Extended application deadline: April 17, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST
Only one producer per project will be allowed to attend the WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator. Producers must successfully complete Phase 1 of the program before being allowed to continue in the program. It is mandatory that producers be available for all phases of the WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator in its entirety, and that all deliverables be submitted on time.
WFF values the fair and just treatment of all community members by creating opportunities and removing barriers to address historical and current disadvantages for under-represented and marginalized groups. Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, women over age 45 or people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
There is no application fee. The program is supported by Creative Saskatchewan.
There is no tuition fee. The program is supported by Creative Saskatchewan.
Financial Assistance: Finalists are encouraged to reach out to Creative Saskatchewan as soon as possible when applying for assistance with travel costs to attend WFF23.
In addition to participation in the program, all participants will receive a Whistler Film Festival Industry Pass (non-transferrable), which provides access to screenings, industry sessions and networking events during the Whistler Film Festival and Content Summit.
Email us with the subject “WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator” to industry@whistlerfilmfestival.com.
2023 Facilitators and Mentors:
Submitted projects are expected to be in the early stages of development, i.e. treatment stage.
Just early stages as we will be bringing experts to help you with this. To find a template for the budget, we advise using the Telefilm budget template.
All are considered but must be from a Saskatchewan-based producer.
Late applications will NOT be accepted. The (extended) deadline is April 17, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST, no exceptions.
CV, Bio, letters of recommendation or interest (i.e. CMF, broadcast, distribution interest) etc.
No, we will only accept applications that have gone through our online application process.
We have an experienced producer mentor facilitating program. Project-specific mentors may be assigned based on producer/project needs.
No, we are accepting the producers for the program based on the projects applied with.
We have a jury of key industry decision-makers helping us with our decision.
We don’t look at the overall budget amount on the projects – we select producers based on their suitability for the program and projects with good story potential and current market appeal, but budgets should be realistic for the current market in Canada.
No. The program is only open to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents over the age of 18 who currently reside full-time in Saskatchewan.
Yes, we accept animated projects.
The WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator is an English-language program. French-language producers are invited to apply, but the projects must be in English for this edition.
No, feedback is provided only for final participants that make it into the program.
It can be a co-produced project, but only one of the producers can attend the training.
Yes, but the project cannot go into any kind of actual production outside of the program until program completion in February 2024.
Yes, in fact we encourage it.
Yes.
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