Whistler Film Festival Launches Digital First Lab Call for Applications

October 6, 2016

Press Release

Whistler, BC – As part of its talent program slate, the Whistler Film Festival has added a new digital content themed Digital First Lab for Western Canadian content creators with projects in development.

Designed to empower the next generation of storytellers, WFF’s Digital First Lab will provide six content creators firsthand insight into the interactive world of narrative short-form storytelling through a two-phased program. The Lab will be led by experts from some of the biggest online platforms and thought leaders who will offer insight to innovative initiatives from production and marketing to online distribution support for content creators of all levels.

Phase I takes place in conjunction with the 2016 Whistler Film Festival + Summit on December 2 to 4 as market immersion experience offering a curated itinerary that includes a focus on marketing and distribution as well as scheduled market meetings with attending industry and advisors.

Phase II takes place between January and September 2017 as a mentorship oriented experience. This phase ensures that the creators are putting strategies into action with the guidance of a mentor to support production and audience building. Industry advisors and mentors will challenge directors to push their vision through to the very end by identifying and navigating through any post-filming obstacles and/or changes.

“WFF’s Digital Lab will offer digital media-makers the opportunity to kick start their web series projects amidst a festival setting, while giving them to access experienced content creators and digital platform executives in attendance,” said Angie Nolan, Industry Programming Manager, Whistler Film Festival. “This initiative is the next chapter in our slate of talent programs to support creators who are looking to expand their audience in the digital domain.”

Program Facilitator and Magnify Digital Founder & CEO, Moyra Rodger adds: “WFF’s Digital First Lab is a very important and timely initiative. It’s no longer enough for creators to make great content. They also need data rich strategies that will deliver measurable results and connecting and build their stories with audiences.

The application deadline is October 28 at 11:59pm PST. Creators may apply online at whistlerfilmfestival.com. Up to six creators will be selected to participate in the Lab. Applicants must be developing scripted short-form episodic content for digital platforms (up to 25 minutes in length per episode). The WFF Digital First Lab is sponsored by TELUS, Creative BC, CMF and CMPA BC.

This program is open to Canadian content creators from Western Canada. Projects completed by August 31, 2017 will receive premiere consideration for the 2017 Whistler Film Festival in the Digital-First section.

With the addition of the Digital First Lab, WFF offers a slate of 12 talent programs designed to provide creative and business immersion experiences for up to 75 Canadian artists including producers, screenwriters, actors and musicians as well as Aboriginal and British Columbian short filmmakers and women directors.

From November 30 to December 4, the Whistler Film Festival will welcome film fans and filmmakers to experience its 16th edition featuring fresh films, special guests, epic events, unique industry and talent programs, and time to play in North America’s premier mountain resort destination.

The Festival’s online box office at whistlerfilmfestival.com/attend/ is now open for VIP Patron Passes and Early Bird Industry Passes, Ticket Packages, and Festival Credentials.

Air travel and ground transportation deals as well as best accommodation rates are now available on whistlerfilmfestival.com/attend/. WFF has 18 accommodation partners to choose from including host hotel Westin Whistler Resort and Spa.

The Whistler Film Festival is supported by Telefilm Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation and the American Friends of Whistler, and is sponsored by Variety, Creative BC, The Harold Greenberg Fund, Cineplex, Tourism Whistler, and the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Lindsay Nahmiache | Partner I Jive Communications
lindsay@jivecommunications.ca | Vancouver: 604.889.7996 I LA: 310.753.7968

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