VIFF 2008: 23rd Annual Film & Television Forum Wraps...

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A slate of award-winning filmmakers energized a 'standing-room-only' event @ VIFF's 23rd Annual Film and Television Forum, Saturday, September 27 at the Vancouver International Film Centre.

New Filmmakers' Day, the only event of its kind in Western Canada drew a packed house for Oscar-winning cinematographer Guillermo Navarro ("Pan's Labyrinth", "Hell Boy II: The Golden Army") and the writer/director team Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden ("Half Nelson", "Sugar").

Sold-out Forum sessions included 'Showrunning: The Fusion of Business and Creative' featuring Hart Hanson ("Bones") and Chris Haddock ("Intelligence"); 'That's a Good Question: Interview Techniques from the Experts' featuring criminal trial lawyer Ian Donaldson, Q.C., Investigative Reporter Kim Bolan and Psychologist Dan Fairchild; and Celebrating the Outlaws: TV's Bad Guys featuring Jenji Kohan ("Weeds") and James Manos, Jr. ("Dexter").

Top local filmmakers Bruce Sweeney ("American Venus"), Lynne Stopkewich ("Suspicious River"), Tom Sholte ("Crime"), Ben Ratner ("Moving Malcolm") and Toronto's Ingrid Veninger ("Only") entertained aspiring filmmakers with insider tips on crafting engaging stories.

"We've been delighted at the hugely positive feedback from our delegates this year," said Forum Creative Director Helen du Toit.

"Guest speakers were highly impressed by the quality of projects pitched to them during the speed-dating and Telefilm Canada Tête-à-tête Meetings..."

The four-day industry event with its thematic streamlined programming attracted over 1100 delegates, geared towards the professional development of the local film/television community, with a total of 76 projects pitched, with 23 local senior producers pitching 68 projects to international commissioning editors, buyers and funders.

The 23rd annual Film and Television Forum took place in the Rogers Industry Centre at the Vancouver International Film Centre and Vancity Theatre, September 24-27 as a sidebar to VIFF 2008...