• Village Gamer

  • Whistler Film Festival China Canada Gateway for Film Script Competition Application Deadline September 30th

30th July 2013

Whistler Film Festival China Canada Gateway for Film Script Competition Application Deadline September 30th

whistler film festivalWriter – producer teams from across Canada are invited to submit their story ideas for this year’s second annual China Canada Gateway for Film® Script Competition in Whistler. Presented by the Whistler Film Festival in association with Telefilm Canada, the Script Competition introduces experienced Canadian writer/producer teams to Chinese studios. Projects should be appropriate for a budget of up to $5 million. Canadian writer/producer teams are invited to submit an application and script synopsis by September 30, 2013 for consideration. 12 finalists will be announced on or before October 31, 2013.The finalists will take part in the pitch competition at the Whistler Film Festival’s Summit on December 5, 2013.

Each experienced team will pitch a script synopsis to a panel of international experts and 3 Chinese production companies, seeking to make films suitable for both the Chinese domestic and international markets. At least 3 projects will be chosen for development in 2013. The Whistler Film Festival is facilitating the opportunity by bringing the parties together and will not be in involved in the actual deals. The structure of each deal will vary with needs of the proponents. The expected average project budget is up to $5 million.

Historically Canada/China co-productions are few and far between and are negotiated individually based upon long-term relationships. The Whistler Film Festival has invested several years to build relationships in China, and the China Canada Gateway for Film® Script Competition is the first national effort of its kind, and the first that has received the blessing of Beijing-based China Film Group, the government production company in China. The Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS) working in association with Telefilm Canada and the China Film Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the China Canada Gateway® For Film Script Competition in March 2012. The Script Competition provides a level playing field to Canadian creators to participate in a China Canada feature film co-production.

The Whistler Film Festival Society gratefully acknowledges the generous support and commitment to the China Canada Gateway for Film® Script Competition presented in association with Telefilm Canada and supported by the Province of British Columbia, and the Canadian Media Production Association. Since the goal of these co-productions is to be distributed in both China and North America, three international experts will provide their insights into the North American market during the competition.  The 2012 Chinese production companies included:

  • Wuxi Studios represented by Lifeng Wang (also representing Xing Xing)
  • Beijing Hairun Pictures represented by Victoria Hon, Producer and Director of International Cooperation
  • Galloping Horse represented by Ivy Zhong, Vice Chairman and Chairwoman of Digital Domain

A panel of three international experts will vet the 12 pitches.  The 2012 panel included Helen Lee Kim, Head of International at Good Universe, Gary Hamilton, Head of Arclight Films, and Mark Slone, Senior Vice President of Alliance Films. Peter Wetherell, President, Magus Entertainment, Inc. and Peter Bien, Producer at Ilustrato Pictures Ltd. moderated the competition. Michael Hennessy, President and CEO of the Canadian Media Production Association,  delivered the Keynote Luncheon.

The Script Competition is a limited-seating observer event requiring separate, advance registration. You may attend the pitch by purchasing a Premium Industry Pass or a Pitch Only ticket to attend.

How To Apply:

Project Application Deadline: September 30, 2013

Process:

  • Fully read the Application Guidelines and FAQs
  • Complete the Application Form
  • Pay the submission fee when you complete the Application Form or by calling 604-938-3203
  • Receive a confirmation of your application from our office within two weeks of submission

Questions? Please email program @ whistlerfilmfestival.com or call our Programming Department at 604-938-3203.

Selected from applicants, the top 12 finalists will take part in the competition at the Whistler Film Festival’s industry Summit on December 5, 2013. They will pitch their script synopsis to a panel of three international experts and three Chinese production companies, seeking to make films suitable for both the Chinese domestic and international markets.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 at 1:12 pm and is filed under Contests, Events, National News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
  1. Tami Quiring (@VillageGamer)
    6:13 am on July 30th, 2013

    .@whisfilmfest China Canada Gateway For Film Script Competition Application Deadline Sept. 30th http://t.co/AqaWIw6pF7 #eyeoncanada

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Archives

  • Subscribe to our Newsletter


  • Select a list:

  • GWEN Radio
  • Gamers Giving Back