Diversity champion Stephanie Allain to deliver keynote.
This year’s selected projects for Strategic Partners’ International Co-Production Market in Canada features producer delegates with more than 186 combined international festival awards.
The 85 delegates will convene in Halifax from September 14-16 to network with global industry leaders looking to invest.
Stephanie Allain (pictured), the founder of Homegrown Pictures and a champion of diversity who produced Hustle & Flow and served as executive producer on TV series Dear White People, among others, will deliver a keynote address under the auspices of In Conversation With.
“Now that films by and about women and people of colour are in the zeitgeist, Homegrown Pictures is doubling down on telling those stories despite the lack of foreign presales,” Allain said.
Laura Mackenzie, programme manager of Strategic Partners, said, “In an industry that is increasingly global – co-production should be at the forefront of all producers’ plans.”
Projects for the 2017 market include:
Exposure
Dir. Ian Gabriel
Do Productions...
This year’s selected projects for Strategic Partners’ International Co-Production Market in Canada features producer delegates with more than 186 combined international festival awards.
The 85 delegates will convene in Halifax from September 14-16 to network with global industry leaders looking to invest.
Stephanie Allain (pictured), the founder of Homegrown Pictures and a champion of diversity who produced Hustle & Flow and served as executive producer on TV series Dear White People, among others, will deliver a keynote address under the auspices of In Conversation With.
“Now that films by and about women and people of colour are in the zeitgeist, Homegrown Pictures is doubling down on telling those stories despite the lack of foreign presales,” Allain said.
Laura Mackenzie, programme manager of Strategic Partners, said, “In an industry that is increasingly global – co-production should be at the forefront of all producers’ plans.”
Projects for the 2017 market include:
Exposure
Dir. Ian Gabriel
Do Productions...
- 8/10/2017
- ScreenDaily
Atlantic International Film Festival co-production market to run in September.
HBO Nordic commissioning editor and vice-president of original programming Hanne Palmquist will deliver the keynote address at the Strategic Partners co-production market in Halifax, Canada.
The upcoming 20th market supported by Fin takes place against the backdrop of the Atlantic International Film Festival and is scheduled to run from September 14-16.
This year’s edition will focus on dramatic features and TV fiction, climaxing in a two-year spotlight on the Nordic region that has brought the likes of Only God Forgives producers Space Rocket Nation and M&M Productions, the company behind 2010 best live-action short film Oscar winner The New Tenants.
Palmquist’s (pictured) speech will span the earliest days of Lars Von Trier’s Danish powerhouse Zentropa to the need to champion emerging talent as she explores how a region establishes itself as a producer of globally renowned content.
“Global partnerships...
HBO Nordic commissioning editor and vice-president of original programming Hanne Palmquist will deliver the keynote address at the Strategic Partners co-production market in Halifax, Canada.
The upcoming 20th market supported by Fin takes place against the backdrop of the Atlantic International Film Festival and is scheduled to run from September 14-16.
This year’s edition will focus on dramatic features and TV fiction, climaxing in a two-year spotlight on the Nordic region that has brought the likes of Only God Forgives producers Space Rocket Nation and M&M Productions, the company behind 2010 best live-action short film Oscar winner The New Tenants.
Palmquist’s (pictured) speech will span the earliest days of Lars Von Trier’s Danish powerhouse Zentropa to the need to champion emerging talent as she explores how a region establishes itself as a producer of globally renowned content.
“Global partnerships...
- 6/26/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
2017 Producer Applications/ Industry Registrations now open!
Strategic Partners (Sp), September 14–16, 2017, is one of the world’s most established co‐production/co-financing markets. This year continues its second of a two-year Spotlight on the Nordic Region and the USA.
Sp invites producers to submit projects, and industry organizations, to register. The deadline is June 26th, 2017. Please find the links to apply/register here: Strategic Partners
In 2017, the focus is on dramatic feature film and television fiction projects created for new and emerging platforms. This includes projects in all stages of development, looking for financing and essential partnerships. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this September, Strategic Partners will include selected producers from around the globe, representing a “best in class” roster of officially selected projects. To support these projects, Strategic Partners will host an international senior level delegation of financiers, broadcasters, distributors, sales agents and funding agencies, looking to invest.
Strategic Partners provides a full agenda of 25-minute,...
Strategic Partners (Sp), September 14–16, 2017, is one of the world’s most established co‐production/co-financing markets. This year continues its second of a two-year Spotlight on the Nordic Region and the USA.
Sp invites producers to submit projects, and industry organizations, to register. The deadline is June 26th, 2017. Please find the links to apply/register here: Strategic Partners
In 2017, the focus is on dramatic feature film and television fiction projects created for new and emerging platforms. This includes projects in all stages of development, looking for financing and essential partnerships. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this September, Strategic Partners will include selected producers from around the globe, representing a “best in class” roster of officially selected projects. To support these projects, Strategic Partners will host an international senior level delegation of financiers, broadcasters, distributors, sales agents and funding agencies, looking to invest.
Strategic Partners provides a full agenda of 25-minute,...
- 4/5/2017
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Plus: Distribbber.com, Abramorama team up; and more…
The Last King Of Scotland producer Andrea Calderwood will deliver the opening keynote at the Strategic Partners market in Halifax, Canada, next month.
Calderwood, of Potboiler Productions, most recently produced Trespass Against Us starring Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson, set to screen in Toronto and Strategic Partners’ sister event the Atlantic Film Festival.
Other keynote speakers include Marc Hustvedt, the founder and CEO of Peter Chernin-backed Supergravity Pictures, as well as Scandinavian TV producers Liselott Forsman and Lars Hermann.
“The programme this year is dynamic, progressive, and mindful of the issues and opportunities facing producers across the globe,” said programme manager Laura Mackenzie.
“Our speakers are able to provide a unique perspective because of their background and experience, but they are living and breathing the very same challenges facing producers daily.”
Strategic Partners runs from September 15-17. For the full line-up of panels and events click here.
GoDigital...
The Last King Of Scotland producer Andrea Calderwood will deliver the opening keynote at the Strategic Partners market in Halifax, Canada, next month.
Calderwood, of Potboiler Productions, most recently produced Trespass Against Us starring Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson, set to screen in Toronto and Strategic Partners’ sister event the Atlantic Film Festival.
Other keynote speakers include Marc Hustvedt, the founder and CEO of Peter Chernin-backed Supergravity Pictures, as well as Scandinavian TV producers Liselott Forsman and Lars Hermann.
“The programme this year is dynamic, progressive, and mindful of the issues and opportunities facing producers across the globe,” said programme manager Laura Mackenzie.
“Our speakers are able to provide a unique perspective because of their background and experience, but they are living and breathing the very same challenges facing producers daily.”
Strategic Partners runs from September 15-17. For the full line-up of panels and events click here.
GoDigital...
- 8/30/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Paul Gross’ war film Hyena Road will open the 35th annual edition in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from September 17-24.
The Festival’s Closing Gala presentation on Thursday, Sept. 24 will be Deepa Mehta’s gangster film Beeba Boys on September 24, while Patricia Rozema’s Into The Forest has secured the new Spotlight Gala slot on September 19.
The Cinéma En Français S.V.P. initiative features Philippe Falardeau’s Guibord S’en Va-t-en Guerre (My Internship In Canada) and Jacques Audiard’s Palme d’or winner Dheepan. The initiative will highlight feature four additional French-Canadian and four French films.
2015 Rogers Special Presentations encompass Born To Be Blue starring Ethan Hawke as jazz musician Chet Baker, Brooklyn starring Saoirse Ronan and Atom Egoyan’s Remember.
“Our audience will find that in this year’s programme in particular the diversity of culture and community is on display like never before”, said executive director Wayne Carter. “As new technology...
The Festival’s Closing Gala presentation on Thursday, Sept. 24 will be Deepa Mehta’s gangster film Beeba Boys on September 24, while Patricia Rozema’s Into The Forest has secured the new Spotlight Gala slot on September 19.
The Cinéma En Français S.V.P. initiative features Philippe Falardeau’s Guibord S’en Va-t-en Guerre (My Internship In Canada) and Jacques Audiard’s Palme d’or winner Dheepan. The initiative will highlight feature four additional French-Canadian and four French films.
2015 Rogers Special Presentations encompass Born To Be Blue starring Ethan Hawke as jazz musician Chet Baker, Brooklyn starring Saoirse Ronan and Atom Egoyan’s Remember.
“Our audience will find that in this year’s programme in particular the diversity of culture and community is on display like never before”, said executive director Wayne Carter. “As new technology...
- 8/26/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
My experience last November at Los Cabos International Film Festival was fabulous! Set up to promote film coproduction and financing among Mexico, U.S., and Canada, the festival allowed all of us to be very close and connected to our peers in the business – international sales agents, writers of all kinds, programmers and filmmakers. There we met the bright new talent, so idealistic and yet so knowledgeable and educated about film in the world. To be able to see films, concentrate on creating business and still have time to mingle -- this is what makes a festival a happy experience.
Among the many people I met there, was Ben Odell, partner at 3Pas Studios, the newly launched production company that he and Mexico’s most beloved and renowned comic star and director, Eugenio Derbez, founded on the strength and success of the $100 million dollar grossing comedy, "Instructions Not Included".
The success of this film also allowed the film’s producer Monica Lozano to establish Alebrije Distribución a new distribution company which will acquire distribution rights for the Latin and North American markets.
Monica has had her hand in 23 productions since her first film, "Amores Perros". Her most recent success was "Instructions Not Included", the Us$ 5.5 million film that became the highest grossing Spanish language film of all time in the U.S., and the second highest grossing film in any language in Mexico.
But to return to Ben and his new company, the subject of this blog: 3Pas in Spanish means three steps, but is also a play on words, something Mexicans like a lot. Tres Pas sounds like tripas, which in English means guts, or tripe. Personally, I too love tripas. Deliciosas!
I Finally met Ben at Los Cabos Film Festival. I say I "finally" met him, because we have so many friends in common and ever since I have been following Latino films and writing my book on Latin America and the film business, I had often heard of Ben as the head of production for Pantelion, U.S.'s only sustained and successful Latino film distributor.
Last September, when Strategic Partners’ Laura Mackenzie in Halifax invited me to moderate a panel on “The Games Maker”, an Argentinean-Canadian-Italian coproduction, Ben’s name was prominent as the one who made the match between Argentina’s Juan Pablo Buscarini and Canada’s Tina Pehme and Kim Roberts.
I always had him pictured as my other friend whose last name is Odell, a slight and wiry, dark haired type. How surprised I was to see this big, handsome blond who exuded warmth and a good-willed wit and storytelling skill. Love at first sight! And I am sure I am not the only one who is smitten with him.
I wish I could convey his spirit, humor and strength as he recounted his life and career(s) to me in the hour we spent together in his new spacious, airy and bright Santa Monica office where Ben Shalom-Martinez was the third person in the new company, manning a phone system not yet working.
I told Ben I had read his mini bio in IMDb, and it made me want to know how he had gotten into the Latino side of the business. I expected him to reveal that, in fact, and in spite of his name, he was Latino.
One year out of college, Ben said, "I worked in editing with the Maysles Brothers. I was a P.A. on the first film John Turturro directed called “Mac”, and I was a reader for Art Linson. And that was my degree in Liberal Arts in Film. I wanted to be a screenwriter but I didn’t feel I had enough life experience. A family friend offered me a job in commercial production in Colombia. It was 1992 and my dad said: “if you love all things Latino, go learn Spanish and become an expert in the Latino market. It’s going to need people that understand it. No one was really talking about its importance then but that piece of advice changed my life. I moved to Colombia to learn Spanish and start what would be a life long journey in all things Latino, from U.S. Latino to Latin America. It’s not a single market but there is a connectivity between all of it.”
Ben grew up in Pennsylvania and when he was six years old, neighbors, who had old friends from Colombia, did an exchange of one of their children with a Colombian child. “My father ended up basically adopting that child for the year he lived with our neighbors and from that grew a friendship with this Colombian family.”
When he was 12 years old the whole Colombian family moved to Philadelphia. “I wanted them to adopt me. They were crazy, emotional, passionate, loving. It was a warmth and lust for life I hadn’t really experienced in suburban white America. And then I realized there was a whole country full of them.” At 15 he went with a friend to Colombia and loved it.
His father eventually married someone from that family. So Ben's connection to Colombia, if not to all of Latin America was very organic. Colombia is not part of the "U.S. Latino market" per se, but Colombia and the rest of Latin America share certain characteristics and commonalities — views on life and death, family, spirituality -- that end up working their way into storytelling that are shared throughout the U.S. Latino market and Latin America along with a larger emotional scale in the tone of their storytelling.
Odell lived in Colombia from 1992 to 2000. He also worked as a freelance journalist before becoming a Spanish language television writer and screenwriter there.
When he was in Colombia working in commercials, he met Tom Quinn, a journalist Iiving there for 25 years, working for Time Magazine and running an English language rag called The Colombian Post. In his youth ,Tom had run with the likes of Hunter S. Thompson. He had lots of adventures and lots of stories of those days.
Ben asked Tom what was the most compelling story they could make into a movie that wasn’t about narcotrafficking, and Tom said one word: “Emeralds.” Colombia supplies 60% of the world's emeralds. The mines in the Emerald Zone have strong drug laundering connections as well, as one might guess. The land is leased by the government to the three or four mining companies and they control everything with no supervision by the government.
The society is totally feudal. Workers labor for the companies for 28 days of the month and on the last two days they are allowed to keep whatever they find. Victor Carranza ran everything. He was The Don, violent and scary. A small man, about 5'2". He died in prison worth over a billion dollars.
Ben thought this was a great story to develop into a movie, and so he went back to New York to the contacts he had made including an exec at Tribeca Films. “They all said the same thing, great story but you are not a writer. Go write the script and then we’ll talk.” Ben returned to Colombia to do research.
In the meanwhile he began writing for Colombian TV. He had never written a feature film script, nor did he speak Spanish. He had, however, taken a course in feature film screenwriting with Robert McKee. And he had a girlfriend who was bilingual. He knew about Colombian TV and he saw the potential for legitimizing the story first as a TV show and then making it into a feature later.
Tom Quinn was very well known in Colombia as he was the Time News correspondent there at a moment when the magazine had a lot of power; the drug wars were one of its most consistent cover stories. They pitched it to Rti TV, and structured it like "The Fugitive".
There is a drug, called Burandanga, scientifically known as Scopolamine. It comes from a plant that grows wild in Colombia. The drugged one loses control of his or her will. He once heard a story about a man in a bar who wakes up in jail accused of a murder he can’t remember. This became the basis of the story. The lead goes into the Emerald Zone and drugged by burundanga, he kills one on the wrong side in a war going on there. He wakes up with no recollection and a full on civil war going on around him. He can't get out of the Emerald Zone until he finds the man who drugged him. The title of this series that Tom and he pitched and in 1998 created was "Fuego verde", like the 1954 Hollywood movie, “ Green Fire” starring Grace Kelly and Stewart Grainger.
As a television writer, he eventually created and wrote over 300 hours of Spanish-language narrative television including “Fuego Verde” -- the first-ever action series. It was one of the highest rated series on Colombian television. He also co-wrote the Colombian political satire feature film, “ Golpe de estadio”, which was nominated for Spain's Academy Award, the Goya in 1999, and was Colombia's nomination to the Oscar in 2000. It is still one of the highest grossing Colombian films of all time.
In the film, "Golpe de estadio", (Golpe de Estado means “Coup d'état”but it also could mean “Coup d’ Stadium”), an oil company has set up a camp for geological research in a small village in Colombia that has been named New Texas. It becomes the target of the guerrillas who are constantly clashing with police in the area. The confrontation is put on hold however during the TV transmission of the world Cup qualifiers. The two sides declare a sort of truce so that they can all watch the match between Colombia and Argentina on the only working TV in the town. Colombia wins the game, 5 to 0, (a victory, in real life, infamous in the annals of world cup) and of course the Colombian police and guerrilla find themselves cheering for the same team.
"Golpe" was released in theaters in 1999 while the drug wars and war between the guerrillas and the government were moving into peace talks. It came out during the war, and Ben naively believed it could make tangible impact on the country. Instead they received death threats. It was a very volatile time.
He left Colombia and put together a business plan to make movies for Latino audiences. He was too green and he was way ahead of his time so instead he went to film school at Columbia University.
He went to film school thinking it was only to network and realized he knew nothing about film writing or production. "Going to film school's more valuable if a student already has some experience," Ben says.
"Confess", a feature length film he produced in his second year of film school (2005) was one of his thesis projects. It was made for a couple of hundred thousand dollars. Ali Larter and Melissa Leo starred in it (way before she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Role in “The Fighter”). The movie was about a disgruntled computer hacker of mixed race, who struggles to adjust to life after a jaunt in prison. He takes his anger online forcing confessions out of those who slighted him. Eventually his focus becomes political. “It had all the trappings of a first time filmmaker. But conceptually it was scratching the surface of trends that wouldn’t appear online until years later. This was several years before YouTube took hold, which is a lifetime in human years.”
"For my second film, we had Scorsese as an executive producer. When we started preproduction we quickly discovered that one of our two investors really didn’t have the money. He signed a contract to invest while he was still trying to raise the funds“
At this point in our discussion Ben and I went off on a tangent...Money that falls out at the last minute is such a common story. Do these guys think the money will come just because they have "bet" on it, using the film as collateral?... Do they just want to go for the ride, as far as they can go?... are they sociopaths, liars, gamblers, on drugs or what? I remember when I worked at Ifa (until it became ICM); at the Motion Picture Division's meetings that Mike Medavoy held every week, agents would sometimes report on someone wanting to invest in film, and once Mike said "No. Not him. He has a very bad reputation, and his money is not good. We don't want that kind of money." But young producers know very little about vetting financial prospects.
This digression is only to illustrate the fact that that in this person-to-person business it is important to know who you are dealing with.
But Odell’s luck was going to change. Just a few weeks after the implosion of the film, he got an email from Jim McNamara. NBC had bought McNamara's Telemundo for Us$ 3 billion . McNamara had been CEO of New World, a position once held by Harry Sloan and Jon Feltheimer. Feltheimer went off to Sony TV which had a majority stake in Telemundo. McNamara, who had just been president of Universal TV worldwide, was brought in to run Telemundo
After leaving Telemundo, he went back to Feltheimer, in the early days of building Lionsgate, to discuss his new idea. At the time -- this was 2006 -- there were two Spanish language networks, 600 Spanish language radio stations, 2,000 Spanish language newspapers, and no one was making movies in Spanish. Felt liked it and they made a deal. Panamax was born.
McNamara knew of Odell when he was buying TV series for Telemundo. He bought a lot of the TV shows Odell had written.
Panamax’ made a six picture deal with Lionsgate. Odell became President of Production at Panamax Films and produced many feature films and TV movies both in Spanish and in English for the Hispanic market.
On one of their first scouting trips, Odell and McNamara went to see a play called “Latinologues” written by Rick Najera. In it, there was a Mexican actor named Eugenio Derbez. Derbez was known only for Spanish language TV at the time. He wrote, directed, produced and starred in his own shows for Televisa. These shows also played on Univision in the U.S. and were building a huge fan base in both countries as well as much of the Spanish-speaking world.
Latinologues was made up of multiple monologues from different actors playing roles as Latino archetypes. Derbez did three or four different characters. “When he came on stage,” recalls Odell, “He was electrifying, hilarious, magnetic. And then I met him afterwards. He was the humblest man, quiet, and a bit shy. I realized what an amazing talent he was, he had that ‘it factor’ – when he turned it on, it turned on the room.”
At the time Odell and McNamara were packaging a project called "Under the Same Moon" and suggested Derbez for a role. They flew the director, Patricia Riggen, to N.Y. to meet him. While Lionsgate ended up not financing the project, Derbez stayed in the picture. “Looking back, I think a significant part of why that movie did $20 million in box office between U.S. and Mexico, was Eugenio. He was already a mega star. No one really knew it in the general market because they weren’t paying attention to the success of his shows. Hollywood tends to ignore the Spanish speaking market, but the U.S. is the second biggest Spanish speaking country in the world and Eugenio has built a huge following there.”
Ben also made the art house Spanish language thriller, "Padre Nuestro" in 2007 which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. IFC changed the title to “Sangre de mi Sangre” for its U.S. release. It also played at New Directors/ New Films at Museum of Modern Art in New York in the Spring of 2007, received two Independent Spirit Awards nominations, for Best First Feature (for which Odell was nominated) and Best Screenplay. Odell also produced “Un Cuento Chino” aka “Chinese Take-Out” (a Spanish/ Argentinean co-production), starring Argentina’s most popular actor, Ricardo Darin (“El Secreto de los Ojos”), written and directed by Sebastián Borensztein. In Spanish, referring to a story as a cuento chino is equivalent to calling it a tall tale.
“Chino” was the top grossing Argentinean film of 2011 and one of the highest grossing Argentinean films of all times. In its international release it has broken box office records for Latin American films in both Latin America and Europe. It won the Argentinean Academy Award for best feature and the Goya, the Spanish Academy Award, for Best Latin American Film. It won numerous festivals including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the Rome Film Festival.
When Odell was developing the script with Borensztein in 2009, he sent the script to Derbez, who immediately expressed interested in remaking it. “I loved the original story and movie,” Derbez said. “There is a heartfelt relationship that develops between these two very different people set around a whimsical, comical and magical world.”
Odell was also an executive producer on the English language 3D family thriller, “ The Games Maker”, starring Joseph Fiennes and Ed Asner. Made as a coproduction with Disney Latin America, the movie was produced in Argentina by Pampa Films and directed by Juan Pablo Buscarini, one of the producers of “Un Cuento Chino”. It was released widely across Latin America in the summer of 2014 and continues its theatrical release around the world.
Several years into Panamax’s deal with Lionsgate, a joint venture was created between Panamax, Televisa and Lionsgate called Pantelion Films. McNamara became chairman of Pantelion and Ben became President of Production.
Under the new deal he produced the 2012 coming of age comedy “Girl in Progress”, directed by “Under the Same Moon” director Patricia Riggen and staring Eva Mendes, Eugenio Derbez, Mathew Modine and Patricia Arquette
His most recent film was the inspirational true story, “Spare Parts”, starring George Lopez, Jamie Lee Curtis and Marisa Tomei which was released in January 2015.
While Eugenio was making his breakout film "Instructions not Included” neither he nor Ben had any idea it would be so big. “Instructions Not Included,” was released in 2013 by Pantelion and grossed $44.5 million, making it the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S. It grossed another $55 million overseas making it the number one Spanish language movie in the world.
The two realized, this was The One Time In A Career To Capitalize, and they decided to go together, to focus on brand-building, based on Eugenio's popularity and to go beyond his own work, in English and Spanish. Together they formed 3pas Studios which signed a first-look deal with Pantelion in August 2014.
They are in development on many feature films including “Un Cuento Chino”, a remake of the French comedy, “The Valet” and an untitled original script about an aging Latin lover from writers Chris Spain and Jon Zack (“The Perfect Storm”) which Derbez will star in and produce with Ben.
“We are developing multiple projects with an eye to shooting one at the end of 2015,” Odell said.
Meantime, Eugenio Derbez just filmed roles in Warner Brothers’ “Geostorm” with Gerard Butler and Sony Pictures “ Miracles from Heaven” with Jennifer Garner, and Queen Latifah. The latter was directed by Patricia Riggen who directed Derbez in both “Under the Same Moon” and “Girl in Progress”.
Ben is sure that his producing partner will go way beyond his current core Latino market “He is so lovable to watch. He has a magic about him that is undeniable and transcends language and culture.”...
Among the many people I met there, was Ben Odell, partner at 3Pas Studios, the newly launched production company that he and Mexico’s most beloved and renowned comic star and director, Eugenio Derbez, founded on the strength and success of the $100 million dollar grossing comedy, "Instructions Not Included".
The success of this film also allowed the film’s producer Monica Lozano to establish Alebrije Distribución a new distribution company which will acquire distribution rights for the Latin and North American markets.
Monica has had her hand in 23 productions since her first film, "Amores Perros". Her most recent success was "Instructions Not Included", the Us$ 5.5 million film that became the highest grossing Spanish language film of all time in the U.S., and the second highest grossing film in any language in Mexico.
But to return to Ben and his new company, the subject of this blog: 3Pas in Spanish means three steps, but is also a play on words, something Mexicans like a lot. Tres Pas sounds like tripas, which in English means guts, or tripe. Personally, I too love tripas. Deliciosas!
I Finally met Ben at Los Cabos Film Festival. I say I "finally" met him, because we have so many friends in common and ever since I have been following Latino films and writing my book on Latin America and the film business, I had often heard of Ben as the head of production for Pantelion, U.S.'s only sustained and successful Latino film distributor.
Last September, when Strategic Partners’ Laura Mackenzie in Halifax invited me to moderate a panel on “The Games Maker”, an Argentinean-Canadian-Italian coproduction, Ben’s name was prominent as the one who made the match between Argentina’s Juan Pablo Buscarini and Canada’s Tina Pehme and Kim Roberts.
I always had him pictured as my other friend whose last name is Odell, a slight and wiry, dark haired type. How surprised I was to see this big, handsome blond who exuded warmth and a good-willed wit and storytelling skill. Love at first sight! And I am sure I am not the only one who is smitten with him.
I wish I could convey his spirit, humor and strength as he recounted his life and career(s) to me in the hour we spent together in his new spacious, airy and bright Santa Monica office where Ben Shalom-Martinez was the third person in the new company, manning a phone system not yet working.
I told Ben I had read his mini bio in IMDb, and it made me want to know how he had gotten into the Latino side of the business. I expected him to reveal that, in fact, and in spite of his name, he was Latino.
One year out of college, Ben said, "I worked in editing with the Maysles Brothers. I was a P.A. on the first film John Turturro directed called “Mac”, and I was a reader for Art Linson. And that was my degree in Liberal Arts in Film. I wanted to be a screenwriter but I didn’t feel I had enough life experience. A family friend offered me a job in commercial production in Colombia. It was 1992 and my dad said: “if you love all things Latino, go learn Spanish and become an expert in the Latino market. It’s going to need people that understand it. No one was really talking about its importance then but that piece of advice changed my life. I moved to Colombia to learn Spanish and start what would be a life long journey in all things Latino, from U.S. Latino to Latin America. It’s not a single market but there is a connectivity between all of it.”
Ben grew up in Pennsylvania and when he was six years old, neighbors, who had old friends from Colombia, did an exchange of one of their children with a Colombian child. “My father ended up basically adopting that child for the year he lived with our neighbors and from that grew a friendship with this Colombian family.”
When he was 12 years old the whole Colombian family moved to Philadelphia. “I wanted them to adopt me. They were crazy, emotional, passionate, loving. It was a warmth and lust for life I hadn’t really experienced in suburban white America. And then I realized there was a whole country full of them.” At 15 he went with a friend to Colombia and loved it.
His father eventually married someone from that family. So Ben's connection to Colombia, if not to all of Latin America was very organic. Colombia is not part of the "U.S. Latino market" per se, but Colombia and the rest of Latin America share certain characteristics and commonalities — views on life and death, family, spirituality -- that end up working their way into storytelling that are shared throughout the U.S. Latino market and Latin America along with a larger emotional scale in the tone of their storytelling.
Odell lived in Colombia from 1992 to 2000. He also worked as a freelance journalist before becoming a Spanish language television writer and screenwriter there.
When he was in Colombia working in commercials, he met Tom Quinn, a journalist Iiving there for 25 years, working for Time Magazine and running an English language rag called The Colombian Post. In his youth ,Tom had run with the likes of Hunter S. Thompson. He had lots of adventures and lots of stories of those days.
Ben asked Tom what was the most compelling story they could make into a movie that wasn’t about narcotrafficking, and Tom said one word: “Emeralds.” Colombia supplies 60% of the world's emeralds. The mines in the Emerald Zone have strong drug laundering connections as well, as one might guess. The land is leased by the government to the three or four mining companies and they control everything with no supervision by the government.
The society is totally feudal. Workers labor for the companies for 28 days of the month and on the last two days they are allowed to keep whatever they find. Victor Carranza ran everything. He was The Don, violent and scary. A small man, about 5'2". He died in prison worth over a billion dollars.
Ben thought this was a great story to develop into a movie, and so he went back to New York to the contacts he had made including an exec at Tribeca Films. “They all said the same thing, great story but you are not a writer. Go write the script and then we’ll talk.” Ben returned to Colombia to do research.
In the meanwhile he began writing for Colombian TV. He had never written a feature film script, nor did he speak Spanish. He had, however, taken a course in feature film screenwriting with Robert McKee. And he had a girlfriend who was bilingual. He knew about Colombian TV and he saw the potential for legitimizing the story first as a TV show and then making it into a feature later.
Tom Quinn was very well known in Colombia as he was the Time News correspondent there at a moment when the magazine had a lot of power; the drug wars were one of its most consistent cover stories. They pitched it to Rti TV, and structured it like "The Fugitive".
There is a drug, called Burandanga, scientifically known as Scopolamine. It comes from a plant that grows wild in Colombia. The drugged one loses control of his or her will. He once heard a story about a man in a bar who wakes up in jail accused of a murder he can’t remember. This became the basis of the story. The lead goes into the Emerald Zone and drugged by burundanga, he kills one on the wrong side in a war going on there. He wakes up with no recollection and a full on civil war going on around him. He can't get out of the Emerald Zone until he finds the man who drugged him. The title of this series that Tom and he pitched and in 1998 created was "Fuego verde", like the 1954 Hollywood movie, “ Green Fire” starring Grace Kelly and Stewart Grainger.
As a television writer, he eventually created and wrote over 300 hours of Spanish-language narrative television including “Fuego Verde” -- the first-ever action series. It was one of the highest rated series on Colombian television. He also co-wrote the Colombian political satire feature film, “ Golpe de estadio”, which was nominated for Spain's Academy Award, the Goya in 1999, and was Colombia's nomination to the Oscar in 2000. It is still one of the highest grossing Colombian films of all time.
In the film, "Golpe de estadio", (Golpe de Estado means “Coup d'état”but it also could mean “Coup d’ Stadium”), an oil company has set up a camp for geological research in a small village in Colombia that has been named New Texas. It becomes the target of the guerrillas who are constantly clashing with police in the area. The confrontation is put on hold however during the TV transmission of the world Cup qualifiers. The two sides declare a sort of truce so that they can all watch the match between Colombia and Argentina on the only working TV in the town. Colombia wins the game, 5 to 0, (a victory, in real life, infamous in the annals of world cup) and of course the Colombian police and guerrilla find themselves cheering for the same team.
"Golpe" was released in theaters in 1999 while the drug wars and war between the guerrillas and the government were moving into peace talks. It came out during the war, and Ben naively believed it could make tangible impact on the country. Instead they received death threats. It was a very volatile time.
He left Colombia and put together a business plan to make movies for Latino audiences. He was too green and he was way ahead of his time so instead he went to film school at Columbia University.
He went to film school thinking it was only to network and realized he knew nothing about film writing or production. "Going to film school's more valuable if a student already has some experience," Ben says.
"Confess", a feature length film he produced in his second year of film school (2005) was one of his thesis projects. It was made for a couple of hundred thousand dollars. Ali Larter and Melissa Leo starred in it (way before she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Role in “The Fighter”). The movie was about a disgruntled computer hacker of mixed race, who struggles to adjust to life after a jaunt in prison. He takes his anger online forcing confessions out of those who slighted him. Eventually his focus becomes political. “It had all the trappings of a first time filmmaker. But conceptually it was scratching the surface of trends that wouldn’t appear online until years later. This was several years before YouTube took hold, which is a lifetime in human years.”
"For my second film, we had Scorsese as an executive producer. When we started preproduction we quickly discovered that one of our two investors really didn’t have the money. He signed a contract to invest while he was still trying to raise the funds“
At this point in our discussion Ben and I went off on a tangent...Money that falls out at the last minute is such a common story. Do these guys think the money will come just because they have "bet" on it, using the film as collateral?... Do they just want to go for the ride, as far as they can go?... are they sociopaths, liars, gamblers, on drugs or what? I remember when I worked at Ifa (until it became ICM); at the Motion Picture Division's meetings that Mike Medavoy held every week, agents would sometimes report on someone wanting to invest in film, and once Mike said "No. Not him. He has a very bad reputation, and his money is not good. We don't want that kind of money." But young producers know very little about vetting financial prospects.
This digression is only to illustrate the fact that that in this person-to-person business it is important to know who you are dealing with.
But Odell’s luck was going to change. Just a few weeks after the implosion of the film, he got an email from Jim McNamara. NBC had bought McNamara's Telemundo for Us$ 3 billion . McNamara had been CEO of New World, a position once held by Harry Sloan and Jon Feltheimer. Feltheimer went off to Sony TV which had a majority stake in Telemundo. McNamara, who had just been president of Universal TV worldwide, was brought in to run Telemundo
After leaving Telemundo, he went back to Feltheimer, in the early days of building Lionsgate, to discuss his new idea. At the time -- this was 2006 -- there were two Spanish language networks, 600 Spanish language radio stations, 2,000 Spanish language newspapers, and no one was making movies in Spanish. Felt liked it and they made a deal. Panamax was born.
McNamara knew of Odell when he was buying TV series for Telemundo. He bought a lot of the TV shows Odell had written.
Panamax’ made a six picture deal with Lionsgate. Odell became President of Production at Panamax Films and produced many feature films and TV movies both in Spanish and in English for the Hispanic market.
On one of their first scouting trips, Odell and McNamara went to see a play called “Latinologues” written by Rick Najera. In it, there was a Mexican actor named Eugenio Derbez. Derbez was known only for Spanish language TV at the time. He wrote, directed, produced and starred in his own shows for Televisa. These shows also played on Univision in the U.S. and were building a huge fan base in both countries as well as much of the Spanish-speaking world.
Latinologues was made up of multiple monologues from different actors playing roles as Latino archetypes. Derbez did three or four different characters. “When he came on stage,” recalls Odell, “He was electrifying, hilarious, magnetic. And then I met him afterwards. He was the humblest man, quiet, and a bit shy. I realized what an amazing talent he was, he had that ‘it factor’ – when he turned it on, it turned on the room.”
At the time Odell and McNamara were packaging a project called "Under the Same Moon" and suggested Derbez for a role. They flew the director, Patricia Riggen, to N.Y. to meet him. While Lionsgate ended up not financing the project, Derbez stayed in the picture. “Looking back, I think a significant part of why that movie did $20 million in box office between U.S. and Mexico, was Eugenio. He was already a mega star. No one really knew it in the general market because they weren’t paying attention to the success of his shows. Hollywood tends to ignore the Spanish speaking market, but the U.S. is the second biggest Spanish speaking country in the world and Eugenio has built a huge following there.”
Ben also made the art house Spanish language thriller, "Padre Nuestro" in 2007 which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. IFC changed the title to “Sangre de mi Sangre” for its U.S. release. It also played at New Directors/ New Films at Museum of Modern Art in New York in the Spring of 2007, received two Independent Spirit Awards nominations, for Best First Feature (for which Odell was nominated) and Best Screenplay. Odell also produced “Un Cuento Chino” aka “Chinese Take-Out” (a Spanish/ Argentinean co-production), starring Argentina’s most popular actor, Ricardo Darin (“El Secreto de los Ojos”), written and directed by Sebastián Borensztein. In Spanish, referring to a story as a cuento chino is equivalent to calling it a tall tale.
“Chino” was the top grossing Argentinean film of 2011 and one of the highest grossing Argentinean films of all times. In its international release it has broken box office records for Latin American films in both Latin America and Europe. It won the Argentinean Academy Award for best feature and the Goya, the Spanish Academy Award, for Best Latin American Film. It won numerous festivals including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the Rome Film Festival.
When Odell was developing the script with Borensztein in 2009, he sent the script to Derbez, who immediately expressed interested in remaking it. “I loved the original story and movie,” Derbez said. “There is a heartfelt relationship that develops between these two very different people set around a whimsical, comical and magical world.”
Odell was also an executive producer on the English language 3D family thriller, “ The Games Maker”, starring Joseph Fiennes and Ed Asner. Made as a coproduction with Disney Latin America, the movie was produced in Argentina by Pampa Films and directed by Juan Pablo Buscarini, one of the producers of “Un Cuento Chino”. It was released widely across Latin America in the summer of 2014 and continues its theatrical release around the world.
Several years into Panamax’s deal with Lionsgate, a joint venture was created between Panamax, Televisa and Lionsgate called Pantelion Films. McNamara became chairman of Pantelion and Ben became President of Production.
Under the new deal he produced the 2012 coming of age comedy “Girl in Progress”, directed by “Under the Same Moon” director Patricia Riggen and staring Eva Mendes, Eugenio Derbez, Mathew Modine and Patricia Arquette
His most recent film was the inspirational true story, “Spare Parts”, starring George Lopez, Jamie Lee Curtis and Marisa Tomei which was released in January 2015.
While Eugenio was making his breakout film "Instructions not Included” neither he nor Ben had any idea it would be so big. “Instructions Not Included,” was released in 2013 by Pantelion and grossed $44.5 million, making it the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S. It grossed another $55 million overseas making it the number one Spanish language movie in the world.
The two realized, this was The One Time In A Career To Capitalize, and they decided to go together, to focus on brand-building, based on Eugenio's popularity and to go beyond his own work, in English and Spanish. Together they formed 3pas Studios which signed a first-look deal with Pantelion in August 2014.
They are in development on many feature films including “Un Cuento Chino”, a remake of the French comedy, “The Valet” and an untitled original script about an aging Latin lover from writers Chris Spain and Jon Zack (“The Perfect Storm”) which Derbez will star in and produce with Ben.
“We are developing multiple projects with an eye to shooting one at the end of 2015,” Odell said.
Meantime, Eugenio Derbez just filmed roles in Warner Brothers’ “Geostorm” with Gerard Butler and Sony Pictures “ Miracles from Heaven” with Jennifer Garner, and Queen Latifah. The latter was directed by Patricia Riggen who directed Derbez in both “Under the Same Moon” and “Girl in Progress”.
Ben is sure that his producing partner will go way beyond his current core Latino market “He is so lovable to watch. He has a magic about him that is undeniable and transcends language and culture.”...
- 8/5/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
"Carol" and "Son of Saul" were my two favorite films in Cannes this year. Both are about enigmatic individuals who open the doors of enlightenment to the next generation. The emotional impact comes not from the story itself, but from the related outcome of the story.
Picked up by The Weinstein Company, "Carol" was produced by the acclaimed Elizabeth Karlsen, and after the success of the film at Cannes, she will kick-off the Strategic Partners program, a production of the Atlantic Film Festival, with an opening keynote conversation
Written by Phyllis Nagy, directed by Todd Haynes and starring Academy Award® winner Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara the film premiered in competition at Cannes earlier this year. Additionally, Karlsen co-produced Academy Award® winner Paolo Sorrentino’s "Youth" starring Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Jane Fonda and Rachel Weisz, which also premiered at Cannes. Both films dazzled audiences and are receiving critical acclaim.
Read More: Paolo Sorrentino's Latest Film Stars Harvey Keitel and Michael Caine, But is a Film About Youth, Not Old Age.
Karlsen's conversation “Getting from there to here" will offer an inspired, candid account of how she built her career across America and Europe. She will share stories ranging from her start in the New York indie world to running leading independent UK-based production company Number 9 Films and the challenges of staying relevant and financially viable in an ever-changing industry. Karlsen’s opening conversation promises to be an insightful look at the challenges and triumphs of her trail-blazing career.
“Elizabeth Karlsen’s tremendous achievements embody what Strategic Partners sets out to deliver to its delegation annually: vision, intelligence, and inspiration,” says Strategic Partners Director, Laura Mackenzie. “She lives and breathes amongst the industry’s most forward-thinkers representing the exact message we want to deliver at Strategic Partners. This keynote conversation promises to be a much deserved celebration of her accomplishments to date.”
The Strategic Partners program will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from September 17th-20th.
Picked up by The Weinstein Company, "Carol" was produced by the acclaimed Elizabeth Karlsen, and after the success of the film at Cannes, she will kick-off the Strategic Partners program, a production of the Atlantic Film Festival, with an opening keynote conversation
Written by Phyllis Nagy, directed by Todd Haynes and starring Academy Award® winner Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara the film premiered in competition at Cannes earlier this year. Additionally, Karlsen co-produced Academy Award® winner Paolo Sorrentino’s "Youth" starring Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Jane Fonda and Rachel Weisz, which also premiered at Cannes. Both films dazzled audiences and are receiving critical acclaim.
Read More: Paolo Sorrentino's Latest Film Stars Harvey Keitel and Michael Caine, But is a Film About Youth, Not Old Age.
Karlsen's conversation “Getting from there to here" will offer an inspired, candid account of how she built her career across America and Europe. She will share stories ranging from her start in the New York indie world to running leading independent UK-based production company Number 9 Films and the challenges of staying relevant and financially viable in an ever-changing industry. Karlsen’s opening conversation promises to be an insightful look at the challenges and triumphs of her trail-blazing career.
“Elizabeth Karlsen’s tremendous achievements embody what Strategic Partners sets out to deliver to its delegation annually: vision, intelligence, and inspiration,” says Strategic Partners Director, Laura Mackenzie. “She lives and breathes amongst the industry’s most forward-thinkers representing the exact message we want to deliver at Strategic Partners. This keynote conversation promises to be a much deserved celebration of her accomplishments to date.”
The Strategic Partners program will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from September 17th-20th.
- 6/29/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The Carol producer will take centre stage when the 18th edition of the co-production market within Canada’s Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax opens on September 17.
Karlsen’s conversation titled ‘Getting From There To Here’ will cover how she built her career in the Us and Europe, from her origins in the New York independent scene to launching Number 9 Films in the UK and red carpet glory in Cannes. Carol premiered in the south of France last month.
“Elizabeth Karlsen’s tremendous achievements embody what Strategic Partners sets out to deliver to its delegation annually: vision, intelligence, and inspiration,” said Strategic Partners director Laura Mackenzie.
“She lives and breathes amongst the industry’s most forward-thinkers representing the exact message we want to deliver at Strategic Partners. This keynote conversation promises to be a much deserved celebration of her accomplishments to date.”...
Karlsen’s conversation titled ‘Getting From There To Here’ will cover how she built her career in the Us and Europe, from her origins in the New York independent scene to launching Number 9 Films in the UK and red carpet glory in Cannes. Carol premiered in the south of France last month.
“Elizabeth Karlsen’s tremendous achievements embody what Strategic Partners sets out to deliver to its delegation annually: vision, intelligence, and inspiration,” said Strategic Partners director Laura Mackenzie.
“She lives and breathes amongst the industry’s most forward-thinkers representing the exact message we want to deliver at Strategic Partners. This keynote conversation promises to be a much deserved celebration of her accomplishments to date.”...
- 6/26/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The 18th edition of the co-production market within Canada’s Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax will run from September 17-20.
Latin America and the Us will be showcased for the second consecutive year at Strategic Partners.
Event brass also said they planned to build on the 2014 project exchange with Mexico’s Los Cabos International Film Festival.
Last year’s collaboration brought April Shannon, the producer and co-founder of Mexican production company Agrupación Caramelo Cinematographic, to Strategic Partners from the Los Cabos festival with her thriller Franco’s Night.
Ontario producer Byron A. Martin of Byron A. Martin Productions was chosen to attend the Los Cabos International Film Festival last November with his feature Wolverine Hotel.
That film secured financing through Elliptic Entertainment at Los Cabos. Latina-Canadian filmmaker Patricia Chica will direct the thriller with a supernatural twist about three drug addicts.
“Unique collaborations like our project exchange developed in 2014 with Los Cabos International Film Festival add extraordinary...
Latin America and the Us will be showcased for the second consecutive year at Strategic Partners.
Event brass also said they planned to build on the 2014 project exchange with Mexico’s Los Cabos International Film Festival.
Last year’s collaboration brought April Shannon, the producer and co-founder of Mexican production company Agrupación Caramelo Cinematographic, to Strategic Partners from the Los Cabos festival with her thriller Franco’s Night.
Ontario producer Byron A. Martin of Byron A. Martin Productions was chosen to attend the Los Cabos International Film Festival last November with his feature Wolverine Hotel.
That film secured financing through Elliptic Entertainment at Los Cabos. Latina-Canadian filmmaker Patricia Chica will direct the thriller with a supernatural twist about three drug addicts.
“Unique collaborations like our project exchange developed in 2014 with Los Cabos International Film Festival add extraordinary...
- 6/12/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The winners have been announced in the second edition of the fund to support projects in development and post-production through collaboration with Labodigita.
The seven projects in development stage that will receive $5,000 each are:
Shadow Collector (Coleccionistas De Sombras) by director and producer Viviana García Besné;
Tribeca Film Institute project Our Darkest Days (Los Días Más Oscuros De Nosotras) by director Astrid Rondero and producer Fernanda Valadez;
Confusion (Entrevero) by director Max Zunino and producer Laura Imperiale;
Man For Man (Hombre Por Hombre) by director Marcelo Tobar and producer Elsa Reyes;
Sea And Earth Eyes (Ojos De Mar Y Tierra) by director José Álvarez and producer Julio Chavezmontes;
Seven Hours (Siete Horas) by director Chema Rodríguez and producers Francisco Vargas and Chema Rodríguez; and I’m No Longer Here (Ya No Estoy Aquí) by director Fernando Frías and producers Gerry Kim and Mayuran Tiruchelvam.
The jury comprised Rise And Shine World Sales acquisitions manager Diana Karklin, Tribeca...
The seven projects in development stage that will receive $5,000 each are:
Shadow Collector (Coleccionistas De Sombras) by director and producer Viviana García Besné;
Tribeca Film Institute project Our Darkest Days (Los Días Más Oscuros De Nosotras) by director Astrid Rondero and producer Fernanda Valadez;
Confusion (Entrevero) by director Max Zunino and producer Laura Imperiale;
Man For Man (Hombre Por Hombre) by director Marcelo Tobar and producer Elsa Reyes;
Sea And Earth Eyes (Ojos De Mar Y Tierra) by director José Álvarez and producer Julio Chavezmontes;
Seven Hours (Siete Horas) by director Chema Rodríguez and producers Francisco Vargas and Chema Rodríguez; and I’m No Longer Here (Ya No Estoy Aquí) by director Fernando Frías and producers Gerry Kim and Mayuran Tiruchelvam.
The jury comprised Rise And Shine World Sales acquisitions manager Diana Karklin, Tribeca...
- 11/13/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The winners have been announced in the second edition of the fund to support projects in development and post-production through collaboration with Labodigita.
The seven projects in development stage that will receive $5,000 each are:
Shadow Collector (Coleccionistas De Sombras) by director and producer Viviana García Besné;
Tribeca Film Institute project Our Darkest Days (Los Días Más Oscuros De Nosotras) by director Astrid Rondero and producer Fernanda Valádez;
Confusion (Entrevero) by director Max Zunino and producer Laura Imperiale;
Man For Man (Hombre Por Hombre) by director Marcelo Tobar and producer Elsa Reyes;
Sea And Earth Eyes (Ojos De Mar Y Tierra) by director José Álvarez and producer Julio Chavezmontes;
Seven Hours (Siete Horas) by director Chema Rodríguez and producers Francisco Vargas and Chema Rodríguez; and
I’m No Longer Here (Ya No Estoy Aquí) by director Fernando Frías and producers Gerry Kim and Mayuran Tiruchelvam.
The jury comprised Rise And Shine World Sales acquisitions manager Diana Karklin, Tribeca...
The seven projects in development stage that will receive $5,000 each are:
Shadow Collector (Coleccionistas De Sombras) by director and producer Viviana García Besné;
Tribeca Film Institute project Our Darkest Days (Los Días Más Oscuros De Nosotras) by director Astrid Rondero and producer Fernanda Valádez;
Confusion (Entrevero) by director Max Zunino and producer Laura Imperiale;
Man For Man (Hombre Por Hombre) by director Marcelo Tobar and producer Elsa Reyes;
Sea And Earth Eyes (Ojos De Mar Y Tierra) by director José Álvarez and producer Julio Chavezmontes;
Seven Hours (Siete Horas) by director Chema Rodríguez and producers Francisco Vargas and Chema Rodríguez; and
I’m No Longer Here (Ya No Estoy Aquí) by director Fernando Frías and producers Gerry Kim and Mayuran Tiruchelvam.
The jury comprised Rise And Shine World Sales acquisitions manager Diana Karklin, Tribeca...
- 11/13/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Byron A Martin Productions’ crime drama Wolverine Hotel will represent Canada at the Los Cabos International Film Festival and Co-Production Forum.
The film went through the Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners co-production market in Halifax recently and stars Riley Keough (pictured) of the upcoming Mad Max: Fury Road.
Patricia Chica directs and will attend the Mexican event later this month with producer Byron Martin, who said his primary goals weren to confirm a co-production partner and sign a sales agent.
Wolverine Hotel is based on a screenplay by Canadian Andrew Lynch about three drug addicts trapped in a grim environment.
“Byron A Martin has been selected for our inaugural project exchange programme,” said Strategic Partners director Laura Mackenzie.
“He embodies the world-class talent we have here in Canada and the project he has in development is impressive and perfectly suited for co-production.”
Martin and Chica’s first collaboration Serpent’s Lullaby played in Short Film Corner...
The film went through the Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners co-production market in Halifax recently and stars Riley Keough (pictured) of the upcoming Mad Max: Fury Road.
Patricia Chica directs and will attend the Mexican event later this month with producer Byron Martin, who said his primary goals weren to confirm a co-production partner and sign a sales agent.
Wolverine Hotel is based on a screenplay by Canadian Andrew Lynch about three drug addicts trapped in a grim environment.
“Byron A Martin has been selected for our inaugural project exchange programme,” said Strategic Partners director Laura Mackenzie.
“He embodies the world-class talent we have here in Canada and the project he has in development is impressive and perfectly suited for co-production.”
Martin and Chica’s first collaboration Serpent’s Lullaby played in Short Film Corner...
- 11/3/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The 17th annual Strategic Partners co-production/co-financing market united renowned producers, financiers, broadcasters, distributors, aggregators and agency representatives all under one roof with exciting, measurable results.
On the heels of one-on-one meetings, innovative keynote addresses and panels – several themes resonated with the esteemed delegates. With 2014 - 2015 ushering in a two-year spotlight on Ibero-America and the U.S.A, a strong drive to develop and nurture long-lasting business relationships was greatly emphasized. The very latest in content financing, complex co-productions case studies, the rise of digital distribution and trends in the evolution of ‘digital first’ series, among many other hot topics, were intricately examined and discussed at the event, which took place September 11 - 14 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Strategic Partners is proud to be supported by important Canadian partners such as Telefilm Canada, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Film & Creative Industries Nova Scotia, Canada Media Fund, and Canadian Media Production Association, among others.
During this year’s Strategic Partners, it was announced that two talented Canadian producers have been selected to participate in the inaugural project exchange program with Brazil’s RioContentMarket and Mexico’s Los Cabos International Film Festival. Quebec producer Jeremy Spry of Muse Entertainment Enterprises has been chosen by the Brazilian TV Producers Association to attend RioContentMarket in Brazil in February 2015 with his TV Series Time Snail. Ontario producer Byron A. Martin of Byron A. Martin Productions has been selected to attend the Los Cabos International Film Festival in November 2014 with his feature film Wolverine Hotel. The Canadian Media Production Association sponsors this co-production initiative.
“Strategic Partners 2014 was such a thrilling meeting of the minds. The buzz in the room for the entire three days was truly palpable,” said Director of Strategic Partners, Laura Mackenzie. “It was particularly exciting to witness the relationships that evolved over the course of the event, the deals discussed and soon to be published, and to announce the wonderful news that Jeremy Spry and Byron Martin have been selected for our inaugural project exchange program. They both embody the world class talent we have here in Canada and the projects they have in development are impressive and perfectly suited for co-production.”
Strategic Partners is often the catalyst for many production success stories. In 2013, producers Tom Spriggs and William Borthwick of the Los Angeles and London-based Face Films brought a feature project at that time referred to as The Untitled Yellowstone Project to Strategic Partners, where they met Fred Fuchs and eventually Tyler Levine. As a result of these meetings, a collaboration was solidified and the team went into production six months later. The project is currently in postproduction under the name Population Zero.
“It’s pretty obvious I am a fan of Strategic Partners because bluntly... it works! I wasn't sure what to expect first time around but it far exceeded my expectations,” said Spriggs. “Being able to combine a social aspect with focused one on one meetings works very well. Then to add on panels and group discussions that are filled with people that are basically experts in their perspective fields in entertainment, makes Strategic Partners really stand out.”
Producer Neil Tabatznik of Canada’s Blue Ice Group had a productive and measurably successful experience at Strategic Partners in both 2013 and 2014, and he’s thrilled with the results. “The event is warm, friendly and intimate, but real business is conducted within its framework,” said Tabatznik. “Our company has contracted 16 million dollars of business over our participation in this event over the past two years.”
Each year, top Canadian and international industry players, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters, and distributors are selected to attend Strategic Partners. Offering over 1,000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, co-production focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, and screenings and receptions – Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
For program updates and information on all things co-production, you can now follow Strategic Partners on social media: Twitter:
@SPcopromarket
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlanticfilmfestivalstrategicpartners
Youtube: www.youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom
About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Digital Co-Production Market
The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s preeminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and web based fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage, looking for the right partner.
Over the past 17 years, Strategic Partners has established itself not only as a one of a kind co-production market, but also as a cutting edge, intimate environment that delivers solutions to existing and foreseeable industry challenges. The intelligence and program offered at Strategic Partners is developed over many months of research into current global issues. However, this information is only a complement to Strategic Partners’ primary function – to build, establish and nurture relationships between producers and their partners.
Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, the Aff Outdoor Film Experience, and Strategic Partners. -...
On the heels of one-on-one meetings, innovative keynote addresses and panels – several themes resonated with the esteemed delegates. With 2014 - 2015 ushering in a two-year spotlight on Ibero-America and the U.S.A, a strong drive to develop and nurture long-lasting business relationships was greatly emphasized. The very latest in content financing, complex co-productions case studies, the rise of digital distribution and trends in the evolution of ‘digital first’ series, among many other hot topics, were intricately examined and discussed at the event, which took place September 11 - 14 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Strategic Partners is proud to be supported by important Canadian partners such as Telefilm Canada, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Film & Creative Industries Nova Scotia, Canada Media Fund, and Canadian Media Production Association, among others.
During this year’s Strategic Partners, it was announced that two talented Canadian producers have been selected to participate in the inaugural project exchange program with Brazil’s RioContentMarket and Mexico’s Los Cabos International Film Festival. Quebec producer Jeremy Spry of Muse Entertainment Enterprises has been chosen by the Brazilian TV Producers Association to attend RioContentMarket in Brazil in February 2015 with his TV Series Time Snail. Ontario producer Byron A. Martin of Byron A. Martin Productions has been selected to attend the Los Cabos International Film Festival in November 2014 with his feature film Wolverine Hotel. The Canadian Media Production Association sponsors this co-production initiative.
“Strategic Partners 2014 was such a thrilling meeting of the minds. The buzz in the room for the entire three days was truly palpable,” said Director of Strategic Partners, Laura Mackenzie. “It was particularly exciting to witness the relationships that evolved over the course of the event, the deals discussed and soon to be published, and to announce the wonderful news that Jeremy Spry and Byron Martin have been selected for our inaugural project exchange program. They both embody the world class talent we have here in Canada and the projects they have in development are impressive and perfectly suited for co-production.”
Strategic Partners is often the catalyst for many production success stories. In 2013, producers Tom Spriggs and William Borthwick of the Los Angeles and London-based Face Films brought a feature project at that time referred to as The Untitled Yellowstone Project to Strategic Partners, where they met Fred Fuchs and eventually Tyler Levine. As a result of these meetings, a collaboration was solidified and the team went into production six months later. The project is currently in postproduction under the name Population Zero.
“It’s pretty obvious I am a fan of Strategic Partners because bluntly... it works! I wasn't sure what to expect first time around but it far exceeded my expectations,” said Spriggs. “Being able to combine a social aspect with focused one on one meetings works very well. Then to add on panels and group discussions that are filled with people that are basically experts in their perspective fields in entertainment, makes Strategic Partners really stand out.”
Producer Neil Tabatznik of Canada’s Blue Ice Group had a productive and measurably successful experience at Strategic Partners in both 2013 and 2014, and he’s thrilled with the results. “The event is warm, friendly and intimate, but real business is conducted within its framework,” said Tabatznik. “Our company has contracted 16 million dollars of business over our participation in this event over the past two years.”
Each year, top Canadian and international industry players, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters, and distributors are selected to attend Strategic Partners. Offering over 1,000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, co-production focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, and screenings and receptions – Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
For program updates and information on all things co-production, you can now follow Strategic Partners on social media: Twitter:
@SPcopromarket
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlanticfilmfestivalstrategicpartners
Youtube: www.youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom
About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Digital Co-Production Market
The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s preeminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and web based fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage, looking for the right partner.
Over the past 17 years, Strategic Partners has established itself not only as a one of a kind co-production market, but also as a cutting edge, intimate environment that delivers solutions to existing and foreseeable industry challenges. The intelligence and program offered at Strategic Partners is developed over many months of research into current global issues. However, this information is only a complement to Strategic Partners’ primary function – to build, establish and nurture relationships between producers and their partners.
Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, the Aff Outdoor Film Experience, and Strategic Partners. -...
- 9/23/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Two Canadian producers who attended the market in Nova Scotia have been invited to take part in Brazil’s RioContentMarket and Mexico’s Los Cabos International Film Festival.
Quebec producer Jeremy Spry of Muse Entertainment Enterprises has been chosen by the Brazilian TV Producers Association to attend RioContentMarket in February 2015 with his TV series Time Snail.
Ontario producer Byron A Martin of Byron A Martin Productions will participate in the Los Cabos International Film Festival in November with his feature Wolverine Hotel.
The Canadian Media Production Association sponsors the co-production initiative.
“Strategic Partners 2014 was such a thrilling meeting of the minds,” said director of Strategic Partners, Laura Mackenzie.
“The buzz in the room for the entire three days was truly palpable. It was particularly exciting to witness the relationships that evolved over the course of the event, the deals discussed and soon-to-be-published, and to announce the wonderful news that Jeremy Spry and Byron Martin have been selected...
Quebec producer Jeremy Spry of Muse Entertainment Enterprises has been chosen by the Brazilian TV Producers Association to attend RioContentMarket in February 2015 with his TV series Time Snail.
Ontario producer Byron A Martin of Byron A Martin Productions will participate in the Los Cabos International Film Festival in November with his feature Wolverine Hotel.
The Canadian Media Production Association sponsors the co-production initiative.
“Strategic Partners 2014 was such a thrilling meeting of the minds,” said director of Strategic Partners, Laura Mackenzie.
“The buzz in the room for the entire three days was truly palpable. It was particularly exciting to witness the relationships that evolved over the course of the event, the deals discussed and soon-to-be-published, and to announce the wonderful news that Jeremy Spry and Byron Martin have been selected...
- 9/17/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The leading international film, television and digital co-production market in Canada is less than one month away. Strategic Partners, a presentation of the Atlantic Film Festival, unveils a line-up of cutting-edge panels and esteemed panelists not-to-be missed at this year’s event, September 11 - 14 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“We have put together a fantastic itinerary of panel discussions for this year’s program. Some of the world’s top trendsetters will descend upon Halifax to deliver the very latest news on topics such as financing and distribution of digital first content and exploring why producers should consider producing series for the web as part of their business model,” said Strategic Partners Director, Laura Mackenzie. “We are extremely excited to welcome the Argentinean Producers and Director as well as the Canadian Producers of The Games Maker to present a Case Study on this Argentinean/ Canadian/ Italian co-production. We always aim to provide the most progressive and up-to-the-minute information available and I'm very proud to announce this year’s line-up!”
I will be moderating the panel on the film "The Game Maker" on September 12th. See the full line up below.
Strategic Partners has announced the following program and panelists for 2014:
A Case Study of "The Games Maker"
When: September 12th, 1:20 Pm
Where: Imperial Room, Lord Nelson Hotel
A complex Argentinian-Canadian-Italian co-production, "The Games Maker" is a true international success story, from script to screen. Released in early July 2014 in Latin America, this family adventure film with universal appeal has dazzled at the box office.
Moderator Sydney Levine (SydneysBuzz) will lead an in-depth discussion with the stellar team behind the feature film. The discussion will shed light on the project’s origination, the obstacles they overcame during production, how financing was achieved and how distribution and international sales were determined and executed.
Panelists include: Argentinean Director, Juan Pablo Buscarini, Pampa Films ("Chinese Take-Away"); Argentinean Producer, Verónica Cura, Utopica Group ("The Headless Woman"); Canadian Producers, Kim Roberts and Tina Pehme, Sepia Films ("In Their Skin")
Web Series Wizards Weigh In – the magic behind creating successful online content
When: September 13th, 1:45 Pm
Where: Imperial Room, Lord Nelson Hotel
Original web series appeared on the market with such landmark properties as Red vs Blue and The Guild, busting open the belief that short-form web content would be YouTubers on skateboards and kittens in cardboard. Web series have since matured into their own art form and are recognized as a legitimate format of content for mobile and internet audiences. But how are producers financing web hits like Video Game High School or Epic Mealtimeand is it a viable format for independents?
Traditional and new media companies are racing to 'videofy' their internet magazines and newspapers (think Vice, The Guardian, and Conde Nast publications) as are many brands (think Red Bull, Amex and Ge.)
Panel moderator, Catherine Tait, Producer/ Distributor at iThentic, will explore with her panel of web series wizards who the new buyers are now and whether or not this is an avenue for independent producers to explore.
Panelists will include: Matthew Graham, Senior Director, PBS Digital Studios; Chris Skinner, Head of Digital, CTV; Ben Waller, Partner, RocketJump Studios
Beyond Broadcast — original programming in an increasingly digital-first world
When: September 14th, 11:20 Am
Where: Imperial Room, Lord Nelson
Today's media landscape is arguably one of the most innovative periods in media history, and yet one that is fraught with confusion and possibly disillusion, some of the best indicators of large-scale change. Currently, most online platforms are fully committed to commissioning original programming, and many media companies are producing original content for online and mobile platforms. In response, many new and traditional broadcast players are now commissioning original ‘digital first’ series, creating an ever increasingly symbiotic relationship.
How exactly are traditional broadcasters responding and what are the opportunities for their defense? How can broadcasters capitalize off this growing trend and work together with creators to further develop their online offerings?
Panel moderator, Producer Damon D'Oliveira ("What We Have," "The Book of Negroes") will examine how the concept of 'Content Everywhere’ is now imperative for all media companies, and panelists will take an in-depth look at the burgeoning marketplace for ‘digital-first’ original content.
Panelists will include: Stephen Finney, Production Executive, Original Drama Content, Shaw Media; Fay Wells, Distribution Consultant; Sam Harowitz, Director, Television Acquisitions & Development, Global Content, FreemantleMedia International
Each year, top Canadian and international industry players, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors are selected to attend Strategic Partners. Offering over 1,000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, co-production focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, and screenings and receptions – Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
For program updates and information on all things co-production, you can now follow Strategic Partners on social media:
Twitter: [At}SPcopromarket #spcopro2014
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlanticfilmfestivalstrategicpartners
Youtube: www.youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom
About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Digital Co-Production Market
The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s preeminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and web based fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage, looking for the right partner.
Over the past 17 years, Strategic Partners has established itself not only as a one of a kind co-production market, but also as a cutting edge, intimate environment that delivers solutions to existing and foreseeable industry challenges. The intelligence and program offered at Strategic Partners is developed over many months of research into current global issues. However, this information is only a complement to Strategic Partners’ primary function – to build, establish and nurture relationships between producers and their partners.
Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, the Aff Outdoor Film Experience, and Strategic Partners.
Learn more about the Atlantic Film Festival through the links below
Website : atlanticfilm.com , atlanticfilm.com/sp
Facebook pages: /atlanticfilmfestival , /atlanticfilmfestivalstrategicpartners
Youtube channel: youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom...
“We have put together a fantastic itinerary of panel discussions for this year’s program. Some of the world’s top trendsetters will descend upon Halifax to deliver the very latest news on topics such as financing and distribution of digital first content and exploring why producers should consider producing series for the web as part of their business model,” said Strategic Partners Director, Laura Mackenzie. “We are extremely excited to welcome the Argentinean Producers and Director as well as the Canadian Producers of The Games Maker to present a Case Study on this Argentinean/ Canadian/ Italian co-production. We always aim to provide the most progressive and up-to-the-minute information available and I'm very proud to announce this year’s line-up!”
I will be moderating the panel on the film "The Game Maker" on September 12th. See the full line up below.
Strategic Partners has announced the following program and panelists for 2014:
A Case Study of "The Games Maker"
When: September 12th, 1:20 Pm
Where: Imperial Room, Lord Nelson Hotel
A complex Argentinian-Canadian-Italian co-production, "The Games Maker" is a true international success story, from script to screen. Released in early July 2014 in Latin America, this family adventure film with universal appeal has dazzled at the box office.
Moderator Sydney Levine (SydneysBuzz) will lead an in-depth discussion with the stellar team behind the feature film. The discussion will shed light on the project’s origination, the obstacles they overcame during production, how financing was achieved and how distribution and international sales were determined and executed.
Panelists include: Argentinean Director, Juan Pablo Buscarini, Pampa Films ("Chinese Take-Away"); Argentinean Producer, Verónica Cura, Utopica Group ("The Headless Woman"); Canadian Producers, Kim Roberts and Tina Pehme, Sepia Films ("In Their Skin")
Web Series Wizards Weigh In – the magic behind creating successful online content
When: September 13th, 1:45 Pm
Where: Imperial Room, Lord Nelson Hotel
Original web series appeared on the market with such landmark properties as Red vs Blue and The Guild, busting open the belief that short-form web content would be YouTubers on skateboards and kittens in cardboard. Web series have since matured into their own art form and are recognized as a legitimate format of content for mobile and internet audiences. But how are producers financing web hits like Video Game High School or Epic Mealtimeand is it a viable format for independents?
Traditional and new media companies are racing to 'videofy' their internet magazines and newspapers (think Vice, The Guardian, and Conde Nast publications) as are many brands (think Red Bull, Amex and Ge.)
Panel moderator, Catherine Tait, Producer/ Distributor at iThentic, will explore with her panel of web series wizards who the new buyers are now and whether or not this is an avenue for independent producers to explore.
Panelists will include: Matthew Graham, Senior Director, PBS Digital Studios; Chris Skinner, Head of Digital, CTV; Ben Waller, Partner, RocketJump Studios
Beyond Broadcast — original programming in an increasingly digital-first world
When: September 14th, 11:20 Am
Where: Imperial Room, Lord Nelson
Today's media landscape is arguably one of the most innovative periods in media history, and yet one that is fraught with confusion and possibly disillusion, some of the best indicators of large-scale change. Currently, most online platforms are fully committed to commissioning original programming, and many media companies are producing original content for online and mobile platforms. In response, many new and traditional broadcast players are now commissioning original ‘digital first’ series, creating an ever increasingly symbiotic relationship.
How exactly are traditional broadcasters responding and what are the opportunities for their defense? How can broadcasters capitalize off this growing trend and work together with creators to further develop their online offerings?
Panel moderator, Producer Damon D'Oliveira ("What We Have," "The Book of Negroes") will examine how the concept of 'Content Everywhere’ is now imperative for all media companies, and panelists will take an in-depth look at the burgeoning marketplace for ‘digital-first’ original content.
Panelists will include: Stephen Finney, Production Executive, Original Drama Content, Shaw Media; Fay Wells, Distribution Consultant; Sam Harowitz, Director, Television Acquisitions & Development, Global Content, FreemantleMedia International
Each year, top Canadian and international industry players, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors are selected to attend Strategic Partners. Offering over 1,000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, co-production focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, and screenings and receptions – Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
For program updates and information on all things co-production, you can now follow Strategic Partners on social media:
Twitter: [At}SPcopromarket #spcopro2014
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlanticfilmfestivalstrategicpartners
Youtube: www.youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom
About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Digital Co-Production Market
The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s preeminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and web based fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage, looking for the right partner.
Over the past 17 years, Strategic Partners has established itself not only as a one of a kind co-production market, but also as a cutting edge, intimate environment that delivers solutions to existing and foreseeable industry challenges. The intelligence and program offered at Strategic Partners is developed over many months of research into current global issues. However, this information is only a complement to Strategic Partners’ primary function – to build, establish and nurture relationships between producers and their partners.
Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, the Aff Outdoor Film Experience, and Strategic Partners.
Learn more about the Atlantic Film Festival through the links below
Website : atlanticfilm.com , atlanticfilm.com/sp
Facebook pages: /atlanticfilmfestival , /atlanticfilmfestivalstrategicpartners
Youtube channel: youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom...
- 8/25/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Atlantic Film Festival market Strategic Partners top brass have announced the panels for the event, set to run in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from September 11-14.
“We have put together a fantastic itinerary of panel discussions for this year’s programme,” said Strategic Partners director Laura Mackenzie. “Some of the world’s top trendsetters will descend upon Halifax to deliver the very latest news on topics such as financing and distribution of digital first content and exploring why producers should consider producing series for the web as part of their business model.
“We are extremely excited to welcome the Argentinean producers and director as well as the Canadian producers of The Games Maker to present a case study on this Argentinean- Canadian-Italian co-production.
“We always aim to provide the most progressive and up-to-the-minute information available and I’m very proud to announce this year’s line-up.”
Panels include a case study of Argentinian-Canadian-Italian co-production The Games Maker and discussions...
“We have put together a fantastic itinerary of panel discussions for this year’s programme,” said Strategic Partners director Laura Mackenzie. “Some of the world’s top trendsetters will descend upon Halifax to deliver the very latest news on topics such as financing and distribution of digital first content and exploring why producers should consider producing series for the web as part of their business model.
“We are extremely excited to welcome the Argentinean producers and director as well as the Canadian producers of The Games Maker to present a case study on this Argentinean- Canadian-Italian co-production.
“We always aim to provide the most progressive and up-to-the-minute information available and I’m very proud to announce this year’s line-up.”
Panels include a case study of Argentinian-Canadian-Italian co-production The Games Maker and discussions...
- 8/21/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Strategic Partners, a presentation of the Atlantic Film Festival, has announced the producers selected to participate as part of the inaugural project exchange with Mexico’s Los Cabos International Film Festival and Brazil’s RioContentMarket, in addition to an incredible line-up of producers and projects. As part of a two year spotlight on Latin America, one Mexican producer with a feature film in development and one Brazilian producer with a television project in development have been invited to participate at Strategic Partners 2014, September 11 - 14 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A Canadian feature film in development will then be selected from this year’s Strategic Partners to participate at Los Cabos International Film Festival, November 11 - 14, 2014. Additionally, a Canadian television project in development looking for Brazilian co-production partners will be chosen to attend RioContentMarket, February 2015. This initiative is sponsored by the Canadian Media Production Association.
Producer and co-founder of the Mexican production company Agrupación Caramelo Cinematografica, April Shannon, has been selected to participate in this year’s Strategic Partners from Los Cabos International Film Festival. Shannon’s impressive career includes working as producer on Bernardo Arellano’s "Between Night and Day" as well as production manager on James Franco’s "The Broken Tower." Shannon recently produced Arellano’s second feature "The Beginning of Time," now in post-production, to be released in late 2014. Shannon will bring the dark thriller "Franco’s Night" to Strategic Partners with production slated for 2015 in Mexico.
Brazilian producer Marcelo Galvão has been selected from RioContentMarket’s esteemed alumni of 2014. Galvão established production company Gatacine in 2001 and has since directed six features including "Farewell," "La Rina and Bellini"and the "Devil." He has won over 50 renowned awards including Best Film at the Gramado Film Festival, Best Director at the Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival and Best Screenwriter at Paulína Film Festival (Brazil) among many others. Galvão will bring the highly anticipated television miniseries, The Gardener, to this year’s Strategic Partners.
“Ushering in the very first project exchange with producers April Shannon and Marcelo Galvão sets the bar incredibly high and truly complements the illustrious roster of delegates we will have at this year’s events,” says Strategic Partners Director, Laura Mackenzie. “The results couldn’t have been more ideal and I look forward to continuing our newly founded relationships with Los Cabos International Film Festival and RioContentMarket.”
A snapshot of the producers and 108 projects slated for Strategic Partners 2014:
"Prisoner’s Dilemma," (Feature Film, Sci-Fi Noir Thriller): Rebecca Knapp, The Content Providers/Dark Engine (UK), Director: Mark Anthony Galluzzo (RSVP), Attached: Lynn Collins ("X-Men Origins: Wolverine")
"Give Me Your Hand" (Feature Film, Romantic Comedy): Mariela Besuievsky, Tornasol Films (Spain), Director: Maria de Medeiros ("April Captains", "Je t’aime, moi non plus"), screenplay by Alicia Luna and Maria de Medicos
"Las Elegidas," (Feature Film, Drama): Marta Núñez Puerto, Canana (Mx), Director: David Pablos, ("The Life After")
"Dreamland,"(Feature Film, Fantasy): Amber Ripley, Foundation Features (Cad), Director: Bruce McDonald ("The Tracey Fragments," "Pontypool"), Attached: Stephen McHattie ("Watchmen," "300")
"Buzz Me," (Feature Film, Comedy): Raj Panikkar, Fifth Ground Entertainment (Cad), Director: Ken Girotti ("Vikings," "Orphan Black")
"A Prayer Before Dawn," (Feature Film, Action): Sol Papadopoulos, Roy Boulter, Hurricane Films (UK), Attached: Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy)
"The Sandman" (Feature Film, Horror): Daniela Tully, Shivertown Road (USA/Germany), Director: Dario Argento ("Philomena," "Opera"), Attached: Iggy Pop ("Trainspotting")
"The Portal," (TV Fiction, Fantasy): Andrew Nicholas McCann Smith, First Love Films (Canada). Director: Jonathan Williams ("The Portal"), Attached: Tahmoh Penikett (Battlestar Galactica, Bomb Girls, Supernatural), Erin Karpluk (Being Erica)
"Are We A Bus" (TV Fiction, Comedy Drama): Mark Montefiore, New Metric Media (Canada), Show-runner: Daegan Fryklind (Bitten)
"Orovida" (TV Fiction, Romance): Mariela Besuievsky, Tornasol Films (Spain) - based on the novel by Yael Guiladi (portraying a passionate story of forbidden love at a time when an interracial liaison could result in death)
"Guardian Council" (TV Fiction, Procedural Drama): Carlos Andrade, Visom Digital (Brazil). Director: Rudi Lagemann ("Angels of The Sun")
A stellar line-up of some of the world’s most influential production companies will descend upon Halifax this fall including:
Sepia Films ("A Shine of Rainbows") - Canada
Blue Ice Pictures ("Nebraska") - Canada
Sienna Films ("Titanic") - Canada
Amaze Film + TV ("Call Me Fitz") - Canada
10x2y inc. ("The Samaritan") - Canada
Alazraki Entertainment ("Nosotros Los Nobles") - Mexico
Axman Productions ("Corn Island") - Czech Republic
Easy There Tiger ("Julie & Juila") - USA
Pampa Films ("The Games Maker") - Argentina
Utopia Group ("The Dead Man and Being Happy") - Argentina
Sikhya Entertainment ("The Lunchbox") - India
Each year, top Canadian and international industry players, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors are selected to attend Strategic Partners. Offering over 1,000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, co-production focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, and screenings and receptions – Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
For program updates and information on all things co-production, you can now follow the newly developed Strategic Partners presence on social media:
Twitter: [At]SPcopromarket Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlanticfilmfestivalstrategicpartners Youtube: www.youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom
About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Digital Co-Production Market The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s preeminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and web based fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage, looking for the right partner.
Over the past 17 years, Strategic Partners has established itself not only as a one of a kind co-production market, but also as a cutting edge, intimate environment that delivers solutions to existing and foreseeable industry challenges. The intelligence and program offered at Strategic Partners is developed over many months of research into current global issues. However, this information is only a complement to Strategic Partners’ primary function – to build, establish and nurture relationships between producers and their partners. Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, the Aff Outdoor Film Experience, and Strategic Partners. Learn more Here...
Producer and co-founder of the Mexican production company Agrupación Caramelo Cinematografica, April Shannon, has been selected to participate in this year’s Strategic Partners from Los Cabos International Film Festival. Shannon’s impressive career includes working as producer on Bernardo Arellano’s "Between Night and Day" as well as production manager on James Franco’s "The Broken Tower." Shannon recently produced Arellano’s second feature "The Beginning of Time," now in post-production, to be released in late 2014. Shannon will bring the dark thriller "Franco’s Night" to Strategic Partners with production slated for 2015 in Mexico.
Brazilian producer Marcelo Galvão has been selected from RioContentMarket’s esteemed alumni of 2014. Galvão established production company Gatacine in 2001 and has since directed six features including "Farewell," "La Rina and Bellini"and the "Devil." He has won over 50 renowned awards including Best Film at the Gramado Film Festival, Best Director at the Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival and Best Screenwriter at Paulína Film Festival (Brazil) among many others. Galvão will bring the highly anticipated television miniseries, The Gardener, to this year’s Strategic Partners.
“Ushering in the very first project exchange with producers April Shannon and Marcelo Galvão sets the bar incredibly high and truly complements the illustrious roster of delegates we will have at this year’s events,” says Strategic Partners Director, Laura Mackenzie. “The results couldn’t have been more ideal and I look forward to continuing our newly founded relationships with Los Cabos International Film Festival and RioContentMarket.”
A snapshot of the producers and 108 projects slated for Strategic Partners 2014:
"Prisoner’s Dilemma," (Feature Film, Sci-Fi Noir Thriller): Rebecca Knapp, The Content Providers/Dark Engine (UK), Director: Mark Anthony Galluzzo (RSVP), Attached: Lynn Collins ("X-Men Origins: Wolverine")
"Give Me Your Hand" (Feature Film, Romantic Comedy): Mariela Besuievsky, Tornasol Films (Spain), Director: Maria de Medeiros ("April Captains", "Je t’aime, moi non plus"), screenplay by Alicia Luna and Maria de Medicos
"Las Elegidas," (Feature Film, Drama): Marta Núñez Puerto, Canana (Mx), Director: David Pablos, ("The Life After")
"Dreamland,"(Feature Film, Fantasy): Amber Ripley, Foundation Features (Cad), Director: Bruce McDonald ("The Tracey Fragments," "Pontypool"), Attached: Stephen McHattie ("Watchmen," "300")
"Buzz Me," (Feature Film, Comedy): Raj Panikkar, Fifth Ground Entertainment (Cad), Director: Ken Girotti ("Vikings," "Orphan Black")
"A Prayer Before Dawn," (Feature Film, Action): Sol Papadopoulos, Roy Boulter, Hurricane Films (UK), Attached: Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy)
"The Sandman" (Feature Film, Horror): Daniela Tully, Shivertown Road (USA/Germany), Director: Dario Argento ("Philomena," "Opera"), Attached: Iggy Pop ("Trainspotting")
"The Portal," (TV Fiction, Fantasy): Andrew Nicholas McCann Smith, First Love Films (Canada). Director: Jonathan Williams ("The Portal"), Attached: Tahmoh Penikett (Battlestar Galactica, Bomb Girls, Supernatural), Erin Karpluk (Being Erica)
"Are We A Bus" (TV Fiction, Comedy Drama): Mark Montefiore, New Metric Media (Canada), Show-runner: Daegan Fryklind (Bitten)
"Orovida" (TV Fiction, Romance): Mariela Besuievsky, Tornasol Films (Spain) - based on the novel by Yael Guiladi (portraying a passionate story of forbidden love at a time when an interracial liaison could result in death)
"Guardian Council" (TV Fiction, Procedural Drama): Carlos Andrade, Visom Digital (Brazil). Director: Rudi Lagemann ("Angels of The Sun")
A stellar line-up of some of the world’s most influential production companies will descend upon Halifax this fall including:
Sepia Films ("A Shine of Rainbows") - Canada
Blue Ice Pictures ("Nebraska") - Canada
Sienna Films ("Titanic") - Canada
Amaze Film + TV ("Call Me Fitz") - Canada
10x2y inc. ("The Samaritan") - Canada
Alazraki Entertainment ("Nosotros Los Nobles") - Mexico
Axman Productions ("Corn Island") - Czech Republic
Easy There Tiger ("Julie & Juila") - USA
Pampa Films ("The Games Maker") - Argentina
Utopia Group ("The Dead Man and Being Happy") - Argentina
Sikhya Entertainment ("The Lunchbox") - India
Each year, top Canadian and international industry players, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors are selected to attend Strategic Partners. Offering over 1,000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, co-production focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, and screenings and receptions – Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
For program updates and information on all things co-production, you can now follow the newly developed Strategic Partners presence on social media:
Twitter: [At]SPcopromarket Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlanticfilmfestivalstrategicpartners Youtube: www.youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom
About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Digital Co-Production Market The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s preeminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and web based fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage, looking for the right partner.
Over the past 17 years, Strategic Partners has established itself not only as a one of a kind co-production market, but also as a cutting edge, intimate environment that delivers solutions to existing and foreseeable industry challenges. The intelligence and program offered at Strategic Partners is developed over many months of research into current global issues. However, this information is only a complement to Strategic Partners’ primary function – to build, establish and nurture relationships between producers and their partners. Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, the Aff Outdoor Film Experience, and Strategic Partners. Learn more Here...
- 8/4/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The co-production market element of the Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax has announced the producers in an inaugural project exchange with Mexico’s Los Cabos International Film Festival and Brazil’s RioContentMarket.
As part of a two-year spotlight on Latin America, one Mexican producer with a feature in development and one Brazilian producer with a television project in development have been invited to participate at Strategic Partners 2014, set to run in Nova Scotia from September 11-14.
A Canadian feature in development will then be selected from this year’s Strategic Partners to participate at Los Cabos International Film Festival, which runs in Mexico from November 11-14.
Similarly, a Canadian television project in development looking for Brazilian co-production partners will be chosen to attend RioContentMarket in February 2015.
The programme is sponsored by the Canadian Media Production Association.
April Shannon, a producer and co-founder of the Mexican production company Agrupación Caramelo Cinematografica, has been selected...
As part of a two-year spotlight on Latin America, one Mexican producer with a feature in development and one Brazilian producer with a television project in development have been invited to participate at Strategic Partners 2014, set to run in Nova Scotia from September 11-14.
A Canadian feature in development will then be selected from this year’s Strategic Partners to participate at Los Cabos International Film Festival, which runs in Mexico from November 11-14.
Similarly, a Canadian television project in development looking for Brazilian co-production partners will be chosen to attend RioContentMarket in February 2015.
The programme is sponsored by the Canadian Media Production Association.
April Shannon, a producer and co-founder of the Mexican production company Agrupación Caramelo Cinematografica, has been selected...
- 8/1/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Strategic Partners, a presentation of the Atlantic Film Festival, will host a visionary line-up of speakers including keynote addresses presented by Tornasol Films Producer Mariela Besuievsky and Vimeo Director of Audience Development and Content Operations, Peter Gerard, as part of the event taking place September 11 - 14 in Halifax.
"With our spotlight shining brightly on Spain, Latin America, and the USA at Strategic Partners in 2014, having Mariela as our esteemed Opening Keynote couldn't be more relevant,” says Director of Strategic Partners, Laura MacKenzie. “Her impressive background as a producer, as well as her co-production experience around the globe (not to mention her incredible presence in the room) will ensure an inspirational conversation."
Originally from Uruguay, Besuievsky has produced over 90 films and has been a partner at Tornasol Films in Spain since 1999. She is renowned for her work on illustrious films such as "The Secret in Their Eyes" (winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2010), "The Oxford Murders" (starring Elijah Wood and John Hurt) and Oscar nominated "Son of the Bride" (Best Film at the Argentinean Film Critics Association Awards 2002) among many others. Besuievsky has a rich history of bringing raw, character-driven stories to the screen.
"I'm very excited to attend Strategic Partners this fall! It is an optimal place for networking and providing an opportunity to find global partners,” says Besuievsky. “It is also a perfect environment to exchange impressions with other industry professionals, and to find new ideas and different points of view for your projects."
Vimeo Director of Audience Development and Content Operations Peter Gerard will also deliver a highly anticipated keynote address. Gerard set the stage for his impressive career by founding Accidental Media in Edinburgh and leading this groundbreaking company for more than ten years.
In 2010, Gerard founded Distrify to establish “direct-to-fan” digital film sales and in 2014, Peter moved to New York to join Vimeo, where he now manages marketing partnerships within Vimeo’s Audience Development team. His focus is on growing the Vimeo on Demand solution for independent film sales.
“I am excited by the opportunity to meet talented producers at Strategic Partners and talk about the possibilities of online marketing and sales for films and series," says Gerard. "The Vimeo On Demand catalogue is growing fast and we are empowering creators to connect with their global audiences through direct distribution."
"There's no doubt the digital first conversation will be overarching at Strategic Partners this year, and therefore I'm very excited to present industry leader, Peter Gerard, to deliver a keynote address on the topic of Producers as Entrepreneurs," says Mackenzie. "Vimeo's foray into original content with the series High Maintenance further solidifies the commitment and platform of self-distribution to supporting producers and content creation - this is exactly who we want represented at Strategic Partners!"
Each year, top Canadian and international industry players, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors are selected to attend Strategic Partners. Offering over 1,000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, co-production focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, and screenings and receptions – Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
To learn more visit Here
Twitter: [At]SPcopromarket
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlanticfilmfestivalstrategicpartners
Youtube: www.youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom
About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Digital Co-Production Market
The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s preeminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and web based fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage, looking for the right partner.
Over the past 17 years, Strategic Partners has established itself not only as a one of a kind co-production market, but also as a cutting edge, intimate environment that delivers solutions to existing and foreseeable industry challenges. The intelligence and program offered at Strategic Partners is developed over many months of research into current global issues. However, this information is only a complement to Strategic Partners’ primary function – to build, establish and nurture relationships between producers and their partners.
Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, the Aff Outdoor Film Experience, and Strategic Partners.
"With our spotlight shining brightly on Spain, Latin America, and the USA at Strategic Partners in 2014, having Mariela as our esteemed Opening Keynote couldn't be more relevant,” says Director of Strategic Partners, Laura MacKenzie. “Her impressive background as a producer, as well as her co-production experience around the globe (not to mention her incredible presence in the room) will ensure an inspirational conversation."
Originally from Uruguay, Besuievsky has produced over 90 films and has been a partner at Tornasol Films in Spain since 1999. She is renowned for her work on illustrious films such as "The Secret in Their Eyes" (winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2010), "The Oxford Murders" (starring Elijah Wood and John Hurt) and Oscar nominated "Son of the Bride" (Best Film at the Argentinean Film Critics Association Awards 2002) among many others. Besuievsky has a rich history of bringing raw, character-driven stories to the screen.
"I'm very excited to attend Strategic Partners this fall! It is an optimal place for networking and providing an opportunity to find global partners,” says Besuievsky. “It is also a perfect environment to exchange impressions with other industry professionals, and to find new ideas and different points of view for your projects."
Vimeo Director of Audience Development and Content Operations Peter Gerard will also deliver a highly anticipated keynote address. Gerard set the stage for his impressive career by founding Accidental Media in Edinburgh and leading this groundbreaking company for more than ten years.
In 2010, Gerard founded Distrify to establish “direct-to-fan” digital film sales and in 2014, Peter moved to New York to join Vimeo, where he now manages marketing partnerships within Vimeo’s Audience Development team. His focus is on growing the Vimeo on Demand solution for independent film sales.
“I am excited by the opportunity to meet talented producers at Strategic Partners and talk about the possibilities of online marketing and sales for films and series," says Gerard. "The Vimeo On Demand catalogue is growing fast and we are empowering creators to connect with their global audiences through direct distribution."
"There's no doubt the digital first conversation will be overarching at Strategic Partners this year, and therefore I'm very excited to present industry leader, Peter Gerard, to deliver a keynote address on the topic of Producers as Entrepreneurs," says Mackenzie. "Vimeo's foray into original content with the series High Maintenance further solidifies the commitment and platform of self-distribution to supporting producers and content creation - this is exactly who we want represented at Strategic Partners!"
Each year, top Canadian and international industry players, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors are selected to attend Strategic Partners. Offering over 1,000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, co-production focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, and screenings and receptions – Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
To learn more visit Here
Twitter: [At]SPcopromarket
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlanticfilmfestivalstrategicpartners
Youtube: www.youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom
About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Digital Co-Production Market
The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s preeminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and web based fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage, looking for the right partner.
Over the past 17 years, Strategic Partners has established itself not only as a one of a kind co-production market, but also as a cutting edge, intimate environment that delivers solutions to existing and foreseeable industry challenges. The intelligence and program offered at Strategic Partners is developed over many months of research into current global issues. However, this information is only a complement to Strategic Partners’ primary function – to build, establish and nurture relationships between producers and their partners.
Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, the Aff Outdoor Film Experience, and Strategic Partners.
- 7/22/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The Canadian co-production/co-financing market has announced the speakers for the 201 event, set for September 11-14 in Halifax.
Tornasol Films producer Mariela Besuievsky and Vimeo director of audience development and content operations and Distrify founder Peter Gerard will deliver keynotes.
“With our spotlight shining brightly on Spain, Latin America, and the USA at Strategic Partners in 2014, having Mariela [Besuievsky, pictured] as our esteemed opening keynote couldn’t be more relevant,” said Laura MacKenzie, director of Strategic Partners.
“Her impressive background as a producer, as well as her coproduction experience around the globe (not to mention her incredible presence in the room) will ensure an inspirational conversation.”
“I’m very excited to attend Strategic Partners this fall,” said Besuievsky. “It is an optimal place for networking and providing an opportunity to find global partners.
“It is also a perfect environment to exchange impressions with other industry professionals, and to find new ideas and different points of view for your projects...
Tornasol Films producer Mariela Besuievsky and Vimeo director of audience development and content operations and Distrify founder Peter Gerard will deliver keynotes.
“With our spotlight shining brightly on Spain, Latin America, and the USA at Strategic Partners in 2014, having Mariela [Besuievsky, pictured] as our esteemed opening keynote couldn’t be more relevant,” said Laura MacKenzie, director of Strategic Partners.
“Her impressive background as a producer, as well as her coproduction experience around the globe (not to mention her incredible presence in the room) will ensure an inspirational conversation.”
“I’m very excited to attend Strategic Partners this fall,” said Besuievsky. “It is an optimal place for networking and providing an opportunity to find global partners.
“It is also a perfect environment to exchange impressions with other industry professionals, and to find new ideas and different points of view for your projects...
- 7/21/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The 17th annual co-production and co-financing market will shine a light on Ibero-America and the Us when it runs in Halifax, Canada, from September 11-14.
“Telefilm Canada recently reported that 14 feature films and 16 television shows have been co-produced between Canada and Latin America over the last decade,” said Laura Mackenzie, director of Strategic Partners.
“This statistic, coupled with the number of Latin American, Spanish and Us-based festivals that have reached out to focus on Canada over the past couple of years, is especially encouraging. There’s a vested interest in working together from both sides and we are prepared to support that in every way we can.”...
“Telefilm Canada recently reported that 14 feature films and 16 television shows have been co-produced between Canada and Latin America over the last decade,” said Laura Mackenzie, director of Strategic Partners.
“This statistic, coupled with the number of Latin American, Spanish and Us-based festivals that have reached out to focus on Canada over the past couple of years, is especially encouraging. There’s a vested interest in working together from both sides and we are prepared to support that in every way we can.”...
- 3/12/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Canadian market for international film, TV and digital co-production will run in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from Sept 12-15.
A record-breaking 21 countries will attend the 16th annual event, a presentation of the Atlantic Film Festival.
“Strategic Partners has drawn industry heavyweights from around the globe for the past 15 years and its sweet sixteenth is no exception,” said Strategic Partners director Laura Mackenzie.
“Shining the spotlight on the United Kingdom for the second year in a row and India for the first time, the event has drawn an incredible delegation, including an increase in UK and Us financiers and sales agents.”
Simon Bosanquet of the UK’s Generator Films is scheduled to attend along with Fred Fuchs of Berkshire Axis Media in Canada and Shaan Vyas of India’s Sikhya Entertainment, among others.
A record-breaking 21 countries will attend the 16th annual event, a presentation of the Atlantic Film Festival.
“Strategic Partners has drawn industry heavyweights from around the globe for the past 15 years and its sweet sixteenth is no exception,” said Strategic Partners director Laura Mackenzie.
“Shining the spotlight on the United Kingdom for the second year in a row and India for the first time, the event has drawn an incredible delegation, including an increase in UK and Us financiers and sales agents.”
Simon Bosanquet of the UK’s Generator Films is scheduled to attend along with Fred Fuchs of Berkshire Axis Media in Canada and Shaan Vyas of India’s Sikhya Entertainment, among others.
- 8/8/2013
- ScreenDaily
The Canadian market for international film, TV and digital co-production will run in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from Sept 12-15.
A record-breaking 21 countries will attend the 16th annual event, a presentation of the Atlantic Film Festival.
“Strategic Partners has drawn industry heavyweights from around the globe for the past 15 years and its sweet sixteenth is no exception,” said Strategic Partners director Laura Mackenzie.
“Shining the spotlight on the United Kingdom for the second year in a row and India for the first time, the event has drawn an incredible delegation, including an increase in UK and Us financiers and sales agents.”
Simon Bosanquet of the UK’s Generator Films is scheduled to attend along with Fred Fuchs of Berkshire Axis Media in Canada and Shaan Vyas of India’s Sikhya Entertainment, among others.
A record-breaking 21 countries will attend the 16th annual event, a presentation of the Atlantic Film Festival.
“Strategic Partners has drawn industry heavyweights from around the globe for the past 15 years and its sweet sixteenth is no exception,” said Strategic Partners director Laura Mackenzie.
“Shining the spotlight on the United Kingdom for the second year in a row and India for the first time, the event has drawn an incredible delegation, including an increase in UK and Us financiers and sales agents.”
Simon Bosanquet of the UK’s Generator Films is scheduled to attend along with Fred Fuchs of Berkshire Axis Media in Canada and Shaan Vyas of India’s Sikhya Entertainment, among others.
- 8/8/2013
- ScreenDaily
Strategic Parners has grown in importance, takes place immediately after Toronto Ff. Strategic Partners, one of the world’s top co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and multiplatform fiction, shines the spotlight on India and for the second year in row, the United Kingdom at the 16th annual event, September 12-15 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
"Strategic Partners’ spotlight on India and the UK is timely,” said Laura Mackenzie, Director, Strategic Partners. “Momentum continues to build in the number of Canadian and International producers looking to collaborate with India and the UK is a natural co-spotlight given their experience in successfully capitalizing on their co-pro treaty with India many times."
Offering an intimate, organized forum for projects seeking financing, as well as those at an early stage - looking for the right partner, Strategic Partners’ linear program is designed to provide unparalleled access to international co-production possibilities - all under one roof.
"Strategic Partners held a soft focus on India to introduce a small number of India producers and officials to the event. This has already contributed to a Canadian film shot in India,” added Mackenzie.
The deadline for the Strategic Partners' call for producer applications and industry registrations is June 28. Application/Registration forms are now available at www.atlanticfilm.com/sp
Top Canadian and international industry players are selected to attend, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors. Offering close to 1000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, coproduction focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, screenings and receptions, Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
“It was at Strategic Partners that we were introduced to producer, Karen Shaw’s project Khoya in 2012. It's an interesting project and given our experience in International productions, we came onboard instantly," said Guneet Monga, producer, Sikhya Entertainment, India (Gangs of Wasseypur, Peddlers.)
"Guneet Monga and I connected during our participation in Trans Atlantic Partners, and further cemented the relationship at Strategic Partners,” said Karen Shaw, producer, Quarterlife Crisis Productions, Canada (Khoya, The Good Fence). “Khoya was shot in India, where we worked with Guneet, and the film is now in post production."
About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Multiplatform Co-Production Market
The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s pre-eminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and multiplatform fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage - looking for the right partner. It is a linear program designed to provide unparalleled access to international co-production possibilities - all under one roof, set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Film Festival and the vibrant, coastal city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Top Canadian and international industry players are selected to attend, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors. Offering over 1000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, coproduction focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, screenings and receptions; Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, alFresco filmFesto, Strategic Partners and Music & Image. Receive the most up-to-date information about Strategic Partners and the Atlantic Film Festival, including sneak peaks and festival highlights on our website: atlanticfilm.com, our Facebook page: facebook.com/atlanticfilmfestival, our Twitter account: @thefilmfest and our Youtube channel: youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom.
"Strategic Partners’ spotlight on India and the UK is timely,” said Laura Mackenzie, Director, Strategic Partners. “Momentum continues to build in the number of Canadian and International producers looking to collaborate with India and the UK is a natural co-spotlight given their experience in successfully capitalizing on their co-pro treaty with India many times."
Offering an intimate, organized forum for projects seeking financing, as well as those at an early stage - looking for the right partner, Strategic Partners’ linear program is designed to provide unparalleled access to international co-production possibilities - all under one roof.
"Strategic Partners held a soft focus on India to introduce a small number of India producers and officials to the event. This has already contributed to a Canadian film shot in India,” added Mackenzie.
The deadline for the Strategic Partners' call for producer applications and industry registrations is June 28. Application/Registration forms are now available at www.atlanticfilm.com/sp
Top Canadian and international industry players are selected to attend, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors. Offering close to 1000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, coproduction focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, screenings and receptions, Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
“It was at Strategic Partners that we were introduced to producer, Karen Shaw’s project Khoya in 2012. It's an interesting project and given our experience in International productions, we came onboard instantly," said Guneet Monga, producer, Sikhya Entertainment, India (Gangs of Wasseypur, Peddlers.)
"Guneet Monga and I connected during our participation in Trans Atlantic Partners, and further cemented the relationship at Strategic Partners,” said Karen Shaw, producer, Quarterlife Crisis Productions, Canada (Khoya, The Good Fence). “Khoya was shot in India, where we worked with Guneet, and the film is now in post production."
About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Multiplatform Co-Production Market
The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s pre-eminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and multiplatform fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage - looking for the right partner. It is a linear program designed to provide unparalleled access to international co-production possibilities - all under one roof, set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Film Festival and the vibrant, coastal city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Top Canadian and international industry players are selected to attend, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors. Offering over 1000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, coproduction focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, screenings and receptions; Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.
Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, alFresco filmFesto, Strategic Partners and Music & Image. Receive the most up-to-date information about Strategic Partners and the Atlantic Film Festival, including sneak peaks and festival highlights on our website: atlanticfilm.com, our Facebook page: facebook.com/atlanticfilmfestival, our Twitter account: @thefilmfest and our Youtube channel: youtube.com/atlanticfilmdotcom.
- 3/9/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Strategic Partners, a co-production market focusing on feature film, TV and multiplatform fiction will focus on India and the UK in its sixteenth edition.
The market will run from September 12-15 in Halifax, Nova Scotia alongside the Atlantic Film Festival.
“Momentum continues to build in the number of Canadian and International producers looking to collaborate with India and the UK is a natural co-spotlight given their experience in successfully capitalizing on their co-pro treaty with India many times,” said Laura Mackenzie, Director, Strategic Partners.
Strategic Partners offers a forum for projects seeking financing, as well as those at an early stage – looking for the right partner. Top Canadian and international industry players are selected to attend, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors.
“Strategic Partners held a soft focus on India to introduce a small number of Indian producers and officials to the event. This has already...
The market will run from September 12-15 in Halifax, Nova Scotia alongside the Atlantic Film Festival.
“Momentum continues to build in the number of Canadian and International producers looking to collaborate with India and the UK is a natural co-spotlight given their experience in successfully capitalizing on their co-pro treaty with India many times,” said Laura Mackenzie, Director, Strategic Partners.
Strategic Partners offers a forum for projects seeking financing, as well as those at an early stage – looking for the right partner. Top Canadian and international industry players are selected to attend, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors.
“Strategic Partners held a soft focus on India to introduce a small number of Indian producers and officials to the event. This has already...
- 3/1/2013
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
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