Cinema Summit 2023

Up-skill yourself in the green economy of sustainable filmmaking with the guidance of the Ontario Green Screen (OGS), who provide the tools to empower creators in Ontario to help promote the protection of our natural environments. This panel explains how modern producers are working together to develop an environmental consciousness that benefits all: productions, people, and our planet.

Panelists:
• Chris Dunn,
  Production Consultant
  Ontario Creates
• Emily Trottier, Economic Development Officer
  City of Greater Sudbury
• Suzanne Shawbonquit,
  Co-Owner
  Crafty Chix

Northern Ontario's production industry is on the brink of a boom. Join this discussion between experienced producers familiar with the ins-and-outs of the Canadian motion picture industry and learn how you can implement professional practices to rise the ranks in Northern Ontario and ride the next wave of production activity.

Panelists:
• Moderator: Jack Blum,
  Executive Director
  REEL CANADA
• Kara Haflidson,
  Production Supervisor
  New Metric Media
• James Weyman,
  Producer of I USED TO BE FUNNY

Producing over 65 projects and counting since 2010, David Anselmo is a pillar of the history of Northern Ontario’s rise as one of the North America’s fastest growing production jurisdictions. In this masterclass, join David (CEO of Hideaway Pictures and the Northern Ontario Film Studios) for a conversation on production and the events that led to two multi-million film deals.

Panelists:
• Moderator: Mark Gentili,
  Editor
  Sudbury.com
• David Anselmo,
  CEO
  Hideaway Pictures & the Northern Ontario Film Studios

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, lead exhibitors, theatrical distributors and industry stakeholders are studying trends and exploring new ways to welcome audiences back to theatres. Join industry experts as they offer insight into the tried, true, and new audience building strategies that bust blocks in the modern era -- and put butts back in seats.

Panelists:
• Moderator: Karen Bruce,
  Executive Director
  Woman in Film & Television Toronto
• Gurbani Marwah,
  Director of Theatrical Releasing
  Cineplex
• Francesca Accinelli,
  Vice President of Promotion, Communications, and International Relations
  Telefilm Canada

The motion picture medium – and the skills to navigate it – open doors to forms of artistic expression with global reach and career-propelling potential. From working with Drake, DJ Khaled, Classified, Snoop Dogg, and more, to developing the highly anticipated feature 40 Acres in Sudbury, R.T. Thorne and Taj Critchlow, joined by special guest Kieran Khan, whose clients include Sean Paul and Cardi B, are taking the Canadian Film & TV world by storm.

Panelists:
• Moderator: Kristina Ejem,
  Associate Publisher of Playback™
• Taj Critchlow,
  Executive Producer of 40 ACRES
• R.T. Thorne,
  Writer and Director of 40 ACRES

Join the key creative team behind CBC’s hit series Essex County for an insider look at the process that brought Jeff Lemire’s acclaimed graphic novel to life. A true Northern production, Essex County was shot in North Bay and follows the intertwined lives of two rural families who discover redemption and hope through human connection . Catch up on the series with CBC Gem!

Panelists:
• Eilis Kirwan,
  Screenwriter of ESSEX COUNTY
• Christina Piovesan,
  Executive Producer of ESSEX COUNTY

On-screen equity for marginalized communities allows new voices to tell their own stories and reveals the intersections of truth in the history of all Canadians, but an uninformed misfire can cause jeopardizing cultural setbacks. Join this townhall discussion to learn how BIPOC creators are using the art of filmmaking to break cycles, enrich the Film & TV industry, and empower the next generation of Canadian filmmakers.

Panelists:
• Jennifer Holness,
  Executive Producer of 40 ACRES
• Micheline Blais,
  Producer and Casting Agent
  CastNorth
• Suzanne Shawbonquit,
  Co-Owner
  Crafty Chix