Cinema Summit 2024

Join Kara Haflidson, Executive Producer at award-winning comedy entertainment studio New Metric Media, Matthew Ellis, Production Designer (SHORESY, LETTERKENNY) and Martin Smith, Assistant Production Manager (SHORESY, LETTERKENNY), for an engaging panel discussion exploring the thriving production landscape in Northern Ontario. With a spotlight on the runaway success of LETTERKENNY and SHORESY, Haflidson, Ellis and Smith will offer insights into the strength and growth of producers in the region and share behind-the-scenes stories of what makes these shows resonate globally. Whether you're a fan of the shows or intrigued by the production side of entertainment, this session promises an inside view into what makes it all possible.

Panelists:
• Kara Haflidson
  Executive Producer, New Metric Media
• Matthew Ellis,
  Production Designer, LETTERKENNY, SHORESY
• Martin Smith,
  Assistant Production Manager,LETTERKENNY, SHORESY

IN A VIOLENT NATURE, filmed in the thick of Algoma’s woodland, first wowed international audiences at the Sundance Film Festival, but remains close to home for writer & director Chris Nash, who has roots in Sault Ste. Marie. Join this discussion with the man behind the myth for an exclusive look at how this global sensation came from the North before it landed on Stephen King’s ‘must watch’ list.

Moderator:
• Thom Ernst,
  Film Critic, Author, & Television Host

Panelists:
• Chris Nash,
  Writer & Director, IN A VIOLENT NATURE

As artificial intelligence shifts the tides of digital media production, the distinction between assisting and infringing becomes increasingly complex. For some, imitation is the highest form of flattery. For others, it represents an intrusion into their livelihood. This discussion with Wildeboer Dellelce LLP and ACTRA Toronto points out the pros and cons of recent technological advancements and reveals the importance of consent, compensation, and control in the screen-based industry.

Moderator:
• Mariah Owen,
  Producer & Actress

Panelists:
• Divya Shahani,
  Partner, Wildeboer Dellelce LLP
• Taisa Dekker,
  Manager – Industry Initiatives & Outreach, ACTRA Toronto

From hand drawn to pixels and polygons, the artistry in animation has for centuries acted as a vehicle to our world’s most iconic pop culture moments, when we imagine the world not as it is but what it could be. Join this discussion with Lakeside Animation and Cutting Class Media to learn how animated storytelling is gaining steam in Northern Ontario – and about the artistic riches that this fluid form can fetch.

Panelists:
• Courtney Wolfson,
  Head of Production, Lakeside Animation
• Matthew Lyon,
  Chief Creative Officer, Lakeside Animation
• Joshua Bowen,
  Co-CEO & Head of Animation, Cutting Class Media

From the expanding number of regional Film & TV projects emerges a shortlist of actors who embody the North to beguiling effect. But how does one prepare for an acting role in Northern Ontario before the cameras roll? Join this discussion with Canadian actors to explore the mind of a thespian and learn how they suspend our disbelief

Moderator:
• Mariah Owen,
  Producer & Actress

Panelists:
• James Gilbert,
  Actor, DADA
• Ciara Alexys,
  Actress, DADA
• TBD

Cinema Summit is providing four creators the opportunity to pitch their latest Northern Ontario-based film or TV projects to a live audience and a panel of industry experts. This session invites filmmakers to take the next step by presenting their vision to a unique mix of business reps, industry delegates, local creatives, and provides access to a revolutionary production intelligence platform in Largo.ai's innovative technology that analyzes content, projects financial forecasts, and empowers filmmaking.

Application deadline: Friday, Sep. 13