Best Agenda for Banff 2012

If you're going to the Banff World Media Festival, you'll notice the programming is decidedly upbeat, now that the industry has reconciled with the issues of convergence and faced the fact that cutbacks in funding mean being more nimble and entrepreneurial. The Banff Co-Production Market - new this year - is a great reflection of this business spirit at the 2012 Festival. 

Here are some of my top picks to add to your agenda:

Sunday June 10, 2012

3:45 - 4:45 PM
Rookies in the Rockies

If this is your first time attending Banff - don't miss this insider's guide to make the most of your time here. The highlights of Day 1 are the social events: 

6:00 PM

The CBC/Radio-Canada Opening Reception
(Enjoy appetizers, wine AND beer with a chance to mingle and meet delegates.)

9:00 PM

Alberta Film Welcome Reception at Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon, 201 Banff Avenue, with live local entertainment, food and drinks. (Jeans welcome!)

Monday June 11, 2012

If you need your beauty sleep you can skip the Key Note address, I suggest a later start:

10:00 - 11:00 AM
Co-Production & Co-Venture Opportunities: International

A who's who of broadcast executives from around the world sharing their insight into co-production and co-ventures. 

11:35 AM - 12:30 PM
Spotlight on Ireland

Find out what you need to know about the Canadian-Irish treaty co-productions, with series such as The Tudors, Camelot, The Borgias, Game of Thrones. 

4:00 - 4:45 PM
Watch-Canada

The Canada Media Fund, in partnership with Telefilm, talk about Canadian Content and plans to promote it.  (Not just for Canadian Producers, let's hope it lights a fire!)  
Leave early for:

4:30 - 6:00 PM
Bell Fund presents Deal Makers Live 

(This is a pitch competition, interesting to watch.)

Follow this with a deserving break and then downtown to Martini Madness, the Women in Film & Television Alberta (WIFTA) famous party event starting at 7:30 PM to Midnight (Saltlik Steakhouse, 221 Bear Street)

Tuesday June 12, 2012

Two program highlights (In Conversation With:) to note today. Be early for these well publcized events:

9:00 - 9:45 AM
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Larry King

2:00 - 3:00 PM
Ustinov Award for Comedy Winner Chuck Lorre

However, these aren't the only items to add to your schedule.  In betweeen, I recommend:

10:00 - 11:00 AM
Co-Production & Co-Venture Opportunites: Non-Fiction

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Canadian Trend Setters
(All women I might add!) 

12:30 - 2:00 PM
NFB Lunch
(Always excellent, both the food and the presentation!) 

3:00 - 4:00 PM
Co-Production & Co-Venture Opportunities: Kids and Animation

6:00 - 7:00 PM
A&E Rockie Awards Champagne Toast

A word to the weary - unless you are nominated for an award - the show is long and you'll want to get some dinner. But, don't miss this chance to shmooze first with a glass of bubbly! It stays light out late so go see some sights or schedule a dinner meeting downtown. 

Wednesday June 13, 2012

I like to start my last day with a visit to the spa - so many to choose from! There are two final offerings from The Banff Co-Production Market:

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Co-Production & Co-Venture Opportunities: North America

2:00 - 3:00 PM
Co-Production and Co-Venture Opportunities: Scripted TV

I would also recommend:

3:00 - 4:00 PM
In Conversation With: Robert Lantos, Moderated by Paul Gross

6:00 - 10:00 PM
Banff's "Hell On Wheels" BBQ
(Bring the last of your business cards, after this it's a wrap!)