Great Canadian PitchFest, Vancouver 2006

The Great Canadian PitchFest is moving to Vancouver, BC to partner with the FTX WEST Film & Television Expo, to be held October 12-15, 2006.

This will be the 6th PitchFest event hosted by Canada- and Los Angeles-based Writer/Producer, Signe Olynyk. To date, nearly 30 participants have sold their scripts and ideas, gained agency representation, or been hired for writing assignments as a result of this PitchFest held in Canada and the United States.

The Great Canadian PitchFest is an event, similar to speed dating – except the five minute “dates” are with producers, broadcasters, studio executives, agents and managers. Anyone with an idea or script can attend, and can expect as many as 15-20 meetings with buyers in one day. A lineup of more than 20 studio, production and broadcast executives from Hollywood and Canada will hear pitches at this year’s event.

“Many writers have ideas for TV shows or movies, but don’t have access to the decision makers,” says Signe Olynyk, creator of the Great Canadian and Great American PitchFests. “The Great Canadian PitchFest gives them that access, and enables them to make that crucial next step.” This year’s event is tied in with the FTX WEST Screenwriter’s Series, which offers a multitude of training sessions on how to pitch more effectively, develop skills in story structure, write for emotional impact, and strategize and target specific genre markets. PitchFest Participants then meet directly with industry insiders to pitch their projects.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Great Canadian PitchFest, and launching FTX WEST in Vancouver," says Marcy Schacter, Event Producer and Founder of FTX WEST. "This is an opportunity for people with ideas for TV shows and movies to meet with industry leaders who can help them get their shows made.”

In addition to the Great Canadian PitchFest, FTX WEST includes a two day trade show and three separate series in the FTX WEST conference, featuring nearly 60 master classes, seminars, panels, and networking opportunities for emerging and established writers, producers, and directors.

Guest Speakers in the screenwriting series include renowned instructors such as Michael Hauge (Script Consultant/ Author of ‘Writing Screenplays That Sell’), Ellen Sandler (Emmy award winning, Executive Producer of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’), husband and wife TV writing team Maria & Andre Jaquemetton, Canada’s own Jan Miller, (founder of the National Screen Institute) and Marguerite Pigott (former V.P. of Development and Production for Odeon Films). Other guest instructors include industry veterans Larry Brody and Jeff Kitchen who will mentor teams of writers through their participation in intensive workshops and simulated writers rooms. In addition to all this, FTX WEST will be introducing a host of some of the most popular speakers from L.A’s Screenwriting Expo, such as Pilar Alessandra, Heather Hale, Laurie Scheer, Kathie Fong Yoneda and Karl Iglesias.

"There is no other event like this in Canada," says Rob Neilson, Film Producer and Event Producer of FTX WEST. "Instead of asking participants to spend thousands of dollars each to travel to Hollywood or attend conferences, we are bringing these key executives and speakers to Vancouver."

Also participating in FTX WEST on the trade show side will be companies such as Sony, Technicolor, Apple, Panasonic, Sennheiser, Eyeon Software, Panavision, Arri, Canon and other well-known equipment providers and manufacturers from across the world.

Passes to the conference, trade show, and Great Canadian PitchFest are available either ‘a la carte’ or in ‘combo’ and ‘all access’ passes, ranging from $10 to attend the trade show and $65 to attend conference seminars, to $295 for a PitchFest pass, or $995 for an “All-access pass” with unlimited access to all the parties, lunches and the three full days of training in addition to the PitchFest itself on Sunday Oct 15th.

For information on FTX WEST and the Great Canadian PitchFest please visit www.ftxwest.com or phone 604-873-0277 or Toll Free 1 866-320-EXPO (3976).

If you have ideas or scripts for TV shows or movies, or you need an Agent or Manager, you need to attend this event!

Outstanding organization, roster of companies and general atmosphere of the whole event. You have perfected the whole concept of a PitchFest. - Anthea Sibert

It was the best one I've ever attended. The lines were short, and there were more people to pitch to than I had time for. – Jim Curtis

This event was started by a group of writers and producers dedicated to helping others to get their scripts and ideas produced. Your success is also ours, and we are very proud to have helped many of our participants to achieve this. If you are serious about your craft, and selling a screenplay, make this your year for screenwriting success!

Tickets and Information for the Great Canadian PitchFest are available at www.ftxwest.com or by calling Marcy Schacter at 1-866-320-EXPO (3976).

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Marcy Schacter
604-873-0277 or 604-999-6532
Email : marcy@ftxwest.com

www.pitchfest.com