WIFT-T Launches the Warner Bros. Entertainment Banff Mentorship Award Program and Call for Applications
Application forms are available from the WIFT-T website at www.wift.com
(Toronto, January 16, 2003) Women in Film and Television - Toronto (WIFT-T), is pleased to announce the new annual Warner Bros. Entertainment Banff Mentorship Award program. The program is presented by WIFT-T in partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment (Canada) Inc. and in association with the Banff Television Festival.
This national program gives one talented Canadian female producer or director the invaluable opportunity to prepare for attending the 2003 Banff Television Festival, through an intensive three-month Market Mentorship and Festival Bursary. The Banff experience will be comprehensive, allowing the Award winner to take full advantage of the business and creative opportunities available at this world class festival.
The Warner Bros. Entertainment Banff Mentorship Award will include:
- One-on-one coaching with top industry executives to develop a market-driven project and pitch
- Complimentary Festival registration, airfare and accommodations
- Festival pitch meetings and on-site support
- Guidance for post-Festival follow-up
"This Award is an important step in implementing WIFT-T's new Strategic Plan," comments WIFT-T President Kate Hanley. "We are here to help professionals to succeed in Canada's global entertainment business. It is partners like Warner Bros. Entertainment and the Banff Festival that make it possible."
"Today's festivals and markets are competitive and daunting for even the most confident new talent," explains Dianne Schwalm, Senior Vice President, Advertising & Publicity, Warner Bros. Entertainment (Canada) Inc. "Success or failure can depend as much on approach and marketing 'know-how' as raw ability. Warner Bros. Canada is thrilled to participate in this program, which will offer a meaningful mentorship opportunity with senior guidance, and deliver the targeted marketing skills that are essential if talented women are to advance their projects to the next level."
Executive Producer, Kit Redmond will act as this year's lead mentor, bringing an impressive slate of media experience to the market mentorship program. The president of her own successful creative consulting and development firm, Ms. Redmond was most recently Senior Manager of Independent Production for the Canadian speciality service Women's Television Network, where she supervised the creative development of the network's original production.
A special award presentation will take place during the evening Tribute! celebrations on June 10, 2003. "The Banff Television Festival has become a key forum for the development of producers and directors in Canada and internationally," says Banff Television Festival President and CEO, Pat Ferns. "The Festival is pleased to be part of this new annual Award. It will provide invaluable assistance to emerging female talent in Canada."
The Warner Bros. Entertainment Banff Mentorship Award program is a national initiative and open to emerging Canadian female producers and directors working in television drama or documentary. The Deadline for Applications is February 17, 2003. Eligibility criteria, full guidelines and application forms are available from the WIFT-T website at www.wift.com. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of industry representatives with final decisions announced by March 7, 2003.
Women in Film and Television - Toronto is a leading internationally affiliated industry organisation that recognises, trains and advances women in screen-based media. WIFT-T offers a year-round slate of skills development, networking and industry awards, providing the tools to succeed in Canada's global entertainment industry. In operation for 19 years, WIFT-T serves over 700 women and men in Canadian screen-based media, connecting them to close to 10,000 leading film, television and new media professionals world-wide.
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