October 7, 1999 

Adventure Filmmakers' Seminar Returns to Banff

Back by popular demand, an all-day seminar for adventure filmmakers will be held in Banff on Friday, November 5 at The Banff Centre on the first day of the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which runs November 5 - 7.

Produced by the Banff Mountain Film Festival and the Banff Television Festival, the event, now in its second year, will feature a small (registration is limited to 50 people), interactive and lively series of presentations and discussions that will explore the "pitching" process and the world of international financing for television.

"We're excited to be able to partner again with the Banff Television Festival after last year's success," says Bernadette McDonald, Director of The Banff Centre for Mountain Culture, the organization that produces the Banff Mountain Film Festival. "This is a unique opportunity for participants to learn from influential network decision-makers and successful independent producers."

Sessions include:

• Pitching the Concept
Moderated by Jim Byrd, Senior Vice President of the Banff Television Festival and former Vice President of the CBC, this seminar will explore a variety of elements necessary to make a successful pitch from how to obtain development money to what to do if the process falls part mid-stream. Panelists include Maryann Culpepper, Director of Story Development at National Geographic Television; and David Purdy, President of the Outdoor Life Network.

• Electronic Cinema - Who Benefits?
Michael J. Mooney, Director of Business and Market Development for Electrohome, will focus on the challenges, benefits and costs of the transition to electronic cinema, and what this new technology will mean for the independent filmmaker.

• Show Me the Money
Liesl Clark, an award-winning film producer and writer, will examine critical factors in seeking and negotiating funding. Clark was a member of the Everest IMAX film team and the 1999 Research Expedition team which this spring discovered the remains of 1920s mountaineer George Mallory high on Everest.

• Show Me the Money Round Table
Following up on Clark's presentation, a broader range of players will examin funding issues. Participants are: Moderator Bill Roberts, Secretary General of the North American Broadcasters Association; Liesl Clark, award-winning film producer and writer; Maryann Culpepper, Director of Story Development at National Geographic Television; David Purdy, President of the Outdoor Life Network; and Susan Cardinal, independent fiilmmaker.

Debra Hornsby, Marketing and Communications Manager,
  Mountain Culture, The Banff Centre
phone: 403-762-6446, fax: 403-762-6277,
email: debra_hornsby@banffcentre.ca
Web site: www.banffmountainfestivals.ca

The 24th Annual Banff Mountain Film Festival is presented by Eagle Creek Travel Gear, and sponsored by Moonstone/Gore, the National Geographic Society, Polartec, Salomon Footwear, Sierra Designs Outerwear, and Air Canada, with assistance from Ski Lake Louise, Electrohome and MountainZone.com.