Call for submissions: China Canada Gateway for Film Script Competition

The Whistler Film Festival and Telefilm Canada have announced the inaugural China Canada Gateway for Film Script Competition. This contest will allow for Canadian filmmaking teams to finance and co-produce a feature film in partnership with Chinese production companies. Up to $15 million in production financing is on the table.

Writer and producer teams (at least one of whom must be a Canadian citizen or resident) are asked to submit their info and story synopsis to the Whistler Film Festival by August 17. They are seeking potential films suitable for both the Chinese domestic and international markets.

Regional pitch sessions will then take place in the early fall. Up to 12 finalists will be selected from the regional pitch sessions by October 31 to come to the Whistler Film Festival and publicly present their story idea to the 3 Chinese production companies plus 2 to 5 international judges.

A workshop will take place on November 28, after which the finalists will have their pitch session on November 29. Up to three winners (though they have left open the potential for more) will be chosen to develop their projects further as a Co-Creation with China, leading to film production.

Winners are expected to receive an average budget level of $5 million per film.

“China is especially attractive to forge co-production deals, as it can help assure the distribution of films into the massive Chinese marketplace,” says Harry Sutherland, Chair of WFFS’ China Canada Gateway For Film® Committee. “An initiative of this magnitude and scope has never been done before. The entire film world is looking for ways to develop relationships and growth opportunities with China and this initiative does just that.”

Sheila de la Varende, Director Industry Promotion for Telefilm Canada, added: “We are proud to support the Whistler Film Festival in this initiative. Developing the Chinese market is a key component of our corporate strategy to build audiences for Canadian productions and to stimulate private financing partnerships. We are confident that the Gateway will be instrumental in building partnerships between Canadian and Chinese industries.”

“Congratulations to the Whistler Film Festival for supporting a great opportunity to help Canadian script writers break into China’s huge, dynamic film industry," said British Columbia's Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong. "The script competition, supported by the B.C. provincial government with $50,000, will add yet another exciting component to this year’s festival in Whistler.”

To read more information and to submit online, click here:
https://www.withoutabox.com/03film/03t_fin/03t_fin_fest_01dead.php?festview=&category_id=19460

http://whistlerfilmfestival.com/