The Banff World Television Festival isn't simply a learning and networking opportunity for those in the television industry. Last year, more than $644 million in business deals were made at the four-day event, which takes place in a spectacular setting at the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel surrounded by the Rocky Mountains of Banff National Park.
This year's 29th annual festival occurs from June 8-11, bringing creators, program buyers, network development executives, and distribution companies from around the world together at seminars, panels, and pitching opportunities, including competitions with development money at stake.
The keynote speech by Richard Florida, author of Where's My City and The Rise of the Creative Class, will launch Banff 2008 with his ideas on how creativity is revolutionizing the global economy.
Panel sessions include topics such as global distribution, casting for reality TV, "green" television, creating the next hit format, and landing a US deal.
"Master Classes" feature prominent television creative professionals discussing their process, including Hart Hanson of Bones, Stephanie Savage of Gossip Girl, Craig Wright of Dirty Sexy Money, Michael Poryes of Hannah Montana, Jason Katims of Friday Night Lights, Doug Ellin of Entourage, Alan Poul of Swingtown, and Steve Audette of Bush's War.
"In Conversation With" and "Appointment TV" sessions delve into the decision-making of high-profile executives such as and television personalities, including actor Kim Cattrall.
New this year are two programming streams. "The Biz" explores legal and business issues involved in television production. "The Craft" provides workshop-style sessions breaking down the creative process of making television. Martin Wood, writer, producer, and director of Sanctuary, will discuss the evolution of that web-based series from inception to the upcoming leap to television. David Hoselton, co-producer and writer for House, will lead participants through the story editing process of taking a concept from outline to shooting script. Jeff Greenstein and Kevin Murphy, writers and producers on Desperate Housewives, will share their thoughts on creating a good script.
Besides the learning and business opportunities, the Festival honours international television excellence with the Banff World Television Awards, popularly known as the Rockies. With over 900 entries from 44 countries, this year's Rockies will be announced on Monday, June 9.
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