PEI Market Accelerator

PEI Market Accelerator 

FilmPEI in partnership with the Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit

 https://whistlerfilmfestival.com/talent/pei-market-accelerator/

The PEI Market Accelerator, presented in partnership with the Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit is an intensive multi-phase project development program designed to accelerate the careers of independent P.E.I.-based screenwriters and producers while developing their original narrative or factual projects.
Over the course of eight months, up to ten screenwriters and producers will work intensively with key media industry advisors and mentors in individual, group and market-oriented development sessions to expand creative and business skills, further develop narrative screenplays or factual concepts, and receive project-specific feedback to strengthen their ability to position their project for investment. The P.EI Market Accelerator offers unparalleled access to high-level industry experts from across Canada including senior producers, screenwriters, distributors, broadcasters, financiers and key decision-makers. Participants can expect to take part in case studies, one-on-one and small-group meetings with the facilitators and mentor(s) during both phases, and to participate in a pitch training session from a seasoned industry veteran. Screenwriters will receive workshops in screenwriting, and also work with story editors or documentary filmmakers. In addition, PEI Market Accelerator participants receive a heightened public profile through the Whistler Film Festival communications channels and community.
  • Phase I (October - March, 2024) - Participants take part in online creative and business workshop sessions designed to develop their projects and increase their knowledge of the business and creative aspects of the industry. Each session will be followed by project-specific ‘homework’ intended to further develop projects.
  • Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit (November 29 - December 3, 2023) - Participants will receive a complimentary Industry Pass (non-transferable) to the festival and summit. During the Whistler Film Festival and Content Summit, participants will have the opportunity to observe the market aspect of the festival and take part in the panel sessions.
  • Phase II (March - May, 2024) - Participants take part in online sessions focusing on market preparation, including an all-important pitching workshop. Participants can expect 8-10 online sessions ranging from one hour to 75 min. *Final Schedule will be determined once projects are selected to facilitate industry guests.
  • Phase III Final Deliverables and Reporting (Date TBD, 2024) - Participants will submit their final project deliverables and report on their program experience.
  • Market Opportunity - Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit (December, 2024) Participants may register for the Whistler Film Festival and Content Summit 2024 at a discounted rate. Participants have access to scheduled 1+1 Market Meetings to pitch their projects and take part in other Summit events and sessions.

Financial Assistance 

Companies and individuals may apply to InnovationPEI for marketing assistance to support attendance at the Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit. Participants looking for further financial assistance may apply to the FilmPEI Bursary Program. Please email info@filmpei.com for details.

Finalists are also encouraged to reach out to their provincial agencies as soon as possible when applying, for assistance with their travel costs. WFF can provide letters of acceptance and/or provide info on your behalf about the program benefits if required.

In addition to participation in the program, all participants will receive a Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit 2023 Industry Pass (non-transferable), which provides access to screenings, industry sessions and networking events during the Whistler Film Festival and Content Summit.

Key Dates                    PEI Market Accelerator

August 10, 2023                                          Applications  Open
August 29, 2023                                          Online Q&A
September 8, 2023                                    Application Deadline 5:00pm AST
September 29, 2023                                 Applicants Identified and notified
October 4, 2023                                           Participants Announced
October 12-15, 2023                                 Welcome/Intro Session @ Charlottetown Film Festival
October 2023 - March 2023                Phase I - Development & Training Workshops
November 29 - December 3, 2023   Whistler Film Festival & Content Summit (In-person)
March - May 2024                                       Phase II - Market Prep Workshops