Industry Day 5
Friday March 28 | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
CFF Industry Panel:
PITCHING THE UNKNOWN: How to Sell & Craft Your Unscripted Show
How do you pitch a show when you don’t know exactly how the story will unfold? Whether it’s a documentary feature, reality series, or lifestyle show, selling unscripted content requires a unique approach—one that balances a strong concept with flexibility for real-world developments.
This panel brings together seasoned producers, network executives, and unscripted filmmakers to break down the art of pitching and creating the unknown. Learn how to craft a compelling vision, define your format, showcase access to key subjects, and anticipate potential story arcs—even when the outcome is uncertain.
Featuring:
Billie Mintz, Journalist/Documentary Filmmaker, Gold Bars: Who the F*ck is Uncle Ludwig?
12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
CFF Industry Showcase:
2025 YOU-CAN-PITCH COMPETITION
Sponsored by Rhombus Media, Shaftesbury, and DGC Ontario
Co-presented by Black Screen Office, POV Film, and Reelworld Film Festival
Join us for an exciting live pitch competition where five finalists will take the stage to present their film projects to a panel of top industry experts, competing for their chance to win an exclusive prize pack worth $25,000 of in-kind project-building prizes and development cash! Watch as these directors and teams pitch their ideas in real time, receiving insightful feedback from key decision-makers who shape the future of film and television.This high-energy event is both an insider’s look at the pitching process and a showcase of emerging talent. Don’t miss your chance to see the future of Canadian film in the making!
Mentors:
Shawn Gerrard, Director, Jane, Space & Time
Duane Crichton, Writer/Director, Home, Murdoch Mysteries
Cory Bowles, Director, Black Cop, Diggstown
Panel Jury:
RT Thorne, Director, 40 Acres,The Porter
Floyd Kane, Director/Producer, Diggstown, Across the Line
Carolyn Mauricette, Director of Canadian Programming, Fantasia International Film Festival
Hilary Hart, Co-President, Game Theory Films
Alan Bacchus, Business Affairs Consultant/Producer, New Metric Media