Banff Media Festival Introduces Deal Makers Live
New to the Banff World Media Festival this year is Deal Makers Live, a new pitch competition and market simulation reflecting the realities of creating, selling and making shows in 2011 that will see eight finalists pitch their concept, winning audience and judge approval. The competition is open to industry veterans, emerging producers, writers, digital thinkers – anyone who thinks they can deliver a great elevator pitch and then, if selected by the audience, hold their own in a 15-minute creative meeting with major international content gatekeepers. One gifted participant will win top marks and be named Ultimate Deal Maker in this exciting new live format, created by Allan Novak and co-produced with AllScreen Entertainment.
The eight finalists will be selected based on their response to the competition’s Creative Brief (PDF). The Brief lets you choose your own genre, star, brand partner and cross-platform approach from a short list of possibilities. These choices will form the backbone of the pitch, but turning these elements into a compelling project and selling it effectively is entirely up to the entrant. This pitch is not intended to become a real project, but is a vehicle to explore different ideas and approaches, and for the eight Deal Makers to show the audience and judges what they’ve got.
Jonathan Torrens will host the final event, when the eight pitchers will take the stage at Banff, going head-to-head in a high-profile, high-tech battle for the hearts and minds of both the expert panel and the live Banff audience.
With state-of-the-art surprises, world-class guests and exciting twists and turns along the way, Deal Makers Live promises to be an exhilarating race to the finish as the eight contestants are narrowed down to one final winner.
To format your entry, use the Creative Brief as your guide, completing the questions to create what will become your introductory pitch to the judges. Along with your entry, send the selection panel a short, one-minute video telling them why you should be chosen to present live on stage in the first ever Deal Makers Live Showcase. Show off your outstanding pitching style and creative prowess, and give the selection panel a taste of what the show’s judges and audience will be seeing on the pitching floor if you are selected. The panel has posted a sample entry form to get you started.
To enter the Deal Makers Live, you will need to create an account on the Banff World Media Festival site. Once your account is created, you can log in as necessary to revise your submission(s). In the case of multiple entries, you can share your user name and password with colleagues, so that others may also submit programs on behalf of the company.
Entries will be accepted until May 20th, 2011 and this competition is free to enter.
posted in Contests, Events, National News By: Tami | 
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