Creative Screen Business Summit

Take your film and television project pitch to the next level with 1-on-1 feedback from industry veteran Kevin Wright. Designed to help you convey your ideas in a concise, persuasive manner, these sessions provide expert guidance directly from the decision-maker's perspective.

About the Reviewer Kevin Wright (Principal of The Optimal Pitch) brings over 30 years of screen-based media experience, having commissioned 60+ television series and evaluated thousands of pitches. His executive background spans major networks and organizations including Astral Television Networks (HBO Canada, Family Channel), Teletoon, YTV, and Telefilm Canada.

Session Guidelines & Pitch Format

• 15-Minute Sessions: Each selected applicant receives a focused 1-on-1 session to pitch and receive direct feedback.
• Verbal Pitches Only: Pitches must be strictly verbal. No pitch decks, slides, or video presentations will be permitted.
• 3 to 4 Minute Limit: Your pitch must be kept under 4 minutes to ensure ample time for feedback and discussion.

How to Apply

• Application Only: Applications will be evaluated, and only select projects will be chosen to participate.
• Limited Capacity: Spots are strictly limited to ensure focused feedback.
• No Walk-Ups: Sessions are by appointment only.

These sessions will take place on Saturday, September 26, in the afternoon.

APPLY NOW! >>

Elevate your video game pitch with targeted, 1-on-1 feedback from industry strategist Lauren Hunter. Built for developers and studios looking to refine their core concept into a compelling commercial hook, this session delivers actionable advice directly from an experienced publisher’s viewpoint.

About the Reviewer Lauren Hunter (Publishing Director at Digital Ronin) brings extensive experience across the video game development spectrum, spanning indie startups, virtual production, and AAA publishers. Her expertise encompasses game production, publishing strategy, and supporting studios of all sizes to successfully bring their titles to market.

Session Guidelines & Pitch Format

• 15-Minute Sessions: Each selected applicant receives a focused 1-on-1 session to pitch and receive direct feedback.
• Verbal Pitches Only: Pitches must be strictly verbal. No pitch decks, slides, or video presentations will be permitted.
• 3 to 4 Minute Limit: Your pitch must be kept under 4 minutes to ensure ample time for feedback and discussion.

How to Apply

• Application Only: Applications will be evaluated, and only select projects will be chosen to participate.
• Limited Capacity: Spots are strictly limited to ensure focused feedback.
• No Walk-Ups: Sessions are by appointment only.

These sessions will take place on Saturday, September 26, in the morning.

APPLY NOW! >>

Meet our industry professionals one-on-one and get personalized answers to your burning questions! Select speakers will be available for quick, high-impact 10-minute slots.

Please Note: These sessions are individual Q&A opportunities—they are not intended as pitch sessions.

How It Works & Important Guidelines

• Pre-Registration Encouraged: Reserve your spot early! Only a limited number of walk-up slots will be available on-site depending on demand.
• Booking Limits: Attendees may book up to 4 total time slots. You may only book 1 slot per professional, and cannot book overlapping time slots.
• Schedule Adjustments: Selected times are requested slots. Organizers reserve the right to shift or consolidate session times slightly to prevent schedule gaps. Your final confirmed schedule will be printed on your event badge!

These sessions will take place on Friday, September 25, in the afternoon.

See Registration Desk for more info

Wrap up your conference experience in style! Join us as we celebrate two days of learning and mark the 40th anniversary of the Edmonton International Film Festival.

Closing Reception & 40th Anniversary Celebration

When: Saturday, September 26 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Where: The Banquet (ICE District)

What to Expect: Complimentary snacks, drinks, bowling, and casual networking with fellow attendees and industry peers.

No conference pass needed to attend, this event is open to all!

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Get the essential facts on Alberta’s competitive production incentives straight from the source. Representatives from the Government of Alberta present a comprehensive breakdown of the Alberta Media Fund and the Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC). Learn about eligibility criteria, application processes, and how to maximize local incentives to finance your next screen-based project in the province.

Presenters

• Amber Goldney - Program Consultant, Alberta Media Fund, Government of Alberta
• Kristina Pappas - Program Consultant, Alberta Media Fund, Government of Alberta
• Jared Huston - Manager, Film and Television Tax Credit, Government of Alberta
• Nona Nanninga - Senior Program Advisor, Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) Program - Government of Alberta

Our presenters for this session would like to tailor their discussion directly around audience input. Please consider submitting your questions ahead of time to help guide the conversation. Please submit them here.

Whether you’re founding a game studio, launching an indie film production, or building digital-first content, early legal missteps can kill a project before it launches. Legal experts explore the shared fundamentals across film, television and interactive media, highlighting critical best practices to adopt and classic traps to avoid. Key topics include IP ownership rights, co-founder agreements, licensing pitfalls, and contract fundamentals every startup must master.

Presenters

• William Su - Barrister and Solicitor, Nicol Law
• Gregory Pang - Lawyer, RedFrame Law
• Chris Zelyas - Partner, Dentons
• Moderated by Dorian Rowe (Film Commissioner, Edmonton Screen)

Building a sustainable video game studio means balancing creative ambition with intense operational and financial pressures. In this candid discussion, veteran studio leaders pull back the curtain on what it takes to establish, scale, and maintain a studio in today’s evolving games market. From securing initial funding and managing team culture to navigating publisher relationships and market volatility, learn the reality behind game development leadership and strategies to make it a success.

Presenters

• Trent Oster - CEO, Beamdog
• Chris Bain - Chief Financial Officer, Arcanaut Studios
• Moderated by Pierre Moisan (Senior Advisor Creative Industries, CEIM)

Join director Chris Carter (The X-Files) and producer Grace Gilroy (The X-Files, Bride of Chucky) for a look behind the scenes of their latest project, Queens for a Day. This panel explores the process of bringing a complex vision to life, from navigating industry shifts and overcoming production hurdles to building enduring careers in media.
Presenters

• Grace Gilroy - Producer, Queens for a Day Productions
• Chris Carter - Director/Producer, Queens for a Day Productions
• Moderated by Luke Azevedo (CEO, Edmonton Screen)

Navigating public broadcaster partnerships is a game-changer for emerging filmmakers and digital creators. This practical session explores CBC's dedicated pathways for local talent, comparing the fast-paced, digital-first mandate of The Creator Network with the long-form broadcast and streaming opportunities offered by Absolutely Canadian. CBC decision-makers outline eligibility requirements, pitch formats, funding mechanics, and what it takes to turn a local story into national screen content.

Presenters

• Sheila Peacock - CBC Executive in Charge of Independent Productions, BC & Alberta
• Ethan Sawyer - Producer, CBC Creator Network & Absolutely Canadian, BC & Alberta
• Chanel Klein - Associate Producer, CBC Creator Network

Join Kevin Wright (former SVP Programming, The Movie Network, HBO Canada, Family Channel) as he presents How to Deliver the Optimal Pitch. Wright has commissioned over sixty television series and heard thousands of pitches over his thirty plus years in broadcast. This one-of-a-kind session reveals practical tips and insights on pitching from the Decision Maker’s POV.

Wright will demonstrate how to make your pitch strong, polished, and concise. Topics include:

• What is a pitch and what are the various types of pitches.
• How the Decision Maker evaluates you and your pitch.
• What are the attributes of an effective pitch and how to achieve them.
• What is the roadmap for a formal pitch and how to navigate it.

Whether you’re new to pitching or an old pro, How to Deliver the Optimal Pitch will show you the best way to create and deliver a concise and compelling pitch.

Presenter

Kevin Wright - Principal, The Optimal Pitch

Discover how to partner with Canada’s public producer to fund, produce, and distribute impactful non-fiction stories. In this session, NFB Producer Coty Savard outlines how the Western Documentary Unit supports regional filmmakers—from co-productions and development labs to post-production resources. Learn what projects fit the NFB’s mandate and how to pitch your documentary idea effectively.

Presenter

Coty Savard - Producer, Creation and Innovation, National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

Storytelling is one of the strongest tools for preserving heritage, bridging cultural divides, and inspiring change. In this keynote conversation, Cree communicator, educator, and producer Lewis Cardinal reflects on the role screen media plays in shaping cultural narrative and identity. Drawing from decades of leadership in community building, education, and media production, Cardinal explores how authentic, sovereign storytelling can reclaim hidden histories, foster cross-cultural understanding, and empower future generations of creators across linear and digital platforms.

Presenter

• Lewis Cardinal - Producer, Red Earth Blue Sky Productions
• Moderated by Bonnie Thompson (Producer, Dreaming Bird Productions)

Step into the driver’s seat for a live indie game launch - will you reach your destination or drive the car off a cliff? In this ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ session, you and your fellow audience members vote on every critical decision, from scouting a title and reviewing milestones to navigating the maze of console release. Experience firsthand just how much work goes into shipping a game on top of making the game itself and steer your project to a successful release candidate - or face game over! Your guide for this session, Lauren, shares the ups and downs of her six years publishing experience with indie teams at Square Enix and working on client projects at a small independent studio before that.

Presenter

Lauren Hunter - Publishing Director, Digital Ronin

Generative AI is reshaping game development, from code generation and procedural asset creation to narrative scripting. However, integrating AI tools creates complex legal questions around copyright, training data liabilities, and intellectual property ownership. In this session, we explore how developers and game studios can safely navigate AI adoption. Learn key legal strategies for protecting original game assets, establishing clear chain of title, and maintaining commercial IP rights when leveraging AI technologies in your production pipeline.

Presenter

William Su - Barrister and Solicitor, Nicol Law

Standing out on PC and console digital storefronts requires a synchronized go-to-market plan. This practical session breaks down the mechanics of turning player interest into measurable wishlists and sales. Discover how to edit gameplay trailers that convert, leverage built-in Steam algorithm tools and festivals, and pitch content creators effectively. Learn actionable strategies to align video assets, storefront optimization, and influencer outreach into a cohesive launch campaign.

Presenter

Jerome Labelle - Game Trailer Editor, Elderwood Animation Studio

Deciding between self-publishing and partnering with an established publisher is one of the most critical crossroad decisions an indie developer will make. This panel unpacks the trade-offs, financial models, and strategic realities of both paths in today's games market. Industry veterans examine everything from funding structures, marketing support, and platform access to royalty splits, creative autonomy, and IP ownership. Gain practical insights on how to evaluate publisher pitch offers, manage self-publishing risks, and choose the distribution strategy that aligns with your studio's long-term goals.

Presenters

• Pierre Moisan - Senior Advisor Creative Industries, CEIM
• Arneh Khatchatourians - Director, Business & Corporate Development, Kabam Games
• Moderated by Jen Laface (Founder, Only by Midnight)

Leading a video game studio requires balancing creative ambition with the daily realities of team management. This panel explores the core leadership skills needed to build and sustain a high-performing development team. Industry leaders break down strategies for integrating freelance contractors, mentoring entry-level and junior developers, and maintaining clear communication across multi-disciplinary disciplines. Discover practical methods for resolving production bottlenecks, fostering studio culture, and keeping cross-functional teams aligned under tight project timelines.

Presenters

• Arthur Protasio - Founder & CEO, Fableware
• Mark Darrah - CEO, Triage Games
• Kaelin Lavallee - Studio Founder & Writer, Studio Reset
• Moderated by Ronnie Villanueva (Digital Media and Technology Specialist, Edmonton Screen)