ANNOUNCING the 2013 INCUBATOR PROGRAM
Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO of CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution (CTWD), the region’s premier film marketing and distribution entity, this week announced that eleven (11) of the Caribbean Diaspora’s most promising filmmakers will participate in CTWD’s highly effective Market Incubator Program that will take place as part of the 8th Annual CaribbeanTales Toronto Film Showcase. The Incubator will be held from Sept 3-8th at the University of Toronto.
Now in its fourth year, the Program brings together established producers and mentors from Canada and the Caribbean Region who will school Caribbean content creators in the all-important packaging and marketing of films. The “Class of 2013” includes many of the hottest current and emerging filmmakers from around the Caribbean Diaspora, some of whom have already enjoyed significant success. They are:
Participants: (click HERE for individual profiles)
Sayta Collymore (Barbados); Michael Mooleedhar (Trinidad and Tobago); Aiko Roudette (St. Vincent); Akley Olten (St. Vincent); Shashi Balooja (Antigua); Sonia Godding- Togobo (Canada); Motion Live (Canada); Christopher Pinheiro (Canada); Karen Chapman (Canada); Princess Simone Donelan (Grenada). Filmmaker Dominique Telemaque (Haiti/Dominican Republic) has been awarded the first CaribbeanTales Tapscott scholarship.
“This dynamic group is a testament to the growing strength of talent out there.” said Solomon, adding “We also welcome returnees who, armed with experience, can mentor newcomers as we build a global community.”
Since its inception 4 years ago during the Toronto International Film Festival, the Incubator has proven its value as a stepping stone to the global marketplace for Caribbean producers and content. Alumni have achieved wide acclaim including Ian Harnarine Doubles With Slight Pepper (CT Incubator 2010) which won Best Canadian Short at TIFF 2011 and the Genie for Best Live Action Film in 2012. Chris Browne’s Ghetta Life (CT Incubator 2011), also opened on theatrical release across Canada and internationally last year.
This year’s Program which includes 11 projects from 7 countries and 2 continents, will use a peer mentoring approach to match filmmakers and mentors in order to hone and position projects for the international market. The 7-day Intensive culminates with a Pitching Breakfast, when industry repsresentatives are enticed to attend and offer feedback in exchange for a delicious Caribbean breakfast at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Rita Deverell
The 2013 Faculty of Mentors is headed by Festival Director and CEO of CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution Frances-Anne Solomon and co-managed by Playwright, Journalist and Broadcaster, Rita Deverell as well as Producer/Director/Writer Nicole Brooks who will also serve as the Program’s Facilitator. They will be supported by a stellar team of guest specialists who will not only give guidance and their unique perspectives on making a significant contribution to the industry, but also offer personal career development and guidance to the participants.
2013 Guest Mentors: (click HERE for individual profiles)
Christopher Laird, Filmmaker, Founder/CEO of Banyan Productions and Gayelle The Channel, and Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (Trinidad and Tobago);
Suzette Zayden, Writer, Founder/Director of the Belize International Film Festival and facilitator of the Belize Film Commission (Belize)
Manuel Canales, CEO of Win HD Caribbean
Floyd Kane, Writer, Producer and Gemini nominee for musical drama “Soul.” (Canada)
Rodney Smith, Co-creator/writer, cinematographer, editor, director and producer of Dominion – the web-series(Canada)
The CaribbeanTales Incubator Program is supported this year by the Governments of Canada – through Telefilm Canada’s “Canadian Talent” promotion program; Trinidad and Tobago – through the TT Film Company, and Saint. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda, through their Tourism Offfices in Toronto.. The program is also funded by generous donations to the CaribbeanTales Scholarship Fund, which stands committed to supporting emerging artists.
For more information about the Incubator Program, the Film Showcase, its Schedule, and to attend the pitching breakfast at TIFF, please visit: http://caribbeantales-events.com or call 416 598 1410.
