EFP, OMDC and TIFF(R) launch next PRODUCERS LAB TORONTO

After a successful launch in 2010, the feature film networking and co-production program PRODUCERS LAB TORONTO (PLT) is scheduled to be held again during the Toronto International Film Festival®, running from September 7-10, 2011.

Created by European Film Promotion (EFP) in collaboration with the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) and the Toronto International Film Festival® (TIFF), the platform encourages European and Canadian producers to partner on film projects with a high artistic, as well as commercial, value. The MEDIA Mundus program of the European Union has again confirmed financial support for the program.

During TIFF® 2010 a select group of 24 European and Canadian producers gathered in Toronto for the three-day event to exchange knowledge and ideas with the aim of collaborating on future projects. PLT capitalized on the significant presence of the international film industry attending TIFF® to provide a unique forum for participants and their projects. Activities consisted of meetings, pitching sessions, case studies and roundtables, along with VIP networking events.

As participant Jennifer Jonas (New Real Films, Toronto - "Trigger") observed, the program was world class: "Having participated in other events like this, I can state from experience that the level of discourse at PRODUCERS LAB TORONTO 2010 was the highest I've experienced. It was a real producers' lab in the truest sense, where producers are able to interact in a dynamic fashion."

European producer Martina Niland (Samson Films, Ireland - "Once") agreed that it was a highly-productive session: "PRODUCERS LAB TORONTO was one of the most enjoyable, intensive, informative and useful few days I have had the pleasure to participate in."

Last year's session has already resulted in one co-production agreement being signed, and feedback indicates that a lively exchange between the continents has begun, with the producers remaining in contact, comparing notes on projects and exploring ways to work together.

To be eligible for PRODUCERS LAB TORONTO, participants must be experienced in international co-productions and already have projects in the pipeline which - both creatively and financially - could fit the profile for a European/Canadian partnership.

The 24 producers invited to take part in 2011 PRODUCERS LAB TORONTO will be selected by July, following a call for submissions to be launched later this month. On the European side, the program is open to former participants from the past 11 years of EFP's acclaimed Cannes-based program PRODUCERS ON THE MOVE. The 12 producers from Canada will be selected by OMDC and TIFF® from an open call for submissions.

For further information, please visit

• Producers Lab Toronto
  
• http://www.efp-online.com/en/news/2011/04/www.omdc.on.ca
• http://www.efp-online.com/en/news/2011/04/www.tiff.net

   

PRODUCERS LAB TORONTO is supported by the MEDIA Mundus program of the European Union and the participating EFP member organisations. Moreover, the event is supported by the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) and the Toronto International Film Festival® (TIFF). In addition, EFP's promotion and PR activities are backed by the Centre National de la Cinématographie et de l'image animée (CNC). The Hamburg-based office is supported by the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) and the Ministry of Culture and Media of the City of Hamburg.