The people behind Riverdale and Better Call Saul will be at this VIFF event

Vancouver is the city creatives call home.

It’s dubbed Hollywood North after all. So it makes sense that the movie industry will be celebrated at the 36th annual Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).

This year’s VIFF takes place from September 28 to October 13. And throughout the festival you’ll get to experience some of the best cinema from around the world, plus a series of talks, panels, live shows, and more, all centred on the screen-based storytelling industry.

But there’s one thing you don’t want to miss – Totally Indie Day.

Presented by STORYHIVE, a community-powered funding program for emerging content creators in BC and Alberta, the dynamic one-day event is taking place on October 7, set to provide real insights and hands-on advice from experienced film industry pros and rising new talent.

You can go along to Totally Indie Day to hear from this year’s trending writers and directors, find out about new platforms for distribution, get insider tips from the writers’ rooms of some of the hottest TV shows around, find out about the world of podcasting, and hear the most amazing success stories of key creatives.

Tickets to the event are on sale now via VIFF and you have three ticket options available to you: a Morning Session pass ($75), an Afternoon Session pass ($95), or an All Day pass ($125).

Topics you’ll get to enjoy on Totally Indie Day include: 

• Moving Forward with Inclusivity, 9 to 10 am

Experts in filmmaking will join together for a discussion about how meaningful diversity and inclusion transforms their ways of working, both in their organizations and on set. Guests include Emily Best, founder and CEO of Seed&Spark, writer/director of Android Employed, Jem Garrard, plus many more.

• In the Writers’ Room, 10:15 to 11:15 am

Hear TV writers share their inspiration and thoughts about having a voice in the writers’ room. You’ll find out how to break a story and lessons to be learned along the way. Guests include writer/executive producer of Riverdale, Michael Grassi, and writer/executive producer of Better Call Saul, Thomas Schnauz, among others.

• Digital Storytelling Platforms, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Find out about the various platforms available for content creators. This includes everything from YouTube, CBC Digital and STORYHIVE, to Vimeo, and Cracked. Guests like Winston Rowntree, the creator of people Watching, and executive producer of CBC Digital, Chris Harris, will delve into the state of the online market, plus benefits and drawbacks when it comes to digital storytelling platforms.

• Innovations in Storytelling, 1:30 to 2:30 pm

Guest speakers will talk about the new innovations in storytelling including 360º, VR and podcasting. So if you’re an emerging filmmaker then you really don’t want to miss this. Additionally, you’ll get to hear from the likes of VICE Canada’s general manager, Nina Sudra and Kyle Gest, creator of The Lapse Storytelling Podcast.

• A Day in the Life, 2:45 to 3:45 pm

This session takes a look behind the scenes with creatives from the new Netflix horror series Ghost Wars as they share their combined effort in transforming a show into visual magic.

• Trending Now, 4 to 5 pm

Three “auteurs” (writer-directors) will be sharing their insights into the special challenges and opportunities that come with taking on this most demanding of dual roles. Guests include Kathleen Hepburn, of Never Steady, Never Still, Kyle Rideout of Public Schooled, and Mina Shum of Meditation Park.

Make sure to snap up your tickets to Totally Indie Day soon to avoid missing out on this highly-anticipated film extravaganza.

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STORYHIVE offers production grants and distribution opportunities for filmmakers, musicians, storytellers and creators in BC and Alberta. They tell stories, create art, and make careers happen. Learn more at storyhive.com.

For more information, check out STORYHIVE’s FAQ online. To get the latest updates and to stay in the know visit STORYHIVE on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Totally Indie Day – Vancouver International Film Festival 2017

When: October 8, 9 am to 6 pm

Where: Vancity Theatre – 1181 Seymour St, Vancouver

Price: $125 All Day pass | $75 Morning Session | $95 Afternoon Session – Tickets available  via VIFF