revamps set-up

Montreal: There are major changes right down the line at this year’s Montreal International Film, TV and Video Market. The market is replacing the open floor stands of past years with a co-ordination office format and has expanded to a full 12 days, running parallel to the Montreal World Film Festival, Aug. 25 to Sept. 5.

wff market delegate Mario Fortin says the new information and co-ordination office will be located adjacent to the popular reception bar area in the Meridien Hotel (which also houses the video golfing facility) and on the same floor as an expanded St-Ambroise Hospitality Suite.

Complaints from many sellers who sat and waited in their kiosks while clients attended screenings or sat at the bar was the main reason for the change in format.

Kiosks were also expensive, costing $2,000 or more in past years, but accreditation is only $250 and allows permit holders to attend all festival screenings, excluding the opening and closing galas.

The market office will feature an on-line computer service listing the names of companies and individuals at the market, including actors, directors and producers attending the festival, and, for the first time, film and tv product represented at the market. A screening facility for the exclusive use of Canadian television programming is also part of this year’s setup, as are several multiformat video screening booths.

The downtown Meridien complex is connected to a multiplex theater equipped for both 16mm and 35mm screenings. Fortin says one of the theaters has been reserved from Aug. 28 to Sept. 3 for Canadian films. Otherwise, a theater can be rented for $100 an hour.

According to Fortin, registration is running ahead of last year when 700, including 269 buyers, attended the six-day event.

Early market confirmations for 1994 include: from France, arte, Canal + and France 2; from Canada, Alliance International, Malofilm International, Cinepix (C/FP Distribution) and Norstar International; and from the u.s., Angelika Films International, Beyond International, Fineline and New Line Cinema, Full Moon Entertainment, Gaga America (the American affiliate of a major Japanese distribution company), Home Box Office, MDP Worldwide (Mark Damon’s new operation), Miramax and Buena Vista International.

Canadian film agencies attending the market include Telefilm Canada, sogic, the Ontario Film Development Corporation and British Columbia Film, which will feature an interactive screening room.

Fortin also expects a strong contingent from Latin and South American countries including Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Chile and Mexico.

The deadline for listings in the wff market guide is Aug. 1.