Creative Saskatchewan has partnered with the Whistler Film Festival (WFF) to launch an intensive development program for Saskatchewan-based producers.

The WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator will provide up to six local producers with an eight-month program of workshops, mentorship sessions, and complimentary access to the 2023 WFF in December. It includes access to distributors and financiers, with participants each paired with an experienced producer as an advisor.

The program is eligible to Saskatchewan producers in development on an original scripted or unscripted project that they own the rights to, and has strong market potential, according to the Creative Saskatchewan website.

There are a total of three phases of the accelerator, with the initial phase running from June to September through approximately 10 to 12 online workshops dedicated to developing projects and helping producers increase their business knowledge of the screen industry. The workshops are followed by individual mentorship sessions.

Phase two runs in October and November, with a pitching workshop to prepare for WFF and four to six sessions dedicated to preparations for the content market. This phase culminates in the attendance of WFF, where participants will receive one-on-one meetings and access to panels. Finally, phase three sees participants receive feedback from mentors on their projects.

Accelerator participants are also eligible to apply for WFF’s annual Power Pitch Competition. The WFF23 Saskatchewan Market Accelerator application deadline is April 11.

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