Canada’s premier television event is getting a facelift. Robert Montgomery, CEO of the Banff Television Festival, says producers and broadcasters can expect a more integrated business focus, with increased pitching opportunities, one-on-one sessions, greater participation from emerging talent, and additional screenings for Banff 2005.

The festival has also done away with its day-by-day genre structure and added discounts for first-timers.

‘We want to keep the core elements of Banff, but we’re trying to make the experience richer by making sure it offers better value for the investment, and is more useful for people and their businesses,’ says Montgomery. The fest runs June 12-15, 2005.

Banff 2005’s overall theme, ‘The Future of Television,’ will be reflected in forward-looking events and sessions intended to help producers adapt to a rapidly changing marketplace.

‘Everything we do has to be about moving ahead,’ says Montgomery. ‘Going forward, what are the issues that are going to impact producers and broadcasters as the industry evolves? What do they need to be ready for, and what are some new opportunities they need to avail themselves of?’

In past years, Banff has been broken down into genres, with one day set aside for each of drama, documentary and children’s programming. Based on feedback from the industry, Montgomery says genre-specific events will now be spread throughout the festival.

‘If you were involved in one of those genres and you were busy that day you missed it,’ he explains. ‘We’ve taken a stream approach whereby we program different events and sessions relating to specific areas of interest throughout the course of the festival, so [delegates] can plan their Banff experience in a more logical way.’

Emerging talent will also get a break this year. Montgomery credits Kevin DeWalt, CEO of Regina-based prodco Minds Eye Entertainment, for helping to encourage more participation from rookies by suggesting that the festival offer discounted rates to first-time attendees, discounts which will be in effect for Banff 2005. In addition, first-time festival-goers can attend training and pitching events designed with the National Screen Institute to reflect the specific needs of emerging talent.

Banff 2005 will also offer more pitching opportunities and an increased screening schedule. Four pitching events are on the sked so far, as well as one-on-one sessions throughout the festival, including Face to Face, meetings between producers and broadcasters; and Peer to Peer, which offers producers opportunities to meet with potential coproducing partners.