Presented in partnership with:
Elevate your career in screen-based industries. Take part in two days of inspiring talks, networking, and skill-building to connect with industry leaders and expand your opportunities
Screen Summit 2025 is SOLD OUT!
Friday, March 21, 2025
Screen Summit 2025 Program
Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), 10 Daly Ave. (Level 3)
Doors open at 9:00 am
Networking Breakfast
9:15 am - 10:00 am, Alma Duncan Salon
This is an informal meet-and-greet breakfast. A different executive or industry professional will be at each table to receive career guidance, get feedback on your pitch or portfolio, inquire about funding programs, and more. Pre-register starting March 7th through the Screen Summit Meeting Planner.
Funding Foundations: How to Finance Your Creative Projects
Presented by Welch LLP
10:00 am - 11:00 am, Alma Duncan Salon
Join this informative panel to explore the essential steps to financing your project from concept to production. Tailored for creatives at all career levels, this session will provide valuable insights into the diverse funding options available in the film industry and strategies for securing support before cameras start rolling.
Speakers:
Erin Creasey, Director, Industry Development, Ontario Creates
Daniel Rodriguez, Producteur / Producer, Bell Fibe TV1
Ernest White II, Chief Executive Officer, Presidio Pictures
Penny McCann, Director, Filmmaker, Buses Don’t Stop Here Anymore
Moderator:
Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, Film Commissioner, Ottawa Film Office
In conversation with Karen Chapman
11:15 am - 12:15 pm, Alma Duncan Salon
Join award-winning filmmaker Karen Chapman as she shares insights from her journey of crafting impactful, story-driven films. An alumna of prestigious programs like the Canadian Film Centre’s Director’s Lab and TIFF Talent Lab, Chapman’s work—including Measure and Quiet Minds Silent Streets—has earned international acclaim. Her latest film, Village Keeper, screening at IFFO, was nominated for the 2024 Directors Guild of Canada Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film. Don’t miss this chance to hear from a director dedicated to storytelling that resonates.
Guest Speaker:
Karen Chapman, Director, Writer, Producer, Village Keeper
Interviewed by:
Rosey Ugo Edeh, Host of CTV Morning Live, Ottawa. Director, Writer, and Producer of the Documentary Oliver Jones: Mind Hand Heart. Founder of Micha Muse Media
One-on-one Meetings - Session 1/2
11:15 am - 12:15 pm, Arts Court Studio
Participants can pre-register for one-on-one meetings with any development executives, funding representatives or filmmakers to receive career guidance, pitch feedback, or meet other creatives. Pre-register starting March 7th through the Screen Summit Meeting Planner.
Lunch and Learn
Presented by Directors Guild of Canada in Ontario (DGC Ontario) and IATSE Local 634
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm, Alma Duncan Salon
Recharge with a catered lunch while expanding your industry knowledge in a relaxed setting. This informal Lunch and Learn features a short explanation from the Directors Guild of Canada in Ontario (DGC Ontario) about their membership offerings and a short introduction from IATSE Local 634 on the dynamics of working within a large film production crew.
Meet the Documentary Filmmakers
Presented by Affinity Production Group
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm, Alma Duncan Salon
Join a panel of seasoned documentary filmmakers as they share their journeys, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of independent filmmaking. Discover the unique challenges of capturing real-life narratives, the creative decisions that bring them to life, and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile. This is your opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the art and craft of factual storytelling.
Speakers:
Jamie Miller, short documentary filmmaker, Prince’s Tale
Hoda Elatawi, director So You Want to Be a Muslim, President/Producer, GAPC Entertainment Inc.
Joanne Robertson, Documentary Filmmaker, So Surreal: Behind the Masks So Surreal: Behind the Masks
Moderator:
Gayle Nakamoto-Jancewicz, Business Affairs Consultant/Professor, Affinity Production Group/Algonquin College
Introduction to the Directors Guild of Canada in Ontario
Presented by Directors Guild of Canada in Ontario (DGC Ontario)
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm, Alma Duncan Salon
Join us for a presentation from the Directors Guild of Canada in Ontario (DGC Ontario) who represent Directors, Assistant Directors, Production Managers, Location Managers, Production Designers and Art Directors, Accountants, Picture & Sound Editors, Post Production Supervisors and their respective departmental assistants. They’ll be discussing the benefits of joining the DGC, pathways into Membership, how to navigate working freelance and advice on how to get started.
Speakers:
Michelle Michals, Director of Member Services, Directors Guild of Ontario
Amber Munro, Apprenticeship, Outreach & Equity Manager, Directors Guild of Ontario
Additional panelists for discussion:
Claire McCracken, 2nd Assistant Director, Directors Guild of Ontario
Lisa Soper, Director
One-on-one Meetings - Session 2/2
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm, Arts Court Studio
Participants can pre-register for one-on-one meetings with any development executives, funding representatives or filmmakers to receive career guidance, pitch feedback, or meet other creatives. Pre-register starting March 7th through the Screen Summit Meeting Planner.
Case Study: What’s the tea on Hot Frosty
3:45 pm - 4:30 pm, Alma Duncan Salon
Hear from the team at 1D Studios and the local crew who worked on Hot Frosty as they share the behind-the-scenes journey of bringing this holiday comedy to life for Netflix in Ottawa. This case study will explore the collaborative process and creative challenges, and maybe even spill some tea about the making of the film.
Speakers:
Eric McAllister, Location Manager
Ilona Smyth, Casting Director & CEO, Smyth Casting
Shane Boucher, Producer and Chief Executive, 1Department Entertainment Inc
Moderator:
Caitlin Delaney, Producer - Founder of Up Light Academy, 1Department Entertainment Inc
Networking Cocktail Reception
Presented by Welch LLP
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm, Arts Court Studio
Finish off the day courtesy of Welch LLP as you mix and mingle with fellow Screen Summit attendees and solidify those final connections. After a dinner break, you are invited to the Friday night screening of Rêver en néon (Neon Dreaming) at 7:00 pm in Alma Duncan Salon. Don’t miss this chance to connect, unwind, and get inspired.
Networking
One-on-One Meetings and Networking Breakfast
Screen Summit attendees can benefit from one-on-one networking opportunities with industry professionals such as; development executives, buyers, funders, broadcasters, filmmakers, etc. Prior to the event, attendees can request private 10-minute meetings with the executives of their choice.
New this year! Attendees can now pre-register for a spot at a specific table for the Networking Breakfast. At the Breakfast, each table will be hosted by a different industry professional, offering attendees the chance to make connections in a relaxed and informal setting.
All meeting requests and pre-registration for the Networking Breakfast takes place in the Meeting Planner booking system, within the Screen Summit Eventival Portal.
Key Dates:
Friday, March 7 at noon: The Meeting Planner will open to Professional Screen Summit Pass holders.
Friday, March 14 at noon: The Meeting Planner will open to Student Pass holders.
Sunday, March 16 at 11:59 pm: The Meeting Planner will close.
Screen Summit 2025 is SOLD OUT!
Join the Screen Summit mailing list to hear about Screen Summit 2026 first!
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Ottawa Film Office 2025 Career Fair
Jean Pigott Place at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W.
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Attend and meet local production companies, animation studios, and other industry professionals to learn about current and future job opportunities and what they look for in new hires. You’ll also be able to chat with post-secondary institutions, associations, unions and guilds about the industry programs, resources, and training they offer.
Admission to the OFO Career Fair is free! Show your Screen Summit pass on entry or sign up via Eventbrite here.
Screen Summit 2025 Pass:
Includes:
Access to 5 Talks with guest speakers and Q&A opportunities on Fri Mar 21st
Networking Breakfast with informal meet and greet
One-on-one meeting opportunities with industry contacts
Catered Networking Lunch
Networking Cocktail Reception
IFFO Tote Bag
10% off the full IFFO Pass
Ottawa Film Office 2025 Career Fair at Ottawa City Hall (Sat Mar 22, 9 am - 1 pm)
PLUS
Access to the following IFFO screenings and events:
Canadian Masters with Clement Virgo (Wed Mar 19, 6:30 pm to 10 pm)
SAVE AS (Thurs Mar 20, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm) + Winter Kept Us Warm restoration screening (Thurs Mar 20, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
Friday night screenings of Rêver en néon (Neon Dreaming) (Fri Mar 21, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm) and Village Keeper (Fri Mar 21, 9:30 pm - 11:10 pm)
The Gaze (Sat Mar 22, 3 pm to 5 pm)
Industry Professionals: $100 ($235 value)
Students*: $50 with a valid student ID
Students* can volunteer for IFFO pre-Festival and earn a 20% discount on the $50 Screen Summit Student Pass after completing 4 volunteer hours students.
*Applies to students from Algonquin College Scriptwriting Program and TV & Broadcasting Program, La Cité, University of Ottawa, and Carleton University. Students from the Algonquin College Film & Media Production Program have access to a specific Student Pass; please speak to your Instructors directly.
Subsidized Industry Professional Pass: 10 complimentary spots reserved for underemployed professionals working in screen-based industries. Subsidized passes are SOLD OUT for 2025.
Screen Summit 2025 is SOLD OUT!
About Screen Summit:
Screen Summit is dedicated to strengthening and inspiring Ottawa’s thriving screen-based industries. As part of the International Film Festival of Ottawa (IFFO), Screen Summit brings together established, mid-level, and emerging professionals to address topics relevant to all industry professionals and help build Ottawa's local film production industry. Read more about previous editions here.