Whistler Film Festival Announces Winner of 2016 Power Pitch Competition

Producer Sara McIntyre receives $11,000 in prizes for THE LAST SIX

The Whistler Film Festival announced that Sara McIntyre of Kiss Dust Pictures, producer of THE LAST SIX, has won the second annual Power Pitch competition. Power Pitch is an exclusive opportunity for Canadian producers to hone their skills and pitch their projects to some of the world’s top motion pictures sales agents. Sara McIntyre was a participant in this year’s Feature Projects Lab and has now gone on to win the Power Pitch competition.

McIntyre was awarded a $1,000 cash prize sponsored by CMPA, and a $10,000 credit for studio space provided by The Crossing Studios of Vancouver. She was also awarded 30 minutes with three leading industry experts, giving her invaluable feedback on her project, and priceless new relationships within the film industry. Power Pitch is one of WFF’s 12 talent programs that in 2016 will serve up to 75 Canadian artists.

“Getting access to industry experts and professionals of this caliber is not easy to come by,” said Sara McIntyre, Producer, THE LAST SIX. “Whistler Film Fest provided me with an opportunity to pitch in front of an audience of experienced filmmakers and experts who can move projects ahead. I am excited to follow the momentum that has started at WFF.”

“The winning pitch was a high concept original story told with restrained humour,” said Diane Cross Massey, Owner and CEO, The Crossing Studios Ltd. “The jury feels that this project also holds the most potential for international appeal.”

Power Pitch finalists include:

  • Andrew Jenkins – Producer, COLSTRIP (Also Lead Actor and Producer, LOST SOLACE)
  • Christine Falco – Producer, THE FORGOTTEN
  • Siobhan McCarthy – Director/Producer, GLENDALE
  • Sara McIntyre – Producer, THE LAST SIX
  • Jessica Adams – Producer, MY HEART IS IN MY HEAD
  • Jeremy Torrie – Producer, OLD MAGIC

Power Pitch advisors include: Boot Camp and Pitch Competition facilitator, Jan Miller – International Consultant, Lowenbe Holdings; and jury members Marie-Claude Poulin – President, MCP Productions Inc., Producer, BROOKLYN, CAFE DE FLORE, C.R.A.Z.Y; Benedict Carver – Producer, EYE IN THE SKY, MAP TO THE STARS; and Dian Cross Massey – Owner, CEO, The Crossing Studios Ltd. Power Pitch is sponsored by Creative BC, CMPA and The Crossing Studios.

“An inspiring experience working with 6 passionate producers encapsulating their stories and their unique strengths for the Power Pitch,” says Jan Miller. International Consultant of Lowenbe Holdings and WFF’s Power Pitch & Boot Camp facilitator. “No one said it would be easy but these producers have done their homework – the audience is in for a treat”

“The professional market feedback filmmakers‎ received today will enhance their development process by providing invaluable information on what is selling today: the genres, types of packages, appropriate budget levels, etc.,” said Paul Gratton, WFF’s Director of Programming. “This reconnaissance from the front lines of the film marketplace will inform and facilitate their next stage of project development.”

The 2015 Power Pitch winner, Joe Balass, went to camera in August with his winning project VENUS, and he credits the program for his momentum. Balass is also a participant in WFF’s 2016 Feature Project Lab with CALORIE, which went through WFF’s Praxis Screenwriters Lab in 2014. Sean Cisterna of Mythic Productions Inc. received an honourable mention 2015 or KISS AND CRY which plays at this years festival.

The Whistler Film Festival gratefully acknowledges support for Power Pitch from Telefilm Canada, Creative BC, Canadian Media Producers Association, and The Crossing Studios.

From November 30 to December 4, the Whistler Film Festival will welcome film fans and filmmakers to experience its 16th edition featuring 86 fresh films, special guests, epic events, unique industry and talent programs, and time to play in North America’s premier mountain resort destination. The Whistler Film Festival combines an international film competition with a focused Industry Summit dedicated to the art and business of filmmaking in the digital age.

WFF’s Film Lineup and Industry Summit schedule are available at whistlerfilmfestival.com. The Festival’s box office is open for pass and ticket sales at whistlerfilmfestival.com/attend/ and 1-877-838-FILM (until December 4). The Festival Box Office located in Whistler Village is also open daily from 9am to 9pm for walk-up sales.

Air travel and ground transportation deals as well as best accommodation rates are now available on whistlerfilmfestival.com/attend/. WFF has 20 accommodation partners to choose from including host hotel, the Westin Whistler Resort and Spa.

The Whistler Film Festival + Summit are supported by Telefilm Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation and the American Friends of Whistler, funded by the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification, and is sponsored by Creative BC, Variety, The Harold Greenberg Fund, Cineplex, Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, Gibbons Whistler and the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler.