You might be surprised to know that a major international conference celebrating the television world’s creative artistry takes place in a neighbourhood where many people would rather be running around outside than lying down watching TV. The Banff Television Foundation is based in Canmore but hosts its signature Banff Television Festival at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel every year in June. The renowned conference has been staged in Banff for more than 20 years. Hundreds of producers, directors, writers and actors gather from around the world to talk shop. And, while the festival provides an opportunity for television professionals to meet and honour one another’s work, film screenings are open to the public throughout the weeklong event.
Festival delegates participate in facilitated meetings, which create opportunities for Canadian producers to connect one-on-one with commissioning editors from across North America, among other places. The commissioning editors present overviews describing their needs then meet privately with the participating decision makers. Established television executives with expertise in co-production facilitate the sessions. Pitching sessions are another key feature at the TV festival, as they offer chances for project coordinators to win development funding. As well, the sessions provide valuable exposure to broadcasters and potential production partners often leading to shows appearing on TV and computer screens worldwide.
The Banff Television Festival is not all business, however, as old and new acquaintances gather at the Banff Springs for the event’s opening reception and an evening’s fun, food and festivities. The Banff Rockie Awards is a festival highlight that honours the world’s best television programming in 14 categories. The ceremony highlights two major cash awards – the NHK President’s Prize worth $25,000 for the best HDTV entry and the Global Television Grand prize worth $50,000 for the year’s best entry. The exclusive gala dinner continues into the next morning’s wee hours including a sumptuous meal that honours the evening’s special guests and award winners.
No Rocky Mountain festival would be complete without an authentic western barbecue dinner and the Banff Television Festival is no exception as it hosts the Great Canadian Barbecue. Karaoke night is a delegate favourite. Past festivals have inspired Sir David Attenborough, the CBC’s Ralph Benmergui and foreign correspondent Patrick Brown to take the stage. After a week, the festival winds up with its Wrap Party. In addition to the television festival, the Banff Television Foundation hosts genre-specific events in various locations around the world including professional development courses and events such as The World Congress of Arts Producers & Performance, The World Congress of History Producers, The International New Media Festival and The Alliance Atlantis Banff Television Executive Program, held twice a year in Banff.
