Event Profile: Television Animation Conference

October 20-21
Ottawa, Canada

From October 20 to 24, the Canadian capital city of Ottawa will again take center stage in the animation universe. The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) attracts attendees from around the world, from film buffs and cartoon fans to art lovers and those involved in the animation industry.

The first edition of OIAF took place in 1976 and was designed as a gathering place for animation professionals and fans. "At the time there were only a couple of events like it running in Europe, so it gave the international community access to the scene in North America," says Azarin Sohrabkhani, the director of the Television Animation Conference (TAC) at OIAF. "The NFB’s headquarters were here and in those days there wasn’t much more happening beyond them in Canadian animation, so the festival was a showcase for the NFB, as well as other independent animated work."

Sohrabkhani notes that the festival’s aim hasn’t shifted much from its inception, yet it has grown and matured along with the changing animation scene in Canada and abroad. "The current aim of the festival is what it was over 30 years ago, to foster the development and growth of animation talent, helping animators and animation companies achieve not only artistic excellence, but commercial success too." She adds, "Of course, we have programming for the public too, which we hope will encourage an appreciation for both high art and popular culture. And it’s also about the animation community—from the fans to the filmmakers—coming together and celebrating at our screenings and parties."

In the early 2000s, the industry in Canada began to change a bit, as more studios were producing their own properties and new companies were forming. It then became clear that OIAF needed an event specifically geared toward business, that could support producers and bridge the gap that existed between art and commerce, says Sohrabkhani. And out of this was born TAC. The inaugural conference ran during the 2004 festival. "It served and still serves content creators, development, production and marketing executives and distributors," Sohrabkhani explains. "It’s now grown into a little bit of a larger event and attracts all the key players from the Canadian animation industry, as well as many American and international guests."

Key to TAC’s lineup is Pitch THIS!, an event that gives animation delegates an opportunity to learn what television executives are looking for in a new animated series. Two creators will have five minutes to pitch their project ideas to a panel of international broadcasters. Following the pitches, representatives from major television networks will provide their insight on the animation projects. The panel assesses each project, giving the creators advice on the project and the pitch. "This process not only provides the presenters with amazing feedback to work with," notes Sohrabkhani, "but gives the audience valuable information that they can apply to their own projects." She adds, "The exposure for a lot of the creators has been phenomenal. Not only have a couple projects taken off following this opportunity, but presenters have gained some valuable clients and deals from it."

Another popular part of the TAC events is Fast-Track, which is a series of pre-arranged speed-meeting sessions running for both days of the conference. "It’s like a speed date for company reps!" Sohrabkhani explains. "It gives delegates an opportunity to meet with all their broadcast and distribution targets in one shot."

From October 18 to 20, TAC is collaborating with the organizers of Cartoon Forum and Cartoon Movie to present a co-production event called Cartoon Connection Canada-EU. Over the three-day event, 100 Canadian and European producers, broadcasters and distributors will be on hand, working to advance the relationship between the two animation industries.

TAC will also feature panels, multiple pitching opportunities, as well as networking events. Panel topics range from writing for TV to exploring interactive media, with a case study about a new innovative hybrid project.

A tie-in to the event is Portfolio Entertainment’s "In Toon With Tweens" animation contest, which is offering top prizes totaling C$10,000 as part of an option and development deal. "Portfolio Entertainment is a big supporter of the festival and we think that this competition is an interesting and worthy initiative," says Sohrabkhani. "One of our mandates is to encourage growth and creativity in the industry and we feel that this contest is in line with that. It is certainly something we are very excited to get behind. Portfolio will also be announcing the In Toon With Tweens winners at the conference this year, which is exciting."

Sohrabkhani says she hopes that delegates are invigorated and inspired by the fact that OIAF is happening all around the city at the same time the industry event is taking place. "Delegates have a rare opportunity to see some of the most cutting-edge short-films, TV shows, commercials and music videos for both kids and adults at the Ottawa Festival," she points out. And further to this, Sohrabkhani says that her real aim is that "attendees are able to make some useful contacts, gain some insight and spark some business in a comfortable and intimate atmosphere."