The 10th edition of the Industry Series (Nov 6-11) is back! This year, Reel Asian’s Industry Series look to the future of the film and media industry. We’re pleased to feature compelling artist talks, in-depth film discussions, and bring back master meetings with industry professionals and mentors. Don’t miss the chance to purchase your $45 Industry Series Pass to access all twelve sessions! Find out more.
Industry Series Passes are available for purchase here.
Animation: Routes to Success
Sat Nov 7, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
AGO, Weston Family Learning Centre (317 Dundas Street West)
$5 or free for Badge and Pass Holders | More
Animation has the power to transform the way we see the world through imagination, daring visual techniques, and stories that pack an emotional punch even without live-action performances. But how does one break into this industry? Animators, producers, and executives dish on how to create a successful animated project, build a portfolio, and get hired.
The Future is Online
Mon Nov 9, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
AGO, Weston Family Learning Centre (317 Dundas Street West)
$5 or free for Badge and Pass Holders | More
The future is here. From YouTube to Netflix to multi-channel networks, the next generation of storytellers is breaking from tradition to explore new content, distribution, and marketing strategies and platforms. Learn how to tap into this brave new world with Canada’s leading online content creators, funders, and producers.
Casting: Finding The Right On-Screen Talent
Tues Nov 10, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
AGO, Weston Family Learning Centre (317 Dundas Street West)
$5 or free for Badge and Pass Holders | More
ACTION! How do you direct award-winning performances from your cast? It starts with finding the right actors before you get on set. Casting directors, agents, and actors demystify the casting process, advise on how to attract top talent to your project, and weigh in on the current state of on-screen diversity and representation in Canadian media.
Television Writing & Producing
Wed Nov 11, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
AGO, Weston Family Learning Centre (317 Dundas Street West)
$5 or free for Badge and Pass Holders | More
With television creators taking greater visual and storytelling risks than ever before, the new Golden Age of Television presents filmmakers and writers with exciting opportunities to advance their craft and career. Learn about how to develop that initial idea into a television series, serialized versus episodic storytelling, and what it takes to produce and get a show on the air.
Master Meetings: Screenwriting
Wed Nov 11, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
AGO, Weston Family Learning Centre (317 Dundas Street West)
$20 or free for Badge and Pass Holders *Pre-registration is required | More
Got a first draft, but don’t know how to take your script to the next stage? This one-on-one meeting with a story-editor will give you the tools and insights to make your second draft shine. Priority will be given to television projects (scripted and unscripted) and short films. Pre-registration required at industry@reelasian.com. Limited workshop capacity.
Master Meetings: Business & Legal Affairs
Wed Nov 11, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
AGO, Weston Family Learning Centre (317 Dundas Street West)
$20 or free for Badge and Pass Holders *Pre-registration is required | More
Shooting a film, television, or digital project? Need to incorporate? What about contracts? Insurance? Navigating the business affairs of your production should not be a guessing game. This exclusive meeting gives you access to top entertainment lawyers from Behind The Scenes Services. Priority will be given to projects past the development stage with interest from financiers or financing commitments in place. Pre-registration required at industry@reelasian.com. Limited workshop capacity.
FREE ARTIST TALKS

Artist Talk: Talking with Selvi
Fri Nov 6, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
AGO, Jackman Hall (317 Dundas Street West)
Free Admission and open to the public | More
Documentary filmmaker, Elisa Paloschi, speaks candidly about her ten-year journey to capture the remarkable story of Selvi, who overcame all odds to become South India’s first female taxi driver in the film, Driving with Selvi.
Food Talk: Mas and Marcy Masumoto
Sat Nov 7, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
AGO, Weston Family Learning Centre (317 Dundas Street West)
Free Admission and open to the public | More
Food has the power to connect us to home, culture, identity, and possibility. Join us for an intimate conversation with organic peach farmers Mas and Marcy Masumoto (CHANGING SEASON: ON THE MASUMOTO FAMILY FARM), as they discuss their complex relationship with queer progressive daughter, Nikiko, and her decision to return and take over the family farm.
Artist Talk: Frankie Chen Yu-Shan
Mon Nov 9, 1:00pm – 3:30pm
AGO, Jackman Hall (317 Dundas Street West)
Free Admission and open to the public | More
Taiwanese director, Chen Yu-shan (Frankie Chen), has produced over twenty hit Taiwanese drama shows, including Fated to Love You (2008), Autumn Concerto (2009)and Prince of Lan Ling (2013). Our Times is her directorial debut. Join us for an in-depth conversation with Chen Yu-shan about the challenges that women face in the film and television industries.
Canadian Films Shot in Asia
Tues Nov 10, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
AGO, Jackman Hall (317 Dundas Street West)
Free Admission and open to the public | More
Canadian films shot in Asia walk a fine line between culture, commerce, and audience expectations. How do filmmakers successfully bridge that gap? We explore what it means to be a filmmaker caught between two worlds, and whether it is possible to go home again.
CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT: ARTIST TALK WITH RANDALL OKITA
Sun Nov 15, Time: TBD
Robert Kananaj Gallery (172 Helens Avenue)
Free Admission and open to the public | More
As this year’s Canadian Spotlight Artist, presented in partnership with the Robert Kananaj Gallery, and supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, Randall Okita discusses his latest work, THINGS I CAN’T TELL YOU, an exhibition featuring three artworks that correlate to three of Okita’s short films: NO CONTACT, PORTRAIT AS A RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE, and THE WEATHERMAN AND THE SHADOWBOXER. Evident throughout these three artworks, is Okita’s use of sculpture and performance to create experiences that are at once weighted in the real, yet transcendent in their rich imagery.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PITCH? LIVE FINALE
Sun Nov 8, 10:00pm – 12:00pm
AGO, Jackman Hall (317 Dundas Street West)
Free Admission and open to the public | More
Cheer on your team! The 10th annual Pitch Competition goes live as finalists duel for incredible prize packages to finish their short films. A launching pad for emerging Asian-Canadian talent, this popular showcase is not to be missed!
Want to know what else is playing at Reel Asian? Click here
