Panels & Activities
EXNW Opening Night Party
- RBC Tower, 36th Floor, 1055 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver (map)
- Google Calendar ICS
Kick off EXNW Summit with an evening celebrating the diversity of racialized creative excellence in the screen industry and welcoming the special guests from Asia Pacific. Set in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this night brings together artists, storytellers, and industry insiders for an unforgettable start to the weekend. Expect inspiring moments and space to connect with fellow attendees as we spotlight the vibrant energy of the global majority’s impact on storytelling.
Special musical samples from VAFF's Asians in Music-Homecoming songwriting camp jam sessions.
❤ Open to all EXNW summit passholders.
✭ Limited capacity. Registration required. All Summit Pass holders will receive registration information via email.
RESO Operations Manager; EXNW Summit Manager
With over 15 years of experience in the medical and legal fields and a dedication for racial equity, Caitlin brings a wealth of administrative expertise to RESO. Beyond her professional roles, Caitlin has a deep passion for the arts, and is actively engaged in Vancouver's arts scene as an actor, improviser, and writer.
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 101,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.
Meet the Funders
- Stanley 3 (map)
- Google Calendar ICS
Hear firsthand about current funding programs, eligibility, and priorities in intimate small-group discussions, and discover which funding opportunities are the best fit for your project.
Whether you're developing a new idea or advancing a project toward production, the Funders Roundtable offers a chance to ask questions, receive guidance, and build relationships with potential funding partners.
✭ Limited Capacity. Registration required. All Summit Pass holders will receive registration information via email.
Founded in 1967, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation that invests in the development, production, promotion and distribution of the Canadian and Indigenous audiovisual industry. As the largest investor in Canadian cinema, Telefilm supports the economic power and cultural impact of the audiovisual sector in collaboration with industry players. Additionally, Telefilm provides recommendations to the Department of Canadian Heritage regarding the certification of treaty-based audiovisual co-productions, and administers programs of the Canada Media Fund. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Letterboxd.
Creative BC is an independent non-profit society created and supported by the Province to sustain and help grow British Columbia’s creative sector, comprised of five distinct industries: motion picture, interactive digital media, music and sound recording, and both book and magazine publishing. The organization acts as an economic development agency with programs and services that expand B.C.’s creative economy, including: home of the BC Film Commission; administrator of provincial motion picture tax credit programs; administrator of funding programs; and provider of strategic business attraction, export, and research in support of the sector.
Supported by the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite, and IPTV distributors, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) is a not-for-profit organization that invests in Canadian creators and companies to tell stories that reflect and connect us all. We fund audiovisual and interactive digital media content—across all platforms—that builds a stronger cultural identity at home and on the world stage. The CMF puts stories front and centre, opening pathways to domestic and global markets and promoting a screen-based sector that is more resilient, more inclusive, and fuelled for growth. Visit our website to learn more about what we do: https://cmf-fmc.ca/
Ontario Creates is an agency of the provincial government whose mandate is to be a catalyst for economic development, investment and collaboration in the film, television, music, book, magazine, and interactive digital media sectors, both domestically and internationally. Ontario Creates supports the film and television industries through a variety of programs, events, and funds. The Agency also administers tax credits on behalf of the provincial government: Ontario Production Services Tax Credit (OPSTC); Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit (OFTTC); and the Ontario Computer Animation and special Effects Tax Credit (OCASE).
The Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators (CISF) is Canada's only national fund dedicated to supporting Black and racialized creators by filling strategic gaps in the funding ecosystem and helping production companies build capacity, scale their operations, and access new market opportunities.
The Independent Production Fund supports Canadian creators, writers, and producers by providing development and production financing for narrative television and short form series.
Pitch Sessions
- Stanley 2 (map)
- Google Calendar ICS
Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned creator, the Pitch Sessions offer rare, direct access to Executive Decision makers. These curated B2B meetings connect emerging and established writers, producers, and creators with studio executives, funders, and production leaders from across North America and the Asia-Pacific. This is a one-of-a-kind chance to share your vision with decision-makers shaping the future of film, television, streaming, and digital media. Whether you're seeking feedback, financing, or the right creative partner—this is where bold ideas find their champions.
✭ For selected applicants only.
Applications open from July 6th to July 13th. All Summit Pass holders will receive the application information via email.
Pitch Executives
EP and International Scripted Consultant
Looking for scripted in the following genres: crime (episodic or serialised); mystery; thriller; grounded high-concept; romance (drama or rom-com); comedy-drama. Focused on projects which are character-led, feature an elevated take, and offer a distinctive voice / POV.
CEO & Executive Producer, Fathom Film Group
Scripted drama and comedy, unscripted true crime doc series, limited or renewable, unscripted factual series.
VP, Head of Distribution, KC Global Media Asia LLC
Lifestyle unscripted, series and docs.
Partner & CEO, Omnifilm
Scripted series, drama and comedy. Non-scripted access-driven series and limited series. Also open to kids and family projects. We do not develop feature films.
Development Executive, Lark Productions
Scripted Television - drama (esp procedurals, thrillers), comedy.
CEO, Crave Global Inc.; EVP & Business Head, CreAsia Studio, a Banijay company
On the content side, most interested in series and film projects, particularly anything with a strong international or cross-border angle given his background in Korea, Japan and China. Not really interested in horror and pure action. On the financing side, wants to hear from founders across tech, startups, music, IP, and celebrity brands. His background is investment banking, he's comfortable talking about capital structure, term sheets, and fundraising strategy regardless of industry. If someone has a gaming or tech pitch and wants feedback on their raise, that's exactly the kind of conversation he's looking for.
Producer of Global Business, Big Ocean ENM
Looking for scripted series and features. We are open as long as it makes sense for it to be a co-production/co-development. However we're more focused on the below genres for...series - rom-com with a striking male character, mystery/crime features - horror, erotic thriller, rom-com, buddy-com, k-pop/music, YA (romance).
Director, Strategic Planning, Original Programming, Bell Media Inc.
Medical procedures, comedies, etc. Looking for everything except blue collar docuseries (i.e., discovery-type docuseries).
Owner / Managing Director, Wave Films
Taking pitches with Monse Loera. Interested in films only - Scripted, preferably genre (horror, thriller, sci-fi, action, mystery), but also open to rom-com if it is not cookie cutter.
Development Coordinator, Wave Films
Taking pitches with Manuel (Jerry) Koedding. Interested in films only - Scripted, preferably horror, thriller, sci-fi, action, mystery, and rom-com.
Actor, Director, Writer, Producer
Taking Pitchers together with Sami Tesfazghi and looking for Comedy pitches in film and tv. Asian American stories with commercial appeal. Indie projects that can be made on a micro budget. As well as Documentary or Doc Series.
Executive Producer & Head of Development, Inferno Pictures
Taking Pitchers together with Randall Park and looking for Comedy pitches in film and tv. Asian American stories with commercial appeal. Indie projects that can be made on a micro budget. As well as Documentary or Doc Series.
Co-Founder, Wong Fu Productions
Primarily scripted dramatic feature films and series, open to comedy/rom-com as well.
EXNW is supported, in part, by a contribution from Global Affairs Canada’s CanExport Associations program.
EXNW is supported, in part, by a contribution from Global Affairs Canada’s CanExport Associations program.
Founded in 1967, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation that invests in the development, production, promotion and distribution of the Canadian and Indigenous audiovisual industry. As the largest investor in Canadian cinema, Telefilm supports the economic power and cultural impact of the audiovisual sector in collaboration with industry players. Additionally, Telefilm provides recommendations to the Department of Canadian Heritage regarding the certification of treaty-based audiovisual co-productions, and administers programs of the Canada Media Fund. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Letterboxd.
Creative BC is an independent non-profit society created and supported by the Province to sustain and help grow British Columbia’s creative sector, comprised of five distinct industries: motion picture, interactive digital media, music and sound recording, and both book and magazine publishing. The organization acts as an economic development agency with programs and services that expand B.C.’s creative economy, including: home of the BC Film Commission; administrator of provincial motion picture tax credit programs; administrator of funding programs; and provider of strategic business attraction, export, and research in support of the sector.
Supported by the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite, and IPTV distributors, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) is a not-for-profit organization that invests in Canadian creators and companies to tell stories that reflect and connect us all. We fund audiovisual and interactive digital media content—across all platforms—that builds a stronger cultural identity at home and on the world stage. The CMF puts stories front and centre, opening pathways to domestic and global markets and promoting a screen-based sector that is more resilient, more inclusive, and fuelled for growth. Visit our website to learn more about what we do: https://cmf-fmc.ca/
The CMPA is Canada’s trade association for independent producers, representing companies engaged in the development, production and distribution of English-language content for TV, feature film and digital media channels. https://cmpa.ca/
Writers Guild of Canada presents - When You’re the Only BIPOC in the Room
- Stanley 2 (map)
- Google Calendar ICS
Writers’ rooms are a collaborative space for working together and sharing ideas, but what happens when you’re the only BIPOC? We’ll discuss lived experiences; the added proverbial labour tax when default representing all BIPOC everywhere; being the gateway with access; choosing your battles for when to speak up; and doing all the things just trying to be invited back. This session is for gearing up with clear boundaries, positive mindsets, actionable tasks, and support for writers (and other creative professionals) who may in future or have found themselves as The Only BIPOC in the Room.
❤ Open to all EXNW Summit Passholders.
Screenwriter
Ryan Scott Atimoyoo is an award-winning Cree writer and filmmaker from Little Pine Reserve, Saskatchewan. A graduate of New York’s Circle in the Square Theatre School, UBC’s Joint MFA in Screenwriting and Film Production, and Netflix’s Pacific Screenwriting Program, Ryan writes character-driven stories rooted in identity, resilience, justice, and Indigenous experience. His credits include SkyMed, Sullivan’s Crossing, and Hudson & Rex. His VR and digital work has screened internationally and earned festival recognition. He is represented by Anna Archer at Lucas Talent.
Writer
Tanvi Bhatia is a screenwriter whose background spans multiple genres and industries. Since being awarded a residency with the Pacific Screenwriting Program’s Scripted Series Lab, she has written on Allegiance (CBC/NBCU), Heartland (CBC) and shows in development. For years, she was involved in migrant justice and anti-oppression organizing, earning her a nomination for the YWCA Young Woman of Distinction award in 2018. She carries her commitment to change-making into the industry, serving on the Writers Guild of Canada’s IDEA committee.
Moderated by:
Independent Writer/Narrative Designer/Author
Deborah Chantson is a TV and video game Writer/Narrative Designer of South African-Chinese cultural heritage. Her career has spanned almost two decades, including recently freelancing as a funding application and content consultant. Her blogs have been featured on GameDeveloper.com and Sony PlayStation. She is the author of the novels, "Past Perfect Vacation" (published 2025), and "Quiet Billionaire Housewife" (expected Q4 2026). She is a frequent lecturer, Writers Guild of Canada member, and a Certified Accessible Player Experiences® Practitioner.
Presented by: Writers Guild of Canada
The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) represents more than 2,500 professional English-language screenwriters across Canada. Our members create stories that entertain and inspire audiences on every screen. The WGC negotiates and administers industry-leading collective agreements, advocates for Canadian screenwriters on public policy, educates through research and professional development programs, and hosts events and initiatives that promote and celebrate our member screenwriting community. Working together with industry partners, we aim to build a vibrant and inclusive Canadian production industry.
Asia Pacific Working Group Policy Roundtable
- Stanley 3 (map)
- Google Calendar ICS
Coffee & Refreshments provided @ 10:00 a.m.
Roundtable begins @ 10:30 a.m.
The Asia Pacific Working Group convenes government and industry executives from Canada, U.S. and the Asia Pacific region to share knowledge and discuss strategies to strengthen the screen industries between Canada and the Asia Pacific region. This event is by invitation only.Attending Executives/Policy and Thought leaders, by invite, i.e. Telefilm, Canada Media Fund, Canadian Media Producers Association, Canadian Independent Screen Fund, Canadian Heritage, Trade Commissioner, Creative BC and Industry Guests.
✭ Invite only.
EXNW is supported, in part, by a contribution from Global Affairs Canada’s CanExport Associations program.
EXNW is supported, in part, by a contribution from Global Affairs Canada’s CanExport Associations program.
Founded in 1967, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation that invests in the development, production, promotion and distribution of the Canadian and Indigenous audiovisual industry. As the largest investor in Canadian cinema, Telefilm supports the economic power and cultural impact of the audiovisual sector in collaboration with industry players. Additionally, Telefilm provides recommendations to the Department of Canadian Heritage regarding the certification of treaty-based audiovisual co-productions, and administers programs of the Canada Media Fund. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Letterboxd.
AI Filmmaking Hack-a-Thon
- Stanley 1 (map)
- Google Calendar ICS
Check-In Begins @ 9:00 a.m.
Hack-a-thon Starts @ 10:00 a.m.
The EXNW AI Filmmaking Hack-a-Thon is a 6-hour, in-person filmmaking competition in which Teams use AI tools (Intangible AI, Moonlite, Suno, Claude, Midjourney) to conceive, produce, and deliver a completed short film — all within a single day.
✭ For pre-selected teams only.
EXNW Registration Opens
- Stanley Park Foyer (map)
- Google Calendar ICS
Pick up your name badges here!
RESO Founder & Board Chair & EXNW Creator
Bio +
Has dedicated almost 30 years to advocating for and building ecosystems that expand opportunities for Canadian Asian and racialized artists in the screen industry.