Behind every great director is a story about how they got there – and it’s rarely a straight path. From crew calls to creative calls, this panel dives into what it really looks like to step into the director’s chair with Breaking In: The Transition to Directing.

Cheers 🥂 to Nick Butler, Joanna Tsanis, Meelad Moaphi, Dan Abramovici, Rebecca Applebaum, and moderator Shawn Gerrard breaking down the journey, the challenges, and the leap it takes to move into directing.

🎙️ Episode 14 on CFF’s Cheers & Chats Podcast just dropped!

Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Big thanks to our sponsor DGC Ontario for making conversations like these possible — and accessible to creators through CFF.

Funding and broadcast aren’t just about where your project lands – they’re how you unlock the opportunities your story deserves.

Cheers 🥂 to Donna Cagnoli & Paul Gardner (Bell Fibe TV1), Mich Geddes (Neshama Entertainment), Suzanne Marshall (Hollywood Suite), Mark Shapland (IPF), and moderator Katie Uhlmann (WebSeries Canada) for joining us to get creators FUNDED AND SEEN – breaking down partnerships, relationship-building, and how to position your project for success.

🎙️ Episode 13 on CFF’s Cheers & Chats Podcast just dropped!

Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Big thanks to our community partner Webseries Canada for co-presenting this panel at CFF.

Location scouting isn’t just where you film — it’s how you unlock the cinematic canvas your story deserves.

Cheers 🥂 Dason Johnson, Richard Hughes, Bobby Donches, and moderator Magali Simard for joining us to SCOUT T.O. and break down the craft, creativity, and strategy behind choosing the perfect location.

🎙️ Episode 12 on CFF's Cheers & Chats Podcast just dropped!

Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Big thanks to our sponsors xoTO and DGC Ontario for making this panel possible – and accessible to creators through CFF.