UK And USA spotlight countries for Strategic Partners 15th anniversary

(Halifax, NS) The United Kingdom and the United States will hold the spotlight at Strategic Partners 2012.

“We have always had strong representation from these two regions at Strategic Partners, so engaging them as Spotlight Countries – and emphasizing the potential for co-venture/co-production between the U.K., the U.S.A., Canada, and the rest of the world – makes perfect sense,” said SP Director Jan Miller.

“2012 is a big year for Strategic Partners. We are marking 15 years of bringing industry players together in a convivial yet effective environment, and each year we see the appetite for collaboration grow and evolve. It's very satisfying, and it motivates us.”

Strategic Partners is one of the world's pre-eminent co-production markets focusing on feature film, television, and multiplatform fiction projects. A production of the Atlantic Film Festival, it takes place Sept. 13-16 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Producers have unparalleled access to international co-production opportunities with industry leaders and financiers via SP's popular 1-2-1 meetings. Nearly 1,000 business meetings take place during the three-day event, along with keynote addresses and panel discussions that cut to the heart of today's issues within the screen industry, as well as relaxed networking events.

Deadline for the Strategic Partners' call for producer applications and industry registrations is June 29. Application/Registration forms will be available Friday, Feb. 3. Apply/Register online atwww.atlanticfilm.com/sp

Two hundred key industry players from around the world – producers, investors, sales agents, funding agency reps, broadcasters, distributors, leaders and pioneers – are selected to attend, ensuring a convergence of talent and innovation that annually produces tangible results.

“I have been to Strategic Partners several times and I know how dynamic and effective it is,” said Robbie Allen, Portfolio Manager for Film and Broadcasting Partnerships at Creative Scotland.

“I am thrilled that the United Kingdom has been selected as a Spotlight Country for 2012. We will be attending in support of our industry, and I know our Scottish producers will take advantage of the unique style of Strategic Partners to promote their projects and to find excellent international partners to move them forward.”

Strategic Partners takes place in tandem with the Atlantic Film Festival – Canada's kitchen-party fest – providing an unpretentious and warm atmosphere to watch the best international, Canadian and Atlantic Canadian films, including a special line-up from our spotlight countries.

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Strategic Partners is a production of the Atlantic Film Festival. With Telefilm Canada as its Presenting Partner, it is the one-stop shop for traditional multiplatform producers, broadcasters, sales agents, financiers, distributors and film agencies. The three-day event includes pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings; international broadcaster, provincial, state and country sessions; relevant panels and visionary keynote speakers. Delegates also enjoy access to the screenings and galas at the Atlantic Film Festival and the popular Film Nova Scotia Lobster Dinner by the Sea.

A top Canadian festival, the Atlantic Film Festival is held each September in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Strong East Coast roots support a unique format for the festival, with its distinctive focus on film and music. It is large enough to attract the world’s most notable actors, directors and producers, but intimate enough to be innovative and flexible in its approach to the changing needs of our audiences and the industry. The AFF provides an unpretentious atmosphere to experience the best Atlantic, Canadian and international films, while showcasing some of the best musical talent from around Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic Film Festival produces: Strategic Partners, ViewFinders: International Film Festival for Youth, alFresco filmFesto, and Music & Image.

Organizers acknowledge the ongoing support provided to Strategic Partners by the International Business Development Agreement (IBDA), Telefilm Canada, Shaw Media, Canada Media Fund, and Film Nova Scotia.

Strategic Partners is the exclusive Canadian institutional partner of Australia/New Zealand’s MIFF (Melbourne International Film Festival) 37ºSouth Market.

For interviews, or more information, please contact:

Skana Gee, publicist
Strategic Partners, Trans Atlantic Partners
Atlantic Film Festival
gee.skana@gmail.com
(w) 902-466-7191
(c) 902-223-5234