Since moving
the festival to
Vermont, Gilpin
has noticed
deeper, more
meaningful
connections
among the
artists, top media
executives, and
the participating
public.
“We are the only festival that focuses
exclusively on independently produced
projects for television,” says Gilpin.
“As executive director, most of what
I do is explain to people that this is
not a film festival–it is a television
festival.” Increasingly competitive,
this year, the festival’s goal is to draw
750 submissions, which are likely to
come from about 30 countries. “It takes
the festival staff, our committees, and
associates several months to watch
everything that comes in. About 75
projects will be publicly shown during
the festival,” he says. In addition to the
screenings, the festival schedule includes
panel discussions and speakers on key
topics and emerging trends in television
and internet programming.
“All kinds of people who have a passion
for television show up at the same time,”
he says, “and the synergy is incredible.”
Since moving the festival to Vermont,
he has noticed deeper, more meaningful
connections among the artists, top media
executives, and the participating public.
“Last year, for instance,” he says, “an
HBO executive, a person whose office no
young artist would ever be able to just
walk into, was sitting outside under a
maple tree talking to people about their
ideas for new programming.” 75+
When it comes to independently
produced television pilots and web
series content, that has been the catch-
22–a great many writers, directors,
and producers know how to create
outstanding documentaries, dramas, and
comedies, but no one can bet that their
work will be seen by anyone but their Artist
TV and Film
Screenings
30+
Industry
Panel
Discussions
Q & A’s
www.itvfest.com
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