about

VAFF Industry Insight Program

Launched at 2013 as a locus for industry advocacy and action with a distinct diversity focus, the VAFF Industry Insight (VI²) Program continues with burning questions for our “interesting times,” both global and local.

VAFF Industry Insight Series and Filmmaker Talks Series provides an insight and insider perspectives for aspiring and seasoned filmmakers / creators of diverse backgrounds, and those in the industry who aim to work with diverse representation both in front of and behind the camera. Plus, connecting and fostering the film community for the next generation of storytellers. The Series occurs during Spring – Asian Heritage Month (May) and Fall – Film Festival (November).

Interested in exploring more about the filming industry? Follow industry news at VAFF on LinkedIn!

overview

 Vancouver Asian Film Festival kicks off its 12th Annual VAFF Industry Insight Series titled “Empowering future voices through creativity” happening on May 2024 to celebrate Asian Heritage Month and on November 2024 to present at the 28th Annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival.

The series will be geared toward providing insight and insider perspectives for aspiring and current filmmakers of diverse backgrounds, and those in the industry who aim to work with diverse representation both in front of and behind the camera.

November 2024 series will be announce it on October 12, 2024.

details

2024 Information

Two-day TV writing workshop on May 10 & 11, 2024, led by the creator / writer of Kim’s Convenience, Ins Choi.

INS CHOI wrote the play, Kim’s Convenience and most recently played the role of Appa in a sold out run at Park Theatre in London, UK. He’s taught at the National Screen Institute and the Canadian Film Centre.

This workshop is intended for screenwriters, playwrights or other kinds of writers (sketch, standup, improv, etc) who want to learn about writing sitcoms. The purpose is to demystify the TV writing process in this fun, hands on writing workshop. It’s a real hands-on workshop where Ins takes the participants through the nuts and bolts of writing.

Applications must be submitted by April 18, 2024 (11:59 PM) PST will be evaluated by Ins Choi, VAFF executive and Third Party evaluator. Selected 9 participants will need to be available for both days all day (10:00 am – 5:00 pm) on May 10 – 11, 2024 at the Vancouver location. The workshop includes pitch ideas, developing stories, outline, script, work individually and in groups over the course of two days. 

Selected 9 participants are required to pay for the series fee $50. They will receive the VAFF industry insight series pass to the 28th Annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival.

Submission Period: March 28, 2024 – April 18, 2024 (11:59 PM PST). Selected participants’ announcement will be on April 26, 2024. 

Applicants should submit their applications as follows:

Step 1: Fill out the Two-Day Writing Workshop 2024 Application Form

Step 2: Email the following required documents to industry@vaff.org

Required Documents:

a) Applicant information: Resume and Headshot

b) A cover letter introducing themselves (150 – 250 words) 

c) Ten pages of a writing sample involving dialogue or script ( (short film, feature, series, screenplay, pilot, etc..)

The files should be named in the following format: applicantfullname_document name 2024

Please only submit the full document in pdf or Word files [pdf, doc, docx].

Note: Once submitted, applicants cannot change anything in their applications. Submit cautiously.

  • Participants have been writers of film, TV, plays, sketch comedy, improv, stand up, fiction of varying experiences
  • Some track record of writing experiences
  • The ideal applicant is a beginner to intermediate-level writers of film, TV, plays, sketch comedy, improv, stand up, fiction of varying experiences
  • Applications must fulfill the following Asian representation requirements: self-identifies as being of Asian or part-Asian heritage 
  • Any resident of BC only, permanent resident status or citizen of Canada only
  • One entry only per individual
  • Current VAFF Committee members are eligible to apply
  • Successful recipients of this workshop are not eligible to apply other VAFF’s competition (ie MAMM), hands-on-workshop, funding program within the year of 2024
  • Application Intakes: March 28, 2024 – April 18, 2024  (11:59 pm PST)
  • Selected participants announcement: April 26, 2024
  • Two-Day workshop: May 10 – 11, 2024

important dates

2024 schedule

DATE
time
info
May 10 – 11, 2024
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hands-on Workshop
Nov. 9 – 17, 2024
TBA
Panel, Workshop, Case Study, Filmmakers Talk

sponsors

VAFF Industry Insight (VI²) Program Sponsors

past events

Industry Past Panel Series & talks