Raindance RAW @ tiff Event Promotes Feature Film Financing Up to $1M Per Film For Upcoming Talent

NEW YORK, NY, August 30, 2012

On Monday Sept. 10th at 7:00 PM Raindance RAW@tiff will connect writers, producers, directors and distributors at an exclusive industry pitching party. Raindance, the independent film organization behind the Raindance Film Festival and Raindance training courses in London, Toronto and cities worldwide, is stepping into the financing of low-budget film projects.

Raindance's new Raw Talent Film Fund will concentrate on feature film projects from $20,000 to $1 million. "This is the budget range in which Raindance feels genre-driven projects can excel financially in the marketplace" says Raindance founder and managing director of Raw Talent, Elliot Grove.

This Raindance Toronto industry party, hosted by rising indie star Mandy May Cheetham and Los Angeles based Distributor Victor Elizalde of Viva Pictures, will facilitate invited indie filmmakers to video-record their movie pitch throughout the evening for consideration in Raindance's Raw Talent Program. Invited industry guests receive their 'tattoo' at the door, while hosts Cheetham and Elizalde curate the evening helping writers, producers and distributors introduce a film project, connect or start collaborating - by the end of the night.

Filmmakers are also invited to upload their video pitches as video responses to this short created to promote the financing opportunity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hwpb2N9_3A
Successful youtube pitchers will be invited to delve more deeply into the development process through application and mentorship with Raindance and will receive an invitation to the event.

Technicolor, the post production giant, will host an industry room in the tattoo salon, reaching out to connect with the next wave of new and emerging filmmakers. Heavyweight industry equipment providers Vistek, Rotolight and EzFX will be there to add to the event and are sponsoring equipment giveaways for filmmakers in attendance!

"Over the last 20 years we have seen some of the biggest names in filmmaking today pass through the Raindance training system at the beginning of their careers. Christopher Nolan(Dark Knight), Guy Ritchie(Sherlock Holmes) and Edgar Wright(Shaun of the Dead) all started their film careers networking at Raindance. We now want to combine our 2 decades of experience and contacts with distributors, actors, and the independent film industry to give the next wave of break-out talent the chance to make their first feature films" Elliot Grove added.

Raindance RAW@tiff will include a DJ performance by Jermaine Brown, comedic improvisers, and a live video-pitching room where pitches will be uploaded to Raindance for financing consideration. And of course, you can book your tattoo.

Twitterati can follow the conversation @RaindanceCanada, at #RAWTALENT or @artsyfartsypr

For more information on the Raindance Raw Talent program and how to apply, please visit http://raindancecanada.com/2012/06/raindance-raw-talent/

For event details or to request an invitation please visit http://www.artsyfartsypr.com

One of the hottest tickets during Toronto International Film Festival, Raindance RAW@TIFF is not to be missed. For filmmakers serious about getting their films made.

What: Raindance RAW@TIFF Industry party
When: Monday September 10th 2012, 7PM to 12AM
Where: Black Line Studio, 577 King Street West

http://www.raindancecanada.com 
Raindance Toronto promotes and supports independent filmmaking through signature training, industry networking events, and helping new filmmakers understand the business and changing digital landscape of film promotion, audience-building and distribution.

http://www.raindance.co.uk/site/festival
Raindance Film Festival is Europe's leading independent film festival. Celebrating its 20th year, it is listed by the Hollywood Reporter as one of the world's top 50 'unmissable film festivals.' Its short film submission category is OSCAR eligible.

http://www.artsyfartsypr.com
Artsy Fartsy PR promotes events for people who like to discuss ideas, surround themselves with beautiful things, and have no time for posing. People who attend events purely for the love of stimulation. Chief Connector Mandy May Cheetham creates cutting edge events and connects like-minded individuals from business, dance, fine art, film and music.

http://www.mandymaycheetham.com
Mandy May Cheetham is a rising star in the indie film scene and has appeared in theater and musical theatre productions, feature films, shorts, television shows and commercials.  Included in this list are over 35 short films, a live sketch comedy show called 'Something Outrageous' at the 45th Street Theatre in New York directed by Michael Bowen Horn, a principal role in a Marlene Smith Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and a feature role in a Dragon's Den Spin off on the Slice Network called 'Risky Business.'

http://www.vivafilmco.com
Victor Elizalde - Managing Partner, Viva Pictures, LLC. As Managing Partner of Viva Pictures, LLC. Victor is responsible for overseeing Sales, Distribution and Acquisitions. Working in conjunction with business leaders and Producers around the world, Elizalde coordinates and oversees growth opportunities for Viva Pictures, LLC. within the America's targeting new businesses, growing and increasing penetration of existing businesses, and leading the development of business and operations with emerging technologies.
Prior to joining the Viva Pictures, Elizalde, a senior entertainment industry executive with extensive experience in development and the operation of theatrical and home entertainment businesses, was Director of Sony Pictures Entertainment's International Business Development. Elizalde had been with Sony for over half a decade.