OFFA 2026 Industry Summit - (Full Day)

This year’s theme is “Market Access: What Actually Gets Made Today” — with a focus on examining how projects are packaged, financed, positioned, and acquired in today’s film and television marketplace.

Join us in downtown Oakville for expert-led panels, mentorship sessions, and curated networking opportunities with industry veterans. The Summit is free for registered delegates, including festival-selected filmmakers, local and international guests, and invited industry partners. Reach out for your Industry Delegate code!

For others interested in attending, if there is space available, you will be able to purchase General Admission Tickets: $50 + HST.

This ticket is for full access to our Industry Summit on Friday, June 19th from 9:30am - 4:30 pm at the Oakville Public Library, Central Branch, Downtown Oakville — for tickets to individual panels check out our main eventbrite page.

Panels —

From Idea to Netflix

With Jonas Chernick (Canadian Producer, James vs. His Future Self, 2019)

How Jonas Chernick Took his first Film from Concept to Script to Global Distribution. An inside look at the full journey of an independent film — from idea and screenplay to production, financing, distribution, international sales, and streaming platforms.

Producing at Every Scale

Moderator Hilary Hart (Game Theory Films)

Panelists: Sean Buckley (Buck Productions), Nathan Fleet (Hamilton Film Festival, Phone: The Musical, 2026), Jacob Phair (Director, Chimera, 2026), Vrishub Merai (Writer, Producer, Chimera, 2026)

From Smartphone Features to Large-Scale Productions. A conversation about the realities of producing films across different budget levels — balancing creativity, logistics, financing, technology, and audience expectations in today’s production landscape.

What Buyers Are Actually Looking For in 2026

Moderator: Jonas Chernick (Canadian Producer, James vs. His Future Self, 2019)

Panelists: Matt Orenstein (Vortex Media), Sharon Stevens (Hollywood Suite), Michael Paszt (Raven Banner Entertainment)

Inside Distribution, Acquisition & Broadcaster Decisions. Distributors and broadcasters discuss what gets acquired, what gets passed on and why, as well as common producer mistakes, and how projects are evaluated for market potential.

Pitching Workshop: How to Pitch Projects That Sell

With Marina Cordoni (MCE Inc)

Positioning Your Project for Decision-Makers That Stand Out in Today’s Marketplace. Marina Cordoni leads an advanced workshop focused on refining loglines, audience positioning, pitch clarity, and persuasive communication for buyers, funders, and industry executives.

Don't want the fun to end? This ticket includes admission for Networking and Drinks at the Oakville Mueseum after the Summit on June 19th.

Looking to connect? Join the Festival Delegate Directory—a digital space to showcase your work, connect with other creatives, and explore collaboration opportunities. NOTE: please register for yourself only, do not register other people each person must register themselves individually. Do not include multiple names in one registration.

For specific questions about the Industry Summit please contact us at .

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher OFFA (Oakville Festivals of Film & Art)