The Producer’s Playbook: Funding and Selling Film in Ontario

A rare, in-person deep dive into how films actually move from pitch to production to market.

Join accomplished producers Michaelangelo Masangkay and Plato Fountidakis for an exclusive seminar breaking down the business side of filmmaking within Ontario’s production ecosystem — and what it really takes to position your project for financing and distribution.

Ever wondered:

• How to craft a pitch that funders take seriously?
• What makes a budget truly “finance-ready”?
• How Ontario funding streams actually work?
• What buyers and distributors are really looking for?
• Why some projects get financed — and others stall?

This is the room you need to be in.

✔ Real-world insight from working producers
✔ Interactive live Q&A
✔ Appetizers & refreshments included
✔ Post-seminar networking
✔ Limited seating

More About The Seminar

Ontario’s film industry is competitive — and understanding how projects are evaluated is critical.

This session goes beyond surface-level funding advice to examine how producers think: how they assess viability, structure opportunities, align creative with market demand, and position projects within a shifting production landscape.

You’ll gain insight into the decision-making frameworks behind development, financing strategy, and long-term career sustainability — learning how to approach your work not just as a creative, but as a strategic builder within the industry.

For emerging filmmakers especially, this perspective can fundamentally change how you prepare, pitch, and plan your next project.

Led by experienced producers working across production, international sales, and content development, this seminar offers a grounded, market-aware lens on what it truly takes to move forward in today’s film environment.

Appetizers will be provided during the networking session.

If you are a high school student, please email [email protected] for a 50% off discount code upon proof of enrollment.

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Michaelangelo Masangkay

Michaelangelo Masangkay is a Toronto-based film producer, creative executive, and immersive media innovator with over 20 years of experience across production, international sales, and global partnerships. He is the Founder and President of Siné Institute, a non-profit dedicated to mentoring emerging filmmakers and expanding access for underrepresented voices in cinema, and spent 10 years at Toronto Film School mentoring hundreds of student filmmakers and overseeing large-scale productions. He is also a Partner at Clever Creature, a production company focused on 2D feature films and immersive storytelling. His producing credits include TOPAKK (Triggered), Maple Leaf Dreams, and Demon House starring Michael Paré, produced in both traditional and immersive formats, and he is currently developing remakes from the Roger Corman library, including The Haunting, The Terror Within, and Battle Queen 2020. Previously, he served 12 years as General Manager at Raven Banner Entertainment and 8 years as VP of Marketing and Sales at Cinemavault.

Plato Fountidakis

Plato Fountidakis is a media professional and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience across production, technology, and the creative sectors of the media industry. He is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Fast Motion Studios, a leader in previsualization and motion capture for gaming, film, and emerging media; Managing Partner of Fast Motion Films, producing content for film, television, and digital platforms; and Managing Partner of Clever Creature, an international sales company positioning curated content in the global marketplace. With deep experience navigating the business realities of content creation, Plato brings practical insight into how strong ideas become finance-ready projects, secure support, and move successfully from pitch to production and beyond.

Take a look at VFF's previous industry workshops, seminars & webinars.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Studios at Assembly Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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