April 13, 2020 – The 2020 Banff International Media Festival was cancelled due to the pandemic, but some activities were maintained, including the Banff International Media Festival Travel Grants for Independent Digital Producers, awarded by the Independent Production Fund (IPF). These grants are now open for the 2021 edition and will allow three Canadian web series producers/creators to attend the 2021 Banff International Media Festival and benefit from on-site mentorship through full Festival registration and a $1,500 travel grant. In addition, these producers will have access to online training sessions and mentorship opportunities in the coming months.

The Independent Production Fund (IPF) encourages producers/creators with web series experience who have a new project in development to take advantage of this professional development opportunity, where they can meet Festival guests and delegates who are knowledgeable about the digital industry.

Any producer/creator, English or French-speaking, of linear fiction content for the web, with a synopsis of their new series and a description of their objectives for participating in the Festival, can complete the application form at https://banffmediafestival.playbackonline.ca/2020/program_digital_producers/. The application deadline has been extended to April 23, 2020. Successful applicants will be announced on May 14, 2020.