DIGI60 SUMMER ACCELERATOR
PRODUCING STREAM
OAG Conference Room
Ottawa Art Gallery, Floor 5
The Producing Stream is designed to help filmmakers develop the practical skills needed to bring projects to life. Through case studies, industry conversations, and hands-on workshops, participants will explore funding opportunities, production strategy, distribution, the festival circuit, and the role producers play at every stage of a film's journey.
Along the way, you'll connect with fellow filmmakers, mentors, and industry leaders while gaining practical insight into how independent films are developed, financed, and shared with audiences. Whether you're producing your first short film or expanding your experience, you'll leave with new knowledge, meaningful connections, and greater confidence in bringing your next project to the screen.
Workshop program and mentors are subject to change based on availability. Mentor bios and headshots coming soon.
Morning
(10:00-1:00 PM)
Afternoon
(2:00-5:00 PM)
Evening (5:00-8:00 PM)
Optional Programming
Monday
August 24, 2026
Orientation & Welcome,
ACTRA MIPs, Arts Court + DARC Tour
Case Study: Bell Fibe TV1
Aishani Chakravarty
Cohort Welcome Reception
Albion Rooms
Cohort & Mentors only
Tuesday
August 25, 2026
CBC Creator Network & Creator Catalyst Fund
TBC
Dream Eater: Producing a Feature Film
Blind Luck Pictures
Dream Eater - Ottawa Premiere with Director, Writer & Actor Q&A
Co-Presented by the Ottawa Film Office
OAG Alma Duncan Salon
PWYC Tickets | Open to the public
Wednesday
August 26, 2026
Case Study: Telefilm Talent to Watch Applications
Kenza Derkaoui
Writing Grants / Funding with Arts Councils
Pixie Cram
Industry Mixer with Industry Leaders
Sponsored by ACTRA Ottawa
Club SAW Courtyard
FREE RSVP | Open to the public
Thursday
August 27, 2026
Distribution: It Starts in Prep
Caitlin Delaney
Applying to Festivals
Pixie Cram
Closing Plenary: Building Community and Sharing Ourselves
Conversation with Digi60 Alumni
Artengine
Cohort & Mentors only
MENTOR BIOS
PIXIE CRAM
Pixie Cram is a filmmaker based in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The format of her work includes stop-motion animation, live action fiction, and small-gauge film (super-8 & 16mm). Her films have screened at festivals across Canada and internationally. She teaches a course in screenwriting at Carleton University.
CAITLIN DELANEY
With over 17 years of dedicated experience in the film industry, Caitlin is a seasoned producer committed to nurturing talent and fostering innovation. As the driving force behind UP LIGHT ACADEMY, Caitlin brings a wealth of expertise, having produced an impressive portfolio of 15 films and movies each year. Her passion for storytelling and commitment to excellence have earned her recognition for delivering compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Caitlin's journey in film production began with a deep-seated passion for cinema and a vision to empower aspiring filmmakers. Over the years, she has championed numerous successful projects, each reflecting her distinctive blend of creativity and business acumen. Her extensive industry knowledge and hands-on approach ensure that UP LIGHT ACADEMY remains at the forefront of film education, offering students unparalleled opportunities to learn and grow in a dynamic and competitive field.
Aishani Chakravarty
Aishani is an independent producer and development executive at Creatorland Inc., an independent film/TV production company based in Ottawa. With a diverse background ranging from the dramatic arts to neuroscience, she approaches producing from a unique lens, providing creative strategies to partners and productions.
Through her work, Aishani aims to change the narrative of underrepresented communities and create more opportunities for diverse and authentic storytelling. Her credits include being an associate producer on three Bell Fibe TV1 series, and she is currently working on three scripted series and one scripted feature film.
BLIND LUCK PICTURES
Alex Lee Williams and Jay Drakulic have won numerous awards throughout their ten-year creative partnership. They are the co-writers and co-directors of the feature film Hellmington, starring Michael Ironside and Nicola Correia-Damude. In 2018, Mallory Drumm joined the collective, bringing an exciting new voice to the team.
In 2025, the trio took the genre space by storm with their first feature collaboration, Dream Eater, which went viral following a regional festival screening. The film was quickly acquired by Eli Roth’s The Horror Section and received a North American theatrical release in more than 200 theatres.
PARTNERS & FUNDERS
The Digi60 Summer Accelerator is made possible through the support of our funding partners and community collaborators.
Digi60 gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the City of Ottawa