DGC BC Spotlight: BC Directors Conference

DGC BC has announced the dates, awards winners and speakers for their Spotlight: BC Directors Conference, which recognizes leaders in the entertainment industry. The conference, which takes place at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, BC, Jan. 24-25, includes panels, a pitch competition, screening and gala where the Spotlight Awards will be presented.

This year’s award recipients include acclaimed actor Eric McCormack (Will & Grace), who will receive the Spotlight Award; director Zach Lipovsky (Final Destination Bloodlines), winner of the Industry Builder Award; and producer and Pacific Screenwriting Program founder Brian Hamilton (Bletchley Circle: San Francisco), recipient of the Trailblazer Award. The 8th iteration of the Greenlight Live Pitch Competition will also take place. The awards are designed to honour exceptional talent in the areas of writing, directing, producing and acting.

The two-day conference includes panel discussions, screenings, masterclasses and more, kicking off on day one with a panel on the actor–director connection with Eric McCormack, Kandyse McClure and Tahmoh Penikett moderated by Ali Liebert and another in-depth conversation with some of the team behind the critically acclaimed Shōgun. Other highlights of the weekend include a masterclass with Emmy-nominated director Zach Lipovsky and a screening of his feature film Freaks, followed by the Spotlight Awards presentation and Gala. Other notable names participating in the conference include Amanda Tapping (Stargate), Shawn Piller (Wild Cards, Private Eyes) and Heather Hawthorn Doyle (The Assembly).

Organized by the Directors Guild of Canada, BC District Council, the two-day event is designed to support and acknowledge BC and Canadian directors, foster local talent, and encourage networking. The conference will also appeal to anyone who loves TV and film and wants to hear behind-the-scenes stories about some of their favourite shows and films coming out of BC’s entertainment industry.

The DGC BC Spotlight: BC Directors Conference is made possible through the generous support of Creative BC, Bridge Studios, Truffles Catering, ActSafe Safety Association and members of the DGC BC.