SPILL FEATURE: GIVING BACK TO THE INDUSTRY – A CONVERSATION WITH MAC DOWNEY, FESTIVAL DIRECTOR OF THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC VIDEO FESTIVAL

GIVING BACK TO THE INDUSTRY

A CONVERSATION WITH MAC DOWNEY, FESTIVAL DIRECTOR OF THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC VIDEO FESTIVAL

Toronto has one of the most distinguished music scenes in the entire world, from icons like The Weeknd, to visionary production houses like Kid Studio. It’s no surprise that some of the most visually electrifying music videos are produced right here at home. What is surprising, however, is that there isn’t actually a festival dedicated solely to the music video. . . until now.

The Toronto International Music Video Festival has been years in the making and is sure to bring the underrated art form into the spotlight according to Mac Downey, the festival director. “Toronto has a very flourishing festival scene and event series, Canadian Music Week and NXNE are staples for showcasing local artists. We would like to be up there in the big leagues, where established labels are shooting videos hoping to get awards from the festival.”

Along with Downey, this festival is also being made possible by Jacob Sero, the marketing director and Ryan Cowan, the festival producer.

TORONTO’S FOX THEATRE – QUEEN STREET EAST

“This festival is our way of giving back to the industry” Downey mentions.

“We started our careers in music videos. It’s very hard to find things that can showcase your talent, and music videos are great because it’s a three-min video that can hold anybody’s attention. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door of the film industry”

Downey knows just as well as any filmmaker that breaking into the industry is no easy feat. “It’s a lot of ‘right place, right time’, and even that takes a lot of luck. So, music videos are great portfolio pieces. We feel that the music video industry is such a big part of music and the arts and that it needs more recognition”

The festival will be taking place at the Fox Theatre in Toronto on Nov. 12, and will consist of 2 to 3 educational panels about the industry, followed by a showcase of high-scoring music videos and awards. Some of the awards include Best Music Video, Best Director, Best Cinematographer, Best Editor, Best Performance By An Artist, Best Narrative, Best Experimental, Audience Favourite, and lastly; Best Colour Grading.

MAC DOWNEY – FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

“One thing I’d like to talk about is our award for best colour grading,” Downey says. “For the less film-savvy people – It’s a whole job to colour correct the film and create a signature style and while it may not seem too important, when you actually see the film go from the unedited version to the colour-graded version, you’ll realize just how big of a difference it makes. We’re hoping to bring this award to life and showcase how talented these guys are. Give them the recognition they deserve”

Although it is his first time running a film festival, Downey is no stranger to the circuit; during the past few years he cut his teeth working as a personal assistant to Leslie Ann Coles, the festival director of the Female Eye Film Festival. “She’s a very accomplished artist herself, from short films and plays to a documentary she made a few years back called Melody Makers. Shout out to Leslie Ann Coles and Jinder Oujla Chalmers for just being wonderful, they’re both currently working as advisors for this festival.” The Female Eye Film Festival has also taken place at the Fox Theatre, among other places, so for those who have participated before it will be a familiar setting.

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC VIDEO FESTIVAL POSTER

Submissions are now open via the film freeway link HERE, and to make it easier on the wallets of up-and-coming filmmakers, Downey and crew have created some special offers that are definitely worth checking out, specifically the “Super Submission” which allows you to submit to all categories for the price of $40. Additionally, keep your eyes peeled for the festival posters that are all over Toronto, because the QR code on them offers a significant discount as well.

The event will go from 11 am – 5 pm which gives everybody an opportunity to head over to the social mixer afterwards which will be held at a nearby bar. “The mixer is just as important as the festival itself” Downey proclaims. “We really want this to be a hub for young filmmakers to meet other creatives and musicians and to get a feel for each other’s personalities, and see if they truly mesh, that’d be wonderful and I think it could really help the community.”

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