The Banff World Television Shmooze Festival

The last time I was in Banff, I was a tour guide for international students on the red-eye Greyhound bus traveling from Vancouver to the Rockies during my summers off from University. It was one of those jobs that, in theory, sounded entertaining until I had to disguise myself as an uber-religious church girl in order to deter those Latin playboys from hitting on their tour guide prey. Ole!

Ten years later, I have returned to Banff for the World Television Festival, and there is only one thing in common with my last visit – red eyes. The late night shmooze fests were followed by my early morning “pitch of a lifetime.” This became my identity.

Standing in pointy heels 16 hours a day while trying to remember the names of 1200 people was a challenge. I even forgot what my own name was by the end of it all. I have battle scars on my poor heel-trashed toes to prove my ambitions were worth the effort. 500 plus business cards later and the who’s who of Hollywood North, South, East and West have become my new best acquaintances.

What I didn’t realize was that this festival has become one of the most remarkable entertainment events in North America. The new generation of Television’s future mixed and mingled with the seasoned veterans of TV’s decision makers. Writers and producers from all over the globe graciously introduced themselves to strangers, old friends and possible future colleagues. Given my personality, I was in my element. I offered my careful Canadian sensibility on what it was like living and working in la la land, how Vancouver has given me the same opportunities as its California counterpart and I gave thoughtful glances towards my ambitions for the future of television.

The thing that is always interesting about conferences is how to define the fine line between bragging and actually being proud of your own accomplishments. Everyone at any conference has made something out of nothing, so my word of advice is not to be shy about sharing your resume with the guy sitting next to you on the party bus. Most of the time, they’ll ask anyways.

I met one humble Canadian who was from the Maritimes. Right away, I knew this guy was a Canadian through and through. He didn’t look like he was a Hollywood shark by his way of dress, which happened to resemble that of a possible lobster tradesman. In the same tone, his accent was complimentary to the hometown quality of the Eastern townships, eh? Guess what? Don’t judge a book by its cover. Behind his humility and dress stood one of the most well known TV writers of our time. I actually was star-struck. How did I meet him? He was standing in the food line by himself and I thought I’d strike up a friendly conversation. He looked like a fish out of water, so I was really curious to hear what his story was. Oh, he was full of stories, alright! He practically writes them all for television! Had he been dressed in a flashy Hugo Boss suit, perhaps he would have been mobbed. In any case, I was lucky enough to meet such a kind and genuine person, who disguised his overstated career by his understated quality.

All in all, I had objectives at Banff to meet as many people as possible, and to share my hard work and accomplishments with those of the same mentality. I live life like I’m eighty, most of the time, as I try to diminish any regrets. So far, it’s working. Where will I be a year from now? Hopefully in Banff, feeling a bit more comfortable in my pointy-toed heels.