We’re Halfway There: Digi60 hosts panel with directors of award-winning films at the festival
On November 1, 2023, Digi60 President Kevin Burton hosted a virtual panel with directors of award-winning Digi60 films, marking the halfway point of the 60-day challenge.
During the 80-minute conversation, Ashley Gorman, Stephen Gagné, Hassib Hani and Mikey Tachuk talked about their experience participating in the challenge and answered questions from Kevin and the registered filmmakers who attended the live event.
The Halfway There panel is now available for streaming on our YouTube channel (click the player below to watch).
The group discussed topics such as casting, managing crew and budgets, post-production and the importance of making the most of your 60 days, sticking to deadlines, having room for the unexpected and not submitting your film at the last minute.
Towards the end, our guests shared some advice with filmmakers who might be panicking about the 30-day deadline to complete the challenge.
Ashley Gorman emphasized the importance of asking the local filmmaking community for help if necessary:
"Go ahead, ask people... Don't be afraid to ask because you will get help. And people are more than happy to help".
Stephen Gagné shared a piece of advice he received in the past and encouraged filmmakers to finish their short films:
"’The best films in the world are the ones that get made’... If you make a film, Digi60 will screen it. And the fact that your film is being screened makes it 100% better than all of the films that haven't been screened or completed".
The 60-day challenge participants have until November 30, 2023 at 7 PM to submit their short films, which must include the catch, theme or idea of BRIDGE.
The 2023 Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival will be held from December 15 to 17 at the Ottawa Art Gallery, DARC and Arts Court.